tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17952448686265097562024-03-13T15:23:59.884-04:00Navigating Through LifeI do not travel this life alone. I never have even though it felt like it many many times. I realize the Lord Jesus has always directed my path and been with me. His angels protect me and His Holy Spirit speaks to my heart daily. It is up to me to heed the directions God gives me. I don't always make the right decisions and that is why I am so grateful for second chances! I hope to help others navigate through life in my blog. I hope to be everybody's friend and if not, at least be remembered ;)Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-90085620147004570622022-04-16T15:48:00.011-04:002022-06-28T12:17:24.644-04:00Lessons from a Carpenter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3obO0Llu9ArMBM6xQ2g8y5V1sFPVr26QLrPA6t-pcfwB0Y493hxMAwSXFgXMj4PmCJkeR1E5XuNg5TFnUTagQ1nLX4rezvfqzhbGovTuLWLZxjCBiQUY4B8HQof_aTCy8jQBaoE3wD096yOGYGmQkrJA2bKi_hJ-X2rJzyf2v20mcmm4hffbp4f2Fw/s4032/Three%20Crosses%20Easter%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3obO0Llu9ArMBM6xQ2g8y5V1sFPVr26QLrPA6t-pcfwB0Y493hxMAwSXFgXMj4PmCJkeR1E5XuNg5TFnUTagQ1nLX4rezvfqzhbGovTuLWLZxjCBiQUY4B8HQof_aTCy8jQBaoE3wD096yOGYGmQkrJA2bKi_hJ-X2rJzyf2v20mcmm4hffbp4f2Fw/w300-h400/Three%20Crosses%20Easter%20blog.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>Sure I was disappointed when the picnic table which matched the rustic wooden chairs and love swing started to rot - very badly - enough that the thought of sitting on either bench gave us anxiety. It was time. I saw the two braces for the table and pointed out that they looked like crosses. They were already attached with a spike and so an idea was born. One day we would erect a larger Cross in the pretty little patch in our backyard where we had installed lighting and Birds of Paradise. <p></p><p>One year went by. Then two.Then three and on and on. This is year 7 and that is a perfect number, so we figured why not stain, seal and install Jesus's Cross on Resurrection Day? </p><p>Please allow me share a short story about this wooden Cross and why we wanted to install it there in our backyard before we even uncovered the two small crosses from the rotting picnic table.
Every year for 25 years for our anniversary we vacation in Anna Maria Island, Florida. Our very first year we went we found a motel-type of accommodation on the beach and with a beach-front park and restaurant just out front. It was so special and beautiful though a modest efficiency with a Juliet balcony (love!). It was pet friendly and on the beach and perfect for us. </p><p>However, the best part was just below our Juliet balcony, a dark-stained very large Cross stood with a royal purple fabric drape. It was Easter time and the owners loved the Lord. I can still envision looking down and seeing the dark purple fabric wave in the salty breeze. Overhead Australian pine trees rustled in the wind as I imagined angels flying overhead and making the swirly drafts just to see the pine needles dance (Isaiah 55:12 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055&version=NIV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah%2055&version=NIV</a>). <b> </b></p><p></p><p>Fast forward and here we are 25 years later. We gathered all of the parts for our very own large Cross. The smaller 2 - which represent the Thief on the cross and the other who was hung. As I stained the pieces today in the hot midday sun, I was reminded of the sweat and tears Jesus shed on our behalf. I saw my sweat hit the plastic tarp and was convicted not to complain as the pain Jesus endured for me was so much greater. I became thirsty and immediately thought of how Jesus thirsted while on the Cross. They gave Him gall to drink. Which was not kind. It is not water but vinegar and would have increased His thirst. How often do I pass by a stranger thirsty for a smile? Or worse, how often do I offer gall to someone who is thirsting for life-saving advice or just someone to care? </p><p>I stepped aside to drink a cup of water. It was cold and quenched my thirst. Jesus provides all of my needs and water is a need which is spoken about so much in the Bible. A favorite verse is John 7:37-39 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+7%3A37-39&version=NIV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+7%3A37-39&version=NIV</a>. </p><p>I had a moment of doubt that the stain was too dark from what I imagined and God reminded me like Thomas, to not doubt (John 20:24-29 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+20%3A24-29&version=NIV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+20%3A24-29&version=NIV</a>). Much prayer went into this project and my husband's choice of stain allowed me to see the grain as the wood quickly dried in the hot sun. It was not just what I had imagined - it was<i> so much</i> better. We plan, but ultimately it is God who orders our steps. Yes, this was the perfect stain. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 80px; text-align: right;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDduO9LQVfv4hzKDlGkg5-MeNDCwEjXhuhZU-H9wbfgYm7o6lDEtOzTrgeCWsQstWaqBJfve9VccNVUpxe-VvK1TiJ_QeQc4oTU8v4bd6WSz-HAtbv6FV5FwXhyYECfgQWV4DeDaiWAci2dkgG2iqlMfOSlGpuhBhRavZ8_55muHLaN8LT-UVu2tKKkA/s4032/stain%20easter%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDduO9LQVfv4hzKDlGkg5-MeNDCwEjXhuhZU-H9wbfgYm7o6lDEtOzTrgeCWsQstWaqBJfve9VccNVUpxe-VvK1TiJ_QeQc4oTU8v4bd6WSz-HAtbv6FV5FwXhyYECfgQWV4DeDaiWAci2dkgG2iqlMfOSlGpuhBhRavZ8_55muHLaN8LT-UVu2tKKkA/w300-h400/stain%20easter%20blog.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>I thought I was done staining all the pieces and then saw the large vertical beam to the side of the tarp. It was too large for the tarp so I had set it aside. I had forgotten the most important part of our project. I had already taken off the rubber gloves and put the stain away. <p></p><p><br />Unlike our imperfect nature, God never forgets anything. He even is going to present us a white rock with a special name that only He could come up with when we get to Heaven! In the Bible, there is only one reference to God giving us a white stone
with a new name: “To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the
hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new
name written on it, known only to the one who receives it” (<span style="color: black;"><a class="rtBibleRef" data-purpose="bible-reference" data-reference="Rev 2.17" data-version="esv" href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Rev%202.17" rel="noopener" target="">Revelation 2:17</a></span>).</p><p></p><p>As I hoisted that long beam up to place it in the shade against the house to stain, I was reminded of Simeon Luke 2:25-35 <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2%3A25-35&version=NIV">https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+2%3A25-35&version=NIV</a>. <i>What was he thinking when he carried Jesus's Cross? Did he know where he was going or was just following those who sought to kill the King of the Jews?</i> </p><p>I chose a shady spot so I could recover from the sun. I felt refreshed. Jesus spent time with His Father in the Garden the night before His death. He often found rest and relaxation in nature - on a mountain, under a tree - so many places He found to rest in God's creation even though the Bible tells us He had no place to rest His head! <span>Matthew 8:19–20; Luke 9:57–58.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwpNP2GcoHvp-z8LuaPVkW5OonMqOXN_pJC_y79pvvvMeOPEV3BSbGwzwbLtryRE0uHh7ekyM34U8CMQBAlC2jU7IQARIWFDrF4HMfTmPZU0bym6Fx7TBO-0hAY1mcynn6LFtUTSgdPYqoJGBXLpCiDlEpxFJxEedEyjFEkIBJkErrWFP3NWgO5cyiA/s4032/stain%20on%20gutter%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwpNP2GcoHvp-z8LuaPVkW5OonMqOXN_pJC_y79pvvvMeOPEV3BSbGwzwbLtryRE0uHh7ekyM34U8CMQBAlC2jU7IQARIWFDrF4HMfTmPZU0bym6Fx7TBO-0hAY1mcynn6LFtUTSgdPYqoJGBXLpCiDlEpxFJxEedEyjFEkIBJkErrWFP3NWgO5cyiA/w150-h200/stain%20on%20gutter%20blog.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>The dark staining resumed. Darn! It splatted onto the white gutter. I wiped it up and resolved to cover it with rags so I would not make a mess again. Before I covered the gutter, I thought of the blood that was shed at Calvary. My stain was not red but it was dark and reminded me of the darkness of our sin. How we make a mess of it all. How our sin leaves stains though we try so hard to hide the residue of <br />our mess. <p></p><p></p><p>Yes, I got to the gutter too late and it had dried stains which I could not clean up. The gutter is white. God sees us as pure as white snow when we repent and come to Jesus with a pure heart. Romans 8:9-11:</p><p><span class="text Rom-10-9" id="en-NIV-28198"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</span> <span class="text Rom-10-10" id="en-NIV-28199"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>For
it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is
with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.</span> <span class="text Rom-10-11" id="en-NIV-28200"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”<sup class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-28200a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-28200a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+10%3A9-11&version=NIV#fen-NIV-28200a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup></span> <br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 40px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EPGqgX4g6wtB5aC17w652sjZVaSodE813-4qi_0jFjgRYtghykRFBNm18n5AhU5dbNPxCUIf9drMyRYo3uBVg9ZaS53A6qxqMF3LiYctEo6xZZ1VA4bHXHw2O8SuDslVBSCpGhu3-YNX919GNH_SYcSNqYfZgb4Ccksu-gDyY0FznSLS0hfMl44JcA/s4032/folded%20clothes%20easter%20blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EPGqgX4g6wtB5aC17w652sjZVaSodE813-4qi_0jFjgRYtghykRFBNm18n5AhU5dbNPxCUIf9drMyRYo3uBVg9ZaS53A6qxqMF3LiYctEo6xZZ1VA4bHXHw2O8SuDslVBSCpGhu3-YNX919GNH_SYcSNqYfZgb4Ccksu-gDyY0FznSLS0hfMl44JcA/w200-h150/folded%20clothes%20easter%20blog.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>We will one day wear robes of white. The dark stains of sin do not show - not even a residue of the sins of our past. This is only possible because Jesus is standing in front of us and God only sees His perfect son who is blameless. This is what Jesus did on the Cross. He removed our sin. I like the vision of rose-colored glasses. Ever wear a pair? The whole world looks pretty. Pretty in Pink. We are Pure in White when we are humble and come to Jesus.<br /><p></p><p>I placed all the rags (which were also white) onto the white gutter to protect it. I finally finished staining. I looked down at the gutter and saw big blobs of stain on the white rags. When I removed the rags, the gutter was white with no marks where the fresh blobs had hit. I thought I had used all the rags and so I smiled when I saw that one was still folded from where I grabbed it from the garage. I could not help but be reminded of the grave clothes which had been folded in the cave where Jesus was carefully laid after His death on the Cross. If His grave clothes were not folded one may have assumed Jesus was not conscious. There was no one with him in the sealed cave who could have folded those clothes so neatly. The folded grave clothes are just another example of love God gave us that day. God wants us to "get" it. </p><p>I was not prepared for the surprise I got when I moved the small crosses and horizontal beam off of the blue plastic tarp. I was aghast and then sat down and cried. I was so humbled to see the outline in stain on the tarp. At first I thought of when there is a crime scene and the bodies are outlined in chalk on the ground. Do you know what I am talking about? Anyways, Golgotha was a crime scene so I should not have been surprised by this. A crime was committed by all of us. No one is deemed innocent as we put Jesus on the Cross. But God planned this before the foundation of the world before any of us took our first breath or were even conceived.
Some people struggle with this. They feel it is cruel and unthinkable for a Father to allow his son to suffer and die and especially in the way Jesus did. Jesus had not done anything wrong. And then to let the thief Barnabas go! A lot to unpack when we think on that Resurrection Day...<br /></p><p>And I have heard others say, "I will not trust a God who does that to his own son." </p><p>I get it. But because God allowed Jesus to suffer and die for our sins, this is the greatest Love Story of all time. Adam and Eve ushered in sin for all generations. That outline at a crime scene would be our fate if not for Jesus. The story would have ended there. In the morgue. But it didn't.<br /></p><p>And so, I did a little cartwheel in my mind and turned that blue plastic tarp over. I laid on it and did a snow angel right there in the hot FL sun. And yes, it remained blue without a hint of a crime scene. Our sin was paid. Our crime paid. All residue of sin and stain gone forever.....<br /></p><p>The second to last step before digging holes and filling with cement was sealing. Of course we used outdoor polyurethane. However, God seals each person who comes to Him in repentance and belief (Romans 10:9-11 again) with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity and leads, guides, and directs and convicts the child of God. The Holy Spirit is our Counselor. Jesus left the Holy Spirit when we ascended to Heaven. </p><p>For our project today, I know the sealer will preserve these special Crosses. Also it will help repel insects, rain and stop the stain from fading. When I think on my Christian walk, I think of Bible study, worship, and serving God as protective and necessary elements in my daily and weekly existence. I do not do any of these things because I have to but because I want to. I am sealed with the Holy Spirit. I am forever in the family of God! </p><p>The last step was digging the holes. I was not prepared for the challenge of digging the holes. First, we had to make best choices after choosing our first spots because there were water pipes and electric lines. When we realized the second best spots for each, we also realized digging would take much longer and not be as easy as we had anticipated due to the rocky, sandy ground. We got through it after several dips in the pool and icy drinks. And the verse that came to mind is a powerful one! Psalm 40:2 <a href="https://biblehub.com/psalms/40-2.htm">https://biblehub.com/psalms/40-2.htm</a>. The rocks were dug out and scattered around the finished projects as a reminder of the firm foundation we have in Christ.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZfoyeCUOHnQIoBKH7HCNYRgF8RpV19t0XUE8iRuDEHiuvS8zJu3z_HF0WBWsSwzGH-a3B_bsJyFczn9hFc1n-zDIzoUtMuZrRSBa6uq3s0en3f6qXpICSHpIReFi8LTPEWAt0vmB3mGW4xjOn0RVQnqbmQ-yWTeuR5B2ZweqsXulibL2oMbYQJWMIQ/s2048/rocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZfoyeCUOHnQIoBKH7HCNYRgF8RpV19t0XUE8iRuDEHiuvS8zJu3z_HF0WBWsSwzGH-a3B_bsJyFczn9hFc1n-zDIzoUtMuZrRSBa6uq3s0en3f6qXpICSHpIReFi8LTPEWAt0vmB3mGW4xjOn0RVQnqbmQ-yWTeuR5B2ZweqsXulibL2oMbYQJWMIQ/w300-h400/rocks.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span class="ILfuVd" lang="en"></span></p><div class="d9FyLd"><b>Hebrews 9:12, 26</b></div><span class="hgKElc">
So by saying “it is finished” Jesus was signaling to the Jewish world
that there was no more need for sacrifices or temples because that his
work brought ultimate fulfillment to what their sacrificial system
foreshadowed.</span><p></p><p>And it is finished. And so is our beautiful and special Easter project which was born 25 years ago in our hearts and our minds but the time was not right until now. God's timing is perfect..</p><p><i>Thank You Lord. What a special time of worship. And my hope for whoever reads this blog today is that you will pause and take time to look up. Count how many planes or birds go by. Look for clouds that look like animal crackers. Take a deep breath. Inhale the Goodness of the Lord. Smell the roses (or the polyurethane). Make a snow angel in the grass even if it is 85 degrees and a paint tarp is your pretend snow. Just do something that makes you smile and feel alive. Someone else today is Alive. He is Risen! He is Alive! He is no longer there . And this in that cave.</i> </p><p>This why we celebrate.
I hope you enjoyed this blog entry today. Please reach out to me if you would like to know more about Jesus. I would love to study His Word with you and answer any questions you may have. You can also find me at <a href="https://www.bluewaterbro.com">https://www.bluewaterbro.com</a>. Blessings! xoxo Christina
</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-60185163086338588812020-08-21T12:12:00.002-04:002021-06-02T12:10:11.600-04:00Light Me Up!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Se1xKC_2k/YLetPzFG6TI/AAAAAAAAMxk/sB60sQNc9CUReOc5JchhKUmB9NV9eMoVACLcBGAsYHQ/s509/oil%2Bin%2Blamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="509" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y2Se1xKC_2k/YLetPzFG6TI/AAAAAAAAMxk/sB60sQNc9CUReOc5JchhKUmB9NV9eMoVACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/oil%2Bin%2Blamp.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">Matthew 25:3. During my Zoom small group time with wonderfully wise women this past Thursday morning, I was smacked in the face with a vision of standing with oil in my lamp. We were discussing our homework and the question focused on Matthew 16:27-28.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I particularly like the ESV Version, "<span class="text Matt-16-27" id="en-ESV-23699" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">27 </span>For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his Father, and then he will repay each person according to what he has done.</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Matt-16-28" id="en-ESV-23700" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="display: inline; font-weight: 700; line-height: normal; position: relative; top: auto; vertical-align: text-top;">28 </span>Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.”</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white;">The parable of the Ten Virgins is basically that 10 virgins went out to meet the Bridegroom (Jesus Christ) and half had not only their lamps but had extra oil and the other half - well not so prepared.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And then my mind goes to living in South Florida during Hurricane season. After many years of making sure we are prepared - just in case, we have a cabinet in our garage with lots and lots of batteries, led candles, Spare water like crazy and in our backyard shed - extra gas for our generator. Not only that, but we take our generator to get tuned up just in case. Not to mention we have shelf stable foods in our pantry for the entire hurricane season as well as extra food for our pets.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Back to the story.... ALL of the virgins fell asleep while they waited for the Bridegroom. At midnight He arrived. All of the virgins woke up and "trimmed their lamps." <span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">A lamp is trimmed </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">when the wick is turned either up or down to regulate the amount of flame</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">. If a lamp is empty of oil, it does not matter how much one trims it—the lamp will go out when the oil is consumed.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Okay so - - - I immediately ask myself at this moment in reading the parable, Will I be the wise virgin and my light will shine brightly? And question two, Will I share my oil with the foolish virgin beside me? Because the virgins (not sure how many out of the 5 with an oil shortage) did insist (rather pushily I might add) that the wise virgin(s) donate some of their oil. They did not ask basically.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The answer was, "No." The 5 virgins were more focused on the Bridegroom and not having their light burn brightly before their God. So the foolish virgins ran out to Home Depot to buy more. And as they were having their oil scanned at the Self Serve Checkout - Jesus arrived!<br /><br />And boy did they miss a banquet worthy of a King! The door was shut. Ouch! Bunny trail - we also covered Isaiah 22:22 in my small group time this past Thursday which was truly a bow on this gift of the Parable of The Ten Virgins. </span><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111;">Isaiah 22:22 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"> </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: white; color: #001320; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/22-22.htm" style="color: #008ae6; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>22</b></a></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. - ESV Version.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">The door shutting is actually even more painful as I read that after the foolish virgins hoofed it back to the waiting place (and they must have knocked or yelled loudly - not sure which). The called out, "Lord, Lord" and asked Him to open the door to them. Jesus's response</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #413732; font-style: italic;">, ‘Truly I tell you, I don’t know you." </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #413732;">is quite surprising, no?</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #413732;">So the end of the story in this parable is the exhortation basically to keep watch because you do not know the time - the hour when Jesus Christ will return. So keep your lamp full, have extra in your Hurricane Cabinet and get ready to grab it! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #413732;">When I ponder my own life and ask myself if I am ready. I feel I am halfway ready. I have oil in my lamp, but not the extra jar. What I mean is, I am so focused on other earthly endeavors that often I am not 100% truly prepared for Jesus's return. I SO relate to those 5 who had to make the road trip to stock up. I mean, I would remember to bring my lamp and it would be full of oil but I would most likely not bring extra unless I had it on a sticky note on the stearing wheel of the car.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #413732;">Is that sad? Yes. I make To Do Lists, Costco Lists, Fresh Market Lists, and on and on daily but neglect the One True List - my What Are You Doing For God Today List.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #413732;">I should not need a list at all to remember God. To be prepared with my light burning as long as need be so that I am ready and waiting for whenever that Wedding Banquet may be. I don't want to have the door shut in my face and be told No by my Creator. I mean, It is a wedding after all and I cannot imagine being late to my own wedding so how much more does God deserve my preparations being a priority?</span></span></p><p>How about you? Are you ready? Are you now inspired to become ready? Or even questioning why a lamp and extra oil are mentioned in this parable when Jesus could have just shot straight with a mandate of <i>Be ready for My return</i>! </p><p>God loves us so much He wants us to GET IT so he spoke in Parables in the Bible. I want Him to light me up and stay lit on into eternity..........</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-121737391147353492020-06-29T08:27:00.002-04:002020-06-29T08:35:16.614-04:00Tick Tock. Tick Tock.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Tick tock. Tick tock. She stared at the ceiling for what seemed like hours as the clock in the hall seemed to be the only sound outside of her head. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In her head thoughts ran like a kitchen faucet forgotten for hours. Then the memories flooded her mind in a staccato pattern. These were like a coffee pot percolating like the old-fashioned one she grew up listening to in the early hours every day of her childhood.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sleep seemed elusive. Everyone in the house was soundly asleep in dreamland enjoying sweet rest. She had no rest and rest was not to be had. Or so she thought. She was wrong. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her thoughts then led to counting sheep. She counted to 100 and still her head was filled with next day To Do's and yesterday's Did Not Do List. Regret. Remorse. Restlessness.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then the sweet voice of her God gently nudged her soul with a wonderful thought placed in the midst of the clattering thoughts in her head. <i>My beloved, "Why don't you pray?" </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It was as if a wind rose in her heart - a beautifully gusty autumn breeze. The kind of gentle whispering of air freshly ushered in from the ocean. And her heart swelled with a wave of hope. For it was no longer about her needs and regrets and have-to-do's. It was about others.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She prayed that night. She talked to God about not knowing how to pray for so many because the needs were so great. She admitted how overwhelmed she was with all that was happening to so many in the world. Tears flowed as she grieved over so much loss and pain so many faced. Names came to mind of others who asked for prayer specifically. She admitted only God could meet those needs and change those hearts and heal those wounds.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Something happened in those few minutes. Her breathing slowed and her mind stopped racing. She no longer heard the Tick tock Tick tock from the hall. She closed her eyes as the tears evaporated. She took a deep breath then fell into a deep sleep. Peacefully in her Father's arms she slept as the angels danced overhead. She finally understood that counting sheep would never give the peace which prayer provides.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And the next day she arose rested and full of joy. And the next night and the night after and many nights after when the racing thoughts and regrets came - - - she never again listened to Tick tock Tick tock but instead to her Father's voice. She prayed and she slept peacefully. Again and again.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.</i>- Psalm 4:8 NASB. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And she did.....</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be blessed! <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+5%3A11&version=NASB" target="_blank">Revelation 5:11</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6:3&version=ESV" target="_blank">Isaiah 6:3</a> </span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-91618789229442115302020-02-01T17:15:00.000-05:002020-06-26T13:34:07.005-04:00When You Don't Belong. You Don't Belong<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On my virgin commercial cruise recently, (kinda ironic cause I am married to a Boat Captain and have been traveling lots the last 15 years of my marriage with him as a paid mate and also a travel companion going many places around the Bahamas, Key West and Boca Raton day trips) I learned many lessons but one lesson kind of makes me chuckle and so wanted to share with you today.<br />
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My Mom so generously sent me and my 3 sisters on a 5-day Cruise to stop in Cozumel and Key West on it's way back to Ft. Lauderdale. She spared no expense in wanting us to have what is called Aqua Class and blessed our socks off and so much more by allowing us access to Blu, which is a restaurant specializing not only in cuisine for the elevated palate, but also for those with serious food allergies.<br />
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And so my time at Blu was a wonderful experience, as so many will never be forgotten by me for making sure I never did get sick. I never did and Thank God!<br />
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However, my time at the Persian Garden was slightly not as perfect lol. Persian Garden was supposed to be our Aqua Class unlimited Zen time with a beautiful 8-seater in a half circle tiled lounge chairs overlooking the front of the boat with big picture windows and piped in spa music. We were offered chilled orange water and to the right and left was a steam room and lavender-scented diffused room in which we would relax and rejuvenate.<br />
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The first day as my family shared all of the best places we would go, we witnessed many people in street clothes lined up for orange chilled water and standing room only behind the 8 semi-circle chairs. It was loud and anything but spa-like and no one was in the steam or lavender diffused room. I did not think too much about that but moved on to the other areas of the boat my sister felt we may be interested in visiting during our stay.<br />
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And so, the second day I entered Persian Garden, I waited for a tiled chaise in the midst of the 8 in the semi circle. I lay down and then felt my body not aligning properly for reading a book. I looked around me and everyone had their eyes closed and so I got up and went into the lavender-infused room wearing my Kenkoh lymphatic drainage flip flops. After leaving the lavender room I hear squeak squeak squeak underfoot. I am kind of embarrassed and vow to wear my new Crocs flip flops the next day. I go to the steam room and then walk to my badly aligned chaise lounge as I see others standing against the wall waiting for a badly aligned chaise to nap and not read. I leave and feel that I have not even relaxed but do not want any more dirty looks because of my squeaky shoe distractions.<br />
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So never went back the next day but decided to stay on the boat when we arrived in Port to Key West. I reasoned that the Persian Garden would be empty and I could enjoy my time without worrying about squeaking (I had no more flip flops but wore my Crocs as I was not going to chance walking barefoot and getting Athlete's Foot). I saw a nice chaise near the window and though I knew I was not going to nap there or read a book, there was no "standing room only line" and so I could confidently leave my items there to luxuriate in the steam, lavender room and rainfall showers and maybe after all that I would want to nap on that tiled chaise?<br />
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I lay my items on the tiled chaise. I looked to my right and heard two women giggling. Then I heard deep snoring. I am not sure which old man it was, but no men were dressed for spa attire. Snoring loudly enveloped the space which was louder than the Zen music. I waited a moment and then two. I was immediately disgusted as this was supposed to be the time when everyone had left the boat to do fun things and leave me in quiet.<br />
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I got up and went into the steam room. A woman was there that wanted to know where I was from. And then, she left. I inhaled hot air and thanked God that I had quiet time. I left the room and then walked behind the circle of 8 chaises - squeaking loudly (yes, in my Crocs!) as I walked. With shame, I walked into the lavender-scented room. No one entered after me and I enjoyed it immensely. However, walking to the rain shower and back to my chaise, my squeaking earned me so many dirty looks that I knew my time was done there.<br />
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It was maddening too as my Mom the day before was upset that they were selling "day passes" the first day and she felt that was not fair to our class - Aqua Class. And thus the standing room only and street-clothed persons who many have just been there to accommodate others who wanted to "spa",<br />
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I live in a very spa worthy city - Boca , FL. I realized that these cruise goers may never have had a chance to enjoy a spa. However, I found it ironic that I earned many dirty looks because of shoes which squeaked when I had to endure men snoring in street clothes and endless others small talking in the spa experience when it should be quiet.<br />
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I was humbled by this experience and will never take for granted a spa in which the goal is quiet rejuvenation and anonymity. I realized upon arriving home that I never did relax the entire 5 days and that my home is more relaxing. Next time my husband snores I will rejoice in knowing there is no standing room only in a line waiting to snore next to me!<br />
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Oh...and I will never regret the investment I made in a shower clog when I got home from the cruise. I will also pack a pair of Crocs when I head to a spa on vacation - just in case I need to wake a snoring old man with squeaks!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-5864316843323981612019-08-16T12:04:00.002-04:002019-08-16T12:16:38.967-04:00Don't Just Wait!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I remember during college, I attended a play called <i>Waiting For Godot </i></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_for_Godot">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_for_Godot</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waiting_for_Godot" target="_blank"> </a>. It was so boring!!! I was waiting for it to end. I spent my time thinking of other things and and my mind wandered to many other things. As I looked around, I was kind of surprised I was the only one <u>not </u>intrigued by the two characters throughout the play. I never understood what that play was even about as it took </span><i>soooo</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> long to get to the point!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Today I thought about the disciples waiting in the Upper Room as Jesus instructed them to not leave Jerusalem (<a href="https://biblehub.com/nlt/acts/1.htm" target="_blank">Acts 1:4</a>). I wondered how they felt sitting there together waiting. Did it feel like the time spent waiting seemed like forever? Were they excited? Clearly, they understood that Jesus did not tell them to wait and do nothing. They prayed (Acts 1:14) as well as got busy picking a new disciple as the Word tells us in Acts 1:26.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No doubt it was a highlight of their <i>entire lives </i>when the Holy Spirit descended upon them (<a href="https://biblehub.com/nlt/acts/2.htm" target="_blank">Acts 2-1-4</a>)! <b>Can you even imagine it? </b>No doubt they paced, but they were praying too. They were preparing. They were purposeful - and productive.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During our August <i>Springs For Life <a href="https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414">https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414</a> </i>Tuesday evening time of prayer, my sister in Christ Fay me of Ecclesiastes 3. It is<i> <b>so good</b></i> I have to share it here and now!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A Time for Everything</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-1.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>1</b></a></span>For everything there is a season,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">a time for every activity under heaven.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-2.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>2</b></a></span>A time to be born and a time to die.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time to plant and a time to harvest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-3.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>3</b></a></span>A time to kill and a time to heal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time to tear down and a time to build up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-4.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>4</b></a></span>A time to cry and a time to laugh.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time to grieve and a time to dance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-5.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>5</b></a></span>A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time to embrace and a time to turn away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-6.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>6</b></a></span>A time to search and a time to quit searching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time to keep and a time to throw away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>7</b></a></span>A time to tear and a time to mend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time to be quiet and a time to speak.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-8.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>8</b></a></span>A time to love and a time to hate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A time for war and a time for peace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-9.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>9</b></a></span>What do people really get for all their hard work? <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-10.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>10</b></a></span>I have seen the burden God has placed on us all. <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-11.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>11</b></a></span>Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end. <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-12.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>12</b></a></span>So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-13.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>13</b></a></span>And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-14.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>14</b></a></span>And I know that whatever God does is final. Nothing can be added to it or taken from it. God’s purpose is that people should fear him. <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-15.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>15</b></a></span>What is happening now has happened before, and what will happen in the future has happened before, because God makes the same things happen over and over again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Injustices of Life</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-16.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>16</b></a></span>I also noticed that under the sun there is evil in the courtroom. Yes, even the courts of law are corrupt! <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-17.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>17</b></a></span>I said to myself, “In due season God will judge everyone, both good and bad, for all their deeds.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-18.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>18</b></a></span>I also thought about the human condition—how God proves to people that they are like animals. <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-19.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>19</b></a></span>For people and animals share the same fate—both breathe<a href="https://biblehub.com/nlt/ecclesiastes/3.htm#footnotes" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="fn" style="font-style: italic; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; vertical-align: text-top;">a</span></a> and both must die. So people have no real advantage over the animals. How meaningless! <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>20</b></a></span>Both go to the same place—they came from dust and they return to dust. <span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-21.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>21</b></a></span>For who can prove that the human spirit goes up and the spirit of animals goes down into the earth?<span class="reftext" style="color: #b34700; font-weight: 700; line-height: 15px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/ecclesiastes/3-22.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration-line: none;"><b>22</b></a></span>So I saw that there is nothing better for people than to be happy in their work. That is our lot in life. And no one can bring us back to see what happens after we die.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="footnotes"></a></span><br /></span>
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<span class="mainfootnotes"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span class="mainfootnoteshdg" style="font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px;">Footnotes:</span><br /><span class="fn" style="color: #0092f2; font-style: italic; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; vertical-align: text-top;">a</span><note caller="+"><span class="fr" style="color: #b34700;">3:19 </span><span class="ft">Or </span><span class="it" style="font-style: italic;">both have the same spirit.</span></note></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In this recent past season of my life, God had been allowing me
to have a struggle with hot flashes. I know, I know, this is part of
Perimenopause! However, I had been managing it with supplements quite well but
unfortunately had tried a different supplement which did not work so well for
my thyroid. And so, my hair started to fall out and worse than that, I was
restless every night with hot and cold and just sleepless nights. The second
week into this "season", I just surrendered to trying to sleep at
all. With my 8 animals snoring around me and my hubby deep in sleep, I
determined instead of being upset that I was awake and alone, I prayed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I prayed for so many needs and when I ran out of people to pray
for, I asked God to bring needs to mind. I actually fell asleep about 4:30
every morning after being woken just about the same time every night at 2:00
am. The funny part is that when I initially went to bed, I slept soundly for
about 4 hours. Looking back, I see God was giving me enough rest to wake me up
so that I could lift others up. I also realized I was not praying for myself.
Yes, I prayed for everyone but myself. In the wee morning hours one day, God
taught me that I must pray for myself as well as others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now having good sleep, looking back - I know that this was a
blessing. For I had been waiting to go back to sleep every night for two weeks
without thinking of anyone but myself. And how I would be tired in the morning.
Instead I learned to actually pray for myself and others. And I was never tired
in the morning after that but fully refreshed and with a pep in my step!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I encourage you if you are in a season of waiting on God for no
matter what - - that you get busy praying. Talk to God out loud even if you
can. Like a friend. But He is so much more. And He will share with you in the
waiting How Wonderful, How Magnificent He is! Yeah, counting sheep sounds like
the solution, but really - - so much more can come out of spending time in
prayer - - - while you wait.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Dear God,</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you for teaching us while we wait that we can be focused
on others in prayer. Thank you for allowing us to be excited about seasons of
waiting - whether it is waiting to fall asleep, waiting for a bus or waiting
for something which is not fun to end. So many of us struggle while we wait
when You have given us waiting as a time to reveal Your handiwork in each
of our lives. That we would not waste time but redeem the time - no matter in
the early am hours, in college or in the days of old in Pentecost as in Acts. We
love you Lord and are so grateful You love us right back! In Jesus Name, Amen.
And Amen.</span></i><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt;">Please consider joining <i>Springs
Of Life</i> (S.O.L) for monthly prayer. We meet via Zoom.us monthly on the
second Tuesday of each week for 30 minutes beginning promptly at 7:00 pm est.
For more information please visit <a href="http://www.bluewaterbro.com/" style="color: #7c7c7c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #7c7c7c;">www.bluewaterbro.com</span></a> and see the <i>Springs
Of Life</i> link on the homepage or visit us directly at </span><span style="border: none 1.0pt; color: #32536a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; padding: 0in;"><a href="https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414" style="color: #7c7c7c; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #7c7c7c;">https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414</span></a></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-30585588236491676552019-08-07T12:22:00.004-04:002019-08-07T12:35:38.161-04:00Be Like the Widow!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQTVCOVcnnU/XUr1Rep1-_I/AAAAAAAABL4/srwgvXgfsfAKQ2dUBvdtc2bDNUss2faSwCLcBGAs/s1600/tears.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="214" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fQTVCOVcnnU/XUr1Rep1-_I/AAAAAAAABL4/srwgvXgfsfAKQ2dUBvdtc2bDNUss2faSwCLcBGAs/s400/tears.jpg" width="285" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">She sat in Bible Study each week in small group looking at the note
card before her. As everyone around her diligently scribbled prayer
requests and praises, she sat and stared at a blank note card. 6 blank note
cards proof of her not asking for prayer were in the front of her Bible
in the form of blank note cards representing the 6 weeks she had attended that Bible Study.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">That day was the last day of the study and she determined never to
go back. No one understood her and no one cared. Yes, the women sat with her
and commented to her how great the teaching time was, but no one ever asked her
why she did not share in group or fill out a note card for prayer. Or ask
her why she did not return the leader's calls or texts or even emails to see
how she was doing.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">So, she
left that day. Never to return to Bible Study. She did not go back to church
that Sunday or the day after or the day after that. And again, no one called or
checked on her or seemed to care.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And so,
when many years later she felt "life" had not treated her right and
as she lay on her deathbed with just the almost silent beeping of the monitors
which kept her alive for the moment, she prayed as praying seemed to be the
only thing to do and the only connection she had with anyone. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">A lone tear
fell onto her cheek as she took her last breath alone. The brief question
lingered in her mind before she lost consciousness, "Am I going to die
alone?"</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And in the still, small silence, God answered her, "No my
beloved daughter. I have heard your cry and have saved that last tear in a
bottle." For you have chosen Me this day. You have prayed and I have
heard. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">I share this story not to point at anyone for doing anything wrong.
My point is to share that we as Christian women must be devoted to prayer. We
must be watchful and thankful. In prayer, God speaks to our hearts and minds if
we listen. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">We must passionately pursue God as well as His people if we are who
we claim to be in Christ.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And so this parable comes to mind.....</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Luke
18 New King James Version (NKJV)</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Parable
of the Persistent Widow</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">18 </span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Then He
spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose
heart, <b><sup>2 </sup></b>saying: “There was in a certain city
a judge who did not fear God nor <sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25691a" title="See footnote a"><span style="color: #b34b2c;">a</span></a>]</sup>regard
man. <b><sup>3 </sup></b>Now there was a widow in that city; and she
came to him, saying, <sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25692b" title="See footnote b"><span style="color: #b34b2c;">b</span></a>]</sup>‘Get
justice for me from my adversary.’<b><sup>4 </sup></b>And he would not for
a while; but afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God nor
regard man, <b><sup>5 </sup></b>yet because this widow troubles me I
will <sup>[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2018&version=NKJV#fen-NKJV-25694c" title="See footnote c"><span style="color: #b34b2c;">c</span></a>]</sup>avenge
her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’ ”</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<b><sup><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">6 </span></sup></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Then the
Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. <b><sup>7 </sup></b>And shall
God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears
long with them? <b><sup>8 </sup></b>I tell you that He will
avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really
find faith on the earth?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">The theme
here?</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <i>Always pray and not give up!</i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Unlike the
"unjust judge", God wants to hear every word and every cry of our
heart, whether we audibly share or write our requests on a note card. The
"unjust judge" answered just cause he was bothered and wanted it to
end. In the exact opposite manner, God wants us to come to Him and not only ask
but keep talking to him about it! Of course, we also Adore, Confess and Thank
God during our time of prayer (A.C.T.S.).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">And so back to the woman we started out discussing - - honestly, it
is never too late to pray and spend time with God. I mean, after your last
breath you will either spend Eternity with God or be Eternally separated from
Him in Hell (so yeah - that would be too late to talk to Him in prayer).</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;">Be encouraged to be persistent like the widow and pursue God in
prayer. Know there are note cards to write requests and praises on for a reason
and women who care about you but maybe just didn't pursue you. Be like the
widow. Faithfully. Daily. Pray with Purpose!</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Please consider joining <i>Springs Of Life</i> (S.O.L)
for monthly prayer. We meet via Zoom.us monthly on the second Tuesday of each
week for 30 minutes beginning promptly at 7:00 pm est. For more information
please visit <a href="http://www.bluewaterbro.com/">www.bluewaterbro.com</a> and
see the <i>Springs Of Life</i> link on the homepage or visit us
directly at </span><span style="border: 1pt none; color: #32536a; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><span data-hook="address-link-text" style="display: inline-block; max-width: 100%; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; text-decoration-line: none; text-overflow: ellipsis;"><a href="https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414">https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414</a></span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-2290814804559294312019-05-10T11:05:00.000-04:002019-05-10T11:05:31.579-04:00Dandelions in the Wind<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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She fidgeted in the front row. He looked at his wife and after several "if looks could kill" glances, silently it was decided he would remove the distraction.</div>
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I was 9 years old and not handling grief well. I had silently struggled inwardly with anxiety and fear of the unknown as well as the inability to process emotional displays whether positive or negative. I did not handle either well which produced situational fear and flight or flight syndrome meaning wanting to run away any time anything upset me. And feeling trapped like an animal when I felt caged like I had to stay in a place or situation. And so rightly, so, having to sit in a pew during the Sunday before my Grandmother's funeral and feeling the stuffed down pain my dad carried, I instinctively had difficulty processing emotions at such a young age and so I suffered in silence as I felt trapped in that pew.</div>
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This sadness after seeing him cry left me with confusion. I did not understand loss and all that came with it. I did not understand how I could sit there with my siblings and parents as if nothing had happened. I did not understand ritual and tradition and I only felt like my heart was bleeding so much more profusely than the larger than life statue on the Cross behind the man in a robe who never seemed to take a breath or stop moving about the stage.</div>
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And so, we walked through a "much in need of repair" black topped parking lot. I remember meandering over to a circular drive with a long entrance but passed it by aimlessly then I quickly ran back to teeter tot on the curb with the goal of beating the clock which seemed to both of us to have stopped. I guess even at that young age, attempting to physically balance on a concrete curb to kill painful time somehow gave me some sort of empowerment even if it was merely brief physical control. </div>
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In that split second between knowing I had misbehaved in the pew and realizing the man standing in the field close by and then beside me could no longer hold in tears, I instantly understood grief. At such a young age it was clear that my hurts and pain were real and that beside me was a man feeling the same excruciating longing to be free of the same sense of loss. The need to breathe and stop and just Be he shared with me.</div>
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We walked slowly hand in hand along the round railroad tie phone pole shaped wooden border of the field. We passed several tall lights planted in firm concrete which I remember peering at through my bedroom window at the bright glowing lights in the night after a snowy day. See, we always walked to church, either through the field or up the street. We lived that close to our church.</div>
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These lights were tall overhead in the sunny golden morning. I felt small beside him and his hands were big and strong in mine. I knew this new emotion he was allowing me to see was safe and inviting and something he trusted me with. Perhaps it was only in his vulnerability for missing his Mom that he allowed me in. I wonder now if God had allowed my weak state to give him a gift by allowing he and I some time to walk in silence and grieve together that day.</div>
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Soon we stood directly in front of the merry-go-round, the pavilion and swing set which proudly sat atop dirt and was surrounded by shattered beer bottles. I knew there were remnants of night time festivities and beer bottle throwing because as long as I could remember in the summer we would hear the parties only because it was too hot to keep our bedroom windows shut. This scene before us caught our gaze but not our attention.</div>
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For me it was not the playground which caught my eye. It was the tall grass which really was just weeds and the dandelion greens with wispy dandelion seeds atop feathery stems waiting for someone to blow them into the sky. He saw my gaze and went over to one and told me that we could send some seeds into the sky together. And so after a moment of gathering as many as I could (roots and all) I remember he told me to sit on his knee. He had provided a place of rest.</div>
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I felt comforted and cared for as we leaned in and decided on the best plan of attack to release as many seed parachutes as possible with our shared breath. We inhaled pure air and released the breath of life in unison. For a long time we forgot all that was left in that pew. The sadness. The loss. My anxiety at such a young age and feeling strange because I felt things a 9 year old had no business feeling. We blew more dandelions into the universe (which was only a mere 10 yards or so in a church schoolyard in Jersey) than a lifetime of birthday candles it felt like - because it was so peaceful. And the simplicity of it all looking back is because we focused on doing one thing and one thing only. We felt joy and release. We both felt this but never admitted as we did not need words to confirm we both felt free. I know this because I remember every second of our time together that morning. This feeling sticks with me like glue and I will never forget it - freedom from feeling captive and needing to breathe fresh air.</div>
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And so after we laughed and finished sending seeds into the air he unexpectedly cried again. Looking back now it felt like when it is sunny and then suddenly a rain shower shows up even while the sun still shines. He cried with me on his knee and it did not scare me anymore as I sat with hands dusted with earth. I cried with him and he shared how he felt. I suddenly understood how much he loved his mother and how so much I reminded him of her. He told me of me doing things I had done which made him laugh and things he thought she would have said or done. I felt special and proud in that moment. I felt needed.</div>
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I understood in that moment grief is deep and we need someone to share these thoughts with. It does not matter what we are doing or if we are doing anything at all. It just matters that we have a strong hand in ours and someone to share the tears. And then the laughter. And then the laughter in the midst of tears. For this is love and the perfect parallel of our father here on earth emulating our Heavenly Father who in turn loves his only Begotten Son. We have loss of tangible love and hope to share. We have a torch to pass if only there is one to hear and reach a hand out to accept.</div>
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I remember leaving that place and looking up at his face. He was at peace. He had a look in his blue eyes which mirrored my own and his eyes spoke more than anything he could ever voice. He and I had our moment in which we connected with God whom is Higher than all. God reminds us that even weeds have a purpose and tears are cherished. And seeds are planted in the most unlikely places. A reminder that there is always a strong hand to hold yours and a bent knee to give rest. </div>
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Walking back into that church and sitting back in the pew, I know my Dad and I had church. We worshiped the Lord and put a smile on His face. He gave me a gift I will never forget. I will never look at a dandelion and see a weed. I see a world of possibilities and a seed to be sown. I see a beautiful display of God's creation. I see a golden morning waiting to be enjoyed despite shedding tears and a love so great that no one no where past present or future will be able to take away the gift of Father and Daughter. I knew love. He was standing beside me and is and ever will be - my Dad. </div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-49383088126053175712019-05-10T10:15:00.001-04:002019-05-10T10:15:30.947-04:00Who Is Jesus?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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"Who is Jesus?" is a question many scholars have addressed and various responses given by those seeking to dispute His Deity. Those seeking the meaning of life may have sought Him without consulting the Bible and then just abandoned the Truth of Jesus as God. And so that question continues to be discussed by those without a personal relationship with Him (who may or may not want one).<br />
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And so, this blog entry is about my love and respect and life with Jesus. For I am not at a place in my life where I even want to give a long discourse on why you <i>should</i> believe He is the I AM the Bible speaks of in the beginning and end of the Bible and all in between. I am not at that place anymore (I used to share Jesus with many when people had ears to hear and less distractions or opinions and when absolutes were allowed) because of all the voices in the marketplace, clanging like gongs and sometimes resounding in unison about all the wrong things. I have come to accept that these days my testimony and love for Jesus is more evident in how I live my life. It is less about talking the talk but thankfully I have begun walking the walk as my modus operandi.<br />
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See, I am that "Saul-to-Paul" conversion. I am that Mary at Jesus's feet who gave it all to please Him merely because she realized He was her all in all. I am that one who strives to live each day in grateful humility with a desire to serve Him and to love others as Christ when He walked among us in thong sandals and a belted robe.<br />
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<b>Ayed</b><br />
Recently, on an Uber ride from my church to an appointment, I happened to be picked up after Bible Study by Ayed. I do not know if since he picked me up at church, he was encouraged to ask me (just 10 seconds after I got in the car) about the Bible. I was intrigued right away as I wondered if he may have engaged me so soon in order to argue early on in our 20 minute ride. From his name and his appearance, I assumed he had knowledge of the Koran and the Muslim faith. Without going into too many details, I basically was flooded with a love early on that day and felt the responsibility to share the love of Jesus with this person without compromise.<br />
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I let him know that I was not educated in the Koran but I did know my Bible. I shared I would like to know more about the Koran so that I could understand his faith better. I shared I could not argue or dispute his Koran but I could tell him about my Bible and we could compare the difference. This is how we amicably discussed both and when I challenged him several times he could not answer my questions. Jesus knew the art of the question and for that I am grateful that I knew asking questions was the best way to communicate with Ayed. I felt the Holy Spirit lead me in sharing and asking questions and never judging.<br />
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He said several things during that car ride which made me realize a born again Christian may have never behaved that way with him before or asked him questions about his faith which he could not answer. It seemed he had his 'shtick" down pat at first and seemed almost cocky about his plan to trip me up but it was refuted as he could not answer my questions.<br />
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We laughed and enjoyed our time together and right before the car ride ended, I felt the urging of the Holy Spirit. Ayed had asked me what it is about Jesus that makes me want to live for Him daily. And so, before I got out I told him that I would die for someone if I knew it would bring them to a personal relationship with Jesus. I looked him in the eye through the rear-view mirror and I told him that I would die for him. I told him I would die for him if it meant he would be saved for all of eternity. I told him I hoped to see him in Heaven one day and he laughed. Although he laughed i the midst of a holy moment, somehow I feel he got it and believed what I said was sincere. I felt he understood I would do that because of what Jesus did for me and what my Bible tells me about eternity. There was love and Jesus with us in the midst of that moment.<br />
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The car was silent for just a second. The shopping center bustled around us as if we were not even there. He turned around from the front seat and then smiled a beautiful smile as I handed him a tip and smiled back. I realized I would never see him again here on this side of Heaven. I do not even remember what he said last as I got out of the car. But I do know that I felt lighter and brighter in my spirit. I know the angels in Heaven were rejoicing. We had church in that Muslim Uber driver's car. I continue to pray for Ayed. He is a part of my heart now in which he left a little bit of glitter.<br />
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<b>Again, Who Is Jesus?</b><br />
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And so, like Ayed, I gather those souls to my heart. Those who ask the question, "Who is Jesus?"<br />
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I pray daily to be the salt and light which the Bible speaks of. The city on the hill with the bright lights in the darkness. I want to be the vessel to offer the Living Water because first I was the recipient of the Living Water. I was the woman at the well in the Bible who went to the well at odd hours to avoid others.<br />
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I love to learn about how Jesus connected with others through the Gospel of John. It was in John 7:37-39 in which at the Feast of Booths, Jesus intently took the opportunity to point out a connection between the spiritual gift he would give and the actual spring of Siloam "wells of salvation".<br />
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Also, in Isaiah 12:3 and the life-saving water provided by the Rock in the wilderness. Actually, Isaiah 12 pumps me up - all of it every time I read it! So I wanted to share the NLT version here today:<br />
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Songs of Praise for Salvation<br /><br />In that day you will sing:<br /> “I will praise you, O LORD!<br /> You were angry with me, but not any more.<br /> Now you comfort me.<br /><br />See, God has come to save me.<br /> I will trust in him and not be afraid.<br /> The LORD GOD is my strength and my song;<br /> he has given me victory.”<br /><br />With joy you will drink deeply<br /> from the fountain of salvation!<br /><br />In that wonderful day you will sing:<br /> “Thank the LORD! Praise his name!<br /> Tell the nations what he has done.<br /> Let them know how mighty he is!<br /><br />Sing to the LORD, for he has done wonderful things.<br /> Make known his praise around the world.<br /><br />Let all the people of Jerusalem[fn] shout his praise with joy!<br /> For great is the Holy One of Israel who lives among you.”<br />
Why do I share that with you today you may ask. I share that with you because one day someone took the time out to tell me what Jesus dying on the Cross had to do with me. My whole life I had grown up in religion and each Sunday would try not to look at that lifelike statue of a dying man on a Cross with a bleeding heart. Instead I chose to focus on the statue of the baby in a beautiful woman's arms.<br />
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I know now why that baby gave me solace. There was no pain displayed there, no big bleeding heart and the baby was clearly loved and protected.<br />
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<b>Peter</b><br />
So many times I asked, "Who is Jesus"? The disciple Peter had a cool interaction with Jesus in <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/luk/22/1/s_995001" target="_blank">Luke</a> 22:33. He denied Jesus 3 times. Only hours before the denials, he had declared his willingness to die for Jesus, so when he flubbed it and it was a crushing blow (vv 61-62).<br />
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So then I really feel for Peter because it was not until after Jesus' death and resurrection, that Peter was fishing with some of the disciples and then Jesus appeared. Jesus gave Peter a chance to state his love for Him three times - one for each of his denials (John <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/jhn/21/1/s_1018001" target="_blank">https://www.blueletterbible.org/nlt/jhn/21/1/s_1018001</a> 21:1-3). Then with each response, Jesus gave Peter the charge to care for His people (vv 15-17). I like to think Peter felt a huge sense of relief that Jesus was not mad or disappointed in him and actually trusted him to play a key role in building the church and dying for Jesus.<br />
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<i>Dear Lord Jesus,</i><br />
<i>Thank you for allowing me to share today a little piece of my love for You. We are so much like Peter, Paul and Mary. You delight in us and your coolness is so evident in how you even made me smile as I thought of that music group with the same name now as I typed Peter, Paul and Mary during my prayer ;). <a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/search/video?fr=mcafee&p=peter+paul+and+mary#id=3&vid=44593307e16c1fad6688a2d7853c0f22&action=view" target="_blank">Jesus met the woman at the well</a>. You so want to relate to us and be with us and just love us. Your message of love was never intended to be a clanging gong in the marketplace of ideas. You did not sit among us to later be the subject of panels and panels of scholars with foolish debates.</i><br />
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Because each of us must come to You personally, it is an honor to share my relationship with others and my struggle for many years to find my way to the Cross. We do know that in Your Word you tell us: Romans 10:9-11<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span></i>NLT<br /><br />
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If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.</div>
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For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved. </div>
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As the Scriptures tell us, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be disgraced.”[fn]</div>
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<i>I pray that if anyone who reads this blog entry needs prayer or wants to chat, please open the door to that possibility as You will for I am your humble servant who lives to love and serve You because You first loved and served me with your life. </i><br />
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<i>Thank you for the Living Water and for quenching my thirst so that I can offer that Living Water to others. I seek to please You for such a time as this.</i><br />
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<i>We love you Lord, in Jesus' s Name. Amen and Amen.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Please visit Springs of Life Intercessory Prayer website for information on joining us for 30 minutes a month remotely the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm est. Please feel free to send prayer requests as well. Springs of Life was created to serve those not only in need of prayer but those looking for a personal relationship with Jesus. Our heart is to mentor others to learn how to pray using the ACTS Method of prayer (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.) Be blessed and be bold and know you are loved! Springs of Life <a href="https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414">https://springsoflife7.wixsite.com/john414</a></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-59284609196078740092017-04-06T20:59:00.000-04:002017-04-06T21:02:05.408-04:00Convenient People<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This blog post has been a long time coming. The fire in my belly has been brewing for some time but I was not recognizing it as a disease or something which needed to be purged from my soul until now.<br />
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See there are some people in our lives we give very long strings as well as very wide open doors with many times entrance without knocking and with working combinations to padlocks to the doors of our hearts which should have been changed a long time ago.<br />
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I have allowed Convenient People or those who have been in my life for a long time - to mistreat me and to take advantage of who I am not only in my persona but who I am in Christ.<br />
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See, when we allow others entrance into our life in a way which ignores insults, passive aggressive behavior, half insults with belated compliments, ignored visitations, forgotten birthdays but belated emails with half-hearted apologies or none at all we let the enemy of our soul steal a bit of our heart - piece by piece until our hearts are no longer broken but unrecognizable as a whole.<br />
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I am at a place in my life now past the Crossroad of Kindness. I am at a place now where I know where I stand. Does this mean I stop praying or allow a root of bitterness? No. Not at all.<br />
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This place allows a moat around the space where a pathway once existed. This place is flooded with my tears which drew pain deep into the space where love once dwelt. I am now allowed to put up a drawbridge because this is the safest place for my heart to reside. This place now is invaded with light where once it held expectations rooted in the deep rich earth which housed roots of relationship which I assumed had grown to be oaks of righteousness, and trees of life but had become moldy with shadows of regret.<br />
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In letting go, I cannot help but admit that these relationships now house nests empty of previous life, chrysalis of long ago fluttering joy and limbs which will never bud.<br />
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And so I grieve. I grieve on my knees. Some days on my face. Some days the tears will not stop as I conduct mundane daily tasks. I grieve when I work. When I rest. When I wake in the middle of the night to pray. The burden is great and I will not fail. I live for a day when tears will no longer exist and earthly rewards will be eternal.<br />
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And even still, the Convenient People carry on as though there were no agenda. She emailed you after she called even though she knew you were working. She called when she knew she had limited time to talk. She called after 9 months of no contact and says God told her to call you not knowing or caring that you cried for 8 months and 31 days just because you missed her. She did not care that 9 years went by when you thought of her every day. The Convenient People don't realize you wanted them to call you just because they cared. They don't care. Caring is not convenient.<br />
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Personally? Why do I care? Just because I want them to love me as much as I love them. Just because blood made them relatives but my love for them to know Jesus made me love them. I wanted them to call me because I feel I am worthy of love and to be in their lives not only because of time or history but because I am a cool person and worthy to be loved! That is why I cared about the Convenient People.<br />
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Convenient People will tell you that they want you to enjoy the time with your dying father because they do not want to share the hospital room with someone who convicts them. They don't want to fear death or that they are so far from Jesus that the very view of you from afar makes them uncomfortable in their own skin. This is not convenient for them!<br />
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They will tell you to enjoy the time you have with your father as if they are doing you a favor. This sounds generous but is just convenient - - for anyone but you. For you are longing for a day long ago when sneakers around your neck made you real mad as you seethed at your sister from 2 feet away. Then anger led to disgust as you were made to embrace. Soon anger led to laughter and before you knew it the sneakers you had snuck from her closet to wear and got caught no longer held the barrier between you both. The laughter said I am sorry and the anger between you dissipated and was soon forgotten. The wisdom of that today resounds.....<br />
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I long to fling those sneakers around each and every neck of the Convenient People in my path today. To be transformed to a simpler time when I was wanted, loved, forgiven, cussed at and then embraced.<br />
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Convenient People do not confront. They do not look you in the eye and tell you how awful you are. They sit in the shadows and make up lies. They make reasons which are logical only to them to avoid you as if you are a modern day Leper.<br />
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They live in deception and call it truth. They don't need you and make reasons for being so much better without you. And when they have to talk to you or tolerate a visit, they put on a gameface and you go home feeling the sting. Cause even though there has been nothing said about their disdain, you see something in their eyes which just does not compute. Eyes inconveniently become windows to the soul and often the Creator gives the gift of discernment to the victims of Convenient People.<br />
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However, you go on wondering what is wrong with you. You ask what is inconvenient about who you are. You know your worth in Christ, your value, the precious soul created to to great things. You become the voice for the voiceless and the rudder for the ship with no direction. Suddenly all the blows you received allow you to get up and fight back.<br />
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Today for no reason at all, I decided this was inconvenient for me. And so, Inconvenient People and you know who you are - these out-dated, toxic, dead and dying relationships which have been convenient until now are no longer!<br />
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I am ending these relationships. I will be fervent in prayer but you are no longer getting that piece of my heart which I reserved though it was inconvenient and painful and downright void of God.<br />
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Goodbye Convenient People. I will miss what I had hoped would have been. But I will not regret the moments God will give me to do something lasting for those people who though I may inconvenience at times - feel I am worth the inconveience!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-60934080798172021082016-10-31T15:25:00.001-04:002016-11-03T15:35:28.491-04:00Take Time To Taste The Coffee<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_y2wvoO3jo/WBeVYuzT9AI/AAAAAAAABFA/SmhjtqGToXAZGsjE5S51pAjSSNN0CFYNwCLcB/s1600/coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N_y2wvoO3jo/WBeVYuzT9AI/AAAAAAAABFA/SmhjtqGToXAZGsjE5S51pAjSSNN0CFYNwCLcB/s320/coffee.jpg" width="320" /></a>While trying to ignore workmen shouting loudly over nail gun fire when the nail gun machine recharged with air pressure, I was surprised to be wooed by the still small voice of the Lord. <i>Now is a good time to write. Take time to smell the roses.</i><br />
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I replied without speaking. God, "How about smelling the coffee? No, better yet -<i> tasting</i> the coffee!"<br />
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See, I am on Day 24 of a 30 Day Cleanse. No coffee, no vino, no dairy, or carbs or even so much as a nut, seed or unhealthy fat. However, for all those workmen in the other room I have set the coffee pot brewing and enjoyed the smell even though I knew I would never taste a drop. I have been smelling coffee but not tasting it for 24 days. I do have time to smell the coffee. Just not taste it.<br />
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Smelling roses is not something which appeals to me right now but that which I am forbidden to taste calls me from the darkness!<br />
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Such is life. God gives us time. He also allows temptation as well. We are told to take time to enjoy life but do not sin. How often do we not take the work break because we have too much to do? This can fall into sin in the way of believing the lie that we can be in control. We need to accept the fact that our Heavenly Father is in control and not us or <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Father_Time" target="_blank">Father Time</a>.<br />
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Not only could we have taken a break, but we had a chance to pray for someone during our break. That would have been going beyond the smell right into the taste of redeeming the day.<br />
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In Psalm 34:8 (ESV) God tells us Taste and See...<br />
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Oh, taste and see that the L<span class="yhwh" id="yui-gen76">ORD</span> is good!<br />
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!</div>
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Those are 2 senses which I love to combine. When you go to a winery, you swirl the glass and you look at the "legs" of the wine even though we often don't even know what that measures! And then we taste. And it is good!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bt7KhX9Z0hY/WBebXv8YcBI/AAAAAAAABFc/at25ntqWuk8pkYfx2H4tPCN4NyJpFPiwwCLcB/s1600/rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bt7KhX9Z0hY/WBebXv8YcBI/AAAAAAAABFc/at25ntqWuk8pkYfx2H4tPCN4NyJpFPiwwCLcB/s320/rose.jpg" width="320" /></a>My sister Sandy one year while on her exciting international work travels, brought me back a container of Rose Tea from Hong Kong. It looked like pink roses and smelled divine! I was thinking about how I would be able to drink a rose. But, my oh my! You gotta try it!<br />
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Although the rose petals were diced - when I added the boiling water, they shriveled up into a beautiful fuchsia mass which was like a huge fuchsia explosion in a cup! Since it was bulk tea I should have grabbed a tea ball (what is wrong with me? lol)! But, what I remember most about the first time ever drinking that tea is that I first saw the tea as I placed it into the cup then smelled it even before the hot water hit it. I tasted it and it was even rosier than words can describe. Touch was interesting in that it had very little substance. It felt like a very thin onion skin. Hearing was not part of the experience.<br />
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What I am getting at is that I did not take time to just smell the roses, but tasted, touched, and saw the roses!<br />
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This experience led me to wondering what experiences in life do I experience all 5 senses at one time? And this is humbling, but right now as I hear the workers work in my home, and I look out my office window at the palm fronds moving slowly in the breeze I taste this wonderful smoothie I blended with coconut milk and raspberries. I touch the keyboard as my fingers do the dancing. I smell the fragrance of the Holy Spirit as I inhale His Goodness.<br />
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Taste and See that the Lord is good...<br />
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Beloved, be reminded that though you may not be in a "Zen" experience like a hot rock massage or sticking a flag into frozen ground on Mt. Everest, or even something so enjoyable as being given a very large shopping spree - know that having all 5 senses and being able to enjoy the gifts God has given you to use are better than smelling only! Taste the coffee, taste the roses, taste the victory, taste the answered prayer, the Perfect Attendance reward, the 20 Year Anniversary, the paying off of the student loan or even something so simple as finding the last organic Baby Bok Choy in Fresh Market (that would be me).<br />
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I have to say that I have not blogged recently as my home is under siege with workers (yeah, already mentioned that lol) and since we moved from our last home, my writer's den has not confessed itself yet. I even bought a Logitech keyboard to use with my new laptop which does not inspire me. All this, and I still did not surrender to the Holy Spirit ideas I could have easily blogged - until today.<br />
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What is different about today, Lord?<br />
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And He so patiently and lovingly replied, <i>Today, you have not tasted coffee, but you have tasted My presence. You have made room for Me today. This is why today is different.</i><br />
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Lord, make me lie down in green pastures. <a href="http://biblehub.com/psalms/23-2.htm" target="_blank">Psalm 23:2 </a><br />
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And yes, the coffee perking and perked will be inhaled - and tasted on the morning of November 8th. But it will pale in comparison to the realization today with knowing I can have all 5 senses working - - - - at any time. I just need to take the time to smell, taste, see, hear and touch. And then to thank the Lord of my life, my Savior Jesus Christ. For He is good and worthy to be praised.........</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-27677967470232826542016-03-21T22:24:00.003-04:002016-03-21T22:54:48.894-04:00No One Else Will<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I finally did it. My challenge: find the ugliest shirt dress on eBay in my size and bid on it one time only and win. I chose the cheapest, ugliest deal within my reach and decided to bid once and only once. I fulfilled my mission. I won!<br />
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Did I think I would be the sole bidder? Yes. I did - because this medium sized orange ugly v neck shirt dress was that hideous. I wanted to win. I wanted the power. I wanted to be the one and only bid and win because I could.<br />
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It arrived today. I saw the seller's name on the return address on the unopened packet and smiled. I smiled because knew I would give this gaudy Chinese inspired top (which was too short for a dress) a home and wear it proudly for the mere fact that I knew no one else would. Bidding on it and winning it did not hurt my budget as it was merely $1.00 including shipping and handling. Lately, I have dabbled in wearing "outfits" which I consider fun to wear such as bohemian styles, ballet inspired workout gear, beach garb as well as Victorian wear hairstyle and all. Why not?<br />
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Not prepared was I for the beautiful color (coral meets tomato red meets raspberry and blueberry combined with a kiss of gold) which welcomed me as I opened the package. I was taken aback as I realized the eBay seller did not have a clue about how to advertise this item. For the color in the auction picture looked like an ugly pumpkin meets fiery sun yellow in the eBay ad. The v neck looked strangely set in black and white checkers along with a strange dark blue stitched Chinese inspired flower design which looked cheaply adhered in an odd placement in the picture.<br />
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In person the v neck checks were black with an antique golden yellow thread. The embroidery was beautiful black flowers set against the coral meets tomato red meets raspberry and blueberry combined with a kiss of gold lightweight comfortable fabric. What not to love? Breathtakingly beautiful and unique!<br />
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And so, I sat down and took it all in. <i>Lord, this is a reminder to me of not judging by a first glance of what a situation seems to be. I mockingly chose this item because I challenged the premise of being the only one to offer wearing this homely top. I appointed myself the role of feeling special and being able to shock others all at first glance.</i> Pride. Mockery. Power.<br />
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Of course, I considered this item to be a good beach coverup for summer and just merely toyed with the idea of wearing it out in public (pride). But I did figure wearing it in the privacy of my own home knowing it was ugly and I was the only bidder - somehow gave me great satisfaction.<br />
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And then conviction sunk in. Did the seller of this item enjoy this item? Need the money that a high bid would yield but which never surfaced as a result of a bad image? Sacrificed this potential favorite item to feed his/her family but only received a dollar for? Thoughts crept through my mind as I held this angelically soft, newly laundered and beautifully colored flowery scented item.<br />
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<i>I am so sorry God. I judged a "book by its cover." I made a decision without all the facts. I exerted my influence in another person's weak situation. </i>I almost felt like returning this item in this moment of discovery. I did not feel worthy of enjoying this beautiful find.<br />
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If you saw the color of this garment, you would agree with me that it is special and beautiful. The fabric is a comfortable gauze and a warm kiss to my shoulders. I have never seen let alone owned such a beautiful item. I somehow feel this possession should not belong to me. Someone else should own it and wear it and enjoy it. Not me. I gained and the seller lost.<br />
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But God as He so easily does, reminded me, "<i>You were born for royalty. For the unexpected gifts I want to give you. The plans you made, and wrote in pencil - these plans I erased. I wrote in pen - the color of coral meets tomato red meets raspberry and blueberry combined with a kiss of gold - just so you knew I was behind the surprise. I hand stitched flowers of black thread on not just the front but the back of the frock. I also remembered to stitch a 5 petal black flower on the back left shoulder for others to see merely because you are as beautiful coming as you are going</i>. <i>You are that beautiful and deserving and so much more.</i>"<br />
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Tears flow as I sit here and write all the while looking down at my beautifully embellished shirt dress which only God could have provided. I pray for the seller and throw a grateful prayer his or her way. I will never know the owner of this $1.00 item. No one else will understand how beautiful I feel, how special or how undeserving as I am humbly sit typing this devo adorned in the opposite of an ugly pumpkin fiery yellow sun color outfit. I happily sit in coral meets tomato red meets raspberry and blueberry combined with a kiss of gold. I am adorned in this outfit only because God knew no one else would be willing to save the "ugly duckling" from everyone else. I operated in pride but ended in humility and now God is rewarding me.<br />
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I know that I am loved. I know that only God would use an outfit to teach me more about myself than I could have ever learned on my own. I am grateful to know that God will teach me and guide me and come alongside me as I navigate through life - all the while resplendent in coral meets tomato red meets raspberry and blueberry combined with a kiss of gold. Not only that but with 5 black embroidered petal flowers on my back left shoulder. God will go above and beyond to let you know He is crazy about you. God cares about everything! Take time to be corrected and He will adorn you this side of Heaven in colors you never knew existed. No one else will. But God will. And I am proof!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-24738265205965380752016-02-21T13:22:00.003-05:002016-02-21T13:48:01.523-05:00The Shirt Off My Back<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Almost 20 years ago, I found the Lord at a small church in Pompano Beach, Florida. Because it was a traditional hometown church, I was encouraged to join the Women's Bible Study. I showed up that first morning and was embraced by one woman who had cut out a bunch of Bible verses and had magazines and papers for me. At the end of the Bible Study (almost everything went right over my head because I had very little understanding at that time), one elderly woman announced that their dear sister who had just passed had instructed in her last will and testament that she wanted the women of this church to enjoy her possessions.<br />
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I did not know this woman who had passed, but I was the first to approach the mountain of clothes. So many colors and beautiful accessories! I do not remember much about that day except the itens I was given. I do remember one woman commenting that their friend would have been happy knowing that I had joy in seeing all of her wonderful blouses, sweaters, scarves and handbags. I did take several items home that day because this woman knew how to accessorize!<br />
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The gifts that day long ago made an impression upon me not just in a materialistic way but because the event became less about the clothes and more about the character of the woman that had passed. I watched as the women cried and laughed and then laughed and cried as they held each item up. They remembered different events in which this saint had worn these items. These women remembered!<br />
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This memory caused me pause today as I packed up our mountain of Christmas ornaments (yes - Christmas was 2 months ago and this mountain represented procrastination!)<br />
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I realized today that I can also give my items to the women in my Bible Study. Check. I can see their faces now! Laughing about this and that and just having fun being alive. My friends are much younger than the women were at my first church. Those women were a bit reserved but got a bit rowdy at times and they also were enjoying my vim and vigor (I was the only one without gray hair) at seeing all of these fun items in one place there for the taking.<br />
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I felt good knowing this would be possible for me to arrange as well. However, I began to brainstorm about other areas of my life in which I could bless someone long after I entered Glory. Imagine opening my box of Christmas ornaments and seeing a Scripture and a note about the item! Imagine a note to the person opening the box! Inviting them to enjoy the items and passing them along to their children! A note about the $14.00 (including shipping) artificial Christmas Tree that I bought on Ebay one year and proudly decorated on into my 70's!<br />
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I thought about other areas of my every day living. And my pondering led to the Lord's still small voice convicting me of my procrastination with my paperwork and cluttered areas of my closets and my office. <i>Do you live every day as if it is your last? Do you live every day as if your legacy would give joy if someone stumbled upon these things? Do you spend time in making your day count?</i><br />
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Ahhh Lord! I do not. I do not act when You prompt me to act. I do not knock on that door when I feel like being a couch potato. I avoid that situation because it may become painful. I do the comfortable lazy things and put off the To Do's for another day. I am truly sorry. Please change, mold me and make me more like You.<br />
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Relief. Cleansing. God's Holy Spirit shower of love.... <br />
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After confessing this, I remembered another situation in which someone had blessed me almost 20 years ago as well. I had spoken to my neighbor Linda about not having silverware or dishes. I am not sure why I didn't have these items but I mentioned this to her. I opened my front door the next morning and there were stacks and stacks of plates, a box of silverware, mugs, monkey dishes and little knick knacks and fun things! She did not even tell me that she left those items there but I eventually found out and was blessed in so many ways by her kindness. She told me that the very next day after I had mentioned this to her these items came to her. I remember seeing the excitement in her eyes as she shared how she came upon the very items that I had told her I needed and she knew these items were for me. I understand now that she had seen God in this situation and so in faith she followed through and delivered these items to my front door. I get it now.<br />
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She was a Christian. She seemed like such a kind person and yet I did not engage with her too much as I was in transition stepping closer to the Lord and not yet aware of the legacy she had left me. I still have the white monkey dishes in my cabinet. Every time I use them I smile because these dishes represent Linda. Her act of kindness continues today because of the memory she gave me!<br />
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On a more somber note. Some would pity me in not having children to leave my items to and I understand this. I lived a pity party every day for many many years. But, I have overcome this sad reality and am now choosing to live a life of blooming where I am planted. I will bless others because God has planned this for me to do even before the foundation of the world. I am no longer kicking and screaming at the goads because of not having children, but dwelling in obedience. Had to kick the goads first tho!<br />
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I take so much joy in knowing that God had me go into my garage today and decide to plow through the mountain of ornaments. I am truly going to make a special blessing for someone who opens that box. I have other inspiration plans in motion now as well.<br />
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One day I will give not only the shirt off my back, but my shoes, my handbags, all of my jewelry, my home, our car, our animals and so much more! I hope whomever receives these worldly possessions will take joy in the gifts I plan to give. I hope my legacy will ignite in someone else the same legacy which that woman I never met did and the same joy my neighbor Linda did. You just never know who you will affect by living your life for God. Giving the shirt off your back and so much more will leave marks on hearts you may never meet and on neighbors you will never run into again! Do it! Joy is to be shared.<br />
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Gotta go now and tackle that mountain of paperwork in my office (no one will want me to leave them my bills and accounting paperwork to file). Hmmm possibly I can leave a note on each year's tax return about God meeting our financial needs. The possibilities are truly endless....</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-38147593952048284822016-02-16T11:18:00.002-05:002016-02-16T12:25:33.745-05:00Stranger Danger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>A Stranger. Stranger danger. Beware of eye contact on a plane when you are traveling alone. Keep your wallet in your front pocket just in case. Always look over your shoulder before entering your car. </i>The warnings rattle around in our heads 24/7. The warnings become a part of who we are.<i><br /></i><br />
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Strangers. They are all around us. The world would have us be fearful, look away, and protect our person and our possessions when among "Strangers." Wise. And yet, what does God's Word have to say about strangers?<br />
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"Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. ESV<span class="p">" - Hebrews 13:2</span><br />
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<span class="p">43 Bible Verses about Strangers: <a href="http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Strangers" target="_blank">http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Strangers </a></span><br />
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<span class="p">Recently I have come to understand the need for hiring a Stranger. A <i>Visiting Angel</i> sits with a man so that his wife can get a respite from the arduous task of caring for her husband who recently became a victim of dementia. He actually thinks his wife is a Stranger and works for a government agency. He has convinced himself she wants to take eminent domain of his residence. She has become a Stranger to him even after 50+ years of marriage.</span><br />
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<span class="p">The <i>Visiting Angel</i> - a Stranger who has instantly gained access into his world of darkness and insanity has quickly become a trusted confidante and a shoulder for this woman to cry on. The Visiting Angel had quickly accepted her role in the life of a man who capably raised 4 children and dreamed about the day he would celebrate his Golden Years. No doubt he envisioned sitting in the sun and reaping the rewards of a job well done. He surely couldn't wait to tinker in his garage and tend to his herb garden as he guided his grand children into adulthood. That plan was not to be. But a Visiting Angel entered a Stranger one day and easily left a friend the very same day.That was her role and she played that role well.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uty2BFnYaF0/VsNHfA7uxAI/AAAAAAAABAM/h4jQIhQTdkE/s1600/girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Uty2BFnYaF0/VsNHfA7uxAI/AAAAAAAABAM/h4jQIhQTdkE/s320/girl.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="p">Strangers pretend you are invisible as they pass you by. I remember when I was a child as I walked alongside my Mother Strangers would smile at us. I mimicked my Mom and began smiling back. It wasn't until many years later when I had gum surgery and could not smile at Strangers that I realized the reason Strangers smiled at my Mom and then later me. I realized my Mom had been smiling at Strangers and then they smiled back. The smile was ignited as we made eye contact. This was a chain reaction which occurred and which I had learned from my Mom. What a gift she had given me!</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">As a result of not being able to smile because of gum surgery when I was 42 I realized the power of the smile chain reaction. The gum surgery and inability to smile made me sad and so I struggled to then share a smile with just my eyes. It did not work. Because my smile did not happen a smile was not returned. My world was not the same until I could smile again...</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Being almost 50 now, I realized this week that I smile less. With all of the ills of this world and the lack of love I see around me, I have begun to frown more than I smile. I looked in the mirror the other day and realized I had tiny frown lines beginning to form. I had never seen those marks before. Just for fun I smiled and then my entire face became beautiful again! In that moment I vowed to smile even when no one is around. Who wants jowls and frown lines? Besides, practicing a smile never did a body harm.</span><br />
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xBVonwpztc/VsNGD13YsqI/AAAAAAAABAA/hgox1Cyh1ZA/s1600/Good%2BSamaritan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0xBVonwpztc/VsNGD13YsqI/AAAAAAAABAA/hgox1Cyh1ZA/s200/Good%2BSamaritan.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="p"><br /></span><br />
<span class="p">A Stranger can return a smile. He or she will still be a Stranger but will become a Stranger with a smile. One of my favorite Bible stories is the Good Samaritan. There was no smile in store for the Samaritan. He did the right thing because he knew the wrong thing was to walk by and remain a Stranger. In that story, the Stranger Danger was walking by and doing nothing. And God in His Goodness has given us that story to remind us that Strangers are people placed in our path to provoke us to not just smile but to be the hands and feet of Christ.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">My hope this year is to engage. To look for the need, to hear the woman 4 stalls away sobbing and to not only leave vowing to pray but asking if this Stranger is okay. The danger is in not asking to help. The danger is regretting to respond to that orchestrated situation in which God placed me to help, to love, to be the salt and light in a dying world.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">How many Strangers have you pretended were invisible as you walked by today? Dare to step out of your comfort zone. Try some eye contact. Try a smile, a hello, a hint of a greeting. Be wise but be bold. <a href="http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Angels/">http://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/Bible-Verses-About-Angels/</a></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">These are the days in which we cannot faint, fall, or follow anything or anyone which does not lead us closer to the Cross! After all, we truly are just Strangers ourselves - in a <u>strange</u> land. So why not roll up your sleeves and smile? It's a start! And it is contagious! More smiles = less frowns and the grand total of this equation is a whole lot more LOVE. And at the end of the day Love is what Jesus did for us on the Cross and Love is what this world needs more of. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="p">Drop me a line and let me know about your Stranger story today! I will cheer as I smile a big smile because I can! If ya got it - use it!! </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p"><br /></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-27440014683109260782015-02-08T22:50:00.000-05:002015-02-08T22:50:39.569-05:00Tears in the Sink<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Her tears hit the soapy water. No one noticed as she pretended to do the dishes. Night after night, grief wracked her soul. She was tired. She was frustrated. She was sad.<br />
<br />
This baby in her belly was a weight she had not planned. Her religion was the reason she had never said, "No." And her religion was why she had to say, "Yes" - to life.<br />
<br />
I was knitted in my mother's womb. Psalm 139 (NIV) reminds me of exactly what was going to happen even before my mother cried into the kitchen sink. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdb6_4fsd7Y/VNgrsQNnPLI/AAAAAAAAAxw/oxFdp7OumH0/s1600/starfish_story.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gdb6_4fsd7Y/VNgrsQNnPLI/AAAAAAAAAxw/oxFdp7OumH0/s1600/starfish_story.png" height="320" width="310" /></a>You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.<br />You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.<br />You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.<br />Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.<br />You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.<br />Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.<br />Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?<br />If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.<br />If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,<br />even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.<br />If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,"<br />even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.<br />For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.<br />I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.<br />My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.<br />Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.<br />How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!<br />Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand-- when I awake, I am still with you.<br />If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!<br />They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.<br />Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?<br />I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.<br />Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts.<br />See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRws_0QkNc0/VNgoErI8myI/AAAAAAAAAw8/9u11f6aiT4k/s1600/beautiful%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iRws_0QkNc0/VNgoErI8myI/AAAAAAAAAw8/9u11f6aiT4k/s1600/beautiful%2Bgirl.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
Tonite, I struggled with sleep. I got up and turned my office light on. I sat down and looked at an empty page. As the cursor blinked, I said a silent prayer. It was,<i> "Oh God, that there is one woman out there who has cried into a kitchen sink. A woman who has turned her back on those who would hug her and hold her tight and help her to say "Yes" to life. If God, there is one woman out there who hears this message, then I know this call to blog tonite was not in vain."</i><br />
<br />
And so, though I was a surprise to my mother - I was never a surprise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I continue to understand and to be restored. I press forward on to the calling my Lord has placed on the life He has given me. I no longer need to dread doing my own dishes at my kitchen sink because of knowing I caused tears in the very same place. This knowing has no hold on me any longer. I am set free. I am alive and I have work to do.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Be blessed today and always - - - choose LIFE! Rescue, adopt, sacrifice. Make a difference!</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-170094601259546942014-09-25T13:48:00.001-04:002014-09-25T14:27:46.880-04:00We Can't All Be Monarchs!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Oh I am blessed! I have available to me two hours every other week in which I volunteer at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton, FL. I am a Butterfly Garden Guardian! Who would have ever thought this Jersey girl turned Floridian would dig and plant, re-plant and chat away with flowery faces in a garden all year round?<br />
<br />
Growing up, I had a dream one day of becoming a Horticulturist. But that did not happen. I became a Culinary Arts/Hospitality major instead.<br />
<br />
I remember the white metal plant card my Grampop gave me one year for Christmas. My dad assembled it mumbling that it was a waste of time because he assumed I would soon tire of this gift like I did with all the other childhood toys I had acquired in my young life. When most 7-year-olds were listing Barbies and plastic mini kitchenettes on their "I've been good" list for Santa, I was begging for a watering can and plant cart.<br />
<br />
The plant cart was set up. I did not receive potting soil for Christmas, though. I remember going out into our backyard, with my winter coat and mittens in search of some dirt I could dig up from the frozen ground. I stabbed at that lifeless Terra-firma until a few caked pieces of dry dirt encased in ice were placed into my black plastic pot. I placed a saucer underneath, plunked the pot down on the cart and went back out in search of another pot, saucer and spot of land in which to repeat the arduous task.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vz0Fa0XVIjc/VCReVJG2ThI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/F-SLD5rCyMc/s1600/angel%2Bgirl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vz0Fa0XVIjc/VCReVJG2ThI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/F-SLD5rCyMc/s1600/angel%2Bgirl.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a>I did not have seeds, plants or anything to place in these pots, which now sadly sat (sans plant life) on the white metal cart in my bedroom. And so, I cut a piece from the hanging Wandering Jew plant (which my Grampop mostly likely bought me!) that hung over the doorway to my alcove on the way to the attic. I snuck a glass from the kitchen (later got caught and had to replace that glass with a pickle jar) and patiently waited for that Wandering Jew to root. And it did! I propagated many plants from that one sickly Wandering Jew hanging basket. My white metal plant cart soon held many black plastic pots with dusty hard caked mud with Wandering Jews. As I sit here now and think back about those days of carefully tending my "garden", I am slightly regretful. I had done everything alone. I could have learned so much about the plant which held a name which I now know had Biblical significance. Alas, fast forward to today.....<br />
<br />
I am standing in the middle of Sugar Sand Park being given a beautiful gift and card signed by staff members of the park. These three special people made up an international holiday which they called "International Butterfly Garden Volunteers Week" (or something like that) in order to bless me and show appreciation for my time in the garden volunteering. They gave me a purple shirt (my fav color) which listed "Advice from a Monarch" on the front along with a picture of a Monarch. The advice was so good but my favorite was the very last line, "We can't all be Monarchs!".<br />
<br />
And so, I was convicted. <i>God, I was never created to be a Monarch. I was instead made to be a White Peacock Butterfly or Yellow Sulphur! I was set apart for Your purposes to do Your work. Whether I am alone or with wonderful people like those as Sugar Sand - You see me. You give me JOY. You put a song in my heart and a smile on my lips and the voice I hear in stillness is Yours. As I weed and water and wonder - - as I sit and look up into the Slash Pine hammock overheard, you send Zebra Longwings and even Banana Spiders to intrigue me. I do not see the possibility of a sting when I see the deadly creepy crawly creatures (or bees pollinating two inches from where I prune), but instead I observe an intricately woven crystal dew drop design - a glimpse of the beauty of my Creator - - who wants me to see the magnificence of <b>His design</b> no matter where I am.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4wm1ZIoNe0/VCRWezpT0iI/AAAAAAAAArs/qbHX0TYJBG0/s1600/wandering%2Bjew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f4wm1ZIoNe0/VCRWezpT0iI/AAAAAAAAArs/qbHX0TYJBG0/s1600/wandering%2Bjew.jpg" /></a>After moving to Florida, I remember walking one day through my neighborhood. I was quite shocked to see an entire lawn of Wandering Jews! There were even variegated varieties!!! I took a picture. I could not even believe my eyes and I did say aloud, "You are too funny, God. I spent how many arduous days and nites trying to keep one tendril of a Wandering Jew alive in a pot filled with caked lifeless dirt - - and here these grow as weeds. Ha ha ha God!" <br />
<br />
If I were a Monarch, I may have missed God's humor. I may have just blindly followed the leader all my life and just migrated through every season without being rebellious and then not being the prodigal and missing out on so many miracles because I left and then came home. I would no doubt have become boring. My nickname would not be "Flower Child" and my favorite color would possibly be black! But it's not. I bucked the system. I flew above flowers I could have easily landed on. I took a different flight....<br />
<br />
Yes, though I volunteer at a butterfly garden, I have also expanded my personal "white plant cart" a bit. My garden has grown. The soil is no longer depleted or chemical laden. I actually have delved into Vermiculture and have worm friends that rely on me for food. We have Gulf Fritallaries, Yellow Sulphur, Giant Swallowtail, White Peacocks - - and of course we always have Monarchs. My neighbor came over recently and as she held the baby Milkweed sproutlings and baby Monarch catepillar I was sending her home with- she looked at me and exclaimed, "You are like a Buddhist!"<br />
<br />
I looked at her and said, "I was not a Monarch in a former life and certainly have not and will not come back as a Monarch in my next life. This is my one and only life this side of Heaven. Not a Buddhist. I am a born again Christian. I realized my need for a Savior when Eve in the Garden made a very bad choice. It all started in the garden. Sin. And now I realize just because sin entered man in the garden, the garden does not have to be a place of death. Instead, we bring life to the garden. The Master Gardener is God."<br />
<br />
She had questions. We sat in the shade. I continued the conversation by asking her if she would like to hear about my white metal plant cart. She did. She also listened as I shared my Wandering Jew crusade. I didn't have any Wandering Jew to send her home with, though. Those plants are everywhere by the roadside here in South Florida.Some consider those plants weeds. I like to think of them as humble beginnings for greater growth.<br />
<br />
There is relationship in the garden. God knew what He was doing when He created the very first garden. He also knew what He was doing when He made my Grampop buy me that white metal plant cart. I am grateful - - <i>even though I will never be a Monarch!</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Isaiah 58 (NLT)</div>
<div class="poet1-vn-ch" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-1.htm"><b>1</b></a></span>“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
Shout aloud! Don’t be timid.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Tell my people Israel<span class="nltfootnote"><sup><a href="http://biblehub.com/nlt/isaiah/58.htm#footnotesa">a</a></sup></span> of their sins!</div>
<div class="poet2-vn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-2.htm"><b>2</b></a></span>Yet they act so pious!</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
They come to the Temple every day</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and seem delighted to learn all about me.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
They act like a righteous nation</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
that would never abandon the laws of its God.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
They ask me to take action on their behalf,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
pretending they want to be near me.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-3.htm"><b>3</b></a></span>‘We have fasted before you!’ they say.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
‘Why aren’t you impressed?</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
We have been very hard on ourselves,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and you don’t even notice it!’</div>
<div class="poet1-sp" style="text-align: center;">
“I will tell you why!” I respond.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
“It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Even while you fast,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
you keep oppressing your workers.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-4.htm"><b>4</b></a></span>What good is fasting</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
when you keep on fighting and quarreling?</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
This kind of fasting</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
will never get you anywhere with me.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-5.htm"><b>5</b></a></span>You humble yourselves</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
by going through the motions of penance,</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
bowing your heads</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
like reeds bending in the wind.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
You dress in burlap</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and cover yourselves with ashes.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Is this what you call fasting?</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
Do you really think this will please the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span>?</div>
<div class="poet1-vn-sp" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-6.htm"><b>6</b></a></span>“No, this is the kind of fasting I want:</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Free those who are wrongly imprisoned;</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
lighten the burden of those who work for you.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Let the oppressed go free,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and remove the chains that bind people.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-7.htm"><b>7</b></a></span>Share your food with the hungry,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and give shelter to the homeless.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Give clothes to those who need them,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and do not hide from relatives who need your help.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn-sp" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-8.htm"><b>8</b></a></span>“Then your salvation will come like the dawn,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and your wounds will quickly heal.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Your godliness will lead you forward,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and the glory of the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> will protect you from behind.</div>
<div class="poet1-vn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-9.htm"><b>9</b></a></span>Then when you call, the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> will answer.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply.</div>
<div class="poet1-sp" style="text-align: center;">
“Remove the heavy yoke of oppression.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors!</div>
<div class="poet1-vnn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-10.htm"><b>10</b></a></span>Feed the hungry,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and help those in trouble.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Then your light will shine out from the darkness,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.</div>
<div class="poet1-vnn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-11.htm"><b>11</b></a></span>The L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> will guide you continually,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
giving you water when you are dry</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and restoring your strength.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
You will be like a well-watered garden,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
like an ever-flowing spring.</div>
<div class="poet1-vnn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-12.htm"><b>12</b></a></span>Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and a restorer of homes.</div>
<div class="poet1-vnn-sp" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-13.htm"><b>13</b></a></span>“Keep the Sabbath day holy.</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
Don’t pursue your own interests on that day,</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
but enjoy the Sabbath</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and speak of it with delight as the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span>’s holy day.</div>
<div class="poet1" style="text-align: center;">
Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day,</div>
<div class="poet2" style="text-align: center;">
and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly.</div>
<div class="poet1-vnn" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="reftext"><a href="http://biblehub.com/isaiah/58-14.htm"><b>14</b></a></span>Then the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span> will be your delight.</div>
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I will give you great honor</div>
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and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob.</div>
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I, the L<span class="smallcaps">ord</span>, have spoken!”</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-63028972058496595282014-08-19T15:23:00.004-04:002014-08-19T15:23:45.189-04:00Beautiful Feet And A Message To Pen<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydYR0vLYy4/U_Of26ankZI/AAAAAAAAArc/D_KpyYPEtK4/s1600/beautiful%2Bfeet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ydYR0vLYy4/U_Of26ankZI/AAAAAAAAArc/D_KpyYPEtK4/s1600/beautiful%2Bfeet.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>When my husband and I were first dating, he shared a publication with me which his present employer had shared with him. The complete reading of a booklet was mandatory for all new hires of the formerly named boat " 'Can't Touch 'Dis". This booklet was titled <i>A Message to Garcia</i> and is written by Elbert Hubbard.<br />
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You may wonder why I am mentioning this publication 17 years after my husband first introduced it to me? Ah - - because <i>A Message to Garcia</i> has been an encouragement to us as a married couple and as individuals. Whenever I begin to even think about procrastinating, my husband Vinnie will kindly say, "Message to Garcia". Instantly, I realize what I need to do. This mention of the booklet is an immediate end to procrastination.<br />
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<b><i>A Message to Garcia:</i></b><br />
Col. Andrew S. Rowan retired in 1909 but his service during America's war with Spain was the inspiration for this work which Elbert Hubbard wrote in one hour!!<br />
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I challenge you to order a copy for yourself. They can be ordered for <a href="http://tremendouslifebooks.org/product/message-garcia-life-changing-classics-volume-iii" target="_blank">$1.37 </a><br />
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Picking up this publication from the front of the magazine rack today renewed my belief in what a procrastinator I can be. This booklet was placed in front of all the fun-to-read magazines. By who? Why? My husband was most likely leafing through it for a quick injection of Nike's version of <i>Just Do It </i>("Garcia style").<br />
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<b>Conviction and speaking aloud to God</b><br />
<i>Lord., you have a work for me to write. You have graduated me with flying colors from JBJ's Christian Writer's Guild. You have provided everything I need to write the book you have the Holy Spirit waiting for me to pen. <b>And so why do I sit on my hands?</b></i><br />
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And there is that still small voice. <i>You are afraid of failure. So instead of try, you don't even reach out your hand for the message. You don't show up for instructions. You sit on your hands. You wait for someone else to write the book I had planned for you to write. You push Cuba out of your mind and watch The Bachelorette, post to Facebook, shop on Ebay....</i><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDYodbKxQnE/U_OUzVzoBPI/AAAAAAAAArA/Pa3o9kvqK7o/s1600/The%2Brock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NDYodbKxQnE/U_OUzVzoBPI/AAAAAAAAArA/Pa3o9kvqK7o/s1600/The%2Brock.jpg" height="320" width="239" /></a>Well no, God didn't speak the <i>last</i> sentence (but I <i>thought</i> it - yikes!)<i>.<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jas&c=5&t=NKJV#s=1151017" target="_blank"> </a></i><a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jas&c=5&t=NKJV#s=1151017" target="_blank">James 5:17</a> reminds me, "Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that
it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and
six months." So like God to help us relate to those in the Bible who had a relationship with the Creator of the Universe but who struggled with the same "feet of clay" we have. <br />
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<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=40&t=NKJV#s=518002" target="_blank">Psalm 40:2 </a>reminds me, "He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,Out of the miry clay,And set my feet upon a rock,<em> And</em> established my steps."<br />
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"He" is the Creator of the Universe. I am referring to God.<br />
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<i>You have that book to write. A message to bring to the inmates. A job to perform. I am waiting for you to take A Message to Garcia</i>.<br />
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<i>Yes God. I hear you.</i><br />
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The Bible tells us that those who bring the Good News to others do so with beautiful feet. <i>Honestly, I would not make this up.</i> <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=10&t=NKJV#s=1056015" target="_blank">Romans 10:15</a>, <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=52&t=NKJV#s=731007" target="_blank">Isaiah 52:17</a>. And there is so much God says about feet in general! Oh why not? <a href="http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Feet">http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Feet</a>. <br />
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In a last thought of the main character in Elbert Hubbard's book, <i>A Message to Garcia</i>; (without being a spoiler) Col. Rowan did what he had to do. He followed directions and did not make excuses. He made it happen. Whether he had beautiful feet or mud-caked, worn boots from traveling through the jungle - he accomplished that which he set out to accomplish. <b>Done. Finished. End of story.</b><br />
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I know another "person" who did that which He was called to do. His story seems to have ended on 2 rugged trees that formed a Cross. His feet, known to be bloody and bruised - were still - undoubtedly beautiful.<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Isa&c=53&t=NKJV" target="_blank"> Isaiah 53</a><br />
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Deep sigh. Taste the tear which has found it's way onto my lower lip which I hadn't noticed til now I had been biting.<i> I will carry Your Message, Lord. Now where's the remote? (smile). I have to turn off the Bachelorette! </i><br />
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After all, I have a message to carry. My feet are beautifully painted, prepared and appointed for the trip ahead. No more excuses. My Cuba awaits. I have an ocean to cross and a jungle to trek. But no worries, I am sure of this mission!<i> I have a book to write.</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Do you procrastinate? Email me <a href="mailto:christina@wordsofgrace.info">christina@wordsofgrace.info</a> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">and tell me about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Confess your sins one to another so that you may be healed. You are in good company. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">God never said life this side of Heaven would be easy. But He did promise we would never have to navigate it alone!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-14418895324605670692014-01-17T09:51:00.001-05:002014-01-17T10:12:34.586-05:00The Best of Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have always wanted to be a ballerina! This is a confession I have held close to my heart for a very long time. I remember as a little girl watching the <i>Nutcracker</i> on tv and being so excited to see this production live at a local theater one Christmas. As an adult, I stumbled across Boca Ballet Theatre, which offered classes for adults. I enrolled for the mere fact that this class was for beginners - for those who had never donned pink tights or black leotards. The first class I remember looking down at my new pink leather ballet shoe as I stood and swept my foot across the gypsum floor. Swooosssshhhhh.... This was the sound of a dream long delayed. A fantasy being lived. An experience I did not feel worthy of having!</div>
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I looked forward to the weekly class. There were women of all ages, and we giggled when we could not get the sashay portion just right. I really liked the part where we would all go to the barre and stretch in unison. My feet were slowly moving before my brain to the direction of the instructor. Our instructor was a porcelain skinned flame red petite Russian woman whom I secretly wished I could become. For three straight years we all attended each performance of the Boca Ballet, as we would meet different students throughout the year. The students would perform with the professionals. I felt so proud as I watched the performances, that I knew the position of their feet and what each foot stance was called. I was learning!</div>
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One day in our living room as I chatted to my husband just minutes before going to my ballet class, my husband cut me off in mid sentence, "You were born for ballet." I smiled as a lump formed in my throat. I hugged him and did a quick pirouette just because I knew how! I then threw a sweatshirt over my leotard, tied my black skirt around my hips, then threw my pink shoes in my bag. I was out the door on my way to a place filled with beautiful music, people, and bodies that existed to dance.</div>
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Why did I miss out on this joy all my life? Why did I not do something I was born to do? Tears began to trickle down my face. I had known all along the answers to these questions, but stuffed them deep down until now. My mother told me the shoes cost too much. Most likely lessons would have as well. And it was not hard to realize the effort and time spent on this activity would no doubt take her away from my other 3 sisters and my father and her full time job. The shoes being expensive were probably the one reason my mother gave, and I had never pursued ballet afterward.</div>
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I swam with reckless abandon(and now swim Boca Gold Masters), ran spring track, tried my hand at field hockey, tennis and cheerleading. Swimming was my sport. I had success in a sport that took the place of a skill that I had been born to do.</div>
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And God says to me as I sit here and type these honest-hard to hear words, "I knew you before you were in your mother's womb. Every day ordained for you." (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Psa&c=139&t=NKJV" target="_blank">Psalm 139</a>)</div>
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Yes God, I know you were and are and always will be in control of everything in my life. If you had wanted me to be a ballerina, I would be a ballerina.</div>
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And yet, the best of me? The best of me is who I am today, not what I could have been or wished I had been. The best of me is accepting God's plan for my life. And using the gifts and talents He has given me to bless others and to inspire others to achieve what God has given them to do.</div>
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I am grateful to be a resilient person. My husband always calls me a cheapskate. I learned this from my father and his father. My father was always so frugal and worked very hard, but now I am grateful for this trait of his because he is financially independent and doing well in his retirement years. He saved many years and now is reaping the fruits of his labor. In many ways, this is wisdom!</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Etl821TN1RI/Utk8UsR2DWI/AAAAAAAAAmY/z1vhVuWhhYM/s1600/tiara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Etl821TN1RI/Utk8UsR2DWI/AAAAAAAAAmY/z1vhVuWhhYM/s1600/tiara.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a>During the bad year of South Florida hurricanes, I remember being quite proud of my ability to get things done without electricity for 13 days straight. I remember going to the neighbor's house (we were "communing" for meals during the outage as it was easier and more fun to eat dinner this way each night). I decided I would make a loaf of bread in my bread maker hooked up to the generator. Yes! A loaf takes 4 hours. I had resigned myself to realizing this would not work as it was a gas generator and not too powerful. However, when I showed up with a loaf of fresh bread (no stores were open for miles and miles and everyone was rationing gas) everyone cheered. I realized defying the odds in this situation allowed the best of me - the person who could press forward toward a goal and win. (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Phl&c=3&t=NKJV#s=1106014" target="_blank">Philippians 3:14</a>) I took what I had been given and made the best of the situation. This is just one example for me personally regarding "blooming where you are planted". Everyone has their own story about what they do when life gives them lemons.... (personally, I would use them to highlight my hair - the cheapskate that I am ha ha!)</div>
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Today, after many years, the original ballet shoes I bought for my very first class are proudly displayed. I will never be able to part with my first wraparound skirt or leotard. My first pink tights may dry rot and turn to dust, but I will keep them forever. God gives us dreams fulfilled. He promises this in the here and now. He will restore the years the locust has eaten (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Joe&c=2&v=25&t=NKJV#s=878025" target="_blank">Joel 2:25</a>). The locust has eaten many of my years, but the Lover of my soul, the Lord who made me will never stop reminding me that I am <i>His</i> princess ballerina, <i>His</i> beloved daughter in whom <i>He</i> delights. I dance solely for Him, I pirouette like the ballerina on the jewelry box I cherished as a child. The <b>Best of Me</b> has been sculpted and developed for the <b>Perfection of Who He is</b>. As long as He is happy with who I am and who I have become - I will continue to sashay closer toward Him in my pink tights and black wraparound skirt. One day I will enter His gates wearing a robe of pure white. I might just wear my ballet outfit - just because after all, <i>I was born to be a ballerina</i>!!!</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-37416623381961963042013-10-18T09:55:00.003-04:002013-10-18T11:09:33.646-04:00Sixteen Years<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Sizzle. Pop. The sunny side eggs in all their buttery splendor are done. I pull them off the burner. Coffee perks then stops just before I hear the beep. Half and half clouds the cup and then I sit. I observe. I smile.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aTzJNAhkBE/UmE9Jpcw9VI/AAAAAAAAAiE/juK8zw4MBIo/s1600/wedding+dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8aTzJNAhkBE/UmE9Jpcw9VI/AAAAAAAAAiE/juK8zw4MBIo/s320/wedding+dress.jpg" width="234" /></a>In the early morning sun my husband perches over the third floor deck, iphone cradled to his ear and chats away while taking in the vast, salty Gulf of Mexico. He is sociable. I am not. His plate of eaten eggs has already been stowed in the sink. He is more than ready for the day to begin. Vacation and our anniversary have coincided this year and for this we are both grateful. He wants to share our special day - I seek to savor it by blogging.<br />
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As I peer through the wide picture window from the breakfast bar I pause before thanking God for this day. Sixteen years ago my fiance and I, separately woke pre-dawn and were wed before God and witnesses in the presence of a gloriously conch shell pink and golden trumpet south Florida sunrise.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbCMcfrEywA/UmE6sspgcxI/AAAAAAAAAh8/cM8-KQDl-HY/s1600/Moonrise+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xbCMcfrEywA/UmE6sspgcxI/AAAAAAAAAh8/cM8-KQDl-HY/s320/Moonrise+3.JPG" width="320" /></a>Unlike our wedding morning, this anniversary morning; together we woke to a golden fire ball moon which lit up the ink black ocean. This staircase into the sky glittered even before the world woke up. This morning was a splendiforous [I made that word up] display of God's creation - a moon setting for our 16-year anniversary while vacationing on the west coast of Florida. <br />
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I reflect back on this week. We swam every day in the wide open sea. One day I was swimming by myself in the shallow water, and I swam right over a sting ray! I had enough sense not to jump up but instead did a quick 180 and got away quick. Don't know who was more startled - me or the stingray! My face was less than 12 inches from it's tail. <i>Thank you Jesus!</i><br />
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We rode our bikes and commented on all the beautiful porches with brightly colored furniture, we admired tropical landscape, we coveted many things and then confessed, agreed while baking in the hot sun that we want to one day run a bed and breakfast at the beach (or nearby), looked for "God appointments", I bought souvenirs and justified buying them because I called them Christmas presents even though I know they will be given before ever seeing a shred of gift wrap.<br />
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We fed one lone seagull a corn of cob he (or was it a she?) thoroughly enjoyed before a herd arrived, we watched porpoises play with a bait ball, decided we would take up wave boarding within three years (or at least attempt it), and ate lots of pasta without worrying about what time it was.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0SHv7gS-zQ/UmE9U7e99KI/AAAAAAAAAiU/c7iOiO8aMJo/s1600/wedding+rings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0SHv7gS-zQ/UmE9U7e99KI/AAAAAAAAAiU/c7iOiO8aMJo/s200/wedding+rings.jpg" width="200" /></a>We are blessed. We are loved. We have much to be grateful for - sixteen years. <br />
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<i>Oh Lord Jesus, thank you for this time. Thank you for surprising us with Your blessing of enjoying a golden staircase this morning. Your gifts are so much better than we could ever imagine. I have never seen a moon setting and because you love me so much, you knew this would be the perfect anniversary gift today. We had enjoyed the sunset just twelve hours before, but in Your generous and loving way, you gave us another gift on our special day. </i><br />
<i>We love you Lord, in Jesus' name. Amen. </i><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-54767509340019734462013-09-01T16:31:00.000-04:002013-09-01T16:31:17.865-04:00Sprinkled<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, </i></div>
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<i>having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. </i></div>
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Hebrews 10:22 (NIV)</div>
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I had just finished Day 3 in Week 3 of an amazingly anointed women's Bible study <i>Gideon</i> by Priscilla Shirer. After reluctantly closing my workbook, I looked up at a bright yellow Post-it I had slapped on my desk "who knows when", on which I had scrawled the above Scripture. My gaze at that 3" cubed piece of paper took on an intensity which I clearly knew was incited by God's presence hovering low. </div>
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My eyes locked on the word "sprinkled". <i>Read all of it.</i> Huh? <i>Read all of Hebrews 10. </i>Okay God. </div>
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And I did. <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Hbr&c=10&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Hebrews 10</a>. And I understood. <i>Ah God, you truly are here with me right now and your presence is not to just impress me, but to impress <u>upon</u> me what I need to share. </i></div>
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It was no coincidence that my homework assignment in my lesson today (before I looked up at the Post-it with Hebrews 10:22 on it) covered <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Jdg&c=7&v=3&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Judges 7:3-6</a>. I was quite impressed with how God thinned out Gideon's army so that the men would fully rely on God. The fearful and weak and then the men who were not vigilant were sent home. I'm not going to be a spoiler and tell you the outcome (but if you read all of Judges 7, you are making the same hand gestures and in awe of what the Bible brings to us to help us realize that even when we are the underdog - - there is always hope). That is - - hope as long as we are obedient to God's marching orders, His direction, His stripping of people, places and things from our lives, etc.</div>
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Hebrews was written to the Jewish believers who were tempted to abandon all of Christ and the fullness of life Christ embodied (and still does). These people were tempted to go back to a life of religious emptiness. </div>
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Today, too many believers, like Israel in the OT, are kneeling at the water where death and decay beckon. They have become more focused on fulfilling their fleshly desires and turning their backs on their enemy -the devil who seeks to devour and destroy. They cup their hands and vigorously attempt to hold all the water they can before again digging deeper into the water of sin until they bring with it the miry clay. Rather than spit out the dirt of iniquity, they keep drinking because they are thirstier than ever. Their palate has sought out the sensation of wetness rather than recognize the grit that will ensue.</div>
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<i>Lord, I sit and read your Word. I have a bottle of purified water next to my study book and not just one Bible, but a commentary as well. These resources have not collected dust on a shelf, or been used to press flowers for an art project I will never make. Instead, these resources are the tools for the beginning of my heart to be "sprinkled" from an evil conscience. </i></div>
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<i>Thank you God, for Your graciousness. You have allowed me to continue to represent you in the army and the battle ahead. I will remain vigilant. I will give You my fear when it comes (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=2Cr&c=10&v=5&t=NIV#comm/5" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 10:5</a>). My body will be washed with pure water. I have my armor on (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=6&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Ephesians 6</a>) I am wearing my steel-toed shoes of peace. But don't be deceived. I will kick <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Gen&c=3&v=14&t=NIV#comm/15" target="_blank">Genesis 3:15</a> Satan in the head. I will be the last woman standing. I am ready for the battle ahead.</i></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQaEo-_-YdA/UiOj6RhzA0I/AAAAAAAAAgE/S5zotnPDEgw/s1600/lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQaEo-_-YdA/UiOj6RhzA0I/AAAAAAAAAgE/S5zotnPDEgw/s320/lion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I look off into the wilderness behind me, I sadly take in the scenery. Friends I worshipped with and prayed with, those women whom I had prepared a meal for and spent time with in the Word - - - we laughed, we shared, we cried, we danced. And now they don't even notice me. They kneel in the mud at the edge of the water. Some cup water, and some stick their faces into the murky depth. They only see what they want. Their armor lays unworn sprawled across the dead grass behind them. They don't even notice or even care that close by a pack of lions have gathered, and are patiently waiting to attack.</div>
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With a quick prayer on my lips, I wipe a lone tear from my cheek and then look ahead at the mountaintop above. I draw near to my Savior - my Lord Jesus Christ with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having my heart sprinkled from an evil conscience. I have a mission. I don't look back.I have a mountain to climb.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-82210421047507234622013-07-17T16:00:00.002-04:002013-07-17T23:39:01.941-04:00Comfy, Content and - - Truly Blessed<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I am comfortable. I am happily and may I add - contentedly - reclining on the chaise end of our new microfiber sectional with my feet crossed in front of me. I admired the pretty bright pink bows on my "new" cushioned slipper socks with the hearts in many shades printed all over.<br />
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God speaks into my head, "<i><u>Now</u> you are comfortable</i>."<br />
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Ugh. In my flesh, I realize God has once again invaded my selfish, lazy time watching "Chopped" and-loving-it time. It was raining outside, my husband en route to the Bahamas on a mud skipper two-engine plane to do a 10-hour boat delivery. That time my husband was on the plane meant no cell phone to answer, my "To Do List"on hold and my time witnessing those seeking to win the $10 grand on "Chopped" protected from all outside influences.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWh0CQKP4Vo/Ueb3WIjUNiI/AAAAAAAAAes/8lRN9MXx9rA/s1600/bedroom+slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gWh0CQKP4Vo/Ueb3WIjUNiI/AAAAAAAAAes/8lRN9MXx9rA/s320/bedroom+slippers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Or so I thought. Until God spoke to me and prompted me to arise perpendicular as opposed to remaining in the oh so enjoyable horizontal position on our brand spanking new microfiber sectional. Deep breath as I opt to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading....<br />
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And so here I sit. At my keyboard and ask,<i> "Okay God. Now what? You want me to blog about.....my slippers of all things???"</i><br />
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Yes.<br />
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And so here I go. These slippers were purchased by moi (the three of us -the false trinity which consists of me, myself and I) about a year ago. We had gotten an offer on our house but had no real "dream house" or even a "want to live there" house in mind to purchase. We had accepted a full price cash offer on our home and were looking to downsize. This three-day window before cancelling a great offer was a stressful time for my husband and I. In lightning fashion, we found an apartment to move into with our five cats. We found a short sale home that would close in just over the 30 days after which our home would close (which meant moving not once but twice that summer). The inexpensive apartment was the practical way to go.<br />
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And so, we walked into the temporary apartment as the smell of stale, long lingering cigarette smoke accosted our noses. I cringed as we were shown the break-in deterrent in the sliding glass doors (a wooden dowel jammed in to the space between the window and the wall). Mexican tile looked clean enough. Laminated floors in each bedroom were in good shape. It was the old gold tile in each bathroom that made me want to run for Windex and ammonia. I was going to shower in there? I was going to call this place home for even just a few weeks???<br />
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And so, a quick trip to Target for a few necessities and some green cleaners. I spotted those slip-on slipper socks with the thick faux sheepskin soles in short order. The rubber nonslip treads on the bottom for safety almost cinched the deal. But what got me were the hot pink ribbon bows on each slipper sock as well as the many-colored hearts on the gray cotton background. Comfy, stylish and practical. Sold!<br />
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Upon arriving to our new apart-mentally (sp?) temporal home, I pulled those puppies from the Target bag. I cut the plastic tie trapping them to each other. I put both feet into the slipper socks and walked across the Mexican tile. I traipsed into a laminate-floored bedroom and on into a 6" mustard gold tiled bathroom. Nice. Yes, nice but I did not have a snugly, comfortable, contented feeling like I thought I would have had when I decided to invest the 10 bucks for those slipper-socks.<br />
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Days turned into weeks as I looked at these slipper socks which sat on top of a cat carrier in the corner of the bedroom. I was not enticed to wear them during my nesting time of stress waiting for our short sale home to close. I thought of wearing these slipper socks a few times while I watched TV channels I never knew existed but instead wore my husband's old sweat socks. I contemplated wearing them while I boiled water on the stove for pasta (my comfort food of choice) but instead opted for flip flops for no apparent reason I can recall.<br />
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The only time I wore those slipper socks was while I lay in bed before slipping my feet under the covers for a full night's sleep.<br />
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Why?<br />
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And now, today I realized the answer to that question. I was not content. I was not resting in God. I was merely waiting for the practical aspects of life to kick in. I did not find the comfort I thought I would find in those slipper socks (even with the faux sheepskin lining and anti-skid soles).<br />
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God was waiting for me to come to Him and find rest and comfort in <i>Him</i>. Not in a pair of man-made slipper socks.<br />
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<b>Matthew 11:28-30 </b><br />
<i>"Come
to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
"Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart; and you shall find rest for your souls. "For My yoke is easy,
and My load is light."</i><br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAifHoXETj4/Ueb3rUaVZmI/AAAAAAAAAe0/QJqQuNoLKJo/s1600/pink+bow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yAifHoXETj4/Ueb3rUaVZmI/AAAAAAAAAe0/QJqQuNoLKJo/s320/pink+bow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
And so today, just now actually (a few minutes ago)<i> </i>as God prodded me to get up and blog; I realized that I enjoy these slipper socks and appreciate wearing them now because they are a gift from Him and a symbol (or reminder) of how far <i>He</i> has carried me in our recent house selling and buying.<i> </i>God knew the slippers were never going to give me comfort.<i> </i>But the reminder now of me seeking comfort during a very difficult time through a pair of slipper socks and coming up empty is a return back to the fact that it was <b>God</b> comforting me all along. This was the reason the slipper socks failed to give me enjoyment. Only God could and can give me true comfort, contentment and blessing!!!<br />
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<i>Okay God. I got it. Thank you for this reminder. And now that I have shared Your Goodness and Grace, I will now return to the microfiber chaise you have also graciously given us and put my feet up and smile once again as I look at those hot pink bows on those slipper socks that you used to teach me about being content.</i><br />
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<i>I also thank You Lord, for the fact that I no longer have to walk on golden outdated bathroom tile, laminate floors or Mexican tile. I rejoice because You, Lord Jesus, seek to bless me and keep me walking in Truth and faux sheepskin !! I remain Comfy and Content and - - Truly Blessed. You truly are my rest.</i></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-19804275340247817902013-06-11T11:47:00.003-04:002013-06-11T13:44:12.368-04:00I am Not That Bad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: small;">I am a fan of the show <i>Hoarders</i> and <i>Hoarders, Buried Alive</i>. My husband declares often that I am a "hoarder". I agree I do have a bit of a hoarder mentality. I admit, I watch this show to feel better about my own slight compulsion "to aquire." I relate to the Romans who cheered as the Christians were being fed to the lions. Do you know why they cheered? <b>Because they were not the ones being gnawed by lions! </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">In a voyeuristic sense, as I clean and purge during the commercials, a mantra filters through my brain in an endless loop until the program comes back on or I have fast forwarded to the next segment. My mantra, "I am not as bad as<i> them</i>. They breed roaches and do not clean up animal feces, human feces and garbage - - <i>and</i> as if that were not bad enough, they sleep and eat in filth and do not believe anything is wrong with living that way!"</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3BgWpQ5V1w/UbdGhX1qK6I/AAAAAAAAAbU/m1CjznexT78/s1600/roaring+lion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--3BgWpQ5V1w/UbdGhX1qK6I/AAAAAAAAAbU/m1CjznexT78/s320/roaring+lion.jpg" width="216" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>The crowd chants and cheers as the lion bares his teeth and his nostrils flare with the fresh scent of prey. His victims look heavenward ready to meet their maker. </b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><u>They cheer</u>.<i> </i><u>I cheer</u> - because I am not them. Or so I believe I would never be them. Watching them be eaten fulfills something sinful in me that gives me relief. That is them. Not me. Watching the situation unfold somehow empowers me. This is the human condition.</b></span></span><br />
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After watching a recent <i>Hoarders</i> episode, I noticed just after the ending credits a memorial tribute for Dr. Johan Rosqvist. I did not recall him from any of the shows (I have watched many episodes and know all the counselors and organizers). I Googled his name and was speechless as I learned of his demise <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2012/05/pacific_university_mourns_deat.html">http://www.oregonlive.com/forest-grove/index.ssf/2012/05/pacific_university_mourns_deat.html</a>.<br />
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He was an expert. He was a pro. He was <i>helping</i> people with heightened anxiety disorders of which many of us suffer with but ours is currently in a much less heightened level (we have either gotten help or we have been spared the intense propensities).<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The shoemakers children have no shoes. An accountant files bankruptcy and discloses personal financial trouble. The dentist with yellow teeth. All of these images come to mind. A therapist ends his life because of - - what?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What was Dr. Johan thinking before he took his life? How long had he cheered and applauded in the stands in the coliseum as the lions attacked - someone else? When possibly his own heart was breaking, his back had held the last straw of suffering and who did he turn to? No one. His mental health had failed. His techniques not worked - or never been applied? Where were his peers? Were they cheering in the stands while he smelled the lion's breath before taking his last breath?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And I question God. <i>God, how many times have I appointed myself to be the "The Expert" without consulting you first? How many times have I left you out of a situation in which I clearly heard "Danger Will Robinson, Danger" but kept going full throttle ahead into disaster? </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">And on cue, He replies, <a href="http://biblehub.com/john/15-5.htm" target="_blank">John 15:5</a>, <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">But God, I am really good at (fill in the blank) and I can help them! I can teach them! I can heal them of their anxiety. </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">"Daughter, have I given you that assignment?</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">How will you accomplish My will? My plan? My work? </span> <span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you,
you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Only if you do the work in me God. Apart from You I can do nothing. I will fail. I will flounder. I will not finish the race that You intended. Lord Jesus, Your will be done.</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Ahh thank you Lord.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">For when we profess to be the expert but leave God out of our day to day
activities (our work, play, child rearing, conversations, lack of
prayer time, etc), we set ourselves up for failure.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Every time.</span><i><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">And so, </span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">with a heavy heart</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> I realize</span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> how often I judge others from the sidelines.I compare. I entertain myself with voyeuristic tendencies. I rush off from a God appointment knowing the person I just talked with had a tear which she thought she had wiped away, but the dirt stain left a trail down her cheek. What would have happened if I had ministered to her, jumped off my judgment throne and listened? This is what God would have wanted. After all, He is the best listener and would have worked through me to love her - to be the hands and feet of Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">How different it would have been if someone had been there for Dr. Johan. How different to be handing him the tissues. What a different outcome if he had invited God in to the hidden chambers in his heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;">Oh God that we would do less cheering and more ministry. Yes God, I <i>am</i> that bad - but You are <i>that</i> good and so much more.....</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-46173321192209602202013-05-22T11:17:00.002-04:002013-05-22T11:17:53.538-04:00Stones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0rnyUrEGdU/UZzhMU2QKyI/AAAAAAAAAa8/BF4MjbhTD-o/s1600/DSC03974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0rnyUrEGdU/UZzhMU2QKyI/AAAAAAAAAa8/BF4MjbhTD-o/s320/DSC03974.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">A recent daily devotional challenged me to read <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=20&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Exodus 20:1-21</a>, which is otherwise known as The Ten Commandments. The author of the devo (Beth Moore of <i>Breaking Free</i>) challenged her reader to read these verses with "a fresh heart and teachable mind."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">I immediately was drawn to the words "out of the house of bondage" (verse 2). "I am the Lord your God" of course is the First Commandment. However, I was reminded that just like the Israelites, God has led me out of the bondage of sin and shame of which I had been a slave in my past before I submitted to God (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=10&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Romans 10:9-11</a>). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Beth Moore then discussed an ancient boundary stone, which is similar to our modern day fence. A stone was a great visual for someone to see to remind them when they were going out of bounds. When we see a fence, we immediately stop and realize we need to turn around or we will be trespassing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">In the same way, the Ten Commandments are stones which keep us on the right track. They were erected to keep us on the straight and narrow. Crossing over leads to bondage and sin which comes from the loss of freedom. I like to think of the Ten Commandments as a reality check. I need God to check me at the door every now and then.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>God, do I have other gods which I put before you? Do I worship other gods? Do I take your name in vain? Do I work on the Sabbath even though you have told me otherwise? Am I honoring my mother and father the way you command me to do? Have I murdered in my heart? Have I committed adultery in my heart? I stole time - is that a sin? Help me understand what bearing false witness is, Lord! I do not covet my neighbor's house Lord, just the treasure trove of children that bring joy to that home. Is that wrong, Lord?</i></span><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaHLdCT-Pg8/UZzhe_q2-gI/AAAAAAAAAbE/HLelvWV40VY/s1600/DSC03990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AaHLdCT-Pg8/UZzhe_q2-gI/AAAAAAAAAbE/HLelvWV40VY/s320/DSC03990.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">And so, as always when I talk with God and open my heart, He replies.<i> Daughter, as I spoke through Moses to the people, I now remind you as well,</i> "Do not fear; for God (I) has (have) come to test you, and that His(My) fear may be before you, so that you may not sin." (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=20&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Exodus 20:20</a>). personalization mine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Thank you God. I need to be tested. I need boundaries which lead away from sin....</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Unlike the people in <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Exd&c=20&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Exodus 20:21</a>, I do not stand far off, but today just like Moses did back in the day, I drew near God<i>- </i>near enough to imagine His smile <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Zep&c=3&v=1&t=NIV#comm/17" target="_blank">Zephaniah 3:17</a><i> </i>and to feel Him pat me on the back in an encouraging way. <i>Thank you, Lord.</i></span><br />
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My husband and I love to beachcomb. Whenever we visit an island in The Bahamas, we are always attracted to rocks and stones, which often are composed of leftover building material or natural material from reefs in the area. The island of San Salvador offers up beautiful rocks which are often smooth and so white one might think they would glow in the dark! This past trip, I found a large, oddly shaped rock with 1" squares of tan rock embedded on the entire surface of the rock. I held it up high for my husband to see and told him I thought it was quite unique and definitely mine for the taking.<br />
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Hesitating, my husband left his beachcoming post and I saw a scowl on his face as he approached. He asked me why two years ago when he held up the very same type of rock, that I had told him it was ugly. I explained that I did not remember him presenting that type of rock to me. "Oh, okay." He walked away and the conversation was over.<br />
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I pondered our conversation. We both now agreed it was a special rock. But, why did I once believe it to be ugly? I did not remember. That piece of earth was soon after stuffed into the engine room on the boat ready for its trip back to South Florida. It would be a reminder. It was a souvenir from the sea.<br />
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<b>Ancient Boundary Stones</b><br />
Having studied this symbol of our modern day fence today, I realized God gave us stones for a reason. Not just to become paperweights on a desk, or erected in our front yard with our house number painted for the postman, and not even to be placed in a bowl for decoration. No, stones have so much more meaning. They are to be reminders. Unlike the rock I had deemed ugly and soon forgotten, ancient boundary stones were created for a purpose. Proverbs 22:28<br />
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When we refer to the Ten Commandments (Old Testament) as the coloring book, and the New Testament as the crayons, together a beautiful picture is created. The new fulfilled the old and the picture was completed. If I only do what the Ten Commandments tell me to do, and ignore the boundaries that God has given me in His Word in the New Testament, then I have run off the road and my path becomes quite crooked (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Pro&c=3&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Proverbs 3:5-6</a>).<br />
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I once again ponder verse 2 in which I am reminded that I have come out of a house of bondage. God's plan was to free me from slavery! From sin and its destructive effects. He has done that for me.<br />
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Have you allowed Him to do that for you? <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Rom&c=10&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Romans 10:9-11</a>. Just like the stone was rolled away when Jesus ascended to Heaven after He hung on a Cross and died for you and for me, the ancient boundary stones in your life can and will be erected where God wants them to be. Ask God today for boundaries or places in your life where you have not allowed Him to lead you. You will be surprised to know that you too will see a rock in a new way as well as the hint of a smile on the God who waits to release you from your house of bondage!!!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-66960183451646762242013-02-19T16:34:00.002-05:002013-02-19T16:34:51.927-05:00Open The Door!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Shamed to admit, I embarrassed only myself this afternoon. I almost dismissed blogging my experience today but instead asked myself, 'Why waste any situation in which God places me if He put me there to share my humanity with another?"<br />
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And thus the image of a door with a knob...I scrubbed, painted, sanded again and then painted a last time. Today was the day the french knob would be put back in order and my newly painted bedroom would be finished. I envisioned standing back and admiring all of my labor.<br />
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I was seconds away from success. With phillips screwdriver in hand, from inside my bedroom I inserted the center piece of the doorknob hardware. I shut the door without inserting the doorknob. Click. I smiled knowing that part of the knob was screwed in properly. I stuck my finger confidently in that hole and yanked. Nothing. The door did not budge. I inserted the screw driver in the hole and turned. I yanked the door. Nothing. Deep breath. I yanked my newly hung robe off the hook on the door and yanked on the hook as I turned the screw driver once more. Nothing.<br />
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I panicked. I would be stuck in my bedroom all day with no phone, no way out. I contemplated opening my bedroom windows and jumping out but then realized I would have no way to get in my house even though my french doors inside my house were ajar. I went back to the door shaking my head. <i>This couldn't be happening</i>.<br />
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I felt silly. I felt stupid actually. I hate to admit that I took that screwdriver and in anger (in Moses fashion) and struck the door ware. I swirled the screwdriver around the circular shape and wondered how I had locked myself in my bedroom. Home alone. I panicked for just a second more and then said aloud,<i> Duh!</i><br />
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I stuck the french door knob in the hardware, pushed down on the handle and pulled the door open. Voila! I was free! I felt foolish but I suddenly felt free.<br />
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I learned two things from my silly escape into imprisonment today. One is that I simply need to have a spare key made and hide it somewhere in my yard. I would have been able to make my way back into my home if I had a front door key waiting for me somewhere outside had my logical self not saved the day.<br />
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Secondly, I was reminded of Jesus standing at the door in <a href="http://bible.cc/luke/11-9.htm" target="_blank">Luke 11:9-10</a>. Recently our pastor gave a sermon with a door for a prop on stage. The door was such a visual of the opportunity (or lack thereof) that we all have concerning eternal life. Ask. Seek. Knock.<br />
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Today, physically, I did not have the option of a doorknob on the other side. No one was home (except my cats) and no one was going to open the door for me from the other side of the door - at least at that very moment. I chose to make a decision. I searched for a solution. I received a way out.<br />
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Our pastor reminded us as he stood in front of the door during his sermon of the fact that Jesus is always waiting on the other side. He is not going to open the door for us. He gives us a knob - a way of escape from our side of the room. He offers us the solution - His son (John 3:16). <br />
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I am so grateful to have made that decision (Romans 10:9-11). As I sit here blogging away in my office just steps away from the door of embarrassment, I am humbled. Humbled to know that God used a donkey back in the day in order to teach a lesson. And today He used an amateur painter and half a french doorknob to remind me that He is always there and will never leave or forsake me - - even if I do panic every once in a while and now and then have a Moses moment (<a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Num&c=20&v=1&t=NIV#top" target="_blank">Numbers 20</a>).<br />
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God will always provide freedom and a way out. Open the door! Jesus awaits - - most likely with his ear against the door listening for your knock. And just imagine - you don't even need to fiddle with the phillips screwdriver or the french door handle!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-41015018317907744972012-12-28T14:05:00.001-05:002012-12-28T14:05:13.750-05:00They All Have A Name!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This one got to me! I found a tv show called Pitbulls & Parolees on the Animal Channel recently. Because I am into prison ministry and animal rescue, this reality type show has become a regular program in my DVR schedule. It has both aspects of humanity which I am all about. <i>Pitbulls and Parolees</i> is people saving animals, second chances and parolees getting to see what animals suffer "behind bars". The parolees can do something about this sad situation because they are finally free. I love what Tia does for people and animals by giving both a second chance!<br />
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Check it out for yourself <a href="http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/pitbulls-and-parolees">http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/pitbulls-and-parolees</a><br />
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This past weekend I rescued a three pound chiwawa (sp?!) Ha Ha. Just before pulling into my parents home for a two day Christmas celebration, in front of our big Jeep appeared a very tiny dog with a huge (mega huge) rhinestone and aurora borealis encrusted collar. The cute dog was obviously not supposed to be in that road by itself. In horror, before jumping out of the still rolling Jeep I looked up in the sky and there were vultures on the rooftop just beyond this waif.<br />
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I crouched down and in my sweetest voice coaxed the baby into my arms. Honestly, I was sure that this was a Christmas gift sent to me from above! She was calm, comfortable in my arms and ready to be snuck into my parents condo. Alas, my parents would not allow her inside and since she had a few very active fleas on her head, we brought her to the Community Lost and Found where after I drilled the two boys behind the counter to make sure she would make it through the nite somewhere safely inside so we could find her owner - and if not, I could buy more time to convince my husband to take her home to our vet to check for a chip.<br />
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I checked back in before the end of the day and after hanging at the Lost and Found for an hour, suddenly the owner was found. The biggest blessing was that I got to meet Mercedes' mom and dad (I had already named her December!) They had no idea she had gotten out, had a chip but no id tag and promised after Christmas they would get her an id tag for that huge collar with the bling.<br />
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Ah - deep breath I had done my job! It was so fun to bless someone with saving their precious pet. In celebration of Mercedes (December) here is a video with a happy ending.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Save a pet today. </span></b><br />
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<b>A New Year's challenge</b>: Get your indoor kitties collars with id even if you don't think their paw pads will ever hit terra firma, volunteer at your local animal shelter, inquire about donating bedding, food, or a loving temporary or permanent home to a pet - - - even if they aren't willing to wear a rhinestone studded collar or have a fancy name like Mercedes!<br />
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<b>Happy New Year - oh and smiles are mandatory for viewing this one......</b><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1795244868626509756.post-54725550145402090682012-12-13T12:55:00.000-05:002012-12-13T13:14:30.809-05:00Salty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Finally! I am back to my keyboard, allowing the thoughts to fly onto the page. I had been super duper busy since our move in August. Although I had time while I sat in a temporary apartment until our short sale purchase came through, I just did not "feel" like writing. Writer's block? No, not even that, as I had not attempted to write. I just decided to read instead.<br />
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One of the best features of our new home is an in ground pool. I have never owned a pool before. But, in our search for a new home, a pool was the first item on my wish list. I was so specific too. I wanted a saltwater pool, as I did believe the salt would be better for our skin, and easier to maintain.<br />
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Boy was I right on the first count but so very wrong on the second!! We inherited a green pool with dead frogs and an unknown frothy substance on the surface. While our short sale close date kept getting pushed back, the previous owner had shut off the pool pump. As a result, the pool looked and smelled like a toxic waste dump.<br />
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<i>Pinch a Penny</i> up the street offered to analyze the water and help us get the pool back to good health. However, just before taking on the task, my husband met the neighbor and was delighted to know she took care of pools as a part time business. And so, the battle began of shocking the pool, sucking out the debris and balancing the salt levels. No easy task even for a pro. The previous owner did something mysterious which drastically affected the salt levels.<br />
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Three months later, the prognosis is better. We can swim in the pool, but are still draining and adding water because the pool is just still too darn salty. The goal of the perfect number on the pool pump machine eludes us still three months after trying to get to "normal".<br />
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And so, as I always do, I thought of God and His Word and what He would say about saltiness. I Googled 'salty scriptures' and found a great site <a href="http://www.openbible.info/topics/salt">http://www.openbible.info/topics/salt</a> The very first verse got my attention. Matthew 5:13, <span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">“You are the salt of the earth, but
if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is
no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under
people's feet." Yesterday's directive from the pool technician, "You need to drain a foot from the pool again and refill it. There is still too much salt." And my response, "But the salt turns the grass a funny yellow color and I feel bad discoloring the neighbor's front yard." But the pool won out over being neighborly.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">This morning I resignedly hooked up the blue rubber hose to the pool drain, dragged it to the end of the driveway and sighed as I watched the salty albeit clear (sigh) water travel down the road to form a (yes, you got it) salty puddle in my neighbor's driveway. Too much salt. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">God's Word speaks of having much salt as a good trait and lacking salt problematic. Salt was and still is used as a preservative as well as so much more! I enjoyed watching the above YouTube and learned how to make salty nail art. Great for Christmas and any other glittery event in which I would like to don beautiful nails. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">Fun, yes, but I wanted to know more about what God's Word had to say about salt in regard to my character, my life, and my Christian walk.What type of "balance" of saltiness is "normal" in God's economy? As I pondered this, I allowed myself a bit of a trip back in time...</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">Having enjoyed many icy winters in New Jersey, I could not forget the big round bucket of salt that my dad would dive into with a shovel just after an icy event. He would scatter the salt on the front porch, stairs and walkway to the car. There was a method to his salting of the ice. He would wait until the sun peeked out just a bit, then those chunky salt pellets would perform magic it seemed. I remember the rug in the hallway would have a new design as the outline of our shoes would drip salty water onto the rug and our shoes would actually "draw" themselves onto the rug.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">Those days, the salt was used for safety. It prevented us from a nasty fall. I also remember gargling with saltwater after getting my wisdom teeth out. Used in this way, the salt prevented disease from making its way into the places where teeth had been. </span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">Today, I don't dare make my hubby pasta without a heavy dose of salt in the water. The pasta would be bland just as potatoes without salt would be - well - blah.</span></span><br />
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<span class="text Matt-5-13"><span class="woj">This guy knows a thing or too about salt - and potatoes in the form of fries....</span></span><br />
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Good, huh? But God impressed upon me as He always does, when I think I am in control, Christina, , "What about the verse after the salt verse???"<br />
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Well, he didn't exactly say <i>that</i>, but led me to Matthew 5:14, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden."<br />
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<i>Yes Lord. Of course. What good is salt if it has lost its flavor? What good is a light if I never turn on the switch? If I never let the glorious glow of my front porch light shine so that others may find me? </i><br />
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If I do not share the light that God has given me to share with others, then I have wasted my saltiness and my life's purpose has no seasoning and I am well - blah - or like a cold french fry. And nobody wants to be a cold fry. It may be salty, but it has lost its appeal. <br />
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My salty experience yesterday with the pool technician had led me into this time today. My pool is drained. I now await the success or failure of the numbers on the pool computer. Too much or too little salt. That is the question. But God's directive to His children (that includes me) in Matthew 5:13&14, one day my pool will be "normal" and I won't have to test its saltiness or lack thereof, for it will be maintained and kept at a "normal" level on its own.<br />
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I now offer a first to all of you. Homework! Yes, I am giving homework to you today. Read all of <a href="http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Mat&c=5&v=13&t=NIV#13">Matthew 5</a>. And if you rolled your eyes and said no and decided to contact Preposterous above for some free fries, I won't judge you. I will take your disregard for homework with a grain of salt - or possibly go for a lap in my saltwater pool! No worries. Life is full of good choices!! <br />
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