The House That Built Me~Miranda Lambert
This song is a beautiful remembrance of how we can lose ourselves once we leave home (or perhaps, church/God).
I know they say you can’t go home again
I just had to come back one last time
Ma’am I know you don’t know me from Adam
But these handprints on the front steps are mine
There's always a comfort when we come back home after being gone so long. The world can be hard on us but our memories of childhood - and the love of God - always warms our souls when we decide to return "home".
Up those stairs in that little back bedroom
Is where I did my homework and I learned to play guitar
I bet you didn’t know under that live oak
My favorite dog is buried in the yard
And, the funny thing is, no matter how long we are gone, when we return, it's like we we're never gone...
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
We want so much to find that protection we had once before...
Mama cut out pictures of houses for years
From Better Homes and Gardens magazine
Plans were drawn and concrete poured
Nail by nail and board by board
Daddy gave life to mama’s dream
We want to find the completeness we once had.
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I could walk around in I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
Sometimes we get lost during our adventures...
You leave home and you move on and you do the best you can
I got lost in this old world and forgot who I am
We just want to find ourselves again...
I thought if I could touch this place or feel it
This brokenness inside me might start healing
Out here it’s like I’m someone else
I thought that maybe I could find myself
If I walk around I swear I’ll leave
Won’t take nothing but a memory
From the house that built me
But with God's love - We never have to leave again...
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Things That Make You Go - Hmmm...
It's tiring trying to be something we're not.
God made us, and that makes us SPECIAL!
I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers. – Voltaire
I keep six honest serving-men,
They taught me all I knew;
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
- Rudyard Kipling
We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. – Albert Einstein
Be curious always! For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it. – Sudie Back
Sometimes questions are more important than answers. – Nancy Willard
Photos - www.google.com
God made us, and that makes us SPECIAL!
I think, at a child’s birth, if a mother could ask a fairy godmother to endow it with the most useful gift, that gift should be curiosity. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers. – Voltaire
I keep six honest serving-men,
They taught me all I knew;
Their names are What and Why and When
And How and Where and Who.
- Rudyard Kipling
We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them. – Albert Einstein
Be curious always! For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it. – Sudie Back
Sometimes questions are more important than answers. – Nancy Willard
Photos - www.google.com
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Teamwork...
Kids amaze me! My granddaughter is currently playing basketball through the YMCA, and half the time we're there, she seems to really love playing - the other half she acts like we are punishing her by making her play... lol. Today for instance, she didn't want to participant in the required practice before the game... which is not a problem - she's only three and they are pretty lax on the rules. But, when the game started and she wasn't scheduled to play in the 1st quarter, she came and sat next to me... head in her lap, pouting for all to hear about the unfairness of it all.
During the second quarter, she ran out on the court and played her little heart out! Now, since she plays through the YMCA, each child is promised that they will play at least two quarters per game. So the third quarter came up, and the coach - my husband, her peppaw - called her out on the court to play. She said she was too tired! Anyway, after some coaxing, she did go out to play. But when the kids made it to our end of the court, she kept on running up into the bleachers by me to get some pretzels. I guess she figured that she could quit anytime she wanted for a snack. They had to call another child out on the court to finish the quarter!
It all made me realize this: The adults (me) may take all this a little more seriously than the kids. I was so excited when I signed her up for basketball. Of course, in my mind, I'm thinking that she'll be another Angel McCoughtry. In reality, she may not even want to play basketball next year. All in all, though, I think it's been good for her to play a team sport at 3 years old. And, of course, there's always soccer! LOL
Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them should fall, the other one can raise his partner up. But how will it be with just the one who falls when there is not another to raise him up? - Ecclesiastes 4:9,10
Photo - www.angelmccoughtry.com/
Friday, January 28, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Can I Sit Here?
State of the Union Bipartisan Seating Made a Difference
By Susan Milligan
Posted: January 26, 2011
"It was a show. A charade, arguably. A public relations ploy that was all about trying to look bipartisan in the wake of the Tucson tragedy, without the true substance of cross-party cooperation behind it.
And I still loved it."
For an hour last night, Republicans and Democrats, Senators and House Representatives, came together in unity in an attempt to "rekindle the common spark that brought them together from 50 different states and widely diverging backgrounds to serve the public good."* Maybe it was just a show (as Susan Milligan suggest)... maybe it won't even be repeated in the future... and yes, it probably was just done as a result of the assassination attempt on AZ Rep. Gabrielle Gifford from several week ago. But, hopefully it was a start to a different way of thinking.
Regardless of your race, color, gender, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status...
Regardless of your views on immigration, national health care, or any other political "hot" topics...
Regardless of your economic status, who your friends are, or which if the 50 states you live in...
Regardless... You have been given the RIGHT to vote (and your opinions), but remember that everyone else has been given that right, too.
If we are to ever hope for respect of our views and opinions, we MUST offer that same right to others. There will always be others that do not agree with us - just as we will not always agree with everyone else. That's the beauty in life! But, we all CAN live in peace.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders..." Sometimes I feel this verse is speaking directly to me - lol.
*Excerpt from Letter to Congressional Leadership Regarding Bipartisan Seating at the State of the Union Address
By Susan Milligan
Posted: January 26, 2011
"It was a show. A charade, arguably. A public relations ploy that was all about trying to look bipartisan in the wake of the Tucson tragedy, without the true substance of cross-party cooperation behind it.
And I still loved it."
For an hour last night, Republicans and Democrats, Senators and House Representatives, came together in unity in an attempt to "rekindle the common spark that brought them together from 50 different states and widely diverging backgrounds to serve the public good."* Maybe it was just a show (as Susan Milligan suggest)... maybe it won't even be repeated in the future... and yes, it probably was just done as a result of the assassination attempt on AZ Rep. Gabrielle Gifford from several week ago. But, hopefully it was a start to a different way of thinking.
Regardless of your race, color, gender, national origin, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status...
Regardless of your views on immigration, national health care, or any other political "hot" topics...
Regardless of your economic status, who your friends are, or which if the 50 states you live in...
Regardless... You have been given the RIGHT to vote (and your opinions), but remember that everyone else has been given that right, too.
If we are to ever hope for respect of our views and opinions, we MUST offer that same right to others. There will always be others that do not agree with us - just as we will not always agree with everyone else. That's the beauty in life! But, we all CAN live in peace.
1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 "...and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders..." Sometimes I feel this verse is speaking directly to me - lol.
*Excerpt from Letter to Congressional Leadership Regarding Bipartisan Seating at the State of the Union Address
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Little Sponges...
My granddaughter told me today that Lincoln is on the five dollar bill. "He got shot in the head when he was watching a show." "John Wilkes Booth shot him." "Lincoln was nice but John Wilkes Booth isn't nice." She also told me - "Moses told Pharaoh to 'Let my people go', but Pharaoh didn't, so God had to kill his son." "And then, Moses closed up the ocean on Pharaoh's helpers." My granddaughter will be 4 years old next month.
I think we assume too much when it comes to children... we assume that they won't understand certain things, so we don't try to explain it to them. We think that the only television shows that will interest them is "Dora the Explorer." We believe that 3 years old is too young to teach them a different language. When the truth is - these guys are little sponges!
And you know what? Just because we grow older and aren't required to attend school anymore doesn't mean we shouldn't. Our community offers various adult classes at the Extension Office. Imagine the message we send to our children and grandchildren when we chose to continue to learn.
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
I think we assume too much when it comes to children... we assume that they won't understand certain things, so we don't try to explain it to them. We think that the only television shows that will interest them is "Dora the Explorer." We believe that 3 years old is too young to teach them a different language. When the truth is - these guys are little sponges!
And you know what? Just because we grow older and aren't required to attend school anymore doesn't mean we shouldn't. Our community offers various adult classes at the Extension Office. Imagine the message we send to our children and grandchildren when we chose to continue to learn.
Luke 2:40
And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.
Monday, January 24, 2011
CLEANING HOUSE 2011
Last Week I threw out worrying,
it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things God's way.
I threw out a book on MY PAST
(Didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.
I threw out hate and bad memories,
(Remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too,
threw out the one from long ago.
Brought in some new books too,
called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, you should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
I hadn't talked to in a while.
His name is GOD the Father,
and I really like His style.
He helped me to do some cleaning,
and added some things Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,
Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.
I picked up this special thing,
and placed it at the front door..
I FOUND IT- it's called PEACE..
Nothing gets me down anymore.
Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble,
there just isn't any space.
It's good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter;
Maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF..
Author Unknown
Photos - www.photobucket.com
it was getting old and in the way.
It kept me from being me;
I couldn't do things God's way.
I threw out a book on MY PAST
(Didn't have time to read it anyway).
Replaced it with NEW GOALS, started reading it today.
I threw out hate and bad memories,
(Remember how I treasured them so)?
Got me a NEW PHILOSOPHY too,
threw out the one from long ago.
Brought in some new books too,
called I CAN, I WILL, and I MUST.
Threw out I might, I think and I ought.
WOW, you should've seen the dust.
I ran across an OLD FRIEND,
I hadn't talked to in a while.
His name is GOD the Father,
and I really like His style.
He helped me to do some cleaning,
and added some things Himself.
Like PRAYER, HOPE, FAITH and LOVE,
Yes... I placed them right on the shelf.
I picked up this special thing,
and placed it at the front door..
I FOUND IT- it's called PEACE..
Nothing gets me down anymore.
Yes, I've got my house looking nice.
Looks good around the place.
For things like Worry and Trouble,
there just isn't any space.
It's good to do a little house cleaning,
Get rid of the things on the shelf.
It sure makes things brighter;
Maybe you should TRY IT YOURSELF..
Author Unknown
Photos - www.photobucket.com
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Hypothetical Questions
Have you ever had a sermon preached at your church that has touched your very soul? Hopefully you can answer that question with a resounding - YES! Well, today was one of those sermons for me.
This morning our pastor asked a question during the message: "What would the world be like if the New Testament had never been written?" Was the question hypothetical? Perhaps it was. Either way, it served as a wonderful lead in for a brilliant lesson. But, I felt it was more than that.
I believe some ministers make a conscience choice to allow the Holy Spirit to work through them when they prepare their sermon. By doing so, they can make a difference in each of OUR lives at different moments. Maybe today was one of my moments, because I haven't been able to get his sermon out of my mind all day.
What would my life be like if the New Testament had never been written? I would be filled with helplessness and despair, because I wouldn't know the peace and understanding that Jesus and His death afforded me. What do I think the world would be like? I shudder to even think about it.
But, here's the problem. It doesn't matter if the New Testament was ever written or not if we don't share it with the next generation, does it? Go ahead, you can answer... It's not a hypothetical question.
This morning our pastor asked a question during the message: "What would the world be like if the New Testament had never been written?" Was the question hypothetical? Perhaps it was. Either way, it served as a wonderful lead in for a brilliant lesson. But, I felt it was more than that.
I believe some ministers make a conscience choice to allow the Holy Spirit to work through them when they prepare their sermon. By doing so, they can make a difference in each of OUR lives at different moments. Maybe today was one of my moments, because I haven't been able to get his sermon out of my mind all day.
What would my life be like if the New Testament had never been written? I would be filled with helplessness and despair, because I wouldn't know the peace and understanding that Jesus and His death afforded me. What do I think the world would be like? I shudder to even think about it.
But, here's the problem. It doesn't matter if the New Testament was ever written or not if we don't share it with the next generation, does it? Go ahead, you can answer... It's not a hypothetical question.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Contentment...
Why is it so hard to be content? Could be because it's so easy to take the things in life that worry us and carry them around all the time. But, when we do that, the burdens they create diverts our attention away from the good things that come our way that could make us happy and less stressed.
For instance, I'm a big pray-er... BUT, unfortunately, a lot of times, once I'm done asking God to "fix" something, I'll pick it right back up and worry about it for days... I wonder: "Did God understand HOW I wanted Him to fix it?" "Did He understand that I wanted it fixed before this weekend?" I think to myself: "He knows how important this is to me, right?"
When we pray like that, we are NOT turning anything over to God - no wonder we can't find contentment. There are no guarantees that our prayers are ever going to be answered the way we hope for... when we pray, we should always ask that GOD'S WILL be done... not ours! And then we need to be willing to accept the outcome without "excessive" worrying.
These things aren't easy... after all, we're human - but hopefully they'll help us find contentment.
"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."~Philippians 4:4-9 (The Message)
For instance, I'm a big pray-er... BUT, unfortunately, a lot of times, once I'm done asking God to "fix" something, I'll pick it right back up and worry about it for days... I wonder: "Did God understand HOW I wanted Him to fix it?" "Did He understand that I wanted it fixed before this weekend?" I think to myself: "He knows how important this is to me, right?"
When we pray like that, we are NOT turning anything over to God - no wonder we can't find contentment. There are no guarantees that our prayers are ever going to be answered the way we hope for... when we pray, we should always ask that GOD'S WILL be done... not ours! And then we need to be willing to accept the outcome without "excessive" worrying.
These things aren't easy... after all, we're human - but hopefully they'll help us find contentment.
"Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!
Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.
Summing it all up, friends, I'd say you'll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies."~Philippians 4:4-9 (The Message)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Be Yourself
by Ellen Bailey
Why would you want to be someone else
When you could be better by being yourself
Why pretend to be someone you are not
When you have something they haven't got
Cheating yourself of the life you have to live
Deprives others of that only which you can give
You have much more to offer by being just you
Than walking around in someone else's shoes
Trying to live the life of another is a mistake
It is a masquerade; nothing more than a fake
Be yourself and let your qualities show through
Others will love you more for being just you
Remember that God loves you just as you are
To Him you are already a bright shining star
Family and friends will love you more too
If you spent time practicing just being you
Photo-http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/phrase/4152/cartoon-girl.html
Why would you want to be someone else
When you could be better by being yourself
Why pretend to be someone you are not
When you have something they haven't got
Cheating yourself of the life you have to live
Deprives others of that only which you can give
You have much more to offer by being just you
Than walking around in someone else's shoes
Trying to live the life of another is a mistake
It is a masquerade; nothing more than a fake
Be yourself and let your qualities show through
Others will love you more for being just you
Remember that God loves you just as you are
To Him you are already a bright shining star
Family and friends will love you more too
If you spent time practicing just being you
Photo-http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/phrase/4152/cartoon-girl.html
Thursday, January 20, 2011
God's Love...
PARENTAL DISCRETION ADVISED
I saw the following article today:
COVINGTON, Ky.--Covington Police say a Northern Kentucky mother passed out and woke up to find her baby severely burned. The 9-month old baby died of her injuries.
Police say 26-year old Megin Gray admitted to drinking alcohol and taking prescription pills before going to bed Monday night. Police believe she passed out. Police say Gray and her 9-month old daughter were sleeping on two mattresses on the floor. They think the baby rolled off a mattress onto a baseboard heater. Gray told police she found the baby around 11am Tuesday morning. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Gray is behind bars in Kenton County, charged with second-degree criminal abuse. The investigation continues and the charge could be upgraded.
I have worked on the Citizen Foster Care Review Board and the Interested Party Review Board for the Foster Care system in my community for the last 4 years. I wish I could say that stories like the above are very rare, but unfortunately they're not. Many children suffer at the hands of their parents - physically, emotionally, and sexually.
What do we read about God's love for us in the Bible?
"Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you."~Jeremiah 1:5
"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries."~Matthew 10:29-31
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every child on earth felt that same love from their biological parents? Please take a moment today and pray for neglected and abused children.
I saw the following article today:
COVINGTON, Ky.--Covington Police say a Northern Kentucky mother passed out and woke up to find her baby severely burned. The 9-month old baby died of her injuries.
Police say 26-year old Megin Gray admitted to drinking alcohol and taking prescription pills before going to bed Monday night. Police believe she passed out. Police say Gray and her 9-month old daughter were sleeping on two mattresses on the floor. They think the baby rolled off a mattress onto a baseboard heater. Gray told police she found the baby around 11am Tuesday morning. The baby was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Gray is behind bars in Kenton County, charged with second-degree criminal abuse. The investigation continues and the charge could be upgraded.
I have worked on the Citizen Foster Care Review Board and the Interested Party Review Board for the Foster Care system in my community for the last 4 years. I wish I could say that stories like the above are very rare, but unfortunately they're not. Many children suffer at the hands of their parents - physically, emotionally, and sexually.
What do we read about God's love for us in the Bible?
"Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you."~Jeremiah 1:5
"What's the price of a pet canary? Some loose change, right? And God cares what happens to it even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail—even numbering the hairs on your head! So don't be intimidated by all this bully talk. You're worth more than a million canaries."~Matthew 10:29-31
Wouldn't it be wonderful if every child on earth felt that same love from their biological parents? Please take a moment today and pray for neglected and abused children.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
So READY for Spring...
According to the forecast for tonight, my neck of the world is supposed to get 4-6 inches of snow tonight... I'm so ready for Spring! I don't like cold weather. I don't like the fact that I haven't seen the sun in weeks (or months). I don't like that there isn't a leaf in sight. Urgg!
My granddaughter told me yesterday that she doesn't like the brown trees. She said she likes the green trees "better". I explained to her that the leaves would be back on the trees in the Spring... along with flowers and caterpillars and butterflies. (We've been studying how caterpillars turn into butterflies lately, so she was really interested in our conversation.)
My husband LOVES this time of year. He loves rainy days, too! He's fine without sun shiny days. Not me. It's funny the unique way God made the world... so extraordinary - rain, sunshine, cold, hot, oceans, deserts - and yet, He made it so each of us enjoy the differences differently.
Genesis 1 - CREATION-The Beginning "And God saw that it was good."
My granddaughter told me yesterday that she doesn't like the brown trees. She said she likes the green trees "better". I explained to her that the leaves would be back on the trees in the Spring... along with flowers and caterpillars and butterflies. (We've been studying how caterpillars turn into butterflies lately, so she was really interested in our conversation.)
My husband LOVES this time of year. He loves rainy days, too! He's fine without sun shiny days. Not me. It's funny the unique way God made the world... so extraordinary - rain, sunshine, cold, hot, oceans, deserts - and yet, He made it so each of us enjoy the differences differently.
Genesis 1 - CREATION-The Beginning "And God saw that it was good."
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Silversmith
Malachi 3:3 says: 'He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
(Author Unknown)
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining Silver. As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: ' He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.'
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed. The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, 'How do you know when the silver is fully refined?' He smiled at her and answered, ' Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it.'
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
(Author Unknown)
Monday, January 17, 2011
The Right Thing...
"It's always the right time to do the right thing" -MLK Jr.
About a week before Christmas I received a phone call from Joyce Oglesby. Joyce Oglesby is a minister's wife of more than 36 years, mother, grandmother, successful entrepreneur, and devoted church leader. She also is the host of Just Ask Joyce, a radio show that I listen to - and sometimes call in to - on a local station.
Anyway, about 4 or 5 months ago, I called the show to discuss my experiences with "Depression & Dependence on God"... a great conversation. When I was finished, the producer asked for my phone number and said he would call me back and give me directions to come pick up a gift for being on the show. Well, long story short, I forgot about the the entire incident... until the phone call from Joyce.
Joyce called and informed me that she had a Barbie's Thumbelina movie for me at her office that had been there for a while and she wanted to make sure that I got it. When she found out that I had a granddaughter - and with Christmas just a week away - she even mailed the movie to me instead of making me come and get it. I had forgotten about the whole thing. Joyce could have kept the movie and "recycled" it for someone else, but she did the right thing.
Many times in my life, my granddaughter will ask for something and I will tell her - "We'll do it after supper." or "We'll play after your bath." - and we do it even if she forgets about it! Why? Because I want to show her that people need to do what they say they are going to do... promises need to be keep - Even when no one expects it.
Thanks Joyce for doing the right thing!
About a week before Christmas I received a phone call from Joyce Oglesby. Joyce Oglesby is a minister's wife of more than 36 years, mother, grandmother, successful entrepreneur, and devoted church leader. She also is the host of Just Ask Joyce, a radio show that I listen to - and sometimes call in to - on a local station.
Anyway, about 4 or 5 months ago, I called the show to discuss my experiences with "Depression & Dependence on God"... a great conversation. When I was finished, the producer asked for my phone number and said he would call me back and give me directions to come pick up a gift for being on the show. Well, long story short, I forgot about the the entire incident... until the phone call from Joyce.
Joyce called and informed me that she had a Barbie's Thumbelina movie for me at her office that had been there for a while and she wanted to make sure that I got it. When she found out that I had a granddaughter - and with Christmas just a week away - she even mailed the movie to me instead of making me come and get it. I had forgotten about the whole thing. Joyce could have kept the movie and "recycled" it for someone else, but she did the right thing.
Many times in my life, my granddaughter will ask for something and I will tell her - "We'll do it after supper." or "We'll play after your bath." - and we do it even if she forgets about it! Why? Because I want to show her that people need to do what they say they are going to do... promises need to be keep - Even when no one expects it.
Thanks Joyce for doing the right thing!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Danny and the Dinosaur...
When I was a young girl, one of my favorite books was Danny and the Dinosaur. I loved the things that Danny did with the dinosaur he met at the museum. So, when I recently saw a copy of this book at a second hand store, I grabbed it right away and put it in my cart. I couldn't wait for the chance to read it to my granddaughter. She'll be four next month and her imagination is so cute right now. Anyway, tonight was the night for the big reveal!
After supper, I gave the kids a bath and we settled down in the bed... me in the middle. I pulled out Danny and the Dinosaur, and my granddaughter said, "Let's read The Cat in the Hat first!" Okay, so I was a little disappointed, but I was still excited.
We read her book, and after wards I got Danny ready, and we all settled in on the pillows again. I hadn't made it past page two before my granddaughter started reading The Cat in the Hat to herself and her brother started saying "Nana, Nana, Nana, Nana" over and over... and then he turned sideways in the bed and began kicking the wall. (He'll be two next month.)
Anyway, once I got them calmed down, I tried to start AGAIN... I made through one more page before the kids started the "Nana, he's touching me!" thing. So, I just laid there and read the rest of the book to myself. It was everything I remembered.
I so wanted the kids to love Danny and the Dinosaur as much as I did when I was young. But, they could care less right now. I'm sure when they grow up, they will probably feel the same way about Dora the Explorer... or the first book they are able to read on their own as I do about Danny. (I would love to introduce her to Shirley Temple, too!)
But, the memories of our past can't be our kid's or grand-kid's memories, and our dreams can't be their dreams either. We can only be there for our loved ones and help nurture them... encourage them and protect them. That's what makes memories for everyone.
After supper, I gave the kids a bath and we settled down in the bed... me in the middle. I pulled out Danny and the Dinosaur, and my granddaughter said, "Let's read The Cat in the Hat first!" Okay, so I was a little disappointed, but I was still excited.
We read her book, and after wards I got Danny ready, and we all settled in on the pillows again. I hadn't made it past page two before my granddaughter started reading The Cat in the Hat to herself and her brother started saying "Nana, Nana, Nana, Nana" over and over... and then he turned sideways in the bed and began kicking the wall. (He'll be two next month.)
Anyway, once I got them calmed down, I tried to start AGAIN... I made through one more page before the kids started the "Nana, he's touching me!" thing. So, I just laid there and read the rest of the book to myself. It was everything I remembered.
I so wanted the kids to love Danny and the Dinosaur as much as I did when I was young. But, they could care less right now. I'm sure when they grow up, they will probably feel the same way about Dora the Explorer... or the first book they are able to read on their own as I do about Danny. (I would love to introduce her to Shirley Temple, too!)
But, the memories of our past can't be our kid's or grand-kid's memories, and our dreams can't be their dreams either. We can only be there for our loved ones and help nurture them... encourage them and protect them. That's what makes memories for everyone.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
I Let It Go...
"Hanging Onto Resentment Is Like Letting Someone That Hurt You Live "Rent-free" In Your Head."
I recently had someone really hurt my feelings. As a result, in my frustration, I "snapped" at them. Now,I could have held a grudge at that person, never spoke to the them again, or just ignored the entire situation. But, that wouldn't have made me feel any better. In fact, in the long run, I would have felt much worse. So, I apologized for my actions in hopes that our relationship would get back to where it was before the incident.
I know, deep in my heart, that this person didn't intend to hurt me. And, even if they did, how can I ask God for forgiveness of my transgressions every night if I'm not willing to forgive? Where's the sense in that? I believe that I am only worthy of what I am willing to offer "my neighbors" in this lifetime. Thank GOD, we were able to let it go, and things are fine with us now.
I love the following parable...
Matthew 18:23-35
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
I recently had someone really hurt my feelings. As a result, in my frustration, I "snapped" at them. Now,I could have held a grudge at that person, never spoke to the them again, or just ignored the entire situation. But, that wouldn't have made me feel any better. In fact, in the long run, I would have felt much worse. So, I apologized for my actions in hopes that our relationship would get back to where it was before the incident.
I know, deep in my heart, that this person didn't intend to hurt me. And, even if they did, how can I ask God for forgiveness of my transgressions every night if I'm not willing to forgive? Where's the sense in that? I believe that I am only worthy of what I am willing to offer "my neighbors" in this lifetime. Thank GOD, we were able to let it go, and things are fine with us now.
I love the following parable...
Matthew 18:23-35
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.
“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Friday, January 14, 2011
Thought for the Day
Proverbs 3:3-6
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Photo - Photobucket.com
Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.
Photo - Photobucket.com
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Strength
My niece is 21 years old. She was attacked by her "best friend" two nights ago. Dogs are supposed to be our protectors... our friends... our companions. Two nights ago, my niece's protector brutally, without any hint of provocation, attacked her. As a result, she had to undergo extensive plastic surgery on her mouth and ear, and had stitches put into her arm and hand. She also incurred injuries on her chest and one of her breasts.
The remarkable thing is this: My husband and I went to see her in the hospital this morning, and she wasn't feeling sorry for herself or screaming about how horrible her dog was for doing this to her - she was very calm and showed remarkable strength... strength far beyond her years! She showed us that she was going to be okay.
Life sometimes hands us terrible blows. We have things happen to us that we don't deserve - things we didn't do anything to provoke. The question is: How do we handle them? Do we show the strength and grace that my niece has shown in her situation, or do we shout to the world, "What did I do to deserve this?"
2 Timothy 4:17
"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..."
The remarkable thing is this: My husband and I went to see her in the hospital this morning, and she wasn't feeling sorry for herself or screaming about how horrible her dog was for doing this to her - she was very calm and showed remarkable strength... strength far beyond her years! She showed us that she was going to be okay.
Life sometimes hands us terrible blows. We have things happen to us that we don't deserve - things we didn't do anything to provoke. The question is: How do we handle them? Do we show the strength and grace that my niece has shown in her situation, or do we shout to the world, "What did I do to deserve this?"
2 Timothy 4:17
"But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength..."
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
We all are Free
FREE
Lyrics by Ginny Owens*
Verse 1
Turnin' molehills into mountains
Makin' big deals out of small ones
Bearing gifts as if they're burdens
This is how it's been
Afraid of coming out of my shell
Too many things I can't do too well
Afraid I'll try real hard
And I'll fail
This is how it's been
Till the day You pounded on my heart's door
And You shouted joyfully
You're not a slave anymore!
CHORUS:
You're free to dance
Forget about your two left feet
And you're free to sing
Even joyful noise is music to Me
You're free to love
'Cause I've given you My love
And it's made you free
I have set you free!
It doesn't matter what we think we can do... it matters what we think God can do through us!
Let God set you FREE.
*Virginia Leigh Owens (born April 22, 1975) is a Contemporary Christian music singer/songwriter. "Ginny" Owens was born in Jackson, Mississippi, with poor eyesight and has been blind since the age of two. She earned her bachelor of music education in 1997 from Belmont University, but found that most people were skeptical about hiring a blind music teacher. She entered the music business by writing songs for Michael Puryear's Final Four Publishing, which led to a number of labels competing for her, before she chose Rocketown Records, a label under Michael W Smith. Owens won the Nashville "Lilith Fair '99 Talent Search", which earned her a spot singing at that year's festival, and the following year performed at the Sundance Film Festival.
Lyrics by Ginny Owens*
Verse 1
Turnin' molehills into mountains
Makin' big deals out of small ones
Bearing gifts as if they're burdens
This is how it's been
Afraid of coming out of my shell
Too many things I can't do too well
Afraid I'll try real hard
And I'll fail
This is how it's been
Till the day You pounded on my heart's door
And You shouted joyfully
You're not a slave anymore!
CHORUS:
You're free to dance
Forget about your two left feet
And you're free to sing
Even joyful noise is music to Me
You're free to love
'Cause I've given you My love
And it's made you free
I have set you free!
It doesn't matter what we think we can do... it matters what we think God can do through us!
Let God set you FREE.
*Virginia Leigh Owens (born April 22, 1975) is a Contemporary Christian music singer/songwriter. "Ginny" Owens was born in Jackson, Mississippi, with poor eyesight and has been blind since the age of two. She earned her bachelor of music education in 1997 from Belmont University, but found that most people were skeptical about hiring a blind music teacher. She entered the music business by writing songs for Michael Puryear's Final Four Publishing, which led to a number of labels competing for her, before she chose Rocketown Records, a label under Michael W Smith. Owens won the Nashville "Lilith Fair '99 Talent Search", which earned her a spot singing at that year's festival, and the following year performed at the Sundance Film Festival.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thought for the Day - Compassion
" Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive."
Dalai Lama
It's easy to have compassion for our children...
Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
It's easy to have compassion for our friends...
Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Let's spread that same compassion to the world.
Dalai Lama
It's easy to have compassion for our children...
Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of another coupled with the wish to relieve it.
It's easy to have compassion for our friends...
Matthew 9:35 Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.
Let's spread that same compassion to the world.
Monday, January 10, 2011
The Time of the Season...
As I've told you before, I am BiPolar. Today has been very hard for me... I didn't even get out of my pajamas until 5:30pm. I only did that then because I had a church board meeting at 7:00pm. I've been crying since I left the meeting - can't seem to stop. This is my disease.
Winter is extremely hard for me, but I think some of the problem today is the world's reaction to the shooting in Arizona on Saturday. (Please believe that my heart goes out to the families of all the victims in this tragedy!) So many people - on the television, in church yesterday, on the internet - have been talking about the young man that has been charged with shooting and killing all those innocent people... talking about how HE must been mentally ill. Heck, I even wrote about it yesterday in my Blog.
But, the thing is, a lot of people assume that just because you suffer from a mental illness that you are capable of doing what Jared Lee Loughner allegedly did in Arizona? But if Jared Loughner is mentally ill, he needs professional help and prayers- just like I wrote about yesterday. And, of course, all those other families that are affected by what happened Saturday are going to need prayers and support, too. This is a very complicated situation.
And then, of course, you've got the hate preacher, Fred Phelps, from Westboro Baptist Church, who claims his church is praying for more shooters. Phelps claims that God was punishing Arizona for laws against the Westboro Baptist Church and that God is sitting in the heavens "laughing at them in their affliction." So, are people going to claim that Phelps is mentally ill (or just mean)?
I've written so many times about the stigma regarding mental illness... I guess now we all know why. People are afraid to tell other people about their depression because of what others will think of them. I don't even have a "follower's tab" on this site because of that fact... I want my readers to have privacy.
Please help remove the stigma...
***Please review the statistic about mental illness on the right-side bar of this Blog site***
Winter is extremely hard for me, but I think some of the problem today is the world's reaction to the shooting in Arizona on Saturday. (Please believe that my heart goes out to the families of all the victims in this tragedy!) So many people - on the television, in church yesterday, on the internet - have been talking about the young man that has been charged with shooting and killing all those innocent people... talking about how HE must been mentally ill. Heck, I even wrote about it yesterday in my Blog.
But, the thing is, a lot of people assume that just because you suffer from a mental illness that you are capable of doing what Jared Lee Loughner allegedly did in Arizona? But if Jared Loughner is mentally ill, he needs professional help and prayers- just like I wrote about yesterday. And, of course, all those other families that are affected by what happened Saturday are going to need prayers and support, too. This is a very complicated situation.
And then, of course, you've got the hate preacher, Fred Phelps, from Westboro Baptist Church, who claims his church is praying for more shooters. Phelps claims that God was punishing Arizona for laws against the Westboro Baptist Church and that God is sitting in the heavens "laughing at them in their affliction." So, are people going to claim that Phelps is mentally ill (or just mean)?
I've written so many times about the stigma regarding mental illness... I guess now we all know why. People are afraid to tell other people about their depression because of what others will think of them. I don't even have a "follower's tab" on this site because of that fact... I want my readers to have privacy.
Please help remove the stigma...
***Please review the statistic about mental illness on the right-side bar of this Blog site***
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Prayers...
"The closest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor."
I'm sure that you've all heard about the tragedy that happened in Tuscan, Arizona on Saturday. If not, approximately 10:00am on Saturday morning, a young man opened fire on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and then pointed his automatic weapon into the crowd that had gathered to meet with the Congresswoman. Once everything was said and done, six people were dead and 13 were injured.
The alleged gunman, 22-year-old Jared Loughner, is currently in the custody of the Pima County Sheriff's Office. There are even rumors that there may have been someone working with this young man. Whatever the case, Jared left a note for his friends asking them to please not be mad at him, and he had posted on his MY SPACE page anti government rantings... Apparent proof according to some reporters that he suffers from mental illness.
It's just my opinion - and only my opinion - that anytime somebody is able to create such terror in a community, without any remorse, that they must have something wrong with their thinking process or with their heart. I can't imagine doing something like that... I can't imagine anyone I know - anyone in their "right" mind - doing anything like that.
AND I wonder about this: In addition to the families of the victims that are hurting and praying for their loved ones - what about the friends and family of the shooter? What about the pain that his mother, his friends, etc. are feeling? Let's not forget them either. When we pray for the victims, let's pray for everyone that is suffering because of this horrible tragedy.
I'm sure that you've all heard about the tragedy that happened in Tuscan, Arizona on Saturday. If not, approximately 10:00am on Saturday morning, a young man opened fire on Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, and then pointed his automatic weapon into the crowd that had gathered to meet with the Congresswoman. Once everything was said and done, six people were dead and 13 were injured.
The alleged gunman, 22-year-old Jared Loughner, is currently in the custody of the Pima County Sheriff's Office. There are even rumors that there may have been someone working with this young man. Whatever the case, Jared left a note for his friends asking them to please not be mad at him, and he had posted on his MY SPACE page anti government rantings... Apparent proof according to some reporters that he suffers from mental illness.
It's just my opinion - and only my opinion - that anytime somebody is able to create such terror in a community, without any remorse, that they must have something wrong with their thinking process or with their heart. I can't imagine doing something like that... I can't imagine anyone I know - anyone in their "right" mind - doing anything like that.
AND I wonder about this: In addition to the families of the victims that are hurting and praying for their loved ones - what about the friends and family of the shooter? What about the pain that his mother, his friends, etc. are feeling? Let's not forget them either. When we pray for the victims, let's pray for everyone that is suffering because of this horrible tragedy.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Epiphany
Well, we took our Christmas tree down today. Even though Epiphany* was Jan 6th, it was kinda sad to see the tree go. My granddaughter was even upset... she asked us to keep it up, "It's so beautiful!", she said.
Christmas was such a time of excitement - a time to let go of worries that we carry around - and focus on the events of the season. It even tends to be a time of reflection upon our childhoods... what Christmas meant to us when we were young and how we experienced the joys of Santa and the anticipation of opening new toys, etc.
Unfortunately, once the tree comes down, life goes back to being "normal"... not that normal isn't good - but it kinda feels like a let-down. How can we carry the excitement of Christmas all year round? It really all depends of what Christmas really meant in the first place.
Christmas is the celebration of Jesus' birth. What a spectacular event! If we continue to carry that moment around with us, long after Christmas has come and gone - our "normal" can be extraordinary! With Jesus in our hearts, we don't have to wait for Christmas (or Easter) to celebrate Him. We can celebrate Him everyday.
* Epiphany is the climax of the Advent/Christmas Season and the Twelve Days of Christmas, which are usually counted from the evening of December 25th until the morning of January 6th, which is the Twelfth Day - Commemorating the manifestation of Christ to the gentiles in the persons of the Magi.
Photo - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Journey_of_the_Magi.jpg
Friday, January 7, 2011
The Beauty of Mathematics...
We all strive to live life to the fullest… to get 100% out of our experience here on earth. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to get even more than that? Would it even be possible to get more than 100%?
Let’s see. If we assign points to each letter of the alphabet as follows:
A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4 E-5 F-6 G-7 H-8 I-9 J-10 K-11 L-12 M-13 N-14 O-15 P-16 Q-17 R-18 S-19 T-20 U-21 V-22 W-23 X-24 Y-25 Z-26
How much satisfaction can we achieve from our hard work?
H A R D W O R K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11=98% - That’s pretty impressive.
How fulfilled will we become from our knowledge?
K N O W L E D G E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5=96% - That sounds good.
How much does our attitude affect our experience here on earth?
A T T I T U D E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5=100% - Amazing!
But, what is the one thing that can put us over the top? What is the one thing that can make our experience here even more enriching than we can even imagine?
L O V E O F G O D
12+15+22+5+ 15+6+ 7+15+4=101% - When we have the Love of God in our hearts and in our lives, it’s incredible the way you see the world… the way you see yourself. The mathematics are there to prove it!
FYI - Mathematical Calculations taken from YouTube video.
Let’s see. If we assign points to each letter of the alphabet as follows:
A-1 B-2 C-3 D-4 E-5 F-6 G-7 H-8 I-9 J-10 K-11 L-12 M-13 N-14 O-15 P-16 Q-17 R-18 S-19 T-20 U-21 V-22 W-23 X-24 Y-25 Z-26
How much satisfaction can we achieve from our hard work?
H A R D W O R K
8+1+18+4+23+15+18+11=98% - That’s pretty impressive.
How fulfilled will we become from our knowledge?
K N O W L E D G E
11+14+15+23+12+5+4+7+5=96% - That sounds good.
How much does our attitude affect our experience here on earth?
A T T I T U D E
1+20+20+9+20+21+4+5=100% - Amazing!
But, what is the one thing that can put us over the top? What is the one thing that can make our experience here even more enriching than we can even imagine?
L O V E O F G O D
12+15+22+5+ 15+6+ 7+15+4=101% - When we have the Love of God in our hearts and in our lives, it’s incredible the way you see the world… the way you see yourself. The mathematics are there to prove it!
FYI - Mathematical Calculations taken from YouTube video.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Change
God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees and flowers and clouds and stars. ~Martin Luther
Well, I guess you can tell that lately I've been a little stir crazy... I mean, I've changed the theme colors and background of this blog site about three or four times over the last couple of weeks! Winter - the temperature, the lack of sunshine, the snow and ice - it drives me nuts. It makes me want to shake things up a bit. If I can't have color and tranquility externally, I'll bring it into my life wherever I can. Even if it's only on this blog page.
I think that's true with a lot of things in our lives. If something stands in the way of our happiness - we can do something about it... if only a small action. For instance, if mornings are hectic in your house, you could do the following things to start your day off on the right foot: have your coffee maker ready to go, pick out your clothes the night before, make sure you have enough gas in the car for your trip to work, etc.
Now, we need to do things for other people,too, just as they do for us. And, little actions make a huge statement to our loved ones. I occasionally leave "love" notes to my family on the bathroom mirror in lipstick. But, remember, we can't rely on someone else for our happiness, and we need to understand that we're not going to be ecstatic 100% of the time.
Anyway, when we are in a situation that we don't particularly like... say, WINTER - look for the subtle things that can bring us happiness and joy... like, a Snow Crocus.
Well, I guess you can tell that lately I've been a little stir crazy... I mean, I've changed the theme colors and background of this blog site about three or four times over the last couple of weeks! Winter - the temperature, the lack of sunshine, the snow and ice - it drives me nuts. It makes me want to shake things up a bit. If I can't have color and tranquility externally, I'll bring it into my life wherever I can. Even if it's only on this blog page.
I think that's true with a lot of things in our lives. If something stands in the way of our happiness - we can do something about it... if only a small action. For instance, if mornings are hectic in your house, you could do the following things to start your day off on the right foot: have your coffee maker ready to go, pick out your clothes the night before, make sure you have enough gas in the car for your trip to work, etc.
Now, we need to do things for other people,too, just as they do for us. And, little actions make a huge statement to our loved ones. I occasionally leave "love" notes to my family on the bathroom mirror in lipstick. But, remember, we can't rely on someone else for our happiness, and we need to understand that we're not going to be ecstatic 100% of the time.
Anyway, when we are in a situation that we don't particularly like... say, WINTER - look for the subtle things that can bring us happiness and joy... like, a Snow Crocus.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Living in Unity
Psalm 133
1 How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!
I have such fond memories of me and my sister lying on opposite ends of the couch in our living room, our feet heel to heel - toe to toe, pretending we were driving race cars. As I pushed down on my brake, she was forced to let up on her gas. We laughed and laughed... Until we'd had enough! And then, it became, "Moma, she's touching me!" or "Make her stop looking at me!" We were typical kids. We fought like cats and dogs, and then we'd spend hours playing Canasta together.
Today, we are very close. When one of us is hurting, we turn to the other for comfort. And, we sometimes get so silly that we laugh until we get headaches! I know that she is someone that I can always depend on to be there for me. It's great to have a relationship like that.
When David wrote Psalm 133, I think that's the type of relationship he was talking about... a hope or prayer of all people (God's people) to live in peace with one another. I'm sure he meant nations and communities, too. But in order for that to happen on a grand scale, we must start as individuals. What a simple, yet complex idea.
I say let's give it a try.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Fruit...
Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
I never can remember if a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. I always tend to put it in the category of vegetable... evidently that's wrong. Anyway, I thought that was a good lead-in to today's topic:
The Fruits of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these there is no law."
The one "fruit" that I have a hard time with is patience (or long-suffering). I really try. And the more I pray for patience, the more opportunities God gives me to practice patience... lol. I guess you get what you ask for!
The point I'm trying to make is this: we are never going to be perfect - we're human! But, we can strive to be the BEST we're capable of being. How? By reaching for the Fruits of the Spirit every day... trying to fill our lives (and others) with joy, goodness, faithfulness, etc. We may never reach perfection, but I believe we'll lead happier lives.
I never can remember if a tomato is a fruit or a vegetable. I always tend to put it in the category of vegetable... evidently that's wrong. Anyway, I thought that was a good lead-in to today's topic:
The Fruits of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 "But the fruits of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against these there is no law."
The one "fruit" that I have a hard time with is patience (or long-suffering). I really try. And the more I pray for patience, the more opportunities God gives me to practice patience... lol. I guess you get what you ask for!
The point I'm trying to make is this: we are never going to be perfect - we're human! But, we can strive to be the BEST we're capable of being. How? By reaching for the Fruits of the Spirit every day... trying to fill our lives (and others) with joy, goodness, faithfulness, etc. We may never reach perfection, but I believe we'll lead happier lives.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Let’s Gather ‘Round the Fire…
According to Bible commentators & genealogists, it’s speculated that Adam, the first man created by God, didn’t die until Lamech, Noah's father, was 57 years old. Now, that’s still about 125 years before Noah was born – but WOW! Can you imagine being able to sit around a campfire and listen to Adam tell you the first-hand account of how God created woman… of being banned from the Garden of Eden… about the first childbirth… the first murder… what God looked like!
We will never be able to pass along information like that, but what we can do is this: We can share with others the miraculous things God has done in our lives. We can let people know how Jesus has made a difference in our everyday living. We can share our testimony…
I have suffered from depression since I was a teenager… in some part because of what was going on around me in my life, but mostly because of a chemical imbalance. Thankfully, my mother and grandmother made sure we (my sister and I) were exposed to Christ throughout our childhoods – Vacation Bible School at home and with our grandparents during the summers - Sunday school, church and youth group year round. We were taught that regardless what was going on in our lives, Jesus was always with us.
Because of manic-depression (and in part, my rebellious nature), I left the church for several years in my late teens/early adulthood. I did things that I’m not proud of… some of those things I truly believe I had no control over because of my illness. Even after I had returned to church, I didn’t open my heart completely to Jesus. As a result, I ended up on a “psychiatric hold” in a local hospital because I no longer wanted to live. I was in so much physical pain (from degenerative disc disease) and emotional pain, I had given up.
When I finally was ready to become a participant in my recovery – to become active in therapy, to accept medication, and yes… welcome Jesus into my heart – my life turned around. My physical pain was still there, but I knew that I would be okay with God carrying me through. My emotional situation was much improved, because I was able to accept that with my repentance, God’s grace covered all the things I had done that I was so ashamed of… the things that were eating me up inside.
You see, Jesus saved me… and not just by dying on the cross at Calvary so many years before. And now, I want to help others know the peace that I feel. You and I may not have the first-hand accounts that Adam did in his day, but we all have our own stories - our own testimonies. That’s all God expects us to share… our experiences with others that are in the same boat we were in…
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
We will never be able to pass along information like that, but what we can do is this: We can share with others the miraculous things God has done in our lives. We can let people know how Jesus has made a difference in our everyday living. We can share our testimony…
I have suffered from depression since I was a teenager… in some part because of what was going on around me in my life, but mostly because of a chemical imbalance. Thankfully, my mother and grandmother made sure we (my sister and I) were exposed to Christ throughout our childhoods – Vacation Bible School at home and with our grandparents during the summers - Sunday school, church and youth group year round. We were taught that regardless what was going on in our lives, Jesus was always with us.
Because of manic-depression (and in part, my rebellious nature), I left the church for several years in my late teens/early adulthood. I did things that I’m not proud of… some of those things I truly believe I had no control over because of my illness. Even after I had returned to church, I didn’t open my heart completely to Jesus. As a result, I ended up on a “psychiatric hold” in a local hospital because I no longer wanted to live. I was in so much physical pain (from degenerative disc disease) and emotional pain, I had given up.
When I finally was ready to become a participant in my recovery – to become active in therapy, to accept medication, and yes… welcome Jesus into my heart – my life turned around. My physical pain was still there, but I knew that I would be okay with God carrying me through. My emotional situation was much improved, because I was able to accept that with my repentance, God’s grace covered all the things I had done that I was so ashamed of… the things that were eating me up inside.
You see, Jesus saved me… and not just by dying on the cross at Calvary so many years before. And now, I want to help others know the peace that I feel. You and I may not have the first-hand accounts that Adam did in his day, but we all have our own stories - our own testimonies. That’s all God expects us to share… our experiences with others that are in the same boat we were in…
Matthew 28:16-20 (NIV)
The Great Commission
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Train up a Child
I received this cute little saying in an email today…
“We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.”
It reminded me of the following Bible verse:
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
You know what? Today’s children seem to be so much wilder than they were when I was growing up... they are, also, much less respectful than my son’s generation. We were raised not to question my parent’s authority. “No” meant NO! There was no compromising… no asking “Why?” Now, my son was taught that it was okay to negotiate in some situations, but I got the final word. But, it seems today’s kids are calling the shots in their homes!
Each generation seems to slip a little further away from “training up” our children. I think we are so afraid of what the world is offering them that we try to cushion the blow. What we could be doing in the process is making things worse for our kids and grand-kids in the long run. But if we instill our youth with the strength that only God can give them, the world can be a less lonely place - a less scary place for them.
We can’t be with our kids 24/7, but Jesus and His love can be with them – Just like He can be with us. What a comforting feeling knowing that we will never be alone again. That is truly a gift to be passed from one generation to the next… a trait that can be used to “train up” our children.
“We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.”
It reminded me of the following Bible verse:
Proverbs 22:6
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
You know what? Today’s children seem to be so much wilder than they were when I was growing up... they are, also, much less respectful than my son’s generation. We were raised not to question my parent’s authority. “No” meant NO! There was no compromising… no asking “Why?” Now, my son was taught that it was okay to negotiate in some situations, but I got the final word. But, it seems today’s kids are calling the shots in their homes!
Each generation seems to slip a little further away from “training up” our children. I think we are so afraid of what the world is offering them that we try to cushion the blow. What we could be doing in the process is making things worse for our kids and grand-kids in the long run. But if we instill our youth with the strength that only God can give them, the world can be a less lonely place - a less scary place for them.
We can’t be with our kids 24/7, but Jesus and His love can be with them – Just like He can be with us. What a comforting feeling knowing that we will never be alone again. That is truly a gift to be passed from one generation to the next… a trait that can be used to “train up” our children.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Planting a Seed...
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NLT)
10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
The “word” that was going to prosper everywhere in these verses of Isaiah was “the word of God”. In fact, because of these verses, it’s very common to hear people say that they are “planting a seed” when they tell someone about Christianity. However, unfortunately, I think we plant seeds everyday – and sometimes that’s the last thing we want to do.
For instance, we can walk around with crosses on our necks, but commit actions that are anything but “Christ-like”. The language we use, the prejudices we hold inside us, etc. What are we showing those around us? What seeds are we planting? Are we allowing God to prosper everywhere He sends us?
We are the only ones that have control of our actions. But with God’s help – allowing Him to work through us – we can cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry… everywhere we are sent.
10 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth.
They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer
and bread for the hungry.
11 It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.”
The “word” that was going to prosper everywhere in these verses of Isaiah was “the word of God”. In fact, because of these verses, it’s very common to hear people say that they are “planting a seed” when they tell someone about Christianity. However, unfortunately, I think we plant seeds everyday – and sometimes that’s the last thing we want to do.
For instance, we can walk around with crosses on our necks, but commit actions that are anything but “Christ-like”. The language we use, the prejudices we hold inside us, etc. What are we showing those around us? What seeds are we planting? Are we allowing God to prosper everywhere He sends us?
We are the only ones that have control of our actions. But with God’s help – allowing Him to work through us – we can cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry… everywhere we are sent.
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