I remember as a child the long procession up to Christmas. I had a running list taped to the hallway wall with my list of things I wanted. Everytime I saw a commercial on TV I'd write down that item advertised. Back then, of course, it was all about me and the stuff I wanted. Now, this procession is completely different!
Each Christmas is different from year to year because of the company enjoyed. For many years, as a mom, I enjoyed selecting the perfect present for each child and watching them open their packages on Christmas morning. Planning, shopping and cooking for our feast took many hours and consumed in minutes! I even loved the mess on Christmas day and days following where the house had bits of wrapping paper and ribbon strewn about while everyone spent time with their new gifts while lounging around for a days.
This year I feel like a kid, again. The anticipation of seeing all my kids and grandkids all together for Thanksgiving has me beaming inside and out! My mind is a bit scatterbrained as I try to pack my own suitcase. I continually think of another little gift or present that I should pack for my grandkids. I've already packed two boxes, large ones at that, full of toys and presents that I want the kids to have. To think that the Legos that my kids spent hours playing with on the floor will now be enjoyed by the grandkids is mind boggling. How did my kids grow up so fast? Whose kids are they anyway? I'm not old, but they are older!!!
I have rented a house on the Oregon coast that sleeps 14! We're all arriving tomorrow and will be together for a whole week. I'm sure it will be cool and rainy so that leaves us inside the house - together!!! There's nothing better than no where to go, pajamas all day and a full pantry.
My granddaughter Ellie's Mia once said, "Whatever Ellie wants, Ellie gets." I fear I have that thought for all 6 of my grandchildren! I can't wait to take them shopping and say, "Pick anything you want!"
Cookies for breakfast? No problem. Daddy's going to discipline you? Not on my watch!!! Not tired for bed yet? "Let's read another book!" This week Grandmum rules!
What a beautiful contrast to the importance of stuff as to the importance of family. There is nothing better than the pleasure of cooking for a crowd, sitting around the dining room table for hours, reading storybooks at bedtime, waking up to some little eyes who's wants to play. I am so ready! Making memories that last a lifetime is priceless.
Thanksgiving this year will remind me, again, how thankful I am for the truly special blessings in my life and the opportunity to enjoy them all.
Friday, November 18, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A Costco Epiphany
It was brief, but impactful! It was like veggie roots quickly established and hopefully growing.
It consumed my complete view for a split second and then left a lasting impression. Hmmmmmm.
I was traveling over the bridge to shop at Costco Saturday afternoon. I know bad idea, but its been so long since I've shopped for groceries and so I braced myself and forged ahead.
Earlier that morning I had been listening to a very cool song, Oh Great is our God by Ghost Ship. I first heard it at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I hope you download it and enjoy it as much as I do. http://marshill.com/media/ghost-ship
The song is so simple that the chorus rolls around in my head at all hours of the day and night. What a great thing!
So, I'm traveling along the bridge with Tampa Bay on each side of me. This is a ten mile bridge with very little interruption. You know, that kind of drive that you can put it on "auto" and let your mind meander elsewhere? I have this song's chorus repeating in my head over and over- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly - Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly.
Suddenly, I saw a vision of God completely taking up the "screen" before me; consuming the "screen" before me. There was nothing left to distract me or anything of value compared to God in that "screen". From one side of the bridge to the other. God reigns! God is great and all that he does is great.
I instantly knew that I had allowed other things to take up space in that "screen".
To see the comparison of my thoughts to this one moment put into perspective of what God wants when he says in Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
It consumed my complete view for a split second and then left a lasting impression. Hmmmmmm.
I was traveling over the bridge to shop at Costco Saturday afternoon. I know bad idea, but its been so long since I've shopped for groceries and so I braced myself and forged ahead.
Earlier that morning I had been listening to a very cool song, Oh Great is our God by Ghost Ship. I first heard it at Mars Hill Church in Seattle. I hope you download it and enjoy it as much as I do. http://marshill.com/media/ghost-ship
The song is so simple that the chorus rolls around in my head at all hours of the day and night. What a great thing!
So, I'm traveling along the bridge with Tampa Bay on each side of me. This is a ten mile bridge with very little interruption. You know, that kind of drive that you can put it on "auto" and let your mind meander elsewhere? I have this song's chorus repeating in my head over and over- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly- Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly - Oh, Great is our God and we should worship greatly.
Suddenly, I saw a vision of God completely taking up the "screen" before me; consuming the "screen" before me. There was nothing left to distract me or anything of value compared to God in that "screen". From one side of the bridge to the other. God reigns! God is great and all that he does is great.
I instantly knew that I had allowed other things to take up space in that "screen".
To see the comparison of my thoughts to this one moment put into perspective of what God wants when he says in Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before me.
20:4 “You shall not make for yourself a carved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is on the earth beneath or that is in the water below.
20:5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them
We all know this to be the first of the Ten Commandments. I wonder how many, like me, thought, "I don't have an idols!" , "You won't find one cement statue in my house!" , "I don't have any pictures on my walls that I bow down to!" But what if God said, "Do not let any thought consume your thinking other than me." "Don't spend your timing worrying about where you're living or how you're going to pay your bills." Actually He did say that in Luke 12:29 So do not be overly concerned about what you will eat and what you will drink, and do not worry about such things.
While I was cruising along on the Courtney Campbell bridge I was remembering how when I first moved to Florida I thought it pretty cool. The weather was always sunny and warm. I lived a life of luxury as a wife and mom. The most pressing question was what was I going to make for dinner!
Now, all the children have left home and I am running and working my own business. My hearts desire is to move West-closer to all the kids and grandchildren, but also to a cooler environment - literally and socially/culturally!
While I was driving I caught myself whining to God how I want to move West with this song, Oh Great is our God also running through my brain. It all came together for me in one big picture. God is great and nothing else matters. Wow! God is great and nothing else matters. Hmmmmmm.
Words & Music by Brian Eichelberger
Oh! Great is our God! So we should worship greatly!!
No song is too loud! No orchestra too stately
To hail the majesty of our King
So lift your voices loud as we sing
Verse 2
Oh! Great is our God! So let our songs be endless!!
So awesome His ways, how could we comprehend them?
So we will make it known to our kids
And we will sing about the gracious gifts you give
Chorus
We will sing your praise and pour forth your fame
We will bless your name
Let every one give thanks, because our God is great!
Verse 3
Oh! Great is our God! And we cannot contain it!
We sing from our souls, affected by His greatness
His mercy covers all that He's made
Showing His glory and His grace
Monday, August 29, 2011
I received Bonhoeffer: Pator, Maryr, Prophet, Spy from Booksneeze so that I may provide a review.
I was so looking forward to reading this book as I have seen many reviews about it and the historical aspect piqued my curiosity. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed in the author’s style of writing. The book is told in 3rd person and is very dry. This could have been an exciting non-fiction book and I do hope a movie is made that will captivate the audience as I think a well written book could have.
The book begins with long detailed writings about Bonhoeffer’s family background and tedious details to his childhood. I was so bogged down by the testimonies of family and friends evaluating Dietrich’s life. A quick synopsis would have been better leading up to the actual detail of his planning and effort to assassinate Hitler.
This is one book where a Scripts notebook would come in handy!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Book Review
I received a free book from Booksneeze to review on my Kindle.
The book was The Water's Edge.
Why is it that life never proceeds as simply as you'd like them? Tom Crane is the son of now deceased John Crane, esquire. Tom plans to return home and within a few weeks wrap up his father's business. Twists and turns happen one after another.
This is a light read although enough to keep me interested to find out in the end what happens. Will Tom remain in small town Bethal or return to the big city Atlanta. With examples of trust and faith by his dad and uncle will Tom now "see" the light?
Water's Edge ultimately is about coming full circle to deeply buried feelings and how to move forward.
The book was The Water's Edge.
Why is it that life never proceeds as simply as you'd like them? Tom Crane is the son of now deceased John Crane, esquire. Tom plans to return home and within a few weeks wrap up his father's business. Twists and turns happen one after another.
This is a light read although enough to keep me interested to find out in the end what happens. Will Tom remain in small town Bethal or return to the big city Atlanta. With examples of trust and faith by his dad and uncle will Tom now "see" the light?
Water's Edge ultimately is about coming full circle to deeply buried feelings and how to move forward.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Book Review
I received this free book from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program.
Final Summit was a compelling fictional read that involved numerous historical characters as together they discussed the answer to one question. With only 5 chances to find the answer before time runs out one is brought through many thoughts and ideas that all have potential.
This is a well written and thought provoking book. A few of the historical characters include Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc and Eric Erickson. I know! I never heard of him, either.
Fascinating guy, but unfortunately he was never included in our history text books.
I was completely enthralled throughout this book and had to highlight a few of the quotes they were so good. I was also wrong with what I thought would be the final answer! Final Summit is a quick read and quite delightful. Upon learning of the final answer I think it makes great sense and I will apply it to my own life.
Final Summit was a compelling fictional read that involved numerous historical characters as together they discussed the answer to one question. With only 5 chances to find the answer before time runs out one is brought through many thoughts and ideas that all have potential.
This is a well written and thought provoking book. A few of the historical characters include Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln, Joan of Arc and Eric Erickson. I know! I never heard of him, either.
Fascinating guy, but unfortunately he was never included in our history text books.
I was completely enthralled throughout this book and had to highlight a few of the quotes they were so good. I was also wrong with what I thought would be the final answer! Final Summit is a quick read and quite delightful. Upon learning of the final answer I think it makes great sense and I will apply it to my own life.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Go North to go West
I once heard a very wise man say he walked with God. Not always hand in hand and at the same speed, but he tried to walk with God.
That brings a great visual to me. As a parent of a small child there were many times I would grab hold of my child's hand so that we may walk together-across a busy street , through a crowded mall. Having someone hold your hand can be very comforting. We naturally assume they are in charge and a peace settles down over us. With someone else doing the leading, we can now look around and check out the scenery fearless of running into a light pole!
Evan today,I am comforted by my companion's presence through the touch of his hand.
As an adult compared to my child, my legs were much longer and thus I could easily walk faster, but I match my pace to that of my young child. We would stroll hand in hand enjoying the day. Sometimes, I would be in a rush and wish to move faster and would "drag" that young one with me. Other times, I was able to "see" as they did and appreciate all the new things they were seeing. Sometimes, I just enjoyed the touch of that little one's hand in mine.
There are many poems about God holding our hands and walking with us.
I certainly know for sure that He does hold my hand through scary situations-and that does make me feel at peace. Other times I think he stands with me while I'm dawdling that I almost feel as if He has let go of mine hand. Sometimes, I even feel Him tugging on my hand as if to say, "Let's go, walk this way."
Can you see this "child" pointing her finger across the way and telling her Daddy that she wants to go "that way"! He graciously states, "Yes, we're going that way, but first we've got to go this way."
Here in Tampa Bay in order to get to Clearwater, across the water, you drive over a bridge. Years ago, before the bridge was built you could get to the peninsular on the West of Tampa only by driving North and then South.
If I walk with God, hand in hand, I will hear him say (pre-bridge), "We need to walk North to go West."
And I, as a trusting child, experienced in hand-holding, will walk in the wrong direction because my Father said so.
That brings a great visual to me. As a parent of a small child there were many times I would grab hold of my child's hand so that we may walk together-across a busy street , through a crowded mall. Having someone hold your hand can be very comforting. We naturally assume they are in charge and a peace settles down over us. With someone else doing the leading, we can now look around and check out the scenery fearless of running into a light pole!
Evan today,I am comforted by my companion's presence through the touch of his hand.
As an adult compared to my child, my legs were much longer and thus I could easily walk faster, but I match my pace to that of my young child. We would stroll hand in hand enjoying the day. Sometimes, I would be in a rush and wish to move faster and would "drag" that young one with me. Other times, I was able to "see" as they did and appreciate all the new things they were seeing. Sometimes, I just enjoyed the touch of that little one's hand in mine.
There are many poems about God holding our hands and walking with us.
I certainly know for sure that He does hold my hand through scary situations-and that does make me feel at peace. Other times I think he stands with me while I'm dawdling that I almost feel as if He has let go of mine hand. Sometimes, I even feel Him tugging on my hand as if to say, "Let's go, walk this way."
Can you see this "child" pointing her finger across the way and telling her Daddy that she wants to go "that way"! He graciously states, "Yes, we're going that way, but first we've got to go this way."
Here in Tampa Bay in order to get to Clearwater, across the water, you drive over a bridge. Years ago, before the bridge was built you could get to the peninsular on the West of Tampa only by driving North and then South.
If I walk with God, hand in hand, I will hear him say (pre-bridge), "We need to walk North to go West."
And I, as a trusting child, experienced in hand-holding, will walk in the wrong direction because my Father said so.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The Sacred Meal
My complimentary book to read for review from BookSneeze was The Sacred Meal.
I had mixed emotions develop while reading this book. Initially, I could tell it was coming from a liturgical point of view, something of which I don't adhere to. Many times I disagreed with the author's philosophy and spiritual understanding. Then the author, Nora Gallagher, would state a very poignant point that made me stop and ponder a bit. Communion is a sacred act of worship commanded by Jesus. How we participate and appreciate this act is personal and unique.
Over all, it was a quick read, simplistic and detailed enough to be interesting, yet not boring. I appreciate the difference of opinions and beliefs and was able to learn a bit more of the Episcopalian faith. I think by reading this book it made me aware of my own treasures of the heart and what the Sacred Meal means to me.
I had mixed emotions develop while reading this book. Initially, I could tell it was coming from a liturgical point of view, something of which I don't adhere to. Many times I disagreed with the author's philosophy and spiritual understanding. Then the author, Nora Gallagher, would state a very poignant point that made me stop and ponder a bit. Communion is a sacred act of worship commanded by Jesus. How we participate and appreciate this act is personal and unique.
Over all, it was a quick read, simplistic and detailed enough to be interesting, yet not boring. I appreciate the difference of opinions and beliefs and was able to learn a bit more of the Episcopalian faith. I think by reading this book it made me aware of my own treasures of the heart and what the Sacred Meal means to me.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Swimming
James 5:7
Be patient, then, brothers until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm
While swimming at the beach today with this scripture in mind I challenged myself to swim from buoy to buoy. I felt that it would be a good representation of life and desired destinations that I so long for and yet I haven’t arrived at.
It was a long way. If I looked back it seemed overwhelming-so far from each buoy. A boat came towards me and I knew it would make the swim harder, but persevere I must. While pushing through those waves I remained consistent. Push, pull, glide, push, pull, glide.
As I was about ten feet away I realized that I could give up. I was close enough, but no, I must complete the challenge of getting TO the other buoy.
I felt God speaking that this is much like life and my prayer requests. “Persevere, don’t give up no matter how long it takes.” He kept saying. “One more day, one more week, one more month….”
My answer to my heart’s desire could be right around the corner. How awful if I were to find that I gave up one day away from the answer!
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Life is Good
I had no idea what fun being a Grandmum would be! With each addition life gets better and better.
I am the hero to my 7 year old granddaughter when she asks me to make her a matching dress to her Barbie doll and I'm able to accomplish it. There's nothing like going to the toy store and buying a choo choo to fulfill a little boy's wish.
What fun to "play" all day and sleep all night!
My grand kids are so unique. I enjoy the opportunity I have to sit back and truly "see" the strengths of each one.
The are inquisitive and curious, full of talents and will conquer the world
While I'm looking at my little ones I see my big ones with the same traits. There's not too much my kids can't do! I thoroughly relish the pleasure of watching such great ones live.
I am the hero to my 7 year old granddaughter when she asks me to make her a matching dress to her Barbie doll and I'm able to accomplish it. There's nothing like going to the toy store and buying a choo choo to fulfill a little boy's wish.
What fun to "play" all day and sleep all night!
My grand kids are so unique. I enjoy the opportunity I have to sit back and truly "see" the strengths of each one.
The are inquisitive and curious, full of talents and will conquer the world
While I'm looking at my little ones I see my big ones with the same traits. There's not too much my kids can't do! I thoroughly relish the pleasure of watching such great ones live.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Party Time
Three Annual Festivals
(Exodus 34.18-26; Deuteronomy 16.1-17)
In a nutshell:
Remember what God has done,
Be hopeful for what He will do,
Be thankful for what he has done.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Bopping Heads
Exodus 17:7 The people had complained and tested the Lord by asking, “Is the Lord really with us?” So Moses named that place Massah, which means “testing” and Meribah, which means “complaining.”
Seventeen chapters into the book of Exodus and the Israelites are stilling complaining and doubting God. Wow! Look at all the incredible acts God has done on their behalf and they're still wondering if, "Is God is really with us?"
As I sit here wondering how the Israelites could think like that I am convicted of my own doubting and complaining. Granted I don't have a Pillar of Cloud by Day and a Pillar of Fire by Night always before me, but I have incredible memories just the same.
My biggest problem is doubting whether I am hearing God. When I feel like I'm stuck in a desert I doubt myself whether I truly did hear God in the first place. I wonder if I've made a wrong turn somewhere along the path. I wonder if by being stagnant-stagnant because I want to move and don't see that possibility in the near future-I've missed God's directive.
I love reading the miraculous exploits of the million plus people in Exodus.
God creating dry ground for the Israelites to walk on while the Egyptians got stuck in the mud.
God carving out a path through the Red Sea with "walls" of water on each side. I wonder if it looked like a fish tank while the Israelites walked on by? "There's little Nemo swimming around!"
God turned the Red Sea into cottage cheese! Ex. 15:8
What creativity!
And with all this creativity that God has shown over the years in my own life why do I wonder and doubt?
If God truly wanted me somewhere new He'd get me there. In the mean time I must "be content whatever my situation". Phil 4:12 Thankfully, God promises peace - not always a direct answer to my prayer, but I'll take that over the unknown!
I love that game at arcades where the heads pop out of holes and you must bop them with your soft hammer for them to go down.
Today I'm going to concentrate on "bopping" doubt out of my head!
There's a fabulous song by Brownsville Revival-Look What the Lord Has Done.
My mission today-be focused.
Seventeen chapters into the book of Exodus and the Israelites are stilling complaining and doubting God. Wow! Look at all the incredible acts God has done on their behalf and they're still wondering if, "Is God is really with us?"
As I sit here wondering how the Israelites could think like that I am convicted of my own doubting and complaining. Granted I don't have a Pillar of Cloud by Day and a Pillar of Fire by Night always before me, but I have incredible memories just the same.
My biggest problem is doubting whether I am hearing God. When I feel like I'm stuck in a desert I doubt myself whether I truly did hear God in the first place. I wonder if I've made a wrong turn somewhere along the path. I wonder if by being stagnant-stagnant because I want to move and don't see that possibility in the near future-I've missed God's directive.
I love reading the miraculous exploits of the million plus people in Exodus.
God creating dry ground for the Israelites to walk on while the Egyptians got stuck in the mud.
God carving out a path through the Red Sea with "walls" of water on each side. I wonder if it looked like a fish tank while the Israelites walked on by? "There's little Nemo swimming around!"
God turned the Red Sea into cottage cheese! Ex. 15:8
What creativity!
And with all this creativity that God has shown over the years in my own life why do I wonder and doubt?
If God truly wanted me somewhere new He'd get me there. In the mean time I must "be content whatever my situation". Phil 4:12 Thankfully, God promises peace - not always a direct answer to my prayer, but I'll take that over the unknown!
I love that game at arcades where the heads pop out of holes and you must bop them with your soft hammer for them to go down.
Today I'm going to concentrate on "bopping" doubt out of my head!
There's a fabulous song by Brownsville Revival-Look What the Lord Has Done.
My mission today-be focused.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Growing like a goldfish
What a devastating time for Japan right now. To experience a massive earthquake and then to watch a wall of water come at you. For those of us who have never experienced anything like that it's hard to comprehend. My heart and prayers go out to all the victims.
I'm listening to a song called Facedown. The words are "I'll fall face down as your Glory shines around". As nature's outburst of destruction takes place I am brought to my knees to think of what it would be like to stand under God's wrath.
We don't like to think of God as Judge who requires justice for sin. We like to think that He is always there to help us in our time of need and want Him to be quiet till we need Him again. That's wrong.
The infinitely glorious Son of God endured the infinitely terrible wrath of God so that I wouldn't have to. Jesus then through his magnificent Power came back from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God interceding for me-for me!!! That is a Saviour worth trusting in.
I am in no way proclaiming that God causes devastating destruction on people to get their attention.
I am just taking what happened this week and putting myself into a future situation and thanking God for my solution.
Can you imagine standing onshore as a thousand foot tsunami came at you- not of water but of fury?
What can one possibly say or do to quell such wrath?
I envision myself in a bubble of God's Love and Mercy protected from this tsunami not because I'm so wonderful, but because Jesus came to me and helped me to see my precarious situation. I'm needy, sinful and helpless in creating my own solution!
The question I think of is: Do I live in this protection daily or run out from underneath it every now and then?
I read this morning about Joseph being sold into slavery BY HIS BROTHERS and imprisoned for no wrong he did . Thirteen years later God restored him to the ultimate position. Thirteen years-that's a long time to wait in an uncomfortable bubble. I have so much to learn!
I dare not carelessly take for granted God's gift of Salvation for when I THINK that tsunami will happen, but learn to live "in Christ" and "conform to the image of Christ" daily.
Just like a goldfish will grow to the size of it's container I want to conform to my container, The Holy Spirit.
I'm listening to a song called Facedown. The words are "I'll fall face down as your Glory shines around". As nature's outburst of destruction takes place I am brought to my knees to think of what it would be like to stand under God's wrath.
We don't like to think of God as Judge who requires justice for sin. We like to think that He is always there to help us in our time of need and want Him to be quiet till we need Him again. That's wrong.
The infinitely glorious Son of God endured the infinitely terrible wrath of God so that I wouldn't have to. Jesus then through his magnificent Power came back from the dead and is seated at the right hand of God interceding for me-for me!!! That is a Saviour worth trusting in.
I am in no way proclaiming that God causes devastating destruction on people to get their attention.
I am just taking what happened this week and putting myself into a future situation and thanking God for my solution.
Can you imagine standing onshore as a thousand foot tsunami came at you- not of water but of fury?
What can one possibly say or do to quell such wrath?
I envision myself in a bubble of God's Love and Mercy protected from this tsunami not because I'm so wonderful, but because Jesus came to me and helped me to see my precarious situation. I'm needy, sinful and helpless in creating my own solution!
The question I think of is: Do I live in this protection daily or run out from underneath it every now and then?
I read this morning about Joseph being sold into slavery BY HIS BROTHERS and imprisoned for no wrong he did . Thirteen years later God restored him to the ultimate position. Thirteen years-that's a long time to wait in an uncomfortable bubble. I have so much to learn!
I dare not carelessly take for granted God's gift of Salvation for when I THINK that tsunami will happen, but learn to live "in Christ" and "conform to the image of Christ" daily.
Just like a goldfish will grow to the size of it's container I want to conform to my container, The Holy Spirit.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Rainy Day
I love rainy days-especially when there are no pressing appointments.
I think these days are blessings from above to force me to chill. I love waking up to the patter on the roof and the rhythm of thunder claps.
I'm sitting on the couch sipping my tea staring out the window relishing the gray in the sky and the spring green color of all the new growth on the trees.
What a time to ponder, pray and plan.
I think these days are blessings from above to force me to chill. I love waking up to the patter on the roof and the rhythm of thunder claps.
I'm sitting on the couch sipping my tea staring out the window relishing the gray in the sky and the spring green color of all the new growth on the trees.
What a time to ponder, pray and plan.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
I want to be slow
I'm a blockhead; not a solid one completely, but still learning that I need to be a bit more open.
For the most part, I have learned to give people a chance. Years ago, I remember meeting a young girl and thinking she was way to verbose for me and hyper. "I could never be friends with her", I thought.
As it turned out, we became very good friends and I often enjoyed her energy level. How sad and unfortunate it would have been if I went with my first thoughts.
Well, I continue to learn that I haven't quite overcome ALL my faults!
I have driven past this small restaurant in town a few times. It looks like a shack! The sign is hand painted and not very appealing at that. "How the heck do they think they're going to stay in business looking like that?"
Working at a friend's house yesterday she wanted to take me out to lunch. "We can we go around here?"
She suggested this small restaurant and off we went.
I was impressed as soon as I walked in the front door!
Yes, it was small; a few tables and chairs placed in the front with the kitchen-a real looking house kitchen in the rear. The menu was written on a large chalkboard with many items: soups, salads, sandwiches.
Lunch was delightful and at a reasonable price.
We met the owners who are from the UK and they mentioned that because they had never operated a restaurant before they wanted to start small, thus the reasoning behind their "look".
The chef has cooked for the British Royalty and a few other establishments in Europe-read: good food!
Their business is growing and I hope I continue to do so, too! How quickly we are to judge something or someone just by the cover without truly experiencing what's on the inside first. Oh, to be quick to listen and slow to speak-or quick to be open to the different and slow to judge!
God what you make and do is wonderful. Who am I to be critical of your workmanship? Forgive me.
Thank you for opening my eyes, again. Help me to walk in love.
For the most part, I have learned to give people a chance. Years ago, I remember meeting a young girl and thinking she was way to verbose for me and hyper. "I could never be friends with her", I thought.
As it turned out, we became very good friends and I often enjoyed her energy level. How sad and unfortunate it would have been if I went with my first thoughts.
Well, I continue to learn that I haven't quite overcome ALL my faults!
I have driven past this small restaurant in town a few times. It looks like a shack! The sign is hand painted and not very appealing at that. "How the heck do they think they're going to stay in business looking like that?"
Working at a friend's house yesterday she wanted to take me out to lunch. "We can we go around here?"
She suggested this small restaurant and off we went.
I was impressed as soon as I walked in the front door!
Yes, it was small; a few tables and chairs placed in the front with the kitchen-a real looking house kitchen in the rear. The menu was written on a large chalkboard with many items: soups, salads, sandwiches.
Lunch was delightful and at a reasonable price.
We met the owners who are from the UK and they mentioned that because they had never operated a restaurant before they wanted to start small, thus the reasoning behind their "look".
The chef has cooked for the British Royalty and a few other establishments in Europe-read: good food!
Their business is growing and I hope I continue to do so, too! How quickly we are to judge something or someone just by the cover without truly experiencing what's on the inside first. Oh, to be quick to listen and slow to speak-or quick to be open to the different and slow to judge!
God what you make and do is wonderful. Who am I to be critical of your workmanship? Forgive me.
Thank you for opening my eyes, again. Help me to walk in love.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Mocking Bird
I awoke early this morning. I'm not truly a "morning" person. I don't jump out of bed eager to attack the day.
I actually like waking up and hearing the birds singing in the still quiet air. Then I like to roll over and go back to sleep!
The mocking bird is one of my favorite birds. His song is cheerful and happy; seems very positive to me. He mixes his song up here and there. You'll hear him tweet out a few calls and then switch to another tune.
This bird reminds me of myself. I like diversity. I like some consistency. I would love to be known as always happy and cheerful!
Funny how my nickname when I was a kid was Bird, a shortened version of my last name.
I wonder if Bono has a mocking bird singing in his back yard. Maybe, along with the some other inspirations, Mr. Mocking Bird influenced Bono's subconscious to write the song 40. " I will sing, sing a new song."
I actually like waking up and hearing the birds singing in the still quiet air. Then I like to roll over and go back to sleep!
The mocking bird is one of my favorite birds. His song is cheerful and happy; seems very positive to me. He mixes his song up here and there. You'll hear him tweet out a few calls and then switch to another tune.
This bird reminds me of myself. I like diversity. I like some consistency. I would love to be known as always happy and cheerful!
Funny how my nickname when I was a kid was Bird, a shortened version of my last name.
I wonder if Bono has a mocking bird singing in his back yard. Maybe, along with the some other inspirations, Mr. Mocking Bird influenced Bono's subconscious to write the song 40. " I will sing, sing a new song."
Saturday, February 26, 2011
"Hear me, but don't"
I was reading yesterday the scripture verse in Romans 8:26, In the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.
As I pondered on this for a bit I envisioned the Holy Spirit talking with God the Father and telling Him, "What she really means is.... She would like to be used by You; she would like to represent You in a pleasing manner; she wants You to be magnified through her; she trusts You; she knows You are Most Loving and Kind, Gracious and Merciful; she knows You are in control of all; she knows You love her children more than herself and will care for them in the most perfect way."
I'm sure my humanity, selfishness, fear of discomfort can have an influence on my desires and prayers.
Isn't is cool to think that the living Spirit of God resides within so that even though I don't voice my deepest groanings He does for me.
As I pondered on this for a bit I envisioned the Holy Spirit talking with God the Father and telling Him, "What she really means is.... She would like to be used by You; she would like to represent You in a pleasing manner; she wants You to be magnified through her; she trusts You; she knows You are Most Loving and Kind, Gracious and Merciful; she knows You are in control of all; she knows You love her children more than herself and will care for them in the most perfect way."
I'm sure my humanity, selfishness, fear of discomfort can have an influence on my desires and prayers.
Isn't is cool to think that the living Spirit of God resides within so that even though I don't voice my deepest groanings He does for me.
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