Saturday, December 24, 2011

Christmas Eve - 2012

I'm being very nostalgic this morning. I should be making sandwiches and getting ready for friends to come for Jess' birthday party. Instead, I am sitting in front of the fireplace and listening to Christmas music - thinking of Christmas' past.

When I was younger, my grandparents lived out in the country - at the old Woollum Homestead. There wasn't running water, we used a well to get our drinking, cooking, and bathing water. We used a "chamber pot" to go to the bathroom at night or we hit the path for the outhouse. We had a smoke house, where, after the first frost a hog was killed and hanging. We went to the woods to cut our Christmas tree - some would say it was a Charlie Brown scraggy little tree.

My Maw would decorate it with her best of ornaments, we'd string popcorn and holly berries with the Morris girls across the highway.

Maw would bake for days ahead of time. Cousins, Aunts and Uncles would merge on the house Christmas eve. You could find 4-6 cousins piled under the covers of an old feather bed. Some slept on pallets on the floors. There was always room for one more.

Maw and Paw were loving and kind. Having Christmas at their house made everything even more special.

I cannot remember Christmas' that were any better or more special than those we shared with my grandparents. Cousins didn't fight, argue and be hateful to each other like now. There weren't divisions in the family like now - Maw or Paw would settle those very quickly.

I remember one of my most cherished gifts from Maw was a turtle shell, that she stuffed, made a head, legs and a tail for it. I kept that treasure for many years - until a cousin, Sherry Kay, broke into my house and stole it before going to prison. She stole a lot of material treasures that my Maw had given me - never to be seen of again.

But one thing is for certain - Sherry Kay didn't steal my memories of a loving, happy and Merry Christmas with my grandparents. So I suppose we all can learn that it isn't the gifts that we receive - but it's the love of family and friends shared and memories made which are the most important. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have my turtle and a few other things back so that I could pass them on to my grandchild. I just know that won't happen.

I miss Maw & Paw, especially at Christmas. Maw would read the birth of Christ while I sat in her lap, with a blanket over me, in front of the fire place. Maybe that's why today in front of my fireplace, the Christmas carols playing - I remember wonderful Christmas' past with happy thoughts and memories.

I miss you Maw & Paw and you know you always had my heart. Merry Christmas!

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Recently, there just seems to be an outpouring of hurt among the folks I know. Albeit, financial, physical, medical, turmoil, being hurt by family or friends, lies, manipulations, folks trying to "advance karma" - just a myriad of things which have hurt me or my friends.

Many have cried, including myself - from the hurt, the uncalled for persecution, the threats, the evil that others plan against you, the breaking up of families, friendships which have gone south, loss of job(s), or lack of job(s) - and many of us have curled up in a dark place to just cry.

I've heard crying does one good. It releases the tension and the anxiety. I also am told that tears are the only cure for weeping. You cannot weep inside and maintain a positive to one's self. We have to release the hurt - and tears help. I think recently my friends and I have cried enough to fill a river and more. If we combined all our tears, we could have helped the drought situation in Texas - whether we've cried for ourselves, friends, family or other.

"Jesus wept." That's the shortest scripture in the Bible. Jesus wept when his friend died and he weeps with us. (John 11:33)

In the days of King Solomon there were many ups and downs. Ecclesiastes, King Solomon wrote, "To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven . . . a t ime to weep, and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance. (3:1-4)

I've looked back at some of my writings - I can tell when I am down and when I am up.

I've come to realize that we do ourselves a great injustice or disservice when we portray Christian life as peaceful and happy all the time. The Bible shows the believers' life as having ups and downs. Just because we are a child of God we all must have a time of joy or sadness, and each season will lead us to seek the Lord and trust Him more.

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

The Immovable Anchor

God’s Word is an immovable anchor in times of storm.

We all go through valleys in our lives. Valleys so low that we don't think we can climb even to the bottom of the next mountain. It would be so easy to lay down, not say anything nor do anything nor be anything - but that isn't who we really are.

I think while we are in the valleys of our lives, that it is a time to read more of what God has planned for us, to listen more to what God has to say to us, to see what God's goals for us really are. There is strength to be gained.

Four years ago, Hurricane Humberto blew through Southeast Texas - to us it was just a good ol' East Texas thunderstorm. Then, Hurricane Ike blew through the following year. The storm left many homeless, especially in the Bridge City and Gulf coast areas of Texas. I've watched Boliver, Crystal Beach and Gilchrist come back to life - I've seen the works of Christians and churches praying and working. The valley has been low for them - but - they also gained strength and new understanding. God's word was the immovable anchor during those storms.

He holds us steady when our knees are weak. He brings us through the fire, the water, the fury unscathed - we may not realize it at the moment - but if not for God's immovable anchor in our life - we would have given up - just said "that's it - I'm done."

"I will never leave you nor fore sake you." He says. "I am with you always."

Some of my friends and even me are going through some valleys - we are worried about our health, our finances, our families - many things we are fretting over that we cannot do anything about. One of my friends I spoke to yesterday is working herself into a tizzy about some tests that she has to take this weekend. I asked her, "Didn't you give that to God?" She said, "Well, I guess I didn't give it all to Him." I asked, "Why not? You can't fix it, but He can." Our immovable anchor in times of the storm.

"I surrender all....all to Him I owe...." Give it to the immovable anchor in your times of storm - no matter how large or small the storm - God is our immovable anchor.

Monday, September 12, 2011

Reunion Planning

Reunion Planning

I've been working with several on an upcoming reunion for several classes. It's been trying at times - but it's also but extremely rewarding. I've been able to meet up with a lot of old (not in age of course! LOL) classmates - many I've not heard from nor spoken to in well over 40 years.
Of course, in every planning there are those who want to create destruction. There have been "rumors" and "lies" that I've been the center of. I've felt belittled. I have felt persecuted over things I did not say nor do. I do know who DID say them, but it wasn't me.
I have come to realize that when you are doing the right thing, making good decisions, you will not always be the most popular nor the most accepted. I have come to realize that there are trouble makers everywhere.
During this time, I've prayed for my enemies. I have tried to be grace under fire. I have deleted negativity from my Facebook page. I realize that I cannot control others' emotions nor beliefs, but if they are negative and wrong, I also do not have to condone nor listen to them.
I also believe during this time, I've gained a lot. I've gained strength in times of persecution, I've read my Bible more, I've prayed more, I've asked for forgiveness more and I think I've grown in spirituality.
I saw ugly at it's best and I want no part of it. I saw me several years ago - spewing anger and vile at people over rumors. I do not want others to perceive me as someone I do not want to be.
I was proud of how I handled things. I never cursed them. I was upset. I was stressed to the point my doctor said I was stroke stage. None of us wants to be lied about especially across the web. It hurt. I prayed that God would protect me from all their evil ways. And, I believe He did.
I also had time to ponder of all the times in my life, how many times have I disobeyed God? How many times have I fallen short in doing my part of my life? I'm trying to walk the path God has for me - sometimes I falter - but I do know when I do - that He is there to help pick me up.
We cannot control others' opinions of us. But we can have strength under fire - we can hold our heads up with the grace of a woman and not the grief of a child. We aren't in elementary school any longer - some of us have grown up, and, others - well, somehow they are still stuck in school with the same mentalities.
I'm truly looking forward to this reunion. I'm looking forward to renewing friendships. And, I'm grateful for the persecution - because it has made me a stronger Christian - and for that, if no other reason - I am grateful to my enemies.

Read Proverbs 12 - I read the Proverb after I had originally written this. I am thrilled with the confirmation.







Circumstances


I thought of you this morning, and thought of the trials we all go through. I wanted to share these 2 scriptures with you - to remind you that God is carrying you through this time in your life - that He is your shelter, your rock and also to let you know - as a friend - I'm here for you.

Psalms 86:7 "In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee, for thou will answer"

Psalms 138:7"Though I am surrounded by troubles, you will bring me safely through them. You will clench your fist against my angry enemies. Your power will save me."

God also says "I will never leave you nor forsake you"

We all live in circumstances that we don't like. We ask God "why" and He doesn't tell us - so we have to deal with them. But we can deal with them through the inner strength God gives us.

Phillippians 4:11-12 Paul was in prison in Rome writing to the Philippians - "Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily whether I have much or little. I know how to live on amost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every situation whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty or want." Paul was in bad circumstances when he wrote this. I think we can learn a lot from Paul. You focus on Christ rather than the circumstances.

I want to focus less on the problems and put more focus on Christ. There are no circumstances in our lives that God cannot change if He choses to.

Paul focused on the sovereignty of God, not the will of man. Romans 8:28 "And, we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His will"

"For God is at work within you, helping you want to obey him, and then helping you do what he wants." Just because we do not see God's work - He is working for us. He knows our needs before we ever ask. But we can't work against Him with our fretting.

The difficult things, pain, hurt times push us to listen more to what God has to say. Let's focus on the POSITIVE results and not the pain or loss. Philippians 1:12-13 Paul had all those guards day and night and was able to witness to all these guards - who were able to go out and preach and they pointed back to Paul and talked of his letters and courage.

Strength under courage - Love you - and look forward to continuing to pray with you and for you. God is dealing with us - in major ways - our trials and tribulations are really small issues - God is strengthening us and preparing us for great things. The focus of our life is Jesus who is within us. I want us to all know Jesus in the most intimate way possible. That, I am sure will take care of us all.

So, do we continue to focus on our circumstances or do we focus on the sovereinty of God and let Him use us to be a witness in someone else's life. it's our choice. it's what we can do.


Tuesday, July 26, 2011

What a Tangled Web We Weave

What a Tangled Web We Weave

I have not written on this blog in a while. Not that there weren’t some exciting things going on, just had other priorities. By the way, I did finish one children’s book, which is at the illustrator’s now and hopefully will be out in time for Christmas gifts!

Yesterday, however, made me realize that I needed to tell a story – not a lie kind of story – but a story.

A little over a year ago, I was contacted by an old classmate – we reunited, like many have, on Facebook. As we all want to know about the years that separated us, one thing led to another in the discussions. Over a month or so, she began to share her unhappiness in her life, mainly her abusive husband and her desire to find happiness in her life.

I, having been a victim of domestic abuse, felt the need to help. We concocted plan(s). She deviated from the plans immensely at the end – but I still had the final say on some things – like I would not go to her/his home and remove anything. Anything that I hauled would have to be away from the home. And, I told her to bring the bare essentials.

One of the smart things I did do was to not go to their home. The other, was to keep all documentation and photographs!

We got her moved back to Texas, made plans, helped her obtain a job, got her settled in – where in less than a week after getting here – she was on the road heading back to “the abuse”.

Yesterday, out of the blue, her sister contacted me. I was smart enough to have saved all IMs, all emails, all texts, and all notes concerning everything that led up to her coming to Texas and the demise of a friendship.

After almost a full day of emails back and forth, I finally felt vindicated and refreshed. There were very few folks in whom I could talk about this without making it seem that I was fabricating things. The sister knows her. Knows her drama. Knows her motive-operandi. Knows her “oh poor me”. Knows how she controls and manipulates. So, when I was shared the story that they had heard, comparing it to events and things that happened once she got to Texas and shortly after she left, I better understood why certain things happened and where statements had come from.

She had said her dad was dying and she had to get to Freeport to the hospital. I knew from the beginning that was a lie. Freeport no longer has a hospital. She said that she had been abused. Perhaps, but even that doesn’t seem real now. She said her son wasn’t this man’s child and that her husband was abusive to the son. The part about the son not being the father’s – I can almost understand. I wouldn’t want a 20 year old just laying around all day and not working and thinking the world owed him something either. She said she wanted to work. Once she got here, we helped her find a job – which is hard to find in Beaumont. Her second day on the job, she said she was quitting and asked how long she could stay here. I told her at least 6 months and I wanted her to see a counselor. She never wanted to help clean nor cook. She took hours in the bathroom “grooming” her and she didn’t look any different when she came out than when she went in. She told how her mother was crazy. I believe that fruit didn’t fall far from the tree. She told us her father sexually abused her. I do not believe that now. She told us how she was like Cinderella with the stepmother and had to do all the work around the house. I’ve learned over the years, that hard work at a young age teaches us to be better in our adult life.

The next day she went to work, and came home late. She would not come home in the evenings after work – she would ride around in neighborhoods that she should not be in. She left – in a fake “trauma like mindset”. I thoroughly believe it was all-fake.

She went back. And, along the way she told an amazing story to those who would listen. I learned that she reported that I wanted her to get a passport to help run drugs out of Mexico. I wanted her to get a passport so she could go south with me, where I have a home, where I go see my allergy doctor and get my asthma meds. I also was “running guns”. I do own a few guns – several that I purchased from another classmate (one of the one’s she fabricated all this to). I’m smart enough not to even take a spray of pepper spray much less a bullet or a gun into Mexico. My husband also is a murderer, according to her. My husband is a Process chemical engineer with an impeccably clean criminal record.

After comparing notes, the sister and I agree, that she needs help and prayers. I do not hold a grudge. I won’t and I haven’t. It was an expensive lesson to learn, one that I chalked up to experience. But, I also realize that she must be in one heck of a tangled web to have to make herself appear to be a victim through manufactured lies.

She reminds me of the story and verse of Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive.

Today, I feel very vindicated. I know the truth has set me free. For those who want to believe her lies, they need to know her past. When you look at where they’ve been, what their plans are, and then you can see the truth to it all.

Personally, I do not know who is more crazy – she or the husband who took her back. Perhaps she has made him this way – or vice versa. I just know it feels good to be released from the bondage that I’ve carried inside of me.

Oh what a tangled web we weave, when we practice to deceive – but oh how great it feels to be free from those who weave their webs.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

If Jesus walked in

If Jesus walked into the sanctuary of your church or mine next Sunday morning, where would he sit? You know what I think? I believe Jesus would look around a bit and find the person or persons who are in the most need, and slip in beside them. The ones who are most lonely, the ones feeling the most pain, the ones who are hurting most right now---are the ones he would touch with the gift of gracious acceptance.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Margie and Sarah

A friend of mine just wrote that her ailing mother, Margie, had gone on home be with Jesus. Sarah was very close to her mother. Over the last few years, Sarah took efficient care of Margie. She was beyond a "good daughter".

At one time I asked on FaceBook "Who is your hero?"

Sarah immediately wrote that it was her husband. He had taken over a lot of her chores and always been there to comfort her while she was caring for her mother. I hope now she is leaning on her hero for a little while more.

Mothers are important factors in our lives. They teach us girls "how to be ladies", how to cook and clean and care for our families; they teach us to be God fearing and never be afraid to love. Most mothers are the foundation of a home. They teach the boys how to be kind and loving to their wives and sisters; as well as, how to be a man. They are our strength in times of need, they are our friend in times of sorrow.

I think of the strength and the grace under fire that I have always seen in Sarah - those traits didn't "just happen". I am thinking those came from her wonderful mother.

I think, also, that the greatest legacy that children can give a parent, is to carry on in life the traditions, values of life, morals, and love that was shown them. What better gift to give to the next generation?

Though I know my friend is grieving, I also know that she is rejoicing. She is rejoicing because she knows her mother is at peace and is resting in the arms of Jesus!

I wrote Sarah a note. A simple note. I reminded her of the babies who had burned to death in a fire in Houston. I told her God needed Margie to come help and care for those babies. God had a job for her." Sarah responded that put a smile on her face thinking of her mama rocking those babies.

God always has a plan.

Life is for the living, but God's eternal life is for those who've accepted Jesus as their personal savior. Rest in peace Mrs. Lee. And, Sarah, I hear a rocking chair creaking!

Monday, February 28, 2011

Praying Wherever

I haven't written in almost a month. This thing- that thing - no reasons - lots of excuses.

I have started praying more. I find myself talking to God in the weirdest of places - the bathroom - the closet - and I'm learning to listen more.

One of the things I have started doing on FaceBook is when someone says, I need a prayer or there's a prayer request - I post my prayer right then! I don't post it for self-gratification - I post it to let the person know - YES I am praying with you and for you - I post it as I pray. I am posting it because God says, "if you deny me before men, I will deny you..." If that person posted then, then I am going to pray when they post - I won't wait until later - they post because they need the prayer then - not later.

I do not ever want to be denied by God.

And, what better way to witness to someone who may not be a praying person or may not know how to pray - but to pray online in front of the world?

I have lost FB "friends" over my prayers. I quickly realized those aren't friends. A friend will want you to pray with them and for them and will never be afraid of the power of prayer.

Prayer has been taken out of our schools - people are afraid to pray in public. I REFUSE to allow that! We are still in America people - where we have freedom of religion and speech!

Speak out - Pray out - Be known as a praying person - and I do believe that you will be forever blessed! Ya'll pass a good one!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

I sat here listening to the storm roll in this morning, feeling safe and secure in my old house with the heat already churning warm air out of the vents in preparation for the impeding cold front, wondering how many of us are really prepared for the storms in our own lives?

I wondered how many of my friends or people I pass in a given day know Jesus as their personal Savior?

I know without faith, prayer, wisdom and fortitude I couldn't have made it through some of my life's storms. Without the word of God in my mind or studying it, I wouldn't know how to handle myself.

For years growing up we rely on others to keep us safe and sound in the storms - but as adults - we have to maneuver those roads ourselves.

"When I was a child I spoke like a child; I acted like a child, but when I became a (wo)man I put away childish things."

I'm very blessed that in my life's storms I have a rock to cling to... I hope you do as well.

Sunday, January 30, 2011

When things go wrong, we must choose the way of courage. We must go on with life, doing the best we can, living one day at a time, trusting God to bring it out right. The psalmist did not say, "I will meet no evil"; he said, "I will fear no evil."

Saturday, January 29, 2011

"My plate is full." I keep thinking to myself as I went through the house picking up things that were just "left" where they landed - many things that I didn't put - and I suppose that imaginary person who lives here "IDUNNO" put it there. I have PI/quilt/construction businesses. Each, requires a certain amount of my brain and time - somedays one has to take precedent over the others. "But who put all that on your plate?" asks my conscious. "I did" I respond.

I did because I have to make a living - I did because I wanted that other house and I didn't want it torn down - I did because it gives us something to do together. I did it. And, most days rather than less days - I can handle it all without frustration(s) nor anxiety.

I stopped long enough today to think what all is going on in our world. I think we have accomplished a lot and will continue to do so. My grandmother used to say "idle hands are the devils workshop".

I also thought about all the begging, pleading, crying, prayers that God hears from all of us each day. His plate is full as well, I am sure.

In thinking along that line, I suppose I will try to shoulder what God has blessed me with - as I know He will put no more on me than what I cannot bear - and in the end - I am so much richer for them.

I shall not whine, but give thanks for the trials or tribulations - in the end - I will appreciate the blessings that much more.

I will attempt to count my enemies as a blessing - as they make me stronger and more reliant upon God and myself.

Sometimes we are our own worse enemies - we volunteer for too many things, say "yes" too many times, and over burden ourselves way too often. I'm going to start asking God for more guidance before I jump up and volunteer. And, I'm going to praise him for the abilities in life that He has given me.....

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Friday, January 28, 2011

Jess

Jess is undergoing a lot of medical tests. We believe that he has the beginnings of Alzheimers. "A" is not nothing nice. We have very "lucid" days - and then there are the "foggy days" . Recently we have had fewer foggy days - only because we've stuck to a routine and there hasn't been any confusion around him.

I've made up my mind, that as this "A" progresses, I want to accept and not always be right - I'm thinking that will cut down on arguments. I don't always have to be right. And, in his mind, he is right. As long as I can keep thinking straight for both of us, that's fine.

I want to dance every chance we get, hold his hand as often as possible, I want to walk in the rain or on the beach. I want to steal a kiss during the day. I plant memories in my mind of things that he does, the way he walks, how hard he works. I want to be spontaneous - but not to a point that it confuses him. I want to listen to him as he speaks his mind. I want to finish projects that we have started.

And, even if there comes a day when he doesn't know who I am - I will always know who he is.

Once we know for certain - we will blog our journey.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

When we love God and accept his love for us, then we can suddenly see things differently. We see all the beautiful things he has graciously given us. Everywhere we look, everywhere we see reminds us of God and all that he has lovingly prepared for us. Real gratitude gives us a new relationship with God an causes us to see miracles everywhere.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

We are so much like the man who became so upset when the neighborhood children walked in his freshly poured, concrete drive. His wife said to him, "Why are you so angry? I thought you loved children." "I do love children," he said, "but I love them in the abstract and not in the concrete!" Too often, we repent in the abstract; we don't become concrete enough.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

It's easy to love those who are attractive to us. It's easy to love those who love us back. But unconditional love? Now that's something else. Love to all freely given, love expecting nothing in return, love with no strings attached, love even to those who hurt us. Only God's Holy Spirit can give us the strength to love like that; only God's Holy Spirit can enable us to love like Jesus loved!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Homecoming

Home

When Hurricane Rita hit us, we had no clue for several months what to do. I think I personally went into a state of shock for a while. My office was gone, computers, trees, our store was damaged and everything in it – it was a mess.

We were very blessed with friends who came and assisted us in getting things as back together in bins and cleaning up the debris as possible. But it wasn’t the same place any more.

We got hit again 3 years later; about the time that we were starting to pick up the pieces and get our lives back together again. Another kick back.

We’ve worked hard all summer long. First we had termite damages that had to be taken care of. Then we started on repairing the roof of the “old store”. More mold, debris. Going through boxes and boxes of books – throwing away those that were moldy or damaged. It just seems it’s been a long journey.

Today I m back in my office, my original office – which later turned to a store. It will never go back to being anything but my office. The majority of this portion of the house is restored. We are working on the rest of it. But, I am home.

It feels good to be home. There’s a feeling of peace that comes with each repair. It’s a feeling, “I’m home.”

The road has been a journey – with lots of speed bumps and huge potholes – not to mention tears. I think those have been placed in the journey to make me appreciate all that I have, all of my blessings and everything and everyone around me.

Neighbors have stopped in to hug me and tell me how much they’ve missed me. Even some whom I put in prison that are out have stopped by to tell me hello and that they missed me.

I suppose you can wander from home – but home is where you hang your heart – I’m looking forward to getting my earthly home refurbished and everything organized. But more importantly, as I go through life, I hope that I am also making the preparations for my Heavenly Home – because that’s going to be the one that counts the most!

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Thinking of Others

I sometimes wonder when folks say, “I’ll be thinking of you.” If that is what they really mean or is that just something they are saying?

Sometimes I think I may phone someone too early or too late in the mornings or evenings. You know that you are old when someone calls after 9pm and says, “Were you sleeping?” And, you are really old when you have to say, “Yes!”

I do think of others – or at least I try. I think as Christians we are suppose to pray for one another, help one another where we can and love one another.

I rejoice in good news from friends. I love hearing about their doings and goings. I love seeing the pictures of their families, or their vacations, or projects that they are working on.

I cry when one of my friends hurt or is sad or has lost a loved one. I hurt for them.

Saying all of this doesn’t mean that you get into the middle of someone’s business and tell him or her how to run his or her lives. It means that we are to be caring, as we would want them to care for us. We need to take more interest in our neighbors and friends. Don’t let them use you or take your kindness and thoughtfulness as a weakness. But, show interest in what they are doing.

I think if more parents and grandparents showed interest in what their children were doing, there possibly could be more family unity.

Philippians 2:4 “Don’t just think about your own affairs but be interested in others too and in what they are doing.”

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Speaking at a Funeral

“I’m dying,” said my friend stoically to me. I looked at her with bewilderment not knowing what to say or do. I wanted to hug her, I wanted to cry. But the expression on her face was a look that I cannot even describe.

“Okay, when?” I asked.

“Soon. I have stage 5 cancer.”

We sat there quietly for a long time.

“What are you going to say about me at my funeral?” She asked.

“Uhm I didn’t know I was saying anything at your funeral.”

“Yes, you have to – you know me the best. Even the preacher won’t get it right – but you will.”

I had to make a promise to a dying friend that I would speak at her eulogy. She had already told the preacher not to preach – that I would handle the speaking parts.

I left dumbstruck. And, then I thought about my own life. What will people say about me when I’m dead? Have you ever thought of that question? And, then I wondered, “How many people would come to my party?” See, I’m being cremated, and have instructed in my Will that there be a party – a celebration of my life.

I want folks to look at an old house and think of me, or look or touch a quilt and feel my warmth; I want them to smell a rose in the garden and feel me with the wind that blows through their hair; I want to be remembered in lots of ways – and not laying in a casket.

I’ve thought of what I am going to say about my friend. I am going to talk on John 3:16. Angie is one of the most devoted Christians – and how better to rejoice with her life – than to make sure that others accept Jesus as their Savior as well.

And, I’m going to think more about my life – and hope that as I make my journey that I am touching folks in a positive manner. I want to leave a footprint in their hearts and minds – in a wonderful way – and not someone they would rather forget.

Monday, January 3, 2011

Manners

I have a friend, an older gentleman, who just cannot seem to grasp manners at a table. He cannot stuff his mouth or belly quick enough. I am to the point I cannot eat a meal at the same table as he. I have gone through autopsy photos during meals, read crime scene information with the blood guts and gore, but I just cannot bring myself to eat around him.

At meal times when he is around, I often think of Jesus when he went to the wedding and made the wine or when he took the loaves of bread and fish and divided it among so many. I would doubt there was gluttony among those eating and drinking.

Manners go a long way for a person – not only in their personal life but also in their professional careers. Who wants to sit at a table across from someone smacking, or talking with food in their mouths, or not even wiping their mouth while they eat?

That is one thing I am very glad that I was hard on my son regarding his table manners. Many a mother would call and compliment me on how well Patrick’s table manners were.

I think when we eat – our bodies are a Temple of God.

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

And, I think that means the way we eat and drink.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

The Princess

Princess

I have a friend who keeps calling her daughter Princess and the child tells the little sister, “Do this or that because the Princess says”.

I don’t like that. I think it plants a false seed in a child’s mind. I think that it is cute to a degree – but teaches the child a falsehood of life.

Life isn’t going to be about that child being a “Princess” – think of the rejection she will have from other peers and classmates. One child is called a “Princess” and not the other. Where does that leave the sibling?

I think it is setting the child up for failure. If the “princess” doesn’t get what she wants, then how will she react? This “Princess” recently told me “when you come see me you are suppose to bring me presents, because I am a Princess”

I quickly informed the child that was rude to ask or tell someone to bring her a gift. I think this is really stretching “fairy tale living”.

God says, “I made you when you were still in your mother’s womb. I know the most intricate parts of you.” Why would we want to be anyone else other than whom God made us? And, why would we want to teach a child that fiction is the truth?

Children live what they learn. And, when a child is given false encouragement, the child is doomed for failure and heartbreak. Teach a child to love herself for whom she is – and not something fictional!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to you!! A day of new beginnings. A day of new promises. A year full of hope!

I have a desire for each of us. Colossians 1:9-11

"do not cease to pray..and to desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding. That you might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power; unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness...."

I'm going to try to be thankful even in the tough times - there are reasons that we go through them - perhaps to toughen us up for the next tough time or to teach us lessons of life.

God doesn't "punish us" by putting us through the tough times - He is forming us.

So let's be "formed" in the way God would have us be. Don't ask God for guidance if we aren't willing to move our feet!