I was headed out to the shop this evening to do some more work on a couple of quilt racks for a friend, only to find Emerson closing up the shop. Rats. Hmmmmm. So I grabbed my fishing pole and headed for the pond. I thought that it must be a sign from God :>)
We have had a LOT of rain, so I knew it probably wouldn't be great fishing, but still, I knew I'd have fun. I got a couple of little bass along the edge of the pond. Then I thought I'd go up and try a couple of casts off the dam.
It was getting dark. There was a cool breeze making the cottonwood tree leaves dance. Everything is very green. It even has the smell of green growing plants. Lots of ivies growing--I'm sure some of it is poison ivy and oak--but I don't seem to be allergic to any of it.
The frogs were croaking out a dissonant song--in several different frog languages! The big bull frogs with their deep resonating song, and then several other kinds of frogs that I don't know the name of--but hear their songs all the time. The ones that give a long bbbzzzzt, those that are almost a metalic sound click, and then the ones that sort of whhhhrrRR!
And then, my most favorite--the fire flies. Doing their own little mid-air waltzes and minuettes. They just look so.....happy!! I love watching them!!! Then I started thinking about a verse in Phillippians (2:15):
"...prove yourselves to be blamesless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world..."
And I think just maybe we are fire flies for God. As you watch fire flies your eyes are just naturally drawn to where they are because they are such a contrast to the darkness. By our own daily living, we can be like that for God, walking in His steps, a stark contrast to the ugliness of this dark world. And you don't ALWAYS see fire flys. Their lights shine for a few seconds and you see just a streak behind them as their light goes out. Then our eyes are drawn to the next fire fly. And the next, and then, maybe back to the first. We don't ALWAYS have to be front and center, in the spotlight to be a light for Him. Just as there are many fire flies, so there are many Christians, and we don't always have to be the most brilliant one out there. We just have to keep on flying, and make sure our light doesn't go out completely. And you know, you can't really SEE fire flies in the light. If you ever have, you'll know they are not a particularly attractive little bug. And that, I think, is how we will appear when we are bathed in HIS light! Just plain looking bugs. His brilliance will be so glorius!! But we can have a great impact on the darkness in this world.
Father, let me be a fire fly for you! I love you.
Grace to you, and all kinds of peace in believing!
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Nana Work
After some encouraging words from family and friends, I have decided that right now my "calling" is just to be Nana/Grandma and just me!! So here are a few "happenings" from my "calling":
Yesterday, we celebrated Addy's third birthday. What do you get when you cross a just-turned-three-year old and dinosaurs?? A Dinosaur bithday party!!!! Cousins Aaron and Daniel were here, in addition to Addy and her sister Ellie. Addy and Daniel helped mix the colors into the frosting for our dinosaur cake! Daniel was especially helpful--he was very good at his "licking" job!! Jayme and I baked the cakes at about 9:00 a.m. We put the finishing touches on them about 6:00 p.m. Now, I'm not saying that we spent that ENTIRE time decorating them, but it did take a lot of hours!! Especially with all the kiddos around! And I guess there was the 2 hour block of time I spent in the dentist chair (I'm sure they wondered why I had a purple tongue [purple icing, of course]), and the 2 hours Jayme and Neal were gone with Aaron, Daniel and Addy to the movies.
Not only did we make 2 dinosaur cakes, but we also fixed a meal for 11 people--bar-b-que chicken, deviled eggs, creamed corn, and homemade ice cream. Daughter-in-law, Donna, brought 2 salads.
Jayme decorated the table, complete with dinosaur tablecloth, dinosaur napkins, dinosaur plates, dinosaur cups and dinosaur decorations. It was VERY VERY cute!
About mid-day I started stressing about getting everything done. But then I decided that if being Nana was my calling, my Father certainly wouldn't wat me to be stressing about everything and not having a good time--and maybe keeping others from having fun, too! So, I DECIDED that I would NOT stress. I managed to do a pretty good job of it too. Stressing over these kind of things is a bad habit for me, so this was an excellent day!! Thank you, God!!!
So maybe now I truly can....
ReJoyce in Living!
Yesterday, we celebrated Addy's third birthday. What do you get when you cross a just-turned-three-year old and dinosaurs?? A Dinosaur bithday party!!!! Cousins Aaron and Daniel were here, in addition to Addy and her sister Ellie. Addy and Daniel helped mix the colors into the frosting for our dinosaur cake! Daniel was especially helpful--he was very good at his "licking" job!! Jayme and I baked the cakes at about 9:00 a.m. We put the finishing touches on them about 6:00 p.m. Now, I'm not saying that we spent that ENTIRE time decorating them, but it did take a lot of hours!! Especially with all the kiddos around! And I guess there was the 2 hour block of time I spent in the dentist chair (I'm sure they wondered why I had a purple tongue [purple icing, of course]), and the 2 hours Jayme and Neal were gone with Aaron, Daniel and Addy to the movies.
Not only did we make 2 dinosaur cakes, but we also fixed a meal for 11 people--bar-b-que chicken, deviled eggs, creamed corn, and homemade ice cream. Daughter-in-law, Donna, brought 2 salads.
Jayme decorated the table, complete with dinosaur tablecloth, dinosaur napkins, dinosaur plates, dinosaur cups and dinosaur decorations. It was VERY VERY cute!
About mid-day I started stressing about getting everything done. But then I decided that if being Nana was my calling, my Father certainly wouldn't wat me to be stressing about everything and not having a good time--and maybe keeping others from having fun, too! So, I DECIDED that I would NOT stress. I managed to do a pretty good job of it too. Stressing over these kind of things is a bad habit for me, so this was an excellent day!! Thank you, God!!!
So maybe now I truly can....
ReJoyce in Living!
Monday, June 06, 2005
Are you Calling???
I guess I'm feeling old. I've not really ever felt this way before. Maybe it's because the 'ole body just isn't what it used to be! Or maybe it isn't old I'm feeling, maybe it's useless. Just sorta seems like I'm treading water or slugging through sand or something. I don't really have a job right now (and that by choice, not circumstance), I don't feel useful at church. I love my husband--more every day really, although we're both human and have faults and we get on each other's nerves sometimes, E is really a wonderful husband. So I do things for him and try to please him. But that's all within the norm. I love my children; my daughter is precious beyond words, and I love my step-sons and daughter-in-laws more and more. And the Grandkids!! Oh, the Grandkids!! What joy they bring to my life.
And hopefully I bring joy to theirs! [Collin, our 3-year old Grandson in Houston was saying goodbye to us when we were getting ready to leave. He put his little arms around my neck, as well as the string to a wind-up toy, and says (while hanging tightly on to the string around my neck) "Grandma, I'm NEVER going to let you go!! ] And what fun I have with all of them! We just spent 4 1/2 days with the 3 in Houston. The last day we were there, the girls started verbally listing all the fun things we had done: went to see Madagascar, went swimming, took 2 long bike rides/walks with Grandpa, made Bedrock Catapillar cookie with Grandma, looked at and tried on all of Grandma's jewelry, rough-housed with Grandpa, had a picnic at the pool, went to kids baseball games, played Badmitten, ate Breakfast at Denny's, played with the dogs.....whew! We managed to do a lot in those few days!!
And tomorrow evening, the Emporia crew comes to prepare for the Tuesday celebration of Addy's 3rd birthday. So that will be a family dinner with lots of fun, making a dinosaur cake, and more fun time with Addy and Ellie and their cousins Aaron and Daniel.
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of that.
But then I think.....what in the world am I doing for your Kingdom, Lord? We've tried to do so many things at church, only to be shot down. We've basically been reduced to pew warmers. I hate that!!!
I feel like God has given me many talents. I'm creative, I work well with teenagers, I love teaching ladies classes, and we have some great ideas to get the community involved in our church. But nothing.
Our prison ministry work was a disaster. We struggle with what we want to try next.
So I've been doing mostly a lot of things I like to do for myself. Quilting, gardening, scrapbooking, reading, doing stuff on the computer (BLOGGING....!!). And it seems like we are always busy running here or there......
But--what am I doing for you, Lord? You've given me these talents....am I using them for you? Are you calling me to do things for you and I'm not listening...not paying attention...not hearing? Are you calling????
Oh, Father, I believe. Help my unbelief!! Help me to love you more...to serve you more...to be more like you. Help me to be less concerned with earthly possessions and more focused on you. Are you calling??????
M.H. I miss being able to communicate with you. BTW, I wrote this entry before reading your most recent entries!
And hopefully I bring joy to theirs! [Collin, our 3-year old Grandson in Houston was saying goodbye to us when we were getting ready to leave. He put his little arms around my neck, as well as the string to a wind-up toy, and says (while hanging tightly on to the string around my neck) "Grandma, I'm NEVER going to let you go!! ] And what fun I have with all of them! We just spent 4 1/2 days with the 3 in Houston. The last day we were there, the girls started verbally listing all the fun things we had done: went to see Madagascar, went swimming, took 2 long bike rides/walks with Grandpa, made Bedrock Catapillar cookie with Grandma, looked at and tried on all of Grandma's jewelry, rough-housed with Grandpa, had a picnic at the pool, went to kids baseball games, played Badmitten, ate Breakfast at Denny's, played with the dogs.....whew! We managed to do a lot in those few days!!
And tomorrow evening, the Emporia crew comes to prepare for the Tuesday celebration of Addy's 3rd birthday. So that will be a family dinner with lots of fun, making a dinosaur cake, and more fun time with Addy and Ellie and their cousins Aaron and Daniel.
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE all of that.
But then I think.....what in the world am I doing for your Kingdom, Lord? We've tried to do so many things at church, only to be shot down. We've basically been reduced to pew warmers. I hate that!!!
I feel like God has given me many talents. I'm creative, I work well with teenagers, I love teaching ladies classes, and we have some great ideas to get the community involved in our church. But nothing.
Our prison ministry work was a disaster. We struggle with what we want to try next.
So I've been doing mostly a lot of things I like to do for myself. Quilting, gardening, scrapbooking, reading, doing stuff on the computer (BLOGGING....!!). And it seems like we are always busy running here or there......
But--what am I doing for you, Lord? You've given me these talents....am I using them for you? Are you calling me to do things for you and I'm not listening...not paying attention...not hearing? Are you calling????
Oh, Father, I believe. Help my unbelief!! Help me to love you more...to serve you more...to be more like you. Help me to be less concerned with earthly possessions and more focused on you. Are you calling??????
M.H. I miss being able to communicate with you. BTW, I wrote this entry before reading your most recent entries!
Friday, June 03, 2005
Road Rash
Ok, I did it again. Stepped off the curb, and the momentum just kept going and my feet couldn't keep up! I tried, valiantly I might add, to keep my balance, alas to no avail. I ended up in the street face down, spread eagle fashion (not to flattering I'm sure). I stayed there for a few seconds hoping either a) that no one saw me and if I just stayed there I could just quietly get up and no one would ever know, or b) that I was really just dreaming. Unfortunately, neither of these worked. I started hearing the voices almost immediately (and not from heaven either!). "Oh, Joyce, are you ok?" "How did THAT happen?" etc., etc., etc. RATS! Hmpf! I got up (with SOME assistance--one on each side of me) and brushed myself off. "I'm OK!", I say to the repeated question of "Are you OK?" "Are you SURE?" But all the while I'm thinkin, "Oh, brother! MORE physical therapy. Later that evening, I was surveying the damage. Road rash on the knees, plus bruising and minor swelling. Significant bruises on both hands--you know, you just instinctively put them out to stop your face from smacking into the pavement. But amazingly enough, the elbow and shoulder seem to be in pretty good shape.
As I was considering the long-term outcome, I started thinking about how we go through life. Just stepping off a curb, like we've done a hundred thousand times before. Maybe its taking a new job, or making a commitment of time or money, or promising something to a child. Maybe even something as normal as just getting out of bed in the morning. And then the momentum takes over, and WHAM!, we end up face down on the pavement with road rash.
If we took the time to have a *different* kind of road rash on our knees, maybe our spiritual life wouldn't have so many bruises and torn ligaments! If we got down on our knees and had a conversation with our heavenly Father, maybe that pavement wouldn't be coming up to meet and greet our faces! I know, for myself, that I could use a lot more prayer road rash, and a lot less self-induced road rash.
Father, help me to be on my knees more in conversation with you. I know I can count on you to lift me to my feet with your strong arms and gentle hands. Thank you for caring for me. I love you.
For those who are concerned--I seem to be recovering nicely.
Bless you all!
As I was considering the long-term outcome, I started thinking about how we go through life. Just stepping off a curb, like we've done a hundred thousand times before. Maybe its taking a new job, or making a commitment of time or money, or promising something to a child. Maybe even something as normal as just getting out of bed in the morning. And then the momentum takes over, and WHAM!, we end up face down on the pavement with road rash.
If we took the time to have a *different* kind of road rash on our knees, maybe our spiritual life wouldn't have so many bruises and torn ligaments! If we got down on our knees and had a conversation with our heavenly Father, maybe that pavement wouldn't be coming up to meet and greet our faces! I know, for myself, that I could use a lot more prayer road rash, and a lot less self-induced road rash.
Father, help me to be on my knees more in conversation with you. I know I can count on you to lift me to my feet with your strong arms and gentle hands. Thank you for caring for me. I love you.
For those who are concerned--I seem to be recovering nicely.
Bless you all!
Friday, May 27, 2005
320 vs. 896
We just returned from my nephew's high school graduation. He was in the top 10% of his class of 896. The ceremony took place in the new Reliant Stadium. A very impressive place. At least 2 other area high school graduation ceremonies took place there today. His graduation was to take place a 8:00 p.m. We left the house at 5:30 to be there on time. There was a "booklet" of instructions on how to get there, where to park, what door to go in, where to sit, what door to go out, and how to leave. A DVD of the ceremony could be purchased. The students did not really receive their diploma's--only a scroll of paper. They are to collect their diploma next week (if they have no outstanding obligations).
This was a far cry from my own HS graduation in the seventies. I graduated in the top 10% of my class of 320. We left our house 30 minutes ahead of time to be there on time. It didn't matter where we parked, what door we went in, where our family sat, or where or how we left. Parents and families took their own pictures. We really did receive our diplomas. (Some were not signed).
However, many things remained the same. The same music was played at both ceremonies. Pomp & Cirumstance (it just took many more repitions to get all 896 of them marched in). There were student speakers at both events. The names of all the graduates were read and the students marched across the stage. The graduates tossed their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony.
And proud parents and family members cheered for their graduate. Pride and love was in abundance.
It's good that some things remain the same.
I'm proud of my nephew. He has a great future ahead of him.
This was a far cry from my own HS graduation in the seventies. I graduated in the top 10% of my class of 320. We left our house 30 minutes ahead of time to be there on time. It didn't matter where we parked, what door we went in, where our family sat, or where or how we left. Parents and families took their own pictures. We really did receive our diplomas. (Some were not signed).
However, many things remained the same. The same music was played at both ceremonies. Pomp & Cirumstance (it just took many more repitions to get all 896 of them marched in). There were student speakers at both events. The names of all the graduates were read and the students marched across the stage. The graduates tossed their caps into the air at the end of the ceremony.
And proud parents and family members cheered for their graduate. Pride and love was in abundance.
It's good that some things remain the same.
I'm proud of my nephew. He has a great future ahead of him.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
"Swinging"
Daniel and Addy love to swing.
Our neighbors next door had a wonderful swing set they wanted to sell.
We bought it. But we were a little slow in getting it moved.
Grandpa (Emerson) took Addy and Daniel next door to go swing since we hadn't gotten it moved yet. He discussed with them how they should never go next door (in the country, next door is QUITE a ways!) without an adult.
But the temptation was tooooooo great. Daniel (almost 5) wandered over in the afternoon. MaryLou (our next door neighbor) called and asked if we knew Daniel was over swinging. We thought he was downstairs with his brother and Addy. Grandpa went to get him. And sternly lectured him all the way home and then made him sit in a chair until he told him he could get down. (After about 10 minutes he was fast asleep!)
Next is was Addy (almost 3). MaryLou said Addy told her she was looking for her cousins (hoping they were swinging???). When we missed Addy, of course all sorts of terrible things go through your head--we have several bodies of water on our place. So we were outside calling her name....and here came MaryLou carrying her back home.
The swingset was moved the next day. :o)
Swinging, in and of itself, is not bad. Neither are many of the things that tempt us in this old world. But they draw us away from home. It is so easy to become distracted and pulled away. Even though some things we are pulled away by are not evil, we tend to leave God out. Unlike us (we didn't know where Addy & Daniel were), God always knows where we are. But like us, He is always thrilled when we return home, when we remember Him, when we engage Him in conversation.
Next time I sit down to swing in our porch swing, I think I'll have a conversation with Him!!
Grace to you and all kinds of peace in believing!
Our neighbors next door had a wonderful swing set they wanted to sell.
We bought it. But we were a little slow in getting it moved.
Grandpa (Emerson) took Addy and Daniel next door to go swing since we hadn't gotten it moved yet. He discussed with them how they should never go next door (in the country, next door is QUITE a ways!) without an adult.
But the temptation was tooooooo great. Daniel (almost 5) wandered over in the afternoon. MaryLou (our next door neighbor) called and asked if we knew Daniel was over swinging. We thought he was downstairs with his brother and Addy. Grandpa went to get him. And sternly lectured him all the way home and then made him sit in a chair until he told him he could get down. (After about 10 minutes he was fast asleep!)
Next is was Addy (almost 3). MaryLou said Addy told her she was looking for her cousins (hoping they were swinging???). When we missed Addy, of course all sorts of terrible things go through your head--we have several bodies of water on our place. So we were outside calling her name....and here came MaryLou carrying her back home.
The swingset was moved the next day. :o)
Swinging, in and of itself, is not bad. Neither are many of the things that tempt us in this old world. But they draw us away from home. It is so easy to become distracted and pulled away. Even though some things we are pulled away by are not evil, we tend to leave God out. Unlike us (we didn't know where Addy & Daniel were), God always knows where we are. But like us, He is always thrilled when we return home, when we remember Him, when we engage Him in conversation.
Next time I sit down to swing in our porch swing, I think I'll have a conversation with Him!!
Grace to you and all kinds of peace in believing!
Monday, May 23, 2005
Fun-Sun-Summertime!!
Sure signs of summertime: (These are a few of my favorite things--especially the first two--ok, well, maybe all of them!!)
Frogs singing in the evening
Lightning bugs, fireflys
Crickets chirping (only a good thing if they're OUTSIDE!)
Family get-togethers and dinner on the deck
Sweet, sweaty, sandy children
The cover is off the pool
Relaxing in the hot tub after a long day in the garden
Beautiful sunsets
Little blonde heads getting even blonder
Tan lines (ok, right now their sunburn lines)
Thunderstorms (God sits as King above them!)
The smell of fresh-cut grass
Ice water, ice tea, ice lemonade, ice anything!
Green, green, green!
Sweet bird-song in the air (ok, there was that one pesky one that started before daylight)
The gurgling sound of the garden pond
The flicker of goldfish in the water
Shade!!
Rare quiet moments sitting in the shade with Emerson
Goldfinches--back to being gold
I'm so glad God gave us the seasons. Another reminder that life circumstances will eventually turn in season as well. But there is always one constant, never changing, never failing thing--God is faithful!!
I think I might just go listen to Vivaldi!
Frogs singing in the evening
Lightning bugs, fireflys
Crickets chirping (only a good thing if they're OUTSIDE!)
Family get-togethers and dinner on the deck
Sweet, sweaty, sandy children
The cover is off the pool
Relaxing in the hot tub after a long day in the garden
Beautiful sunsets
Little blonde heads getting even blonder
Tan lines (ok, right now their sunburn lines)
Thunderstorms (God sits as King above them!)
The smell of fresh-cut grass
Ice water, ice tea, ice lemonade, ice anything!
Green, green, green!
Sweet bird-song in the air (ok, there was that one pesky one that started before daylight)
The gurgling sound of the garden pond
The flicker of goldfish in the water
Shade!!
Rare quiet moments sitting in the shade with Emerson
Goldfinches--back to being gold
I'm so glad God gave us the seasons. Another reminder that life circumstances will eventually turn in season as well. But there is always one constant, never changing, never failing thing--God is faithful!!
I think I might just go listen to Vivaldi!
Sunday, May 22, 2005
Peace, Perfect Peace
This is in response to a new friend, Mike Hall, and his blog, Seek God Now.
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thought are fixed on you!" Is. 26:3
"The song, "Peace, Perfect Peace" was written by Edward Henry Bickersteth under unusual circumstances. He was visiting his aged relative, Archdeacon Hill of Liverpool, who was sick unto death and his mind greatly clouded. Eager to comfort him, the Bishop read to him the text from Isaiah, and then in a few minutes at the bedside composed this hymn and read it to the dying man......The questions form a series of challenges to our faith: in each case Jesus is the key that resolves the dilemma." Quoted from the book "The Gospel in Hymns:
Backgrounds and Interpretations" by Albert Edward Bailey copyright 1950.
Here are the words:
"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus--this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
It is enough; earth's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heav'n's perfect peace."
Mike, may you continue to be blessed and find all kinds of peace in believing!!
"You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thought are fixed on you!" Is. 26:3
"The song, "Peace, Perfect Peace" was written by Edward Henry Bickersteth under unusual circumstances. He was visiting his aged relative, Archdeacon Hill of Liverpool, who was sick unto death and his mind greatly clouded. Eager to comfort him, the Bishop read to him the text from Isaiah, and then in a few minutes at the bedside composed this hymn and read it to the dying man......The questions form a series of challenges to our faith: in each case Jesus is the key that resolves the dilemma." Quoted from the book "The Gospel in Hymns:
Backgrounds and Interpretations" by Albert Edward Bailey copyright 1950.
Here are the words:
"Peace, perfect peace, in this dark world of sin?
The blood of Jesus whispers peace within.
Peace, perfect peace, by thronging duties pressed?
To do the will of Jesus--this is rest.
Peace, perfect peace, with sorrows surging round?
On Jesus bosom naught but calm is found.
Peace, perfect peace, with loved ones far away?
In Jesus keeping we are safe, and they.
Peace, perfect peace, our future all unknown?
Jesus we know, and he is on the throne.
It is enough; earth's struggles soon shall cease,
And Jesus call us to heav'n's perfect peace."
Mike, may you continue to be blessed and find all kinds of peace in believing!!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Heaven in a Hot Dog!
Last night we had a family cookout and grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. We always make enough for leftovers, so lunch today was a hot dog. I had a hamburger last night. I decided to make my hot dog Chicago style (my humble apologies to anyone who is from Chicago and has actually EATEN Chicago style dogs--this is just my version). So on my tiny little hot dog bun goes Ketchup, mustard, onion, tomato, dill pickle, and of course, the hot dog (that plumps when you cook it!). Do you know how hard it is to keep all that on the bun while you're eating it?!?!? There's just too much good stuff to keep it all in there. I'm sure that's what heaven is going to be like....just so much good stuff you can't hold it all in there!! I'll take mine with everything, thank you!!
Addyism: Happiness is a Very Important Thing!
Addyisms:
(Nana using a sunscreen stick on baby sister Ellie)
Addy: "Are you gluing Ellie?"
(Addy spinning around and around on Kitchen bar stool)
Addy: "This is a WONDERFUL way to travel!!"
(Nana playing the piano and singing with Addy--"Just Whistle a Happy Tune". Addy adding her discordant melody on the piano and singing:)
Addy: "Happiness is a very important thing!"
Hmmmm...."Happiness is a very important thing!" That has given me quite a lot to think about. I have learned through various trials and just plain 'ole daily living that our goal should NOT be "happiness". Our goal in life should be to honor and praise the One who made us. But I also know that Jesus loved the little children--He loved the way they thought, the things they said, and what they did. So, I try very hard to observe these little ones around me and try to learn their child-like ways. So when Addy was singing "Happiness is a very important thing", it really made me think. Now, just what makes a 2-almost-3 year old happy?
* Relationship! Having those she loves with her. The whole piano playing episode was a result of her melt-down when her parents left to go to the movie. So I scooped her up and said let's go play the piano. Sob, sob. We walk to the piano. Nana: "Wanna play and sing?" Sniffle, sniffle. Addy nods her head. So I clear off the piano book. Tears have ceased like a water faucet has been turned off. We play and sing and BOTH of us are happy.
* Security! Addy knows Nana loves her. Addy knows her parents love her, and that even if they go away for a little while, they will come back. (Hmmmm.....didn't Jesus have something to say that sounded a lot like that?) As long as she is with people she loves, even when someone goes away, she is secure enough in their love to trust they will come back.
* A full tummy! It doesn't usually take much! A sippy cup full of milk will ususally do the trick! An occasional piece of ham or cheese and a few M's never hurt anything either.
* A place to sleep! Now when a 2-almost-3 year old asks, "Nana, can you put me to bed now?", you know life is good!! I need to learn this lesson from her. When you're tired, you go to bed. With me it's always, I'll do this "one more thing" before I go to bed!
These are just my observations of what makes Addy happy. Simple things. Things that are good with God. Now, what is on my "list" of things that make me happy? I'm embarrassed to say it isn't all that simple. I think I'll have to do some paring of my "list". And I'm sure that when I have been able to accomplish that, God will be pleased.
Now I haven't really ASKED Addy what makes her happy. I'll have to do that. It will be interesting to see what she says! I'll keep you posted.
May you have Peace in Believing!!
(Nana using a sunscreen stick on baby sister Ellie)
Addy: "Are you gluing Ellie?"
(Addy spinning around and around on Kitchen bar stool)
Addy: "This is a WONDERFUL way to travel!!"
(Nana playing the piano and singing with Addy--"Just Whistle a Happy Tune". Addy adding her discordant melody on the piano and singing:)
Addy: "Happiness is a very important thing!"
Hmmmm...."Happiness is a very important thing!" That has given me quite a lot to think about. I have learned through various trials and just plain 'ole daily living that our goal should NOT be "happiness". Our goal in life should be to honor and praise the One who made us. But I also know that Jesus loved the little children--He loved the way they thought, the things they said, and what they did. So, I try very hard to observe these little ones around me and try to learn their child-like ways. So when Addy was singing "Happiness is a very important thing", it really made me think. Now, just what makes a 2-almost-3 year old happy?
* Relationship! Having those she loves with her. The whole piano playing episode was a result of her melt-down when her parents left to go to the movie. So I scooped her up and said let's go play the piano. Sob, sob. We walk to the piano. Nana: "Wanna play and sing?" Sniffle, sniffle. Addy nods her head. So I clear off the piano book. Tears have ceased like a water faucet has been turned off. We play and sing and BOTH of us are happy.
* Security! Addy knows Nana loves her. Addy knows her parents love her, and that even if they go away for a little while, they will come back. (Hmmmm.....didn't Jesus have something to say that sounded a lot like that?) As long as she is with people she loves, even when someone goes away, she is secure enough in their love to trust they will come back.
* A full tummy! It doesn't usually take much! A sippy cup full of milk will ususally do the trick! An occasional piece of ham or cheese and a few M's never hurt anything either.
* A place to sleep! Now when a 2-almost-3 year old asks, "Nana, can you put me to bed now?", you know life is good!! I need to learn this lesson from her. When you're tired, you go to bed. With me it's always, I'll do this "one more thing" before I go to bed!
These are just my observations of what makes Addy happy. Simple things. Things that are good with God. Now, what is on my "list" of things that make me happy? I'm embarrassed to say it isn't all that simple. I think I'll have to do some paring of my "list". And I'm sure that when I have been able to accomplish that, God will be pleased.
Now I haven't really ASKED Addy what makes her happy. I'll have to do that. It will be interesting to see what she says! I'll keep you posted.
May you have Peace in Believing!!
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Wake Up!!
Several of the last few nights have found me up pacing the floor because of Restless Leg Syndrome. I suffer from it to quite a severe degree--to the point of wearing holes in the sheets on our bed. I take medication to control it, but it doesn't always work. One night I was up until 4 a.m. and another up until 2 a.m. Unfortunately, I still wake up about the same time--between 6:30 and 7:00. So the sleep hours during the last several days have really been on the short side!
Today, I had to drive about an hour and a half to do a Southern Living At Home party. The drive there wasn't too bad. I was going over how I was going to set up my display, and mentally rehearsing the things I wanted to say.
However, the trip home was quite a challenge. I had something cold to drink and I had my pumpkin seeds--my usual arsenal of things to keep me awake while I drive. I even had the radio on listening to a public radio program which was rather entertaining. But, still, I was really struggling to stay awake. All of a sudden, I heard the rumble strips under the tires of the van. I had nodded off to sleep! Scary!! What if I had veered the other way instead of off to the shoulder?!? I know God must have had His hand on the steering wheel!
I found a place to pull off and walked around for a bit, before continuing on home. Oh, My! That was NOT a fun experience.
As I continued on home, I was thinking about how the church seems to be in a similar situation. We are content to do the same old "two songs and a prayer" and heaven forbid if someone tries to do something a little new. So we sit in same old pews, sing the same old songs, at the same old slow pace, with the same people playing the same roles, blah, blah, blah, blah....and because of complacency and following the same old traditions that have become sacred cows, we grow sleepy and nod off. (Now for me, unfortunately, this is true not only figuratively, but in reality as well. The RLS cycle keeps me from getting enough sleep, makes me really drowsy during the day, and the more tired I am the worse the RLS gets, and I lose even more sleep and so on...)
It is the newer roads that have the rumble strips. Some smart person decided that was a great way to wake some one up who had nodded off and veered off the road. For people like me, they need to go back and install them on all the old roads as well.
I believe the church needs rumble strips. We seem to have gotten so comfortable in our car (or in our box) that we are in danger of falling asleep. We want things to be just like they always have been. Sort of the "If it works, don't fix it" mentality. Unfortunately, "it" doesn't seem to be working any more. I fear that we are veering off and in danger of a head on collision. If the church is not growing, it is dying. We need to wake up, kill some sacred cows, and let the church continue to grow into the embodiment of Christ that it was designed to be.
Thank you, Father, for rumble strips. Please continue to guide me. Wake me up! Make me more like Christ!
Today, I had to drive about an hour and a half to do a Southern Living At Home party. The drive there wasn't too bad. I was going over how I was going to set up my display, and mentally rehearsing the things I wanted to say.
However, the trip home was quite a challenge. I had something cold to drink and I had my pumpkin seeds--my usual arsenal of things to keep me awake while I drive. I even had the radio on listening to a public radio program which was rather entertaining. But, still, I was really struggling to stay awake. All of a sudden, I heard the rumble strips under the tires of the van. I had nodded off to sleep! Scary!! What if I had veered the other way instead of off to the shoulder?!? I know God must have had His hand on the steering wheel!
I found a place to pull off and walked around for a bit, before continuing on home. Oh, My! That was NOT a fun experience.
As I continued on home, I was thinking about how the church seems to be in a similar situation. We are content to do the same old "two songs and a prayer" and heaven forbid if someone tries to do something a little new. So we sit in same old pews, sing the same old songs, at the same old slow pace, with the same people playing the same roles, blah, blah, blah, blah....and because of complacency and following the same old traditions that have become sacred cows, we grow sleepy and nod off. (Now for me, unfortunately, this is true not only figuratively, but in reality as well. The RLS cycle keeps me from getting enough sleep, makes me really drowsy during the day, and the more tired I am the worse the RLS gets, and I lose even more sleep and so on...)
It is the newer roads that have the rumble strips. Some smart person decided that was a great way to wake some one up who had nodded off and veered off the road. For people like me, they need to go back and install them on all the old roads as well.
I believe the church needs rumble strips. We seem to have gotten so comfortable in our car (or in our box) that we are in danger of falling asleep. We want things to be just like they always have been. Sort of the "If it works, don't fix it" mentality. Unfortunately, "it" doesn't seem to be working any more. I fear that we are veering off and in danger of a head on collision. If the church is not growing, it is dying. We need to wake up, kill some sacred cows, and let the church continue to grow into the embodiment of Christ that it was designed to be.
Thank you, Father, for rumble strips. Please continue to guide me. Wake me up! Make me more like Christ!
Friday, May 13, 2005
Addy and the Flowers
Recently, my almost 3-year old granddaughter, Addy, was helping me plant flowers in my garden. What fun we had! I dug the hole, loosened the dirt in the bottom, and then she added compost to the hole. I mixed it and the loose dirt with the shovel and she helped with her hand shovel. Then she poured in some root starter solution and I put the plant in and and replaced the dirt around the plant. Then Addy would take her little plastic watering can and water the newly planted flower.
We repeated this process many times. After we had planted several flowers, I was watching her water with her little watering can. Then she stepped back and just stood there looking at the plant.
Nana: "What are you doing Addy?"
Addy: "Watching the flower grow!"
Nana: (smiling) "Oh!"
Addy: "Isn't it pretty?"
This scenario and conversation has really stuck with me for the last couple of weeks. I've been planting more flowers on my own and thinking about how Addy would "watch them grow". I know my Heavenly Father stands back and watches me "grow". I'm sure at times, the watching isn't all that interesting and surely must be imperceptable.
Things I've learned from Addy and the flowers:
* Look at things from a child's perspective--"I'm watching it grow."
* Appreciate things as they are--"Isn't it pretty?"
* Some things (and people) are worth of being watched even if it looks like nothing is happening.
* God watches us patiently.
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10:14b
We repeated this process many times. After we had planted several flowers, I was watching her water with her little watering can. Then she stepped back and just stood there looking at the plant.
Nana: "What are you doing Addy?"
Addy: "Watching the flower grow!"
Nana: (smiling) "Oh!"
Addy: "Isn't it pretty?"
This scenario and conversation has really stuck with me for the last couple of weeks. I've been planting more flowers on my own and thinking about how Addy would "watch them grow". I know my Heavenly Father stands back and watches me "grow". I'm sure at times, the watching isn't all that interesting and surely must be imperceptable.
Things I've learned from Addy and the flowers:
* Look at things from a child's perspective--"I'm watching it grow."
* Appreciate things as they are--"Isn't it pretty?"
* Some things (and people) are worth of being watched even if it looks like nothing is happening.
* God watches us patiently.
"Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the kingdom belongs to those who are like these children." Mark 10:14b
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Just a Simple God Song
Daniel is our 4 year old grandson. I got to sit in on his Bible class tonight since I didn't have any babies in my nursery class. His mom teaches his class this quarter. She began by asking if the kids wanted to sing. The reply was a resounding "YEEESSSSSS!" Donna asked them what they wanted to sing. Logan, the only other child there tonight, replied with the usual "Jesus Loves Me". That's what I expect from most children their age. And we sang it and I love hearing those sweet little voices sing about Jesus.
But then, Donna asked Daniel what song he wanted to sing. "God is Good" was his reply. And Donna said, "I could have guessed." So this was not an unusual request on his part. But it surprised me. It's not a song we often sing at church. His grandpa and I sang it to each other at our wedding 9 years ago, but that was before he was born. So, I'm not sure where he's heard it often enough for it to be his favorite song. We sang:
God is so good.
God is so good.
God is so good, He's so good to me.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers, He's so good to me.
I love Him so.
I love Him so.
I love Him so, He's so good to me.
Just a simple song. Simple enough for a child to love it. But powerful enough for those of us who've been around a little longer to love it as well.
So simple. God is good. All the time. Not just years ago. Not just yesterday. Not just tomorrow. All the time. Always. Everyday. In every way. There is no shadow or turning. He doesn't change or vary. He is good! His mercies are new every morning!! He's so good to me.
He answers prayers. Always. Not always how we want. But He always listens and He always responds. And He does what it best for us. He's so good to me.
I love Him so. He's always good. He answers prayers. He gave himself to die for me. I love Him so. He's so good to me!!
I love it that Daniel loves this song. I'm sure he doesn't realize all the things I do about this song, but that will come in time. And when trouble comes his way, as it surely does to all of us, I hope that little song continues to play in his mind....God is so good....
But then, Donna asked Daniel what song he wanted to sing. "God is Good" was his reply. And Donna said, "I could have guessed." So this was not an unusual request on his part. But it surprised me. It's not a song we often sing at church. His grandpa and I sang it to each other at our wedding 9 years ago, but that was before he was born. So, I'm not sure where he's heard it often enough for it to be his favorite song. We sang:
God is so good.
God is so good.
God is so good, He's so good to me.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers.
He answers prayers, He's so good to me.
I love Him so.
I love Him so.
I love Him so, He's so good to me.
Just a simple song. Simple enough for a child to love it. But powerful enough for those of us who've been around a little longer to love it as well.
So simple. God is good. All the time. Not just years ago. Not just yesterday. Not just tomorrow. All the time. Always. Everyday. In every way. There is no shadow or turning. He doesn't change or vary. He is good! His mercies are new every morning!! He's so good to me.
He answers prayers. Always. Not always how we want. But He always listens and He always responds. And He does what it best for us. He's so good to me.
I love Him so. He's always good. He answers prayers. He gave himself to die for me. I love Him so. He's so good to me!!
I love it that Daniel loves this song. I'm sure he doesn't realize all the things I do about this song, but that will come in time. And when trouble comes his way, as it surely does to all of us, I hope that little song continues to play in his mind....God is so good....
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Fishing & Faith
Our friend, Ray, that we go fishing with is an early riser. He likes to be out on the water by 6:15 casting his net for bait. I love fishing. So it's not hard to get out of bed to go. Except....when we've gotten our bait and boated over to our favorite fishing spot, baited the hooks, tossed them in and.......nothing happens. Ray's wife, Nancy, says that the fish don't wake up until 8:30. It's truly amazing how many mornings that was true!! We never went a day without catching fish, but most days it was after 8:30!
As I sat there, watching the end of my fishing pole--willing it to move, it was easy to think--"Hey, I could have slept another 2 hours!" Now I am a pretty patient fisherperson. My husband on the other hand....if he hasn't had a bite in 5 minutes, he's ready to go do something else. That is especially true at home on our pond. There is too much work calling his name for him to just sit and wait for a fish to bite. Out on the boat, far away from home, he is much better. But he still takes a book to read!!
As I sat out on that boat waiting for that 30" striper to wake up, I began to think about faith. We have our fishing poles of faith cast out into God's great ocean and we sit watching our poles. We want God to give a mighty tug and let us know He is there. We want the end of that pole to bend, and the line begin to scream off the reel. But, it isn't "8:30" yet. We have to sit and be patient. And continue to be watchful.
I admit, sometimes out on the boat with the gentle rocking motion and the wind in my face, I would begin to nod off. When I began to do that, I would take the fishing pole out of the holder and lock my hands around it so that I wouldn't miss that tug. I sure didn't want to miss that fish!! And all it took was one little bump and I would be WIDE AWAKE!!! It might be several minutes before another bump came along, but, oh, how thrilling that was!! And then once a fish took that line--Wow!--I was up out of my seat in a flash, tugging and reeling and squealing with delight!! Now it wasn't just me that was excited, everyone in the boat became more animated and watchful. And once we started catching those 22'-24' fish, don't you know we were all really excited.
We may wait for a long time for a little tug on our pole that lets us know our faith in God does not go unanswered. But once it comes, oh, aren't we pleased and excited and willing to wait for the next tug. And if a really big TUG comes, our joy can not be contained! We might even cause other people to become excited.
But you know who I'm really impressed with. The person who just keeps his pole in God's great ocean--never getting even a little bump. And yet, stays. Keeps that pole in the water. Trusting. Surely, surely, God is a great rewarder of those who patiently continue to wait.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Father, help me to be patient. Help me to be watchful and very aware of even the tiny "bumps" that let me know you are there. But even when there are no "bumps", Father, help me to continue to trust, to have faith. And help me, Father, to continually bring to mind the "whales" that have tugged on my line--that prove to me You are who you say You are.
"Now may the God of Peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you [and tugs on your line] is FAITHFUL. I Thes. 5:23-24
As I sat there, watching the end of my fishing pole--willing it to move, it was easy to think--"Hey, I could have slept another 2 hours!" Now I am a pretty patient fisherperson. My husband on the other hand....if he hasn't had a bite in 5 minutes, he's ready to go do something else. That is especially true at home on our pond. There is too much work calling his name for him to just sit and wait for a fish to bite. Out on the boat, far away from home, he is much better. But he still takes a book to read!!
As I sat out on that boat waiting for that 30" striper to wake up, I began to think about faith. We have our fishing poles of faith cast out into God's great ocean and we sit watching our poles. We want God to give a mighty tug and let us know He is there. We want the end of that pole to bend, and the line begin to scream off the reel. But, it isn't "8:30" yet. We have to sit and be patient. And continue to be watchful.
I admit, sometimes out on the boat with the gentle rocking motion and the wind in my face, I would begin to nod off. When I began to do that, I would take the fishing pole out of the holder and lock my hands around it so that I wouldn't miss that tug. I sure didn't want to miss that fish!! And all it took was one little bump and I would be WIDE AWAKE!!! It might be several minutes before another bump came along, but, oh, how thrilling that was!! And then once a fish took that line--Wow!--I was up out of my seat in a flash, tugging and reeling and squealing with delight!! Now it wasn't just me that was excited, everyone in the boat became more animated and watchful. And once we started catching those 22'-24' fish, don't you know we were all really excited.
We may wait for a long time for a little tug on our pole that lets us know our faith in God does not go unanswered. But once it comes, oh, aren't we pleased and excited and willing to wait for the next tug. And if a really big TUG comes, our joy can not be contained! We might even cause other people to become excited.
But you know who I'm really impressed with. The person who just keeps his pole in God's great ocean--never getting even a little bump. And yet, stays. Keeps that pole in the water. Trusting. Surely, surely, God is a great rewarder of those who patiently continue to wait.
"Be still, and know that I am God."
Father, help me to be patient. Help me to be watchful and very aware of even the tiny "bumps" that let me know you are there. But even when there are no "bumps", Father, help me to continue to trust, to have faith. And help me, Father, to continually bring to mind the "whales" that have tugged on my line--that prove to me You are who you say You are.
"Now may the God of Peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you [and tugs on your line] is FAITHFUL. I Thes. 5:23-24
Turkey Moments
The fishing trip was a GREAT success. We dressed out over 100 fish. We caught mostly stripers (some up to 24") and a few catfish and sandbass. The lake was beautiful. It was really nice to get away from all the regular everyday stuff and be with good friends and enjoy this wonderful world God has made for us.
We got home about 5:30 p.m. yesterday. One of the things I did last night was to go through and read the regular blogs that I always read. It was fun to read them and catch up!
This morning, very early, before I went to work, I looked out our back door and saw a Tom turkey and three hen turkeys. It was such fun to watch them saunter along looking for bugs to eat. The Tom was huge. I grabbed my binoculars to get a better look. (I keep them on top of the fridge next to the back door for just such opportunities.) I was hoping to get a good look at him before he went behind the shed. He turned toward me for just a brief moment, and I got to see his beard--it was so long it nearly hung to the ground! I was excited to get such a good glimpse of him. And then! He turned around with his back to me, and just before he went behind the shed, he fanned out his feathers! Wow! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!! It was tempting to go wake up my husband, but since he had done all the driving the day before, I refrained.
I ran to the front room to see if I could see the turkeys coming around the other side of the shed. Sure enough, there they were. I watched until they went out of sight behind some brush. It was worth giving up a few minutes of my morning and having to hurry through what was already a quick breakfast, to see those turkeys strutting through our yard.
I 'm sure God watches us like that. He watches us going about our own daily routines, and He is fascinated. We don't even realize that He's watching. And once in a while, we do something really good, and we "fan out our feathers" for Him--still not knowing He is watching. But He is so thrilled! I'm sure he must be calling all the angels over--"Look! See what she's doing! I made her, she belongs to me!"
I pray that each day, I do more and more things that please my Father.
We got home about 5:30 p.m. yesterday. One of the things I did last night was to go through and read the regular blogs that I always read. It was fun to read them and catch up!
This morning, very early, before I went to work, I looked out our back door and saw a Tom turkey and three hen turkeys. It was such fun to watch them saunter along looking for bugs to eat. The Tom was huge. I grabbed my binoculars to get a better look. (I keep them on top of the fridge next to the back door for just such opportunities.) I was hoping to get a good look at him before he went behind the shed. He turned toward me for just a brief moment, and I got to see his beard--it was so long it nearly hung to the ground! I was excited to get such a good glimpse of him. And then! He turned around with his back to me, and just before he went behind the shed, he fanned out his feathers! Wow! I was so excited I could hardly contain myself!! It was tempting to go wake up my husband, but since he had done all the driving the day before, I refrained.
I ran to the front room to see if I could see the turkeys coming around the other side of the shed. Sure enough, there they were. I watched until they went out of sight behind some brush. It was worth giving up a few minutes of my morning and having to hurry through what was already a quick breakfast, to see those turkeys strutting through our yard.
I 'm sure God watches us like that. He watches us going about our own daily routines, and He is fascinated. We don't even realize that He's watching. And once in a while, we do something really good, and we "fan out our feathers" for Him--still not knowing He is watching. But He is so thrilled! I'm sure he must be calling all the angels over--"Look! See what she's doing! I made her, she belongs to me!"
I pray that each day, I do more and more things that please my Father.
Sunday, May 01, 2005
Grilled Cracked Pepper
Just one quick blog tonight--and then we're off in the morning, headed to Lake Texhoma to go fishing with friends. It will be good to get away. Sure seems like things have been hectic around here. We've been trying to get things planted before we leave, get the lawn mowed, get everything watered, etc., etc., plus getting everything packed to take. So, this one will be short.
Last night, I grilled burgers. I love the way the pepper smells as I grind it and it falls through into the fire below. It is such a Sweet, wonderful smell. As I was enjoying that last night, I thought about the verse that talks about us being a pleasing aroma to God. Funny, isn't it, that just smelling pepper from the grinder makes us sneeze. Now, I can't imagine just sniffing the jar of pepper. Aa-Aaa-Aaaa Chooooo! But add some heat and flame and the smell changes all together. It is transformed from a sharp, pungent smell, to a smooth, sweet aroma that pleases the senses. I find myself dumping a little extra in the fire just to breathe in that aroma.
I think we are like that to God. We go along in life and everything is just humming along fine. God still likes us, loves us even. But then, when the heat gets turned up in life with trials or temptations, and we maintain our Christian integrity, oh then, don't you know, He breathes us in deeply--smelling that smooth, sweet aroma as our lives have been transformed. And not only does He love us, He is pleased with us.
I hope that I can be grilled cracked pepper for Him!
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Eph. 5:1-2
I will look forward to catching up with all of you when I get back!
May God continue to bless each of you and give you all kinds of peace in believing!
Last night, I grilled burgers. I love the way the pepper smells as I grind it and it falls through into the fire below. It is such a Sweet, wonderful smell. As I was enjoying that last night, I thought about the verse that talks about us being a pleasing aroma to God. Funny, isn't it, that just smelling pepper from the grinder makes us sneeze. Now, I can't imagine just sniffing the jar of pepper. Aa-Aaa-Aaaa Chooooo! But add some heat and flame and the smell changes all together. It is transformed from a sharp, pungent smell, to a smooth, sweet aroma that pleases the senses. I find myself dumping a little extra in the fire just to breathe in that aroma.
I think we are like that to God. We go along in life and everything is just humming along fine. God still likes us, loves us even. But then, when the heat gets turned up in life with trials or temptations, and we maintain our Christian integrity, oh then, don't you know, He breathes us in deeply--smelling that smooth, sweet aroma as our lives have been transformed. And not only does He love us, He is pleased with us.
I hope that I can be grilled cracked pepper for Him!
"Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God." Eph. 5:1-2
I will look forward to catching up with all of you when I get back!
May God continue to bless each of you and give you all kinds of peace in believing!
Friday, April 29, 2005
Rats!
Can anybody tell me what I did to my blog to cause the sidebar info to go all the way to the bottom? And how I can fix it??
Whipped Cream / Chocolate Syrup
I confess--I love Lattes. I even have my own little (cheap) cappacino maker. I grind my own coffee, I have the syrups, I froth the milk. I still prefer to buy Star Bucks, or almost any little coffee house's lattes. But not because my aren't good--my husband says they're excellent and that he prefers them--but he also doesn't have to make them!! *Grin* But I digress from what I was actually going to write about....
Here it is April 29. In Kansas, at this late date, we are usually enjoying weather in the 70's. I think today's high was in the 40's!! Brrrrrr. Hard to believe, but we actually have a fire in our fireplace tonight. After going out to supper, we came home, I watered the plants in my breeze-way that haven't been planted yet, and took the most tender ones into the garage. I watered everything and pulled it far enough into the breeze-way that I think the inevitable frost won't get them.
By the time I got inside, my hands were like ice. Emerson didn't seem to be keen on letting me warm them on his neck, so I stood in front of the fireplace for a bit. Then....I started think about how nice a hot, frothy latte would be.
So, I got everything out. Packed the coffee down into the metal filter. Poured in the water. Turned on the machine. Preheated the milk in the microwave. Frothed the milk. Added the syrup---ummmmmm, carmel (sugar-free mind you)--my favorite flavor. Then, I thought I would make them a little extra special tonight. So I added some choclate syrup AND......
Whipped Cream!!! You know, the kind that you squirt out of the can. (I personally like to eat it just like that--right out of the can! *Blush*) Then drizzled a little more chocolate over the top. MMMMmmmmMMMM!
But.....what I didn't count on was the choclate syrup and whipped cream cooling off the coffee so much. Yuck. How disappointing. It looked so good--but tasted so.....blech. I heated them up in the microwave and at least rescued them to the point of drinkable. But still, they weren't nearly as good as what I had anticipated.
And as I drank it, in front of the nice warm fire, I began to think. We are pleasing to God when we are hot like a really good Latte. But He is not pleased when we are lukewarm. "But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!" (Rev. 3:6 NLT)
What is it that can make us lukewarm? What is the "whipped cream and chocolate syrup" that we add to our lives? It looks so good, and tastes so yummy. Isn't that the way of the world? The way of sin? It looks so tempting--and by itself, it may "taste" yummy. But what does it do to our spiritual lives? It cools us off and makes us lukewarm. We all have our "whipped cream and chocolate syrup". I don't think I have to list what that might be....I know what kind of things it is my life.
I'll not be adding whipped cream and chocolate syrup to my lattes anymore. And I certainly want to be aware of cooling off my spiritual life with things of the world and stop doing that as well. I want to stay "hot" for Him and be pleasing to Him.
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worhip him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you inot a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
And then if I might continue with Joyce's version....."Becasue of the privilege and authoirty God has given me (well not me, really), I give each of you this warning--stop with the whipped cream and chocolate!!" Rom. 12:1-2 and a loose version of vs. 3
Hey! Let's meet for coffee sometime! :0)
Here it is April 29. In Kansas, at this late date, we are usually enjoying weather in the 70's. I think today's high was in the 40's!! Brrrrrr. Hard to believe, but we actually have a fire in our fireplace tonight. After going out to supper, we came home, I watered the plants in my breeze-way that haven't been planted yet, and took the most tender ones into the garage. I watered everything and pulled it far enough into the breeze-way that I think the inevitable frost won't get them.
By the time I got inside, my hands were like ice. Emerson didn't seem to be keen on letting me warm them on his neck, so I stood in front of the fireplace for a bit. Then....I started think about how nice a hot, frothy latte would be.
So, I got everything out. Packed the coffee down into the metal filter. Poured in the water. Turned on the machine. Preheated the milk in the microwave. Frothed the milk. Added the syrup---ummmmmm, carmel (sugar-free mind you)--my favorite flavor. Then, I thought I would make them a little extra special tonight. So I added some choclate syrup AND......
Whipped Cream!!! You know, the kind that you squirt out of the can. (I personally like to eat it just like that--right out of the can! *Blush*) Then drizzled a little more chocolate over the top. MMMMmmmmMMMM!
But.....what I didn't count on was the choclate syrup and whipped cream cooling off the coffee so much. Yuck. How disappointing. It looked so good--but tasted so.....blech. I heated them up in the microwave and at least rescued them to the point of drinkable. But still, they weren't nearly as good as what I had anticipated.
And as I drank it, in front of the nice warm fire, I began to think. We are pleasing to God when we are hot like a really good Latte. But He is not pleased when we are lukewarm. "But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!" (Rev. 3:6 NLT)
What is it that can make us lukewarm? What is the "whipped cream and chocolate syrup" that we add to our lives? It looks so good, and tastes so yummy. Isn't that the way of the world? The way of sin? It looks so tempting--and by itself, it may "taste" yummy. But what does it do to our spiritual lives? It cools us off and makes us lukewarm. We all have our "whipped cream and chocolate syrup". I don't think I have to list what that might be....I know what kind of things it is my life.
I'll not be adding whipped cream and chocolate syrup to my lattes anymore. And I certainly want to be aware of cooling off my spiritual life with things of the world and stop doing that as well. I want to stay "hot" for Him and be pleasing to Him.
"And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worhip him. Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you inot a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
And then if I might continue with Joyce's version....."Becasue of the privilege and authoirty God has given me (well not me, really), I give each of you this warning--stop with the whipped cream and chocolate!!" Rom. 12:1-2 and a loose version of vs. 3
Hey! Let's meet for coffee sometime! :0)
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