Uninvited Visitor Repost - Happy Halloween

Unwelcomed Visitor
courtesy Photobucket.com

 

The knocking at my door was more of a violent scratching, like my dog does when he wants inside.

I pulled the curtain aside and peered out to view the hooded dark figure as he continued to thump and tap loudly.

Opening the door just a crack was enough for him to push against the door and gain entrance even without a formal invitation.

I asked his name, and he mumbled something and then quietly slid over to a corner where he sat and tried to hide while he continued observing me.

Finally I told him I was certain that I did not want him in my home.

He spoke in whispers and in a nagging dialogue he began to berate me and tell me how bad I was, and that I was no good.

His voice rose up a tone or two as he gained confidence in what he was about; “You do nothing right, and no one likes you,” was spewing from his lips.

“It was all your fault and you have no one to blame except yourself,” he continued.

“Even God will never forgive you, and you will never make heaven your home!”

How could I shut up this disgusting creature, and how could I entreat him to leave?

All that he alleged was both true and at the same time false, but now I was hurting in the pit of my stomach as he continued to criticize and rebuke my being.

Crying out to God for help seemed not to reach heaven. I had asked forgiveness, long ago, and had become a “good Christian,” so why was he doing this to me?

My thoughts turned to recent readings in my Bible, and I remembered a verse in Romans that I quoted often. I began to speak it out loud to this strange uninvited visitor.

Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

 Gaining confidence - - and with a bold voice, I spoke to my visitor, and told him that Jesus lives here and that he must leave and not return.

With a crooked smile, he raised himself, and slowly slinked toward the open door and left.

But as he trudged down the path, he turned and called to me - - “I’ll be back!"

 

This post has been shared at Mary Beth’s Work in Progress

Also linked with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences

 

Childish Imaginations

Mother, I Have a Plan!
courtesy photobucket.com

Before I gave my heart to Jesus, I had heard much preaching at church about being ready for the return of the Lord Jesus. 

The preacher would say, “We do not know the day or the hour when Jesus will come for the saints, so it pays to always be ready.” 

The thought of Jesus coming in the clouds scared me just a bit, because at that time I knew I wasn’t ready.

However I had a plan even at my young age, I could have a strategy.

My thought was that if I kept close to my mother, that I would grab her leg, and when she went up, I also would be caught up in the clouds along with her.

When I shared my good idea with mother, she told me that it probably would not work, since there were times when she might not be near me and who knows - - that might be the very time that Jesus comes back.

Thinking that one through left me no choice but to be ready for myself.  I still wasn’t quite sure how to do this.

Night came and as I lay in my bed, I said aloud, Jesus, I am not sure that you are in my heart, so would you please come in to stay and I will serve you all the days of my life.

That did it!  A peace swept over me and I knew there would not be any worry! 

The fear was gone, and was replaced with confidence and a sense of security.  I was safe.

At nine years old, I still had a lot to learn about serving Jesus, but at last I was on my way.

Receiving Jesus was a lot simpler than I had ever imagined. 

 

This post has been shared with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

And don't miss Hazel's Tell Me a True Story Blog Party

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/      

 

 

Stories with a Message

Love my Story Book
courtesy free clip art

Most everyone enjoys hearing or reading a story.  Even better yet if it is a true story.

I can remember in grammar school, after lunch, our teacher would read to us a chapter from a book.  Usually it was Winnie the Pooh Bear, or Aesop’s Fables where there always was a message and a moral to the story.

Jesus is our example and He told stories to illustrate his messages. 

Matthew 13:34-35  Jesus used stories when he spoke to the people. In fact, he did not tell them anything without using stories.   So God's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, "I will use stories to speak my message and to explain things that have been hidden since the creation of the world."

Every Sunday as a child, I looked forward to hearing Bible stories, some exciting, others terrifying and some with happy endings.  Again we were to learn something from these chronicles to relate to our own lives.

Usually when I write a personal story about things that have happened to me, a message is included that can be applied to a life – yours, mine or to someone that you know.

My book, “Rescue The Stories, Book One” does just that.  Teaches as well as it gives a story.  What a wonderful gift my book would be for someone you love as a Christmas or a Birthday gift.  There is a convenient buy now button on this site to assist you in a quick order.

On another thought, may I invite you to join with us at our Tuesday Blog Hop, “Tell Me a Story.”

Gather up stories about your past, present, or future, and share them with us at:

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/     

Check back later in the week to view other entries that arrived after your initial visit.

Personally, I have been blessed and encouraged by many of the stories posted there.  I know you will not be disappointed, so please return often to read and do not forget to enter.

This post was shared at: Tell Me a Story  http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/      

 

Happy Returns

 

Israel Returns with Rejoicing
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Jeremiah 31:8-9  For I will bring them from the north and from the distant corners of the earth.  I will not forget the blind and lame, the expectant mothers and women in labor.  A great company will return! ⁹ Tears of joy will stream down their faces, and I will lead them home with great care. They will walk beside quiet streams and on smooth paths where they will not stumble, for I am Israel’s father, and Ephraim is my first born.

Pastor Jerry read from Jeremiah regarding the Israelites who had been in exile for many years, due to their disobedience and their worship of other Gods.  When they turned and repented for their sins, God allowed them to return again to their homeland.

Gleaning from his sermon, I noted that Pastor used the word RETURN in different ways:  Tax Return, Election returns, Investment returns, swallows return each year, as do other birds.  Soldiers return home from war.  Children return home from camp or college.

Seasons come and go and return again.  The Prodigal Son returned to his father.

The Harvest brings with it a return.  We sing the hymn, “Bringing in the Sheaves” to remind us of souls being won for the Lord.

The Israelites returned to Palestine after exile in Babylon.  Some were content to stay and live in Babylon as they had settled in and made Babylon their home.  There was a lot of back-sliding.  Some were satisfied with their life style in Babylon and with their foreign gods.

“Let us return to the Lord,” others said and they did.  It is always possible to return to God.  We must first have a change of heart with repentance, and a turning away from sin.

God is keeping His covenant.  We do not return to the “status quo” but to a New Covenant with new conditions and challenges.  Jesus brings us a new and living way.

Towns change, buildings are torn down and new shopping malls take their place.  We can return home to our old town, but it will not be the same.  We must begin fresh and new.

In the year 1947 Israel was declared a nation, and many Jews from over 100 nations returned to their homeland to live.  Not all is happiness when we return.  There may not be peace, but joy can be found in the turmoil.

What do we gain from understanding that we are all in exile of a sort.  Sometimes families change churches, or stop going to church all together.  It is time for new commitments and a return to our God.

It will be a Joyful time when Jesus returns for those who have received him as their savior.

Meanwhile may we have happy Returns of the day as we carry our light out into our world and allow Jesus to shine in and through us.

 

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Also Linked up with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday

 

 

Spinach Balls Appetizer

Courtesy Food.com

 

Our church is having their annual Dazzle lunch and country store fund raiser, and each year it is a huge success.  Next week end will be the event!!

I donated some very good, “White Elephants” for the store.  The ladies have made a lovely quilt that will be raffled off to one fortunate person. 

In the Sunday church bulletin was a sign up sheet with places where help was needed.  Setting up and decorating is not my thing, so I ended up promising to bring a plate of appetizers and some baked goods. 

For the cookies, my thought is to bake some peanut butter cookies and dip them in chocolate.  That would be easy, pretty and delicious.

I wanted something different for the “hordourves,” and after a search on the web I discovered something that should please everyone; Spinach Balls with Cheese.

The recipe is simple so I share it here with you.  If you want to add a bit of onion flakes, and mozzarella cheese that would be optional.  Another suggestion was to add some crumpled up crisp bacon.

One lady commented, “This is a tasty finger food appetizer recipe. Great for holiday parties, and different than a traditional "spinach dip" or tradition ‘sausage ball’ recipe.”

 

Spinach Balls Appetizer

• 2 (10 ounce) packages frozen chopped spinach
• 1 (6 ounce) package chicken Stove Top stuffing mix
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese.  
• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• Salt, & pepper to taste

Directions:

Cook spinach according to instructions, drain in a sieve, use back of a wooden spoon to press the spinach against the sieve to get as much moisture as possible out.  In a bowl combine the spinach, stuffing mix, cheese, eggs, butter, salt and; pepper Mix thoroughly and; form into small balls 3/4 to 1" size.

Place on a cookie sheet and freeze.

When frozen place in a plastic zip lock bag.

To serve place frozen balls on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 F 10-15 minutes or until lightly browned.  If you are doing them fresh or thawed only bake for 7-10 minutes.

Serve hot

This post has been shared at Ann’s Food on Fridays site.

 

Birth Certificate (Repost)

This is a story from my book “Rescue the Stories Book One.”  Have you ordered your copy of my book?  It will bless you and those you read it to.

Certificate of Birth
courtesy photobucket.com

The year was 1931, and the old dimly lit ranch house belonging to my Grandparents welcomed into this world the first-born daughter to my mother and father.

The attending nurse was able to stay, and instruct the new mother in all that was necessary to care for her new baby, but the hurried doctor was anxious to leave for a scheduled fishing trip.

In his haste, he neglected to fill out the paper work for a birth certificate. Ultimately, the birth of the new baby was never documented at the county recorder’s office.

A few years later, during World War II, each family was requested to report to their local grammar school to apply for food and gasoline ration books. Proof that each person was a member of the household was verified by presentation of a legal birth certificate.

By this time, there were two other children in the household with recorded birth certificates, but none for the oldest child.

The oldest child agonized with a whiny complaint, “Now I know that I was adopted, and I have suspected it for some time!”

Because she was the elder child, she was expected to take on more responsibility. This caused her to feel put upon and somehow, different from the other children. Because more attention was paid to the baby, and the younger brother, it also stirred a bit of jealousy.

Her mother assured her that she was not adopted, and that steps were already being taken to prove that she was indeed a bona-fide member of the family.

The doctor had since passed away, but the nurse was located. Her memories of the birth at the old farm house were clear, and she was willing to sign an affidavit of birth for the anxious parents. With that behind them, the paperwork was taken care of speedily, enabling each family member to obtain their ration books.

As we reminisce about the importance of having our names subscribed to a recorded certificate-of-birth here on this earth, it is also of the utmost significance to understand the eternal magnitude of having our names written down in God’s book in heaven!

Entrance into heaven is only as we are able to present to the gatekeeper, our Second Birth Certificate. Some call it being Born-Again, which is an excellent term for receiving Jesus into our heart.

One day Jesus spoke to a man named Nicodemus, and told him, “Unless a person is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The well educated man did not understand and asked Jesus, “Must I re-enter my mothers womb and be born a second time?” Jesus explained to him, that the new birth is a spiritual experience, and comes about by inviting Jesus to be your savior and Lord.

If you have not already done so, it is essential that you do so today! Jesus stands at your heart’s door and is knocking for entrance. The door of your heart is decision and voice activated. Just speak with your mouth and invite him in.

Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.

 

This post has been shared at Mary Beth’s Work in Progress 

Also shared at: Joy’s Wednesday; Flaws and Nakedness

Springville, Soda Springs California



 

One summer as kids, when we visited Grandpa and Grandma, they decided to take us to visit the Soda Springs in Tulare County.  Grandpa had two large jugs that he planned to fill with the spring water to bring home with him.

As he explained it to us children, it sounded like sparkling water that would be the elixir of youth so we were very excited.

“The water is mineral water and is good for your digestion and is a health aid,” said our Grandpa.  Grandma and my mother were silent, and allowed Grandpa to do all the talking.

It was a long drive but finally we arrived.  We had to walk fast to keep up with Grandpa who was already filling one of his big bottles.

Grandpa also had brought a cup for us to use to sample the water.  “Here you go,” he said as he handed the full cup to me. 

Taking a big gulp and spitting all at the same time, was all I could manage to do.  Ugg but it was the awfulness tasting stuff I had ever drunk.  The smell was a lot like sulfur or rotten eggs, and that didn’t go over well with me either.

As I look back on that event I realize that a child’s taste is perhaps more sensitive than that of an adult.  My grandparents and mother could manage to swallow the soda spring water and keep it down, but one swig was all I wanted at that young age.

Mother and Grandma each drank a cup and seemed to enjoy it, but we children decided to just take pleasure in the view of the mountains and the rock formations.

Grandma had prepared a lunch which we enjoyed without the water and then we headed back to Lindsay where Grandpa’s ranch was.

As an adult, I have never desired to drink that particular mineral water again.
 

Living Water
courtesy photobucket

I am reminded that Jesus promised us good tasting living water from a spring that would never run dry. 

John 7:38  He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.

 * * * * * *

This post was shared with Laura at:  Play Dates With God at the Wellspring

Also shared at: “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/   

 

Ambitious Brothers

 

Courtesy google search free clip art

Taking notes, I Gleaned from Pastor Jerry’s sermon as he read from Mark 10: 35-45.

The scene was a group meeting of Jesus with his twelve disciples. James and John had both been faithful, loyal, dependable disciples who had given up everything to follow Jesus.  They considered themselves to be worthy of honor.

They believed that this entitled them to be considered to sit on the right and left of Jesus’ throne when he came into his kingdom.  Jesus would need good advisors and they were bold enough to ask for a seat in his cabinet.  They did not realize they could not earn recognition and a powerful position.

Naturally the other disciples were angry and upset with James and John.  Jesus gently asked them if they were able to drink of the cup that he must drink from, and they quickly answered yes.  Jesus instructed them that they would indeed drink from his cup, but their request was not his to answer, but it was the Father who would decide these things.

Apparently although they had heard Jesus teach many times, but they had not been listening.  Many of his stories were about becoming a servant and loving others before ourselves.   The first shall be last and the last shall be first Jesus often taught.

Pastor explained that entitlement is not a bad word.  Entitlement is the right to benefits specifically that we have earned by contributions.  We are entitled to our pensions, social security, and unemployment if we are out of work. He shared how one time he drew a small unemployment check and was embarrassed to do so even though he was entitled.

Pastor gave an example of a short line and a long line at the women’s bathroom.  A lady discovered no one was there at the room just around the corner, but when she brought the good news to the waiting long line, they did not want to loose their place so they paid her no attention.  They refused to hear the good news.  Isn’t that the way with some when we try to share the Gospel?   It is too good to believe for many, so they keep to their old ways.

Jesus went on to explain that he came to serve, to suffer, to be spit upon, to be condemned to die, but that he would rise from the dead in three days.  Again they were hearing but not listening.  They did not want to hear those words, as they were only concerned about their personal future.  They lacked the vision Jesus was showing them.

The question that only you can answer is:  Are you willing to be a servant, to be a light in the darkness.  Can we make the declaration; yes I am willing to drink from the cup?

No one can answer for you.  Each must make a personal decision to follow Jesus.

 

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Also shared with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

 

Costco Chocolate Mocha

courtesy free clip art

 

Eye glasses are something we think nothing about it when we decide we need a pair to read better or in some cases DMV requires that we now wear them while driving.

courtesy free clip art

Deciding to invest in hearing aids is something else.  We put that off until our family and friends are tired of US saying “What?” - - or - - “Will you repeat that please?”

Searching through the internet, it seemed that Cost Co offered some hearing aids for a reasonable price and supposedly the latest in technology, so I made an appointment.

The licensed technician was very nice as first she gave me a hearing test.  Then she explained how she would make several appointments to make sure all was balanced as it should be.  I tried one of those wireless behind the ear, but with my glasses on, it hurt my ears, so I returned those.  Costco guarantees that they will work with you to have the equipment you are comfortable and satisfied with.  Next she took an ear mold for the shape of an in the ear piece. 

On my second appointment I took the technician a gift copy of my book “Rescue the Stories, Book One.”   She seemed pleased and said she loved the photo of me on the cover.

When I arrived home she telephoned to say on her lunch hour she was already reading the stories to her co-worker and they were both enjoying the book.

Today I went back for more hearing adjustments for the sound. 

This time the technician told me she was reading a story from my book to many of her clients and different ones were saying that they could relate to the stories.  One lady said, “Oh yes, we did that as kids too.”  Another said, I would love to have a copy of that book and my technician told the woman to Google at “a Joyful Noise,” on the internet.  I gave her some of my business cards with my e-mail and my internet address on the card.

I thanked her for her help and that I was happy she is enjoying my book.

As we were leaving, I asked my husband if we could get one of Costco’s cold coffee, chocolate latte drinks.  Starbucks Carmel Frappuccinos® are the best, but this cold drink from Costco is a close second and the price is right.

On the way home, I commented to Robert, that my hearing aids were much better balanced and the road noise was absent.

The cold drink was satisfying and we both enjoyed the 30 mile trip home. 

 

I was also praying that the “Life Lessons” in my book would also strike home to waiting hearts.

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   

Also Linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday


 

Register to Vote and then Vote

photo by Hazel

 If you have not yet registered to VOTE in this election coming up - - - you still have a few days left to do so.  Forms are available at your local Post Office, and your county offices.

You can also register on-line: Here are a couple of suggested places to register

http://www.presidentialelection.com/register_to_vote/

Google has a site that allows you to register On-Line:

http://www.google.com/elections/ed/us/vote?gclid=CPqm--zlibMCFWHZQgodeC0Alg

October 22 is the cut off day to register. 

Although I said I would not do it again; (to work at the voter precinct,) I changed my mind and signed up for another bout. 

Today I attended a training class that is required for those who will be there on voting day to welcome the voters.

As I stepped into the class room, I snapped a photo of the screen that would be showing us a slide show of review and some new things we would need to know.  Our instructor was facing the classmates.

At break time, I showed our instructor my photo and asked his permission to place it on my blog, and he told me to go ahead.

So far we are free to march to the polling place, without fear of being mobbed and shot at.  Other countries are not that fortunate.

While we have today, we must protect our freedom by using our vote.  First of all we must make wise choices and keep our eyes wide open as we vote.

Our son and others have knocked on doors urging voters to register and to vote because we are tired of the change that has bankrupted America.

If not a registered voter, please register and join with us as we meet at the polls.

If you are a registered Voter - - “See you at the Polls.”

Ornate

This post is linked to Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival
The word is: Ornate

Ornate Hooks
courtesy photobucket.com

Our church denomination had purchased an old hotel in down town Oakland, in the mid 1960’s, and after renovation, they opened up a Rescue Mission, and a thrift store.

Along with other women, I volunteered once a month to work at the thrift shop.  The churches would bring clothing and items to sell at the store to help the mission.

One day the Pastor in charge told me they were going to haul to the dump some old dressers.  Knowing the value of “old” I told him please don’t do that because we can sell them and make some money for the mission. 

The Pastor was so happy with the idea that he invited me upstairs to view the dressers and to select one that I might like for my daughter. 

Arriving upstairs, immediately I eyed an old Oak Wash-stand and an Oak Coat-rack and asked him if I could purchase these along with a couple of small tables.  We agreed on an amount and I called my husband to bring his big truck because I had discovered a “find.”

All the furniture needed to be refinished, and the coat rack was missing the ornate hooks to hang the hats and coats on.

Searching the yellow pages, I made a phone call to a store in San Francisco that specialized in decorative and ornate hooks, clasps and fasteners of all types. 

I needed four matching brass decorative hooks that would blend with the coat tree and would look “old.”

The manager of the store assured me that he had just the right item that would please me.

That week we had company visiting us from Georgia, so I invited them to drive with me to San Francisco and we would also visit Golden Gate Park and also go to the beach. 

Naturally they were excited for we would enjoy the day and I would have my prize.

The hooks were beautiful and although the price was a bit more than expected, I willingly paid the man and was very happy and joyful to have just the right ornate hooks for my furniture.

God loves ornate and decorative items, which was evident when he ordered the temple to be dressed with, integrate gold carvings.  Also the priest’s garments were to be decorated with ornate pomegranates with bells and tassels. 

God’s house should be beautiful and lovely, and a little ornate goes a long way!

 

This post is also Linked with Jen’s Soli Deo Gloria

Don't forget to visit Peter Pollock’s One Word Carnival

 

Uncle Douglas and the Broken Arm

 courtesy photobucket.

 

Boys will do stupid things at times; they will rough house, and jump off high places. 

How it happened, was not exactly a mystery, but Douglas came into the house with an arm that was swollen.   It didn’t take an expert to recognize that his arm was broken.

Hastily I gave him a large heavy magazine to support his arm, and we bundled him into the car after phoning the Dr that we were on our way.

This was the early 1960’s and in those days they usually put a Plaster of Paris cast on broken bones after setting them.   The doctor carefully moved his arm into place and then covered his arm with gauze.  Next went on the soupy mix of “cement.” 

It hardened quickly and soon Doug was ready for his friends to sign his cast and draw goofy pictures on it.

The Doctor gave me instructions to call him if there were any problems and to return in six weeks to remove the cast.  “Pay the receptionist at the front desk as you leave,” he added 

In those days we did not have insurance, but Doctor Bills were reasonable and considerable cheaper than they are now.

Time passed – not so quickly and Douglas would tell me his arm itched.  At least he was not in pain, and he could insert a pencil up his wrist and into his cast to scratch his arm.

Eventually six weeks went by and we could view the calendar where I had marked a big X and a note to return to the Dr to have his cast removed.

Honestly, I was and still am a money saver where ever I can squeeze it. 

I knew a return visit to the Dr would be another $25 that we could use it somewhere else better; like maybe a trip to the grocery store...

Douglas offered a good suggestion.  “Hazel, why don’t you get those big scissors that Bob has and cut this thing off for me?  It is already six weeks, and I am sure my arm has healed by now.” 

(You may remember that Doug was my young brother-in-law who lived with us.  He was the same age as our son Steve, and our children enjoyed calling him “Uncle Dougie.”)

So it was that I got the scissors, and carefully cut and snipped until the cast was gone.  Then we washed his arm and put some hand lotion on it - - Good as new !!

He was happy, and so was I.

This post is shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story”

http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

And at Sharing His Beauty Monday   http://www.thebeautyinhisgrip.com/

 

The Challenge and the Choice

Jesus and the Rich Young Ruler
courtesy Photobucket.com

 

Today I gleaned from our Pastor Jerry's sermon where he was reading from Mark 10:17-30 about the rich young ruler who wanted to know what he must do to obtain Eternal Life. 

The ruler proclaimed that he had kept the Law, but Jesus told him, “One thing you lack; go and sell all you have and give to the poor and follow me.”  The man was much grieved for he was very rich, and he went away sorrowful.  Yet Jesus loved him, but allowed him to walk away !!

Because of his wealth, the ruler was subject to temptation.  Perhaps he cheated on his taxes to Caesar, or took advantage of his customers to profit himself.  Jesus could see that something was missing.  The ruler hoped to buy eternal life, which cannot be purchased.

Pastor said this story is often used on Stewardship Sunday but it seldom works.

What would happen if we took this literally and everyone sold all and gave to the poor?

Did Jesus want us to discover where our priorities are?  Where is our LOVE?  Money is not the root of all evil, but the Love of money is what we must avoid. 

Following Jesus often calls for a radical change; are we willing to give up power and privilege to follow God’s will?  What is Jesus really asking?

If we have worked hard, saved and put away money for our old age, and give it all away we might find ourselves out on the street with the (other) homeless and the hungry.  Yet with our money we can also do much good for others, by budgeting amounts for our church, the poor, the orphans, and special needs and still have enough for our livelihood. 

By all standards, Jesus was homeless as he had nowhere to lay his head.  The ruler had wealth, yet he sought out this intenerate preacher to ask about the Kingdom of Heaven.

We must understand that Salvation can not be purchased with money or by good works.  Knowing that we must discover what Jesus was teaching in this story.

Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter the kingdom of God!

Jesus wanted us to NOT trust in riches, but to use them wisely for the Lord.  Keep your love and vision focused on Jesus FIRST in your life, and all else will be added unto you.

Babies are born with hands clinched, and when we die, our hands open. 

 

We must not hold on to “things,” but to be willing to live with open hands and open hearts.

 

This post is Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

And with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

 

Zucchini for Next Year

photo by Hazel

 

Our harvest is about over, the tomatoes did not do well this year, and are no more.  From our garden, we were able to enjoy fresh zucchini for several months. 

 

The Zucchini vegetables are best when they are small for steaming, stir fry or shredding into a quiche.  Of course they are also excellent shredded into nut bread.

Today I took a good look inside the large leafy plants and discovered four very large zucchini that we allowed to get away from us.

The skins were tough and we decided to save one of them for seeds for next year.

After washing the huge vegetable, I cut it in half and scooped out the seeds.  Then I washed them in a bowl and strained out the water.

Depositing the seeds onto a plate, I will allow them to dry and once they are dry, I will place them into a small paper envelope and mark on it Zucchini seeds for next year.

The steps are to plant, water and harvest. 

That is what the Bible says too.  Some workers will plant, others will do the watering of the seed and then some will participate in the harvest.

The nice thing is that God will give the same reward to all the workers, no matter what their lot.

 

This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s  Food on Fridays   

Do visit her site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes.

 

 

 

Seeing RED

photo by Hazel

 

Are dogs color blind?  Something makes me wonder if they can see colors such as red.

We subscribe to Net Flix, a movie DVD rental by mail company.  We select certain movies from a crib and once we receive and view them, we return those red envelopes by mail and more arrive in a few days. 

So many movies these days are not worth watching, and at times we have to return them only partially viewed.  Usually you can trust the old classic ones.

Because we enjoy the detective mystery programs that are series, we order them and are treated to NO commercials.  To return the movies, I usually drive about a mile to our corner market where there is a mail box and a mail pick up around noon.

One day I decided to take my Blue tick hound dog with me for the ride.  Old “Smokey” is too fat to jump up in the rear area of my van, so I push all the Kleenex boxes and pillows aside and help him enter via the side door.

He must have noticed that I was carrying those red return envelopes as he enjoyed the ride while barking with joy all the way to the mail box, because - - -

In a few days it was time to return by mail some more movies.  Old Smokey, saw those red envelopes and started barking and followed me to my van.  Of course, I had mercy on him and allowed him to travel with me to the corner store and mail box.

Now I roll down the side windows and he smells the breeze and usually barks the entire way.  My side windows are covered with his drool, but a quick hosing off takes care of that.

Each time when I arrive at the store, the manager knows that I am there again, because my dog is giving his signal; “Hey it is me again.” 

One day for the short ride, I tried to also take my Black Lab, “Luke,” but he jumped from the back to the front and ran out my driver’s side door.  It was a task getting Luke back in the van, but a lady helped me cut him off and he finally relented and jumped in the rear area of the van.  I didn’t want a repeat performance of that so I vowed not to bring Luke any more.  His loss.

If I am going into town and will mail the movies at the Post Office, I must hide the envelopes in my purse and not allow old Smokey to see them, or he will have a fit.

 
Well, I don’t know about other dogs seeing colors, but my Blue dog Smokey sees RED.

This post is linked with Jennifer at:  God-Bumps and God-Incidences

 

Halloween School Carnival

Courtesy photobucket.com

In the early 1940’s , our grammar school encouraged the students to attend the Halloween Carnival held on Friday evening prior to Halloween.  Tickets were five cents each or six for a quarter.  Mother the three of us children fifty cents apiece to get the bargain price.  Twelve tickets each would be enough for a great fun time.



The carnival began at 7:00 PM with a variety show.  Many of our classmates were excited to be in the show.  Our class choral group opened the program with a song about harvest time.  Several students took turns with their specialty of tap dancing, ballet or other types of dance.  Other kids played an instrument or sang a solo.  The variety show was only available this one time, so everyone needed to be early to get a good seat.

In one of the classrooms there were movies set up with cartoons “reel to reel” showing Betty Boop and Mickey Mouse.  It took two tickets to see both features. 

In the school lunch room, there was cup cakes, popcorn balls and punch each for a ticket. 

Also in the lunch room, there was also a large tub filled with apples, and for a ticket you could bob for apples.  The secret was to find one with a stem and catch it between your teeth.  Other wise some of the boys would push the apple to the bottom and take a bite.  That worked for them, but not for me.

One lady from the PTA was dressed as a gypsy and was telling fortunes.  She actually made up a nice story for each person, because she really could not tell the future.

 
At one hall way at the far end on there was a curtain stretched across the hall shielding the person behind the curtain.  This was the place where you could fish for a prize.  For one ticket, you were given a pole with a piece of twine attached and at the end was a clothes pin.  The PTA mother would collect the ticket and help throw the twine over the curtain.  Soon you would feel a tug, because you had caught a prize.  The prizes were cheap rings, bracelets, small cars and airplanes, depending on who was fishing.

The mystery of what we would secure for our prize was worth the five cent ticket.

At 8:00 PM there was a dance in the auditorium, and some of it was square dancing then some waltz music. 

By 9:00 PM the carnival was over at least for the students.

While setting up the events for the carnival took time, the clean up took even more time.  Perishables were offered at a discount and everything had to be packed and put away.

Willing hands make light work, and the teachers and PTA helpers all pitched in.

Children returned home, happy and ready for bed after an exciting and safe celebration.

This post is shared at:  “Tell Me a True Story” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

 

R.S.V.P

Lord's Supper
courtesy photobucket.com

 

Today was universal Communion day and many various churches and denominations were invited to gather at the large table on the first Sunday in October.  Here they would all remember the body and blood given to us by Jesus Christ

Pastor Jerry read from Mark 14:12-16 regarding Jesus and his disciples preparing for the Passover Celebration.  I glean from his sermon.

It was at the feast that Jesus tried to explain to his disciples what would come to pass in a few days and to give them comfort and hope.

Jesus Christ is after all the hope of the World.

When an invitation goes out to a party or to a wedding, there often are the initials. R.S.V.P. at the bottom.  Most people understand the initials to mean that a reply is requested if they plan to attend.

Some will ignore the initials, but show up anyway, and perhaps the host has not planned for enough food, because some did not reply.    That could prove embarrassing to all.

Today 2.2 billion Christians will celebrate “Communion” or the Lords Supper.  East, West, South and North will gather at the table to remember and to search their hearts.

The ancient Passover celebration recorded in the Bible was in an upper room. 

 He instructed his disciples to look for a man carrying a pitcher of water and to follow him and see where he goes.  Then to ask the master of the house, “Our teacher says, where is the guest room in which I may eat the Passover with My disciples?”  Then he will show you a large upper room, furnished and prepared, there make ready for us.

It was unusual for a man to carry water, because this was a woman’s job, so a man carrying a pitcher would be easy to spot.  Everything happened just as Jesus said it would and they prepared the Passover as he instructed them.

The habit in those days was to recline and relax when dining.  Jesus was not in a hurry because this night was special.  He was revealing a new truth that was difficult to accept.

As we come to the table, we may feel unworthy, but Jesus had made us worthy.

Jesus wants to give each of us meaning for our lives.

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. 

The invitation is going out.   R.S.V.P.

 

This post is linkedwith Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday