When my children were growing up, I took them with me everywhere. They went with me to church, to bridal and baby showers, to parties, and of course they accompanied me every time that I went shopping.
One day my schedule included the picking up of a catalog order at the local Montgomery Wards store. The catalog department was on the walk in floor and the main store was up on the second floor. This basement floor had a bargain room, and also housed the children’s clothing department.
I was busy looking through the clothing items on sale, when a voice over the loud speaker boomed out. “We have a little lost girl named Judie who is looking for her mother.” The voice continued, “You can find her in the upstairs furniture department.”
Puzzled as to how she managed to escape from me, and wind up on the second floor was a total mystery. Then as I pondered this feat, I realized she must have stepped on the escalator which would take her up stairs; and being a child, she did not understand how to make the return trip. The down escalator is always a half circle away and around an aisle and adults can effortlessly find it, but not easily considered by a child.
Making a quick trip up the escalator, my little lost girl was promptly found!
Sticking close to her Mother would have solved the lost girls problem, but my child was, and still is adventurous.
No lasting harm was done, and in this case, both of us were happy and delighted to see each other again.
I was reminded when Jesus told the story of a gone astray lamb and how the good shepherd would gladly leave the ninety and nine sheep to search for the lost lamb. The tiny animal was crying and sadly tangled in a thicket, and was suffering cuts and bruises. The shepherd hastened to rescue the lamb and tenderly carried it back to the safety of the fold. There he lovingly applied oil, and gently and with compassion tended to the wounds. Safe in the arms of Jesus our Good Shepherd is the best place to be.
In this life, we often take the interesting and inviting stair way that leads to a lost condition. Perhaps turning on and listening to the loud speaker to heaven that we carry with us is a good thing to do. Just click the internal button and have a word with the Lord.
The word is, “HELP ME, I AM LOST, SAVE ME.”
Never fear, Jesus, the Good Shepherd knows where you are and He will answer your cry! He is seeking and He will find you.
Luke 19:10 For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.
John 6:37 All that the Father gives to me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.
Zephaniah 3:17 reminds us that God is musical and He rejoices and sings over you. - - The LORD your God in the midst of you is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over you with joy; he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
Loss of Dignity and Restoration!
Listening to others will reveal that there are a multitude of broken lives and tragic stories that stand out much more frequently - - than the HAPPY times.
Why is it that these chronicles of past abuse and horror are more often in the fore front and occupy so much of one’s thinking?
Nightmares, flashbacks continue to terrorize. Why?
I question if the answer is perhaps simply that these persons have suffered a loss of Dignity. Self-respect and Self-esteem were lost somewhere in their childhood or early life and they were left with a sense of guilt, humiliation and shame!
Rape, physical abuse, absence of security, divorce, death of a loved one, can turn one’s life upside down, spiraling one into a ditch of depression, into the abyss, into a pit.
We have witnessed those trapped in a coal mine that were not able to rescue themselves. It was necessary to call in professional equipment, and those experienced in the rescue field.
Once ensnared in a deep enough hole, it may not be possible to crawl out or climb up by ones self.
Is it possible to heal those once broken and destroyed so terribly? Can help be found to restore DIGNITY and self worth?
There are many viable solutions. Some rush to take drugs or alcohol to drown out the pain. Others visit the psychiatrist so they can talk out their problems. Often the rehearsing of the events only embeds them deeper into the memory, and magnifies the suffering.
There may be a simple solution, one that involves allowing Jesus to enter into the picture. If the hurting person can find a quiet place and pray a simple prayer asking Jesus to meet with them as they discover healing.
This may be difficult but next bring to mind the damaging event in the memory and at the same time try to discover the LIE that Satan told them at the time it happened. Did they hear the words, “You are no good, and this is your fault?” Were they overwhelmed with the thought that they were bad or this would not have happened?
It is very important to identify the Lie that Satan whispered to the broken one. Understand that Satan is the thief, the liar and the Father of all lies. Planting horrible thoughts is his method to destroy “Dignity” and bring shame and remorse, and Satan expects that it will be a permanent fixture.
While still in the memory mode, realize that the “voice” that was heard at that occasion of hurt, was a LIE from the deceiver, and it is now time to discover TRUTH. While you remain in that time of recall, quietly look around. Do you see Jesus there? Is He speaking to you? What is Jesus doing or saying?
Each person will have a different answer. Some will say that Jesus approached them and took them in His arms. Others will say, Jesus spoke and told them that they were Special, that they were beautiful and that He loved them very much.
Allow Jesus to enter that past broken situation and restore to you, your “Dignity.” You will discover that moment by moment you are being changed into the beautiful person that Jesus says you ARE!
Todays post has been entered in “Changing the World One Word at a Time” Please visit and check out the other great articles at: http://peterpollock.com/2011/01/broken-blog-carnival/
You may also want to read my previous post on my site entitled: Broken, Bruised but not Defeated.
Why is it that these chronicles of past abuse and horror are more often in the fore front and occupy so much of one’s thinking?
Nightmares, flashbacks continue to terrorize. Why?
I question if the answer is perhaps simply that these persons have suffered a loss of Dignity. Self-respect and Self-esteem were lost somewhere in their childhood or early life and they were left with a sense of guilt, humiliation and shame!
Rape, physical abuse, absence of security, divorce, death of a loved one, can turn one’s life upside down, spiraling one into a ditch of depression, into the abyss, into a pit.
We have witnessed those trapped in a coal mine that were not able to rescue themselves. It was necessary to call in professional equipment, and those experienced in the rescue field.
Once ensnared in a deep enough hole, it may not be possible to crawl out or climb up by ones self.
Is it possible to heal those once broken and destroyed so terribly? Can help be found to restore DIGNITY and self worth?
There are many viable solutions. Some rush to take drugs or alcohol to drown out the pain. Others visit the psychiatrist so they can talk out their problems. Often the rehearsing of the events only embeds them deeper into the memory, and magnifies the suffering.
There may be a simple solution, one that involves allowing Jesus to enter into the picture. If the hurting person can find a quiet place and pray a simple prayer asking Jesus to meet with them as they discover healing.
This may be difficult but next bring to mind the damaging event in the memory and at the same time try to discover the LIE that Satan told them at the time it happened. Did they hear the words, “You are no good, and this is your fault?” Were they overwhelmed with the thought that they were bad or this would not have happened?
It is very important to identify the Lie that Satan whispered to the broken one. Understand that Satan is the thief, the liar and the Father of all lies. Planting horrible thoughts is his method to destroy “Dignity” and bring shame and remorse, and Satan expects that it will be a permanent fixture.
While still in the memory mode, realize that the “voice” that was heard at that occasion of hurt, was a LIE from the deceiver, and it is now time to discover TRUTH. While you remain in that time of recall, quietly look around. Do you see Jesus there? Is He speaking to you? What is Jesus doing or saying?
Each person will have a different answer. Some will say that Jesus approached them and took them in His arms. Others will say, Jesus spoke and told them that they were Special, that they were beautiful and that He loved them very much.
Allow Jesus to enter that past broken situation and restore to you, your “Dignity.” You will discover that moment by moment you are being changed into the beautiful person that Jesus says you ARE!
Todays post has been entered in “Changing the World One Word at a Time” Please visit and check out the other great articles at: http://peterpollock.com/2011/01/broken-blog-carnival/
You may also want to read my previous post on my site entitled: Broken, Bruised but not Defeated.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Broken, Bruised but not Defeated
A few years ago, our local Nazarene Church was offering a Biblical Counseling Seminar that interested me and so I signed up. My Pastor and a few other members from my church also attended.
A six month follow-up Work shop was offered for those who wanted experience working with this type of Biblical counseling. Again I was excited to enroll. The sessions began by prayer asking Jesus to reveal his answers. The counselor was to only offer a small amount of guidance, thus allowing the participant freedom to permit Jesus to respond to the need.
We paired off into small groups, and each person in turn would be the volunteer to share what was bothering them at this present time. It was amazing as our small groups became intimate and willing to be open and share with each other. Testimonies of grace came back each week as we met again.
During our sessions, one person was selected to be the counselor, and if any of the co-workers had anything to say, we were to write it on slips of paper and give it to the person in charge. Otherwise we were supposed to be silent; to observe, and to pray.
I remember one lady confided that she was frightened to go on a cruise that her husband had planned for their anniversary. It so happened that they were to have an inside cabin, and she was terrified of small enclosed rooms.
Her session went well, and we finished in prayer, but I was impressed to ask her a question. Here goes, and I blurted out, “Molly, (not her real name) when you were growing up, did your parents ever punish you by locking you up in a closet?”
She answered, “Why Yes they did.” At that moment a light turned on in her spirit and a smile came across her face.
Three weeks later we met again, and this lady reported how much she enjoyed her cruise, and that the small cabin did not bother her at all.
Amazing don’t you think? Go figure!
The Holy Spirit was at work, and the Bible calls Him our Counselor and our helper.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound - - -
Please return for the continuation of this post!! Next is, “Loss of Dignity and Restoration!“ It will be entered in the One Word Carnival, and The One Word is Broken.
A six month follow-up Work shop was offered for those who wanted experience working with this type of Biblical counseling. Again I was excited to enroll. The sessions began by prayer asking Jesus to reveal his answers. The counselor was to only offer a small amount of guidance, thus allowing the participant freedom to permit Jesus to respond to the need.
We paired off into small groups, and each person in turn would be the volunteer to share what was bothering them at this present time. It was amazing as our small groups became intimate and willing to be open and share with each other. Testimonies of grace came back each week as we met again.
During our sessions, one person was selected to be the counselor, and if any of the co-workers had anything to say, we were to write it on slips of paper and give it to the person in charge. Otherwise we were supposed to be silent; to observe, and to pray.
I remember one lady confided that she was frightened to go on a cruise that her husband had planned for their anniversary. It so happened that they were to have an inside cabin, and she was terrified of small enclosed rooms.
Her session went well, and we finished in prayer, but I was impressed to ask her a question. Here goes, and I blurted out, “Molly, (not her real name) when you were growing up, did your parents ever punish you by locking you up in a closet?”
She answered, “Why Yes they did.” At that moment a light turned on in her spirit and a smile came across her face.
Three weeks later we met again, and this lady reported how much she enjoyed her cruise, and that the small cabin did not bother her at all.
Amazing don’t you think? Go figure!
The Holy Spirit was at work, and the Bible calls Him our Counselor and our helper.
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound - - -
Please return for the continuation of this post!! Next is, “Loss of Dignity and Restoration!“ It will be entered in the One Word Carnival, and The One Word is Broken.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
A Muddied, Mushy Mess! Guest Post
A Muddied, Mushy Mess! Guest Post by daughter Nancy Kehr
Honestly, I don’t know what it is about our society, but a good majority of people just can’t seem to keep their word!
I had been waiting since early morning for the construction crew to arrive. My husband had done minor demolition on the outside of our house, but today was the day that all the old siding and rotten wood were to be removed. – gutted, might more appropriate. Even the windows have to come out! No fun!
Things are askew in nearly every room. Now somewhat bare, my whole office had to be displaced. The computer is in one room, the copier in another, files elsewhere, and so on.
No phone call! No crew by 1pm! Without the window coverings, the room stayed frigid. Of all months for these needed repairs, January! This was supposed to have been started last October and kept getting pushed back because the previous contractors chose not to keep their word. Even the animals’ continual pacing from room to room marked my own edgy, restless feelings.
Why isn’t that phone ringing? In the past week, every time the phone has rung, it has been bad news for my pocketbook!
The next session of my small Dental Assisting School is scheduled to run in just four weeks and the only people calling either want to attend for free, need free dental work, or the worst….are withdrawing from the class! Without enough sign-ups, I won’t be able to run the class as planned. Worry nagged at me.
A knock at the door – finally! Only one guy, leaving supplies for tomorrow. I open the garage and he tells me, to move this and that. In heeled, slip-on boots, I was sent scurrying, lifting and pushing things way too bulky and heavy for me.
Lugging a huge tote out of the garage, I stepped onto the mushy lawn. My shoe sank in the mire. My foot came out of the shoe and I continued moving, falling over! Sore and soaked, I was also a muddied, mushy mess!
I was aware of frustration trying to overtake me. I knew I had to get it in check!! Thank God, prayer came easily and so did peace. Putting things back into perspective is good exercise.
I headed for the bathroom to clean up. The phone rang, so I hobbled to grab it. A small voice asked if she could make an appointment. Here we go again!
Mustering patience, I asked if she was calling about the school or if she was looking for a dentist. She needed a dentist who worked on a sliding scale. I explained about the dental assisting school, and discouragement was evident on her end. Slimy stuff fell from my clothes. I desperately wanted to get back to what I was doing, but something grabbed at my gut, so I reached for my chair.
Hesitantly, she answered my questions. This young lady had been released from a hospital where she received care for a skin condition that could be fatal if left untreated. Multiple hospitalizations and meds had left her teeth in a weakened condition. They were broken and decayed; one was badly abscessed. She had no job, no money, and no dental insurance. Children screeched in the background while she explained that she was not complaining but was willing to step up and do her part. That’s why the call.
Ideas for a letter campaign to her local dentists flooded my thoughts. She loved them! Then there’s Craigslist. We put together info for an ad. We talked about Barter. Other ideas came up. Her voice started to tremor. She thanked me over and over for taking time with her.
A pause, a deep breath and then she confided in me a little more about her disorder. Did she say she was only 27? Stunned for a moment, I realize that I have lived more than twice as long as she is old. She may not make it to twice her age!
I studied my muddy feet as I listened; aching muscles and joints started to scream. My thoughts drifted. A few of my own teeth have compromised crowns, and expensive issues that won’t be covered by insurance. And now? I don’t have a new student prospect either!
Smacked by a good dose of humiliation, I snapped out of my self-preoccupation! Of course, I couldn’t fix all her problems, but I DO know her name, and……..she was sent to ME!
The One who can get in the middle of Carly’s situation is a good friend of mine! After all, we just talked about my attitude and problems earlier, and He gave me his full attention and assured me that He had it all under control.
I listened for a break. She ended with, “I’ll keep trying and guess I’ll have to trust God to take care of me”. Well….lots of people say that. I don’t know if she really believed her own words or not, but I took it as my que!
God was waiting for me to keep His Word! I told her to bow her head and close her eyes for just a minute. All was quiet. Sudden warmth engulfed me and power-filled words streamed forth as I prayed over her body and situation. If asked to do it, I couldn’t begin to reconstruct that moment or say the same words if I tried! The energy that swirled around my cold, little office was there – for both of us! God has lots of coping methods for this life.
What a vivid reminder of just what a muddied-out MESS we all are without our Creator.
My life rarely goes along as I expect or even hope, but I can tap into a steady stream of strength and rest - anytime!
Carly’s tear-filled voice was stronger as we parted our phone encounter. I promised to look into possible free-clinics and to keep her in my prayers. Nothing had changed with my own circumstances, but my outlook did. God promised to never leave me or forsake me.
By the way, I can do no less. I will keep my word to Carly.
Honestly, I don’t know what it is about our society, but a good majority of people just can’t seem to keep their word!
I had been waiting since early morning for the construction crew to arrive. My husband had done minor demolition on the outside of our house, but today was the day that all the old siding and rotten wood were to be removed. – gutted, might more appropriate. Even the windows have to come out! No fun!
Things are askew in nearly every room. Now somewhat bare, my whole office had to be displaced. The computer is in one room, the copier in another, files elsewhere, and so on.
No phone call! No crew by 1pm! Without the window coverings, the room stayed frigid. Of all months for these needed repairs, January! This was supposed to have been started last October and kept getting pushed back because the previous contractors chose not to keep their word. Even the animals’ continual pacing from room to room marked my own edgy, restless feelings.
Why isn’t that phone ringing? In the past week, every time the phone has rung, it has been bad news for my pocketbook!
The next session of my small Dental Assisting School is scheduled to run in just four weeks and the only people calling either want to attend for free, need free dental work, or the worst….are withdrawing from the class! Without enough sign-ups, I won’t be able to run the class as planned. Worry nagged at me.
A knock at the door – finally! Only one guy, leaving supplies for tomorrow. I open the garage and he tells me, to move this and that. In heeled, slip-on boots, I was sent scurrying, lifting and pushing things way too bulky and heavy for me.
Lugging a huge tote out of the garage, I stepped onto the mushy lawn. My shoe sank in the mire. My foot came out of the shoe and I continued moving, falling over! Sore and soaked, I was also a muddied, mushy mess!
I was aware of frustration trying to overtake me. I knew I had to get it in check!! Thank God, prayer came easily and so did peace. Putting things back into perspective is good exercise.
I headed for the bathroom to clean up. The phone rang, so I hobbled to grab it. A small voice asked if she could make an appointment. Here we go again!
Mustering patience, I asked if she was calling about the school or if she was looking for a dentist. She needed a dentist who worked on a sliding scale. I explained about the dental assisting school, and discouragement was evident on her end. Slimy stuff fell from my clothes. I desperately wanted to get back to what I was doing, but something grabbed at my gut, so I reached for my chair.
Hesitantly, she answered my questions. This young lady had been released from a hospital where she received care for a skin condition that could be fatal if left untreated. Multiple hospitalizations and meds had left her teeth in a weakened condition. They were broken and decayed; one was badly abscessed. She had no job, no money, and no dental insurance. Children screeched in the background while she explained that she was not complaining but was willing to step up and do her part. That’s why the call.
Ideas for a letter campaign to her local dentists flooded my thoughts. She loved them! Then there’s Craigslist. We put together info for an ad. We talked about Barter. Other ideas came up. Her voice started to tremor. She thanked me over and over for taking time with her.
A pause, a deep breath and then she confided in me a little more about her disorder. Did she say she was only 27? Stunned for a moment, I realize that I have lived more than twice as long as she is old. She may not make it to twice her age!
I studied my muddy feet as I listened; aching muscles and joints started to scream. My thoughts drifted. A few of my own teeth have compromised crowns, and expensive issues that won’t be covered by insurance. And now? I don’t have a new student prospect either!
Smacked by a good dose of humiliation, I snapped out of my self-preoccupation! Of course, I couldn’t fix all her problems, but I DO know her name, and……..she was sent to ME!
The One who can get in the middle of Carly’s situation is a good friend of mine! After all, we just talked about my attitude and problems earlier, and He gave me his full attention and assured me that He had it all under control.
I listened for a break. She ended with, “I’ll keep trying and guess I’ll have to trust God to take care of me”. Well….lots of people say that. I don’t know if she really believed her own words or not, but I took it as my que!
God was waiting for me to keep His Word! I told her to bow her head and close her eyes for just a minute. All was quiet. Sudden warmth engulfed me and power-filled words streamed forth as I prayed over her body and situation. If asked to do it, I couldn’t begin to reconstruct that moment or say the same words if I tried! The energy that swirled around my cold, little office was there – for both of us! God has lots of coping methods for this life.
What a vivid reminder of just what a muddied-out MESS we all are without our Creator.
My life rarely goes along as I expect or even hope, but I can tap into a steady stream of strength and rest - anytime!
Carly’s tear-filled voice was stronger as we parted our phone encounter. I promised to look into possible free-clinics and to keep her in my prayers. Nothing had changed with my own circumstances, but my outlook did. God promised to never leave me or forsake me.
By the way, I can do no less. I will keep my word to Carly.
Friday, January 7, 2011
A Piece of Cheese
Cheese is used most commonly for cooking and eating and at our home we keep a variety of different types in our refrigerator.
We usually shred our own cheese especially when we make tacos. (My favorite taco recipe is at the end of this post.)
However cheese does have other uses too. You are probably thinking about the old fashioned mouse traps when cheese is used to catch an unwelcomed critter. I have also used peanut butter on a mouse trap and that works well too.
Let me share with you another use for cheese that has helped us with a problem with our dogs. We have three great dogs, and we try our best to keep them healthy.
Each month we give them a preventative pill to keep them free from Heart Worms. They like the soft chewy kind, but on my last purchase I ended up with some firm pills that they did not want to accept.
My husband had the perfect solution and this is what he did. He took a slice of cheddar cheese from the refrigerator and cut it into three even strips.
Next he cuts one third off of each of those slices. Taking the larger two thirds, he wraps the pill and made sure our dogs could see the other small piece waiting.
It is a good thing our dogs like cheese, so as he held up the small piece so they could see it, and offered the wrapped pill, they quickly took it knowing they could have the other piece as well. It worked like a charm, and their prevention is good for another month.
If you have dogs that need tablets for a cause, you might try this next time, if they hesitate to take their pills. Cheese is good and it deceived our puppies into taking their medicine.
In life, we need to be cautions because Satan often tries to hide something undesirable by making it look decent and respectable. That is what he told Eve, Just take a small bite and prove to yourself that you have been kept back from something good. As Christians we must be wise and harmless as a dove and watch out for that old trickster!
This post has been entered in: Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Please visit Ann's site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes for your files.
Tacos (Home Made) Hint: Do not use Taco seasoning mix (use chili powder)
One pound hamburger, crumbled as you fry it, and then drain the fat.
1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, optional 1 tsp dried parsley flakes.
1 can tomato sauce
Fry corn Tortillas in hot oil and lay on a paper towel.
Fill each tortilla with a big spoonful of the hamburger
Top with: Shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, chopped tomato or Salsa
Wrap in a napkin and enjoy. For tostadas use flour tortillas.
We usually shred our own cheese especially when we make tacos. (My favorite taco recipe is at the end of this post.)
However cheese does have other uses too. You are probably thinking about the old fashioned mouse traps when cheese is used to catch an unwelcomed critter. I have also used peanut butter on a mouse trap and that works well too.
Let me share with you another use for cheese that has helped us with a problem with our dogs. We have three great dogs, and we try our best to keep them healthy.
Each month we give them a preventative pill to keep them free from Heart Worms. They like the soft chewy kind, but on my last purchase I ended up with some firm pills that they did not want to accept.
My husband had the perfect solution and this is what he did. He took a slice of cheddar cheese from the refrigerator and cut it into three even strips.
Next he cuts one third off of each of those slices. Taking the larger two thirds, he wraps the pill and made sure our dogs could see the other small piece waiting.
It is a good thing our dogs like cheese, so as he held up the small piece so they could see it, and offered the wrapped pill, they quickly took it knowing they could have the other piece as well. It worked like a charm, and their prevention is good for another month.
If you have dogs that need tablets for a cause, you might try this next time, if they hesitate to take their pills. Cheese is good and it deceived our puppies into taking their medicine.
In life, we need to be cautions because Satan often tries to hide something undesirable by making it look decent and respectable. That is what he told Eve, Just take a small bite and prove to yourself that you have been kept back from something good. As Christians we must be wise and harmless as a dove and watch out for that old trickster!
This post has been entered in: Food on Fridays at http://annkroeker.com/
Please visit Ann's site and gather up some delicious and nutritious recipes for your files.
Tacos (Home Made) Hint: Do not use Taco seasoning mix (use chili powder)
One pound hamburger, crumbled as you fry it, and then drain the fat.
1 tsp chili powder, ½ tsp salt, optional 1 tsp dried parsley flakes.
1 can tomato sauce
Fry corn Tortillas in hot oil and lay on a paper towel.
Fill each tortilla with a big spoonful of the hamburger
Top with: Shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, chopped onions, chopped tomato or Salsa
Wrap in a napkin and enjoy. For tostadas use flour tortillas.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Antiques
Antiques are something that I now am fond of, but I did not always appreciate their value.
Our dear Aunt Jesse (God rest her soul) enjoyed a house full of antiques. I do hope and expect that her grand children cherished them.
Uncle Joel had an Awning business with two men working for him as bookkeepers. When the men left for a better job, Aunt Jessie took the place of both, and worked in Joel’s office. Uncle Joel gave Jesse a salary, but told her that he was always going to take care of her, so he allowed her the freedom to spend her earnings how ever she desired.
Aunt Jessie was intelligent and clever, and she began to purchase houses with low down payments. The rents would cover the mortgage, and in most cases she would make a profit. Some of the houses she purchased were from estate sales, and often there was old furniture in the homes. Jessie began to collect beautiful antiques, and have them refinished until she found a place in her own home for them.
One summer we drove from California to Georgia to visit Aunt Jessie and Uncle Joel, and Jessie was pleased to show us all her pretty things.
Aunt Jessie proudly took us on a drive by tour to view all the houses she had purchased with her earnings.
Besides furniture she enjoyed a lovely collection of old dishes. She had antique dinner plates displayed all along her upper walls. Each meal time, she would take the next plates down. By this method she was using them, and keeping them clean as they would soon have another turn to be used.
After seeing how Aunt Jessie treasured “ancient things” it caused me to realize that my rather old fashioned Maple wood table that I once hated for its large clumsiness was indeed a jewel. One day my Aunt Lucille and Aunt Geneva almost had a fight both wanting my table. At that time I did not see the value in it until I was made aware how beautiful they thought it was. (So I kept it, and later on I paid a friend to refinish it.) The table and chairs were beautifully restored.
Years went by and eventually I gave my antique dining room table and chairs to daughter Nancy, because she often had large family gatherings.
When God looks down from Heaven at those in his world, he first sees us as tattered, wretched, old, and in need of renovation.
That is why He sent his Son Jesus to redeem and restore us to become the New Creation that He wants us all to be. God loves old antiques but he wishes to recreate them into something beautiful. Come to Jesus for he is in the business of restoration and He will change you spiritually into something new.
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Then your part is to begin to read and study God’s word for the renewing of your mind, for this is how you will discover the perfect will of God for your life.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Our dear Aunt Jesse (God rest her soul) enjoyed a house full of antiques. I do hope and expect that her grand children cherished them.
Uncle Joel had an Awning business with two men working for him as bookkeepers. When the men left for a better job, Aunt Jessie took the place of both, and worked in Joel’s office. Uncle Joel gave Jesse a salary, but told her that he was always going to take care of her, so he allowed her the freedom to spend her earnings how ever she desired.
Aunt Jessie was intelligent and clever, and she began to purchase houses with low down payments. The rents would cover the mortgage, and in most cases she would make a profit. Some of the houses she purchased were from estate sales, and often there was old furniture in the homes. Jessie began to collect beautiful antiques, and have them refinished until she found a place in her own home for them.
One summer we drove from California to Georgia to visit Aunt Jessie and Uncle Joel, and Jessie was pleased to show us all her pretty things.
Aunt Jessie proudly took us on a drive by tour to view all the houses she had purchased with her earnings.
Besides furniture she enjoyed a lovely collection of old dishes. She had antique dinner plates displayed all along her upper walls. Each meal time, she would take the next plates down. By this method she was using them, and keeping them clean as they would soon have another turn to be used.
After seeing how Aunt Jessie treasured “ancient things” it caused me to realize that my rather old fashioned Maple wood table that I once hated for its large clumsiness was indeed a jewel. One day my Aunt Lucille and Aunt Geneva almost had a fight both wanting my table. At that time I did not see the value in it until I was made aware how beautiful they thought it was. (So I kept it, and later on I paid a friend to refinish it.) The table and chairs were beautifully restored.
Years went by and eventually I gave my antique dining room table and chairs to daughter Nancy, because she often had large family gatherings.
When God looks down from Heaven at those in his world, he first sees us as tattered, wretched, old, and in need of renovation.
That is why He sent his Son Jesus to redeem and restore us to become the New Creation that He wants us all to be. God loves old antiques but he wishes to recreate them into something beautiful. Come to Jesus for he is in the business of restoration and He will change you spiritually into something new.
2Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Then your part is to begin to read and study God’s word for the renewing of your mind, for this is how you will discover the perfect will of God for your life.
Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Bartering
Trade, exchange, negotiate, haggle these are words used to explain that bartering is simply giving and receiving.
We had a friend, from our church, named John, who would often ask my husband to help him in his enterprises. John had two brothers and two sisters. In their youth, their mother became a widow, so the five young children gained after school and week jobs to help the family budget. The boys in their teens would take on painting work, the girls baby sitting, or selling products.
John later became a baker working in a bakery at night. This gave him freedom to earn money in other ways during the day.
One day John asked my husband to help him purchase small trailers and fix them up. I had some drapery remnants and sewed some curtains for the windows, and Robert painted the insides. John would place the trailers in a friend’s mobile home park, and rent them out. Some he sold for double or more from the purchased price, and he would collect payments over a period of time. Thus John could purchase more trailers. The World War II military men were especially happy to have a reasonable priced place to house their family as they were shipped out over seas.
John began to save his money and to purchase houses in his neighborhood for low down payments, and the rent would pay for the mortgage. Some of the houses were from Estate sales, and often there was furniture or other items left in the homes. John asked Robert to help him paint the homes prior to renting them.
One year John sold Christmas trees and asked Robert to lend a hand. For all the labor, we did during several years; we did not receive any monetary gain. However during that time, John gave us a Christmas tree, an older Cadillac car, an upright piano, and a 30 year old dining room table and chairs.
During our married life, we have had a mish mash of furniture because of a lack of finances. John noticed that we were using a picnic table and benches for our dining room, and I suppose that is why he decided to give us the dining table made from maple wood.
While at first I did not appreciate my table, I learned to be rather fond of it, and to enjoy the fact that the two end extensions would enable us to serve a large group of family and friends.
Bartering is often something done between club members, or between friends. There are bartering groups that trade professional services for a variety of other services.
God was the Apex of bartering, when He proclaimed, I will give the World my Son to save them from their Sins, and I will ask in return that they will give me their life. That is quite an exchange; our old sinful life in exchange for His new Eternal Life.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
We had a friend, from our church, named John, who would often ask my husband to help him in his enterprises. John had two brothers and two sisters. In their youth, their mother became a widow, so the five young children gained after school and week jobs to help the family budget. The boys in their teens would take on painting work, the girls baby sitting, or selling products.
John later became a baker working in a bakery at night. This gave him freedom to earn money in other ways during the day.
One day John asked my husband to help him purchase small trailers and fix them up. I had some drapery remnants and sewed some curtains for the windows, and Robert painted the insides. John would place the trailers in a friend’s mobile home park, and rent them out. Some he sold for double or more from the purchased price, and he would collect payments over a period of time. Thus John could purchase more trailers. The World War II military men were especially happy to have a reasonable priced place to house their family as they were shipped out over seas.
John began to save his money and to purchase houses in his neighborhood for low down payments, and the rent would pay for the mortgage. Some of the houses were from Estate sales, and often there was furniture or other items left in the homes. John asked Robert to help him paint the homes prior to renting them.
One year John sold Christmas trees and asked Robert to lend a hand. For all the labor, we did during several years; we did not receive any monetary gain. However during that time, John gave us a Christmas tree, an older Cadillac car, an upright piano, and a 30 year old dining room table and chairs.
During our married life, we have had a mish mash of furniture because of a lack of finances. John noticed that we were using a picnic table and benches for our dining room, and I suppose that is why he decided to give us the dining table made from maple wood.
While at first I did not appreciate my table, I learned to be rather fond of it, and to enjoy the fact that the two end extensions would enable us to serve a large group of family and friends.
Bartering is often something done between club members, or between friends. There are bartering groups that trade professional services for a variety of other services.
God was the Apex of bartering, when He proclaimed, I will give the World my Son to save them from their Sins, and I will ask in return that they will give me their life. That is quite an exchange; our old sinful life in exchange for His new Eternal Life.
John 3:16 "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Memorizing Scripture!
As young children, our mother would read a chapter from the Bible each morning before school and before we enjoyed our breakfast.
Mother also gave us a memory verse to learn by the end of the week. We started out with John 3:16 and went on to the 23rd Psalm. Other than the 23rd Psalm, we did not memorize entire chapters, but only verses connected together to give us assurance, confidence and peace.
I should have done better with my own children. The Bible was read to them, and stories told, and they did learn verses at Sunday School and Bible Club, but I failed to emphasize memorization at home.
There are some of the verses with words that in my young age, I did not understand, but they are very real to me now.
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 hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
As time went on and my walk with the Lord deepened, I could understand the security in those words. First being IN Christ and then Walking daily in His spirit, then I did not need to worry about condemnation!
These scriptures taught us the importance of presenting our bodies and minds to the Lord.
Romans 12:1 -2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
These scriptures assured us that Jesus (the Word) is truly God. And that He was with God the Father and the Holy Spirit when together they created the World.
John 1:1 -5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Other Scriptures taught us how to become a Christian.
Romans 10:9 - 10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
We understood that Jesus paid for our healing.
Isaiah 53:5 -6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
There were many others that Mother had us memorize, some single verses, others two or three verses together with a positive input into our spirits to sustain our faith.
It is good to memorize scripture as David said in - - -
Psalms 119:11: Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.
This Post has been entered with Ann Kroeker who is hosting a Memory Month at http://annkroeker.com/2011/01/03/mmm-2011-progress-report-1/
Please check out other entries found there.
Mother also gave us a memory verse to learn by the end of the week. We started out with John 3:16 and went on to the 23rd Psalm. Other than the 23rd Psalm, we did not memorize entire chapters, but only verses connected together to give us assurance, confidence and peace.
I should have done better with my own children. The Bible was read to them, and stories told, and they did learn verses at Sunday School and Bible Club, but I failed to emphasize memorization at home.
There are some of the verses with words that in my young age, I did not understand, but they are very real to me now.
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 hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
As time went on and my walk with the Lord deepened, I could understand the security in those words. First being IN Christ and then Walking daily in His spirit, then I did not need to worry about condemnation!
These scriptures taught us the importance of presenting our bodies and minds to the Lord.
Romans 12:1 -2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
These scriptures assured us that Jesus (the Word) is truly God. And that He was with God the Father and the Holy Spirit when together they created the World.
John 1:1 -5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
Other Scriptures taught us how to become a Christian.
Romans 10:9 - 10 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
We understood that Jesus paid for our healing.
Isaiah 53:5 -6 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
There were many others that Mother had us memorize, some single verses, others two or three verses together with a positive input into our spirits to sustain our faith.
It is good to memorize scripture as David said in - - -
Psalms 119:11: Thy Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.
This Post has been entered with Ann Kroeker who is hosting a Memory Month at http://annkroeker.com/2011/01/03/mmm-2011-progress-report-1/
Please check out other entries found there.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
She’s on Empty! Guest Post By Nancy Kehr
Lively singing and clapping engulfed us! Nearly everyone around was fully engaged in the music. We were visiting a church out of town, and although the music was new to us, it was not difficult to catch on.
Just a day after Christmas, spirits were high!
Ornamented with high dollar clothing, expensive purse and boots, the woman next to me was in full motion – whooping and hollering at the top of her voice. Okay - - so she was making her form of a “joyful noise.” The fact that she kept bumping into me was a bit distracting here and there, but I lived!
Once we were all seated, and the Pastor began speaking, she commenced fanning herself with her hand, as if she were about to faint! She nodded her head vigorously and rocked back and forth while muttering , “Oh yes” - - - ”MMMM-hmmm!”
The more the pastor spoke about the importance of leading a calm, unhindered life and exercising self-restraint, the more she rocked and agreed.
The admonishment was for people to be alert and watch how we respond to situations so that we are not pressured, or scared, out of our purpose in life.
The woman’s rocking motion intensified! Her head shook and her “MMMM-Hmmm’s” got louder! She was hilarious and downright entertaining. I had to work to restrain a laugh.
“Wow”, I thought to myself. “She is one on-fire ball of energy!”
While I am not quite that demonstrative, I realize that there are all kinds of personalities out there. Overall, it seemed like this woman had a handle on the whole wide world!
After being startled by one of Action-Woman’s whoops, I tried to turn my attention back to what was being addressed and take a few notes. With all her rocking, I think I was suffering a little from motion sickness myself!
I said a small prayer for her. Maybe it was more for me, I don’t know….
Just before the service ended, I had a chance to give this woman a hug and spoke a few encouraging words in her ear. She seemed surprised! That’s when I knew.
A strange feeling crept over me and I felt a gentle nudge inside - - - ”She’s on empty!”
The pastor voice punctuated the moment as he asked if anyone needed prayer. When he elaborated about needing prayer for the removal of bad influences, inappropriate associations, or other hindrances to a peaceful life, the “MMMMM-Hmmmm“ lady about fell all over her son, stumbling past the people next to him as she beat a hasty path to the front for prayer!
Startled family members and friends stared at her in amazement!
I chuckled to myself for a moment, and then I was hit with a thought. I had felt a little silly giving her the type of encouragement that I had, but I did it just the same. All things being considered, I guess one can never really know just how much the effect of gracious words might have on someone else - - - even if they don’t “seem” to need it.
As I gazed around, I wondered just how many other people were sitting there looking like they had it all together, but were actually riding along on fumes because they were “Sitting on EMPTY!”
Just a day after Christmas, spirits were high!
Ornamented with high dollar clothing, expensive purse and boots, the woman next to me was in full motion – whooping and hollering at the top of her voice. Okay - - so she was making her form of a “joyful noise.” The fact that she kept bumping into me was a bit distracting here and there, but I lived!
Once we were all seated, and the Pastor began speaking, she commenced fanning herself with her hand, as if she were about to faint! She nodded her head vigorously and rocked back and forth while muttering , “Oh yes” - - - ”MMMM-hmmm!”
The more the pastor spoke about the importance of leading a calm, unhindered life and exercising self-restraint, the more she rocked and agreed.
The admonishment was for people to be alert and watch how we respond to situations so that we are not pressured, or scared, out of our purpose in life.
The woman’s rocking motion intensified! Her head shook and her “MMMM-Hmmm’s” got louder! She was hilarious and downright entertaining. I had to work to restrain a laugh.
“Wow”, I thought to myself. “She is one on-fire ball of energy!”
While I am not quite that demonstrative, I realize that there are all kinds of personalities out there. Overall, it seemed like this woman had a handle on the whole wide world!
After being startled by one of Action-Woman’s whoops, I tried to turn my attention back to what was being addressed and take a few notes. With all her rocking, I think I was suffering a little from motion sickness myself!
I said a small prayer for her. Maybe it was more for me, I don’t know….
Just before the service ended, I had a chance to give this woman a hug and spoke a few encouraging words in her ear. She seemed surprised! That’s when I knew.
A strange feeling crept over me and I felt a gentle nudge inside - - - ”She’s on empty!”
The pastor voice punctuated the moment as he asked if anyone needed prayer. When he elaborated about needing prayer for the removal of bad influences, inappropriate associations, or other hindrances to a peaceful life, the “MMMMM-Hmmmm“ lady about fell all over her son, stumbling past the people next to him as she beat a hasty path to the front for prayer!
Startled family members and friends stared at her in amazement!
I chuckled to myself for a moment, and then I was hit with a thought. I had felt a little silly giving her the type of encouragement that I had, but I did it just the same. All things being considered, I guess one can never really know just how much the effect of gracious words might have on someone else - - - even if they don’t “seem” to need it.
As I gazed around, I wondered just how many other people were sitting there looking like they had it all together, but were actually riding along on fumes because they were “Sitting on EMPTY!”
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Reflections Past and Future
Reflections of the Passing Year and looking ahead at what is to Come in 2011.
Comments are always welcome and are important to bloggers! That is the reason when I enter my post into one of the blog carnivals, I endeavor to place a comment on all the other entries.
Changing the World “One Word at a time” is a popular Blog carnival. The last “Word” for the year 2010 was REFLECTIONS. It was amazing that so many entries used mirrors as their theme. Looking into the mirror and not seeing clearly or not entirely happy with what they viewed.
About the One Word Carnival; Bridget is taking a leave and has asked Peter to host. The new site is: http://peterpollock.com/2010/12/reflection-blog-carnival/
Once there, click on the phrase “One Word at a time,” to reach the entries.
I have observed that many blog writers are self conscious, and they doubt their work. There is a certain fear that no one will read or appreciate their endeavors. Comments do give encouragement and comments also help the one who gives.
As I have made an effort to place comments on blogs I read, I often am reminded of something that will make a good blog post for me to create. The main reason I am writing this today is that you will be encouraged to make comments on blogs you read, and that you will also be stirred. Below you will discover some of my comments that I gave to different bloggers at the recent "One Word at a Time" site.
A favorite question at a job interview is: "What do you expect to be doing five years from now?" The thought is - - will you be someone that we can depend on to BE there! Whether it is for an hour, day, week, month, year or ten years, we can rest assured that Jesus never leaves us. It is He who gives us the strength to carry on, and to know that He is pleased with us, even if we sometimes are too hard on ourselves.
Such interesting thoughts are revealed when you read some of the newer Bible versions! I love your thoughts about chewing God's Word. Meditation to me is also murmuring with my mouth the scriptures that have such deep meaning for me. It is so important to look daily into the face of Jesus (in his book) for we will find Him there. I plan to read the Bible through this year. The last time I did this, I played a different version on my recorder as I read my King James Version. It was enlightening. I liked your words so true; "I find the writing to be soothing, even when it’s hard and exhausting."
Many, including me will relate to that mirror. The mirror of God’s word reveals traits in us that are often hidden, but are exposed as we look deeper into that looking glass. His love will enable me see myself as God sees me and not as I view myself. May you be blessed this New Year as you minister to your family and to others by your writing and by your love shown.
May others continue to see HIS reflection in YOU this coming year as you Minister for HIM.
One Thing" that I desire for this coming year is to be an instrument for His use! Instruments make a Joyful Noise!
My prayer for you is, be confident and courageous as you minister for Him in this New Year of 2011 doing what ever your hand finds to do and doing it well as unto the Lord.
Comments are always welcome and are important to bloggers! That is the reason when I enter my post into one of the blog carnivals, I endeavor to place a comment on all the other entries.
Changing the World “One Word at a time” is a popular Blog carnival. The last “Word” for the year 2010 was REFLECTIONS. It was amazing that so many entries used mirrors as their theme. Looking into the mirror and not seeing clearly or not entirely happy with what they viewed.
About the One Word Carnival; Bridget is taking a leave and has asked Peter to host. The new site is: http://peterpollock.com/2010/12/reflection-blog-carnival/
Once there, click on the phrase “One Word at a time,” to reach the entries.
I have observed that many blog writers are self conscious, and they doubt their work. There is a certain fear that no one will read or appreciate their endeavors. Comments do give encouragement and comments also help the one who gives.
As I have made an effort to place comments on blogs I read, I often am reminded of something that will make a good blog post for me to create. The main reason I am writing this today is that you will be encouraged to make comments on blogs you read, and that you will also be stirred. Below you will discover some of my comments that I gave to different bloggers at the recent "One Word at a Time" site.
A favorite question at a job interview is: "What do you expect to be doing five years from now?" The thought is - - will you be someone that we can depend on to BE there! Whether it is for an hour, day, week, month, year or ten years, we can rest assured that Jesus never leaves us. It is He who gives us the strength to carry on, and to know that He is pleased with us, even if we sometimes are too hard on ourselves.
Such interesting thoughts are revealed when you read some of the newer Bible versions! I love your thoughts about chewing God's Word. Meditation to me is also murmuring with my mouth the scriptures that have such deep meaning for me. It is so important to look daily into the face of Jesus (in his book) for we will find Him there. I plan to read the Bible through this year. The last time I did this, I played a different version on my recorder as I read my King James Version. It was enlightening. I liked your words so true; "I find the writing to be soothing, even when it’s hard and exhausting."
Many, including me will relate to that mirror. The mirror of God’s word reveals traits in us that are often hidden, but are exposed as we look deeper into that looking glass. His love will enable me see myself as God sees me and not as I view myself. May you be blessed this New Year as you minister to your family and to others by your writing and by your love shown.
May others continue to see HIS reflection in YOU this coming year as you Minister for HIM.
One Thing" that I desire for this coming year is to be an instrument for His use! Instruments make a Joyful Noise!
My prayer for you is, be confident and courageous as you minister for Him in this New Year of 2011 doing what ever your hand finds to do and doing it well as unto the Lord.
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