Teacher’s That Inspire

image courtesy photobucket.com

The lunch room was buzzing with chatter as I quickly scribbled out descriptive words with the help of my dictionary. My essay needed to be turned in at the next class so I hurried on.

My story described a tall skinny personage with silver gray hair piled on top of her head.  Her haunting eyes were staring, and her spiny thin arms crossed her chest. She stood waiting to snatch anyone who crossed her path that she did not approve of.

I laughed as I discovered more words to scare the pants off most readers.

The bell rang announcing that lunch was over and it was time to run to our next class. It was too late. I was having so much fun writing, that I had been carried away with mirth and now there was no time to change my essay.

There was nothing I could do except turn it in, if I wanted a grade at all, so reluctantly I handed it in with the others.

Class was almost over and we had probably 10 more minutes of time left.

My teacher moved to the front of the room, and announced that there was one essay that she needed to read aloud to the class. She almost giggled as she asked the class to guess who the person was in the anecdote.

Oh no!! She was reading my story, and my face turned crimson red. As she finished, she said, “This story is an example of creative writing, and I just had to read it to you all.”

Then she asked me to stay after class. Was I in trouble? No, she wanted to encourage me to keep writing.

I apologized for making fun of our Principal who stood in our hall between classes to keep order.

My teacher assured me that no apology was in order, and that the story did not name her, but only left it to the readers to discover who it was.

image courtesy photobucket

She encouraged me to continue writing as she emphasized, “I look forward to more stories from you like this one.”

That day I made a decision to keep my dictionary handy, and to also use a Thesaurus which often helps when I need a good word.

Words are powerful, and they can change lives for good or evil. Speeches often will sway the crowd, and lies are many times believed as truth.

It is good to listen with our heart, but to also be equipped with knowledge and wisdom to prevent us from becoming a part of the foolish multitude.

Those who write and speak are obligated to build up and not tear down their audience.  To encourage, challenge and comfort at times, and to always let truth prevail.

As you write or speak, at all times leave your readers or listeners, with a sense of joy that they were glad to come and sit at your feet.

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This post has been linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty
Also linked with Tell Me a True Story
http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Dr Jesus Makes House Calls (repost)



Jesus Heals Peter's Mother-In-Law
image courtesy photobucket.

I am thankful for Dr Jesus. The Bible tells us that Jesus went about, doing good, and healing all who were sick and oppressed of the Devil.

Jesus even made a house call at Peter’s home, and healed Peter’s Mother-in-law who was sick with a fever. Then she was able to get up and prepare a nice meal for her guests.

It seems these days that there is a lot of virus and illness going around.  Understand this is not the only reason, but one factor that might continue to cause a person to be sick is unsettled arguments. Also bitterness, resentment, and holding grudges are detrimental to your health!

When I was a little girl, and my brother, and sister, and I would get into "word fights,"my mother would insist that we say, “I’m sorry,” and apologize to each other.

Then she would require the other person to say, “I forgive you.”

Oh how I hated that, because sometimes I was so angry that I did not want to apologize or forgive.

But you know, after doing something many times it becomes easier on the next occasion.

The Bible tells us not to let the sun go down on our wrath, and it is a good idea to get things out of the way quickly, and not allow them to fester.

Let me share a little secret to keep a happy marriage.  The suggestion is for us ladies to learn at times to simply Shut our mouths.

You may laugh at that, but it is true.

Being quiet when you want to reply angrily is difficult; I can certainly tell you that!  However in the long run it will keep peace in your home! The Bible speaks in the book of Proverbs thusly:

It is better to dwell in the wilderness, than with a contentious and an angry woman.

So if you sense sickness coming your way, examine your attitudes, and get anything that is old business out of the way.

Then rejoice, sing and praise the lord, for cheerfulness is like medicine from the Lord.

Proverbs 17:22 A merry heart does good like a medicine: but a broken spirit dries the bones.

This post has been linked today

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

and with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Mothers Were Created by God

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Mothers Were Created by God  (Repost)

Soon I will be sending a wee one to another world,
Who will watch over and care for this tiny life?
Who will teach this one to learn and to love?
To instruct in kindness not in hate and strife!

Who will feed and clothe this child?
Who will kiss away the tears when they fall?
Where will I find such a one, a paradigm?
Who will be there when they weep and call?

Looking high and low no one could be found,
Where is one I can trust – is there no other?
The answer is simple and plain to see,
I will give this child a loving mother!

Then there are other lives, so tiny and some not,
I will search until a home I find - - -
Where shall I place these forgotten babes?
There must be a mother’s heart longing to be kind!

I sought and found some who were barren,
Yet they desired a child to love and hold,
Yes, I will consign this adopted one
In the safe arms of this “mother” to enfold!

Where else may I place a child who needs an abode?
Not all children born into families do fare,
Because of the many realities of life,
Existence is complicated and difficult to bear!

The saying “Life happens,” is true and often - -
Reasons beyond belief send many to despair,
I have found an answer for this child,
In a “good” Foster Home, they will find solace there.

What I seek is a Mother’s heart,
For those who are not a mother in kind, can be,
For according to My word,
The need is great for “Mothers in Israel” you see!

Reach out and love a child with kindness and encouragement!
by Hazel Moon 05/08/2011

This post is Linked with

Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

 Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah

 Laura’s Faith Filled Friday

Fried Cabbage

Photo courtesy Christy Jordan’s Southern Plate

My dad liked cabbage, but he had a special way he wanted it prepared.  He always asked my mother to boil our cabbage for a long time and never to remove the lid until it was done. His thoughts were that this method would assist the cabbage to digest more easily.

Cabbage is one of the most reasonably priced vegetables that can readily be purchased for a few cents at your local grocery store. We enjoy it about once a month.

At first when I was the cook, I boiled cabbage just like my mother did. Then my husband and I began to experiment with various cabbage recipes.

At our church ladies meetings we often prepared a lunch with several ladies bringing pot luck. One of the women brought a special dish and she named it; “Fried cabbage.”

My first taste did not reveal that it was indeed cabbage; rather it seemed like a delightful new vegetable. What had she done to achieve this?

Naturally I asked for the recipe and I will share it here with you to enjoy once in a while.

Fried Cabbage

1 small head of cabbage sliced very fine.

8 slices of bacon cut in small pieces and fried until crisp in a large skillet
Remove bacon and add the shredded cabbage into the bacon grease

Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper or Mrs. Dash or a seasoning you prefer.
1 cup of water added to the cabbage.

Cover and simmer slowly just until the cabbage is tender, about 15 minutes.
Remove lid and stir fry until all liquid is gone.

Add the bacon, and serve.

This post has been linked at Ann Kroeker’s Food On Friday

Boarding School

"What am I going to do with you?" My harsh voice struck out to our youngest daughter.

Having changed her classes for her when she claimed she did not like them, now she was failing in all her subjects, and I was at a loss. 

Our older children had all graduated from High School with good grades and I was puzzled as what to do next with our "baby."

It was well into the beginning of her senior year in High School, we needed to do something quick so that she could catch up and graduate.

Our church had just welcomed a special guest missionary speaker who mentioned that their children were living at a boarding school several miles down the coast from us  This Christian school was lodging the children of other missionaries, and also students who needed help scholastically.

Our daughter offered a suggestion, “Why don’t you send me to Watsonville to that Christian school down there?”

I replied, “That might be a good idea, but I don’t know if they will take you since the school year has already begun - - However I will phone them and ask.”

The lady who answered the phone was very positive and she urged me to pack a suitcase and bring our daughter on down.

Arriving after a nice drive along the scenic route, we were given a tour of the campus and the dorms. Each room had two single beds with a bathroom that was connected to an adjoining room.

We signed the paper work and paid for one month and giving Judie a hug, we said our good byes and left. As we drove away we could see her standing there like a lost child.

School went well for her. After the evening meal, each dorm was on "lock up" until the students in that dorm completed their homework assignments. Judie was the last one to finish her homework. “Let us help you” all the girls chimed in, and our daughter agreed.

It did not take long for her to be voted class president and to adjust to the discipline at the school. I believe she benefited from the structure of order and that probably is why she adapted so well to the Air Force which she later joined.

The months quickly went by and when she proudly graduated from High School, it was with honors.

Monte Vista Christian school and their personal attention they offered, gave her the confidence to believe that she could excel.

Today she holds several degrees from college and also a Masters degree.

Something was missing in me to encourage her, but with new surroundings, she discovered hidden abilities within herself.

This post is Linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday

And linked with Joan Davis Sharing His Beauty

Also shared at Tell Me a True Story at: http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Please enter your true stories there each week.

Love On the Vine

Fruitful Vine
image courtesy photobucket.com

John 15: 1-8 is the story of the vine and the importance of the branches being connected to the vine. Jesus said, I am the vine and you are the branches, my desire is that you bear much fruit! 

The branches cannot bear fruit of them-selves, but must stay linked to the vine. For fruit to develop there must be pruning, watering and tending to the vine.

As Jesus ministered to his disciples, they understood about simple things; grapes, vines, sheep and fish.

Our guest Pastor Jerry told a story about The Navigators and Dawson Trotman's early work among sailors that enabled discipleship principles to spread exponentially across the military as the United States entered World War II.

Dawson taught sailor Les Spencer the foundations of Christian growth as they spent many hours together praying, studying the Bible, and memorizing Scripture. When one of Spencer's shipmates asked him the secret of his changed life, Spencer brought the man to Trotman: "Teach him what you taught me," he said.

"You teach him!" Trotman responded. And the 2 Timothy 2:2 vision was strengthened.

Much fruit began to be harvested as each sailor would share with another. Then as they were transferred to other ships, again the fruit began to multiply. The FBI decided to investigate as they suspected this might be a subversive organization. They finally decided that it was not a harmful group, but was doing the men well.

Pastor shared about his personal experience of growing tomatoes.  He gave them too much water and had large beautiful vines but no fruit. The vines must be pruned, cut back, and all the tiny suckers removed in order to get an abundant harvest.  In the same way our Lord must prune us at times, even when it hurts us for him to do so.

Pastor likened our children as vines that we cultivate. They soon develop and grow from the diaper stage and before long they are asking for the car keys. How soon it is that they are graduating from High School, and they believe that they are in control.

All these formative years, we were in control, helping shape their lives, and now it is time to let go and allow them to make their decisions in life. Time goes so fast. We must trust that we have tended our garden well and that these vines of ours will bring forth much good fruit.

In our own lives, when all seems to go haywire, we must trust in the main VINE and keep connected because he is our power source and strength.

Another example was given of a community garden, where all work together to harvest a good crop of fruit (or vegetables.) He likened this to the body of Christ sharing in community with other Christians in local projects to win souls for our Lord.

Pastor concluded his message by reminding us again that Jesus said,
“My desire is that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.

Linked up today with Michelle’s Hear it on Sunday Use it on Monday

My Antique Table

Similar to our table
photo courtesy photobucket.com

This post was inspired by Barbara’s entry to: “Tell me a True Story” blog party. You can read her story about her Dear Table - - by CLICKING HERE.

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My husband often helped John a friend of ours fix up old houses that he would purchase and then rent them out. At times there was furniture left in the houses and John always found good use for them.

One day instead of paying my husband - - our friend brought us a large dining room table with matching chairs. He had noticed that we were using a picnic table with benches in our dining room.

photo courtesy photobucket.com

Honestly I hated that table because it was big and old-fashioned.

Actually, it was a great table, and we could pull out the extensions and serve a crowd which we did many times.

One day we had a visit from two of our aunts and both were delighted in my table and Geneva said, “I will trade you my new maple set for this one.” Suddenly both Aunts were arguing over which one would get my table.

“Why would you want it?” I asked. They went on and on about its beauty and the shine of the cherry wood, and its elegance and how it would hold a large family banquet and how this table was a true find.

I took a new look at my antique table, and decided maybe it was beautiful after all.  I told my aunts "I think I will just keep it but thanks for your kind offers."

We continued to use our wonderful table for many years, and then when we moved to the Oak woods it seemed too large for our mobile home.

Our children had each purchased new dinning room sets, so I asked our foster daughter Nancy if she would like to have my table. “Oh yes,” she replied, and although they now have an empty nest, there are times when her five children and their families still gather around that lovely table.

We recently visited there, and one of our grand-daughters lovingly smoothed her hand over the still gorgeous wood.

I wondered if she was claiming it - - as the next in line to receive the antique table.

This post is shared at: Stacy’s Heartprints Hallelujah
Also Linked with Charlotte’s Spiritual Sundays

Penny Candy

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With no stroller, or baby buggy, my mother often carried my baby sister, while my 18 month old brother held my hand as we walked to our corner store for a few small items.

One day, the baby was asleep and my mother needed a loaf of bread. She explained to me how I should walk to the store, ask for a loaf of brown bread and quickly return home.

Taking the dime from her, I felt proud of the responsibility given to me to purchase some bread. So what if I was only three years old! I was the oldest child, and a big girl.

At the store, I gave the man my order and held out my ten cents. “You have two pennies change coming back, so would you like to select some penny candy,” he asked me.

He stood in back of the candy display and my little eyes widened. The candy sticks looked good and so did the suckers. It was difficult to decide which would be the best choice.

Taking a long time to make up my mind, he offered some suggestions and I told him, “Yes please.”

Hurrying home with my loaf of bread and my small sack with the precious candy, I happily showed mother my purchases.

Undaunted she did not hesitate, because those two pennies were needed for other things, and certainly not for candy.

Quietly she asked me, “Just exactly what did I send you to the store to buy?” I replied, “A loaf of bread.”

Her words rang out soft but clear, “And did I tell you to purchase anything else?”

By now I was crying, but she wiped away my tears and told me. “We need to correct this now so that it will never happen again.”

Rehearsing what I was supposed to tell the store man, I returned to the store holding my small bag of penny candy. Fortunately I had not eaten any of my tempting stash.

As I handed him the sack of candy, through tears I told the store man, “My mama said, I was only supposed to buy the bread, so please give me my money back.”

He did return my two cents and again I was proud to return home – mission accomplished.

A couple of years later our circumstances changed and there were times when we could afford the luxury of some penny candy.

However I am thankful for mother teaching me this life’s lesson; how to stand up for myself and ask for the correct change, or return an item that is not right.

It is good to stand firm and not be a push over - - even if it is about penny candy.

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This post is linked with Ann Kroeker’s, Food on Fridays
Also Linked with Laura’s Faith Filled Friday

And you will find it again on Tuesday at:
Tell me a True Story at http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/

Moving on Up Repost

image courtesy photobucket.com

It wasn’t much, but it was to be our new home!!

“Yes, we will take it, and it will do fine!” My soon-to-be husband handed the landlady $10 for the first week’s rent.

This tiny one-room, embracing a wall-bed, a small kitchen and shared bath was to be our new home for the next few months. I was so excited then, but thinking back now it makes me chuckle.

I remember our next apartment seemed like a mansion to me! Two flights of stairs leading to a place to call home. Now we had our own private bathroom, a large living room, a separate bedroom and a small kitchen.

This apartment had everything! It even included a laundry room in the basement with a coin-operated wringer washing machine!

Convenience was everywhere! To dry our clothes all we had to do was step outside the washroom door, hang them on the clotheslines, and the wind would whip them dry! Yes, we were moving on up.

Since that time, we have lived in larger grander apartments and in luxurious houses.  More humble abodes have also included a camper trailer and mobile homes.  No matter where I found myself I was happy in every one of those places. It was not because of a fine residence, but because I chose to be happy.

Living in a million dollar house does not bring you happiness.  Happiness is a learned choice. Being happy, regardless of your situation is absolutely and undeniably a decision.

Learning to hold our belongings with a hand that is open not clutching or grasping brings peace and builds our faith in the Lord. Hold lightly the things that are seen. It is those things that are not seen that are the most valuable!

In the book of Revelation is says; “Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and don’t know that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:.”

One day, we will leave our homes, beautiful or wretched as they may be, and we will be called to Move on up to a higher place to live.

Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you and where I am there you will be also.”

Isn’t that great? No matter what your present living quarters are like now, in the near future we will be “Moving on UP” to a better place that God is building for us!

This post is linked with the One Word Carnival, The word is MUCH
Also linked with Tracy at Winsome Wednesday

May Pole Dance

Early in my grammar school days, probably in the 4th grade, our teacher followed the holidays and tried to instill in us times for celebration. The April rains were indeed producing May flowers, and as the calendar turned from April to May first, it was time for us to learn about the traditions of “May Day.”

Without our knowledge, our teacher had asked one of our janitors to attach colored crape paper streamers to the top of one of the volley ball posts and tape it solidly to keep it in place.

While we were still in our class room, she gave us a short history of the Celebration of Summer approaching and about the May Pole dance that other nations celebrate at this season.

Then she lined us up two by two and we marched out to the play ground and over to the pole. Our teacher had instructed each boy to hold a ribbon and stand in place. The girls on either side were to weave in and out as they held one of the other colored streamers.

With her harmonica our teacher hummed a key and we began to sing one of our songs and intertwine until the pole was beautifully decorated. Then we reversed and undid our lovely patterned pole.

That was my first and last May Pole dance, but it was a memory that appears at the beginning of every month of May.

I wouldn’t doubt it but that the other classes in our school were happy to use our May Pole and do their own version of the May Pole Dance.

You may enjoy this rendition of a May Pole dance performed by school children in England. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYhAFHaYp0M&feature=related

Fourth graders dance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtT21X4gKsM

High Schoolers perform in the school gym; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vDDnmS5ncc&feature=related

This post has been shared at "Play Dates with God" at"
http://www.lauraboggess.com/2012/04/playdates-with-god-mystery.html

and with Friends Day Wednesday:
 http://www.themamazone.com/2012/05/friends-day-wednesday-52.html