I have been juggling several projects, problems and demands on my time these past few weeks as well as suffering from migraines and my fibro flaring. Well DUH! Both of those medical conditions are because I am not eating right, drinking enough water/fluids and not resting properly. Going to bed with my head racing in thought is not good.
So today, I have ask the Lord to take the load off of me. Not that I can't handle the load, I just can't carry it all. Instead of trying to do a total room makeover in a day - I have broken it down into area/slots of time.
I studied to be a professional organizer and I can pretty much organize paperwork or offices or homes of others - but like a plumber or a mechanic - my home needs a professional organizer.
I have to remember - to let go and let GOD show me what I need here on this earth!
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
The wooden bowl
I guarantee you will remember the tale of the Wooden Bowl tomorrow, a week from now, a month from now, a year from now.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands andfailing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. "So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded,"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens,how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life..
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude youBut, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find youI've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year - old grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands andfailing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.
The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about father," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor. "So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food. The four-year-old watched it all in silence.
One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor.He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded,"Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when I grow up." The four-year-old smiled and went back to work.
The words so struck the parents so that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table.
For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
On a positive note, I've learned that, no matter what happens,how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles four things:a rainy day, the elderly, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.
I've learned that, regardless of your relationship with your parents,you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.
I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life..
"I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands.You need to be able to throw something back
I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude youBut, if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others,your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find youI've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.
I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.
I've learned that every day, you should reach out and touch someone.People love that human touch -- holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Refining Silver
This came in an email today and since I have been in the "fire" for so long (or so it seems) and I didn't understand why this was an answer to my prayer. I know that I have not been totally refined nor will I be until he is ready for me. Another way that God is building my patience.
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as refiner and purifier o f silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
"Life Is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but
you can only spend it once."
Malachi 3:3 says: "He will sit as refiner and purifier o f silver."
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God.
One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study.
That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn't mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities.
The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the verse that says: "He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver." She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time the silver was being refined.
The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes on the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, "How do you know when the silver is fully refined?" He smiled at her and answered, "Oh, that's easy -- when I see my image in it"
If today you are feeling the heat of the fire, remember that God has his eye on you and will keep watching you until He sees His image in you.
"Life Is a coin. You can spend it anyway you wish, but
you can only spend it once."
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Why did Jesus fold the linen burial cloth after His resurrection?
The Gospel of John (20:7) tells us that the napkin, which was placed over the face of Jesus, was not just thrown aside like the grave clothes.
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there , but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side. Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth with that napkin and toss it on to the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.' But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant knew that the fo lded napkin meant, 'I'm not finished yet.' The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
The Bible takes an entire verse to tell us that the napkin was neatly folded and was placed at the head of that stony coffin. Early Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, 'They have taken the Lord's body out of the tomb, and I don't know where they have put him!'
Peter and the other disciple ran to the tomb to see. The other disciple out ran Peter and got there first. He stooped and looked in and saw the linen cloth lying there , but he didn't go in. Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus' head was folded up and lying to the side. Is that important? Absolutely! Is it really significant? Yes! In order to understand the significance of the folded napkin, you have to understand a little bit about Hebrew tradition of that day.
The folded napkin had to do with the Master and Servant, and every Jewish boy knew this tradition. When the servant set the dinner table for the master, he made sure that it was exactly the way the master wanted it. The table was furnished perfectly, and then the servant would wait, just out of sight, until the master had finished eating, and the servant would not dare touch that table until the master was finished. Now if the master was done eating, he would rise from the table, wipe his fingers and mouth with that napkin and toss it on to the table. The servant would then know to clear the table. For in those days, the wadded napkin meant, 'I'm done.' But if the master got up from the table, and folded his napkin, and laid it beside his plate, the servant knew that the fo lded napkin meant, 'I'm not finished yet.' The folded napkin meant, 'I'm coming back!'
Monday, February 18, 2008
Scripture Challenge
I took the challenge to do the 52 week scripture challenge hosted by Pillar. Unfortunately, because of the move and packing/unpacking - I haven't been able to get started. So that I wouldn't lose the weeks word and the scriptures that touched me, I developed a spread sheet so that I could have the week number, word and scripture ideas. I am also keeping a journal and doing some sketches for pages that I want to do.
I decided that I will be doing an 8 x8 book and go from there. Will post as soon as I start making the pictures.
I decided that I will be doing an 8 x8 book and go from there. Will post as soon as I start making the pictures.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Jakes Trucks
Jake's Prayer
By Bill Jones
Jake, the rancher, went one dayto fix a distant fence.The wind was cold and gusty andthe clouds rolled gray and dense,As he pounded the last nail inand gathered tools to go.The temperature had fallenand the snow began to blow.When he finally reached his pickup,he felt a heavy heart,from the sound of that ignition,he knew it wouldn't start.So Jake did what most of us doif we'd have been there.He humbly bowed his balding headand sent aloft a prayer.As he turned the key for the last time,he softly cursed his luck.They found him three days later,frozen stiff in that old truck.Now Jake had been around in lifeand done his share of roamin'.But when he saw Heaven,he was shocked -- it look just like Wyomin'.Of all the saints in Heaven,his favorite was St. Peter.Now, this line, it ain't neededbut it helps with rhyme and meter.So they set and talked a minute or two,or maybe it was three,Nobody was keepin' score --in Heaven time is free."I've always heard," Jake said to Pete,"that God will answer prayers,But one time I asked for help,well He, just plain wasn't there.Does God answer prayers of some,and ignores the prayers of others?That don't seem exactly square --I know all men are brothers.Or does he randomly reply,without good rhyme or reason?Maybe, it's the time of day,the weather or the season.Now I ain't trying to act smart,it's just the way I feel,And I was wonderin', could you tell --what the heck's the deal?"Peter listened very patientlyand when Jake was done,There were smiles of recognition,and he said, "So, you're the one!That day your truck, it wouldn't start,and you sent your prayer a flying,You gave us all a real bad time,with hundreds of us a trying.A thousand angels rushed to checkthe status of your file,But you know, Jake, we hadn't heardfrom you in quite a whileAnd though all prayers are answered,and God ain't got no quota,He didn't recognize your voice,and started a truck in North Dakota."Moral of the story: Pray Early... and Pray Often
By Bill Jones
Jake, the rancher, went one dayto fix a distant fence.The wind was cold and gusty andthe clouds rolled gray and dense,As he pounded the last nail inand gathered tools to go.The temperature had fallenand the snow began to blow.When he finally reached his pickup,he felt a heavy heart,from the sound of that ignition,he knew it wouldn't start.So Jake did what most of us doif we'd have been there.He humbly bowed his balding headand sent aloft a prayer.As he turned the key for the last time,he softly cursed his luck.They found him three days later,frozen stiff in that old truck.Now Jake had been around in lifeand done his share of roamin'.But when he saw Heaven,he was shocked -- it look just like Wyomin'.Of all the saints in Heaven,his favorite was St. Peter.Now, this line, it ain't neededbut it helps with rhyme and meter.So they set and talked a minute or two,or maybe it was three,Nobody was keepin' score --in Heaven time is free."I've always heard," Jake said to Pete,"that God will answer prayers,But one time I asked for help,well He, just plain wasn't there.Does God answer prayers of some,and ignores the prayers of others?That don't seem exactly square --I know all men are brothers.Or does he randomly reply,without good rhyme or reason?Maybe, it's the time of day,the weather or the season.Now I ain't trying to act smart,it's just the way I feel,And I was wonderin', could you tell --what the heck's the deal?"Peter listened very patientlyand when Jake was done,There were smiles of recognition,and he said, "So, you're the one!That day your truck, it wouldn't start,and you sent your prayer a flying,You gave us all a real bad time,with hundreds of us a trying.A thousand angels rushed to checkthe status of your file,But you know, Jake, we hadn't heardfrom you in quite a whileAnd though all prayers are answered,and God ain't got no quota,He didn't recognize your voice,and started a truck in North Dakota."Moral of the story: Pray Early... and Pray Often
Cell Phones
I wonder what would happen if we treated our Bibles like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency
This is something to make you go....hmm... where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone,
we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected
because Jesus already paid the bill.
No dropped calls!
More new features than ever.
Makes you stop and think,
"Where are my priorities?"
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency
This is something to make you go....hmm... where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phone,
we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected
because Jesus already paid the bill.
No dropped calls!
More new features than ever.
Makes you stop and think,
"Where are my priorities?"
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