I would rate this movie a 9.5. Mom says anyone who is thinking about a dog should see this movie. Having a dog is an investment and should never think that when it get hard to do that giving up the dog as in option.
We have 3 puppers and love them all. They are toy fox terriers. My parents got Bobby and Andy after the loss of Sam a black toy fox terrier. Bobby and Andy are brothers and they work together as a team when it comes to protecting their home and people. Bobby sees things and will alert Andy. Andy doesn't seem to 'see' as well but he is a little tank and the hair on the back of his neck stands tall as he is a little fighter. Andy is the smallest but he is boss. He will guard the empty discarded cookie box from the others! Tink is the addition because little bro couldn't handle him anymore since an addition of their little girl. But after watching Marley, Tink is better behaved!
All three puppers have given their hearts to us as we have given our hearts to them. They are the best at helping you laugh when the days are anything but laughable. They are animated and warm. They look at you with their puppy eyes begging for treats or tummy rubs and sitting there watching a movie about the love of pups and rubbing tummies of sleeping pups brings delight to my sore heart.
I found myself laughing hard and crying just as hard too. I am emotional all the time now but I think I really cried too much because of the thoughts in the back of my mind are about my next steps in being jobless and what I need to do to get back in the work force but to do something that I love doing...
Love my pups. I thank God for furry little hides that love me so much....
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
a specific job ...
From ''Bedside Blessings'' by Charles Swindoll April 24th reads:
Whew! I know that I need to be specific in my prayers but to read this on the very day I am unemployed reminds me that God is in control. I know He has great plans for me ... am I willing to TRUST?
I have been reviewing what I am good at and where my strengths lie. I want a job that is creative. I would love to write but I have not had any bites of encouragement. I do plan to get back to the basics of my English degree and get back to studying my passion. I would love to be creative. My crafts have gotten me no where and leave me discouraged. There is a lot of talk but no action. There is a ton of work on my side with no results. I am great at self learning and works well alone. I like teamwork but never have seen it work in the business world. I love being organize as it allows for work to be done well and efficiently.
I am not sure where that leaves me but I am working out the specifics and resting that God is working for my good. I have to remember that this is the in between time where brainstorming is king and I love brainstorming! When it about staying above the water, it is hard to wait patiently. I am too hard on myself. I want to keep my mind renewed but I want to be kind to myself as well.
Off to figure out unemployment...
The battle is the Lord's
Be specific in your prayer life. If you need a job, pray for a job. If you're an engineer, ask God to open up an engineering position for you, or something related for which you are qualified . . . . If you need fifteen hundred dollars for tuition, ask for that amount. Make your petitions specific.He will surely be gracious to you
at the sound of your cry;
when He hears it, He will answer you.
Isa 30:19
Whew! I know that I need to be specific in my prayers but to read this on the very day I am unemployed reminds me that God is in control. I know He has great plans for me ... am I willing to TRUST?
I have been reviewing what I am good at and where my strengths lie. I want a job that is creative. I would love to write but I have not had any bites of encouragement. I do plan to get back to the basics of my English degree and get back to studying my passion. I would love to be creative. My crafts have gotten me no where and leave me discouraged. There is a lot of talk but no action. There is a ton of work on my side with no results. I am great at self learning and works well alone. I like teamwork but never have seen it work in the business world. I love being organize as it allows for work to be done well and efficiently.
I am not sure where that leaves me but I am working out the specifics and resting that God is working for my good. I have to remember that this is the in between time where brainstorming is king and I love brainstorming! When it about staying above the water, it is hard to wait patiently. I am too hard on myself. I want to keep my mind renewed but I want to be kind to myself as well.
Off to figure out unemployment...
The battle is the Lord's
Sunday, April 26, 2009
jobless ...
What I thought would be coming sometime over the summer with more time off and on and then total let go, came mid morning Friday, April 24th. That was the last day of work for me. There is more job losses yet with the plant still working and boats piling up in the front of the plant and in the back. When my mind goes back, it still baffles me.
My man boss did come in after and said how sorry he was and that it wasn't his discussion that there where other jobs that should have gone before me but his name isn't on the door. He also said that I was a good worker and that I did a good job and that was not the reason for the let go. He also said that whatever he said really doesn't help because those same words have been told to him and they didn't help. I did convey to him that I had really enjoyed working for him and this is truly honest because he has been the best so far.
The christian HR person who is a good friend of mine told her boss that she would not be the one to be in the room when they let me go. Minutes after she did come down with a card. I told her not to go so fast that I would like a hug. She gave me the best hug.
I did have to go to my female boss and ask her if she wanted to go over things before I left. I had been waiting for her to ask me but she didn't. Not sure what was up with that. My mom said that she wouldn't have been so kind (she is being the protective lioness here and I appreciate this). I told mom that I couldn't do that after the verses I gathered from the Word about being a good servant to my earthly masters. I did tell mom that I find it disturbing that no matter how much of a hard worker that I am that it depends on the style of getting the work done to whether someone was a good worker or not. I know my style greatly differ from the girl boss I have that came in after I had learned my post from another plant that we had consolidated. So when she takes over and she does her style then my style of things will only mean that I didn't do a good job. {sighs} But that is past and I am looking forward...
As I was leaving other girls in the office where quite shocked and now worried. They figured my job would keep me there longer. I did pay the bills and those invoices were coming in like crazy. Why they are still building boats is beyond me.... ok, I know forward thinking now.
To be really honest I was getting more and more frustrated with my job since last September. I also knew that if the things got worse, the job would get worse and I didn't know if I wanted to deal with it. I am a creative person stuck in a numbers job that was increasing becoming more confining. I didn't know what to do. My creative side gets really battered every time I try to make a go of it and it fails. I have been looking at this job direst as God working a way for my creative side to bring home the bread and butter.
My heart did bottom out and I had tears. I did get the mad feelings, the zombie feelings, the remembering feelings, the back and forth feelings, and the extreme feelings. All of this is part of the death process. However, these feelings do not rule my day. God has been preparing me because I have been seeking Him through these times. The sparrow at Thanksgiving, the FEAR NOT at Christmas, and even the self discovery of Amigurumi were my ways of 'talking back' God's Word to my feelings. Through all of this I find that we Christians do not TRUST God as we should. If we are truly believers we have to realize that to fear and to quake is a sin. Yes, we will feel these feeling but we stop it by SPEAKING ALOUD THE WORD OF GOD to these feelings. When you focus on this, God's Strength will expand in your life. It is ''forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'' ~ Phil 3:13-14
I have been muttering under my breath often 'new beginnings' to shake myself from the behind things. It is all about getting that soapbox out and talking back the Word. It is a process and it is a battle but this battle is the Lord's! What verse in Psalms do I share now? There are sooooo many. I love King David's word - such a help in times of need. ''I will say of the Lord, 'He s my Refuge and my Fortress; My God, in Him I will TRUST.''' ~Ps 91:2
Are you trusting and obeying?
fear not
stress not
worry not
fret not
In every situation you are either going to believe the Word of God or the lies of the evil one.
My man boss did come in after and said how sorry he was and that it wasn't his discussion that there where other jobs that should have gone before me but his name isn't on the door. He also said that I was a good worker and that I did a good job and that was not the reason for the let go. He also said that whatever he said really doesn't help because those same words have been told to him and they didn't help. I did convey to him that I had really enjoyed working for him and this is truly honest because he has been the best so far.
The christian HR person who is a good friend of mine told her boss that she would not be the one to be in the room when they let me go. Minutes after she did come down with a card. I told her not to go so fast that I would like a hug. She gave me the best hug.
I did have to go to my female boss and ask her if she wanted to go over things before I left. I had been waiting for her to ask me but she didn't. Not sure what was up with that. My mom said that she wouldn't have been so kind (she is being the protective lioness here and I appreciate this). I told mom that I couldn't do that after the verses I gathered from the Word about being a good servant to my earthly masters. I did tell mom that I find it disturbing that no matter how much of a hard worker that I am that it depends on the style of getting the work done to whether someone was a good worker or not. I know my style greatly differ from the girl boss I have that came in after I had learned my post from another plant that we had consolidated. So when she takes over and she does her style then my style of things will only mean that I didn't do a good job. {sighs} But that is past and I am looking forward...
As I was leaving other girls in the office where quite shocked and now worried. They figured my job would keep me there longer. I did pay the bills and those invoices were coming in like crazy. Why they are still building boats is beyond me.... ok, I know forward thinking now.
To be really honest I was getting more and more frustrated with my job since last September. I also knew that if the things got worse, the job would get worse and I didn't know if I wanted to deal with it. I am a creative person stuck in a numbers job that was increasing becoming more confining. I didn't know what to do. My creative side gets really battered every time I try to make a go of it and it fails. I have been looking at this job direst as God working a way for my creative side to bring home the bread and butter.
My heart did bottom out and I had tears. I did get the mad feelings, the zombie feelings, the remembering feelings, the back and forth feelings, and the extreme feelings. All of this is part of the death process. However, these feelings do not rule my day. God has been preparing me because I have been seeking Him through these times. The sparrow at Thanksgiving, the FEAR NOT at Christmas, and even the self discovery of Amigurumi were my ways of 'talking back' God's Word to my feelings. Through all of this I find that we Christians do not TRUST God as we should. If we are truly believers we have to realize that to fear and to quake is a sin. Yes, we will feel these feeling but we stop it by SPEAKING ALOUD THE WORD OF GOD to these feelings. When you focus on this, God's Strength will expand in your life. It is ''forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.'' ~ Phil 3:13-14
I have been muttering under my breath often 'new beginnings' to shake myself from the behind things. It is all about getting that soapbox out and talking back the Word. It is a process and it is a battle but this battle is the Lord's! What verse in Psalms do I share now? There are sooooo many. I love King David's word - such a help in times of need. ''I will say of the Lord, 'He s my Refuge and my Fortress; My God, in Him I will TRUST.''' ~Ps 91:2
Are you trusting and obeying?
fear not
stress not
worry not
fret not
In every situation you are either going to believe the Word of God or the lies of the evil one.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
mediation on the Word ...
First of all, God's kind of mediation is filling up the mind so much so that it overflows into your heart, life, and soul. Ok, I got that off my back.
Here is a verse that I love about mediation ...
"May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord.''
~ Ps 104:34
What I like about mediation is that my prayers are 'talking back' the Scripture. I have stopped the nagging and the tears over the painful heart wrenching stuff. It makes for a better relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Ravi put it best -
''When the meditation of the Word is gone - the thrill of life is gone.''
I must say that my life has come alive and it has to do with God's Word!
Here is a verse that I love about mediation ...
"May my meditation be sweet to Him;
I will be glad in the Lord.''
~ Ps 104:34
What I like about mediation is that my prayers are 'talking back' the Scripture. I have stopped the nagging and the tears over the painful heart wrenching stuff. It makes for a better relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Ravi put it best -
''When the meditation of the Word is gone - the thrill of life is gone.''
I must say that my life has come alive and it has to do with God's Word!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
heaping happy instead of grief ...
Having a bad day at liking my 'new' boss - a female boss. Argh! It doesn't help that I wish I could be creative and not work with numbers. When I am a mess, I go to the Word to find the 'Right Ways' ...
Feeling unlovely ...
Prov 15:8 ... He loves him who follows right ways.
Wanting His love so desperately. This I must do:
'Obey those who rule over you, & be submissive,
for they watch over your souls, as those who must give account.
Let them do so with JOY & not with grief,
for that would be unprofitable for you.' ~ Heb 13:17
'Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh,
with fear & trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.
Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart,
with good will doing service, as to the Lord & not to men.
Knowing that whatever good anyone does,
he will receive the same from the Lord,
whether he is slave or free.' ~ Eph 6:5-8
'Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us & has given Himself for us,
an offering & a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.' ~ Eph 5:1-2
'If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
& if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For so you will heap coals of fire on his head
& the Lord will reward you.' ~ Prov 25:21-22
CEASE STRIVING! BE STILL & KNOW THAT I AM GOD ~ ps 46:10
{sighs}
Feeling unlovely ...
Prov 15:8 ... He loves him who follows right ways.
Wanting His love so desperately. This I must do:
'Obey those who rule over you, & be submissive,
for they watch over your souls, as those who must give account.
Let them do so with JOY & not with grief,
for that would be unprofitable for you.' ~ Heb 13:17
'Bondservants, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh,
with fear & trembling, in sincerity of heart, as to Christ.
Not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as bondservants of Christ,
doing the will of God from the heart,
with good will doing service, as to the Lord & not to men.
Knowing that whatever good anyone does,
he will receive the same from the Lord,
whether he is slave or free.' ~ Eph 6:5-8
'Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children.
And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us & has given Himself for us,
an offering & a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.' ~ Eph 5:1-2
'If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat;
& if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;
For so you will heap coals of fire on his head
& the Lord will reward you.' ~ Prov 25:21-22
CEASE STRIVING! BE STILL & KNOW THAT I AM GOD ~ ps 46:10
{sighs}
Saturday, April 11, 2009
simply? HE IS.
He is the First & Last, the Beginning & the End!
He is the Keeper of creation & Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe & the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is & He always will be ...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, & never Undone!
He was bruised & brought healing!
He was pierced & eased pain!
He was persecuted & brought freedom!
He was death & brought LIFE!
He is risen & brings power!
He reigns & brings peace!
The world can't understand Him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The leaders can't explain Him,
The leaders can't ignore Him,
Herod couldn't kill Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him!
He is Light, Love, longevity, & LORD.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, & God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, & Pure.
His Ways are Right.
His Word is Eternal.
His Will is unchanging.
His Mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide,
He is my Peace,
He is my JOY,
He is my Comfort,
He is my LORD,
He rules my life!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I face a trial, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face death, He carries me Home!
He is my Living God!!
~ author unknown
May you seek & know Him because He first loved you & pursues you all of your days.
He is the Keeper of creation & Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe & the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is & He always will be ...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, & never Undone!
He was bruised & brought healing!
He was pierced & eased pain!
He was persecuted & brought freedom!
He was death & brought LIFE!
He is risen & brings power!
He reigns & brings peace!
The world can't understand Him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The leaders can't explain Him,
The leaders can't ignore Him,
Herod couldn't kill Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him!
He is Light, Love, longevity, & LORD.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, & God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, & Pure.
His Ways are Right.
His Word is Eternal.
His Will is unchanging.
His Mind is on me.
He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide,
He is my Peace,
He is my JOY,
He is my Comfort,
He is my LORD,
He rules my life!
When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I face a trial, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face death, He carries me Home!
He is my Living God!!
~ author unknown
May you seek & know Him because He first loved you & pursues you all of your days.
Friday, April 10, 2009
moai + ikigai
I first heard the about the 'ever closing social circle' a few years ago in a discussion about kids and them leaving the nest in the next four years. I had not thought of it like that until I watched my father as his parents died and we began the hard process of dissolving an earthly place of resisdence. Then I began to have thoughts about my future and how I would handle my own parents ... ok enough. I have made an ultimatum with my self, that God has promised today and I will not trip myself up by thinking on the dark side of the future.
In the book called 'Blue Zones' There is talk about moai a Japanese word for having a social network to keep you healthy and alive. I have been wondering about my very small moai and thinking that as we get older how the circle gets smaller and smaller. It will take work to make it bigger...
There is the Japanese word ikigai which means that which gives you purpose and is to help you live longer and better. I can get this word because I love dreams and passions. Dreams and passions light people up and make them alive! When these dreams and passions begin to touch others, the purpose of ours lives increase.
I believe 'moai' and 'ikigai' need to go together. Don't they feed off each other? I love 'It's a Wonderful Life' ever since I first saw it in college and was so moved by tears that I had to hide under the covers so my roommate wouldn't see my tears because it was such a powerful emotional experience to me. Our lives touch others every person we meet. I just don't think we get it....
In the book called 'Blue Zones' There is talk about moai a Japanese word for having a social network to keep you healthy and alive. I have been wondering about my very small moai and thinking that as we get older how the circle gets smaller and smaller. It will take work to make it bigger...
There is the Japanese word ikigai which means that which gives you purpose and is to help you live longer and better. I can get this word because I love dreams and passions. Dreams and passions light people up and make them alive! When these dreams and passions begin to touch others, the purpose of ours lives increase.
I believe 'moai' and 'ikigai' need to go together. Don't they feed off each other? I love 'It's a Wonderful Life' ever since I first saw it in college and was so moved by tears that I had to hide under the covers so my roommate wouldn't see my tears because it was such a powerful emotional experience to me. Our lives touch others every person we meet. I just don't think we get it....
Thursday, April 09, 2009
''ships''
Friendship has been a life long search and disappointment for me. As I hit the middle road and have come to terms with what is in my life, I realize that my mother and father didn't have 'deep friendships' except each other and this is my heritage as well. We may be too deep or too tenacious for others that it seems like we are a bit peculiar.
I have been finding comfort in with Proverbs 18:24 ''A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.'' I love the but because being here in the verse means that I even as I am friendly that sometimes it just isn't going to work or be as deep as I like BUT there is a Friend who is so close to me and deep and joyful too. So with this knowledge tucked under my arm, I have decided to start jotting down the Bible truths in makes make a good friend and to put it into my life.
* Proverbs 18:24 = be friendly but it doesn't mean that you will always have friends but you will always have the FRIEND.
* Proverbs 18:1 = isolating yourself or being insular = selfish - our lives interconnect w/ everyone we meet.
(also isolating yourself means you have rage issues)
* Proverbs 27:9 = ointment & fragrance - friendship is about hearty healing counsel and delightful sweetness
''Ointment and Fragrance delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.''
* Proverbs 27:17 = iron sharpens iron = it is important to FIGHT for the friendship
I did not like this verse because I do not anger or fighting but when I saw this as a Top Chef sharpening a knife against a piece of flint, I do not see anger or fighting but rather becoming a better me. I see the value of fighting for ''ship'' but not the fighting for being right.
* Col 2:2 If you are a believer, you are knitted together with other believers and this is ENCOURAGEMENT.
* Eph 5 - walking in love & redeeming the time
* Prov 17:9 - Harbor love not hate. When you think about the things you love about a person, you cover that person in love. When you think about the things you hate or even dislike, you cover that person in hate and begin to dislike that person.
* Eph 2:10; Gal 6:9- use your gifts
* Phil 4:5 - let your gentleness be known to all men.
I am sure that there is more for me on this search as I am always on the look out to be better. It is most interesting to see how God uses ''ships'' as His means of Design - marriage b/t man and woman, family, friendship etc. I love His Workings...
I have been finding comfort in with Proverbs 18:24 ''A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother.'' I love the but because being here in the verse means that I even as I am friendly that sometimes it just isn't going to work or be as deep as I like BUT there is a Friend who is so close to me and deep and joyful too. So with this knowledge tucked under my arm, I have decided to start jotting down the Bible truths in makes make a good friend and to put it into my life.
* Proverbs 18:24 = be friendly but it doesn't mean that you will always have friends but you will always have the FRIEND.
* Proverbs 18:1 = isolating yourself or being insular = selfish - our lives interconnect w/ everyone we meet.
(also isolating yourself means you have rage issues)
* Proverbs 27:9 = ointment & fragrance - friendship is about hearty healing counsel and delightful sweetness
''Ointment and Fragrance delight the heart, and the sweetness of a man's friend gives delight by hearty counsel.''
* Proverbs 27:17 = iron sharpens iron = it is important to FIGHT for the friendship
I did not like this verse because I do not anger or fighting but when I saw this as a Top Chef sharpening a knife against a piece of flint, I do not see anger or fighting but rather becoming a better me. I see the value of fighting for ''ship'' but not the fighting for being right.
* Col 2:2 If you are a believer, you are knitted together with other believers and this is ENCOURAGEMENT.
* Eph 5 - walking in love & redeeming the time
* Prov 17:9 - Harbor love not hate. When you think about the things you love about a person, you cover that person in love. When you think about the things you hate or even dislike, you cover that person in hate and begin to dislike that person.
* Eph 2:10; Gal 6:9- use your gifts
* Phil 4:5 - let your gentleness be known to all men.
I am sure that there is more for me on this search as I am always on the look out to be better. It is most interesting to see how God uses ''ships'' as His means of Design - marriage b/t man and woman, family, friendship etc. I love His Workings...
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
the trust factor ...
I've been muddling over trust in my heart for a long time. I felt the underlying issue with a dear friend now gone from my life by his choice was the lack of trust - I think in anyone who got to close. I guess it means he trusted no one. Plus God has spoken about TRUST in His Letter to us 134 times in the KJV alone. It is all over the Word. A verse to sum it up is Phil 3:3 ''Rejoice in the Lord & have no confidence in the flesh.''
So this dear friend now gone lacked trust in people so that is a good thing, right? NO. Just like a believer who is angry at someone or something is ultimately angry at God. So it is with trust. When a believer is distrustful of everyone and everything, they are ultimately distrustful of God! 'He just don't care or this life wouldn't be so hard!'
As a believer our full trust must belong to God and when that trust is in the Almighty, the trust trickles and overflows into all our relationships. This overflow helps in the best of times and most of all, in the worse of times. We are not abandoned in a trash heap of discarded relationships nor are we abandoned in 2 bit jobs when we would rather be living out our dreams and passions. When all is lost, WE ARE NOT. God knows exactly where we are.
Being discarded by what I held as a precious friendship, I could go on being distrustful in my relationships but I cannot. God knows just where I am at and has led me through many lessons that where hard but has given the richness of knowing that I am precious in His Sight and that I am taken care of. I could be hateful and harbor nasty thoughts against this person but I just cannot. I know that even though this person is lost to me not by my choice is seen and pursued by God. God loves him and wants the best for him too. The 2 bit jobs are lessons just as the realtor job he has now that is on shaky ground is God Designed for great things in this person's life even if it is hard and he is shouldering it alone without sharing.
{sighs} I keep on praying for a JOY break through and for his trust issues. We do live a WONDERFUL LIFE. In God's Word an ABUNDANT LIFE! John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have life more abundantly.
Joy in Christ = strength = Rejoicing in the Lord = trusting Him fully = life more abundant
~ AWESOME ~
So this dear friend now gone lacked trust in people so that is a good thing, right? NO. Just like a believer who is angry at someone or something is ultimately angry at God. So it is with trust. When a believer is distrustful of everyone and everything, they are ultimately distrustful of God! 'He just don't care or this life wouldn't be so hard!'
As a believer our full trust must belong to God and when that trust is in the Almighty, the trust trickles and overflows into all our relationships. This overflow helps in the best of times and most of all, in the worse of times. We are not abandoned in a trash heap of discarded relationships nor are we abandoned in 2 bit jobs when we would rather be living out our dreams and passions. When all is lost, WE ARE NOT. God knows exactly where we are.
Being discarded by what I held as a precious friendship, I could go on being distrustful in my relationships but I cannot. God knows just where I am at and has led me through many lessons that where hard but has given the richness of knowing that I am precious in His Sight and that I am taken care of. I could be hateful and harbor nasty thoughts against this person but I just cannot. I know that even though this person is lost to me not by my choice is seen and pursued by God. God loves him and wants the best for him too. The 2 bit jobs are lessons just as the realtor job he has now that is on shaky ground is God Designed for great things in this person's life even if it is hard and he is shouldering it alone without sharing.
{sighs} I keep on praying for a JOY break through and for his trust issues. We do live a WONDERFUL LIFE. In God's Word an ABUNDANT LIFE! John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have life more abundantly.
Joy in Christ = strength = Rejoicing in the Lord = trusting Him fully = life more abundant
~ AWESOME ~
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
enticed? do not consent ...
Have you had a deep think about ENTICEMENT? Isn't an enticement about something you have set as a no in your life like a value or a habit you wanted to break or a food that is a no no for your diet? I was reading along in Proverbs for my daily fix and notice enticement mentioned quite a bit. So I decided to give it a whirl.
I can't have chocolate in my life as I am allergic to cocoa and sugar. It is something I loved and am quite addicted to. It is definitely a huge enticement for me. Just last week the computer guy comes into the office to chatter about something geeky and guess what? A beautiful whiff of chocolate mixed with peanuts filled my nostrils. I blurted out, ''You've been eating chocolate!'' Oh boy, was that ever a ravishing scent!
Ahhh, enticement is something that you have set up in your life as something that is NOT GOOD FOR YOU for whatever reason. I know that I used something that isn't totally dangereous but gives me a horrific headache which means that it is killing brain cells.... Ok, maybe there is danger but it is lighthearted. But God is serious. He warns of enticement throughout His Word not to say NO to His beloved children but to protect them. It is super important to get a handle on ENTICEMENT.
I like to use certain words to help battle 'bad words'. An ABSOLUTE or a life choice are serious words when it comes to my values or good habits I want in my life. Keeping an ABSOLUTE in my life is affirming the hard work in the decision making I did to make my values stick or the experiences I had to go through because I was enticed and never want a repeat. The more vintage I become the more I want to seek God and His Word and the more I want a deep and passionate relationship with Him. He has never failed me nor will He ever. So to abide in Him and refuse enticement at all costs is most important to me.
Word Pix of enticement? Proverbs 7
''My son, if sinners ENTICE you, do not consent.
if they say, 'come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood;
let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole,
like those who go down to the Pit;
We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
we shall fill our houses with spoil; ...
My son, ....
but they lie in wait for their own blood,
they lurk secretly for their own lives ...
~Proverbs 4:10 & following verses
.. present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable to God,
which is your reasonable service.
And do NOT be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect
WILL OF GOD.
~ Romans 12:1-2
ENTICED? DO NOT CONSENT!
I can't have chocolate in my life as I am allergic to cocoa and sugar. It is something I loved and am quite addicted to. It is definitely a huge enticement for me. Just last week the computer guy comes into the office to chatter about something geeky and guess what? A beautiful whiff of chocolate mixed with peanuts filled my nostrils. I blurted out, ''You've been eating chocolate!'' Oh boy, was that ever a ravishing scent!
Ahhh, enticement is something that you have set up in your life as something that is NOT GOOD FOR YOU for whatever reason. I know that I used something that isn't totally dangereous but gives me a horrific headache which means that it is killing brain cells.... Ok, maybe there is danger but it is lighthearted. But God is serious. He warns of enticement throughout His Word not to say NO to His beloved children but to protect them. It is super important to get a handle on ENTICEMENT.
I like to use certain words to help battle 'bad words'. An ABSOLUTE or a life choice are serious words when it comes to my values or good habits I want in my life. Keeping an ABSOLUTE in my life is affirming the hard work in the decision making I did to make my values stick or the experiences I had to go through because I was enticed and never want a repeat. The more vintage I become the more I want to seek God and His Word and the more I want a deep and passionate relationship with Him. He has never failed me nor will He ever. So to abide in Him and refuse enticement at all costs is most important to me.
Word Pix of enticement? Proverbs 7
''My son, if sinners ENTICE you, do not consent.
if they say, 'come with us, let us lie in wait to shed blood;
let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;
Let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole,
like those who go down to the Pit;
We shall find all kinds of precious possessions,
we shall fill our houses with spoil; ...
My son, ....
but they lie in wait for their own blood,
they lurk secretly for their own lives ...
~Proverbs 4:10 & following verses
.. present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable to God,
which is your reasonable service.
And do NOT be conformed to this world,
but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,
that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect
WILL OF GOD.
~ Romans 12:1-2
ENTICED? DO NOT CONSENT!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
fear involves torment...
but Perfect Love casts out fear,
because fear involves torment,
but he who fears has not been made perfect in Love.
~ I John 4:18
Whoa! God keeps reminding me about FEAR NOT and I love it! This verse is quite intriguing too. I have been dragging out my little box and climbing on top and shouting on the top of my lungs 'FEAR NOT'. I have been putting the FEAR NOT in my circumstances but had not thought about the FEAR NOT in human relationships.
This is a great verse for mommies and daddies to share with their precious little ones in this big bad world. It answers great questions.... What is fear? torment of the body, mind, heart, & soul. When Love is there fear? NO WAY! So he/she doesn't love me if he/she hits me? NOOOOOO. What is perfect love? Child, the question is WHO is Perfect Love? That would be God your Heavenly Father. So if I fear than I am not made perfect in Love? That is right, Child But I fear sometimes... Yes, I fear sometimes too but it is a feeling that I put away by reading God's Word. The torment flees and I FEAR NOT.
I have been putting FEAR NOT in my relationship with God. It is the only way I can turn from fear. ~It is about either believing the Word of God or the lies of the evil one.~ I test my thoughts against this new and power life phrase I keep front and center. Who else loves to torment besides the evil one? If I FEAR NOT, than the tormentor cannot have his way with me!
Why be tormented?
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Revelation thoughts
* Believers represent ROYALTY.
* Have you signed the one & only PEACE TREATY?
* There is green grass still after the 7th seal has been broken! (Rev 8:7)
Just some tidbits from listening to Steven Davies on BNN. I have been feeling the dangerous edge for two people in my life - a co-worker & a high school friend. They are in my life because they want to be. They are difficult for me but why else are they there but to be a witness that God is God? (Isa 43:12) I have digging into God's Word & asking God to let His Word bubble up when the decisions get scary for me...
* Have you signed the one & only PEACE TREATY?
* There is green grass still after the 7th seal has been broken! (Rev 8:7)
Just some tidbits from listening to Steven Davies on BNN. I have been feeling the dangerous edge for two people in my life - a co-worker & a high school friend. They are in my life because they want to be. They are difficult for me but why else are they there but to be a witness that God is God? (Isa 43:12) I have digging into God's Word & asking God to let His Word bubble up when the decisions get scary for me...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
great things of God ...
for He had done great things, blessed be the Lord ... ♫♩♪
1. The Red River has finally crested! Good news has finally come. The people have worked so hard but it is only God's Mighty Hand to stop the rise of this funny upstream river. Sure there is major lost already but only trust in God will get you through.
2. Dad has been in Texas for a week and he got home just in time to miss the crazy weather Texas is having. Dad didn't have to be delayed at airports and we at home didn't have to worry any longer. The pups are certainly glad to have everything alright in their furry little world.
3. My little bro isn't that fond of anything that is mechanical and requires some kind of tinkering. He lives in one town and has to travel about an hour to two for his work in completing his schooling. On the way to his work the car stops going. Panic is already rising. He sees people in a house so he goes up to see if he can get help but the woman is frantic and says to call 911. 911 just happens to send out a wrecker who specializes in the type of car he has and was took little bro back to the dump. They figured out what was wrong. Get this little bro had taken the car in days earlier because of a the signs of a problem and they said nothing was wrong!
Little bro had to figure out how he was going to give directions to his wife on how to get around the detour and find the dump. The wreaker guy made is real simple for little bro and took him into McDonald's before the detour.
What is super amazing is that the car place wasn't helping little bro so God made the car break down in the right place so that little bro would get the right help to fix the problem. Sure it is out of the way but now little bro knows where to get help.
Isn't God Good? Here is more to tell the generations....
Saturday, March 28, 2009
organizing creativity ...
Mere minutes before closing up shop at work yesterday, my boss comes in to tell me that the plant is off work the week of April 6 and so will the office. This will be my first week of unemployment which means no pay. My co-workers have already done the dance of work a week or two and off two to three and then back to work ... etc. Not to mention the whole county being the top unemployment rate in the country at 18.3%. So it is time for me to get in on the experience too. I must say that the thought of no pay can try to be disruptive in my thoughts but I can't have it!
First order of business is to recall my learnings thus far and do it in my own life!
*Fear not!!!!
*If your life is out of whack, then you are either not listening to God's Word or you don't know what the Word says.
*You are either listening to God's Words or you are listening to the lies of the evil one.
*Obedience is blessing. Disobedience is punishment.
I am looking at this time as hunkering down and not spend! This is hard even though I have limited my spending of late but have not totally shut the $ flow.
I have promised to help with the spring cleaning with my parent's yard so that will take out a day. I do want to a purge in my home. Paper is my enemy! I did some shredding today to jump start my plan. I also want to figure out a better way to keep my important papers. Oh, that file safe would come in handy but that takes mula. I want to figure out my money. I hate dealing with my finances. I need to try to do the banking thing online including paying certain bills online as well seeing that the good old US mail is becoming unreliable. (don't get me started on the mailing system as I could really have a huge fit ... grr) I do need to get a resume going and while I am at it maybe a fun resume should be there too. You know a resume for a job that I really want not just settling for something that pays for the food on the table and home that surrounds me. Ok, those are a few things I could do and need to do.
Now to what I really would like to do! I would like to really get myself creative self organized! I have pictures to download and get put in places to share with others. I have music to organize. I need to really make some decision on selling my homemade online! The shipping is really giving me fits. I want to organize my writing life. I have been saying that all my life. I want to be creative but I can't let it drive me like it did during my Christmas holidays. I really need to focus on organizing my creative life and home so that I can do the summer things as well as keep up on my creative side.
Having large bits of time off might help me launch myself into a totally different place with my creativity being a my source of income! Oh, that would be nice!
First order of business is to recall my learnings thus far and do it in my own life!
*Fear not!!!!
*If your life is out of whack, then you are either not listening to God's Word or you don't know what the Word says.
*You are either listening to God's Words or you are listening to the lies of the evil one.
*Obedience is blessing. Disobedience is punishment.
I am looking at this time as hunkering down and not spend! This is hard even though I have limited my spending of late but have not totally shut the $ flow.
I have promised to help with the spring cleaning with my parent's yard so that will take out a day. I do want to a purge in my home. Paper is my enemy! I did some shredding today to jump start my plan. I also want to figure out a better way to keep my important papers. Oh, that file safe would come in handy but that takes mula. I want to figure out my money. I hate dealing with my finances. I need to try to do the banking thing online including paying certain bills online as well seeing that the good old US mail is becoming unreliable. (don't get me started on the mailing system as I could really have a huge fit ... grr) I do need to get a resume going and while I am at it maybe a fun resume should be there too. You know a resume for a job that I really want not just settling for something that pays for the food on the table and home that surrounds me. Ok, those are a few things I could do and need to do.
Now to what I really would like to do! I would like to really get myself creative self organized! I have pictures to download and get put in places to share with others. I have music to organize. I need to really make some decision on selling my homemade online! The shipping is really giving me fits. I want to organize my writing life. I have been saying that all my life. I want to be creative but I can't let it drive me like it did during my Christmas holidays. I really need to focus on organizing my creative life and home so that I can do the summer things as well as keep up on my creative side.
Having large bits of time off might help me launch myself into a totally different place with my creativity being a my source of income! Oh, that would be nice!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
my 14,610 day ...
Wow! It is here and I am doing ok! That is a sigh of relief.
I have been wondering how I will deal with the middle ages of my life. There is a culture where everyone wants to get to 40 because they are respected and revered. Well, I don't live in that culture. Sooooo, was I going to let it get me down? I am not married and living in an apartment. No kids nor do I really want to handle that on my own. Oh, and the dreaded change that happens to all women. I guess that living on my own, no one will have to deal with my falling apart. And then there is a thought that as you get older that your circle of people get smaller and smaller. Mine is so small now what will happen..... stop....
That was where my mind was going in past years. Not this year I am glad to report. I start every year with a theme. A theme where I am searching for something. It is a request for God to come and surprise me with new learning and a renewing. This year is me allowing God to romance me with His Everlasting Love. I don't want this to be a surface thing I really want depth and width. I am soooooo sick of the unstable and weak. Won't take it no more! Man's love is so fleeting and feeble but God's love? EVERLASTING! This is where my mind is. I am totally focused on RECEIVING His Everlasting Love. I have rejected it in the past without realizing it. It is in the bad thoughts. You know, those negative thoughts that are always there. Do you realize that we woman think about if we are beautiful enough as much as men think about sex. I have decided that harnessing my thoughts on God's Everlasting Love is a do or die thing.
Another thought of sailing through this middle patch is that after listening to women who have come undone because of the woman change, I wonder if the major source of this dysfunction was because these women never dealt with stress. Stress is everywhere and cannot be avoided but learning what de-stresses you is extremely important to practice and do in life. Could women learn to de-stress and go through the change without medication and be intact physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? This needs to remain a question. There is no need for you to answer me on this. Answer it for your own self.
With this question of going through the middle ages de-stressed and savoring and delight in my God, I have found a new passion - amigurumi. I have noticed that I have this passion that de-stressed the stress and fears of work. For me de-stressing is all about learning for me. I must not stop. There is always more I want to know so must never give up on learning. If I can learn to crochet in my middle ages with no human help then I can do it again in all my other curiosities. I must say here you cannot de-stress without a focused thought life on inviting His Everlasting Love and delighting and savoring it.
So on this happy day, I am numbering the Mighty Works God has done in my life. I am trilled with the passions and dreams He has given me. I am grateful that He takes the time to nudge me via my pet words to speak depth to me and my walk with Him. I am honored to have my family and puppers around me. Our lives are so connected and precious. Remembering to value and hold them as fleeting - treasures to store in Heaven. I have friends and memories to cherish and hold. It is the good with the bad that make our lives rich. I am valued to be called woman and beautiful by my Beloved. I am His and He is mine. My greatest gift to give is my smile and my softness but also remembering that it must never be thought of as weak because God's Strength is the source.
One last thing is that my relationship with God has to be top priority. I must read His Word as much as I pray. It must remain a two way street not just a whimpering mess on my part. Reading His Word has been like being full and hungry at the same time as it should be. I am satisfied but wanting more. MMM, yes, I admit I want to be a junkie with His Word!!! Oh Taste!!!!!! (Oh devour tooo) and see that He is Good...
All that we are promised is one day. What will I make of this day? It is a wonderful life, am I living it wonderful?
I rattle the lone marble in my glass jar. I stand on my writer's desk and shout 'Yes, This is a Wonderful Life. I choose to live it WONDERFULLY. Thank You, My Beloved for this precious life. My answer to Your Command - I CHOOSE LIFE. I CHOOSE WONDERFUL LIFE. I CHOOSE WONDERFUL EVERLASTING LIFE!''
I have been wondering how I will deal with the middle ages of my life. There is a culture where everyone wants to get to 40 because they are respected and revered. Well, I don't live in that culture. Sooooo, was I going to let it get me down? I am not married and living in an apartment. No kids nor do I really want to handle that on my own. Oh, and the dreaded change that happens to all women. I guess that living on my own, no one will have to deal with my falling apart. And then there is a thought that as you get older that your circle of people get smaller and smaller. Mine is so small now what will happen..... stop....
That was where my mind was going in past years. Not this year I am glad to report. I start every year with a theme. A theme where I am searching for something. It is a request for God to come and surprise me with new learning and a renewing. This year is me allowing God to romance me with His Everlasting Love. I don't want this to be a surface thing I really want depth and width. I am soooooo sick of the unstable and weak. Won't take it no more! Man's love is so fleeting and feeble but God's love? EVERLASTING! This is where my mind is. I am totally focused on RECEIVING His Everlasting Love. I have rejected it in the past without realizing it. It is in the bad thoughts. You know, those negative thoughts that are always there. Do you realize that we woman think about if we are beautiful enough as much as men think about sex. I have decided that harnessing my thoughts on God's Everlasting Love is a do or die thing.
Another thought of sailing through this middle patch is that after listening to women who have come undone because of the woman change, I wonder if the major source of this dysfunction was because these women never dealt with stress. Stress is everywhere and cannot be avoided but learning what de-stresses you is extremely important to practice and do in life. Could women learn to de-stress and go through the change without medication and be intact physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually? This needs to remain a question. There is no need for you to answer me on this. Answer it for your own self.
With this question of going through the middle ages de-stressed and savoring and delight in my God, I have found a new passion - amigurumi. I have noticed that I have this passion that de-stressed the stress and fears of work. For me de-stressing is all about learning for me. I must not stop. There is always more I want to know so must never give up on learning. If I can learn to crochet in my middle ages with no human help then I can do it again in all my other curiosities. I must say here you cannot de-stress without a focused thought life on inviting His Everlasting Love and delighting and savoring it.
So on this happy day, I am numbering the Mighty Works God has done in my life. I am trilled with the passions and dreams He has given me. I am grateful that He takes the time to nudge me via my pet words to speak depth to me and my walk with Him. I am honored to have my family and puppers around me. Our lives are so connected and precious. Remembering to value and hold them as fleeting - treasures to store in Heaven. I have friends and memories to cherish and hold. It is the good with the bad that make our lives rich. I am valued to be called woman and beautiful by my Beloved. I am His and He is mine. My greatest gift to give is my smile and my softness but also remembering that it must never be thought of as weak because God's Strength is the source.
One last thing is that my relationship with God has to be top priority. I must read His Word as much as I pray. It must remain a two way street not just a whimpering mess on my part. Reading His Word has been like being full and hungry at the same time as it should be. I am satisfied but wanting more. MMM, yes, I admit I want to be a junkie with His Word!!! Oh Taste!!!!!! (Oh devour tooo) and see that He is Good...
All that we are promised is one day. What will I make of this day? It is a wonderful life, am I living it wonderful?
I rattle the lone marble in my glass jar. I stand on my writer's desk and shout 'Yes, This is a Wonderful Life. I choose to live it WONDERFULLY. Thank You, My Beloved for this precious life. My answer to Your Command - I CHOOSE LIFE. I CHOOSE WONDERFUL LIFE. I CHOOSE WONDERFUL EVERLASTING LIFE!''
Sunday, March 22, 2009
seconds & thirds please ...
I have been finding it hard to write here like I use to. And this week for sure will be sporadic like usual. Dad is away for the week so I am over being with Mom and the 3 pups for company. It is sorta like a vacation but not! I am planning on some cooking because Mom tends to just eat leftovers or eats fast food. I thought this would be good for me to try cooking for others and save a bit of pocket change. However, this is like living between two places and it means other things are put on hold. This explains this week. Now to explain the other weeks where my writing has become sparse.
The Amigurumi has certainly taken a real strong hold in my life right now. I love these little crochet toys and the smaller the better. While on this wacky ride I realized that besides books and my bike being my 'bestest' childhood friends, small stuff animals that I could pack and hide in my purse because I didn't what to leave them at home since I was afraid a fire or tornado would take them from me. Whew! I know a poor tween girl was I! I am so glad that I don't feel the need to pack them in purse as an adult. Now my purses are very small and only pack the essentials. {sheepy grin & red cheeked} But to be able to make these little pocket friends with smiles have become a driving need inside. When I have completed them all decked out in a smile and cuteness, I smile. I love it.
I have found that Amigurumies de-stress me in these wild and troubling times. Of course they are only apart of the de-stressing but it has been a cool ride. I do wonder if the ride will stop and why my other creative passions don't drive me like Ami does but I am a perpetual learner that what Ami has done to me, I am going to work it in my writing and my painting. This is way to good to let it slide unheeded in my other parts of my life.
Being able to create little best friends that made my childhood is coming full circle. I have to thank my precious Heavenly Father for enabling me to get crochet from web pictures and self teach it. Whenever I look at the things I like and what I have done to creatively express it, I rejoice that God gave these likes and passions to me. I know I feel sometimes embarrassed especially describing my passions to men but I mustn't. I forget to come outside myself and see the light in my eyes. Too often I sit within myself trying to hide! Hmmm, interesting that this comes out here when I didn't intend it too. Another connect the dot...
I did spend a lot of time researching and gathering because I felt so behind. Now that my pattern book is full, I hope I can manage more efficiently by junkie cravings! However, I am finding the need growing stronger and stronger to make my own patterns. Having nieces and a nephew, I do want to create characters from their story books but wait, why not create my own ami characters and stories!!!! My goal is to definitely marrying my passions and crafts together! I might have a full plate of passions but I think it quite alright to have second and thirds full plates! Isn't that the way to have a full and delightful life?
The Amigurumi has certainly taken a real strong hold in my life right now. I love these little crochet toys and the smaller the better. While on this wacky ride I realized that besides books and my bike being my 'bestest' childhood friends, small stuff animals that I could pack and hide in my purse because I didn't what to leave them at home since I was afraid a fire or tornado would take them from me. Whew! I know a poor tween girl was I! I am so glad that I don't feel the need to pack them in purse as an adult. Now my purses are very small and only pack the essentials. {sheepy grin & red cheeked} But to be able to make these little pocket friends with smiles have become a driving need inside. When I have completed them all decked out in a smile and cuteness, I smile. I love it.
I have found that Amigurumies de-stress me in these wild and troubling times. Of course they are only apart of the de-stressing but it has been a cool ride. I do wonder if the ride will stop and why my other creative passions don't drive me like Ami does but I am a perpetual learner that what Ami has done to me, I am going to work it in my writing and my painting. This is way to good to let it slide unheeded in my other parts of my life.
Being able to create little best friends that made my childhood is coming full circle. I have to thank my precious Heavenly Father for enabling me to get crochet from web pictures and self teach it. Whenever I look at the things I like and what I have done to creatively express it, I rejoice that God gave these likes and passions to me. I know I feel sometimes embarrassed especially describing my passions to men but I mustn't. I forget to come outside myself and see the light in my eyes. Too often I sit within myself trying to hide! Hmmm, interesting that this comes out here when I didn't intend it too. Another connect the dot...
I did spend a lot of time researching and gathering because I felt so behind. Now that my pattern book is full, I hope I can manage more efficiently by junkie cravings! However, I am finding the need growing stronger and stronger to make my own patterns. Having nieces and a nephew, I do want to create characters from their story books but wait, why not create my own ami characters and stories!!!! My goal is to definitely marrying my passions and crafts together! I might have a full plate of passions but I think it quite alright to have second and thirds full plates! Isn't that the way to have a full and delightful life?
Thursday, March 19, 2009
highway ...
I know that my journey as a believer is on a narrow path. Jesus even said this in Mat 7:14 'Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.' Many times I have felt the narrow begin to squeeze in. That is ok and it is as it should be. So imagine my surprise that my beloved narrow way could be describe in another way - a more broad means.
I love words and as I read I find God giving me words that intrigue me and keep me in the wondering about them. The word is highway.
Isaiah 35 has quickly become a favorite because it is totally about JOY. Here in verse 8 I found 'way of holiness' described as a highway! Hmm, that is way different from what I have always known as a narrow way. Look up the meaning of highway and it is a public road. Another hmmm.
Isaiah 35:8-9
And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.
The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there
When I stumble upon something intriguing like this in the Word, I tuck it back in the brain to ponder. To my lovely surprise as I was reading a chapter of Proverbs a day, highwaycame up again two days in a row.
Prov 15:19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
Prov 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
Each verse is more meaning to this highway and yet I want to learn more. I can't help but think the meaning has something to do with the Way being lofty and high up. I love sitting at the feet of Jesus.
I love words and as I read I find God giving me words that intrigue me and keep me in the wondering about them. The word is highway.
Isaiah 35 has quickly become a favorite because it is totally about JOY. Here in verse 8 I found 'way of holiness' described as a highway! Hmm, that is way different from what I have always known as a narrow way. Look up the meaning of highway and it is a public road. Another hmmm.
Isaiah 35:8-9
And a highway will be there;
it will be called the Way of Holiness.
The unclean will not journey on it;
it will be for those who walk in that Way;
wicked fools will not go about on it.
No lion will be there,
nor will any ferocious beast get up on it;
they will not be found there.
But only the redeemed will walk there
When I stumble upon something intriguing like this in the Word, I tuck it back in the brain to ponder. To my lovely surprise as I was reading a chapter of Proverbs a day, highwaycame up again two days in a row.
Prov 15:19 The way of the lazy man is like a hedge of thorns, But the way of the upright is a highway.
Prov 16:17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; He who keeps his way preserves his soul.
Each verse is more meaning to this highway and yet I want to learn more. I can't help but think the meaning has something to do with the Way being lofty and high up. I love sitting at the feet of Jesus.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
hb amigurumies
My nephew and his Mom had birthdays this month and we shall be celebrating today. I made a amigurumies monkey for him. He really loved his sock monkey I made for him this past Christmas so I when I learned to crochet just so I could make all things amigurumies, I had to try my hand at his favorite animal. Yes, I hope to get some smiles - those are the best gifts in returns.
Let me tell you I did get made at the monkey. I had problems with attaching all the extremities to the body. The head was crooked, the arms seemed mismatched in thickness, the tail was sideways, and the legs were twisted. I sent the 'woppy-jawed' (this has to be a word b/c I used and have heard it used by my mom - maybe it is just one of our words!) monkey to the corner for a week before I settled down enough to fix the poor thing. It is better. {smiles}
I told you this story because my little bro liked the bear I made for his daughter that he has ordered two bears to give to friends who are having girls. I didn't like the bear's head. It seemed tooooo square. Remember this is after my little tiff with the monkey, I decided to do the pattern again but instead fuse the head and body together so I would NOT have to worry about attaching the head and the body. This only means that I once I began to finish the head I stopped with 18 scs and began the body since the biggest part of the body is 18 scs. It looked like a light bulb before I attached the legs, arms, and ears. Then I thought maybe I needed more definition in the neck by going down to 12 scs and then back to the 18 scs for the body. Welllllll, it affects the shape of the head. I will see how others like it but bear number two wins my heart (light bulb one!) It has been good to play with this bear pattern and go with something I like! I have some ideas for my own patterns that I want to do and can't wait to do. I do have patterns that I want to try because it will help me get a grip on my own creating since I am such a newbie at this! 3 months!
I am giving a small bird in a nest (amigurumi) to my brother's wife. The reason being is that she is still looking for a job loss. God took her through a job loss before He will take her though it again. The vengeance she might feel belongs to the Lord. She is worth more than many sparrows and those sparrows worry not over food or clothing BUT THEY DOOOOOOOO SING!!!! I am not sure what I will put in the card - oh, I must go and get that finished!!!!
Ps 98:1
O sing unto the LORD a new song;
for He hath done marvellous things:
His Right Hand, and His Holy Arm,
hath gotten Him the Victory.
Let me tell you I did get made at the monkey. I had problems with attaching all the extremities to the body. The head was crooked, the arms seemed mismatched in thickness, the tail was sideways, and the legs were twisted. I sent the 'woppy-jawed' (this has to be a word b/c I used and have heard it used by my mom - maybe it is just one of our words!) monkey to the corner for a week before I settled down enough to fix the poor thing. It is better. {smiles}
I told you this story because my little bro liked the bear I made for his daughter that he has ordered two bears to give to friends who are having girls. I didn't like the bear's head. It seemed tooooo square. Remember this is after my little tiff with the monkey, I decided to do the pattern again but instead fuse the head and body together so I would NOT have to worry about attaching the head and the body. This only means that I once I began to finish the head I stopped with 18 scs and began the body since the biggest part of the body is 18 scs. It looked like a light bulb before I attached the legs, arms, and ears. Then I thought maybe I needed more definition in the neck by going down to 12 scs and then back to the 18 scs for the body. Welllllll, it affects the shape of the head. I will see how others like it but bear number two wins my heart (light bulb one!) It has been good to play with this bear pattern and go with something I like! I have some ideas for my own patterns that I want to do and can't wait to do. I do have patterns that I want to try because it will help me get a grip on my own creating since I am such a newbie at this! 3 months!
I am giving a small bird in a nest (amigurumi) to my brother's wife. The reason being is that she is still looking for a job loss. God took her through a job loss before He will take her though it again. The vengeance she might feel belongs to the Lord. She is worth more than many sparrows and those sparrows worry not over food or clothing BUT THEY DOOOOOOOO SING!!!! I am not sure what I will put in the card - oh, I must go and get that finished!!!!
O sing unto the LORD a new song;
for He hath done marvellous things:
His Right Hand, and His Holy Arm,
hath gotten Him the Victory.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
hb gift ...
I decided that for his birthday this year the only thing I could do is pray.
A lesson that I began to get a grip on last fall was that it is time that I focus on what is solid and true. No more going with a gut feeling and this goes with the questions I ask God and my prayer life. What is solid and true? God and His Word.
With my relationship with guy who is a believer, I always focused on the Eternal. We might not be able to touch each other but we are in the Family and we spoke the Language. Because we were believers, I was always talking to God about my part in this relationship, however, my questions were asking for answers that would not be solid which means that I was going more on what I thought or felt what was right than beginning with God's Words. Look where this got me! NO WHERE. The relationship is gone and there was no fight to keep it. He just left and I was left with no way to get answers. It was hurtful and painful enough that I VOW to NEVER let the feelings get in the way of ROCK SOLID TRUTH.
So with the only thing being ROCK SOLID TRUTH - God and His Word, I have left this relationship as 'being knitted together'. (Oh, he was a good gift) Paul in many of his letters to the early churches starts off telling these early christians that he is praying for them and their faith. I love this so became the perfect gift so someone who was sooo precious to me who does not read emails and has moved and reverted into insular habits.
I took 13 days at 7ish AM & then every hour on the 12th day through the 13th day (since he is a day ahead) to pray for a Joy invasion for his life as well as trust, faith, & protection on his life. I used verses to pray. I also thanked God for the memories I had with 'the leaver' and my lessons learned and am continuing to learn.
A side note about keeping the focus on reading and doing what the Word says even in prayer, I noticed that I am not whining and whimpering and getting messy with my prayers. It is all about TALKING BACK the Word. I come away stronger and lighter. It doesn't mean that I don't feel sad or upset, I do still have all the feelings but my mind is being renewed.
It will be interesting to see how prayer worked here on earth when I reach the other shore.....
Ps 15: 8 & 29
... but the prayer of the upright is HIS DELIGHT.
... but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
AMEN!!!
A lesson that I began to get a grip on last fall was that it is time that I focus on what is solid and true. No more going with a gut feeling and this goes with the questions I ask God and my prayer life. What is solid and true? God and His Word.
With my relationship with guy who is a believer, I always focused on the Eternal. We might not be able to touch each other but we are in the Family and we spoke the Language. Because we were believers, I was always talking to God about my part in this relationship, however, my questions were asking for answers that would not be solid which means that I was going more on what I thought or felt what was right than beginning with God's Words. Look where this got me! NO WHERE. The relationship is gone and there was no fight to keep it. He just left and I was left with no way to get answers. It was hurtful and painful enough that I VOW to NEVER let the feelings get in the way of ROCK SOLID TRUTH.
So with the only thing being ROCK SOLID TRUTH - God and His Word, I have left this relationship as 'being knitted together'. (Oh, he was a good gift) Paul in many of his letters to the early churches starts off telling these early christians that he is praying for them and their faith. I love this so became the perfect gift so someone who was sooo precious to me who does not read emails and has moved and reverted into insular habits.
I took 13 days at 7ish AM & then every hour on the 12th day through the 13th day (since he is a day ahead) to pray for a Joy invasion for his life as well as trust, faith, & protection on his life. I used verses to pray. I also thanked God for the memories I had with 'the leaver' and my lessons learned and am continuing to learn.
A side note about keeping the focus on reading and doing what the Word says even in prayer, I noticed that I am not whining and whimpering and getting messy with my prayers. It is all about TALKING BACK the Word. I come away stronger and lighter. It doesn't mean that I don't feel sad or upset, I do still have all the feelings but my mind is being renewed.
It will be interesting to see how prayer worked here on earth when I reach the other shore.....
... but the prayer of the upright is HIS DELIGHT.
... but He hears the prayers of the righteous.
AMEN!!!
Sunday, March 08, 2009
home vs street
I love the word picture in Proverbs 7 that King Solomon has painted here. You have someone safe in a home looking out onto the street. I like to picture here a fireplace warm and inviting with a comfy rocking chair close by with a table and a reading lamp. The pantry is full so the tummy is full. This home has four walls protecting and keeping the occupants warm, safe, and dry. In that rocking chair sits a the occupant reading the Living Word - then looks up to see a wonderer outside in the street.
This wonderer is aimless and probably lost but it doesn't seem to bother by it. A harlot is in the road and this harlot is any one who has defiled themselves by doing anything to defile God no matter the gender. The words from this harlot is dangereous and sweet. A wonderer really doesn't have anything to stand by - it is whatever. The harlot is even married and says so quite frankly and matter of fact-like to the wonderer. There are no worries! The home-dweller is shocked to see that there is no running or fleeing but the wonderer has come under some spell because there has been no binding the Word on the heart. So all protection the Word has cannot protect if one doesn't have it bound on their minds and hearts.
Proverbs 7
''My children, keep My Words, and treasure My Commands within you. Keep My Commands and LIVE, and My Laws as the apple of your eye. Bind Them on the tablet of your heart.''
~When my life is out of whack, it is either because I don't know what the Word says or I am not doing what the Word says.
~In every situation you are either going to believe the Word of God or the lies of the evil one.
This wonderer is aimless and probably lost but it doesn't seem to bother by it. A harlot is in the road and this harlot is any one who has defiled themselves by doing anything to defile God no matter the gender. The words from this harlot is dangereous and sweet. A wonderer really doesn't have anything to stand by - it is whatever. The harlot is even married and says so quite frankly and matter of fact-like to the wonderer. There are no worries! The home-dweller is shocked to see that there is no running or fleeing but the wonderer has come under some spell because there has been no binding the Word on the heart. So all protection the Word has cannot protect if one doesn't have it bound on their minds and hearts.
Proverbs 7
''My children, keep My Words, and treasure My Commands within you. Keep My Commands and LIVE, and My Laws as the apple of your eye. Bind Them on the tablet of your heart.''
~When my life is out of whack, it is either because I don't know what the Word says or I am not doing what the Word says.
~In every situation you are either going to believe the Word of God or the lies of the evil one.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
doing w/ what I have ...
I think I mentioned this before that I got fed up with myself and so this year I have decided to live my oneness life. I used really want couplehood and I still do but I have focused on this singleness life that I have been given and letting God romance me. It is amazing that I am getting along ok with this new view. I still have this desire on how to be a good wife but if that never happens ... ok moving on! {smiles}
I also have this very strong desire to have my passions be my vocation. I get tired of my day job. I would rather be creative or write. For some reason from the back of the mind came a thought that instead of being frustrated with my day job that I have this day job of numbers and I have my passions. The day job feeds me and allows me to have a shelter and my passions allow me to live stress free! I have both and I need to have a good attitude about the day job while working out my passions at night. Just maybe my dreams will come true. In the meantime I feel better....
I also have this very strong desire to have my passions be my vocation. I get tired of my day job. I would rather be creative or write. For some reason from the back of the mind came a thought that instead of being frustrated with my day job that I have this day job of numbers and I have my passions. The day job feeds me and allows me to have a shelter and my passions allow me to live stress free! I have both and I need to have a good attitude about the day job while working out my passions at night. Just maybe my dreams will come true. In the meantime I feel better....
Sunday, March 01, 2009
man plans ...
''So do you think what we have has a future?'' he asks. Wanting to drop the bomb and leave without a proper answer, he tried to end the conversation quickly.
''Wait a minute buddy. I know exactly what I feel about this relationship. I believe in you and I believe in us. I have made my vows know to God about keeping this friendship in the eternal mode. I know my side very well but in any 'ship' there is another side - your side. You have kept silent about your plans for this. You lead this. What do you want? What are your plans?'' ....
Oh how a few years away from this actual questions gives you lessons you wish you had when the it happened. I just learned that every man has a plan. They are possessors & protectors. They have a plan. They just don't come up to you for no good reason.
Two disclaimers:
If the plan is not voiced, the girl should never think up plans for the two of them. Never Never. A big no no. The girl has a life and she should be getting on with her own life. A girl knows what she wants and if the girl don't she better get to knowing because this girl will grow up to become a frustrated stressed out woman wondering where her life went.
If the plan is voiced, the girl has a right to veto or go for the guy. Remember a good girl knows what she wants. He might not be into you but to our defence a girl just might not want the boy or his 'plans'. {smiles}
''Wait a minute buddy. I know exactly what I feel about this relationship. I believe in you and I believe in us. I have made my vows know to God about keeping this friendship in the eternal mode. I know my side very well but in any 'ship' there is another side - your side. You have kept silent about your plans for this. You lead this. What do you want? What are your plans?'' ....
Oh how a few years away from this actual questions gives you lessons you wish you had when the it happened. I just learned that every man has a plan. They are possessors & protectors. They have a plan. They just don't come up to you for no good reason.
Two disclaimers:
If the plan is not voiced, the girl should never think up plans for the two of them. Never Never. A big no no. The girl has a life and she should be getting on with her own life. A girl knows what she wants and if the girl don't she better get to knowing because this girl will grow up to become a frustrated stressed out woman wondering where her life went.
If the plan is voiced, the girl has a right to veto or go for the guy. Remember a good girl knows what she wants. He might not be into you but to our defence a girl just might not want the boy or his 'plans'. {smiles}
Saturday, February 28, 2009
rumor ....
I took Friday off and when Mom said that Dad had heard that my work had shut the doors, I couldn't help but feel a bit of a pang. Then I started talking back the Word and the blessings of God took me through it before and He will take me through it again.
I did go the Word for reaffirming of my faith. God is so good because He gives comfort and all I have to do is receive it.
Psalms 61:8
So I will sing praise to Your Name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.
I have told God that when I went through the job loss before I was a child just learning how to possesses JOY. I acted like a child and felt like a child shaking in fear and yet reaching out to God. I want to go through this job loss as a learned adult. I admit I probably will be shaking in my boots but all the while knowing I am in God's Almighty Hand. I will be shouting out God's Word and firmly holding onto His Promises and Blessings. I will not fear. In order to do this? I must praise Him.
Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do NOT cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Hebrews 11:13-16
'... they were strangers & pilgrims on the earth ... declaring plainly that they seek a homeland ... they desire a better, that is a heavenly country.'
I just couldn't help but my heart did a jump for joy. I am just a passing through! This is not my home. I will not waste my time in fear nor stress. I want that crown of Joy!!! I will not wallow!!!
I did quickly get online to access my work email. Everything looked normal. No big announcement. It is the usual off a week - work a week - wondering when ....
I did go the Word for reaffirming of my faith. God is so good because He gives comfort and all I have to do is receive it.
Psalms 61:8
So I will sing praise to Your Name forever, that I may daily perform my vows.
I have told God that when I went through the job loss before I was a child just learning how to possesses JOY. I acted like a child and felt like a child shaking in fear and yet reaching out to God. I want to go through this job loss as a learned adult. I admit I probably will be shaking in my boots but all the while knowing I am in God's Almighty Hand. I will be shouting out God's Word and firmly holding onto His Promises and Blessings. I will not fear. In order to do this? I must praise Him.
Hebrews 10:35
Therefore do NOT cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
Hebrews 11:13-16
'... they were strangers & pilgrims on the earth ... declaring plainly that they seek a homeland ... they desire a better, that is a heavenly country.'
I just couldn't help but my heart did a jump for joy. I am just a passing through! This is not my home. I will not waste my time in fear nor stress. I want that crown of Joy!!! I will not wallow!!!
I did quickly get online to access my work email. Everything looked normal. No big announcement. It is the usual off a week - work a week - wondering when ....
Thursday, February 26, 2009
one marble ...
You know how a parent or teacher takes a jar full of marbles to help a small child understand the concept of time by having the child take out a marble for each day - maybe there is a big celebration when all the marbles are taken from the jar or someone is coming home after a long absence. Now that child has something visual to understand how much time he has.
This week a radio pastor was talking about how much time an average person has here on earth. He has a jar of marbles and with how much time he has in months sitting on his desk. Every month he takes out a marble. This helps him taking an accounting of his days. Another man has just one marble in the jar.
I have decided to have the one marble in the jar to sit on my desk at work and also have the same reminder at home. But I am adding the verse found in ....
(bummer ... can't find it by googling it ... going through my marked up new testament....)
It is amazing how it changes your decision making and fearing not takes hold. It just might help me be less tentative and more bold. No, I will continue to think because I am a thinker but once I have had a good think it is time to grab that jar with the one marble and talk back the verse in my very intense voice like I mean it. {smiles}
(off to find the verse - brb)
Proverbs 27:1 seems to be the one that I had found a comfort in but I don't remember it the way it is written... but I tend to pray verses out using what I glean ... so maybe I saw it as I just have today - one marble....
''Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.''
This week a radio pastor was talking about how much time an average person has here on earth. He has a jar of marbles and with how much time he has in months sitting on his desk. Every month he takes out a marble. This helps him taking an accounting of his days. Another man has just one marble in the jar.
I have decided to have the one marble in the jar to sit on my desk at work and also have the same reminder at home. But I am adding the verse found in ....
(bummer ... can't find it by googling it ... going through my marked up new testament....)
It is amazing how it changes your decision making and fearing not takes hold. It just might help me be less tentative and more bold. No, I will continue to think because I am a thinker but once I have had a good think it is time to grab that jar with the one marble and talk back the verse in my very intense voice like I mean it. {smiles}
(off to find the verse - brb)
Proverbs 27:1 seems to be the one that I had found a comfort in but I don't remember it the way it is written... but I tend to pray verses out using what I glean ... so maybe I saw it as I just have today - one marble....
''Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.''
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
How Rich I am!!!
How rich I am
Since Jesus came my way
Redeemed my soul and turned my night to day
How very rich, how very rich, I am!!!
Such peace and joy
I never knew before
And countless blessings
from His boundless store
How very rich, how very rich, I am!!!
There is greater glory in a sunset!
A briter twinkle in each star!
There is much more promise in a rainbow!
More music in a singing bird by far!
All things have changed
My eyes once blind now see
The whole wide world
Is now a symphany
And with all this
Heaven is my destiny! How rich I am!!!
There is greater glory in a sunset!
A briter twinkle in each star!
There is much more promise in a rainbow!
More music in a singing bird by far!
All things have changed
My eyes once blind now see
The whole wide world
Is now a symphany
And with all this
Heaven is my destiny!
I haven't figured out the author or history of this song. I heard on the way to work this week and I couldn't help but agree. I love the sunrises and the sunsets. They seem so rich because I know God has made them for me each day. All I have to do is enjoy!!!!
As the days have gotten tougher, the sparrows do twitter much more and I find them so precious because they remind me of the richness of God's love for me. The dance is in each step I take because I am IN LOVE with God. Now that is rich.
Since Jesus came my way
Redeemed my soul and turned my night to day
How very rich, how very rich, I am!!!
Such peace and joy
I never knew before
And countless blessings
from His boundless store
How very rich, how very rich, I am!!!
There is greater glory in a sunset!
A briter twinkle in each star!
There is much more promise in a rainbow!
More music in a singing bird by far!
All things have changed
My eyes once blind now see
The whole wide world
Is now a symphany
And with all this
Heaven is my destiny! How rich I am!!!
There is greater glory in a sunset!
A briter twinkle in each star!
There is much more promise in a rainbow!
More music in a singing bird by far!
All things have changed
My eyes once blind now see
The whole wide world
Is now a symphany
And with all this
Heaven is my destiny!
I haven't figured out the author or history of this song. I heard on the way to work this week and I couldn't help but agree. I love the sunrises and the sunsets. They seem so rich because I know God has made them for me each day. All I have to do is enjoy!!!!
As the days have gotten tougher, the sparrows do twitter much more and I find them so precious because they remind me of the richness of God's love for me. The dance is in each step I take because I am IN LOVE with God. Now that is rich.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
my picks ...
So the Oscars are all the buzz but like always they pick weird and in my humble opinion downright wacky flicks! I am a movie buff of sorts but I am picky. So here is my bit of what I thought was Oscar worthy:
~ Australia ~
for the epic like story and for the wonderful overall epic picture. I am an Australian buff. I loved the accents, the Australian words, and the harsh but beautiful Australian land.
~ The Dark Night ~
for the moral between the dark and the light. I love the depth that this movies has and only the lucky few tap into that depth and glean the wealth. Most just get off on the darkness and destruction. Others are offended by the violence.
~ Nim's Island ~
for the child and the romantic in us all. It is cute and it also has a smidge of Australia in it.
~ Fireproof ~
for the stand on marriage. It is about keeping the marriage sacred. You won't find it in hollywood and we didn't. The church brought to hollywood.
links to my movie reviews..
~ Australia ~
for the epic like story and for the wonderful overall epic picture. I am an Australian buff. I loved the accents, the Australian words, and the harsh but beautiful Australian land.
~ The Dark Night ~
for the moral between the dark and the light. I love the depth that this movies has and only the lucky few tap into that depth and glean the wealth. Most just get off on the darkness and destruction. Others are offended by the violence.
~ Nim's Island ~
for the child and the romantic in us all. It is cute and it also has a smidge of Australia in it.
~ Fireproof ~
for the stand on marriage. It is about keeping the marriage sacred. You won't find it in hollywood and we didn't. The church brought to hollywood.
links to my movie reviews..
Thursday, February 19, 2009
junkie stage ...
I have been in a very excited state of late. I can't seem to get enough. All I want to do is get home and try my hand at amigurumi. I have a collected a stash of patterns from the web as well as a book. I want to create all the little 'amies' at once but can only do one thing at a time!
I just finished a bear with a honey pot. It is a prezzie for my little niece. I didn't like the head and I am thinking that when I find a better head, I will use it and attach the small body too. I have plans for the monkey once I get that warm chocolate brown color if they would only stock it! The nephew has a birthday coming up fast. I need to make these things quick for the boy before he out grows them.
I have plans for Easter with the egg patterns I have. Super excited to put that into action. I just might make them for the whole family if I can get started soon enough. Then I found a rather cute bird pattern that I just can't wait to make. Then there is this heart pattern that just didn't make much sense until I worked out the math and I finally got it. The pattern wasn't as clear as it should be but I was surprised that I finally got it. Now the trick is to make it and hopefully it turns out well. If so I will have to make pix and then add the photo to the pattern.
I have other talents that have been sitting dormant and I hate that but I just can't get enough of this. I do want to incorporate all my crafts together. They may seem very different from each other but who knows... I say that I am a creative sort so I just will have to do some daydreaming and get down and creative!
Hmmm, words, paper, paint, glass, amigurumi, loom, yo-yos, crochet flowers.....
I just finished a bear with a honey pot. It is a prezzie for my little niece. I didn't like the head and I am thinking that when I find a better head, I will use it and attach the small body too. I have plans for the monkey once I get that warm chocolate brown color if they would only stock it! The nephew has a birthday coming up fast. I need to make these things quick for the boy before he out grows them.
I have plans for Easter with the egg patterns I have. Super excited to put that into action. I just might make them for the whole family if I can get started soon enough. Then I found a rather cute bird pattern that I just can't wait to make. Then there is this heart pattern that just didn't make much sense until I worked out the math and I finally got it. The pattern wasn't as clear as it should be but I was surprised that I finally got it. Now the trick is to make it and hopefully it turns out well. If so I will have to make pix and then add the photo to the pattern.
I have other talents that have been sitting dormant and I hate that but I just can't get enough of this. I do want to incorporate all my crafts together. They may seem very different from each other but who knows... I say that I am a creative sort so I just will have to do some daydreaming and get down and creative!
Hmmm, words, paper, paint, glass, amigurumi, loom, yo-yos, crochet flowers.....
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Victoria fires ...
Dear Heavenly Father,
My heart is heavy as I read the stories coming from the fires down in Victoria, Australia. I cannot imagine the lost or the horrific moments when the fire was chasing them down. There are many 'Jobs' down there and I wonder how one can go on when a spouse or children are taken and the little space you called home is gone. Cars crashing into each other because they could not see in front of them. Fears of people stuck inside... They are having a hard time identifying the bodies because the heat was 1200*c. If the person was out in the open there would be charred remains but stuck inside a car, there would be nothing but ash. Ash is ash.
There are happy surprises like people running to the dams or coolers that came out unharmed. Then the animals like the koala wanting water to cool down or to drink. There is Old Man Roo who was a kangaroo would was a friendly sort that the land owner thought would have perished but when she came back she was surprised to see him there.
I pray that these 'Jobs' will follow the Job of old. May they not curse You. May they find comfort in You alone. I pray for showers of blessing to fall. I pray for the believers there that they will not let the horror engulf their minds but they will renew their minds.. Ps 143:5-6 ''I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your Works; I muse on the Works of Your Hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land.'' You alone can hold our anxieties. You alone know how precious our tears are for You have weighed them and have written them down in Your tear book. You do not waste our sorrow nor our pain.
I often wonder if I have what it takes and when these harrowing times press in, all I can do is go to the Word. I want that crown of Joy and I think to get that crown it must start here on earth. Can I find Joy like in Isaiah 35? ''The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus , it will burst into bloom...''
I lift up Australia and like in the movie Australia, you cannot possess land nor people, all you have is your story. May their story have You in it because without You, they truly have nothing. May they store up treasure in Heaven where no fire can get to... That is a great hope to have your young believe in the One True God. Because when they are taken, they are treasure stored up in Heaven. The lineage or legacy that you leave behind you here on earth isn't going to matter when earth passes away....
Thank You for holding us close when we walk through the Valley of the Shadow of death... You put a tear in our eye to put a rainbow in our heart...
always your child
My heart is heavy as I read the stories coming from the fires down in Victoria, Australia. I cannot imagine the lost or the horrific moments when the fire was chasing them down. There are many 'Jobs' down there and I wonder how one can go on when a spouse or children are taken and the little space you called home is gone. Cars crashing into each other because they could not see in front of them. Fears of people stuck inside... They are having a hard time identifying the bodies because the heat was 1200*c. If the person was out in the open there would be charred remains but stuck inside a car, there would be nothing but ash. Ash is ash.
There are happy surprises like people running to the dams or coolers that came out unharmed. Then the animals like the koala wanting water to cool down or to drink. There is Old Man Roo who was a kangaroo would was a friendly sort that the land owner thought would have perished but when she came back she was surprised to see him there.
I pray that these 'Jobs' will follow the Job of old. May they not curse You. May they find comfort in You alone. I pray for showers of blessing to fall. I pray for the believers there that they will not let the horror engulf their minds but they will renew their minds.. Ps 143:5-6 ''I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your Works; I muse on the Works of Your Hands. I spread out my hands to You; my soul longs for You like a thirsty land.'' You alone can hold our anxieties. You alone know how precious our tears are for You have weighed them and have written them down in Your tear book. You do not waste our sorrow nor our pain.
I often wonder if I have what it takes and when these harrowing times press in, all I can do is go to the Word. I want that crown of Joy and I think to get that crown it must start here on earth. Can I find Joy like in Isaiah 35? ''The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus , it will burst into bloom...''
I lift up Australia and like in the movie Australia, you cannot possess land nor people, all you have is your story. May their story have You in it because without You, they truly have nothing. May they store up treasure in Heaven where no fire can get to... That is a great hope to have your young believe in the One True God. Because when they are taken, they are treasure stored up in Heaven. The lineage or legacy that you leave behind you here on earth isn't going to matter when earth passes away....
Thank You for holding us close when we walk through the Valley of the Shadow of death... You put a tear in our eye to put a rainbow in our heart...
always your child
Saturday, February 14, 2009
love equations...
+
She offers & gives her beauty to him + He offers & gives his strength to her
=
a good union.
She seeks validation of her beauty from him
= abuse, desertion, loneliness -
She becomes ugly.
He seeks validation of his strength from her
= moody, restless, sex addict -
He becomes weak.
Just a few equations of love ....
a love story ...
This was a forward in my email box and I thought I would share as it is a love story - perfect for Valentine's Day:
What I would have done in the past after reading such a tale, I would have a small piece of hope for the lost love that I have. But no more. It is a lovely story; yet, my hope must stay firmly on the Rock.
In my past I would have taken this as a sign. Today I understand that signs are fleeting and not really signs. We tend to get caught up in signs as hope and even answers to the questions we might be harboring. I am not one to really a sign taker. It is just once in a while especially when I am really into something and a big fat question is sitting there, I fall for a sign. Not any more! Not even for a tiny sign.
I had a relationship that I took to God and really made sure that everything I did was with Eternity in mind. I prayed a lot and ask God for help in whatever I was giving in this relationship. I would be very aware of His speaking. Now that this relationship is gone, I use to have a ton of questions that were not answered and not just why he walked away but what am I to do now. Then it hit me that nothing not even a sign was stable. I have begun to dig myself into the Word of God and find myself rooted. All of my questions are put into the Word and where I find God's Will plainly written in black and white. All I have to do is trust and obey. I am so at peace now more so than ever before. My questions are quieted when I grab a law or blessing and pray through my questions, decisions, and plans. No more waffling for me.
True Love, Everlasting Love, Love that stands the test of time comes only from God. He will see me through and if this friendship should ever come back into my life, I will be here knowing the 'knitted together' comes by God's love coming through me via reading and standing on God's Word.
The Tablecloth
The brand new pastor and his wife, newly assigned to their first ministry, to reopen a church in suburban Brooklyn, arrived in early October excited about their opportunities. When they saw their church, it was very run down and needed
much work. They set a goal to have everything done in time to have their first service on Christmas Eve. They worked hard, repairing pews, plastering walls, painting, etc., and on December 18 were ahead of schedule and just about finished.
On December 19 a terrible tempest - a driving rainstorm hit the area and lasted for two days. On the 21st, the pastor went over to the church. His heart sank when he saw that the roof had leaked, causing a large area of plaster about
20 feet by 8 feet to fall off the front wall of the sanctuary just behind the pulpit, beginning about head high. The pastor cleaned up the mess on the floor, and not knowing what else to do but postpone the Christmas Eve service, headed home.
On the way he noticed that a local business was having a flea market type sale for charity so he stopped in. One of the items was a beautiful, handmade, ivory colored, crocheted tablecloth with exquisite work, fine colors and a Cross embroidered right in the center. It was just the right size to cover up the hole in the front wall. He bought it and headed back to the church.
By this time it had started to snow. An older woman running from the opposite direction was trying to catch the bus.. She missed it. The pastor invited her to wait in the warm church for the next bus 45 minutes later. She sat in a pew and paid no attention to the pastor while he got a ladder, hangers, etc., to put up the tablecloth as a wall tapestry. The pastor could hardly believe how beautiful it looked and it covered up the entire problem area.
Then he noticed the woman walking down the center aisle. Her face was like a sheet..
"Pastor," she asked, "where did you get that tablecloth?" The pastor explained. The woman asked him to check the lower right corner to see if the initials, EBG were crocheted into it there. They were. These were the initials of the woman, and she had made this tablecloth 35 years before, in Austria.
The woman could hardly believe it as the pastor told how he had just gotten the Tablecloth. The woman explained that before the war she and her husband were well-to-do people in Austria. When the Nazis came, she was forced to leave.
Her husband was going to follow her the next week. He was captured, sent to prison and never saw her husband or her home again.
The pastor wanted to give her the tablecloth; but she made the pastor keep it for the church. The pastor insisted on driving her home, that was the least he could do.. She lived on the other side of Staten Island and was only in Brooklyn
for the day for a housecleaning job.
What a wonderful service they had on Christmas Eve. The church was almost full. The music and the spirit were great. At the end of the service, the pastor and his wife greeted everyone at the door and many said that they would return. One
older man, whom the pastor recognized from the neighborhood continued to sit in one of the pews and stare, and the pastor wondered why he wasn't leaving.
The man asked him where he got the tablecloth on the front wall because it was identical to one that his wife had made years ago when they lived in Austria before the war and how could there be two tablecloths so much alike. He told the pastor how the Nazis came, how he forced his wife to flee for her safety and he was supposed to follow her, but he was arrested and put in a prison.. He never saw his wife or his home again all the 35 years in between.
The pastor asked him if he would allow him to take him for a little ride. They drove to Staten Island and to the same house where the pastor had taken the woman three days earlier.
He helped the man climb the three flights of stairs to the woman's apartment, knocked on the door and he saw the greatest Christmas reunion he could ever imagine.
True Story - submitted by
Pastor Rob Reid
What I would have done in the past after reading such a tale, I would have a small piece of hope for the lost love that I have. But no more. It is a lovely story; yet, my hope must stay firmly on the Rock.
In my past I would have taken this as a sign. Today I understand that signs are fleeting and not really signs. We tend to get caught up in signs as hope and even answers to the questions we might be harboring. I am not one to really a sign taker. It is just once in a while especially when I am really into something and a big fat question is sitting there, I fall for a sign. Not any more! Not even for a tiny sign.
I had a relationship that I took to God and really made sure that everything I did was with Eternity in mind. I prayed a lot and ask God for help in whatever I was giving in this relationship. I would be very aware of His speaking. Now that this relationship is gone, I use to have a ton of questions that were not answered and not just why he walked away but what am I to do now. Then it hit me that nothing not even a sign was stable. I have begun to dig myself into the Word of God and find myself rooted. All of my questions are put into the Word and where I find God's Will plainly written in black and white. All I have to do is trust and obey. I am so at peace now more so than ever before. My questions are quieted when I grab a law or blessing and pray through my questions, decisions, and plans. No more waffling for me.
True Love, Everlasting Love, Love that stands the test of time comes only from God. He will see me through and if this friendship should ever come back into my life, I will be here knowing the 'knitted together' comes by God's love coming through me via reading and standing on God's Word.
Thursday, February 05, 2009
given bountifully ...
'For there is no one who acknowledges me ... ' Have you ever felt like that? I tend to feel most times and I just go on but sometimes I feel it acutely. I am a work horse and can work quietly on my own. Numbers is not my thing so this job takes all the patterns and obsession to detail that I have to manage this huge job. With God, I did it to the best of my ability. I had conversations with God without ceasing to get me through the tough times. Now the times have changed and I have a boss who is more hands on which I am finding I don't like so well only because life has shown me that I am much better off working alone. I say this as it wasn't a choice. I just haven't found much in the way of people who want to work with me as a team.
Anyways, today I began to feel 'unacknowledged' and it was beginning to bug me. I stole away a moment to read God's Word hoping for some peace and comfort. God does not disappoint! No wonder I love King David...
...He often speaks aloud my feelings. I don't have to complain anymore! I just read King David's word and I feel my feelings are acknowledged and then I am comforted as King David leads me into praising Almighty God.
Anyways, today I began to feel 'unacknowledged' and it was beginning to bug me. I stole away a moment to read God's Word hoping for some peace and comfort. God does not disappoint! No wonder I love King David...
Psalms 142
A Contemplation of David. A Prayer when he was in the cave.
I cry out to the LORD with my voice;
With my voice to the LORD I make my supplication.
I pour out my complaint before Him;
I declare before Him my trouble.
When my spirit was overwhelmed within me,
Then You knew my path.
In the way in which I walk
they have secretly set a snare for me.
Look on my right hand and see,
For there is no one who acknowledges me;
Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.
I cried out to You, O LORD: I said,
"You are my Refuge, My portion in the land of the living.
Attend to my cry, For I am brought very low;
Deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than I.
Bring my soul out of prison,
That I may praise Your name;
The righteous shall surround me,
For You shall deal bountifully with me."
...He often speaks aloud my feelings. I don't have to complain anymore! I just read King David's word and I feel my feelings are acknowledged and then I am comforted as King David leads me into praising Almighty God.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
hiding place...
I heard this hymn on the way into work this morning. It was sung by a male which I love more than high female voices. I think I have heard it once before but certainly not enough. I don't know how old this hymn is. It is not in my old hymnal that I have harbored from my grandma. Not only did the melody of this song soothe me but also the words.
Thou art my Hiding Place;
Thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
~Psalms 32:7
Thou art my Hiding Place
and my Shield:
I hope in Thy word.
~ Psalms 119:114
In a time of trouble, in a time forlorn,There is a hiding place where hope is born.In a time of danger, when our faith is provedThere is a hiding place where we are loved.There is a hiding place, a strong protective space,Where God provides the grace to persevere;For nothing can remove us from the Father's love,Tho' all may change, yet nothing changes here.In a time of sorrow, in a time of grief,There is a hiding place to give relief.In a time of weakness, in a time of fear,There is a hiding place where God is near.~by Bryan Jeffery Leech
Thou art my Hiding Place;
Thou shalt preserve me from trouble;
Thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
Selah.
~Psalms 32:7
Thou art my Hiding Place
and my Shield:
I hope in Thy word.
~ Psalms 119:114
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Oh YES He cares...
Does Jesus Care?
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain:
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain:
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain:
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
~~Frank E. Graeff, 1901
1 Peter 5:7 “He cares for you.”
I love this hymn and as I was traveling home the other night I heard it and was reminded of God's care. What struck me the most was the last verse. Most hymns' last verse deals with death or over on Heaven's shore. This one is no different but I do have to say there are other goodbyes to dear ones besides death. What about a goodbye of a dear one who hasn't said goodbye but has vanished? What about a simple parting and not knowing if it is the last time you will see the person? Well, God does care about my aguish over a disappearance for He has counted every tear and recorded them in His tear book. He has weighed and measured them and found them valuable. He cares. He keeps. My sad heart has turned into joy...
Ahh, YES! He answers YES, HE CARES! AMEN!
Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?
Refrain:
Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?
Refrain:
Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?
Refrain:
Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?
Refrain:
Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
~~Frank E. Graeff, 1901
1 Peter 5:7 “He cares for you.”
I love this hymn and as I was traveling home the other night I heard it and was reminded of God's care. What struck me the most was the last verse. Most hymns' last verse deals with death or over on Heaven's shore. This one is no different but I do have to say there are other goodbyes to dear ones besides death. What about a goodbye of a dear one who hasn't said goodbye but has vanished? What about a simple parting and not knowing if it is the last time you will see the person? Well, God does care about my aguish over a disappearance for He has counted every tear and recorded them in His tear book. He has weighed and measured them and found them valuable. He cares. He keeps. My sad heart has turned into joy...
Casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you.
~1 Pet 5:7
{here is the butterfly!}
Cast your burden on the Lord,
& He shall sustain you;
He shall never permit the righteous to be moved.
~Ps 55:22
You number my wanderings;
put my tears into Your Bottle;
are they not in Your Book?
~Ps 56:8
For You have delivered my soul from death.
Have You not kept my feet from falling,
that I may walk before God in the light of the living?
~Ps 56:13
Ahh, YES! He answers YES, HE CARES! AMEN!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
worship man vs worship God
I have been greatly disturbed over the fascination and hero worship of a mere man. Great crowds in cold weather moved to tears and good will...
This man speaks and because there is such an appeal in him that whatever comes out of his mouth must be true. Like his saying that he will stay out of the private decision of keeping a bady or abortion. Those who follow because everyone else who follows and cannot think for themselves begin to take on this lie as truth. It is to dangerous even for the thinkers. This man who leads America cannot invoke in God's Help and Trust and Blessing on us if he goes against the very principle of the Almighty Creator.
We must watch what we worship! We must keep our focus on the Creator! We must pray hard for President O and for our nation.
Are you celebrating God in your life? Are you bending the knee to the Kings of kings? Or are you worship a man?
This man speaks and because there is such an appeal in him that whatever comes out of his mouth must be true. Like his saying that he will stay out of the private decision of keeping a bady or abortion. Those who follow because everyone else who follows and cannot think for themselves begin to take on this lie as truth. It is to dangerous even for the thinkers. This man who leads America cannot invoke in God's Help and Trust and Blessing on us if he goes against the very principle of the Almighty Creator.
We must watch what we worship! We must keep our focus on the Creator! We must pray hard for President O and for our nation.
Are you celebrating God in your life? Are you bending the knee to the Kings of kings? Or are you worship a man?
No one is like You, O Lord;
You are Great,
and Your Name is Mighty in Power.
Who should NOT revere You, O King of the nations?
This is Your due.
Among al the wise men of the nations
and in all of their kingdoms, there is no one like You.
This is what the Lord says:
''Do not learn the ways of the nations
or be terrified by signs in the sky,
though the nations are terrified by them.
For the customs of the peoples are worthless;
they cut a tree out of the forest,
and a craftsman shapes it with his chisel.
They adorn it with silver and gold;
they fasten it with hammer and nails
so it will not totter.
Like a scarecrow in a melon patch,
their idols cannot speak;
they must be carried
because they cannot walk.
Do not fear them;
FEAR NOT! They can do no harm
nor can they do any good.''
No one is like You, O Lord;
You are Great,
and Your Name is Mighty in Power.
Who should NOT revere You, O King of the nations?
This is Your due.
Among al the wise men of the nations
and in all of their kingdoms, there is no one like You.
They are all senseless and foolish;
they are taught by worthless wooden idols ...
What the craftsman and goldsmith have made
is then dressed in blue and purple -
all made by skilled workers.
But the Lord is the True God;
He is the living God, the Eternal King.
When He is angry, the earth trembles;
the nations cannot endure His wrath.
~~Jeremiah 10:1-10
Saturday, January 24, 2009
terrorist vs baby
How in the world can you justify ending the torture of terrorists but allow abortions?
Abortion is torture. Not only is it torturing a little baby inside the mom but it is also torturing the mom physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the rest of her life. I have stepped into the shoes of every side and cannot for the life of me understand the right to abort but for purely selfish reasons.
If you want to throw the rape card at me, I understand that is too hard to truly wrap my head around but I would desperately want to choose life for that child as God always works for my good. I would hold on to every blessing I could but to honor life as God would have me.
If you want to throw the life of the baby is deformed or special, it still boils down to you being selfish. I have seen to many of these special gifts outshine those of us who are suppose to be 'normal'.
I have seen my mother turn into a grandma at the birth of her grandchild. She forgets everything else but to play and protect her little ones. So when a friend who is a mother of three tells me that it is the woman's right to choose life or abortion, I flipped. She would deny her own mother to be a grandma which is a special gift. I cannot argue well and that was two months ago. I am still fuming and dread her calling.
I have to be honest that I do not want to be a mom but when I thought I might have a chance to marry, I could not rule that out. I have often felt guilty over not wanting kids because I know down deep it is selfish. But to be honest I have the mom feelings of passing on knowledge and protection to offspring I do not have. I just cannot understand. What I do understand is that abortion is essentially giving yourself a gun to pop off another human being. It is murder fair and square.
What really gets me is that we are going to treat our terrorist better than our own flesh and blood. It is not a personal matter but an allowance of blood on all of our hands. I know I live to a higher standard and I desire to serve and obey my God but I also know that God cannot bless a nation who disregards life. God created you and me. We are special gifts. What man or little king has the right to destroy life?
Abortion is torture. Not only is it torturing a little baby inside the mom but it is also torturing the mom physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the rest of her life. I have stepped into the shoes of every side and cannot for the life of me understand the right to abort but for purely selfish reasons.
If you want to throw the rape card at me, I understand that is too hard to truly wrap my head around but I would desperately want to choose life for that child as God always works for my good. I would hold on to every blessing I could but to honor life as God would have me.
If you want to throw the life of the baby is deformed or special, it still boils down to you being selfish. I have seen to many of these special gifts outshine those of us who are suppose to be 'normal'.
I have seen my mother turn into a grandma at the birth of her grandchild. She forgets everything else but to play and protect her little ones. So when a friend who is a mother of three tells me that it is the woman's right to choose life or abortion, I flipped. She would deny her own mother to be a grandma which is a special gift. I cannot argue well and that was two months ago. I am still fuming and dread her calling.
I have to be honest that I do not want to be a mom but when I thought I might have a chance to marry, I could not rule that out. I have often felt guilty over not wanting kids because I know down deep it is selfish. But to be honest I have the mom feelings of passing on knowledge and protection to offspring I do not have. I just cannot understand. What I do understand is that abortion is essentially giving yourself a gun to pop off another human being. It is murder fair and square.
What really gets me is that we are going to treat our terrorist better than our own flesh and blood. It is not a personal matter but an allowance of blood on all of our hands. I know I live to a higher standard and I desire to serve and obey my God but I also know that God cannot bless a nation who disregards life. God created you and me. We are special gifts. What man or little king has the right to destroy life?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
1st amigurumi cupcake & oreo
I did it. I made my first cupcake. It turned out bigger than I thought it would. I have two cupcake amigurumi instructions so I am anxious to try the other one. I am looking for smaller cupcake. The one I made is too big to just stuff. It is like a container so I am thinking to only stuff the top and leave the bottom as is to hold little trinkets or a note...
It is a chocolate cake with raspberry icing and multi-colored sprinkles on top. I know I could do better as I am not happy with the spiral look. I like the round look because it is more balanced but it will do for know. I am really proud of the 'ruffle' part. It is something new and and I did it!
I also made my first oreo amigurumi cookie! I didn't like how big this one turned out either so I took out a couple rows and reworked it. Again the instructions were in the spiral but I tried to make it in the round for a balanced cookie. I have one some part that isn't totally round but, oh well! I will keep at it and practice makes perfect. I am proud of the white filling part because it was a new stitch, hdc. I made it work and thought it turned out well. I want to make a raspberry stuffed oreo and a mint oreo!
I am anxious to get some reaction because most people don't know what I am talking about and some think of the old crochet animals and things they created in the 70's. Not so! These are hype and really mod not to mention very cute. I fell for amigurumi because of the cuteness and because they are tiny! They will make for some really special gifts for my nieces. I might have some time left for the nephew to enjoy a hedge hog or something before he grows up too much. And to top off another reason for me to love amigurumi is that now I can fully enjoy the sweets and chocolate that cause those dreaded food allergy HA's. Now I can have a plate full of these cookies or a cake plate topped with all kinds of cupcakes! LOVE IT!!!!!
It is a chocolate cake with raspberry icing and multi-colored sprinkles on top. I know I could do better as I am not happy with the spiral look. I like the round look because it is more balanced but it will do for know. I am really proud of the 'ruffle' part. It is something new and and I did it!
I also made my first oreo amigurumi cookie! I didn't like how big this one turned out either so I took out a couple rows and reworked it. Again the instructions were in the spiral but I tried to make it in the round for a balanced cookie. I have one some part that isn't totally round but, oh well! I will keep at it and practice makes perfect. I am proud of the white filling part because it was a new stitch, hdc. I made it work and thought it turned out well. I want to make a raspberry stuffed oreo and a mint oreo!
I am anxious to get some reaction because most people don't know what I am talking about and some think of the old crochet animals and things they created in the 70's. Not so! These are hype and really mod not to mention very cute. I fell for amigurumi because of the cuteness and because they are tiny! They will make for some really special gifts for my nieces. I might have some time left for the nephew to enjoy a hedge hog or something before he grows up too much. And to top off another reason for me to love amigurumi is that now I can fully enjoy the sweets and chocolate that cause those dreaded food allergy HA's. Now I can have a plate full of these cookies or a cake plate topped with all kinds of cupcakes! LOVE IT!!!!!
not making it into my future...
There comes a point in your life when you realize
who matters,
who never did,
who won't anymore...
and who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.
Wow, interesting that this came in a forward in one of my emails. I don't like the leaving parts of those that come into my life. Yet as I become stronger in learning to live my 'oneness' {aloneness isn't word and the dictionary offers oneness instead!}, I've become more at peace with the ones who have chosen to not be in my future... The little girl in me who likes to stick out her tongue says 'nah nah nah to bad so sad...' but the little kind sensitive quiet girl wiping a stray tear says 'its not wise to miss out on the good bits of life...'
who matters,
who never did,
who won't anymore...
and who always will.
So, don't worry about people from your past,
there's a reason why they didn't make it to your future.
Wow, interesting that this came in a forward in one of my emails. I don't like the leaving parts of those that come into my life. Yet as I become stronger in learning to live my 'oneness' {aloneness isn't word and the dictionary offers oneness instead!}, I've become more at peace with the ones who have chosen to not be in my future... The little girl in me who likes to stick out her tongue says 'nah nah nah to bad so sad...' but the little kind sensitive quiet girl wiping a stray tear says 'its not wise to miss out on the good bits of life...'
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
generation to generation ...
Psalms 78 is a passage where it sums up the Great Works of God and the importance of sharing it with your children.
Where is the celebration of God's Works? Where is the devotion and reverence for the 'workings together'? Why are we so ho-hum over the simple commandments asked of by God for our basic happiness? Why do we mutter and become so bitter over things not working out as we have planned? Why are we accusing God of being silent when it because our wishes aren't being fulfilled? Shouldn't we have great delight in God? Shouldn't we be rejoicing and celebrating the Almighty for His Hand protecting and preserving us?
Isn't a shame that we put so much celebration in an unproven fallible man and mutter and fret against the Omnipotent God?
That they may set their HOPE in GOD,
and NOT forget the Works of God,
but KEEP His commandments.
Ps 78:8
Where is the celebration of God's Works? Where is the devotion and reverence for the 'workings together'? Why are we so ho-hum over the simple commandments asked of by God for our basic happiness? Why do we mutter and become so bitter over things not working out as we have planned? Why are we accusing God of being silent when it because our wishes aren't being fulfilled? Shouldn't we have great delight in God? Shouldn't we be rejoicing and celebrating the Almighty for His Hand protecting and preserving us?
Isn't a shame that we put so much celebration in an unproven fallible man and mutter and fret against the Omnipotent God?
Monday, January 19, 2009
man ≠ God
Man is man. Man is weak, mortal, dysfunctional, fragile, faulty, imperfect, and a real pain in the neck! So how can people equate themselves to God or as being little gods? I think I am going to start naming names and how unfortunate it that the two biggest culprits are women but in II Tim 3:5-7, we're warned of 'a form of godliness' that women get hoodwinked by. The names are Oprah and Joyce Myers. I was a little shocked over Joyce Myers but I haven't been paying to enough attention but now that I know, I won't be watching.
People can never think themselves into being gods nor can they ever create. The other thing that sets man from God is that they are mortal. Every day man is dying and death will over take us all. The only way to have Everlasting Life is to bow the knee to God and ask Him to be Lord and Master of your life.
Another huge danger that I see is the cult like, hollywood mega superstar status we Americans are putting on one man who is touting/peddling hope. Hope in who or what? Yes, we can? First fault is that man raises up 'leaders' and then tears them down. What is more dysfunctional than that? We have already blasted one President never giving him a chance and tore him to shreds so who is to say man won't do it again to a new one everyone seems to be enamored with? Again we only can with the bowed knee asking for God's Strength and Ever-Present Help
Hope is a very sacred word and it didn't come to me until the election and my heart began to sing 'My Hope is built in nothing less that Jesus' Blood and Righteous' that I fully realized why I was having a problem with the goings on of this cult like following. ''Rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh'' Phil 3:3. This man is just a man who is imperfect. I do wish him the best and will pray for his leadership and for his soul. I also will pray for his stance on pro-choice because what nation is under God when the nation is killing babies? ''That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments'' Ps 78:7. Did we forget God's commandment ''Thou shalt not kill''? God fashions each person in womb! And man wants to destroy life? God says to choose life! (deut 30 &31)
Another thing about all the hype is what the media is throwing around that this is history in the making. Isn't it present day? Shouldn't we be living the day given for tomorrow isn't promised? Remember man is mortal? Besides what is going to interest me more than anything here on earth is roaming the Halls of Heaven where God keeps the 'His-story' books and see for myself with God's eyes and perceptive what is important for the Kingdom. Man's eyes are faulty and his desires are fickle.
My eyes are on Jesus and my HOPE is Jesus Christ...
People can never think themselves into being gods nor can they ever create. The other thing that sets man from God is that they are mortal. Every day man is dying and death will over take us all. The only way to have Everlasting Life is to bow the knee to God and ask Him to be Lord and Master of your life.
Another huge danger that I see is the cult like, hollywood mega superstar status we Americans are putting on one man who is touting/peddling hope. Hope in who or what? Yes, we can? First fault is that man raises up 'leaders' and then tears them down. What is more dysfunctional than that? We have already blasted one President never giving him a chance and tore him to shreds so who is to say man won't do it again to a new one everyone seems to be enamored with? Again we only can with the bowed knee asking for God's Strength and Ever-Present Help
Hope is a very sacred word and it didn't come to me until the election and my heart began to sing 'My Hope is built in nothing less that Jesus' Blood and Righteous' that I fully realized why I was having a problem with the goings on of this cult like following. ''Rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh'' Phil 3:3. This man is just a man who is imperfect. I do wish him the best and will pray for his leadership and for his soul. I also will pray for his stance on pro-choice because what nation is under God when the nation is killing babies? ''That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments'' Ps 78:7. Did we forget God's commandment ''Thou shalt not kill''? God fashions each person in womb! And man wants to destroy life? God says to choose life! (deut 30 &31)
Another thing about all the hype is what the media is throwing around that this is history in the making. Isn't it present day? Shouldn't we be living the day given for tomorrow isn't promised? Remember man is mortal? Besides what is going to interest me more than anything here on earth is roaming the Halls of Heaven where God keeps the 'His-story' books and see for myself with God's eyes and perceptive what is important for the Kingdom. Man's eyes are faulty and his desires are fickle.
My eyes are on Jesus and my HOPE is Jesus Christ...
Thursday, January 15, 2009
hormones ...
I wonder what makes an imbalance of hormones in a woman when she begins her transition from child bearing and rearing to a woman of stature and sage. Is it the years of not taking care of your needs or is it the lack of proper eating and exercise? Is it working some job because it brings home the 'mula' but depletes the soul or is it the sour atmosphere that you keep or tolerate at work or at home? Is it plain and simply s-t-r-e-s-s? We all know what stress does to us so that is why I have been thinking this out..
I wonder if keeping my mind stayed upon Christ the Solid Rock and staying in the Word will keep my hormone levels balanced and keep stress at bay. I will be making this transition soon and have heard the horror stories and have question my own mother. I have become more and more anti-drugs for most things. For example, taking an aspirin for my food HA's only covers up the pain; it does not protect or prevent the blood cells from dying. I am not naive for there is a time for medication and a time for no medication and kicking the stress habit our lifestyle has created as a monster has got to be the key.
I have noticed some stress beaters for myself and the biggest stress reliever is my relationship with God. It has been a long time coming and I have a long way to go. I am a big time feeler and I will always feel but to rightly put them in God's hands by going the Word and laying hold of God's promises. I have got the praying without ceasing down as I rattle about alone at home but often before going to bed, I would cry as I battle out my frustrations. I hated it and myself. The last couple of years I have found solace in God's Word and now it has become an obsession to pray the Word. I don't cry over the frustrations before bed anymore. I am repeating the fear not messages.
This year's theme is allowing myself to be Romanced by God and to find my true beauty. Already I have come to terms with a certain desertion in my life. I have been getting over it only to find myself not over it. I think it is a growing experience and can't be learned at the drop of a heart. Hearts shatter and it takes time for them to heal because there are so many angles and edges to bring back together. God has been so very patient with me and has been very Masterful at gently healing my heart. I have soooooo many learnings that even through a fleshy experience God has worked it for my good and betterment. At this point in time I feel a satisfied heart beating in my chest because I am letting God romance me. I am so tired of being alone and learning everything I can about being a couple that I am finally going to embrace this single life. It was a dual life that began to eat me alive. God has said to choose life and I am making a life decision to choose a JOYFUL life.
So by embracing my relationship with God and embracing my single JOYFUL life, stress is on the run. So I wonder if by keeping a balanced and whole life, will it keep my hormones in balanced and I can enjoy the transition...? I kinda think so...
Fear NOT little one! Fearlessly walk with Me. I will keep you! Always your Heavenly Father and Keeper
I wonder if keeping my mind stayed upon Christ the Solid Rock and staying in the Word will keep my hormone levels balanced and keep stress at bay. I will be making this transition soon and have heard the horror stories and have question my own mother. I have become more and more anti-drugs for most things. For example, taking an aspirin for my food HA's only covers up the pain; it does not protect or prevent the blood cells from dying. I am not naive for there is a time for medication and a time for no medication and kicking the stress habit our lifestyle has created as a monster has got to be the key.
I have noticed some stress beaters for myself and the biggest stress reliever is my relationship with God. It has been a long time coming and I have a long way to go. I am a big time feeler and I will always feel but to rightly put them in God's hands by going the Word and laying hold of God's promises. I have got the praying without ceasing down as I rattle about alone at home but often before going to bed, I would cry as I battle out my frustrations. I hated it and myself. The last couple of years I have found solace in God's Word and now it has become an obsession to pray the Word. I don't cry over the frustrations before bed anymore. I am repeating the fear not messages.
This year's theme is allowing myself to be Romanced by God and to find my true beauty. Already I have come to terms with a certain desertion in my life. I have been getting over it only to find myself not over it. I think it is a growing experience and can't be learned at the drop of a heart. Hearts shatter and it takes time for them to heal because there are so many angles and edges to bring back together. God has been so very patient with me and has been very Masterful at gently healing my heart. I have soooooo many learnings that even through a fleshy experience God has worked it for my good and betterment. At this point in time I feel a satisfied heart beating in my chest because I am letting God romance me. I am so tired of being alone and learning everything I can about being a couple that I am finally going to embrace this single life. It was a dual life that began to eat me alive. God has said to choose life and I am making a life decision to choose a JOYFUL life.
So by embracing my relationship with God and embracing my single JOYFUL life, stress is on the run. So I wonder if by keeping a balanced and whole life, will it keep my hormones in balanced and I can enjoy the transition...? I kinda think so...
Fear NOT little one! Fearlessly walk with Me. I will keep you! Always your Heavenly Father and Keeper
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
a form of godliness
Why search for spirituality in books or so called guru's? Why search for spirituality on tv or some famous person? Why search for spirituality from someone peddling hope or from government hand-me-downs? Why search for spirituality any where but the Source? We live in dangerous times and seek after a false spirituality.
I have always believe you must go to the source. Never go on what someone else's word. God's Word is my Source for Right Ways and for keep watch over the dark and evil ways.
As I was reading II Tim 3:5-7, I was stopped in my tracks because here I saw something laid out in Scripture that was an actual description of a predominant tv female person who reaches homes all over the world. It was kind of frighting.
This is very dangerous for women because we can be swayed. The only way to not get caught in this web is to feed on the Word as much as you pray and we are to pray w/o ceasing! Having a relationship with God is a two way street. Don't be the only one having a gab fest! Let God do some major talking.
So Whom is your Source for your spirituality?
I have always believe you must go to the source. Never go on what someone else's word. God's Word is my Source for Right Ways and for keep watch over the dark and evil ways.
As I was reading II Tim 3:5-7, I was stopped in my tracks because here I saw something laid out in Scripture that was an actual description of a predominant tv female person who reaches homes all over the world. It was kind of frighting.
But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.
People .... having a form of godliness but denying its power.
Have nothing to do with them.
They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women,
who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,
always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
This is very dangerous for women because we can be swayed. The only way to not get caught in this web is to feed on the Word as much as you pray and we are to pray w/o ceasing! Having a relationship with God is a two way street. Don't be the only one having a gab fest! Let God do some major talking.
All Scripture is God-breathed
and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
II Tim 3:16-17
So Whom is your Source for your spirituality?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
fear vs faith ...
As my mind has been overloading on the 'fear not' message, I have decided that the opposite is faith.
Shaking in fear is ugly and does not please the Maker but He knows that is very much apart of the flesh experience. So He is always quieting us with His Words if only we keep our hearts soft and open to Him. I love this verse as I really want my Heavenly Father to smile over me and be pleased at this little girl creation. I have been praying hard for my family and for me over the earthly fears. We will go through fire and flood (Isa 43:1-4) but He is my Keeper and He keeps us. By praying I keep my faith and trust focused on Him. I know by His Good Keeping, rewards of comfort and peace and ultimately Joy will overflow my heart...
But without faith
it is impossible to please Him,
for he who comes to God
must believe that He is,
and that He is a Rewarder
of those who diligently seek Him.
Heb 11:6
Shaking in fear is ugly and does not please the Maker but He knows that is very much apart of the flesh experience. So He is always quieting us with His Words if only we keep our hearts soft and open to Him. I love this verse as I really want my Heavenly Father to smile over me and be pleased at this little girl creation. I have been praying hard for my family and for me over the earthly fears. We will go through fire and flood (Isa 43:1-4) but He is my Keeper and He keeps us. By praying I keep my faith and trust focused on Him. I know by His Good Keeping, rewards of comfort and peace and ultimately Joy will overflow my heart...
Saturday, January 10, 2009
flourish = Joy's verb ...
Joy is a state of being content & trusting in God. Flourish is Joy in verb form and it is beautiful!
When I think of flourish, my mind is overflowing with good things like beautiful, color popping flowers flourishing in a gentle breeze. Simply put, just winsome. I love how flourish is described in Psalms 92:12-15:
A palm tree is made stronger when it bends in horrific winds and on a beautiful day, a palm tree is so tall and flourishes against a blue sky. Do I bend under God's allowance of storms or do I fight against what He is doing in my life?
When I am planted in the House of the Lord, there will I be most joyful and flourishing. I see the House of the Lord anywhere I am in communion with God via His Word and my prayers, thanksgiving, and hymns. It is also my obedience (good fruit) as my love shared to Him. This is were I am most beautiful and the most flourishing. What is my return? a nice big fat, fruitful, and flourishing me! {beautiful}
flourish |ˈfləri sh |
verb
1 grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, esp. as the result of a particularly favorable environment
• develop rapidly and successfully .
• [with adverbial ] (of a person) be working or at the height of one's career during a specified period
When I think of flourish, my mind is overflowing with good things like beautiful, color popping flowers flourishing in a gentle breeze. Simply put, just winsome. I love how flourish is described in Psalms 92:12-15:
The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree
Those that be planted in the House of the LORD shall flourish in the courts of our God.
They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat and flourishing;
To show that the LORD is upright: He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.
A palm tree is made stronger when it bends in horrific winds and on a beautiful day, a palm tree is so tall and flourishes against a blue sky. Do I bend under God's allowance of storms or do I fight against what He is doing in my life?
When I am planted in the House of the Lord, there will I be most joyful and flourishing. I see the House of the Lord anywhere I am in communion with God via His Word and my prayers, thanksgiving, and hymns. It is also my obedience (good fruit) as my love shared to Him. This is were I am most beautiful and the most flourishing. What is my return? a nice big fat, fruitful, and flourishing me! {beautiful}
Thursday, January 08, 2009
basket of nerves ...
I called up little bro today. He is leaving for Chicago early in the morning to head down for Nicaragua (1wk) for his masters degree. He is always a basket of nerves but being far away from I didn't know if he was rattling around. At the holidays he seemed quite still and ok. Well, I am glad I called. He is concerned and he also feels that the 'planners' didn't really plan as well as he hopes. Plus, he had to sign a form saying that if he should die while on the trip that his family could not sue. That really bugs him. Of course it would, he is a husband and a new dad.
I took the 'fear not' verses that I had compiled together from our Christmas get together and emailed them to my family this week. He took it and emailed it to the group that is going on the trip. He says that he has some fears. But you know I believe strongly that believers will have fear feelings but it is what we do with those feelings. We need to dig ourselves deep into God's Word and lean hard into them - like palm trees in hurricane winds. They bend and don't break... I call it renewing of the mind... or my favorite 'talking back'!!!! I start 'talking back' God's Word straight into the face of fear. I even get out my little soap box {grins}.
I told him that I would take his fears and pray. Not only that but I am praying the 'fear not' verses for him. It is amazing at the power of God's Word! I also told little bro that when I am restless or nerveous that I take out my New Testament that I carry with me and read the Psalms. It is amazes me that every time I do so, I feel calm... maybe he will try it too.... Most of all I will be praying that he relaxes and finds God's beauty in the place and see God moving in the people and in him...
I took the 'fear not' verses that I had compiled together from our Christmas get together and emailed them to my family this week. He took it and emailed it to the group that is going on the trip. He says that he has some fears. But you know I believe strongly that believers will have fear feelings but it is what we do with those feelings. We need to dig ourselves deep into God's Word and lean hard into them - like palm trees in hurricane winds. They bend and don't break... I call it renewing of the mind... or my favorite 'talking back'!!!! I start 'talking back' God's Word straight into the face of fear. I even get out my little soap box {grins}.
I told him that I would take his fears and pray. Not only that but I am praying the 'fear not' verses for him. It is amazing at the power of God's Word! I also told little bro that when I am restless or nerveous that I take out my New Testament that I carry with me and read the Psalms. It is amazes me that every time I do so, I feel calm... maybe he will try it too.... Most of all I will be praying that he relaxes and finds God's beauty in the place and see God moving in the people and in him...
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
True Strength ...
You know the feeling when it is such a relief for a man to step in for you and carry some burden that you had been overloaded with? Or the feeling when a man spoke up for or stood as a shield when you felt paralyzed by the need to be nice but needed to be strong on your values? It is call STRENGTH and every beauty needs someone to be strong for you?
I have always enjoyed and thanked God for His Creations like when I am going to work on a winter day and the bright yellow sun is waking up and kissing me on the cheek. I thank God for this because it is His Kiss and His pat on my back saying 'go get 'em'. I also thanked God for the past two weeks off because I needed it so badly and under normal circumstances couldn't. I totally enjoyed every moment off. I got to take care of me and my space. But I realized that my thank you needs to be more specific so that I recognize for myself that it is God, my Great Lover, who stood up for me and my beauty and said 'It is time to rest and enjoy it.' Now that is True Strength and True Romance. Ahh, my Everlasting Love!
Q's:
Where has God been my Strength and stood up for me or shielded me when I couldn't? How has His Strength protected my beauty? Have I thanked God for His Everlasting Love and Strength? How does if feel to finally breath again without the burden God shouldered? Will I let His Strength nourish my beauty?
I have always enjoyed and thanked God for His Creations like when I am going to work on a winter day and the bright yellow sun is waking up and kissing me on the cheek. I thank God for this because it is His Kiss and His pat on my back saying 'go get 'em'. I also thanked God for the past two weeks off because I needed it so badly and under normal circumstances couldn't. I totally enjoyed every moment off. I got to take care of me and my space. But I realized that my thank you needs to be more specific so that I recognize for myself that it is God, my Great Lover, who stood up for me and my beauty and said 'It is time to rest and enjoy it.' Now that is True Strength and True Romance. Ahh, my Everlasting Love!
Q's:
Where has God been my Strength and stood up for me or shielded me when I couldn't? How has His Strength protected my beauty? Have I thanked God for His Everlasting Love and Strength? How does if feel to finally breath again without the burden God shouldered? Will I let His Strength nourish my beauty?
Sunday, January 04, 2009
1st single crochet!
I DID IT! I finally figured out how to single crochet! I have been wanting to make Amigurumi for my niece and maybe for myself. I do like anything small. Now I am on my way.
Last week I found some instructions that had actual pictures instead of drawings. It makes a big difference when you are trying to 'SEE' what and where you need to go to make loops or stitches. My Grandma has long past away and I didn't want to learn when she was able plus, not sure I would have picked it up. I think I am learning that it is best if I learn on my own. Interesting - but from all my years studying on how to teach I figured out how I best learn. Now it is difficult for me to be taught by others because I know how I learn and others haven't figured that out. To be a good teacher you have to know how your student learns and teach it that way to them.
Anyways!!! I have been practicing and have figured out how to increase and decrease. I'm not sure if I have the slip stitch quite figured out and why it is needed. I am working on the rounds because that is what Amigurumi is based on. I am finding that the magic ring works best as just the regular ring isn't cutting it for me. I have made a long range goal of mastering the crochet in the round by the end of the month. I didn't think I gave myself enough time but now that I got the rows worked out, I might just make that goal. However, I reallllllly want to get with making my first Amigurumi!!!
Last week I found some instructions that had actual pictures instead of drawings. It makes a big difference when you are trying to 'SEE' what and where you need to go to make loops or stitches. My Grandma has long past away and I didn't want to learn when she was able plus, not sure I would have picked it up. I think I am learning that it is best if I learn on my own. Interesting - but from all my years studying on how to teach I figured out how I best learn. Now it is difficult for me to be taught by others because I know how I learn and others haven't figured that out. To be a good teacher you have to know how your student learns and teach it that way to them.
Anyways!!! I have been practicing and have figured out how to increase and decrease. I'm not sure if I have the slip stitch quite figured out and why it is needed. I am working on the rounds because that is what Amigurumi is based on. I am finding that the magic ring works best as just the regular ring isn't cutting it for me. I have made a long range goal of mastering the crochet in the round by the end of the month. I didn't think I gave myself enough time but now that I got the rows worked out, I might just make that goal. However, I reallllllly want to get with making my first Amigurumi!!!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year ... 2009
I was rereading a portion of 'Captivating' and realized that I need to let God romance me more. I have delighted in Him but when it comes to my aloneness and my heart, I fail to let Him heal and fill it up. No wonder I am often questioning what He is doing. So I think this year's theme will be about being Romanced by an Everlasting Love - Jer 31:3.
Funny, I think aloneness should be a word but every time I spell check, the dictionary questions it. Maybe I should substitute the oneness that it offers as it is what I am trying to do with my aloneness...
Funny, I think aloneness should be a word but every time I spell check, the dictionary questions it. Maybe I should substitute the oneness that it offers as it is what I am trying to do with my aloneness...
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