Backyard Blessings
Several days ago, Life Changes were the topic of conversation on That's Life. Huge, mega life changes, as in move out of state, away from family, know only a few people where we are going, new neighborhood, new church, new home, new everything. Well, that Life Change day is here. We leave in just about 30 hours for our new destination.
I sat in our current backyard this morning sipping a piping hot cup of coffee while the movers were moving furniture and boxes into the POD. I felt a great sense of peace and contentment amidst the chaos. I thoroughly enjoy sitting in the backyard and listening to the birds gingerly call to each other. My roses are in full bloom so the entire yard was filled with the scent of roses. Whoa! What a gift! What a blessing! I was thinking it was the nature in my backyard's way of saying "Farewell, old friend. You have taken good care of us and we thank you for helping us grow and become beautiful."
One thought led to another and I remembered so many things that happened in this backyard - the Women's Breakfast, our son and daughter-in-laws engagement party, pizza parties, my father-in-laws memorial with the entire family sharing a meal on a beautiful summer afternoon and then of course, Great Oaks Preschool - kids running and playing and having a blast, family Game Nights, many years of Easter Egg hunts, playing super hero with my grandson, burying Ziggy, my son's pet lizard, sitting on the roof and looking at the stars or the fireworks that seemed to explode right over our yard, the huge owl that would swoop across the yard each evening looking for dinner, the raccoon that got trapped behind the shed, the chicken that flew into our yard and fell between the sheds, the baby bunnies that were born under the sheds, the husband and wife ducks that came each morning to eat the sunflower seeds, the squirrel that traversed the telephone wire above our fence always stopping to taunt the dogs with a wild shake of his tail and his lively chatter. So very many cool, happy, blessed memories -- and then it happened, the tears began to flow. Happy tears of life well lived. Happy tears of family fun. Happy tears of friends gathering in a place that was filled with love and laughter and shenanigans. Critters large and small that felt welcome, safe and comfortable visiting our backyard. (The gophers were not so welcome, however.)
This backyard has always been a place of happiness for me. A place to feel blessed. A place to think, draw, write, read and just sit and be myself - soaking in the quietness of the backyard. I pray that I will find that same peace, contentment and blessing in the backyard of our new home. When we were there a couple months back, I kinda got the feeling that I will. I wonder if it is not so much the location of the backyard as it is the state of mind of the person that is in the backyard.
Backyard blessings to each of you, wherever you are!
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
Within You
Within You
Within you lies the capability to love.
- to fill another so full they are made complete.
Within you lies the power to forgive.
- making bitterness an unwelcome guest and allowing heart wounds to heal.
Within you is the opportunity to do or be whatever it is you are passionate about.
- following your heart - your hopes and dreams may be the answer to another's prayer.
Within you is the ability to make a difference.
- coloring your world - one beautiful brush stroke at a time - with your God-given talents and
gifts - makes a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
Within you is found everything you need.
LOOK. SEARCH. FIND. ACCESS.
And be all you were created to be.
Rd 3/24/16
Within you lies the capability to love.
- to fill another so full they are made complete.
Within you lies the power to forgive.
- making bitterness an unwelcome guest and allowing heart wounds to heal.
Within you is the opportunity to do or be whatever it is you are passionate about.
- following your heart - your hopes and dreams may be the answer to another's prayer.
Within you is the ability to make a difference.
- coloring your world - one beautiful brush stroke at a time - with your God-given talents and
gifts - makes a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.
Within you is found everything you need.
LOOK. SEARCH. FIND. ACCESS.
And be all you were created to be.
Rd 3/24/16
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Life Changes
Life Changes
When I was a little kid, growing up in the Chicago area, it didn't seem like much changed. I went to the same grade school for 8 years, then the same high school for 4 years. All that time, we lived in the same house, I had the same friends and we went to the same church. We went to the same grocery store every week - called the A & P. We got to drink pop (soda) and have popcorn every Friday night. Once a month my dad took us to White Castle for hamburgers. Once a year we went to River View - the nearest amusement park to our home and once a year we went to the Zoo. Not much changed, year to year, day to day, but I was never bored. We played outside until dark and then when it was dinner time, my dad would give his loud whistle and we would run home. We went to the park, we played in the fields, we built snowmen and snow forts and had snowball fights. We played hide and seek, we played ball, we played school...you name it, we played it. We were having fun and enjoying life without change.
In high school subtle changes started occurring. I noticed boys, had different friends, had some freedom to spread my wings and try new things. And I wanted to. I wanted to see my life change, but it was rather scary.
After I got married, big time changes starting happening - I had babies, and with each baby we needed a bigger home so we began moving - first a one bedroom apartment in the city, then a 2 bedroom apartment in the city, next a 2 bedroom house in the suburbs, then a 3 bedroom house way out in the boonies. With each move there were life changes: new friends, new jobs, new schools for the kids and of course new responsibilities. Life changes that caused us to grow up real fast.
Then it happened - the biggest life change of all (so far) ...a move out of state and away from family. We knew 2 people in our new locale and they did not live anywhere near where we were going to live. So basically, we were on our own with 4 kids and a dog in a new state where we knew no one. Talk about a life change. This was a job transfer so at least we were not jobless. That was definitely a plus. But we were in an apartment again for a while and again with new schools for the kids, new friends, new church, new everything. We knew living in an apartment was not a permanent thing so we were not surprised when we moved to a 4 bedroom home. This is where we settled for 27 years and made new friends, the kids attended new schools, we settled into church life, community life and we thought this was it. We would be here till the end. No more big life changes, no more moving, no more new anything. Life without change and it was good.
Little did we know God had other plans for us - one more big life change coming our way - RETIREMENT! and with retirement comes yet another move - Surprise!! a doozy of a move - out of state again and away from family to a place where we know just 4 people. (That is an improvement!) This time, it is just the two of us and the anticipation and excitement is unlike any of our other life changes. This time we see it as an adventure. This time, though things will be new, we are older and wiser and see things from a different perspective. Our perspective now says "bring it on" we can handle it. And if we don't like it, we'll move again. There is no fear, no worry, just the knowledge that all the life changes we have been through have brought us to this point. It seems natural for us to be doing this. At this point in our lives, we are strong in the knowledge that God is with us and directing our path. We are ready for this life change and we don't think we will ever be bored. We are looking forward to having fun and enjoying life in retirement with or without any more life changes. And that is good because, That's Life!
When I was a little kid, growing up in the Chicago area, it didn't seem like much changed. I went to the same grade school for 8 years, then the same high school for 4 years. All that time, we lived in the same house, I had the same friends and we went to the same church. We went to the same grocery store every week - called the A & P. We got to drink pop (soda) and have popcorn every Friday night. Once a month my dad took us to White Castle for hamburgers. Once a year we went to River View - the nearest amusement park to our home and once a year we went to the Zoo. Not much changed, year to year, day to day, but I was never bored. We played outside until dark and then when it was dinner time, my dad would give his loud whistle and we would run home. We went to the park, we played in the fields, we built snowmen and snow forts and had snowball fights. We played hide and seek, we played ball, we played school...you name it, we played it. We were having fun and enjoying life without change.
In high school subtle changes started occurring. I noticed boys, had different friends, had some freedom to spread my wings and try new things. And I wanted to. I wanted to see my life change, but it was rather scary.
After I got married, big time changes starting happening - I had babies, and with each baby we needed a bigger home so we began moving - first a one bedroom apartment in the city, then a 2 bedroom apartment in the city, next a 2 bedroom house in the suburbs, then a 3 bedroom house way out in the boonies. With each move there were life changes: new friends, new jobs, new schools for the kids and of course new responsibilities. Life changes that caused us to grow up real fast.
Then it happened - the biggest life change of all (so far) ...a move out of state and away from family. We knew 2 people in our new locale and they did not live anywhere near where we were going to live. So basically, we were on our own with 4 kids and a dog in a new state where we knew no one. Talk about a life change. This was a job transfer so at least we were not jobless. That was definitely a plus. But we were in an apartment again for a while and again with new schools for the kids, new friends, new church, new everything. We knew living in an apartment was not a permanent thing so we were not surprised when we moved to a 4 bedroom home. This is where we settled for 27 years and made new friends, the kids attended new schools, we settled into church life, community life and we thought this was it. We would be here till the end. No more big life changes, no more moving, no more new anything. Life without change and it was good.
Little did we know God had other plans for us - one more big life change coming our way - RETIREMENT! and with retirement comes yet another move - Surprise!! a doozy of a move - out of state again and away from family to a place where we know just 4 people. (That is an improvement!) This time, it is just the two of us and the anticipation and excitement is unlike any of our other life changes. This time we see it as an adventure. This time, though things will be new, we are older and wiser and see things from a different perspective. Our perspective now says "bring it on" we can handle it. And if we don't like it, we'll move again. There is no fear, no worry, just the knowledge that all the life changes we have been through have brought us to this point. It seems natural for us to be doing this. At this point in our lives, we are strong in the knowledge that God is with us and directing our path. We are ready for this life change and we don't think we will ever be bored. We are looking forward to having fun and enjoying life in retirement with or without any more life changes. And that is good because, That's Life!
Saturday, March 19, 2016
St. Patrick's Day Prayer
St. Patrick's Day Prayer
I missed posting this on St. Patty's Day, but this prayer really applies for everyday, so bear with me.
First a little background information:
Wikipedia gives this information about young Patrick: "According to the Confession of St. Patrick, at the age of just sixteen Patrick was captured by a group of Irish pirates.[34] They brought him to Ireland where he was enslaved and held captive for six years. Patrick writes in The Confession[34] that the time he spent in captivity was critical to his spiritual development. He explains that the Lord had mercy on his youth and ignorance, and afforded him the opportunity to be forgiven of his sins and converted to Christianity. While in captivity, Saint Patrick worked as a shepherd and strengthened his relationship with God through prayer eventually leading him to convert to Christianity.[34]"
By Patrick's own account in his Confession of St. Patrick, the story goes on to say that after 6 years of slavery he escaped and returned to his family in Great Britain where he continued to study Christianity. After becoming a cleric, he returned to northern and western Ireland as a missionary due to a vision he had that told him to do so. In later life, he served as a bishop and by the seventh century, he had already come to be revered as the patron saint of Ireland.
While in Ireland serving as a missionary, legend has it that Patrick used a 3 leaf clover (shamrock) to teach the unbelievers in Ireland about the Holy Trinity.
3 persons in One True God. Father (God), Son (Jesus) and Holy Spirit.
I have learned that each person of the Trinity plays a specific role in our lives and so we can pray:
Never let me stop learning about You, God my Father.
Never let me stop trying to be like You, dear Jesus.
Never let me stop listening to You, O Holy Spirit.
- Amen
Blessings to you this St. Patrick's Day.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Don't Rain on My Parade!
Don't Rain on My Parade!
You are daydreaming and thinking and using your imagination and you come up with this fabulous idea. It will solve so many problems. It will benefit so many people. Maybe it will just be really cool! But, you know - absolutely without a doubt - it is a good idea. Then you share the idea with someone else only to have that person say, "You can't do that!" "It will never work!" "That's dumb!" Not only have they rained on your parade - it is now pouring -- buckets. Those words have pelted your idea and turned it into the biggest mud puddle you have ever seen. So what do you do? Typically, if you are like most folks, you let that great, fabulous idea sink into the muck and mire of that mud puddle, never to be spoken of or thought of again.
The inventor of the Knomo Drop & Go Bag had an idea - a parade - if you will. Let me ask you this...How many times has your cell phone battery died when you most needed the cell phone and you were not in a location where you could recharge the battery? It's happened to me plenty of times. I am pretty sure it happened to the inventor of the Knomo Drop & Go Bag plenty of times too! The Knomo Drop & Go Bag has a built in cell phone charger. It is touted as the first in-bag charging device. What a great idea! A purse with a built in phone charger - now that is cool. An amazing parade, wouldn't you say? This was a creative way to solve a problem, benefit tons of people with an added bonus...it is also really cool.
Here's the point. God gives each one of us creativity genes - some more than others, but none the less, think about it, we are created in His image. I can't think of anyone more creative than The Creator, can you? What comes out of your creativity no one else can do. Your sense of creativity is yours alone. Find what you love or are passionate about and do something creative with it. The love of that "thing"- whatever it is - was put there by The Creator. That creative "idea" - whatever it is - was put in your head by The Creator. So, I repeat... do something creative with it. Write that book. Paint that picture. Build that building. Design that invention. Start that program. Just do it! Start now. But, don't let anyone rain on your parade. It is not their parade to rain on.
"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, to be like us..." Genesis 1:26a
" I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it well." Psalm 139:14
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1Thess.5:11
You are daydreaming and thinking and using your imagination and you come up with this fabulous idea. It will solve so many problems. It will benefit so many people. Maybe it will just be really cool! But, you know - absolutely without a doubt - it is a good idea. Then you share the idea with someone else only to have that person say, "You can't do that!" "It will never work!" "That's dumb!" Not only have they rained on your parade - it is now pouring -- buckets. Those words have pelted your idea and turned it into the biggest mud puddle you have ever seen. So what do you do? Typically, if you are like most folks, you let that great, fabulous idea sink into the muck and mire of that mud puddle, never to be spoken of or thought of again.
The inventor of the Knomo Drop & Go Bag had an idea - a parade - if you will. Let me ask you this...How many times has your cell phone battery died when you most needed the cell phone and you were not in a location where you could recharge the battery? It's happened to me plenty of times. I am pretty sure it happened to the inventor of the Knomo Drop & Go Bag plenty of times too! The Knomo Drop & Go Bag has a built in cell phone charger. It is touted as the first in-bag charging device. What a great idea! A purse with a built in phone charger - now that is cool. An amazing parade, wouldn't you say? This was a creative way to solve a problem, benefit tons of people with an added bonus...it is also really cool.
Here's the point. God gives each one of us creativity genes - some more than others, but none the less, think about it, we are created in His image. I can't think of anyone more creative than The Creator, can you? What comes out of your creativity no one else can do. Your sense of creativity is yours alone. Find what you love or are passionate about and do something creative with it. The love of that "thing"- whatever it is - was put there by The Creator. That creative "idea" - whatever it is - was put in your head by The Creator. So, I repeat... do something creative with it. Write that book. Paint that picture. Build that building. Design that invention. Start that program. Just do it! Start now. But, don't let anyone rain on your parade. It is not their parade to rain on.
"Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, to be like us..." Genesis 1:26a
" I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it well." Psalm 139:14
"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1Thess.5:11
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Who Do You Trust?
Who Do You Trust?
I have found that each day people make choices in who or what to trust. A knock on the door comes or the doorbell rings - do I open the door or do I open the window first and call out asking who is there? Do I trust that the person at the door is who they say they are? Do I trust that the person is safe and not looking to harm me? Do I trust that what they are selling is for real? Trust is huge!
Who do you trust? - the universe - the world and it's offerings - the stars - numbers - chance - people - the cards - luck? - or God.
God, who loves you without fail - no matter what, all the time with an everlasting love. Jer. 31: 3
God, who created you and knit you together in your mother's womb. Ps. 139:13
God, who laid out every single moment of every single one of your days. Ps. 139:16
God, who knows how many hairs are on your head and finds you valuable in every way. Luke 12:7
God, who has a plan for you, a plan to prosper you and not harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11
God is a sure thing. The rest, not so much!
Who do you trust?
"Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing." Ps. 143: 8 & 10
I have found that each day people make choices in who or what to trust. A knock on the door comes or the doorbell rings - do I open the door or do I open the window first and call out asking who is there? Do I trust that the person at the door is who they say they are? Do I trust that the person is safe and not looking to harm me? Do I trust that what they are selling is for real? Trust is huge!
Who do you trust? - the universe - the world and it's offerings - the stars - numbers - chance - people - the cards - luck? - or God.
God, who loves you without fail - no matter what, all the time with an everlasting love. Jer. 31: 3
God, who created you and knit you together in your mother's womb. Ps. 139:13
God, who laid out every single moment of every single one of your days. Ps. 139:16
God, who knows how many hairs are on your head and finds you valuable in every way. Luke 12:7
God, who has a plan for you, a plan to prosper you and not harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future. Jer. 29:11
God is a sure thing. The rest, not so much!
Who do you trust?
"Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your gracious Spirit lead me forward on a firm footing." Ps. 143: 8 & 10
Monday, February 2, 2015
Choose Wisely, Grasshopper!
Choose Wisely, Grasshopper!
I have found that every action requires a choice. A choice we are free to make.
These choices affect how we see ourselves and how others see us.
The choices we make each day, moment to moment, affect us in a very personal way and they also affect those we live and work with.
Think about that!
In the words of Mr. Miyagi, "Choose wisely, Grasshopper!"
"A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." Proverbs 24: 3-4
"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."
James 3: 17
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24
I have found that every action requires a choice. A choice we are free to make.
- Love or hate
- Wisdom or foolishness
- Contentment or bitterness
- Being Happy or grumpy
- Pleasant or resentful
- Positive or negative
- Agreeable or contrary
- Open-minded or closed-minded
- Obedient or disobedient
- Selfless or Selfish
These choices affect how we see ourselves and how others see us.
The choices we make each day, moment to moment, affect us in a very personal way and they also affect those we live and work with.
Think about that!
In the words of Mr. Miyagi, "Choose wisely, Grasshopper!"
"A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense. Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables." Proverbs 24: 3-4
"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."
James 3: 17
"Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works." Hebrews 10:24
Friday, January 9, 2015
So that...
So that...
Jesus is with each one of us, always. If we are attentive and listen for Him to speak, He will guide and direct. He will admonish as needed and will also be our best cheerleader. He does this because He loves us and wants us to be the best we can be. He wishes to have a relationship with you and me that transcends any we could have on earth.
Prayer:
Thank You, my Jesus, for being with me always and having a desire to talk to me. Oh, that I would listen and heed Your instruction. That I would follow Your guidance. Let Your thoughts invade my mind and heart and soul.
My deepest desire is to please You and hear You as You speak words of life into me.
So that...
You may be glorified.
You will be seen.
You will be praised.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." Psalm16:11
Further meditation:
Matthew 5: 14- 16, Psalm 18:46, Psalm 16: 7 & 8
Jesus is with each one of us, always. If we are attentive and listen for Him to speak, He will guide and direct. He will admonish as needed and will also be our best cheerleader. He does this because He loves us and wants us to be the best we can be. He wishes to have a relationship with you and me that transcends any we could have on earth.
Prayer:
Thank You, my Jesus, for being with me always and having a desire to talk to me. Oh, that I would listen and heed Your instruction. That I would follow Your guidance. Let Your thoughts invade my mind and heart and soul.
My deepest desire is to please You and hear You as You speak words of life into me.
So that...
You may be glorified.
You will be seen.
You will be praised.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer." Psalm 19:14
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of Your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." Psalm16:11
Further meditation:
Matthew 5: 14- 16, Psalm 18:46, Psalm 16: 7 & 8
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Shield of Love
Shield of Love
This morning I went out to the backyard to check the hummingbird feeder to see if the juice needed to be replaced. It only lasts a couple days before it starts to get foggy and look like maybe there should be a warning sign for the hummingbirds - "Drink at your own risk!" Anyway, the juice was foggy and I could see some stringy things floating around in it so I went inside to make a fresh batch of juice. While I was waiting for the water to boil, I kind of watched the feeder to see if any hummingbirds came to take a drink. One did. But just as he (or she) was about to dip in and drink, another hummingbird flew from somewhere and chased the drinker away. They both flew off and neither one took a drink. Now, keep in mind I do have a good imagination, but as I was observing this, my thought was that the second hummingbird was standing guard somewhere and warning the hummingbirds not to drink the juice. As if shielding them from disastrous consequences or a sore tummy at the very least.
Well, the juice has been changed and is fresh and sweetly yummy for my little friends the hummingbirds. So no worries for all of you that were fearful I was poisoning those delightful creatures. Truthfully, the second hummingbird was probably just being a stinker. But isn't the thought that he was acting as a shield or protector kind of a cool idea?
A shield conjures up thoughts of strength, protection, power, soldiers in battle. My hands are clenched as I reread those words. Just saying the word SHIELD, causes me to envision a huge silver embossed shield that weighs a ton and has been through many battles. That mighty shield is always protecting the bearer, allowing him (or her) to ward off the many blows that come.
Sometimes in my day to day life I wish I had a shield to protect me from hurts or disappointments. A big - huge - weighs a ton - silver protective shield that wards off the blows of life - "real or imagined". I could place it over my head and nothing could touch me or my heart. Because it is my head that thinks things into existence and my heart that hurts. I don't imagine I am alone in this way of thinking.
What I fail to remember is that I am covered by a shield. A shield of love. God's love. God's love! If I will just cling to Him when the hurts and disappointments come - He will protect my heart with His comfort. If I will turn to Him when my thoughts begin to run wild and imagine things - I will think truth. It is when I am far from Him that I wish I had a shield. When in fact I already have one, I am just not using it.
Father in heaven, You surround me with your shield of love. Help me always be aware of your presence - so very real. Amen.
"For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
This morning I went out to the backyard to check the hummingbird feeder to see if the juice needed to be replaced. It only lasts a couple days before it starts to get foggy and look like maybe there should be a warning sign for the hummingbirds - "Drink at your own risk!" Anyway, the juice was foggy and I could see some stringy things floating around in it so I went inside to make a fresh batch of juice. While I was waiting for the water to boil, I kind of watched the feeder to see if any hummingbirds came to take a drink. One did. But just as he (or she) was about to dip in and drink, another hummingbird flew from somewhere and chased the drinker away. They both flew off and neither one took a drink. Now, keep in mind I do have a good imagination, but as I was observing this, my thought was that the second hummingbird was standing guard somewhere and warning the hummingbirds not to drink the juice. As if shielding them from disastrous consequences or a sore tummy at the very least.
Well, the juice has been changed and is fresh and sweetly yummy for my little friends the hummingbirds. So no worries for all of you that were fearful I was poisoning those delightful creatures. Truthfully, the second hummingbird was probably just being a stinker. But isn't the thought that he was acting as a shield or protector kind of a cool idea?
A shield conjures up thoughts of strength, protection, power, soldiers in battle. My hands are clenched as I reread those words. Just saying the word SHIELD, causes me to envision a huge silver embossed shield that weighs a ton and has been through many battles. That mighty shield is always protecting the bearer, allowing him (or her) to ward off the many blows that come.
Sometimes in my day to day life I wish I had a shield to protect me from hurts or disappointments. A big - huge - weighs a ton - silver protective shield that wards off the blows of life - "real or imagined". I could place it over my head and nothing could touch me or my heart. Because it is my head that thinks things into existence and my heart that hurts. I don't imagine I am alone in this way of thinking.
What I fail to remember is that I am covered by a shield. A shield of love. God's love. God's love! If I will just cling to Him when the hurts and disappointments come - He will protect my heart with His comfort. If I will turn to Him when my thoughts begin to run wild and imagine things - I will think truth. It is when I am far from Him that I wish I had a shield. When in fact I already have one, I am just not using it.
Father in heaven, You surround me with your shield of love. Help me always be aware of your presence - so very real. Amen.
"For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." Psalm 5:12
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
It's All Good
It's All Good
There is a great children's book called Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin. Pete is a very cool cat. And he wears tennis shoes. I told you he was cool! Pete was just strolling along singing his song "I love my white shoes", so proud and happy with his white tennis shoes when all of sudden he steps in a large pile of strawberries. And you guessed it - his beautiful white shoes turn RED. This does not phase Pete in the least and he just changes his song - "I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes", when suddenly he steps in a large pile of blueberries. Pete does not cry he just keeps walking along and signing a new song - "I love my BLUE shoes" - in fact, Pete thinks it's kind of awesome that now he has blue shoes instead of plain old white shoes. As Pete strolls along, he steps in mud and his shoes turn brown and then steps in water to wash away all the color, but now his shoes were wet. And the moral of the story is no matter what you step in, just be happy and keep singing your song because --------- It's all good!!!!!
And it is.
In the early 80's we were still living in Chicago and we were happy campers. We owned a really nice house had great neighbors, wonderful friends, owned two stores. Life was good and we were strolling along singing our song. When suddenly the economy went south (uh oh, curve ball coming our way) and thus so did our two stores and we fell on hard times. But family and friends helped out and we kept singing our song. Finally in order to prevent filing for bankruptcy we had to sell our house and the two stores. This was devastating as we had worked very hard and saved and planned in order to buy the home and we loved the stores. But, stuff happens, right? Life just has to go on. We took it in stride and just did what needed to be done. We rented a home in the same area and then my in-laws purchased a home that we rented from them also in the same area. And so, not much was different except the house we lived in, same friends, the kids were at the same schools, so life was still good ---- just a little different --- new jobs, we met new great neighbors and we kept singing our song in spite of our losses.
You see, no matter what curve balls head your way, if you just do what needs to be done and move on rather than dwelling on the curve balls, you can get through it. If you dwell on the curve balls they hit you - ya gotta duck!!
Everything happens for a reason, and it's all good!
Make the most of whatever life sends your way because, it's all good!
Search and find the positive in all situations, there's one there, somewhere, because it's all good!
Lean on the everlasting arms of Christ and you can do anything and make it through anything and then it's all good. That's the secret.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 11 - 13
There is a great children's book called Pete the Cat I Love My White Shoes written by Eric Litwin. Pete is a very cool cat. And he wears tennis shoes. I told you he was cool! Pete was just strolling along singing his song "I love my white shoes", so proud and happy with his white tennis shoes when all of sudden he steps in a large pile of strawberries. And you guessed it - his beautiful white shoes turn RED. This does not phase Pete in the least and he just changes his song - "I love my red shoes, I love my red shoes", when suddenly he steps in a large pile of blueberries. Pete does not cry he just keeps walking along and signing a new song - "I love my BLUE shoes" - in fact, Pete thinks it's kind of awesome that now he has blue shoes instead of plain old white shoes. As Pete strolls along, he steps in mud and his shoes turn brown and then steps in water to wash away all the color, but now his shoes were wet. And the moral of the story is no matter what you step in, just be happy and keep singing your song because --------- It's all good!!!!!
And it is.
In the early 80's we were still living in Chicago and we were happy campers. We owned a really nice house had great neighbors, wonderful friends, owned two stores. Life was good and we were strolling along singing our song. When suddenly the economy went south (uh oh, curve ball coming our way) and thus so did our two stores and we fell on hard times. But family and friends helped out and we kept singing our song. Finally in order to prevent filing for bankruptcy we had to sell our house and the two stores. This was devastating as we had worked very hard and saved and planned in order to buy the home and we loved the stores. But, stuff happens, right? Life just has to go on. We took it in stride and just did what needed to be done. We rented a home in the same area and then my in-laws purchased a home that we rented from them also in the same area. And so, not much was different except the house we lived in, same friends, the kids were at the same schools, so life was still good ---- just a little different --- new jobs, we met new great neighbors and we kept singing our song in spite of our losses.
You see, no matter what curve balls head your way, if you just do what needs to be done and move on rather than dwelling on the curve balls, you can get through it. If you dwell on the curve balls they hit you - ya gotta duck!!
Everything happens for a reason, and it's all good!
Make the most of whatever life sends your way because, it's all good!
Search and find the positive in all situations, there's one there, somewhere, because it's all good!
Lean on the everlasting arms of Christ and you can do anything and make it through anything and then it's all good. That's the secret.
"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4: 11 - 13
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