Calgon Take Me Away!

 Usually I write down my thoughts then go back and put them on the blog, but today I have decided to wing it.  Why today you ask? A couple of reasons 1. My house is surrounded by large machines that sound like a 747 is about to land in my backyard 2. I feel like a sandwich with all the plastic that is wrapped around my house. Not to mention that several times a day the doorbell will ring and off goes Pavlov's dogs (mine) and sometimes the cats too. My three story home is being painted, something I have been dreading for a long time. The painters started last week the tedious power washing and the scraping. Can you say nails on a chalkboard? 

   As I thought about a topic for this weeks blog, the first word that popped in my mind was patience or lack of. :)   And yesterdays teaching was on 1Corinthians 13:4-7 Ugh!  Why this week?  You know the one that's all about love being patient, kind...I probably should stop right there.  Do you know how hard it is to do those when all around you there are so many inconveniences. 

  Its then that the Lord reminds me that this is a blessing not an inconvenience. I have to stop and get my attitude adjusted as to what an inconvenience really is, such as no job, no food, bad health, no home. It has been hard to change my whole schedule to adjust to all that is going on around me, the noise ,the people, the mess, gates being left open so I have to watch the dogs every time they are out. The list goes on and on but there is no excuse not to show the love of the Lord. We never know how the Lord is going to use us and who He has brought into our path to change their life. 

 1Corinthians 13:1 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I  am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

1Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

1Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. 

Its amazing how different circumstances and people seem when we try to view them through the eyes of the Lord.  We never know what kind of mess their lives are in and maybe just maybe the Lord is going to use my little mess of an inconvenience to show them who He is.

1Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Have a wonderful week!

Linda

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Yes, No, Maybe !!

Yesterday pastor in his teaching touched on the lack of commitment there is in the world today. Lack of commitment happens to be one of my pet peeves. I guess it can get me angrier then probably anything else. I know we have all dealt with people who do not do what they say they will do, and maybe your one of those who struggle with commitment yourself.

Scripture is really clear about how we should treat our commitments.

Matthew 5:37 Simply let your "yes" be a "yes" and your "no" be a  "no" anything beyond comes from the evil one.

How simple is that? In other words when I commit to something, when I say I will do something, I need to do it. No matter what.

Jesus committed Himself to die on the cross for you and me, it was plain He did not want to do it.

Matthew 26:39 Jesus said, My father if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.

Lets not forget to mention here that the disciples had gone with Jesus to Gethsemane to pray. He said to the disciples "Sit here while I go over there to pray."  He then took Peter and Zebedee's two sons with Him.

Jesus said to them. My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.

When He returned to His disciples He found them sleeping.

He said, "Could you men not keep watch with me for one hour?"

Even Jesus himself had to deal with those who were not committed to the point of their own discomfort. When people don't do what they say they will do  it's usually a sign that they want something else they think is better for who?  THEMSELVES!

 
Look at divorce today, if both people are truly committed to working on the marriage, putting their energy into a person they committed to...there would be a lot less divorce.

Commitment comes in large (like marriage) and small packages. If I commit to be someplace at a certain time, I need to be there. If you know someone who is always late, the problem is a lack of commitment. Lack of commitment is a serious thing in God's eyes.

Psalm 37:5 Commit your ways to the Lord

Lack of commitment doesn't only happen in one area of our lives, it runs into all areas. If its hard to commit to another person or promise, it will truly be hard to commit to the Lord. If its hard to commit to the small things its gonna be hard to commit to do things the Lord's way.

1Kings 8:61 But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by His decrees and obey His commands.

2Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

The next time you start to say "YES" to something, make sure your committed to doing what you say.

Matthew 5:37  Simply let your"yes" be a "yes" and your "no" be a "no"


Have a great week !


Linda

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Are You Wise ???

I never thought I would say this but I love texting. Now I'm not one of those who can text at the speed of light with my eyes closed, but my tablet has the swype and I am pretty good (if I do say so myself) at swyping. It seems like I am always aging myself..but I remember a time that when you swyped something it was not good...it meant you stole it.  :/  Anyway, I love texting for one reason- I text my son, daughter-in-law and two grand daughters every morning to say "Good Morning" and find out what is happening for the day. They are in the Chicago area, so what a blessing to hear the sound that I got a text back.

This morning Lora (daughter-in-law) and I touched on the topic of wisdom. Which I thought might be a great topic for the blog this week. It sort of started with the fact that where she works is changing their complete phone system to a totally new phone system on the busiest phone day of the week. We both thought that wisdom was not in this decision, but as she said with a :) face what do we know?

Its thinking like this that we see all the time that just doesn't ooze wisdom. Have you ever had someone talk to you about a problem they have and as you listen your thinking why would you do that? That's a dumb idea, and to you the wise answer is so clear,but to them they just can't see it. We might call this not much common sense.

Webster says that wisdom is the understanding of what is true, right or lasting, common sense, good judgement.

If you read or listen to the news you can see lack of common sense and good judgement everywhere. Are we born with wisdom? I don't think so according to scripture.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault and it will be given to him.

So according to this we need to ask God for wisdom. A lot of the time we decide we're going to do something and ask God to bless our decision. At times that is perfectly fine depending on the circumstance. I don't think God cares if we buy a white car or a blue car, the question is can we afford the car, that's when its time to ask for wisdom.

Psalm 111;10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His commands have good understanding.

That's pretty awesome!!! To get wisdom we must first know Him and fear (respect) Him. When we obey His commands we will have good understanding about those things we need to be wise in.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

If you want to grow wise don't hang with those who make bad decisions. It is true "birds of a feather do flock together". Be careful who you hang out with.

Proverbs 3:7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.

Have a teachable heart, don't think you are always right. Be willing to listen to what the Word says and ready to ask others who walk in good judgement their opinion.

Proverbs 9:8 Rebuke a wise man and he will love you.

When we want to do the right thing we will love those who will be honest and tell us when we are wrong.

Daniel 12:3  Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of heavens and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.

In other words wise people standout in the crowd, they lead by example and many will follow. In this world today wisdom is a rare find.

1 Corinthians 1:25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.

Have a wonderful and blessed week.
                                                           
Linda

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Clutter Control !

It never fails that when I'm having a conversation with a woman or a group of women, the word organized always seems to pop up. It goes one of two ways: I can't seem to get organized or I am so organized I can't enjoy the people in my life. Like everything else there has to be balance. (I know there's  that word again)

I use to be a real perfectionist, I would clean, organize, have everything the way I wanted it and here would come someone who thinks that drinking glass can sit in the sink, or don't they know that pillow has to be put on the right side of the couch, how come there is a newspaper laying on the table, who forgot to put the bread away, how many times do I have to tell them that throw rug needs to be straightened. On and on until I was exhausted. This my friend is the picture of an over organized person whose life is out of control. The good news is that I either got too tired or there is something about getting older that mellows you out....:)

Being organized is not as hard as it seems. It does take a little planning and some effort. So if you feel your needing to organize some of the clutter in your house lets  first find out what kind of clutter type you are:
 The Collector-collectors collect things. The End.

The Concealer-concealers collect things but the stuff is neatly packed away so the outsider won't see any clutter.

The Accumulator-is your basic pack rat...the person who keeps everything.

The Tosser-doesn't let anything lie around for long.

The big problem comes when the collector marries a tosser..lets don't go there!!

Not only can we have clutter in our house, but a lot of the time that clutter spills over onto our lives especially in our hearts.

  The Collector-collects things people have done to them, what was said, what they didn't do, how it hurt. They get angry and display all your wrongs for everyone to see...gossip.

The Concealer-collects things people have done to them , gets angry but packs them away so no one knows they feel this way. With everything neatly packed away they begin to withdrawal from those who hurt them and eventually from others who haven't for fear they will.

The Accumulator-this person keeps everyone as their friend, wanting everyone to like them no matter what they have to do to please them.

The Tosser-won't let anyone in, they have been hurt by way too many. Don't even think you can have a relationship with a tosser, their heart has grown so cold. 

Clutter in the physical is usually a symptom of the clutter in the emotional and spiritual part of your life. Lack of clutter or being too organized is also a symptom of a void your trying to fill emotionally and or spiritually.

To declutter you first have to acknowledge it, face it and start to work on it a little at a time.

The same goes with heart clutter..
Acknowledge that you can't do this alone you need the Lord's help
Face the fact that you need to forgive those who have hurt you (hard one)
Start to work on it a little at a time; with prayer, God's word and the knowing that you don't have to do this alone.

Psalm 119:32  I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.

Have a great week!

Linda :)

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Happy Feet !!!!!

Do you ever find yourself becoming aware of how your shoulders are pulled up to your ears, your teeth are grinding, your body is tense?  The moment you become aware of the anxiety, you let your shoulders down, take a deep breath and feel your body relax. Oh! how good that feels. 

In today's rush,rush world with so many important things to do, we lose sight as to how much stress we put on ourselves. We really have to think about relaxing. 

There are many reasons besides being too busy, why we are always in a state of tension and we've covered that in some earlier blogs.

The words for this week are: Loosen Up..Party Down..Run Like The Wind..Shake Your Groove Thing. O.K. I just aged myself. You get the message. There are things we can do that will calm us down and help us to enjoy life.

Lets start with the practical one we all know, but makes us tense just thinking about it.

EXERCISE..One of the best ways to relieve stress. We all know how it releases the good stuff for our bodies. Why then is it so hard to do. I think, my personal opinion, we make it bigger then it has to be. We have a picture in our minds that we need to (work out) and end up looking like this unattainable picture we have in our heads. When that seems impossible (which it is) unless you live at the gym...we don't do it.

Which brings me to my second point:

DANCE..I don't mean every step gracefully done..I mean get up off that couch and dance, turn on your favorite tune and dance all through the house. So what if its mid morning with dishes in the sink, laundry in the basket...DANCE!!  Have fun don't worry about time. Oh! how fun exercise can be.

LAUGHTER..Our bodies love it when we laugh. It releases all kinds of good things causing our body to relax. As we get older we forget to laugh. Mackenzie (my oldest grand daughter) loves to tell jokes...remember the silly ones we use to tell in grade school? I bought a joke book so I could have something to tell her. We are always telling each other jokes, they are silly but what fun. If you can't find something to laugh about-buy yourself a joke book.

Humor..Are you always serious in your day, trying to get things done, hurrying here and there. STOP!!! find some humor.  Sometimes we have to get creative, but that's what makes it fun. Send someone a silly card, look around at what the birds, squirrels, your pets do that bring a little humor into your day. Warning: You have to STOP to pull this one off.

DON'T TAKE YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY..so what if things didn't go as you planned, you still got it done. It's going to be fine! Your a really funny person, you just don't know it because that side rarely comes out.

Most Importantly...

YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD..you will never be able to relax if you don't know the Lord in a personal way.  You'll always be searching for something, trying to fill that void. He is the only way to have complete contentment even through the tense times in life.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

NOW GO DANCE!!!

Have a shake your groove thing kind of week :)


Linda

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I Feel Grumpy Comin On!!!

Do you ever feel grumpy? I mean really grumpy. The kind of grumpy that makes you want to "spit nails." Sorry about that picture in your head right now. I have to confess I feel grumpy comin on. I've heard this hot weather can cause people to be irritable, but I am hardly in the heat. Can't be that.

We can blame grumpiness on a whole load of things, but if we get honest with ourselves it comes down to a right attitude. In other words I need an attitude adjustment. Sounds simple enough but it is NOT.

Have you ever been in one of those places where your looking forward to something your really excited about, you can't wait, you feel so good, you feel nothing can stop you, life is perfect, everything is great! We call that a mountain high-then you wake up the next morning, the event is over, nothing to look forward to, you don't want to get out of bed,life looks bleak. What changed? Nothing but your attitude, we call this a valley low.

Life is all about peaks and valleys. How we perceive life and those things around us make the difference between grumpy and content.

Grumpy is a cute word for angry. When we're grumpy you can be sure anger is the culprit.

Exodus 34:6 The Lord,the Lord the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.

That should be our example, slow to anger and abounding in love. Let me stop here and say "This is not easy." This is not a normal reaction to those things or people who can really get to us. Our first inclination is to vent and strike out.

Proverb 15:1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I got to tell you this sounds good but so very hard to do. It's true how can you argue with someone when there is nothing said to argue about.

Proverbs 29:11 A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control.

Not many choices here ,we are either a fool or a wise man.

Proverbs 29:22  An angry man stirs up dissension and a hot tempered one commits many sins.

Anger can make us act and say many foolish things.

James 1:19 Everyone should be quick to listen,slow to speak and slow to become angry

James 1:20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

The word of God is very plain, we need to control our (grumpiness) anger. On our own impossible!!

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Have a wonderful attitude week. :)

Linda

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Have You Any Wool ????

Many years ago I lived out a ways from the city. It was not my favorite place. I am a city girl by heart. I do have to admit there is a peace that you can never find in the city, the quietness, the sound of the breeze, birds are all a part of the country life.

Down the road, over the bridge and around the curve (that's how you find your way in the country) there lived a sheep farmer. I loved looking at them as I drove by, I had never seen them up this close. They look so cute and sweet, but looks can be deceiving. It brought to mind a book that I have read many times. Believe me, I am not one to read a book over again, but this one is just practical and I learn things about sheep I didn't know, not to mention it opens up the scriptures in Psalm 23 in a new and exciting way.

The title is "A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23 " by Phillip Keller. Mr Keller grew up and lived in East Africa, surrounded by simple native herders. Then as a young man made his own livelihood for about eight years as a sheep owner and sheep rancher. So he writes this with first hand experience with every phase of sheep management.

Psalm 23:2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.

The strange thing about sheep is that because of their very make-up it is almost impossible for them to be made to lie down unless four requirements are met.
1. Sheep are very timid, they refuse to lie down unless they are free of fear.
2. Because of the social behavior within a flock sheep will not lie down unless they are free from
    friction with others of their kind.
3. If tormented by flies or parasites, sheep will not lie down-only when free of these pests
    can they relax.
4. Lastly sheep will not lie down as long as they feel in need of finding food, they must be free from
    hunger.

   

It is significant that to be at rest there must be a definite sense of freedom from fear, tension, aggravations and hunger. The unique aspect of the picture is that it is only the shepherd himself who can provide release from these anxieties. It all depends upon the diligence of the owner whether or not his flock is free of disturbing influences.

A flock that is restless, disoriented, always agitated and disturbed never does well. And the same is true with people. No wonder the Lord called us sheep throughout the scriptures.

Psalm 100:3 we are His people; the sheep of His pasture.

Psalm 119:176 I have strayed like a lost sheep

Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep have gone astray

John 10:11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

Have a great week!! If you can, pick up this book, you will truly be blessed.

Linda :)

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Hurry Up!! I Got Things To Do.

As Monday gets closer I start brainstorming in my head as to what topic I want to touch on. This last Saturday was the Women Encouraged "Get Together Saturday" at my house. Our topic was a teaching by Joyce Meyer "Are You Too Busy?" If you've ever listened to her you know she gets right down to the nitty gritty. I have been thinking a lot about some stuff she had to say.

Her main point was..are you busy or fruitful?  Stop and be honest with yourself, which category do you fall into? She talks about the fact that we all have the  same amount of time. What are you doing with it?

Most of us are over committed and under satisfied. One of my pet peeves (don't mean to step on any ones toes here) but it amazes me how many hours in a week is spent on sports. Nothing wrong with a fun game, but it is out of balance and no one seems to notice or be concerned.

Busyness, according to Joyce has become almost a badge of honor, we are proud that we are so busy....but what does the Lord think of our busyness? We each were created with a purpose, most likely in our running here and there at a speed faster then light, not only do we not know our purpose, we don't have time to seek God for what that purpose might be. 

If we are over committed, we need to change that!!! One of the hardest words to say is "NO" we start there. A decision always means change. Are you willing to make changes? What changes will you make?

Spending time with God will definitely change things. In His Word, Isaiah 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.   How can we know which way to go if we don't even take the time to listen. We are so preoccupied and overly busy that our priorities become all messed up. 

To get an idea of where your priorities are, take time to sit down and write out all the things you put your time into...then take each thing you wrote and ask yourself ..WHY?  You gotta get real here.

A lot of what we do can be put into one or more of the following categories:

Trying to impress others.
Trying to keep people happy and not angry at us.
Belonging...being part of something.
We feel guilty if we don't do it.
We might look like a bad person
We want people to like us.

Becoming fruitful means change. Being fruitful means being productive and bearing good fruit.
John 15:16 I have chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit..fruit that will last.
What is the fruit of the Holy Spirit?
Galatians 5:22  But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

When we walk in the purpose God has set for us, we begin living a life of passion, not a life full of dread and busyness.  Now ask yourself...AM I TOO BUSY?

Isaiah 30:21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying this is the way, walk in it.
Have a restful and passionate week!

Linda

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Pass The Mustard Please!

Everyone knows that Wednesday is the Fourth of July. If you doubt that you can look in the sale flyers and see all the stuff you can buy cheaper because its  the fourth. Look at the grocery store shelves where the buns, mustard, hamburger,chips use to be. NADA! Gone! Some have already left this past weekend to start to celebrate by swimming, boating, eating and lots of drinking. And of course who can forget its the fourth when loud reminders explode in the sky for weeks until wee hours of the morning. Parks will be packed, back yards will be filled with the smell of food on the grill. Bottles of sun tan lotion will be the companion of all in hopes it will protect them from the pain of burned skin. WHAT A CELEBRATION IT WILL BE ! 

But wait....what has happened to the pomp and circumstance, the seriousness, the awe, the compassion for what the fourth truly means....the lives lost for our freedom,the thankfulness that we live in a  country where we are truly free,the respectfulness to a God who created all that exists, the love for one another and the knowledge of how precious life is, especially the unborn.

Wednesday is a day for celebration...take time to be thankful, reach out to someone who may need a hug, a smile,an invitation to dinner,tell someone how much they mean to you, share the story of this great freedom with your children, your grandchildren, share with others the wonders of this country that we take for granted. Most important thank God that He has placed you in such a wonderful wonderful place.

Thank you Lord, that you placed me in a nation that I am free to do the purpose you created me to do.  That I can live in  complete peace knowing you are in control. That I have choices to live my life to the fullest.

Psalm 148:5  Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created.

Have a wonderful week, and a great,safe holiday celebration!!!!!  Now could you please pass the mustard?

Linda

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The Girl Still Likes To Party!!

I'm sitting at my desk , thinking what topic do I write about today. I noticed the new little sheep toy I bought my greyhound yesterday.  Its on my desk because even though Lizzie Chanee' (standard poodle) got two new toys yesterday, she wants Care Bears. I know kids with fur!!!  I don't want Lizzy to think she can chew up Care Bears toy so I keep taking it away from her and giving her the two toys I got her. Strangely enough she loved the two toys until I handed the little sheep to Care Bear.

You gotta know that Lizzy Chanee' is what they call a party poodle. (She truly is a party waiting to happen.) She has the markings of a dalmation, black and white, some large dots and some small.  She is about 3 1/2 years old. She is just now starting to calm down a bit... out of her puppy stage. 

When we first bought her and brought her home I was hoping there was a receipt with her, I really didn't know if we had done the right thing. Adorable..check, Beautiful..check, Smart..check, out of control..very much.

We had her only a few hours when she found some kind of mushroom growing behind a tree in our yard, she ate it... because some are poisonous, I called the vet. He didn't think it was poisonous but to give her some peroxide to make her vomit. We did...She did.

A couple of weeks later I noticed her limping, although it did not slow her down. I took her to the vet, x-rays showed she had broken her little toe!!! Huh?  A few weeks later she had some blood dripping from her tail..to the vet..for some reason where they had bobbed her tail it opened up..surgery and stitches. They had to shave her tail for surgery and wrapped the whole stub of a tail with bright neon yellow bandages. WOW! weird looking. Since she didn't like that she continually ripped it off. The vet said it was necessary to keep it on there until it healed. Every time she would rip it off I would have to take her to the vet to have it rewrapped. One week I was there six times.

So you see life for me changed very quickly. To make matters worse my two greyhounds did not like her, she thought they should be playing 24/7. Can you say irritating?  I enrolled her in obedience school, she was growing and growing fast. Let me just say she would almost drag me when she was on her lead. She loves people, especially kids and anyone who talks to her.So everytime we would take her someplace,because she is like a kid magnet she was always in a state of party. She graduated from obedience school and does many tricks, but the girl still loves to party.

She is now 69lbs. and growing, lots of energy. I have come to love her more than I ever imagined I could. She makes me smile many times a day, she hugs, kisses, plays and snuggles. Care Bear now misses her when Lizzy is at the groomers. When I bring her home Care Bear can't wait to run and play with her. So all in all I thank the Lord all the time that He brought Lizzy Chanee' into my life.I'm sure He feels the same way about us when we are just "a party waiting to happen."

John 10:27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they know me.

Have a great week!!!

Linda

   

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Its Just A Simple Chalkboard !!

Last weeks blog was about getting ready for our big garage sale.  Today it is over!!!  Let me say it again...today it is over!!!  yeah!  It went really well. We sold most of it and what we didn't sell, someone came and took it away.  :)  I really do hate the process of getting ready for one of these sales.  Can you say "lots of work"?  We hired movers to bring things down from our third floor, otherwise it would definitely still be there.

I have to admit I enjoy the actual sale.  We had so many great people show up, lots of conversation,connected with a couple of long time ago classmates, and made a  couple of new could be friends.  In the end it was really a good sale, with lots of people and lots of sales.

Today it is back into the routine of everyday life.  Funny how fast things come and go, you find yourself right back where you were.  Joyce Meyers in one of her teachings says, that people are always thinking the grass is greener on the other side, always looking for something better, but that life is made up of 90% mundane everyday stuff.  We have our daily routines and yes they do get mundane at times, but we have so much to be thankful for in our every days.

  
I have a large chalkboard hanging in my kitchen, so that I can write scripture on it and read it when I pass by.  I had just changed the scripture last week to read...Isaiah 40:31  but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.  As the woman in charge of the movers came into my kitchen to go over the moving contract and have me sign the papers, she stood there staring at my chalkboard.  She looked at me and said in a very serious voice "I love what that says, can I take a picture of it with my phone so I won't forget that"?  Of course, I said.  I told her it is a bible verse.  She has not read the bible and didn't know.  As she helped with the move she kept talking to me about a lot of things, her life, job, kids, then she said..you are a really nice customer, I really like you, your fun to talk to.  I thought what a great opening and suggested that maybe we could do a bible study.  To my surprise she was saying she would like that.  She asked me what church I go to..and said she would like to come with us sometime.  I really love those divine appointments!!!

Who would have thought that the chalkboard in my kitchen would become the light in someones everyday life.  God is so good!!!

Psalm 33:4  For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does.

Have a wonderful week!

Linda   

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To Sell Or Not To Sell..That Is The Question

Is the week-end over already?  This is just too soon for it to be Monday.  Looking at the pile of items in front of me, I have to think.....where did we get all this stuff and why did we keep it?  You see its pre-garage sale week at my house. UGH!

Rick (my husband) and I have been threatening to do this for a few years, never had the courage to tackle it. This is tackle week.  Our home has four floors if you count the basement, that's where I spent the entire weekend. UGH!  My work office is there plus my sewing/craft room.  A storage room (looking kind of empty) Yeah!  and Ricks office.

Why do we keep things we haven't used or seen in years?  The biggest question is why when we find them we have to decide whether they will go or stay?  Hmmm!!!!  I thought this was a girl thing, but after the weekend I see it is not.  I guess men have their sentimental what in the world is that, haven't seen this for years, I better keep this stuff too.

We did make progress and we still have the rest of the week to go.  Our next project is the third floor, which has been our storage area.  I don't even know what is up there.  Rick asked me if I was going to sell all the Christmas trees....I said "No, you never know when we might need all 15 of them.  Since our house has large rooms, one year I had five trees throughout the house.  I forgot you have to put it all back after the holidays.  Haven't done that one again.

Through all this digging out and putting a value on my stuff, I have realized how blessed I am. ( I think that quite often) but as you go through things you have accumulated you see how often we take "stuff" for granted.  How wasteful we can be and how "stuff" is so important.

I think the word the Lord has placed in my heart is SIMPLIFY get rid of those things you don't need, be thankful for all that you have.  I'm sure that Saturday after my "stuff"  has found a new home, I'll never even know its gone.

Psalm 100: 4  Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.

Happy Garage Sale Week!!! :)

Linda

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Last fall I decided that in the spring I was going to plant the beginning of a vegetable garden.  I contacted several seed companies, requested their catalogs and e-mails.  I was ready to dig in (no pun intended) and find out what would be best to start with since it would have to be a raised garden.

Our house is 100 years old with a double lot.  Years ago there was (according to neighbors) a beautiful in ground pool on that lot.  The people before us had a son who liked to roller blade, so they filled in the pool and put a large cement pad in its place so he could skate.  We call it our "cement pond."

It's  on our cement pond that I thought would be the perfect place for a raised garden.  As the months of fall turned into winter, the seed magazines started rolling in.  I would glance at them and put them on the shelf.  Winter turned into spring (where does the time go?) with not one veggie planted or one catalog even looked at in a serious what do I plant way.

My first tendency was to be totally upset with myself, I was disappointed that I had not even taken the time to plan a garden let alone plant one.  At times my ideas are bigger then the time frame.  It wasn't that I was sitting around doing nothing, but I was very unrealistic in what my priorities would be.

Life can be overwhelming, so many things to do, not enough hours in the day.  It's like those spinning plates on the stick, trying to keep them spinning so they won't fall.Or if you've ever watched a hamster running on his wheel, he goes really fast but never gets anywhere.  Ever feel like that?

That's what happens when we put unrealistic schedules in our everyday lives.  We run from one place to the next, always in a hurry to get what needs to be done, people where they need to go, responsibilities taken care of....running, running, running...never getting anywhere.

Life is like a garden, to have balance it needs time, some planning with realistic goals and schedules.  The people in our lives need to be nurtured and cared for with OUR time.  Like my raised garden without planning you get an empty cement pond with stacks of useless catalogs.

Don't let your life speed out of control..take some time to appreciate the people and things around you.

Psalm 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God.

Have a wonderful and peaceful week! :)

Linda

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Freedom Isn't Freedom Unless Your Free!!!

Today we celebrate the remembrance of those who died to keep us free.  Here is some history of Memorial Day.

On May 5th 1868  the head of the Republic established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers.

General John Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30th.

It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country.

The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery.

Today cities in the North and South claim to be the birthplace of Memorial Day in 1866.

To ensure the sacrifices of America's fallen hero's are never forgotten in December 2000 the U.S. Congress passed and the President signed into law "The National Moment Of Remembrance Act"  to encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country which provides them so much freedom and opportunity by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment Of Remembrance.

The National Moment Of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 P.M. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence and honor for those who have died in service to the nation.

Please take time not only today "Memorial Day" to thank the Lord for your freedom in this United States, but also the freedom He has for you in Him.

2Corithians 3:17  where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Have a wonderful and blessed week !

Linda

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Do Hummingbirds Hum ?

The other day I was standing on my patio, when something swooped down at a high rate of speed just missing my head.  After regaining my composure( bet the neighbors got a laugh)  I determined it was a hummingbird.  A couple of years ago I had planted a butterfly bush in my garden, around July it is the landing point for every butterfly in the neighborhood.  Gorgeous!!

What I didn't know is that hummingbirds like it too.  What fun they are to watch, especially since I haven't seen that many.

Here are a few fun facts about hummingbirds:

Hummingbirds are the tiniest birds in the world.

They can flash their bright colors as well as hide them when needed.

They are very smart, they can remember every flower they have been to , and how long it will take the flower to refill.

They can hear better then humans, and see farther then humans.

They have little sense of smell.

They use their tongue to lap up nectar, its shaped like a "W", it has tiny hairs on the end to help lap up the nectar.

Their heart beats up to 1,260 times per minute.

Their metabolism is roughly 100 times that of an elephant.

They have very weak feet and can barely walk.  They prefer to fly, and they like to perch.

They can fly both forwards and backwards, even upside down.

Their average rate of speed is 25-30 miles per hour and can dive up to 60 miles per  hour.

Their wings rotate in full circle.

Some will travel over 2,000 miles twice a year during migration.

Thinking about this tiny bird and all of its out of the ordinary  accomplishments, I thought how many creatures there are in this world.  Some I still don't know exist. If you have ever watched Animal Planets shows on underwater creatures you know what I mean when I say there are things down there I could not imagine. How creative and wondrous God is!

Genesis 1:1  In the beginning God created the heavens

Genesis 1:21  God created the great creatures of the sea

Psalm 148:5  For He commanded and they were created

Genesis 1:27  God created man in His own image

Of all that God created, He made us in His own image.  What a testimony of His love for us.  Not only did He create us, but He died for us.  We are the only thing He created that has a choice to spend eternity with Him.  When I look around at all He created I am humbled that He loves me with an unconditional love.  Amazing!!!

Psalm 139:4  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well.

By the way, the answer to the question do hummingbirds hum....is NO..their wings flap so fast, they make a noise that sounds like humming.  Although I am almost sure I heard tiny laughing as that one barely missed me. :)

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Everything Is Meaningless!!

My morning bible study was on the futility of life...again from James McDonald.  He started at:

Ecclesiastes 1:3-9  What does a man gain from all his labor at which he toils under the sun?  Generations come and generations go, but the earth remains forever.  The sun rises and the sun sets, and hurries back to where it rises.  The wind blows to the south and turns to the north; round and round it goes ever returning to its course.  All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full.  To the place the streams come from there they return again.  All things are wearisome more than one can say.

It sounds pretty depressing, but if we are honest we all feel this way more than we want to admit.  Mondays only reinforce this feeling, paydays and even special occasions.  We look forward, can't wait and its over before you know it.  No matter what is happening in our life there are more ordinary days than there are extraordinary.  We can't wait until the weekend, weekend comes we start dreading Monday before Saturday is even over.

Ecclesiastes 1:2  Meaningless! Meaningless! Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.

Do you feel your spinning your wheels most of the time?  Your always walking uphill?  There is always something you need to get done?  Welcome to everyday life!!!!  Part of the problem is that our expectations are out of whack.  We want life to be extraordinary  in an ordinary world.

No matter how hard we try, what we do, who we are with, life is still ordinary.  If we are expecting people and the world to make us happy, it will never happen.

Psalm 27:4  One thing I ask of the Lord this is what I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord.

There is your answer.  To change ordinary into extraordinary , we have to hang out with Him.  In  His presence there is joy, peace, and a satisfaction you cannot get anywhere else. How do you get in His presence???  First you must "seek" Him...(His Word).  Second hang out with God's people, and Third begin serving Him.  Everyday life will still be everyday life, but you will be living in a not so ordinary way.

My challenge to you this week: 1. Read the following verses several times.

Nehemiah 8:10  For the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Isaiah 51:11  Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away

Habakkuk 3:18  Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in my Savior.

2.  Write them down, put them where you can see them and read them often.
3.  Ask the Lord to show you how extraordinary He is.

YOUR LIFE WILL NOT BE THE SAME!!!!!

Have a wonderful and very blessed week.

Linda

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