Wondering if the people who always seem to have it all together really do or not. There are those who seem peaceful, happy, effective...and I wonder.
I wonder if I pretend well enough that folks think I am one of those who have it all together. I wonder.
Honestly, just when I begin to feel a bit of peace and balance in my life I just go crazy again. Why is that? Like Paul says in the Bible...I do the very things that I don't want to do and don't do what I know I should. Being in good company with Paul isn't really making me feel all that much better.
The small silver lining it all the chances I get to begin again...
I think I will go now and read again how Paul dealt with this problem.
Wondering.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The Amazing Appearing Cat
We have cats and dogs and I can't even imagine not having them, or some of their kin. They are so amusing.
Sunday, on the way to church, I realized it was too cold and ran back in to get a sweater. As I ran in, Skippy Joe ran out. I gave it a very hearty attempt to get him back in the house... for about 15 seconds. I was late for church already! So, Skippy was out on his own. He isn't an outdoor kitty really and this was the first time we had left him out when we weren't there to let him in as soon as he asked to come in. It was a little nerve wracking.
After church, as soon as I got out of the car, I was calling for The Skipster. He is usually pretty good about showing himself when called...not always coming to you or coming inside, mind you, but showing himself to see if you have something interesting...and there was no Skippy Joe. Now a little bit nervous. There is a mean neighborhood kitty.
As soon as I walk in the door, there is Skippy, sitting at the water bowl, giving me the evil eye as if to say, "Where have you been? I wanted in and you weren't here." I looked at my husband just to confirm that he hadn't let the cat in before we left for church even though I knew that he had been in the car when I ran up to the house for my sweater...even though I knew that he didn't let Skippy in, THERE was Skippy! The amazing APPEARING cat!!!
With a little confusion and trepidation I went further into the house. As I got to the bedroom the mystery was solved. The screen from the window was on the floor and the window wide open. The mighty Skippster had climbed up on the wood pile under the window and pushed the screen into the room...I thought the dogs must have helped at first, but even our smarter than average dogs couldn't have pulled the screen into the room.
All you can do is shake your head and grin!
What amazing thing has your furry friend done?
Sunday, on the way to church, I realized it was too cold and ran back in to get a sweater. As I ran in, Skippy Joe ran out. I gave it a very hearty attempt to get him back in the house... for about 15 seconds. I was late for church already! So, Skippy was out on his own. He isn't an outdoor kitty really and this was the first time we had left him out when we weren't there to let him in as soon as he asked to come in. It was a little nerve wracking.
After church, as soon as I got out of the car, I was calling for The Skipster. He is usually pretty good about showing himself when called...not always coming to you or coming inside, mind you, but showing himself to see if you have something interesting...and there was no Skippy Joe. Now a little bit nervous. There is a mean neighborhood kitty.
As soon as I walk in the door, there is Skippy, sitting at the water bowl, giving me the evil eye as if to say, "Where have you been? I wanted in and you weren't here." I looked at my husband just to confirm that he hadn't let the cat in before we left for church even though I knew that he had been in the car when I ran up to the house for my sweater...even though I knew that he didn't let Skippy in, THERE was Skippy! The amazing APPEARING cat!!!
With a little confusion and trepidation I went further into the house. As I got to the bedroom the mystery was solved. The screen from the window was on the floor and the window wide open. The mighty Skippster had climbed up on the wood pile under the window and pushed the screen into the room...I thought the dogs must have helped at first, but even our smarter than average dogs couldn't have pulled the screen into the room.
All you can do is shake your head and grin!
What amazing thing has your furry friend done?
Saturday, October 24, 2009
And Then They Were One
Amber and Bryan have been going to church with us for quite awhile now. They are so cute and sweet and faithful. It is not an easy thing to make God a focus in your life when you are not surrounded by like minded people. They are making a go of it and seeming to enjoy the journey.
Watching them love each other and get engaged - it just makes a believer in you all over again.
Today was the wedding. The church was beautiful and the pews were full.
As we stood to welcome Amber into the service I watched Bryan instead of turning to see Amber...it was so worth it to see the love all over his face. When I did turn to look at Amber she was aglow as well. Finally, she and Bryan got to get ahold of each other and they held on so tightly and encouragingly. When Bryan stumbled over the tears in his throat during the saying of the vows, Amber never looked away and encouraged him ever so gently with her hands on his. When it was Amber's turn to talk, Bryan was the encourager. When they got to finally seal the deal with the kiss, they melted into each other and gathered strength.
This has been typical of what I have seen and known about them from church. They seem to understand even now that love is more than a feeling. It is a determination to lift up your mate with encouragement every time it is needed. It is all that and more!
I have a great feeling about these two young folks...it's a lifetime of joy for them. I'm sure. I can't wait to watch them grow older together.
God bless them real good.
Watching them love each other and get engaged - it just makes a believer in you all over again.
Today was the wedding. The church was beautiful and the pews were full.
As we stood to welcome Amber into the service I watched Bryan instead of turning to see Amber...it was so worth it to see the love all over his face. When I did turn to look at Amber she was aglow as well. Finally, she and Bryan got to get ahold of each other and they held on so tightly and encouragingly. When Bryan stumbled over the tears in his throat during the saying of the vows, Amber never looked away and encouraged him ever so gently with her hands on his. When it was Amber's turn to talk, Bryan was the encourager. When they got to finally seal the deal with the kiss, they melted into each other and gathered strength.
This has been typical of what I have seen and known about them from church. They seem to understand even now that love is more than a feeling. It is a determination to lift up your mate with encouragement every time it is needed. It is all that and more!
I have a great feeling about these two young folks...it's a lifetime of joy for them. I'm sure. I can't wait to watch them grow older together.
God bless them real good.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Stirring
There is definately something stirring. I feel an abundance...a ripening...something ready to burst forth (and it is more than my weight!)...an answer to prayers...some that I am pretty sure I never even thought of.
What is the change? Listening? Making myself open and more available?
A striving to control my thoughts and think only what is good and pure and right?
It isn't easy at all. But for this feeling...it is so worth it!
Let the listening and striving continue and God's work be done. Amen.
What is the change? Listening? Making myself open and more available?
A striving to control my thoughts and think only what is good and pure and right?
It isn't easy at all. But for this feeling...it is so worth it!
Let the listening and striving continue and God's work be done. Amen.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
God's Moving
For quite a while now, Don and I have been comfortably alone together. We didn't do much with other folks in or out of our family. It was good time together. We did, however, pray for God to use us.
Now, I can feel Him moving in our lives. We are making connections with people in and out of our families in ways that we would never have expected.
Don has taken on a man to do chores who needs to know about God more than most people. Don pays him to do what he could certainly do himself and then he gets to speak the Message to him on occasion. God is moving in us and through us.
Don's brother has come to stay for awhile and look for a job.
God is changing our lives.
Letting God lead is powerful. It is hard for me, especially, because I always want to do it my way for myself...I can fix "it" whatever "it" is!
Letting God lead is peaceful. I am feeling joy. I am feeling a major change in me and in my life with my little husband. Peace, purpose, joy...it's all good.
God's not finished with me yet. Amen.
Now, I can feel Him moving in our lives. We are making connections with people in and out of our families in ways that we would never have expected.
Don has taken on a man to do chores who needs to know about God more than most people. Don pays him to do what he could certainly do himself and then he gets to speak the Message to him on occasion. God is moving in us and through us.
Don's brother has come to stay for awhile and look for a job.
God is changing our lives.
Letting God lead is powerful. It is hard for me, especially, because I always want to do it my way for myself...I can fix "it" whatever "it" is!
Letting God lead is peaceful. I am feeling joy. I am feeling a major change in me and in my life with my little husband. Peace, purpose, joy...it's all good.
God's not finished with me yet. Amen.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
A Bit of Balance
A full and balanced day...rare and wonderful.
Started with worship among friends and fellow travellers. Lunch with my little husband after church at New China with only reasonable consumption. Shopping for a friend who needed a broom and delivery. An invitation to Don's brother (who is in a transition time in his life and needs a safe harbor and lots of love) to come and stay as long as he would like.
A little reading and a nap. Time at work, but not too long. A 2 mile walk at the high school while listening to my friend, Patrick talk about unity among all of us who love Jesus. Home to fix lunches and still only about 8:00pm. Yippee!
Still have time to read a bit more before I fall asleep. Hope your day was purposeful and blessed.
Good night, friends.
Started with worship among friends and fellow travellers. Lunch with my little husband after church at New China with only reasonable consumption. Shopping for a friend who needed a broom and delivery. An invitation to Don's brother (who is in a transition time in his life and needs a safe harbor and lots of love) to come and stay as long as he would like.
A little reading and a nap. Time at work, but not too long. A 2 mile walk at the high school while listening to my friend, Patrick talk about unity among all of us who love Jesus. Home to fix lunches and still only about 8:00pm. Yippee!
Still have time to read a bit more before I fall asleep. Hope your day was purposeful and blessed.
Good night, friends.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
More and More
God designed out bodies to work beautifully...if we stick somewhat close to the original plan, I think.
For way too many years I have taken my body for granted. It has worked well for me with relatively little upkeep on my part. I am healthy, but things are beginning to hurt more often for longer times. Things I used to be able to enjoy (potato chip and chocolate frenzy) with little or no ill effect just are not possible anymore. Sigh.
But the good news is that God has a good plan. I can feel myself tending toward healthier eating because I enjoy it more and more. I can feel myself enjoying preparing healthier food more and more. I still have to fight the convenience of "fast food" and "prepared" foods, but it is coming more and more.
Two good magazines for you to check out are Eating Well and Clean Eating.
Enjoy!
Not sure if I am becoming someone new or returning to who I used to be or who I always wanted to be...very perplexing.
For way too many years I have taken my body for granted. It has worked well for me with relatively little upkeep on my part. I am healthy, but things are beginning to hurt more often for longer times. Things I used to be able to enjoy (potato chip and chocolate frenzy) with little or no ill effect just are not possible anymore. Sigh.
But the good news is that God has a good plan. I can feel myself tending toward healthier eating because I enjoy it more and more. I can feel myself enjoying preparing healthier food more and more. I still have to fight the convenience of "fast food" and "prepared" foods, but it is coming more and more.
Two good magazines for you to check out are Eating Well and Clean Eating.
Enjoy!
Not sure if I am becoming someone new or returning to who I used to be or who I always wanted to be...very perplexing.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Woolies!
One thing I do know about myself is that I am a creator. Here are some of my Woolies. Enjoy!
Now, I am going to make some more...little sittable softies...can't wait to meet them.
Pretending
I hope it isn't just me, but am afraid that it may be. Does any one else ever feel like they don't know who they are anymore? I feel like I am just pretending to be whatever anyone needs me to be and I'm not sure who I am or want to be anymore. It is very disconcerting, to say the least.
Today at church, the preacher told us not to store up treasures here on earth and proceeded to talk about what those treasures might be. I found out that I couldn't think of one "thing" I treasured here. That doesn't seem normal.
I want to be who God meant me to be. Seems like I should feel some leading or reassurance or something...
Sometimes I think it is OK to pretend to be something until you can really be that (like patient, kind, generous), it's like practice, but I don't think it is probably a good idea to pretend to be all the time.
Maybe I'm just having a bad day...I'll try pretending that I am happy.
Today at church, the preacher told us not to store up treasures here on earth and proceeded to talk about what those treasures might be. I found out that I couldn't think of one "thing" I treasured here. That doesn't seem normal.
I want to be who God meant me to be. Seems like I should feel some leading or reassurance or something...
Sometimes I think it is OK to pretend to be something until you can really be that (like patient, kind, generous), it's like practice, but I don't think it is probably a good idea to pretend to be all the time.
Maybe I'm just having a bad day...I'll try pretending that I am happy.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Citrus Salad
If you had told me at any point in my life up to this very one that I would suddenly realize that I seriously enjoy cooking (well, maybe we should call it food preparation today, since no fire was involved) I would have smirked in your general direction. I just haven't done that much of it, ever. I make a pretty good soup now and then. I can make a good salad, but who can't? Cooking has mostly been a matter of necessity...ran out of money to go out and eat! For many of my "grown up" years, I was single and cooking for one is not that much fun and eating out is even cheaper, so...Now that I have a husband I find that I picked one who is a "basics" guy, well, minus most veggies, especially fresh and colorful ones. This is not always a bad thing. He would happily eat meat and potatoes only for many, many nights.
Tonight, I am home by myself and I just made myself a citrus salad. My friend, Amy, made one last weekend and it was so tasty I had to have more.
It was tedious, messy and took forever. But the funniest part is that I enjoyed, seriously enjoyed, every messy moment of the whole process! I stood at the counter peacefully creating something that nourished my creative soul and will nourish my body. My mind was free to wander at will. All good. Go figure.
It was fun, rewarding, and will be yummy when I eat it tomorrow. What's not to like?
The challenge is, now that I realize this joy that is possible in my life, how will I work it in more often...
Well, I love a challenge!
I'm thinking a pot of chili tomorrow with the cooler weather...yeah.
Tonight, I am home by myself and I just made myself a citrus salad. My friend, Amy, made one last weekend and it was so tasty I had to have more.
It was tedious, messy and took forever. But the funniest part is that I enjoyed, seriously enjoyed, every messy moment of the whole process! I stood at the counter peacefully creating something that nourished my creative soul and will nourish my body. My mind was free to wander at will. All good. Go figure.
It was fun, rewarding, and will be yummy when I eat it tomorrow. What's not to like?
The challenge is, now that I realize this joy that is possible in my life, how will I work it in more often...
Well, I love a challenge!
I'm thinking a pot of chili tomorrow with the cooler weather...yeah.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Early Columbus Day
Just spent a wonderful weekend in Columbus with two of my most favorite travelling buddies, Stevie and Amy. We have travelled together enough to know how to keep the peace for a week to ten days at a time! Mostly I stay while they go when I am about to be testy from too little "alone time" and they have learned to be OK with that. There are not many other people, besides my little husband, that I can imagine spending that much fun time with.
So, we were in Columbus. I got to sleep in a non hairy bed. I had flowers waiting for me. The condo was clean, clean, clean and there was good conversation for as long as I could stand it...
Sleeping Friday night was interesting. Amy lives in a flight path for the Port Columbus airport so I could hear planes flying over head, but then just after that I could hear a flock of geese flying over and then another plane. In spite of our best efforts we can't get rid of nature. It just keeps adapting. Thank God.
Saturday I got up and had fresh citrus salad and Egg McShuppes before we went for a wonderful walk in the park. Another of those city juxtapositions...we are walking in beautiful, quiet, deep woods and you can hear the interstate on one part of the path. Then we started on our shopping odessy. There is so much there that I can't even get a grip on it. There were lots of places that I would have liked to stop, but there was just no time. It's too much for me on a daily basis for sure, but it is nice to be able to go and visit. We got good deals and ate good food.
I know for a fact that I would never want to live in a city like that and I am even more looking forward to living more and more simply...but, again, it is nice to be able to go and visit with good friends.
Thanks to my travelling buddies for a fun weekend!
Oh, and I am inspired again to create some primitive Whimsical Woolies!
Hope you had a great weekend, too.
So, we were in Columbus. I got to sleep in a non hairy bed. I had flowers waiting for me. The condo was clean, clean, clean and there was good conversation for as long as I could stand it...
Sleeping Friday night was interesting. Amy lives in a flight path for the Port Columbus airport so I could hear planes flying over head, but then just after that I could hear a flock of geese flying over and then another plane. In spite of our best efforts we can't get rid of nature. It just keeps adapting. Thank God.
Saturday I got up and had fresh citrus salad and Egg McShuppes before we went for a wonderful walk in the park. Another of those city juxtapositions...we are walking in beautiful, quiet, deep woods and you can hear the interstate on one part of the path. Then we started on our shopping odessy. There is so much there that I can't even get a grip on it. There were lots of places that I would have liked to stop, but there was just no time. It's too much for me on a daily basis for sure, but it is nice to be able to go and visit. We got good deals and ate good food.
I know for a fact that I would never want to live in a city like that and I am even more looking forward to living more and more simply...but, again, it is nice to be able to go and visit with good friends.
Thanks to my travelling buddies for a fun weekend!
Oh, and I am inspired again to create some primitive Whimsical Woolies!
Hope you had a great weekend, too.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Fluff
Today I was walking down the hall with a little 3rd grade girl that had on a pretty pink coat and leopard leggings. I complimented her on her cool leggings and told her she was looking very pettable today. "What's pettable mean?" she asked. I told her I thought she was looking pettable because her pink coat was so nice and soft.
"Oh." she said. "Most of the fluff has been loved off already." Straight face, comment to be taken at face value. OK, have a great day I told her. We both walked away with a smile.
Have you loved most of the fluff off of any one lately?
"Oh." she said. "Most of the fluff has been loved off already." Straight face, comment to be taken at face value. OK, have a great day I told her. We both walked away with a smile.
Have you loved most of the fluff off of any one lately?
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