Jesus, You Have Taken Up My Cross
Jesus, I thought I could bear my own cross;
But only You control my extraordinary destiny.
Hear me, free me Lord, for You are my Savior;
I release my troubles, my heavy cross, unto You.
Through death You offer the world salvation;
I pray that a multitude of eyes will be opened.
So that the iniquitous world receives Your abundant graces;
I plead for hardened hearts to greet radical reform.
I breathe deep to fill my lungs with Your great hope;
So that I may exhale Your love that now permeates by body.
I am rekindled with a new voice for You, Jesus Christ, my Lord
And yearn for unspoiled words to share Your awe inspiring glory.
My steps now certain, I have a greater purpose;
My acute senses are now awakened to Your splendor.
Deficient earthly emotions tie my hands no more;
I now move freely on my journey toward You.
In unison my new born body and refreshed mind work;
My discerning heart and extended arms embrace Your blessings.
I am always thankful, and forever grateful;
For You give so much, and ask so little.
I praise You Lord, Jesus;
I trust You Lord, Jesus.
I love You Lord, Jesus;
You have taken up my cross.
Brothers & Sisters In Christ
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Friday, August 7, 2009
Happy Friday! Positive Quotes
Positive Quotes
Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different. Like would undergo a change of appearance because we ourselves had undergone a change in attitude.
-Katherine Mansfield
The unthankful heart . . . discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart . . . will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessing.
-Henry Ward Beecher
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
W.W. Ziege
Our minds can shape the way a thing will be because we act according to our expectations.
-Federico Fellini
Think you can, think you can’t; either way, you’ll be right.
-Henry Ford
Could we change our attitude, we should not only see life differently, but life itself would come to be different. Like would undergo a change of appearance because we ourselves had undergone a change in attitude.
-Katherine Mansfield
The unthankful heart . . . discovers no mercies; but the thankful heart . . . will find, in every hour, some heavenly blessing.
-Henry Ward Beecher
Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.
W.W. Ziege
Our minds can shape the way a thing will be because we act according to our expectations.
-Federico Fellini
Think you can, think you can’t; either way, you’ll be right.
-Henry Ford
Thursday, August 6, 2009
"Got Scraps?"
“Got scraps?”
“Ummm,ummm, ummhh! Thelma, that there was dee-li-cious! Woman, you sure know how to cook up some’m out of nuth’n!” Sam loosened his warn tight belt and looked over toward his wife and asked, “Whatcha gonna do with those leftovers honey?” “I don’t know Sam. I just was think’n to toss them outside into the can. There’s not nearly enough here for two for another night’s meal.”
Sam got up slowly from his chair, rubbing his belly and declared, “Now don’t go wasting that there food!” Sam’s eyes were as wide as lumps of coal! “Oh no you don’t Mr. Samuel Baker, you ain’t hav’n another servin! You’ve had about enough! I don’t know what you could be think’n,” said Thelma as her ample body shook in unison with the rhythm of her laughter.
Sam was in a rambl’n mood tonight and continued, “I don’t know why you always have them there leftovers, you make extra food like yer prepare’n for another sett’n. Thelma kept a straight face, but inside she was feeling hopeful, “It’d be nice if one evening we’d invite someone over. The company would be like a breath of fresh air and entertain’n for a change. Don’t ya think?” Sam’s overgrown salt and pepper eyebrows lifted and he barked, “Woman, you know I don’t like company and I sure don’t like wasting good food on somebody else.”
Thelma tried to keep a pleasant face on the outside, but the sadness broke through anyway, internally she was broken and lonely. Know’n how this conversation was gonna end, Thelma offered, “Well Sam, if you’d like, I could just give them there scraps to the dog.” Sam stood in the middle of the dining room, with his hands folded across his large protruding belly, and stared out in front of him as if pondering this thought for the first time. Thelma took a deep breath and waited with a bit of annoyance for his usual reply. “May as well. Huh! That there dog eats better than some of the folks round here!” Thelma didn’t like seeing Sam getting rowdy, but every once in a while she dared to say, “I could always make a nice plate and give these scraps to one of the young’uns down the road.” Knowing her sharp words would cut through a thick steak she braced herself for the inevitable scold’n. “Woman those kids have got a daddy, they can take care of themselves! Why you always look’n to do things like that. Go on now, get those scraps in that there dog bowl.”
Thelma drearily cleared up the dishes from the table and stacked up things as best she could in the kitchen sink for washing in a bit. She wrung out a warm towel and tossed it over her shoulder, then gathered the leftovers and caringly arranged them on a clean plate. When she was done, she went to the threshold of the kitchen door and looked in the direction of the sitt’n area near the warm roar’n fire. Thelma tilted her head forward, peered over her steamed up bifocal glasses, and took a somber look at her husband sitt’n as comfortable as can be right next to the fireplace on his much loved rock’n chair. She deliberately counted, “Five, four, three, two, one, wheewww, aahhhh, wheewww, aahhhhh.” Then she looked up as if she could see right through the ceil’n in the house, “Thank you dear Lord for all my bless’ns.” Thelma called out to her sleep’n husband, “Sam, I’m go’n out back for a while. Gonna peel some corn and gath’r some
eggs for the morn’n.
Thelma hastily knocked on the barn door and looked carefully behind her as she always did. Hold’n the plate of food in her left hand, she pushed the barn door open with her right and entered. She tossed the dog a few scraps of food and shoed him away. Thelma took a deep breath which barely helped to clear deceit from her upset tummy. Her heart however needed no cleans’n. She whispered, “Lit’l Carl, you there? I brought you some snippets of food, boy.” Through only the light of the full moon that shone through a single shutter window, a young boy appeared from the darkness. “I’m here, Mrs. Bak’r.” Thelma heart’s leaped for joy right through the roof, and she bit her bottom lip nervously at the sight of him. She had held inside so much concern for the young boy for the past couple of months. She saw that he wore the same ol’ high watered pants she had salvaged for him, the grayed shirt that used to be white, and the hand-me-down shoes that were now too small for his grow’n feet. His toes were healing from cuts she imagined he obtained from shrubs, and the like, and now peeked out from the new frayed holes. Her hands burned to urgently work on fix’n his shoes. She shook her head in disbelief and heartbreak at what he wore and her imagination ran wild over where he might have been sleep’n. She vowed to get up the nerve to stand up to Sam and take this boy in and meanwhile to try to do better than her last patch work on them shoes.
With caring labored hands she pushed aside his long disheveled hair that covered his pleasant youthful eyes, and then she wiped with a warm soft cloth his brown streaked and nicked face that told of the dirt and gravel he must have slept on. Then he sat on the floor cross legged and gobbled up the warm home cooked food, and licked his fingers clean. Then with an incredible sparkle in his eyes that shone right through eyelids that drooped down in a natural sadness, he said, “Thank you, ma’m. This is the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”
When he was done eat’n Carl showed Thelma how he had peeled the corn for her, gathered the eggs, and moved the bales of hay like she had shown him once before.
Thelma pulled out her worn bible from underneath an old horse’s saddle and unwrapped it from the white cloth that protected it and sat down and read a bit of scripture to him. Finally, Carl got up and went on over and peered out the window look’n straight up to the heavens and asked, “Ms. Bak’r, have ya ever seen a real Angel of God?” Thelma placed her warm hand on the small of his neck and smiled looking at the boy rather than the sky, “Well, I have to say that maybe . . . I have once.” She looked at him endearingly knowing he would not understand that he has been sent to her from the good Almighty God above. She asked him quite seriously, “Have you Carl? Have ya ever seen an Angel of God?” He pondered the thought a moment and replied, “I don’t think I have.” He squinted his brows and pursed his lips while he was think’n. ”I don’t quite know what brought that to mind, but I get the feeling I’m real close to see’n one.”
Okay, so let’s go over this whole, “got scraps” idea. It’s all about making things go as far as we can to avoid waste and then of course with our abundance (aka “leftovers”) exercise ways where we can help others, give a gift, offer aid, tender a donation, provide assistance, show compassion, do a good deed, and/or carry out an act of kindness. I’m talking “charitable” not as an afterthought, but as a preconceived idea.
Now if you’ve got a charitable heart already, God bless you, keep at it. You are a great model for others to model and mock. “Mock?” Yes. Us humans, we have a nasty streak in us. We really do have a good heart inside our hardened exterior, however we don’t mean to be cruel, it just comes out naturally. We’ve unconsciously been conditioned to respond this way. We might say things like, “how can he help that lady with fixing things around her house when he’s got his wife at home who needs help.” Or how about this one, “look at her she thinks her cooking is so good that she’s gotta bring trays of it into the lunch room.” Oh, what about this, “that family thinks they’re so special because the priest goes over to their house for dinner.” The message here is that we can be those people too. Not for the attention or some sort of personal glory, but for the good of another. That elderly lady may be a widow, divorced, or perhaps her children neglect her and may have no one to lean on. Frankly, she needs help. The woman with the trays of food worked hard to prepare it for everyone in the office wanting to share an act of love; it could be that she has no one at home anymore to cater to. Be honest, have you ever taken a plate of her delicious enchiladas and was thankful on a day you didn’t have any lunch money? Come on now, blessings are everywhere and for everyone! And what about the priest, why isn’t he at church? Well, he is still a human after all. He has given his life to God, not given up his life. He requires social experiences, deserves to be cared about and loved, and would enjoy a home cooked meal every once in a while. You’ve got a priest in your parish, a dining room in your warm home, and a special meal that you are, well, kind of proud of. Go for it!
We are wasteful with a lot of things in life. Let’s do start with food. Yes, we over eat! We might in fact have enough for another meal or perhaps enough to include a couple of invited guests at your dinner table. And at the same time we may be able to begin to address the portion control problem we face today, hence, our obesity problem. We will live with a little less on our plates. While we’re at it, we can lower our high caloric intake, high cholesterol, and maybe give our heart a rest by not falling asleep as soon as we sit down to watch television.
Good for you! You served smaller portions and made dinner to last two days instead of one. Agh, and what a nice person you are, you thought about someone else, and PLANNED IT that way! That’s so lovely that you were able to provide a meal for your nice widowed neighbor, or for the woman who is going through cancer treatments and is so sick she cannot care for her family as before, and the priest at your parish did not have to eat a frozen dinner again. Wow, you invited over for dinner the “only child” who lives across the street who is at home alone every night because his single parent is working the night shift. What’s the reward? Do you have to ask? Would being a blessing to someone be good enough?
We’ve got an overabundance of aluminum and plastic containers so we are called to recycle to save the environment and the planet. If you are too lazy or frustrated to take those plastic milk containers, soda cans and beer bottles to the local recycling center (I agree it is a pain), then PLAN TO donate those big filled trash bags to a school or local center that could use the dough! Schools collect box tops too!
If you are a sewer, like say a quilter, a crocheter, or a knitter, make the beautiful blanket for yourself or the gift you intended, and then with the leftover yarn or material make some potholders, or booties, little purses, or hats and scarves and PLAN TO give them to those who might enjoy it like a preschool class, a retirement home, or a children’s hospital.
If you received an inheritance from a loved one decide how you can share a portion with a needy family or a charity that survives on donations.
There are numerous ways in our lives that we can help each other that won’t necessarily require money. What about time folks? We go around acting like we are so busy. Hey, we make our own schedules, and we can rearrange them for the benefit of someone else. Granted there are some instances where the work hours go beyond reasonable. Financially, I get it, things are tight. However, who do you spend your time with at work? How can you make a difference during work hours? The ideas and ways are endless.
Here’s an idea, turn off the television. What, not my boob tube! There is way too much television being watched and time that we can be utilizing much more effectively and productively. We can spare an hour or perhaps a day and lend it to a needy situation or cause. Get involved in something that matters. I tell you, when you are feeling the pressures of life, financially and emotionally, there is no better way to deal with it than to take the attention off of yourself and your circumstances.
That’s it. Rise up! Stand firm! This is the new you! You are more than capable of helping heal a lonely heart and able to offer solutions to simple everyday dilemmas. And what’s more rewarding than doing for others so that their burdens are lighter, seeing hearts warmed by your thoughtfulness, and feeding a smile rather than rousing tears. I think someone named Jesus lived that way and was mocked for it. Things that make you go hmmmm.
Got scraps? Yeah, I’ve got scraps! But, I AM PLANNING to use my leftover fragments of time, morsels of love, and bits and pieces of my heart for the good of others. And I refuse to let particles or crumbs be wasted anymore.
Sounds like a plan to me! Is it time to eat again? You bet it is! Feast on love all day long!
Inspired by Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
“Ummm,ummm, ummhh! Thelma, that there was dee-li-cious! Woman, you sure know how to cook up some’m out of nuth’n!” Sam loosened his warn tight belt and looked over toward his wife and asked, “Whatcha gonna do with those leftovers honey?” “I don’t know Sam. I just was think’n to toss them outside into the can. There’s not nearly enough here for two for another night’s meal.”
Sam got up slowly from his chair, rubbing his belly and declared, “Now don’t go wasting that there food!” Sam’s eyes were as wide as lumps of coal! “Oh no you don’t Mr. Samuel Baker, you ain’t hav’n another servin! You’ve had about enough! I don’t know what you could be think’n,” said Thelma as her ample body shook in unison with the rhythm of her laughter.
Sam was in a rambl’n mood tonight and continued, “I don’t know why you always have them there leftovers, you make extra food like yer prepare’n for another sett’n. Thelma kept a straight face, but inside she was feeling hopeful, “It’d be nice if one evening we’d invite someone over. The company would be like a breath of fresh air and entertain’n for a change. Don’t ya think?” Sam’s overgrown salt and pepper eyebrows lifted and he barked, “Woman, you know I don’t like company and I sure don’t like wasting good food on somebody else.”
Thelma tried to keep a pleasant face on the outside, but the sadness broke through anyway, internally she was broken and lonely. Know’n how this conversation was gonna end, Thelma offered, “Well Sam, if you’d like, I could just give them there scraps to the dog.” Sam stood in the middle of the dining room, with his hands folded across his large protruding belly, and stared out in front of him as if pondering this thought for the first time. Thelma took a deep breath and waited with a bit of annoyance for his usual reply. “May as well. Huh! That there dog eats better than some of the folks round here!” Thelma didn’t like seeing Sam getting rowdy, but every once in a while she dared to say, “I could always make a nice plate and give these scraps to one of the young’uns down the road.” Knowing her sharp words would cut through a thick steak she braced herself for the inevitable scold’n. “Woman those kids have got a daddy, they can take care of themselves! Why you always look’n to do things like that. Go on now, get those scraps in that there dog bowl.”
Thelma drearily cleared up the dishes from the table and stacked up things as best she could in the kitchen sink for washing in a bit. She wrung out a warm towel and tossed it over her shoulder, then gathered the leftovers and caringly arranged them on a clean plate. When she was done, she went to the threshold of the kitchen door and looked in the direction of the sitt’n area near the warm roar’n fire. Thelma tilted her head forward, peered over her steamed up bifocal glasses, and took a somber look at her husband sitt’n as comfortable as can be right next to the fireplace on his much loved rock’n chair. She deliberately counted, “Five, four, three, two, one, wheewww, aahhhh, wheewww, aahhhhh.” Then she looked up as if she could see right through the ceil’n in the house, “Thank you dear Lord for all my bless’ns.” Thelma called out to her sleep’n husband, “Sam, I’m go’n out back for a while. Gonna peel some corn and gath’r some
eggs for the morn’n.
Thelma hastily knocked on the barn door and looked carefully behind her as she always did. Hold’n the plate of food in her left hand, she pushed the barn door open with her right and entered. She tossed the dog a few scraps of food and shoed him away. Thelma took a deep breath which barely helped to clear deceit from her upset tummy. Her heart however needed no cleans’n. She whispered, “Lit’l Carl, you there? I brought you some snippets of food, boy.” Through only the light of the full moon that shone through a single shutter window, a young boy appeared from the darkness. “I’m here, Mrs. Bak’r.” Thelma heart’s leaped for joy right through the roof, and she bit her bottom lip nervously at the sight of him. She had held inside so much concern for the young boy for the past couple of months. She saw that he wore the same ol’ high watered pants she had salvaged for him, the grayed shirt that used to be white, and the hand-me-down shoes that were now too small for his grow’n feet. His toes were healing from cuts she imagined he obtained from shrubs, and the like, and now peeked out from the new frayed holes. Her hands burned to urgently work on fix’n his shoes. She shook her head in disbelief and heartbreak at what he wore and her imagination ran wild over where he might have been sleep’n. She vowed to get up the nerve to stand up to Sam and take this boy in and meanwhile to try to do better than her last patch work on them shoes.
With caring labored hands she pushed aside his long disheveled hair that covered his pleasant youthful eyes, and then she wiped with a warm soft cloth his brown streaked and nicked face that told of the dirt and gravel he must have slept on. Then he sat on the floor cross legged and gobbled up the warm home cooked food, and licked his fingers clean. Then with an incredible sparkle in his eyes that shone right through eyelids that drooped down in a natural sadness, he said, “Thank you, ma’m. This is the best meal I’ve had in a long time.”
When he was done eat’n Carl showed Thelma how he had peeled the corn for her, gathered the eggs, and moved the bales of hay like she had shown him once before.
Thelma pulled out her worn bible from underneath an old horse’s saddle and unwrapped it from the white cloth that protected it and sat down and read a bit of scripture to him. Finally, Carl got up and went on over and peered out the window look’n straight up to the heavens and asked, “Ms. Bak’r, have ya ever seen a real Angel of God?” Thelma placed her warm hand on the small of his neck and smiled looking at the boy rather than the sky, “Well, I have to say that maybe . . . I have once.” She looked at him endearingly knowing he would not understand that he has been sent to her from the good Almighty God above. She asked him quite seriously, “Have you Carl? Have ya ever seen an Angel of God?” He pondered the thought a moment and replied, “I don’t think I have.” He squinted his brows and pursed his lips while he was think’n. ”I don’t quite know what brought that to mind, but I get the feeling I’m real close to see’n one.”
Okay, so let’s go over this whole, “got scraps” idea. It’s all about making things go as far as we can to avoid waste and then of course with our abundance (aka “leftovers”) exercise ways where we can help others, give a gift, offer aid, tender a donation, provide assistance, show compassion, do a good deed, and/or carry out an act of kindness. I’m talking “charitable” not as an afterthought, but as a preconceived idea.
Now if you’ve got a charitable heart already, God bless you, keep at it. You are a great model for others to model and mock. “Mock?” Yes. Us humans, we have a nasty streak in us. We really do have a good heart inside our hardened exterior, however we don’t mean to be cruel, it just comes out naturally. We’ve unconsciously been conditioned to respond this way. We might say things like, “how can he help that lady with fixing things around her house when he’s got his wife at home who needs help.” Or how about this one, “look at her she thinks her cooking is so good that she’s gotta bring trays of it into the lunch room.” Oh, what about this, “that family thinks they’re so special because the priest goes over to their house for dinner.” The message here is that we can be those people too. Not for the attention or some sort of personal glory, but for the good of another. That elderly lady may be a widow, divorced, or perhaps her children neglect her and may have no one to lean on. Frankly, she needs help. The woman with the trays of food worked hard to prepare it for everyone in the office wanting to share an act of love; it could be that she has no one at home anymore to cater to. Be honest, have you ever taken a plate of her delicious enchiladas and was thankful on a day you didn’t have any lunch money? Come on now, blessings are everywhere and for everyone! And what about the priest, why isn’t he at church? Well, he is still a human after all. He has given his life to God, not given up his life. He requires social experiences, deserves to be cared about and loved, and would enjoy a home cooked meal every once in a while. You’ve got a priest in your parish, a dining room in your warm home, and a special meal that you are, well, kind of proud of. Go for it!
We are wasteful with a lot of things in life. Let’s do start with food. Yes, we over eat! We might in fact have enough for another meal or perhaps enough to include a couple of invited guests at your dinner table. And at the same time we may be able to begin to address the portion control problem we face today, hence, our obesity problem. We will live with a little less on our plates. While we’re at it, we can lower our high caloric intake, high cholesterol, and maybe give our heart a rest by not falling asleep as soon as we sit down to watch television.
Good for you! You served smaller portions and made dinner to last two days instead of one. Agh, and what a nice person you are, you thought about someone else, and PLANNED IT that way! That’s so lovely that you were able to provide a meal for your nice widowed neighbor, or for the woman who is going through cancer treatments and is so sick she cannot care for her family as before, and the priest at your parish did not have to eat a frozen dinner again. Wow, you invited over for dinner the “only child” who lives across the street who is at home alone every night because his single parent is working the night shift. What’s the reward? Do you have to ask? Would being a blessing to someone be good enough?
We’ve got an overabundance of aluminum and plastic containers so we are called to recycle to save the environment and the planet. If you are too lazy or frustrated to take those plastic milk containers, soda cans and beer bottles to the local recycling center (I agree it is a pain), then PLAN TO donate those big filled trash bags to a school or local center that could use the dough! Schools collect box tops too!
If you are a sewer, like say a quilter, a crocheter, or a knitter, make the beautiful blanket for yourself or the gift you intended, and then with the leftover yarn or material make some potholders, or booties, little purses, or hats and scarves and PLAN TO give them to those who might enjoy it like a preschool class, a retirement home, or a children’s hospital.
If you received an inheritance from a loved one decide how you can share a portion with a needy family or a charity that survives on donations.
There are numerous ways in our lives that we can help each other that won’t necessarily require money. What about time folks? We go around acting like we are so busy. Hey, we make our own schedules, and we can rearrange them for the benefit of someone else. Granted there are some instances where the work hours go beyond reasonable. Financially, I get it, things are tight. However, who do you spend your time with at work? How can you make a difference during work hours? The ideas and ways are endless.
Here’s an idea, turn off the television. What, not my boob tube! There is way too much television being watched and time that we can be utilizing much more effectively and productively. We can spare an hour or perhaps a day and lend it to a needy situation or cause. Get involved in something that matters. I tell you, when you are feeling the pressures of life, financially and emotionally, there is no better way to deal with it than to take the attention off of yourself and your circumstances.
That’s it. Rise up! Stand firm! This is the new you! You are more than capable of helping heal a lonely heart and able to offer solutions to simple everyday dilemmas. And what’s more rewarding than doing for others so that their burdens are lighter, seeing hearts warmed by your thoughtfulness, and feeding a smile rather than rousing tears. I think someone named Jesus lived that way and was mocked for it. Things that make you go hmmmm.
Got scraps? Yeah, I’ve got scraps! But, I AM PLANNING to use my leftover fragments of time, morsels of love, and bits and pieces of my heart for the good of others. And I refuse to let particles or crumbs be wasted anymore.
Sounds like a plan to me! Is it time to eat again? You bet it is! Feast on love all day long!
Inspired by Matthew 15:21-28
Jesus left that place and went away to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Just then a Canaanite woman from that region came out and started shouting, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David; my daughter is tormented by a demon.” But he did not answer her at all. And his disciples came and urged him, saying, “Send her away, for she keeps shouting after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” He answered, “It is not fair to take the children’s food and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish.” And her daughter was healed instantly.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
All aboard! Step Forward Please!
All aboard! Step forward please!
“Oh, look there she goes, another 10 steps,” exclaimed grandma! Lisa ran into the room and saw Carlie just as she went “plop” on the floor. “Come on Carlie, do it again for mommy. I know you can do it,” Lisa pressed her little one. “Plop,” down she went again. “I don’t know why she stops after just a few steps, she must realize that she can do it,” said Carlie’s mommy seeming a bit annoyed. “I want her to walk already!” “Not all little ones are ready to walk at 11 months. She’s just not equipped yet honey, but look at her she keeps trying,” grandma replied confidently.
“You know you didn’t walk until you were 13 months old,” said grandma as she picked Carlie up from the kitchen floor. “I didn’t?” “No. Your father had to carry you everywhere we went,” her mother smiled with sweet recollection of the past. “You’ve always been a late bloomer and frankly, slow to trust. Let me rephrase that, you’ve always been afraid of the unknown. It’s hard for you to trust and to take a step forward.” “You think I’m afraid, I’m not afraid of anything,” she retorted defiantly. “Not of anything Lisa, of yourself.”
“Listen Lisa, you were afraid to walk. You were also afraid of your dog Candy. You refused to be on the floor if she was anywhere near you. We used to have to keep Candy in the yard when you were awake and running around. You didn’t like my bird Toby, and he was in his cage for goodness sakes. You didn’t want to take ballet or play any sports unless your cousin’s did it first. It was just a lack of confidence. Actually if my memory serves me right, you’d stick like glue to your father’s pant leg at birthday parties and visits to your grandma’s house.
Sometimes, just as we were about to leave, you’d finally get the courage to play, and then, you’d cry all the way home because you didn’t get the chance.” “That’s silly mom, you’re exaggerating. Anyway, I’m sure there are plenty of children who didn’t want to do those same things”. “Of course there are, you just lacked confidence.”
“Huh,” Lisa murmured. She wasn’t sure if she was angry about being called a late bloomer or the suggestion that she lacked confidence. “I’m ready for anything, I’m not afraid, especially of myself” she rebounded internally.
“I’m leaving now, Lisa,” grandma called out from the next room, come and get Carlie she just walked me to the front door!” Lisa arrived at the door and saw Carlie sitting at grandma’s feet. Lisa picked up Carlie and brought her close so grandma could kiss her goodbye. “Bye, bye my baby,” grandma kissed Carlie sweetly on the top of her head. “Grandma will see you soon.” With a raised eye brow, pursed lips and eyes that peered over her glasses, she turned to Lisa, “Did you make that appointment yet with Dr. Diletta?” There was an odd silence and Lisa looked away. “You’d better make it soon! The sooner you know what’s going on the sooner you’ll be at peace.”
Lisa held Carlie close for a long moment after the door closed. She put her forehead against that of Carlie’s and looked right into her round eyes and asked, “Am I a good mommy Carlie?” Not waiting for a reply Lisa hugged her daughter tightly. “I don’t know if I’ll be a good mommy to another baby.” Lisa closed her eyes, and gently buried her daughter’s head of silky thin curly hair beneath her chin and sobbed.
As the old saying goes, “there is nothing to fear, but fear itself”. We do all kinds of crazy things to avoid our own fears. We might point our fingers at others in blame. We’ll be quick to anger when we’re broached with conversation about “that thing.” We’ll even go to extremes and not show up at a party or avoid contact with someone who is sure to follow up on your last conversation.
I am reminded of a reading from Matthew 14:22, that reads in part:
“Then He made the disciples get into the boat and precede Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. After doing so, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost,’ they said and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”
Why do we doubt? We may not have skills but we have some desire. We may possess the skills and yet we are leery. We can doubt ourselves when someone inflicts their own insecurities upon us. We may also resist change and not necessarily our abilities. Often we doubt because of the unknown.
“I doubt if I can do that,” we say this without even trying. “I don’t know if that’s possible”, puts a negative connotation upon the idea. “He’s never succeeded before, why would he now,” no confidence in the possibility of change. “You may as well give up now, you’ll never make it”, dismisses all hope.
Today you are going to turn things around! “Oh you of big faith,” is now your mantra. “I have the skills to do it!” Your skills will not be limited to the tangible. Oh, no! We can do only so much with material things in the natural and the physical. You have skills far beyond that which humans can acquire through classes, education and imitation.
You must recognize that you have God given gifts and talents. Your confidence comes from your trust in the promise of God. He sent His Son to assure us that if we are loyal to His word, are devout in our thoughts, have faith in His promises, we would have an abundant life. We will gain a genius for, a knack for, the capacity for fighting fear. We possess an endowment, a gift, for fighting dread, fright, panic, alarm, trepidation, apprehension, anxiety, phobia, and worry. We have to become confident and open our hearts to the idea that our trust in the Lord allows us to conquer all things. Trust makes all things doable, tolerable, and attainable. We will triumph over negative attitudes, sour faces, jealousies, and insecurities of others and of ourselves.
Keep moving forward on your journey. Avoid being stagnant at all costs. You’ll go through awkward and testing cycles of life, but be consistent and confident and you will prevail by riding with God in the conductor’s seat right to the last leg of the trip. You are on the right track now. Yes, this is your train! All aboard! Step forward please!
“Oh, look there she goes, another 10 steps,” exclaimed grandma! Lisa ran into the room and saw Carlie just as she went “plop” on the floor. “Come on Carlie, do it again for mommy. I know you can do it,” Lisa pressed her little one. “Plop,” down she went again. “I don’t know why she stops after just a few steps, she must realize that she can do it,” said Carlie’s mommy seeming a bit annoyed. “I want her to walk already!” “Not all little ones are ready to walk at 11 months. She’s just not equipped yet honey, but look at her she keeps trying,” grandma replied confidently.
“You know you didn’t walk until you were 13 months old,” said grandma as she picked Carlie up from the kitchen floor. “I didn’t?” “No. Your father had to carry you everywhere we went,” her mother smiled with sweet recollection of the past. “You’ve always been a late bloomer and frankly, slow to trust. Let me rephrase that, you’ve always been afraid of the unknown. It’s hard for you to trust and to take a step forward.” “You think I’m afraid, I’m not afraid of anything,” she retorted defiantly. “Not of anything Lisa, of yourself.”
“Listen Lisa, you were afraid to walk. You were also afraid of your dog Candy. You refused to be on the floor if she was anywhere near you. We used to have to keep Candy in the yard when you were awake and running around. You didn’t like my bird Toby, and he was in his cage for goodness sakes. You didn’t want to take ballet or play any sports unless your cousin’s did it first. It was just a lack of confidence. Actually if my memory serves me right, you’d stick like glue to your father’s pant leg at birthday parties and visits to your grandma’s house.
Sometimes, just as we were about to leave, you’d finally get the courage to play, and then, you’d cry all the way home because you didn’t get the chance.” “That’s silly mom, you’re exaggerating. Anyway, I’m sure there are plenty of children who didn’t want to do those same things”. “Of course there are, you just lacked confidence.”
“Huh,” Lisa murmured. She wasn’t sure if she was angry about being called a late bloomer or the suggestion that she lacked confidence. “I’m ready for anything, I’m not afraid, especially of myself” she rebounded internally.
“I’m leaving now, Lisa,” grandma called out from the next room, come and get Carlie she just walked me to the front door!” Lisa arrived at the door and saw Carlie sitting at grandma’s feet. Lisa picked up Carlie and brought her close so grandma could kiss her goodbye. “Bye, bye my baby,” grandma kissed Carlie sweetly on the top of her head. “Grandma will see you soon.” With a raised eye brow, pursed lips and eyes that peered over her glasses, she turned to Lisa, “Did you make that appointment yet with Dr. Diletta?” There was an odd silence and Lisa looked away. “You’d better make it soon! The sooner you know what’s going on the sooner you’ll be at peace.”
Lisa held Carlie close for a long moment after the door closed. She put her forehead against that of Carlie’s and looked right into her round eyes and asked, “Am I a good mommy Carlie?” Not waiting for a reply Lisa hugged her daughter tightly. “I don’t know if I’ll be a good mommy to another baby.” Lisa closed her eyes, and gently buried her daughter’s head of silky thin curly hair beneath her chin and sobbed.
As the old saying goes, “there is nothing to fear, but fear itself”. We do all kinds of crazy things to avoid our own fears. We might point our fingers at others in blame. We’ll be quick to anger when we’re broached with conversation about “that thing.” We’ll even go to extremes and not show up at a party or avoid contact with someone who is sure to follow up on your last conversation.
I am reminded of a reading from Matthew 14:22, that reads in part:
“Then He made the disciples get into the boat and precede Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. After doing so, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost,’ they said and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter said to him in reply, ‘Lord if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord save me!’ Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’”
Why do we doubt? We may not have skills but we have some desire. We may possess the skills and yet we are leery. We can doubt ourselves when someone inflicts their own insecurities upon us. We may also resist change and not necessarily our abilities. Often we doubt because of the unknown.
“I doubt if I can do that,” we say this without even trying. “I don’t know if that’s possible”, puts a negative connotation upon the idea. “He’s never succeeded before, why would he now,” no confidence in the possibility of change. “You may as well give up now, you’ll never make it”, dismisses all hope.
Today you are going to turn things around! “Oh you of big faith,” is now your mantra. “I have the skills to do it!” Your skills will not be limited to the tangible. Oh, no! We can do only so much with material things in the natural and the physical. You have skills far beyond that which humans can acquire through classes, education and imitation.
You must recognize that you have God given gifts and talents. Your confidence comes from your trust in the promise of God. He sent His Son to assure us that if we are loyal to His word, are devout in our thoughts, have faith in His promises, we would have an abundant life. We will gain a genius for, a knack for, the capacity for fighting fear. We possess an endowment, a gift, for fighting dread, fright, panic, alarm, trepidation, apprehension, anxiety, phobia, and worry. We have to become confident and open our hearts to the idea that our trust in the Lord allows us to conquer all things. Trust makes all things doable, tolerable, and attainable. We will triumph over negative attitudes, sour faces, jealousies, and insecurities of others and of ourselves.
Keep moving forward on your journey. Avoid being stagnant at all costs. You’ll go through awkward and testing cycles of life, but be consistent and confident and you will prevail by riding with God in the conductor’s seat right to the last leg of the trip. You are on the right track now. Yes, this is your train! All aboard! Step forward please!
Positive Quotes: Godinsight4me GNS4M)
Positive Quotes: Godinsight4me (GNS4M)
One small step for a man of doubt, one giant leap for a believer of faith.
-GNS4M
Confidently place one determined foot in front of the other. Step by step you will close the gap between fear and success. Your triumph is near, and your victory knows not of failure.
-GNS4M
Pushing forward in confidence moves you beyond the door to nowhere. Be self assured in your ability to succeed beyond your past threshold.
-GNS4M
One small step for a man of doubt, one giant leap for a believer of faith.
-GNS4M
Confidently place one determined foot in front of the other. Step by step you will close the gap between fear and success. Your triumph is near, and your victory knows not of failure.
-GNS4M
Pushing forward in confidence moves you beyond the door to nowhere. Be self assured in your ability to succeed beyond your past threshold.
-GNS4M
Monday, August 3, 2009
Positive Quotes - Start Your Day right!
Positive Quotes – Start your day right!
As impossible as it is for us to take a breath in the morning large enough to last us until noon,
So impossible is it to pray in the morning in such a way
as to last us until noon. Let your prayers ascent
on Him constantly, audibly or silently, as circumstances
through the day permit.
-O. Hallesby
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day,
He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Mark 1:35
Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.
-Oswald Chambers
Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning.
-Psalms
I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. In general it is best to have at least one hour alone with God before engaging in anything else.
-E.M. Bounds
Temptations which accompany the working day will be conquered on the basis of the morning breakthrough to God. Decisions, demanded by work, become easier and simpler where they are made not in the heart of men, but only in the sight of God. He wants to give us today the power which we need for our work.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
As impossible as it is for us to take a breath in the morning large enough to last us until noon,
So impossible is it to pray in the morning in such a way
as to last us until noon. Let your prayers ascent
on Him constantly, audibly or silently, as circumstances
through the day permit.
-O. Hallesby
And in the morning, rising up a great while before day,
He went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
Mark 1:35
Get into the habit of dealing with God about everything. Unless in the first waking moment of the day you learn to fling the door wide back and let God in, you will work on a wrong level all day; but swing the door wide open and pray to your Father in secret, and every public thing will be stamped with the presence of God.
-Oswald Chambers
Cause me to hear thy loving kindness in the morning.
-Psalms
I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another. In general it is best to have at least one hour alone with God before engaging in anything else.
-E.M. Bounds
Temptations which accompany the working day will be conquered on the basis of the morning breakthrough to God. Decisions, demanded by work, become easier and simpler where they are made not in the heart of men, but only in the sight of God. He wants to give us today the power which we need for our work.
-Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Saturday, August 1, 2009
It's A Jubilee For Me!
It’s A Jubilee For Me!
Everybody likes to be a part of a celebration. We enjoy birthdays, retirements, job promotions, remembrances, anniversaries, and new births. In my family we celebrate real specials things like hang nails and potty training a toddler!
These special times encourage us to pay tribute to, honor, remember, and celebrate accomplishments. It also give us an opportunity to dust off our best clothes (or not!) and buy extraordinary and sometimes useless gifts. However, we use these occasions to say congratulations, a job well done, pray together or share a See’s sucker or cigar (if you’re too young to know we used to give cigars to men and See’s suckers to women and children when a baby was born – gee whiz – now we get a text – hopefully with a picture attached).
Sometimes it’s a long time between these social events. Why? One might be quick to suggest that well, it’s expensive to put on a good “shin dig” (hello – “shin dig” is a party, bash, jamboree, get-together – isn’t it fun? – you get a lesson on expanding your vocabulary). Perhaps, more to the point, it’s the lack of value and importance we place on the people in our lives and the mundane way we’ve chosen to live out each day.
All families are different when it comes to visiting with each other or sharing a meal. It used to be that families were all home for dinner, there was no television to entertain, everyone was cleaned up and dinner conversation was appropriate for all ages. However, now, we are eating on-the-go, at the kitchen counter, the television is turned up, and the family is well, scattered about.
Notice that it takes a grand event to get us to step up our game. At grandma and grandpa’s 50th golden anniversary everyone is all “decked out” (dressed up-ha! did you know that one?), sitting together and sharing a meal in celebration of a milestone event.
Something very interesting happens when we are gathered at such an event. It becomes a joyous commemoration of love. We put our best forward, tell of the good things in life, share and make new memories, and give compliments to Aunt Mary and Grandpa Chato. For some reason we are able to put the life that sometimes “sucks” (to draw liquid out of something with the mouth – why do we use that word?) into the closet for a short while, and forget it’s even there, that is, until tomorrow.
What’s my point? Come on now, you know I have one. My point - put that life “of poor quality” (below an acceptable standard in quality or performance) permanently in the closet. Have a change of attitude and a change of heart. Don’t let your circumstances drain you of your great spirit and rob you of the joyous life you deserve. Hey, it is what it is! Some things we can do something about, and some things are simply out of our control. Whatever! You are not alone. There is a whole bunch of us sprinkled about all around the world in the same sinking (or stinking) boat. Make a decision. Are you going to sink or swim? Everyday you have a choice to put on a happy face or a frown. Everyday you can put your best attitude forward or you can be a sourpuss (somebody regarded as gloomy or bad-tempered). You are exceptional and unique and so are the people in your life! Make everyday distinctive and extraordinary!
Since you are receiving lessons so easily today, let’s talk about a time recorded in the Old Testament (don’t you love it!). Once every fifty years, the Jewish people would celebrate the Year of Jubilee. During the Year of Jubilee, all debt was forgiven, prisoners were set free, and land that had been repossessed was returned to its' original owner. Wow, would we be in heaven today!
Question – Why couldn’t you have your jubilee today? Set free what keeps you prisoner in your miserable set of circumstances. Make a job change and stop complaining about the one you have, or better yet, thank God you have a job. Get rid of extra expenses that set you back each month (personally, cable is over-rated). We can only have so many pairs of shoes and purses (right ladies?). Guys you don’t need every new silly gadget that comes out on the market, okay? Pull away from those who bring you down, surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up. Stop fighting it man, marry the girl, she’s good for you! Don’t worry the guys will only razz (tease, harass, torment, goad, egg on) you for a while!
Celebrate the little things often. If you can’t find something, make it up (I don’t know choose to celebrate the fact that he ONLY left 3 soda cans on the table today – while she ONLY complained 3 times about the program he decided to watch). Life is special, it is short and it is meant for you to enjoy! Why wait for something extravagant, your jubilee (celebration) is now!
Inspired by:
Leviticus 25:10 And thou shalt sanctify the fiftieth year, and shalt proclaim remission to all the inhabitants of thy land: for it is the year of jubilee. Every man shall return to his possession, and every one shall go back to his former family.
"Remission"... That is, a general release and discharge from debts and bondage, and a reinstating of every man in his former possessions.
Jesus came to set us free from our bondage. Take his beautiful gift and use it. Fight the evil temptations of life with your sword of words “what would Jesus do with my circumstance” and move closer to God’s favor and you will experience the Jubilee intended for you.
Everybody likes to be a part of a celebration. We enjoy birthdays, retirements, job promotions, remembrances, anniversaries, and new births. In my family we celebrate real specials things like hang nails and potty training a toddler!
These special times encourage us to pay tribute to, honor, remember, and celebrate accomplishments. It also give us an opportunity to dust off our best clothes (or not!) and buy extraordinary and sometimes useless gifts. However, we use these occasions to say congratulations, a job well done, pray together or share a See’s sucker or cigar (if you’re too young to know we used to give cigars to men and See’s suckers to women and children when a baby was born – gee whiz – now we get a text – hopefully with a picture attached).
Sometimes it’s a long time between these social events. Why? One might be quick to suggest that well, it’s expensive to put on a good “shin dig” (hello – “shin dig” is a party, bash, jamboree, get-together – isn’t it fun? – you get a lesson on expanding your vocabulary). Perhaps, more to the point, it’s the lack of value and importance we place on the people in our lives and the mundane way we’ve chosen to live out each day.
All families are different when it comes to visiting with each other or sharing a meal. It used to be that families were all home for dinner, there was no television to entertain, everyone was cleaned up and dinner conversation was appropriate for all ages. However, now, we are eating on-the-go, at the kitchen counter, the television is turned up, and the family is well, scattered about.
Notice that it takes a grand event to get us to step up our game. At grandma and grandpa’s 50th golden anniversary everyone is all “decked out” (dressed up-ha! did you know that one?), sitting together and sharing a meal in celebration of a milestone event.
Something very interesting happens when we are gathered at such an event. It becomes a joyous commemoration of love. We put our best forward, tell of the good things in life, share and make new memories, and give compliments to Aunt Mary and Grandpa Chato. For some reason we are able to put the life that sometimes “sucks” (to draw liquid out of something with the mouth – why do we use that word?) into the closet for a short while, and forget it’s even there, that is, until tomorrow.
What’s my point? Come on now, you know I have one. My point - put that life “of poor quality” (below an acceptable standard in quality or performance) permanently in the closet. Have a change of attitude and a change of heart. Don’t let your circumstances drain you of your great spirit and rob you of the joyous life you deserve. Hey, it is what it is! Some things we can do something about, and some things are simply out of our control. Whatever! You are not alone. There is a whole bunch of us sprinkled about all around the world in the same sinking (or stinking) boat. Make a decision. Are you going to sink or swim? Everyday you have a choice to put on a happy face or a frown. Everyday you can put your best attitude forward or you can be a sourpuss (somebody regarded as gloomy or bad-tempered). You are exceptional and unique and so are the people in your life! Make everyday distinctive and extraordinary!
Since you are receiving lessons so easily today, let’s talk about a time recorded in the Old Testament (don’t you love it!). Once every fifty years, the Jewish people would celebrate the Year of Jubilee. During the Year of Jubilee, all debt was forgiven, prisoners were set free, and land that had been repossessed was returned to its' original owner. Wow, would we be in heaven today!
Question – Why couldn’t you have your jubilee today? Set free what keeps you prisoner in your miserable set of circumstances. Make a job change and stop complaining about the one you have, or better yet, thank God you have a job. Get rid of extra expenses that set you back each month (personally, cable is over-rated). We can only have so many pairs of shoes and purses (right ladies?). Guys you don’t need every new silly gadget that comes out on the market, okay? Pull away from those who bring you down, surround yourself with positive people who will lift you up. Stop fighting it man, marry the girl, she’s good for you! Don’t worry the guys will only razz (tease, harass, torment, goad, egg on) you for a while!
Celebrate the little things often. If you can’t find something, make it up (I don’t know choose to celebrate the fact that he ONLY left 3 soda cans on the table today – while she ONLY complained 3 times about the program he decided to watch). Life is special, it is short and it is meant for you to enjoy! Why wait for something extravagant, your jubilee (celebration) is now!
Inspired by:
Leviticus 25:10 And thou shalt sanctify the fiftieth year, and shalt proclaim remission to all the inhabitants of thy land: for it is the year of jubilee. Every man shall return to his possession, and every one shall go back to his former family.
"Remission"... That is, a general release and discharge from debts and bondage, and a reinstating of every man in his former possessions.
Jesus came to set us free from our bondage. Take his beautiful gift and use it. Fight the evil temptations of life with your sword of words “what would Jesus do with my circumstance” and move closer to God’s favor and you will experience the Jubilee intended for you.
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