On to the topic of the day! Down the street from the airport is a lovely old house that sits on 10 acres. It has historic value, has been completely remodeled and was recently (last summer) purchased by a family from ????
I met the wife who came through looking for one of her cats--and she told me that they love horses. Indeed they do! They fenced off a corral, promptly brought in 2 horses and a pony! It appeared an idyllic setting. Then, they brought in a dairy cow...then, winter set in.
Now, the whole area is one churning sea of mud. The grass is gone (eaten or trampled), the little shed that was built for perhaps two animals has to house four, and for most of the winter--cow was locked into this tiny cubicle--never let out into the main corral for exercise.
Well, I decided that God loved the animals way more than I did. I'm not a farmer, so know little about taking care of large farm animals, but seeing cow locked away like that just didn't set well with me.
My mom came to visit and since she was raised on a dairy farm, she threw a fit! (I guess I was right...cow did need to be let out.) So, guess what? I started praying! Every morning and evening as I drove by, I asked the Lord to help the new owners to receive some kind of instruction about letting cow "out of prison". And yep! You guessed it! Cow has been released!
The horses and cow go in and out of the little shed at leisure! Cow wanders over to the fence and stares longingly into the huge field where lots of beef cattle are grazing. Once in awhile, a few of them amble over to say "hello", but at least she's out and moving again!
And, I realized that instead of just driving by and griping about the treatment I felt was unjust, I needed to "get off my high horse" and start praying about it. I didn't have a clue as to why that was happening...probably lack of knowledge...so what good was I doing by criticizing? The Lord loves His Creation and has put us here to be good stewards!
I call my mom once in awhile and say, "Guess what?! Cow is OUT!"
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Saturday, March 14, 2009
God's Treasures & My Bathroom
Good morning! I must carry on this theme of "treasures" while it's still fresh on my mind! Maybe if I write about it...it will stick in my mind and heart!
We are ALL God's treasures! Does that mean that He loves what we do, what we think about, how we act--all of the time? I don't think so! Jesus would have not needed to come to earth if that were true! But, God really does look at each human being (no matter how broken, wicked, dirty, ugly, etc.) as His own personal jewel! How can He do that? Because His love knows no bounds!
The other night, we were watching Fox News and a little news flash popped up showing the most messed-up looking guy--the worst serial rapist (of children) that had ever been captured...yes, captured in Las Vegas. The first thing that popped into my mind was, "Look at him! He's My TREASURE!" And, I said (inside my head), "Yes, Lord, he is!" Period! Not...but look what he's done, look at the lives he's ruined, what about the children, what about their parents, what about, what about....Those "what about" questions came later in the evening as I mulled over what he represented and his horrible actions against humanity. And I'm convinced that he will go to prison and have to pay for his crimes in one way or another.
Last night, I met with a group of friends in Columbia at a Sushi restaurant to catch up with each other. One of them brought up the fact that her adopted daughter's real dad was named Billy ----. Coincidentally, 2 of my other friends had had direct dealings with this guy and he's not a blessing! In fact, he's a scum bag! Dirty (literally), mean, cruel, abusive, horrible to be around, etc., etc...and then? We started talking about God's treasures! And guess what? We came to the conclusion that he was one of those precious jewels in God's treasure house. But, did we automatically feel anything but repulsion? Nope, that was something that only God could do in our hearts! Any thoughts? I'll leave this theme for the moment--
My bathroom! Yahoo! I finally painted it! (I love color, in case I've never mentioned that). Our whole house was painted stark white when we moved in. I know, I know...all those pale colors are all the rage, but they don't speak to me! Color speaks to me!
I wanted a "camel" color for the bathroom, but this time I blew it! The color was way, way too pale for me! I painted on--because that's what I had to work with. At the end, I felt intense disappointment!
A brilliant thought popped into my brain...buy a new shower curtain, bathrug, and a few "sea worthy" decorations that had color in them. I have a lot of shells and things from the sea on display in that little room.
So, I made a run to Hobby Lobby and Walmart (my budget couldn't afford more) and Wa-La! A small photos of lighthouses resides above the mirrow now, along with a string of wooden fish. A shower curtain that takes you on a walk down the beach fills the room and perwinkle blue rugs draw your eyes to COLOR!
Have a glorious day! Look for those bright, sparkling jewels around you and enjoy some "color", as you gaze upon God's Treasures! And, if you're struggling with a bout of spring fever--paint a bathroom!
We are ALL God's treasures! Does that mean that He loves what we do, what we think about, how we act--all of the time? I don't think so! Jesus would have not needed to come to earth if that were true! But, God really does look at each human being (no matter how broken, wicked, dirty, ugly, etc.) as His own personal jewel! How can He do that? Because His love knows no bounds!
The other night, we were watching Fox News and a little news flash popped up showing the most messed-up looking guy--the worst serial rapist (of children) that had ever been captured...yes, captured in Las Vegas. The first thing that popped into my mind was, "Look at him! He's My TREASURE!" And, I said (inside my head), "Yes, Lord, he is!" Period! Not...but look what he's done, look at the lives he's ruined, what about the children, what about their parents, what about, what about....Those "what about" questions came later in the evening as I mulled over what he represented and his horrible actions against humanity. And I'm convinced that he will go to prison and have to pay for his crimes in one way or another.
Last night, I met with a group of friends in Columbia at a Sushi restaurant to catch up with each other. One of them brought up the fact that her adopted daughter's real dad was named Billy ----. Coincidentally, 2 of my other friends had had direct dealings with this guy and he's not a blessing! In fact, he's a scum bag! Dirty (literally), mean, cruel, abusive, horrible to be around, etc., etc...and then? We started talking about God's treasures! And guess what? We came to the conclusion that he was one of those precious jewels in God's treasure house. But, did we automatically feel anything but repulsion? Nope, that was something that only God could do in our hearts! Any thoughts? I'll leave this theme for the moment--
My bathroom! Yahoo! I finally painted it! (I love color, in case I've never mentioned that). Our whole house was painted stark white when we moved in. I know, I know...all those pale colors are all the rage, but they don't speak to me! Color speaks to me!
I wanted a "camel" color for the bathroom, but this time I blew it! The color was way, way too pale for me! I painted on--because that's what I had to work with. At the end, I felt intense disappointment!
A brilliant thought popped into my brain...buy a new shower curtain, bathrug, and a few "sea worthy" decorations that had color in them. I have a lot of shells and things from the sea on display in that little room.
So, I made a run to Hobby Lobby and Walmart (my budget couldn't afford more) and Wa-La! A small photos of lighthouses resides above the mirrow now, along with a string of wooden fish. A shower curtain that takes you on a walk down the beach fills the room and perwinkle blue rugs draw your eyes to COLOR!
Have a glorious day! Look for those bright, sparkling jewels around you and enjoy some "color", as you gaze upon God's Treasures! And, if you're struggling with a bout of spring fever--paint a bathroom!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Mother Teresa
I have such good intentions...really I do! I intend to write something interesting and then I get busy and one day runs into another and pretty soon, it's been two or three weeks since I sat down to put my thoughts on this blog!
So, to begin...my mom, Travis and I have been on quite a journey lately. After the pastor of our church gave a talk on modern-day heroes, one of which was Mother Teresa, I bought a biography off of Amazon.com and we started reading it out-loud in the evenings. What an amazing story! She was quite a lady! I think what I've been most impressed with was her continual turning to God! She was not perfect--human just like the rest of us, but she remained true to her calling up until she passed away.
The other amazing thing was her real love for people. And, throughout the book, it was recorded again and again, that she had to talk to the Lord constantly to have HIS love in her heart. It was impossible for a human to carry their own love for people. We just don't have the capacity to do that! Even for those who are close to us...we get our feelings hurt, we judge others with a critical spirit, etc.
So, what does all of this mean? Hmmm...not sure! But, I've become more and more aware of how much I want to be in-tune with the One who has that love! And, as I run head on into all kinds of different people, I've been more aware of my inner motives. Sometimes, I don't feel one ounce of love--other times, I feel overwhelmed with love. But, God is ALWAYS full of love for everyone!
In the most recent "Discipleship Journal" magazine that I receive...there's a whole section about ministering to the poor and vulnerable. My mom and I have also been watching the made-for-TV series about "Christy"...the young girl who traveled up into the Appalachian Mountains right after the turn of the century to teach school in Cutter Gap--a place of great darkness.
And...another really cool thing happened to me in church the other evening. (We go on Saturday nights, as Travis has to open the airport on Sundays). There was a handicapped person sitting in front me (I won't tell you what...it might make you feel uncomfortable) and for the very first time, I was able to see her weakness--but then look right past it to see HER! And to remember--she is God's Treasure! God loves HER! It doesn't matter about her looks, etc. It doesn't matter about her past or what's going on in her heart in the present, etc., etc. That's what God's love is all about!
So, to begin...my mom, Travis and I have been on quite a journey lately. After the pastor of our church gave a talk on modern-day heroes, one of which was Mother Teresa, I bought a biography off of Amazon.com and we started reading it out-loud in the evenings. What an amazing story! She was quite a lady! I think what I've been most impressed with was her continual turning to God! She was not perfect--human just like the rest of us, but she remained true to her calling up until she passed away.
The other amazing thing was her real love for people. And, throughout the book, it was recorded again and again, that she had to talk to the Lord constantly to have HIS love in her heart. It was impossible for a human to carry their own love for people. We just don't have the capacity to do that! Even for those who are close to us...we get our feelings hurt, we judge others with a critical spirit, etc.
So, what does all of this mean? Hmmm...not sure! But, I've become more and more aware of how much I want to be in-tune with the One who has that love! And, as I run head on into all kinds of different people, I've been more aware of my inner motives. Sometimes, I don't feel one ounce of love--other times, I feel overwhelmed with love. But, God is ALWAYS full of love for everyone!
In the most recent "Discipleship Journal" magazine that I receive...there's a whole section about ministering to the poor and vulnerable. My mom and I have also been watching the made-for-TV series about "Christy"...the young girl who traveled up into the Appalachian Mountains right after the turn of the century to teach school in Cutter Gap--a place of great darkness.
And...another really cool thing happened to me in church the other evening. (We go on Saturday nights, as Travis has to open the airport on Sundays). There was a handicapped person sitting in front me (I won't tell you what...it might make you feel uncomfortable) and for the very first time, I was able to see her weakness--but then look right past it to see HER! And to remember--she is God's Treasure! God loves HER! It doesn't matter about her looks, etc. It doesn't matter about her past or what's going on in her heart in the present, etc., etc. That's what God's love is all about!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Gratefulness
I'm always thinking about writing in my blog, but I have a hard time with procrastinating. I think that maybe the things that I'm pondering aren't worth writing down, but I'm going to quit dwelling on that and just write....
I've been thinking about the word "gratitude" a lot! There is such a lack of it in the world today. I get very tired of all the complaining and moaning that goes on around me...then, when I stop to listen--it sounds an awful lot like MY voice, too.
So, I'm going to tell you about why I'm grateful tonight! God has given me such an amazing life! Everyday that I wake up...there are new things to see, hear, and experience! We have a bird feeder outside our dining room window and all kinds of birds come to visit. We recently changed from the run-of-the-mill birdseed and bought safflower seed instead. It's supposed to keep the squirrels from throwing everything all over the ground. They still come to check it out, but it's working! And for that...I'm truly grateful!
Then...there's the comfort that my bed is to me! Last year, I was able to buy one of those therma-peudic (?) mattress covers, 600 count cotton sheet sets and a new comforter. My back was always killing me on our old mattress and the cost of replacing it was astronomical. I found this whole "set"at Sam's Club and now it's with great pleasure that I crawl into bed at night (and in a few more minutes--since it's after midnight)
Ok...that's enough. Thank you for listening and maybe you can tell me about some things that you're grateful for, too! I think the world would be a better place if we stopped listening to the constant harangue of what's wrong! :-)
I've been thinking about the word "gratitude" a lot! There is such a lack of it in the world today. I get very tired of all the complaining and moaning that goes on around me...then, when I stop to listen--it sounds an awful lot like MY voice, too.
So, I'm going to tell you about why I'm grateful tonight! God has given me such an amazing life! Everyday that I wake up...there are new things to see, hear, and experience! We have a bird feeder outside our dining room window and all kinds of birds come to visit. We recently changed from the run-of-the-mill birdseed and bought safflower seed instead. It's supposed to keep the squirrels from throwing everything all over the ground. They still come to check it out, but it's working! And for that...I'm truly grateful!
Then...there's the comfort that my bed is to me! Last year, I was able to buy one of those therma-peudic (?) mattress covers, 600 count cotton sheet sets and a new comforter. My back was always killing me on our old mattress and the cost of replacing it was astronomical. I found this whole "set"at Sam's Club and now it's with great pleasure that I crawl into bed at night (and in a few more minutes--since it's after midnight)
Ok...that's enough. Thank you for listening and maybe you can tell me about some things that you're grateful for, too! I think the world would be a better place if we stopped listening to the constant harangue of what's wrong! :-)
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Short Thought
And...life moves on! It's a very warm day today--although we have snow in the forecast for Friday! But, that's Missouri weather for you!
My youngest daughter, Sara, and her boyfriend, Erich, bought us a year's subscription to NetFlix. Man oh man, we're having so much fun! We watched a really interesting movie yesterday (while the rain poured down) called, "Goodbye, Mister Tom". It was all about a little boy who had been sent out into the countryside of England during World War II (along with lots of other children) to escape the bombing that was going on. He was assigned to the home of Tom--a very cranky, bitter, old man who needed a little boy like William to keep him company!
Even though it's "make-believe" and a great story--I think God works that way in all of our lives! People and circumstances come along that we need! We all need to be stretched--not that it's pleasant when it's going on--but we are better off because of them/it!
My youngest daughter, Sara, and her boyfriend, Erich, bought us a year's subscription to NetFlix. Man oh man, we're having so much fun! We watched a really interesting movie yesterday (while the rain poured down) called, "Goodbye, Mister Tom". It was all about a little boy who had been sent out into the countryside of England during World War II (along with lots of other children) to escape the bombing that was going on. He was assigned to the home of Tom--a very cranky, bitter, old man who needed a little boy like William to keep him company!
Even though it's "make-believe" and a great story--I think God works that way in all of our lives! People and circumstances come along that we need! We all need to be stretched--not that it's pleasant when it's going on--but we are better off because of them/it!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Taking Up the Bible
I can't get enough of the Bible. Now, for some of you...that probably sounds like the most boring and irrelevant subject in the world! For others of you--you probably feel the same. So, let me explain for a few minutes of writing as to why I feel that way!
While in PR, I had lots of time to just read and I felt my soul expanding, rather than my waistline. Now, mind you, I have a long way to go to reduce my physical weight--but I've been finding that I'm sick to death of thinking about losing weight, eating less, cutting down on sugar, exercising, etc. etc. In fact, I think that my over-obsession with that whole subject is like bowing down to an idol made out of gold or silver.
So, instead, I've been taking my Bible in hand and just reading! Not stopping to ponder a whole lot (unless something just jumps out at me), but just reading chapter after chapter. And interestingly enough, I feel like I've been caught up into a whole sweep of history! God's history! And my soul is expanding because of it!
One quick scripture that has been rolling around in my brain--out of the Message version. Daniel 2:20-21. "Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: he changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also bring them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment."
For you that lean to the left politically, you might be cheering! Yes, finally...an old "regime" brought low...a new beginning with President Obama leading us on into a wonderful life. For those of you that lean towards the right, "Oh, this is the most horrible thing that has ever happened to America!" What has pumped into my heart is that fact that, "God guides history. He raises up and brings down leaders for HIS PURPOSES!"
Are all of God's purposes positive...in other words--do we always get protected from evil? Are we always deserving of the "good life"? Can one man truly be our savior? Only Jesus! He's the only one. So, we must not be gloating or in despair or whatever. We must be about our lives--extending ourselves to those in need, turning away from wrong doing and selfishness, opening up our hearts to the One who guides history--standing in the gap during our times of prayer!
History moves on--there are good times and bad times! There are times of horrible injustice and times of peace and right ruling! We forget that our time here on earth is relatively short in comparison with eternity. So, I've been asking God to help me keep His perspective and to not fall into bitterness and hatred or pride and arrogance!
Not an easy line to walk...at least not for me personally! I can't believe how quickly I can get puffed up in my attitudes over some trivial little thing that I do right! And as soon as I even get a hint that someone may be putting me down, I find unforgiveness and anger quickly raising it's ugly head in my mind. Man oh man! I do need a Savior--THE Savior!
And by the way...I'm thankful for all of you who take time to read this little blog! Our differences of opinion are all protected under the laws of this amazing land that we live in! Isn't it wonderful that we have the freedom to express our views and still be friends? More to come...
While in PR, I had lots of time to just read and I felt my soul expanding, rather than my waistline. Now, mind you, I have a long way to go to reduce my physical weight--but I've been finding that I'm sick to death of thinking about losing weight, eating less, cutting down on sugar, exercising, etc. etc. In fact, I think that my over-obsession with that whole subject is like bowing down to an idol made out of gold or silver.
So, instead, I've been taking my Bible in hand and just reading! Not stopping to ponder a whole lot (unless something just jumps out at me), but just reading chapter after chapter. And interestingly enough, I feel like I've been caught up into a whole sweep of history! God's history! And my soul is expanding because of it!
One quick scripture that has been rolling around in my brain--out of the Message version. Daniel 2:20-21. "Blessed be the name of God, forever and ever. He knows all, does all: he changes the seasons and guides history, He raises up kings and also bring them down, he provides both intelligence and discernment."
For you that lean to the left politically, you might be cheering! Yes, finally...an old "regime" brought low...a new beginning with President Obama leading us on into a wonderful life. For those of you that lean towards the right, "Oh, this is the most horrible thing that has ever happened to America!" What has pumped into my heart is that fact that, "God guides history. He raises up and brings down leaders for HIS PURPOSES!"
Are all of God's purposes positive...in other words--do we always get protected from evil? Are we always deserving of the "good life"? Can one man truly be our savior? Only Jesus! He's the only one. So, we must not be gloating or in despair or whatever. We must be about our lives--extending ourselves to those in need, turning away from wrong doing and selfishness, opening up our hearts to the One who guides history--standing in the gap during our times of prayer!
History moves on--there are good times and bad times! There are times of horrible injustice and times of peace and right ruling! We forget that our time here on earth is relatively short in comparison with eternity. So, I've been asking God to help me keep His perspective and to not fall into bitterness and hatred or pride and arrogance!
Not an easy line to walk...at least not for me personally! I can't believe how quickly I can get puffed up in my attitudes over some trivial little thing that I do right! And as soon as I even get a hint that someone may be putting me down, I find unforgiveness and anger quickly raising it's ugly head in my mind. Man oh man! I do need a Savior--THE Savior!
And by the way...I'm thankful for all of you who take time to read this little blog! Our differences of opinion are all protected under the laws of this amazing land that we live in! Isn't it wonderful that we have the freedom to express our views and still be friends? More to come...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Sunny beaches
It's been almost a month since I last posted anything. So, let me just jump right in with both feet and tell you all the news!
First of all, as you may remember, we had struggled greatly with renewing the contract here at the Fulton Airport. Our hearts burned for something new, but in the end--we thought that it would be prudent to keep the contract until something else opened up.
Joah, our son, and his girlfriend, Ingrid, both received unexpected end-of-the-year bonuses and they purchased round-trip plane tickets for us to come down to Puerto Rico for a 10-day visit! We thought that it was a bit "over-the-top", but what could we do? The tickets were purchased, so we went. My mom is here visiting us...so she went along too!
My oh my! God really, really does know us intimately! It was exactly what we needed. 2008 had been a tough year for us and little did we realize how desperately we needed a rest.
So, the day after the contract was signed, we flew out of St. Louis and landed that same day in sunny San Juan. I can't begin to tell you how just flying down there brought so much relief to me! And I had hours upon hours to rest, read, and reflect on what I had read without any interruptions.
The oddest thing happened to me...well, it shouldn't seem odd...but it was the first time in ages that I had felt this way. I curled up on Ingrid's couch and just read the Bible. It was like reading a really good novel. I couldn't put it down. Chapter after chapter after chapter. No interruptions, no worries, nothing! Just reading!
We did all kinds of fun things...runs to the beaches, wading and finding treasures of coral and shells in the sand, visiting a light house on the western end of the island, going to quaint restaurants and having some of the best fresh sea food ever, shopping in a huge mall, visiting a rain forest, watching "chick flicks" with my mom and Ingrid while Joah and Travis went flying, flying in the same planes that Joah flies, etc, etc.....
Glorious, glorious time! And now, Travis is over in Dubai for 2 weeks with Gary, Jessica, and their two little boys. I went last year and it was his turn to go! My mom and I are holding down the fort and enjoying some special time together.
So, that's just to catch you up.....
First of all, as you may remember, we had struggled greatly with renewing the contract here at the Fulton Airport. Our hearts burned for something new, but in the end--we thought that it would be prudent to keep the contract until something else opened up.
Joah, our son, and his girlfriend, Ingrid, both received unexpected end-of-the-year bonuses and they purchased round-trip plane tickets for us to come down to Puerto Rico for a 10-day visit! We thought that it was a bit "over-the-top", but what could we do? The tickets were purchased, so we went. My mom is here visiting us...so she went along too!
My oh my! God really, really does know us intimately! It was exactly what we needed. 2008 had been a tough year for us and little did we realize how desperately we needed a rest.
So, the day after the contract was signed, we flew out of St. Louis and landed that same day in sunny San Juan. I can't begin to tell you how just flying down there brought so much relief to me! And I had hours upon hours to rest, read, and reflect on what I had read without any interruptions.
The oddest thing happened to me...well, it shouldn't seem odd...but it was the first time in ages that I had felt this way. I curled up on Ingrid's couch and just read the Bible. It was like reading a really good novel. I couldn't put it down. Chapter after chapter after chapter. No interruptions, no worries, nothing! Just reading!
We did all kinds of fun things...runs to the beaches, wading and finding treasures of coral and shells in the sand, visiting a light house on the western end of the island, going to quaint restaurants and having some of the best fresh sea food ever, shopping in a huge mall, visiting a rain forest, watching "chick flicks" with my mom and Ingrid while Joah and Travis went flying, flying in the same planes that Joah flies, etc, etc.....
Glorious, glorious time! And now, Travis is over in Dubai for 2 weeks with Gary, Jessica, and their two little boys. I went last year and it was his turn to go! My mom and I are holding down the fort and enjoying some special time together.
So, that's just to catch you up.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
