I love looking out my window Sunday mornings . Probably the only time during the week where the world is still . No one is about . Everyone sleeping in or lounging about relaxing on Sabbath morning .
There is something special about this time of morning , a time that one looks forward to all week . I want to be still like that , not just at home or Church , but at work , too . Why can't I incorporate some of that quiet and stillness at work ?
It seems the devil runs rampart at work causing so much discord . You could walk in smiling but you will leave grumpy . Is it because there are so many people under one roof ? So many different faiths or none at all ? How I wish I could change that atmosphere .
Yes , by my work , jealousy exists and anger , too . Hatred of authority , disillusionment in life , troubled relationships and judgmental ideals working side by side among these people . How do we change all that ? I really don't know .
Every night , as I walk in the parking lot towards the building , I recite....
Lord , let every word I speak and every action I make be a reflection of you .
Sometimes , I succeed and sometimes I don't . During the week I long for the stillness of that Sunday morning where there are no angry words or actions towards each other . Instead , a peacefulness exists as the world turns , but the people in it stand still and quiet basking in the silence . . . . . until Monday morning .
What happens to us when we are at work ? I'm sure we are nothing like that at home or within our personal time . Is it because we can control our private life but not our work life ? It's almost as if we become two separate people : the one at work and the one at play .
How do I want to change the world ? I want us to be nicer to each other . Where everyone will treat each other with love and respect . Is that so much to ask ?
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
God Moments Of My Life Pt.7
When we were looking for our apartment , we made a list of what we wanted . The things that really mattered in finding a place to live .
1. parking
I wanted my own parking since that was one of the hassles of where we were living at that time .
2. 1st floor
We didn't want the basement and definitely not the higher stories . Who wants to carry furniture or bags of groceries three flights of stairs ? The basement ? We didn't want to worry about flooding .
3. price range
We set a limit and didn't plan on going over it . Our goal was in trying to save money .
We made a list and then we prayed about it . When I started looking , I wrote down three addresses . I looked at the last two first and didn't like any of them . Pulling up to the first address , I automatically checked off the first item on my list . Then the second and the third , in that order exactly .
It seems that the first address I wrote down was the place for us . Not only was that an answered prayer but also a God Moment . This concludes our series of God Moments for now . Hope you notice all of yours and be thankful for them .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
1. parking
I wanted my own parking since that was one of the hassles of where we were living at that time .
2. 1st floor
We didn't want the basement and definitely not the higher stories . Who wants to carry furniture or bags of groceries three flights of stairs ? The basement ? We didn't want to worry about flooding .
3. price range
We set a limit and didn't plan on going over it . Our goal was in trying to save money .
We made a list and then we prayed about it . When I started looking , I wrote down three addresses . I looked at the last two first and didn't like any of them . Pulling up to the first address , I automatically checked off the first item on my list . Then the second and the third , in that order exactly .
It seems that the first address I wrote down was the place for us . Not only was that an answered prayer but also a God Moment . This concludes our series of God Moments for now . Hope you notice all of yours and be thankful for them .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Down Memory Lane
Five years ago , I sat in a pew at our Church for the first time with my niece , Kathy . It was the Grand Opening of an old Church under new leadership . They sent out these little postcards announcing the re-launch and Kathy received one in her mailbox . I just got home from one of my many hospital visits back then . That was during my first bout with cancer . That first time was very bleak , my friends . I have no idea how I survived it .
Weighing a little under a hundred pounds , my body resembled a skeleton , like the Jews from a concentration camp . I had no shape . I remember stuffing my bra with wash cloths so I wouldn't look like a board . The same for my bottom .
Today , with my niece sitting beside me , our Church is planning another re-launch with a new Pastor at the helm . New postcards are passed out . Kathy and I look at each other and smile . We were here then and we are here now . I had cancer then and I have cancer now .
Walking home with Emily , we passed out these postcards , leaving them in people's mailboxes and on the cars . Our life has changed drastically in the last five years , the funny thing is , I only remember the positive changes that cancer brought into my life . I wouldn't change anything .
Recently , a friend asked me why I thought I was here . I have no idea . I see young people dying and I ask God that myself . Why am I here when the young are dying ? I have lived my life . My children are grown . Why their life instead of mine ? I don't have that answer .
As I passed out those postcards , I prayed that someone would be transformed by them the way I was . My life changed for the better no matter how hard that may be to believe .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Weighing a little under a hundred pounds , my body resembled a skeleton , like the Jews from a concentration camp . I had no shape . I remember stuffing my bra with wash cloths so I wouldn't look like a board . The same for my bottom .
Today , with my niece sitting beside me , our Church is planning another re-launch with a new Pastor at the helm . New postcards are passed out . Kathy and I look at each other and smile . We were here then and we are here now . I had cancer then and I have cancer now .
Walking home with Emily , we passed out these postcards , leaving them in people's mailboxes and on the cars . Our life has changed drastically in the last five years , the funny thing is , I only remember the positive changes that cancer brought into my life . I wouldn't change anything .
Recently , a friend asked me why I thought I was here . I have no idea . I see young people dying and I ask God that myself . Why am I here when the young are dying ? I have lived my life . My children are grown . Why their life instead of mine ? I don't have that answer .
As I passed out those postcards , I prayed that someone would be transformed by them the way I was . My life changed for the better no matter how hard that may be to believe .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
All My Worldly Goods
An Estate Sale : When I saw the notice , something leapt from the page - couch . I have been wanting to replace my futon in the living room for awhile now . Keeping my options open , I've looked at sales in stores for a brand new one and even an used one . I'm always looking for a bargain .
Never really been to an Estate Sale before , after reading the advertisement , something urged me to go to this one . My niece , Kathy , simply adores them so I asked her to join me .
Pulling up to the residence , we both admired the home's structure and outside appearance . Inside , the home looked like a remodel hasn't been done in the last 20-30 years . Yet , as I went from room to room , I fell in love with the home . It was badly need of work here , but the layout was beautiful . It just simply worked .
Walking from room to room , this person's treasures all laid out , being sold for a fraction of their worth . Eagerly , I searched for that couch because in my mind , I felt this was the reason I came here . I would find that couch that I have been searching for . When I did finally find it , it was a disappointment . The couch needed an overhaul just like the house itself .
I walked through that house twice , revisiting each room again and again , not really knowing what I was looking for at that point . In my hands I held two porcelain bowls , total worth - $ 3.00 . This person was selling all their priced possessions and all I could find was these two bowls .
Heading towards the cashier , I spotted a box on a recliner that wasn't there the other two times I passed through . Opening the box , I found a treasure . It was filled with the most intricate , artistic yarn I've ever seen . These types of yarn you only find in specialty stores . Digging deeper into the box , I pulled out unfinished work so beautiful , done in patterns I haven't seen before . This person was trully gifted and talented . I wanted this box no matter how much it cost .
Leaving , the cashier , thanked me for coming because the owner was a senior citizen in need of money . I came in looking to buy a couch and instead I walked out with someone's talent in my hands . This yarn is meant for something special . I don't know what I will use it for , but I know there is a project lined up for me and it involves this yarn . The couch will have to wait .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Never really been to an Estate Sale before , after reading the advertisement , something urged me to go to this one . My niece , Kathy , simply adores them so I asked her to join me .
Pulling up to the residence , we both admired the home's structure and outside appearance . Inside , the home looked like a remodel hasn't been done in the last 20-30 years . Yet , as I went from room to room , I fell in love with the home . It was badly need of work here , but the layout was beautiful . It just simply worked .
Walking from room to room , this person's treasures all laid out , being sold for a fraction of their worth . Eagerly , I searched for that couch because in my mind , I felt this was the reason I came here . I would find that couch that I have been searching for . When I did finally find it , it was a disappointment . The couch needed an overhaul just like the house itself .
I walked through that house twice , revisiting each room again and again , not really knowing what I was looking for at that point . In my hands I held two porcelain bowls , total worth - $ 3.00 . This person was selling all their priced possessions and all I could find was these two bowls .
Heading towards the cashier , I spotted a box on a recliner that wasn't there the other two times I passed through . Opening the box , I found a treasure . It was filled with the most intricate , artistic yarn I've ever seen . These types of yarn you only find in specialty stores . Digging deeper into the box , I pulled out unfinished work so beautiful , done in patterns I haven't seen before . This person was trully gifted and talented . I wanted this box no matter how much it cost .
Leaving , the cashier , thanked me for coming because the owner was a senior citizen in need of money . I came in looking to buy a couch and instead I walked out with someone's talent in my hands . This yarn is meant for something special . I don't know what I will use it for , but I know there is a project lined up for me and it involves this yarn . The couch will have to wait .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Saturday, October 27, 2012
God Moments Of My Life Pt.6
GOD MOMENT:
There are God moments in our life that are so tiny and only last a second or two , yet they make a huge impact on our lives . We don't always recognize them for what they are . These are the everyday God moments when things just go right from beginning to end . We can't explain them , but they happen just the same .
We find money in an old purse or wallet that we didn't use for awhile . Or change on the sidewalk .
That perfect cup of coffee first thing in the morning that tastes so absolutely refreshing and is exactly what we needed .
A moment where our car breaks down a block from our house . Once , mine broke down just as I parked it right in front of my house .
A card from a friend comes in the mail just as you need a lift me up . Or a phone call offering a shoulder to cry on .
Moments like these satisfy our deep longing for knowing we are loved by someone . We all have that need to feel someone has our back . Our friends and family will come and go , but God is ever present . He is always there to pick us up even if we don't always love Him back . Who wouldn't want a friend like that ?
There are God moments all around us . Do you see them ? Do you acknowledge them ? Do you thank God for them ? Or do you not believe in them at all ? God is here and He is showering us with gifts every single day . Let's accept His invitation into His heart by opening up our heart to Him .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
There are God moments in our life that are so tiny and only last a second or two , yet they make a huge impact on our lives . We don't always recognize them for what they are . These are the everyday God moments when things just go right from beginning to end . We can't explain them , but they happen just the same .
We find money in an old purse or wallet that we didn't use for awhile . Or change on the sidewalk .
That perfect cup of coffee first thing in the morning that tastes so absolutely refreshing and is exactly what we needed .
A moment where our car breaks down a block from our house . Once , mine broke down just as I parked it right in front of my house .
A card from a friend comes in the mail just as you need a lift me up . Or a phone call offering a shoulder to cry on .
Moments like these satisfy our deep longing for knowing we are loved by someone . We all have that need to feel someone has our back . Our friends and family will come and go , but God is ever present . He is always there to pick us up even if we don't always love Him back . Who wouldn't want a friend like that ?
There are God moments all around us . Do you see them ? Do you acknowledge them ? Do you thank God for them ? Or do you not believe in them at all ? God is here and He is showering us with gifts every single day . Let's accept His invitation into His heart by opening up our heart to Him .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Friday, October 26, 2012
My Ideal Life
Waking up , I stretched lazily , not wanting to get up . Mentally reciting a list of things I needed to accomplish caused an irritating frown . Ugggh ! Time to get up ! All I wanted to do is sleep in .
Stomping around the apartment , slamming cabinets , my mood turning foul by the minute . Muttering something about not enough time for anything , doing everything myself , no one helping me . . . . . . .I find Emily staring at me from the doorway . A feeling of shame overcomes me . No need to take out my grumpiness out on her . Time to start over . I smile across the room at her . She smiles back .
As I prepared supper , I thought of the ideal life I always wanted to live . I could picture myself living in the country , sleeping in , eating whatever I wanted , crocheting my slippers , reading my devotions . . . all in perfect solitude and ease . In this ideal life , there is no rushing , no schedules or deadlines . Does such a life exist ? Yes , it's called retirement .
As much as I would love to live a secluded life , God doesn't want any of us to be alone . We are meant to live among the people . We are here to comfort and encourage each other , even though , some of us , do quite the opposite . Then why do we keep wishing for the unrealistic things in life ? Maybe , we need a dream to keep us going , to keep us getting up every morning . We need to think that maybe , one day.......
So for now , I have schedules and deadlines to meet . People I need to see and laundry to do , among other things .
Stomping around the apartment , slamming cabinets , my mood turning foul by the minute . Muttering something about not enough time for anything , doing everything myself , no one helping me . . . . . . .I find Emily staring at me from the doorway . A feeling of shame overcomes me . No need to take out my grumpiness out on her . Time to start over . I smile across the room at her . She smiles back .
As I prepared supper , I thought of the ideal life I always wanted to live . I could picture myself living in the country , sleeping in , eating whatever I wanted , crocheting my slippers , reading my devotions . . . all in perfect solitude and ease . In this ideal life , there is no rushing , no schedules or deadlines . Does such a life exist ? Yes , it's called retirement .
As much as I would love to live a secluded life , God doesn't want any of us to be alone . We are meant to live among the people . We are here to comfort and encourage each other , even though , some of us , do quite the opposite . Then why do we keep wishing for the unrealistic things in life ? Maybe , we need a dream to keep us going , to keep us getting up every morning . We need to think that maybe , one day.......
So for now , I have schedules and deadlines to meet . People I need to see and laundry to do , among other things .
Thursday, October 25, 2012
The Weekend Trip
This trip has been planned for months . Like I've said before , we do this every year for Emily's birthday . This time , my cancer , happened at the same time . We both looked at it as a sign from God to have this weekend getaway not just to celebrate her birthday , but also to spend some quiet time alone adjusting to the news .
Emily has a thing for hotels . People look at the sites and tours available , Emily wants to view all the hotels in the area . We like to book a different one each time . This hotel was alright . I liked especially the kitchenette where we could prepare our own meals . It looked almost like a one bedroom apartment . The problem : no pool and no hot tub .
We ended up on the 6th floor , which Emily loved . We had a race on who can reach our room first . She was taking the stairs and I was taking the elevator . Each of us were carrying two bags . Who do you think won ? It may seem obvious to you , but what if I told you that when the elevator opened on the 6th floor , there was Emily breathing hard right by our door ! Stinker .
Another thing that is a tradition is the darn gym . She makes me work out on every machine there . As we were getting ready , I reached into my totebag for the gym shoes . Out came one left sandal and a right gym shoe . What in the world ....? I guess , in rushing out the door , I grabbed the wrong shoes . They didn't even match . That didn't stop my demon coach from working me .
It felt good to get away where the phone never rang , where there was no internet or facebook . . . . just hanging out together . Hanging out in seclusion from the everyday world .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
Emily has a thing for hotels . People look at the sites and tours available , Emily wants to view all the hotels in the area . We like to book a different one each time . This hotel was alright . I liked especially the kitchenette where we could prepare our own meals . It looked almost like a one bedroom apartment . The problem : no pool and no hot tub .
We ended up on the 6th floor , which Emily loved . We had a race on who can reach our room first . She was taking the stairs and I was taking the elevator . Each of us were carrying two bags . Who do you think won ? It may seem obvious to you , but what if I told you that when the elevator opened on the 6th floor , there was Emily breathing hard right by our door ! Stinker .
Another thing that is a tradition is the darn gym . She makes me work out on every machine there . As we were getting ready , I reached into my totebag for the gym shoes . Out came one left sandal and a right gym shoe . What in the world ....? I guess , in rushing out the door , I grabbed the wrong shoes . They didn't even match . That didn't stop my demon coach from working me .
It felt good to get away where the phone never rang , where there was no internet or facebook . . . . just hanging out together . Hanging out in seclusion from the everyday world .
Have a Blessed Week everyone .
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