Okay so we are suppose to look at Christmas as the birth of our Savior and most of us in the fringes of our lives do...
. . . but only in the fringes.
Come on look. . .
. . . no look harder
you see. . .
. . .it’s on your sleeve.
Yep that’s our savior you dropped Him when you were trying to get to that sale or find the right checkout so that you could hurry up and make it to the next sale.
We spend our cash and time buying gifts for those we love and those we have to buy for. You know who they are.
Some folks even go into debt to get the kids the perfect gift of the year.
Pssssst guess what?
They will want something different that is better and more expensive next year.
So if we are dropping Jesus to the wayside and rushing around to buy gifts what is the true meaning of Christmas to us?
Well this year I learned a bit about Christmas.
One don’t put off the shopping
Two when you put off the shopping and you are hurt it’s, excuse the pun, a real pain.
Now I’m not writing this to bum us out or make us feel guilty so keep reading PLEASE.
One big thing that I learned is that my daughter is a really fun person to shop with. Since the death of my mom, she died right before Christmas several years ago, we have done something fun for a gift. Miss Littles was enlisted to help me because of my shoulder pain. She had several ideas and loved doing the shopping with me.
I also learned that family can have a great big pain in their hearts for those who have left this earth to be with that Savior of ours that we put on the shelf when we were trying to decide if Uncle Drew would like socks or a hat and still come together and laugh, tease, and love.
Jesus was born so that we can decorate our yards with a ridicules amount of blow up junk and lights that can be seen from space. Jesus lived on this earth as a man so that we could stand in a mall of crazed people in search of just the right thing that Aunt Sarah will love.
Jesus died so that those who have left us and those who are to join them soon, and you and I, our stupid, forgetful, passionate about shopping, selves can live forever with Him.
He came, He taught, He died so that on the day that the earth celebrates His birth with too much food, too many lights, too much spending, on a day when too much is common and expected He still loves us .
He gave us family and friends to over do it all in the name of the baby born in a manger under the light of the brightest star so that He could save us forever.
Thank you God
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Monday, December 06, 2010
A tugging has been in my heart
I wrote this last January and thought i'd republish it after reading Phillip's post from the Thinklings
It’s cold here in Oklahoma, as it has been in most places in the US. A few days ago the temperatures dropped to 16 and lower.
It is just plain cold outside.
When he walked in I knew. There was no question about it. That man is homeless. He stood tall in stature with a backpack hugging his back. I thought it must be a blessing to help keep the wind off his back.
I say that he was tall in stature but as he spoke to me half pleading he must have felt so small in standings.
He rubbed his hands together and blew a cold breath onto them. I wondered if he felt desperation. I wondered if he didn’t wish that his breath would somehow warm all of him.
He lowered his head as he spoke to me but looked at my face.
“No disrespect ma’am but it’s awful cold out there and” he looked to the door “I slept out in that last night.”
I must have looked shocked because what I said next just spilled out.
“Why didn’t you sleep in one of the missions like John 3:16?”
He looked back at me and replied “Missions were all full and as I was saying I mean no disrespect ma’am but I was wondering if I could just stand here to catch my breath.”
I replied “Yes you may.”
He stood to the side to warm up.
Where I work we aren’t allowed to let the homeless wander in the store. I couldn’t send him down for hot coffee. All that I could do was to allow him a warm place to stand for a moment. It’s not that I work for an uncaring company but I work in an area that has a lot of homeless people. Our customers don’t like being asked for money from those who don’t work. Most of the people that come into the store most likely donate to some form of charity so I know that they are caring people. I talk to them I know that one of my guys, who is always going to look to find me helps in a prison ministry and I have many other stories like his. But still we have to be responsible.
He thanked me and left before I was able to send someone for a cup of hot coffee for him.
This morning I was talking to my minister about the man and he said that he had spoken to other ministers about the same issue of overcrowded shelters and using our big empty church buildings for them. Some are open to it many aren’t.
The tugging of our hearts won’t end as long as people will huddle in the freezing temperatures.
Please pray for these men, women, and children
Matthew 25:34-38 (New International Version)
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
It’s cold here in Oklahoma, as it has been in most places in the US. A few days ago the temperatures dropped to 16 and lower.
It is just plain cold outside.
When he walked in I knew. There was no question about it. That man is homeless. He stood tall in stature with a backpack hugging his back. I thought it must be a blessing to help keep the wind off his back.
I say that he was tall in stature but as he spoke to me half pleading he must have felt so small in standings.
He rubbed his hands together and blew a cold breath onto them. I wondered if he felt desperation. I wondered if he didn’t wish that his breath would somehow warm all of him.
He lowered his head as he spoke to me but looked at my face.
“No disrespect ma’am but it’s awful cold out there and” he looked to the door “I slept out in that last night.”
I must have looked shocked because what I said next just spilled out.
“Why didn’t you sleep in one of the missions like John 3:16?”
He looked back at me and replied “Missions were all full and as I was saying I mean no disrespect ma’am but I was wondering if I could just stand here to catch my breath.”
I replied “Yes you may.”
He stood to the side to warm up.
Where I work we aren’t allowed to let the homeless wander in the store. I couldn’t send him down for hot coffee. All that I could do was to allow him a warm place to stand for a moment. It’s not that I work for an uncaring company but I work in an area that has a lot of homeless people. Our customers don’t like being asked for money from those who don’t work. Most of the people that come into the store most likely donate to some form of charity so I know that they are caring people. I talk to them I know that one of my guys, who is always going to look to find me helps in a prison ministry and I have many other stories like his. But still we have to be responsible.
He thanked me and left before I was able to send someone for a cup of hot coffee for him.
This morning I was talking to my minister about the man and he said that he had spoken to other ministers about the same issue of overcrowded shelters and using our big empty church buildings for them. Some are open to it many aren’t.
The tugging of our hearts won’t end as long as people will huddle in the freezing temperatures.
Please pray for these men, women, and children
Matthew 25:34-38 (New International Version)
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Friday, October 08, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Memory is Sailing
I wanted to take you sailing
I had begun to think of how to do it
You loved sailing and I wanted to take you
We talked about it before
The ocean and the sand
Shells and gulls
But. . .
Then we told each other I love you
Our last words
Our last moments before
I can only dream of sailing with you
I had begun to think of how to do it
You loved sailing and I wanted to take you
We talked about it before
The ocean and the sand
Shells and gulls
But. . .
Then we told each other I love you
Our last words
Our last moments before
I can only dream of sailing with you
I pray that Heaven has big blue oceans
and you are sailing
Monday, July 12, 2010
Gone to walk with God
This morning my sister's body gave up it's fight. I'll miss her till the day I join her with our Lord
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
God's Sticker Book
It’s no surprise to those who have been here in the past that odd thoughts plagued me
and
the other day at work was no different. I was cleaning like I always do in the mornings when a thought about stickers wedged itself into my brain.
What if we got stickers for a job well done?
Can you see your boss giving you a sticker with a kitten on it because you came to work on time every day for a week?
The Forgiven sticker.
What stickers do you want in your book?
and
the other day at work was no different. I was cleaning like I always do in the mornings when a thought about stickers wedged itself into my brain.
What if we got stickers for a job well done?
Can you see your boss giving you a sticker with a kitten on it because you came to work on time every day for a week?
How about a gold star on the board next to your name because you finished all your work Chris?
Salguod great job in helping Karen with the computer here’s a stick with a car on it!
You’d proudly put it on your board in your cubical. 
Do you think that as adults we would be jealous if our coworker got a sticker and we didn’t?
Would KBob be unhappy that Barbara got the sticker of the Bible and he got nothing?
I know that as adults we get just as unhappy because others get recognized and we don’t.
Didn't we do a good job also?
Several of us were given an award for customer service not long ago that came with a pin and a bit extra in our checks. After taxes it was a happy meal. I couldn’t believe how several of my coworkers behaved when they weren’t given the award. I think that several of them needed frowny face stickers on their charts. Why do we act like that? I’m due for another award and now I’m thinking that several people will be upset with me because of it. I might need to bring stickers for them. ;-}
I wrote this a bit ago and yes several made remarks about the Fossel watch.
As I pondered those thoughts of stickers another thought popped in.
What if God had a sticker book?
You’d be standing in line waiting for God to open your book, praying that He has your book and not the man who lives in a place hotter than Texas in July, wondering if when he does you’ll have a whole bunch of cool stickers filling your book.
I wonder what kind of stickers that I would have in my book?
Great job handling the ex this week a smiley face
Lost you temper and yelled a little devil sticker
Helped a friend you get a sticker shaped like a clown fish
My turn comes and He picks up my book. I blow out a puff of air that was held in when the thoughts of my book being in the basement or lost, after all lots of others are there waiting for their sticker books. He’s God so I doubt that the guy whispering to the lady next to him about how he knew someone who said that they knew someone who said his book was lost for a week and then was found on God’s desk under his coffee mug so he got a coffee mug sticker for the trouble is telling a true story.
He’s God He doesn’t lose a book.
Sweet relief when I see that the book is rather big. Others are smaller and lots are bigger but I’m still happy with it. I stand proud when He calls off all the stickers that I was given when I was good and seem to be interested in my feet when He tells me of the stickers I was given when I was bad.
God smiles at me and places one last sticker in my book –
The Forgiven sticker.
What stickers do you want in your book?
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Golly my life is a strange path
Perhaps we all know a person who just can’t let go of the bone.
Wait . . . am I mixing a metaphor?
Oh well that’s what Milly does.
This week I gave a bit of thought about this blog. I’ve had the grand pleasure of meeting in our bloggone way some wonderful people. Something that I cherish and I’m glad that they can see me on FB.
I thought about shutting it down and starting a new one. That seems like having another pet to neglect. So I will continue to abuse this one.
I had one of the worst years last year and I shared it with everyone. Yes I shared it to a point that people were fed up. Not one person said that they have heard enough but I know that I am sick of myself and this pity party. My son threw one for himself I joined him and talked about it. THE PARTY IS OVER!!!
Cancer sucks and my sister is still fighting hard. I miss her. We don’t talk like we use to but I still have her thank God.
One of my best friends battled cancer and won! Her husband took a large amount of pain killers, she left him and spent the night here with her kids. He landed in the hospital. Stupid man almost died. So far he is back in church and thankful that he has her and the kids.
My dad is doing well.
My brother,sister-in-law, and niece are wonderful.
My daughter is a ten year old little. Drama and fun happen all at once.
I have a nice home, great kids, and I’m doing just fine. I will say that I miss having a spouse to be with but I want the right man. I want a man that will be faithful to me from beginning to the end. I want a spiritual leader.
I want a man who will love my three legged dog and the kids.
I have been blessed with a great sista friend next door, I call her mom MOM. That’s huge for me no one else can ever be MOM to me but my real MOM. I love her kids. I have to they almost live here. We’ve talked about building a tunnel so that the kids can go in and out without bringing the out in.
God has blessed me with everything but a nice ex-husband and a new man in my life.
I think I needed the closure that my ex-boyfriend gave me when we went out. I needed to say what I said and hear what he had to say. I can’t really think of the life we might have had if he had proposed that December at Utica Square under those twinkly lights because he never did.
It has been a year of reflecting and resigning and resting and I’m sure other R words.
Golly my life is a strange path. Thank God
Wait . . . am I mixing a metaphor?
Oh well that’s what Milly does.
This week I gave a bit of thought about this blog. I’ve had the grand pleasure of meeting in our bloggone way some wonderful people. Something that I cherish and I’m glad that they can see me on FB.
I thought about shutting it down and starting a new one. That seems like having another pet to neglect. So I will continue to abuse this one.
I had one of the worst years last year and I shared it with everyone. Yes I shared it to a point that people were fed up. Not one person said that they have heard enough but I know that I am sick of myself and this pity party. My son threw one for himself I joined him and talked about it. THE PARTY IS OVER!!!
Cancer sucks and my sister is still fighting hard. I miss her. We don’t talk like we use to but I still have her thank God.
One of my best friends battled cancer and won! Her husband took a large amount of pain killers, she left him and spent the night here with her kids. He landed in the hospital. Stupid man almost died. So far he is back in church and thankful that he has her and the kids.
My dad is doing well.
My brother,sister-in-law, and niece are wonderful.
My daughter is a ten year old little. Drama and fun happen all at once.
I have a nice home, great kids, and I’m doing just fine. I will say that I miss having a spouse to be with but I want the right man. I want a man that will be faithful to me from beginning to the end. I want a spiritual leader.
I want a man who will love my three legged dog and the kids.
I have been blessed with a great sista friend next door, I call her mom MOM. That’s huge for me no one else can ever be MOM to me but my real MOM. I love her kids. I have to they almost live here. We’ve talked about building a tunnel so that the kids can go in and out without bringing the out in.
God has blessed me with everything but a nice ex-husband and a new man in my life.
I think I needed the closure that my ex-boyfriend gave me when we went out. I needed to say what I said and hear what he had to say. I can’t really think of the life we might have had if he had proposed that December at Utica Square under those twinkly lights because he never did.
It has been a year of reflecting and resigning and resting and I’m sure other R words.
Golly my life is a strange path. Thank God
Friday, April 30, 2010
Life is grand!
Where have I been?
Here and there
I've been taking care of me and the kids
I've been reading
I've been checking on you folks in Blogworld
I have been working on a post or two so who knows I might pop one in soon
Have a great day
Monday, March 15, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Praying that the cancer goes away
CANCER
SUCKS!
So many of the people that I love seem to be touched in one way or another with cancer
Larry's wife-she faces chemo after having a baby
Deanne-cancer is back. The fight is on!
My sister-Sill fighting with a long road ahead
GOD-PRAYER-kICKING THE cancer's BUTT
SUCKS!
So many of the people that I love seem to be touched in one way or another with cancer
Larry's wife-she faces chemo after having a baby
Deanne-cancer is back. The fight is on!
My sister-Sill fighting with a long road ahead
GOD-PRAYER-kICKING THE cancer's BUTT
Friday, March 05, 2010
Wow after more than a year I am seeing the idea that God put into my head at my church.
Oh in no way can I take the credit even though I have been given it.
I’ll explain
Some time ago KB posted cardboard testimonies on his blog. (Correct me Bob if it wasn’t you)
I watched a couple of them on YouTube after that and was so taken by how so much can be conveyed in a so little words. So I had some knowledge of how it worked but hadn’t given it any thought in my church. God speaks to us in some awesome ways. I was at work when women approached me with a large stack of boxes as I rang her up I discovered and was invited to cardboard testimonies. I spoke to my minister about it and how I would like to see it happen at our church. He asked me to head it up. I agreed only my life became a soap opera, really look at this list from then to now:
FRIEND’S CANCER
DIVORCE
DAD’S HEART SURGERY
COURT
SON’S BROKEN HIP
MY KNEE SURGERY
COURT
ALASKA VACATION
SISTER WITH CANCER
SON’S PINS REMOVED
SISTER’S CANCER TREATMENTS
FRIEND BATTLING CANCER AGAIN
(Please pray for them)
As you can see from the list my life has been interesting
Still God is with me.
Cardboard testimonies is going to happen this Sunday!Wednesday night Greg announced that we were doing it and we got several responses. The one that I will forever hold in my heart is my daughter’s CANCER –other side- FIGHTING and a drawing of a fist. She has one about divorce also. I will most likely have to take it on stage for her, she tells me she’s shy.
I’m also putting large pieces of cardboard by the communion tables so that people can write what they have on their hearts. Greg was on the same page with me on hanging the cardboards around the church. And we all agreed on the music, without talking about it those of us involved had the same song in mind.
I love how God works!
If you're in town join us.
I’ll explain
Some time ago KB posted cardboard testimonies on his blog. (Correct me Bob if it wasn’t you)
I watched a couple of them on YouTube after that and was so taken by how so much can be conveyed in a so little words. So I had some knowledge of how it worked but hadn’t given it any thought in my church. God speaks to us in some awesome ways. I was at work when women approached me with a large stack of boxes as I rang her up I discovered and was invited to cardboard testimonies. I spoke to my minister about it and how I would like to see it happen at our church. He asked me to head it up. I agreed only my life became a soap opera, really look at this list from then to now:
FRIEND’S CANCER
DIVORCE
DAD’S HEART SURGERY
COURT
SON’S BROKEN HIP
MY KNEE SURGERY
COURT
ALASKA VACATION
SISTER WITH CANCER
SON’S PINS REMOVED
SISTER’S CANCER TREATMENTS
FRIEND BATTLING CANCER AGAIN
(Please pray for them)
As you can see from the list my life has been interesting
Still God is with me.
Cardboard testimonies is going to happen this Sunday!Wednesday night Greg announced that we were doing it and we got several responses. The one that I will forever hold in my heart is my daughter’s CANCER –other side- FIGHTING and a drawing of a fist. She has one about divorce also. I will most likely have to take it on stage for her, she tells me she’s shy.
I’m also putting large pieces of cardboard by the communion tables so that people can write what they have on their hearts. Greg was on the same page with me on hanging the cardboards around the church. And we all agreed on the music, without talking about it those of us involved had the same song in mind.
I love how God works!
If you're in town join us.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Life is what it is
The last couple of weeks have been stressful where the ex and I are concerned. He seems to want to fight about everything. I’m angry that he pushed my buttons so hard that I flipped. I win at nothing when I lose my temper. I’ve hated the way that he has twisted the truth and flat said things that aren’t true. He wants for me to fall into line, his line and I won’t do it. At one point he yelled “You’re ruining my life.” That made me laugh. I don’t want to be a part of his life at all. I’ve prayed for his marriage. I pray for him. I want to stop fighting. I’m letting my attorney go as soon as all the divorce paperwork is done. No it isn’t yet I waiting on his side.
How do I stand firm?
How do I cope?
GOD
Divorce, broken hip, heart surgery, knee surgery, and cancer
We had a wreck of a year and face more troubles.
My sister hasn’t kicked the cancer yet and my ex still pushes my buttons.
I’ve learned that we actually do teach people how we want to be treated. I’m trying to retrain myself and him. At times I picture a rolled up news paper. :-}
So last night I gave it UP (Rather flung it up) and went to sleep and this morning I woke feeling blessed and happy.
I know how to handle it all now. God spoke to me in my sleep.
I’m also working on being healthy. I eat cactus . . . yes cactus. My joints feel great, I’ve lost more than 11 lbs and I have pep in my step. It’s not all from cactus, I’m eating healthier. I’m going to join a gym when I can afford it. I’d love to take boxing. Honestly.
Okay so my house looks like a disaster most of the time and I have just enough money to squeak by. But I have a home and I have enough money to take care of us.
I also want to go on another date with a nice man. I went a few months ago and it was very nice. When God is ready for me to meet him I will still I’m ready to meet a nice man.
God is good all the time and all the time God is good.
. . . . . So how are you my friends?
Saturday, February 06, 2010
She loved the earth
This is the time when I don’t love being here.
I can smell the flowers
I wish I knew why
I can see his heart breaking . . . so young
The scent of the flowers waft over me
She had a great life in front of her
Good friends
The yellow roses are stunning
The music seems to be dragging . . . I won’t want that
Are those lilies?
I can’t take them . . . they smell great but make me sick
The placement is wrong . . . I hate it
Who loves it?
They can almost touch the . . .
When did things go wrong?
Yes they are lilies. . . I hope they don’t make me sick
The lady next to me knows how they feel, sort of . . . she’s lost . . . a. . .
If my eyes start watering no one will know it’s the lilies
She loved the earth
I would have changed that background
I should have asked if they needed help
I should have gone upstairs
It’s fine no one cares about a background
Those are lovely words about her
The flowers are nice
He looks stunned
I want to hug him I want to hold him
I want to take the pain away . . . he’s a cool kid . . . always happy to see me
She must have known how special her little brother is. . yet. . .
I think the heat coming on is blowing the scent of the flowers to me
In the quiet of the night . . . the pain . . . sets forth the idea . . . of killing the pain
I remember the loss to suicide
I can smell the flowers
I wish I knew why
I can see his heart breaking . . . so young
The scent of the flowers waft over me
She had a great life in front of her
Good friends
The yellow roses are stunning
The music seems to be dragging . . . I won’t want that
Are those lilies?
I can’t take them . . . they smell great but make me sick
The placement is wrong . . . I hate it
Who loves it?
They can almost touch the . . .
When did things go wrong?
Yes they are lilies. . . I hope they don’t make me sick
The lady next to me knows how they feel, sort of . . . she’s lost . . . a. . .
If my eyes start watering no one will know it’s the lilies
She loved the earth
I would have changed that background
I should have asked if they needed help
I should have gone upstairs
It’s fine no one cares about a background
Those are lovely words about her
The flowers are nice
He looks stunned
I want to hug him I want to hold him
I want to take the pain away . . . he’s a cool kid . . . always happy to see me
She must have known how special her little brother is. . yet. . .
I think the heat coming on is blowing the scent of the flowers to me
In the quiet of the night . . . the pain . . . sets forth the idea . . . of killing the pain
I remember the loss to suicide
Sunday, January 10, 2010
A tugging has been in my heart
It’s cold here in Oklahoma, as it has been in most places in the US. A few days ago the temperatures dropped to 16 and lower.
It is just plain cold outside.
When he walked in I knew. There was no question about it. That man is homeless. He stood tall in stature with a backpack hugging his back. I thought it must be a blessing to help keep the wind off his back.
I say that he was tall in stature but as he spoke to me half pleading he must have felt so small in standings.
He rubbed his hands together and blew a cold breath onto them. I wondered if he felt desperation. I wondered if he didn’t wish that his breath would somehow warm all of him.
He lowered his head as he spoke to me but looked at my face.
“No disrespect ma’am but it’s awful cold out there and” he looked to the door “I slept out in that last night.”
I must have looked shocked because what I said next just spilled out.
“Why didn’t you sleep in one of the missions like John 3:16?”
He looked back at me and replied “Missions were all full and as I was saying I mean no disrespect ma’am but I was wondering if I could just stand here to catch my breath.”
I replied “Yes you may.”
He stood to the side to warm up.
Where I work we aren’t allowed to let the homeless wander in the store. I couldn’t send him down for hot coffee. All that I could do was to allow him a warm place to stand for a moment. It’s not that I work for an uncaring company but I work in an area that has a lot of homeless people. Our customers don’t like being asked for money from those who don’t work. Most of the people that come into the store most likely donate to some form of charity so I know that they are caring people. I talk to them I know that one of my guys, who is always going to look to find me helps in a prison ministry and I have many other stories like his. But still we have to be responsible.
He thanked me and left before I was able to send someone for a cup of hot coffee for him.
This morning I was talking to my minister about the man and he said that he had spoken to other ministers about the same issue of overcrowded shelters and using our big empty church buildings for them. Some are open to it many aren’t.
The tugging of our hearts won’t end as long as people will huddle in the freezing temperatures.
Please pray for these men, women, and children
Matthew 25:34-38 (New International Version)
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
It is just plain cold outside.
When he walked in I knew. There was no question about it. That man is homeless. He stood tall in stature with a backpack hugging his back. I thought it must be a blessing to help keep the wind off his back.
I say that he was tall in stature but as he spoke to me half pleading he must have felt so small in standings.
He rubbed his hands together and blew a cold breath onto them. I wondered if he felt desperation. I wondered if he didn’t wish that his breath would somehow warm all of him.
He lowered his head as he spoke to me but looked at my face.
“No disrespect ma’am but it’s awful cold out there and” he looked to the door “I slept out in that last night.”
I must have looked shocked because what I said next just spilled out.
“Why didn’t you sleep in one of the missions like John 3:16?”
He looked back at me and replied “Missions were all full and as I was saying I mean no disrespect ma’am but I was wondering if I could just stand here to catch my breath.”
I replied “Yes you may.”
He stood to the side to warm up.
Where I work we aren’t allowed to let the homeless wander in the store. I couldn’t send him down for hot coffee. All that I could do was to allow him a warm place to stand for a moment. It’s not that I work for an uncaring company but I work in an area that has a lot of homeless people. Our customers don’t like being asked for money from those who don’t work. Most of the people that come into the store most likely donate to some form of charity so I know that they are caring people. I talk to them I know that one of my guys, who is always going to look to find me helps in a prison ministry and I have many other stories like his. But still we have to be responsible.
He thanked me and left before I was able to send someone for a cup of hot coffee for him.
This morning I was talking to my minister about the man and he said that he had spoken to other ministers about the same issue of overcrowded shelters and using our big empty church buildings for them. Some are open to it many aren’t.
The tugging of our hearts won’t end as long as people will huddle in the freezing temperatures.
Please pray for these men, women, and children
Matthew 25:34-38 (New International Version)
34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'
37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you?
Monday, December 28, 2009
Good Bye ladies
It’s amazing how God places people into our hearts.
Two wonderful ladies from my life passed this month.
I shall forever be blessed by those women.
One gave me the gift of books and reading.
The other showed me how to be strong and how to cook.
Thank you for being a wonderful part of my life.
Two wonderful ladies from my life passed this month.
I shall forever be blessed by those women.
One gave me the gift of books and reading.
The other showed me how to be strong and how to cook.
Thank you for being a wonderful part of my life.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Her Heart
I wrote this some time ago and thought it needed a dusting off to remind me of her and how chosen she was and is. A mother. . .A mother who loved for us and the man that held her hand for us. We are blessed to have Him and them to remind us of the life beyond this.
I’m not so sure that I truly understood the pain that she must have felt while watching Him travel from place to place being treated as a criminal and as a star, so to speak, until I gave birth to my son. He was a surprise, a big surprise. I remember looking in the mirror after the second test thinking huh?. . . . Me . . .Us . . . We can’t do this. I remember the sound of the receptionist’s voice when she said "Congratulations" and I said "A . . . sure" she responded with "Oh" I then began to try to redeem myself with "No. . . no . . . I’m happy".
What did she feel?
Was she as afraid as I was?
More so I think.
My pregnancy was great, my friends and family were happy, my husband was a proud father to be. I couldn’t seem to stop smiling.
Did she keep a smile on her face?
I think she must have.
How did he feel when she told him?
Did he look shocked?
Most fathers do the first time.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
I wonder if she talked to Him before he was born?
Did she put her hand on her tummy to feel His kicks?
She must have.
When my son was born I sat in the hospital bed looking down at this small being wondering what to do.
How I loved him so much.
I could hardly take my eyes from him.
She must have been as fascinated.
I remember standing at the window of my son’s room looking out at the moon, so big and silver. It looked as if you could touch it.
I remember as I stood with my sleeping baby, worried as all new mothers worry about the things that could take this little one away, I remember thinking God how hard to send Him here to die.
I couldn’t let my child go to the cross.
I turned and looked at my sleeping boy safe and warm.
I truly know the sacrifice that mother made for us.
She carried a child for us.
She nurtured a child for us.
She watched as they beat, mocked, tortured, and one by one drove nails into Him.
After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him.
Then they led him away to crucify him.
My son had three stitches above his eye I want to take his pain away and I felt like hitting the doctor when he rushed not making sure it was numb.
Only three tiny stitshes went through my heart.
Did it feel as if those nails were going into her heart each one more painful than the other?
How broken she must have felt as she watched her son die a horrible and painful death.
Was she relieved when He took His last breath?
No more pain.
Now it’s done.
How hard it must have been to hold her son knowing He wouldn’t smile at her on this earth again.
Was she comforted by the knowledge that He Was, Is, And Will Always Be?
I know a mother’s heart.
She must have hurt so much for Him.
I know that God gave her comfort through it all.
I am so grateful for Mary.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it" (John 3:16-17).
I’m not so sure that I truly understood the pain that she must have felt while watching Him travel from place to place being treated as a criminal and as a star, so to speak, until I gave birth to my son. He was a surprise, a big surprise. I remember looking in the mirror after the second test thinking huh?. . . . Me . . .Us . . . We can’t do this. I remember the sound of the receptionist’s voice when she said "Congratulations" and I said "A . . . sure" she responded with "Oh" I then began to try to redeem myself with "No. . . no . . . I’m happy".
What did she feel?
Was she as afraid as I was?
More so I think.
My pregnancy was great, my friends and family were happy, my husband was a proud father to be. I couldn’t seem to stop smiling.
Did she keep a smile on her face?
I think she must have.
How did he feel when she told him?
Did he look shocked?
Most fathers do the first time.
This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about:
His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
I wonder if she talked to Him before he was born?
Did she put her hand on her tummy to feel His kicks?
She must have.
When my son was born I sat in the hospital bed looking down at this small being wondering what to do.
How I loved him so much.
I could hardly take my eyes from him.
She must have been as fascinated.
I remember standing at the window of my son’s room looking out at the moon, so big and silver. It looked as if you could touch it.
I remember as I stood with my sleeping baby, worried as all new mothers worry about the things that could take this little one away, I remember thinking God how hard to send Him here to die.
I couldn’t let my child go to the cross.
I turned and looked at my sleeping boy safe and warm.
I truly know the sacrifice that mother made for us.
She carried a child for us.
She nurtured a child for us.
She watched as they beat, mocked, tortured, and one by one drove nails into Him.
After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him.
Then they led him away to crucify him.
My son had three stitches above his eye I want to take his pain away and I felt like hitting the doctor when he rushed not making sure it was numb.
Only three tiny stitshes went through my heart.
Did it feel as if those nails were going into her heart each one more painful than the other?
How broken she must have felt as she watched her son die a horrible and painful death.
Was she relieved when He took His last breath?
No more pain.
Now it’s done.
How hard it must have been to hold her son knowing He wouldn’t smile at her on this earth again.
Was she comforted by the knowledge that He Was, Is, And Will Always Be?
I know a mother’s heart.
She must have hurt so much for Him.
I know that God gave her comfort through it all.
I am so grateful for Mary.
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it" (John 3:16-17).
Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Praying for good news
My sister is leaving for Houston today to make another visit to MD Anderson.
Please pray for good news... and if it isn’t that we have the strength to stand strong in HIS arms.
Please pray for good news... and if it isn’t that we have the strength to stand strong in HIS arms.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Here YOU take the wheel. . .
A few weeks ago I felt like it was all closing in on me. I mean come on already with letting go of control. I want to move on. I want to live my life. He isn’t allowing it, he’s angry and for some reason can’t seem to move onto the “friend” to yell at and control and abuse. They are getting married so bug her not me. I’m not angry anymore, I’m relieved. I don’t wake in the morning wondering what he will complain about. I don’t wonder what new insult he will fling at me. I wake happy, ready to meet the new day. I’ve always been a happy person.
I’ve had a couple of bouts with depression. The first bout was when I decided to leave college and the man that I loved left to see the world and entertain as he traveled. I lost my friends and that man at the same time. I missed college, him, and learning. I threw myself into a horrible job and tried to save money so that I could go back to college. I pulled myself out of the funk and moved on with my life.
The second bout was while married. I pulled myself out by throwing myself into writing.
I’m happy. Even while living with a man who critiqued our lives in and out of the bedroom I was happy. I could see the blessings.
I now go to a divorce group to just talk and to listen. It’s helpful to hear ideas and get prospective from those who are going through the same things. I sat next to a woman who knew my pain and I know how she feels. I know that she too is going to hit that wall. I know that she is going to feel that she will never have control of her life because he won’t let her. We hugged and I tried to tell her that it will get better. It has for me. I gave him that control. I gave him control. I’m now working on not giving him my mood. I’m working on not letting him run my life. I’m not going to allow him to hurt me anymore.
God has, is, and will be a guide. I recently sat in my car feeling that I wasn’t going to be able to give my children much of a Christmas. That I will never be able to fix the things on the house that need work. As I sat in the garage HE began to talk to me. HE asked me to give HIM the control . . . and I did just that.
. . . and HE has blessed me with several wonderful things. Like the insurance company kicking in some money for my knee surgery because of the wonderful lady at the Doctor’s billing department going after them. HE sent many other wonderful ways this last week to let me know that HE is in control.
. . . can we put HIM in control every day?
. . .I’m learning and try’n.
The only person that can control me is the one that I allow the ONE that I need to put in control is GOD.
I’ve had a couple of bouts with depression. The first bout was when I decided to leave college and the man that I loved left to see the world and entertain as he traveled. I lost my friends and that man at the same time. I missed college, him, and learning. I threw myself into a horrible job and tried to save money so that I could go back to college. I pulled myself out of the funk and moved on with my life.
The second bout was while married. I pulled myself out by throwing myself into writing.
I’m happy. Even while living with a man who critiqued our lives in and out of the bedroom I was happy. I could see the blessings.
I now go to a divorce group to just talk and to listen. It’s helpful to hear ideas and get prospective from those who are going through the same things. I sat next to a woman who knew my pain and I know how she feels. I know that she too is going to hit that wall. I know that she is going to feel that she will never have control of her life because he won’t let her. We hugged and I tried to tell her that it will get better. It has for me. I gave him that control. I gave him control. I’m now working on not giving him my mood. I’m working on not letting him run my life. I’m not going to allow him to hurt me anymore.
God has, is, and will be a guide. I recently sat in my car feeling that I wasn’t going to be able to give my children much of a Christmas. That I will never be able to fix the things on the house that need work. As I sat in the garage HE began to talk to me. HE asked me to give HIM the control . . . and I did just that.
. . . and HE has blessed me with several wonderful things. Like the insurance company kicking in some money for my knee surgery because of the wonderful lady at the Doctor’s billing department going after them. HE sent many other wonderful ways this last week to let me know that HE is in control.
. . . can we put HIM in control every day?
. . .I’m learning and try’n.
The only person that can control me is the one that I allow the ONE that I need to put in control is GOD.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I long for . . .
When I think about my path I think about my dad and how he would find me in my special place in the woods. It had wild violets, a spring, and lots of buds and blooms in the spring. In the fall the earth smell rich and alive and the colors were amazing. I loved that spot and my dad knew it. If he found me sitting there he would walk quietly away so that I could have my special time in that special place.
I long for a place like that now.
One summer my son and I went sailing. I love the peace that the water brings.
I long for a place like that now.
I watched a sunset from the deck of a ship with my children
I long for a place like that now.
I’ve rested on a boat dock in the fall and listened to teens
I long for a place like that now
I’ve been held by friends who love me
I long for a place like that now.
He has walked in the woods with me,
He has sailed with me,
He stood next to me,
He has rested with me,
He has held me.
I long for a place like that for us now
I long for a place like that now.
One summer my son and I went sailing. I love the peace that the water brings.
I long for a place like that now.
I watched a sunset from the deck of a ship with my children
I long for a place like that now.
I’ve rested on a boat dock in the fall and listened to teens
I long for a place like that now
I’ve been held by friends who love me
I long for a place like that now.
He has walked in the woods with me,
He has sailed with me,
He stood next to me,
He has rested with me,
He has held me.
I long for a place like that for us now
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)