I got this as an email and thought it had a very powerful message. It is something I need to remember so I'm posting it here.

This is the legend of the Cherokee Indian Youths' Rite of passage.

To become a man in the Cherokee tribe the Father takes the young boy into the forest blindfolded and leaves him alone. The boy is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it.

He cannot cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.

He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each boy must come into manhood on his own. The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beast must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm.

Regardless of what he hears, no matter what the weather he must sit stoically never removing the blindfold till morning. It would be the only way he could become a man.

Finally, after a horrible night, the sun appears and he removes his blindfold only to discover that his father is sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We , too, are never alone. Even when we don't know it. Our Heavenly Father is watching over us, sitting on a stump beside us. When trouble comes all we have to do is reach out to Him.

Labels: soul talk, Tasty Tuesday

I'm reading a book right now called "Self Talk, Soul Talk" by Jennifer Rothchild. I was impressed and convicted by this statement:

After my recent move, I vowed that I would never again buy clothes I wasn't totally in love with just because they were on sale. The reason? My closet was full of clothes I seldom wore but was hesitant to to part with. Once something hung in my closet, I felt strangely attached to it and responsible for it. After all, I bought it. Even though I wouldn't dare wear those fuchsia and orange floral pants, they were mine. Once in my closet, forever in my life.

She goes on to say that our thought closets are much the same. They are crammed with everything we've placed there over the years; some of it is worthy and wonderful, but lots of it is ugly, outdated, out of line and out of place.

Wise shoppers stock their closets with good wardrobe choices, and we must do the same with things we say to our souls because each thought gets shoved in the closet till we recall it. We must speak truth to our souls because we seldom forget what we have stored away. I am a reflection of the way I think....Proverbs 23:7 says.."For as a man thinks within himself, so he is."

Some of the most powerful words we utter are words no one else ever hears. They are words we speak only to ourselves. Wise, truthful words are never harsh or unkind. They are gracious. Wise and truthful words are never without power. They have authority. Even the hard truths we speak to ourselves should not be condemning. They should build us up.

I don't know about you but I think I need to go clean out my thought closet....there is way to much in there that no longer fits, and certainly needs to be discarded. How bout you?

Labels: soul talk, Tasty Tuesday

Mr. Wonderful and I are reading a John Ortberg book called, "If You Want To Walk On The Water, You've Got To Get Out Of The Boat."

The following story is my favorite.

" One of my favorite adventure in prayer involves Doug Coe, who has a ministry in Washington, D.C., that mostly involves people in politics's and statecraft. Doug became acquainted with Bob, an insurance salesman who was completely unconnected with any government circles. Bob became a Christian and began to meet with Doug to learn about his new faith.

One day, Bob came in all excited about a statement in the Bible where Jesus says, "Ask whatever you will in my name, and you shall receive it."

"Is that really True?" Bob demanded?

Doug explained, " Well, it's not a blank check. You have to take it in context of the teaching of the whole Scripture on prayer. But yes- it really is true. Jesus really does answer prayer."

"Great!", Bob said. "Then I gotta start praying for something. I think I'll pray for Africa."

"That's kind of a broad target. Why don't you narrow it down to one country," Doug advised.

"All right. I'll pray for Kenya."

"Do you know anyone in Kenya?" Doug asked.

"No"

"Ever been to Kenya? Doug asked

"No". Bob just wanted to pray for Kenya.

So Doug made an unusual arrangement. He challenged Bob to pray every day for six months for Kenya. If Bob would do that and nothing extraordinary happened, Doug would pay him 500 dollars. But if something remarkable did happen, Bob would pay Doug 500 dollars. And if Bob did not pray every day, the whole deal was off. It was a pretty unusual prayer program, but then Doug is a creative guy.

Bob began to pray, and for a long while nothing happened. Then one night he was at a dinner in Washington. The people around the table explained what they did for a living. One woman said she helped run an orphanage in Kenya- the largest of its kind.

Bob saw 500 dollars suddenly sprout wings and begin to fly away. But he could not keep quiet. Bob roared to life. He had not said much up to this point, and now he pounded her relentlessly question after question.

"You're obviously very interested in my country," the woman said to Bob, overwhelmed by his sudden barrage of question. "You've been to Kenya before?"

"No."

"You know someone in Kenya?"

"No".

"Then how do you happen to be so curious?"

"Well, someone is kind of paying me 500 dollars to pray...."

She asked Bob if he would like to come visit Kenya and tour the orphanage. Bob was so eager to go, he would have left that very night if he could.

When Bob arrived in Kenya, he was appalled by the poverty and the lack of basic health care. Upon returning to Washington, he couldn't get this place out of his mind. He began to write to large pharmaceutical companies, describing to them the vast need he had seen. He reminded them that every year they would throw away large amounts of medical supplies that went unsold. "Why not send them to this place in Kenya?" he asked.

And some of them did. This orphanage received more than a million dollars' worth of medical supplies.

The woman called Bob and said, "Bob, this is amazing! We've had the most phenomenal gifts because of the letters you wrote. We would like to fly you back over and have a big party. Will you come?"

So Bob flew back to Kenya. While he was there, the president of Kenya came to the celebration, because it was the largest orphanage in the country, and offered to take Bob on a tour of Nairobi, the capital city. In the course of the tour they saw a prison. Bob asked about a group of prisoners there.

"They're political prisoners," he was told.

"That's a bad idea," Bob said brightly. "You should let them out."

Bob finished the tour and flew back home. Sometime later, Bob received a phone call from the State Department of the United States government.:

"Is this Bob?"

"Yes."

"Were you recently in Kenya?"

"Yes."

"Did you make any statements to the president about political prisoners?"

"Yes."

"What did you say?"

"I told him he should let them out."

The State Department official explained that the department had been working for years to get the release of these prisoners, to no avail. Normal diplomatic channels and political maneuverings had led to a dead end. But now the prisoners had been released, and the State Department was calling to say thanks.

Several months later, the prisident of Kenya made a phone call to Bob. He was going to rearrange his government and select a new cabinet. Would Bob be willing to fly over and pray for him for three days while he worked on this very important task?

So Bob-who was not politically connected at all-boarded a plane once more and flew back to Kenya, where he prayed and asked God to give wisdom for the leader of the nation as he selected his government. All this happened because one man got out of the boat."


Now I ask you, What's Impossible for God? Doesn't He deserve our best effort?

Labels: Tasty Tuesday, water walking

I am married to a "Worst Case Scenario's" kind of guy. No movie, or "made for TV program "comes on that pits the hero against the bad guys that he is not asking me..."What would you do in that situation?"


First and foremost....this girl will never be trampling along in the Amazon with blood thirsty pirates chasing her, never be climbing a mountain during an avalanche, or be involved with international jewel thieves. So why should I be wondering what I would do should this occur? Mr. Wonderful is always prepared. He loves the worst case scenario books and our children feed his passion with every new book that comes out. They however, do not live with him and do not have to hear every solution for every situation (even ones that have occurred throughout history!)


Maybe I should be worried about what to do during a nuclear attack or tornado. My solution is to call very loudly "Oh Mr. Wonderful!!" with an alarming clarity and volume and of course "be prayed up!" at a moments notice.

I remember asking my dad as a teenager should we be building a bomb shelter as Norfolk was the largest Naval Base installation in the US at one time. He looked at me rather puzzled and said, "Well, honey if the bomb doesn't get you the tidal wave will!"

Somehow that wasn't very comforting to me.

Lately I've been aware of some problem situations that my friends and family have been going through that seem insurmountable. These are the four points I choose to focus on.

Choose to trust that God is bigger, smarter and more loving than you can imagine. God loves us and He always keeps His promises. Read and reread God's promises to you. Fill your mind with them.

Resist the temptation to worship the problem. (It's easy to get so focused on a problem that we talk about it endlessly instead of praying about it and focusing on God's ability to handle it.)

Regain your joy and peace: Focus on God-on who He is and what He has done for you-and worship Him. Keep His ability, not the problem's overwhelming nature, in the forefront of your mind.

Pray, thank God, and let Him take care of it! "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."- Philippians 4:6,7

Works for me!

Labels: Tasty Tuesday, worry

"Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die"....Malachy McCourt

A woman was taking a hike along a cliff. She falls-but after tumbling and scraping down the hill she manages to grab on to a branch. Dusk turns into night, and all the while she clings to this branch with everything she has. After hours of pressing her body into the rock face, cramping to keep her meager toeholds, her strength begins to fail and her arms begin to shake. Fearing that she doesn't have much longer, she begins to pray. God's response is simple: " Let Go". Feeling low on faith and high on frustration, she ignores the command and cries in anguish till the first rays of dawn. And then, astonishing though it may seem, she looks down and sees the ground...12 inches below her feet.

Why is letting go so hard to do? Is it because we fear if we let it go , it will in some way diminish us? If you have hurt me and I decide to let it go, does that mean you were right all along? If I let go of hurt and resentment does that mean it didn't matter?

How does one balance justice with grace? Why do I have this need to be right? In the long scheme of things does it really matter? Will I be unkind just to prove I was right?

Letting go of resentments, bitterness, anger, jealousy makes more room for joy, peace, kindness and love. Some things are hard to let go.....but I can release my grasp and if they accidentally fall.....oh well!

Labels: Tasty Tuesday

I've been doing a Bible Study on the life of David "A Heart Like His" by Beth Moore. I guess what has struck a cord with me is all the hand to hand battling that went on in the old testament.

War has gotten so technical now.....guns, tanks, planes etc. Yes, people die and the results are dramatic but I wonder how quick we would be to face our enemy in hand to hand combat. To actually look into his eyes while engaging in a power struggle.

David engaged in battle against people who had taken captive their family members and burned and looted their town. David had assurance from God that he should pursue the raiding party and that they would be victorious. (1 Samuel 30:8)

What I learned from this story is:

1. Assured victory does not mean and easy win. God told David in advance what the outcome would be. The end was exactly as God had promised.....it was the troublesome middle part that was the problem. In order to win the battle scripture says it was hard work, exhasting, and was non-stop 24 -hour battle. God often gives us a victory that requires blood, sweat, and tears so He can bring about a victory, strengthen and mature us at the same time. God not only worked a victory through David, He also worked one in David. David came out of the battle with grace and mercy and a better grasp on God's Soverity.

2. We don't have to win big to win. David brought home all the captives and all the plunder but 400 men escaped. David could have been furious with himself because some of the enemy got away. Too often we miss the big picture and focus on our failures forgetting the ultimate outcome.

On a personal note I've been battling my own demons.....over eating. It's been a very personal battle with lots of hand to hand (or rather hand to mouth) conflicts. I've been assured of victory if I stay the course but to win will not be an easy victory. I have been gently reminded that I know what to do and I know the outcome. Again, it's the middle part that always gets me into trouble. The daily putting what I know into practice....it's hard work, exhausting and a 24-hour struggle.

You don't have to win big to win. Wow, what a statement. I win every time I exercise, stay withing my dietary limitations, drink my water and stayed focused. It doesn't matter if there aren't big loses at the scale, it matters that I remain faithful to what I know and put it into practice. Keep on, keeping on and trust God for the results.

Labels: Bible Study, Tasty Tuesday

I once saw a cartoon decicting a group of shackled prinoners standing on a dock waiting for a Roman galley that was pulling into port. "That's a great ship," one mused, "I wonder what makes it go?"

The cartoon reminded me of the words of the apostle Paul: "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ" (I Corinthians 4:1) Paul used an unusual Greek word for servants. Literally it menas "under-rowers", and in that day it referred to the slaves that pulled the oars in Roman warships.

What a striking word picture! Paul could have asserted his authority, but instead considered himself a mere galley slave in the hold of the ship with the rest of God's people, pulling on an oar with everyone else.

This is very different from our usual concept of leadership. Jesus was a servant, leader and was the first to wash his disciples feet: Why? because they were dirty and the host had failed to provide for this act of hostipitality.

Our task, no matter what our position or work is to keep our eyes on Jesus and to keep on rowing!

Labels: Bible Study, Tasty Tuesday

Mr. Wonderful and I work at mission. We spend a lot of our time lifting and moving items from one place to another. It's not glamorous work and we come home tired and exhausted. More often than not we have to really pray about having a good attitude.

It's hot in the summer and really cold in the winter. The piles never seem to get smaller and there is always something else to inventory or process. The sheer volume is overwhelming and at times it feels as if we are trying to push a huge boulder uphill only to see it tumble down again once we get it to the top.

I read this story today and it helped to put things in perspective for me.

A young missionary in Central America was tempted to give up. He wrote to friends and family. "I go about on fishing boats throughout the day. At night I sleep on piles of hides on the deck. The people do not seem to be interested in the gospel message I bring. Sometimes the adversary tempts me to discouragement in the face of seeming lack of success." But then he added. "I take courage and press on anew as I remember that God does not hold me responsible for success but for faithfulness."

The prophet Isaiah also may have been tempted to give up his difficult assignment. The Lord told him that the results of his efforts would be that the people would hear, but not understand, and see but not perceive. (Isaiah 6:9) Their heart would be dull, their ears heavy, and their eyes shut. ( v.10)

Put yourself in the shoes of Isaiah or that missionary. Would you have pressed on or given up? Is faithfulness enough, or do you think your work must be recognized as successful before you feel satisfied in serving the Lord? Definitely something to think about.

Labels: Bible Study, Tasty Tuesday

I've often thought Mr. Wonderful had "selective hearing loss". It seems like if there is something he doesn't want to hear, he'll tell me, "I'm sorry, did you say something?"

The TV sound level is always so high that I can be two rooms away and still hear the evening news just fine.



It started me thinking......does anyone really listen any more?

Talk is cheap: It's listening that's rare and valuable. Listening isn't as easy as it sounds. Thanks to schedules filled to the brim with family, work and social commitments, multitasking has become standard procedure for most Americans.

Another barrier to listening is our wiring. Most of us only take in half of what is being said during a conversation, according to the International Listening Association of Falls River, Wisconsin. Research shows that we speak at 125 to 150 words per minute, yet think at 500 words a minute. So with nearly 400 words of thinking time available to us each minute that we're listening, drifting off is a pretty natural reaction.

So how do we become better listeners? Hear are some 7 simple techniques taken from Robin Westen in the newest Family Circle Magazine on "Easy Listening".

1. Diminish distractions: Studies show that we are distracted or preoccupied during about 75% of our conversations. One of the most important ways to listen is to turn off cell phones, TV's, car radios, or computers and bring your full presence to the situation.
2. Ask, don't tell. It's natural to want to help the other person by offering a solution or sharing a perspective on a problem. No matter how carefully we may have weighed our response, experts agree that once advice is offered, communication is likely to shut down. You may want to ask, " Take me through the steps that led you here."
3. Make eye contact: Whenever possible talk about important things in person-and look into each other's eyes during the conversation. "When you make eye contact, the speaker literally feels heard."
4. Don't overthink: It's impossible to listen if you're figuring out how to respond at the same time.
   
5. Fill in the blanks: Most of us leave out about 25% of our story. Take the perspective of an objective observer by asking follow up questions when something doesn't make sense to you.
6. Read between the line: Take note of nonverbal cues such as voice inflection, facial gestures and body movements. If anything seems out of sync with what the speaker is saying simply ask, " What are you feeling?"
7. Be patient: Always allow the speaker's words to sink in before responding. This allows them time to consider what they have said as well as clarify or change their thoughts. Most people process their thoughts out loud and can solve their own problems once they have had a chance to exam them.

Labels: listening, Tasty Tuesday

We lead busy lives. We are bombarded with things that demand our time and attention. All too often I find myself doing items that are URGENT but not necessarily IMPORTANT.

I am a list maker. I make lists so as not to forget important items. I like to mark items off my list and it does give me a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

I am reminded on a daily basis that I try to include too many items on my "to do list". Often many items on my list are items I do to "please other people" leaving very little time for the items that are important. I have come to the conclusion that life was not meant to be lived on "high speed".

Jesus was never hurried or rushed. He knew what was important and wasn't pressured to do the urgent. The urgent is seldom important and important is seldom urgent. I recently found this list "Less is More" by Karen Havse that really convicted me that I need to guard my time and energy. See if you agree.

"Relationships: Every additional person with whom you try to connect takes energy from others you care about. Make deliberate choices. You don't have to be best friends with the whole congregation at church or everyone on your block. Surface relationships are okay-if based on respect and kindness.

Communication: Every word you say uses energy. Keep opinions, criticisms, and information at a minimum. Try to joke, listen, compliment, and smile more.

Information: In today's cyber age, you could spend every waking moment taking in information. What could you do with the thirty minutes you normally spend watching the news? What if you tossed mail from solicitors unopened?

Responsibility: "But if I don't do it, then no one will." Yes, shirking responsibilities can have consequences. But occasionally the consequences are preferable.

Sensitivity: Love is the greatest gift you have to offer. Make it a priority. However, don't be responsible for the results."

Labels: Bible Study, Tasty Tuesday

This week we have been especially blessed to have a work crew here from our home church in Savannah. There are 11 in the crew and all of them hard workers. What fun it has been to see so much work accomplish in such little time.

Some of these people have been friends for a long time. Some are brand new friends. Friday we loaded a clothing container and sent out about 30,000 pounds of clothing. Saturday we sorted medical linens and repacked the trailer after taking an inventory of what we still have.

Yesterday, more sorting, boxing, and carrying things out of the building. This is hardly glamorous work but no one has complained despite the hot temperatures and the hard physical labor.

Today is their last day here and I'm really going to miss their smiles, energy, and servant's heart.

Labels: ETS, Friends, Tasty Tuesday

I wish I had a hard and fast rule that would apply in all situations but I've never found one.

I did however find these words of wisdom on Letting Go that I think might apply.

"Letting Go is not to stop caring- it means I can't do if for someone else.

"Letting Go is not to cut myself off- it's the realization that I can't control another.

"Letting Go is not to enable-but to allow learning from natural consequences.

Letting Go is to admit powerlessness-which means the outcome is not in my hands.

Letting Go is not to try to change or blame another-it's to make the most of myself.

Letting Go is not to fix-but to be supportive; it's not to judge- but to allow another to be a human being.

Letting Go is not to be in the middle, arranging the outcome-but to allow others to effect their own destinies.

Letting Go is not to be protective-it's to permit another to face reality.

Letting Go is not to deny-but to accept.

Letting Go is not to nag, scold, or argue- but instead to search out my own shortcomings and correct them.

Letting Go is not to criticize and regulate anybody-but to try to become what I dream I can be.

Letting Go is not to regret the past-but to grow and live for the future.

Letting Go is to fear less and live more.

Some times the best thing you can do is to do nothing. Praying always makes me feel better knowing that God has all the pieces of the puzzle and will make the right decision.

Labels: Bible Study, Tasty Tuesday

Today is Tasty Tuesday in the Daisy Patch! On Tuesday I like to think about non-food items that feed the spirit, soul or mind. I give myself permission to be a little more serious and according to scripture, "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things!"


I pray! I pray about everything and anything. I pray all day long regardless of what I'm doing. The Lord brings people and situations to mind all the time. Some times praying is all I can do as circumstances are beyond my control and most often I just ask the Lord to take care of the details.

However I have found there are times when praying isn't enough. God says, as it were, "Why are praying? Get busy? Do something!"

Moses cried out to the Lord while being hotly pursued by Pharaoh's army. They were between the approaching army and the Red Sea. I have to laugh at Exodus 14: 15 "The the Lord said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on." In other words, ....get these people moving Moses!

Joshua had a similiar experience in Joshua 7: 10-11. The people had a huge defeat at Ai and Joshua was on his knees with his face to the ground praying about the situation. "The Lord said to Joshua, "Stand up! What are you doing on down on your face? Israel has sinned."

If our hearts are listening while we pray many times God will ask us......Why are you asking me? Why not become part of the solution. You know what to do.....now do it! Amazingly enough we will know what it is that we must do.

C.S. Lewis suggests in his "Letters to Malcolm" that as we pray, Christ stands beside us changing us.

"This may send a man from his prayers to help his wife in the kitchen or to his desk to write a needed letter. I am often praying for others when I should be doing things for them. It is so much easier to pray for a boor than to go and see him."

Labels: Prayer, Tasty Tuesday

Yes, I know it's almost time for Wordless Wednesday ......but my tasty Tuesday tidbit for you is time.

Time is such a special gift. When we give someone our time we tell them that they are special and worthy of our undivided attention. We tell them (without words) that we love them and that spending time with them it a high priority.

Whether it's attending a sporting event, late night talks in your pajamas, shopping, or enjoying a shared moment together, ...Time is my LOVE language. (Don't get me wrong, I do love gifts, words of encouragement, physical touch, and loving deeds too) But if you really want to speak my language then give me your time!

So I have felt quite adored the last few days with Grrrl being home. We've eaten so much Chick-fil-a that we should sprout pin feathers. We've shopped so much that the cashiers now know us. ("Say, weren't you here yesterday?") We laughed and cried over "girly movies" (4 in two days!) and I've listened to rants on everything from the ridiculous to the sublime and loved every minute of it.

All too quickly we will be taking her back to the airport and I will have to watch her leave again. I've been given strict instructions that I am not to cry.....(at least not in her presence) which will be very hard for me as I'm already puddling up just thinking about it.

The nice thing about the gift of time is that I can replay the tapes of these last few days over and over again in my head. I can look at the pictures and be right back in the moment. Time marches on but memories only get sweeter.

Labels: Tasty Tuesday, Time

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday! On Tasty Tuesdays I give myself permission to focus on non-food items that feed the brain, the spirit, or the soul.

I love poetry. I've dabbled in writing some poetry of my own and I've always enjoyed reading the poems of others.

Years ago as a young wife and mother I discovered the poetry of Ruth Harms Calkin. I would read her poetry and say to myself, "I could have written that!" (Granted, not as well....but I could certainly relate to her thoughts and emotions.)

I was cleaning off my book shelf tonight and found one of her books of poetry. It was like finding an old friend again. I was again moved by her words and the depth of emotions. The following poem is one of her best and is entitled "The Gift".

I heard today
Of a decrepit native woman
Who walked mile after mile
Under the blistering sun
To bring a small gift of embroidery
To the missionary she deeply loved.
Hour after hour she trudged
Over rough, rugged roads
Clutching tightly her small gift.
Her weary body sagged
Her vision blurred
Her bare feet bled from the jagged rocks.

Grateful but overwhelmed
The missionary wept.
The trembling old woman spoke softly:
"Please understand.
The walk is part of the gift."

My Lord
My commitment to You is for life.
I give myself to You unreservedly
To do with me as You please.
But may I not forget
That the tears, the fears
The strain and the pain
The sunless days
The starless nights
Are all part of the whole.
In my total commitment
I give full consent:
The walk is part of the gift.

Labels: Bible Study, Tasty Tuesday

Is it Tuesday already? Welcome to Tasty Tuesday! On Tasty Tuesdays I give myself permission to focus on non-food items that feed the brain, the spirit, or the soul.

I haven't recovered from last week. It was very physically demanding. We did two shipping containers for missionaries in Haiti. We finished Saturday afternoon and I'm still tired this week.

When I am overly tired, stressed or overwhelmed I tend to make bad decisions. My outlook gets skewed and I tend to think the weight of every decision is on my shoulders. I tend to be overly crictical and hypersensitive. Since I already know this about myself, I know I need to pray about everything right now. I know I can't trust my judgement but I can always trust God.

The mighty redwood tree stands tall in the midst of all that nature can place against it-fire,wind, and torrential rains. In much the same way, when life hands me more than I can bear, circumstances overwhelm me, or I am tempted to make the safe choice rather than the right choice, God gives me the opportunity to stand firm.

So how do I stand firm......the following are helpful suggestions in the key of "S"

SEEK God first
SUSTAIN God's perspective
SATISFY your spiritual hunger
SAVOR the love God has for you
STRENGTHEN yourself agains the attacks of the enemy
SPEAK truth to yourself and others
STEM the time of mediocrity
SUFFER like a saint
SERVE wholeheartly
STAND firm until the end

At age 20, we worry about what other people think of us.
At age 40, we don't care what other people think about us.
At age 60, we realize how little other people ever thought about us at all.

Labels: Bible Study, ETS, Tasty Tuesday

Is it Tuesday already? Welcome to Tasty Tuesday! On Tasty Tuesdays I give myself permission to focus on non-food items that feed the brain, the spirit, or the soul.

As a young wife and mother I used to think of myself as "Cotton Candy"......sweet and fluffy but not alot of substance. So I began to read and study the lives of women I admired to see what the "it" factor was.

So much of a woman's identity is caught up in how she looks. We are constantly bombarded on a daily basis of pencil thin anorexic actresses who are held up as examples of beauty. We are told if we use a certain toothpaste that our smiles will be gleaming, and certain shampoos will make our hair irresistable. The emphasis is helping women look good on the outside. Never mind the inward reality; go for the "quick-fix" .

I'm fed up with "the secret keys", "the 22 ways", and the surefire plan. I'm fed up with the phony masks of self-styled Christian experts and the dishonesty of those who proclaim one thing while living something completely different. I'm tired of looking at the superficial, the fake, the phony, when " the real thing" is within my grasp.

With each passing day, I become more determined to know nothing except Chirst and him crucified. I don't have all the answers. I haven't arrived. I don't have the perfect marriage, or the perfect children. I only know that Jesus Christ has done something incredible in my life. My circumstances haven't changed a bit but I am changed none the less. I used to be at Point A now I'm at Point E. Hey it's not Point Z but it is forward progress.

I may not look perfect on the outside, but I am changing inside. Nothing magical, but I've lost a pound of sin here and an ounce of crummy attitude there. I blow it every day of my life, but I'm not who I used to be and I'm not who I would have been.

I don't want people to look at me and say, "Wow, what a remarkable woman. What a remarkable Christian." I truly want people to look at me and say, "What a remarkable God she must serve. If God can work through an ordinary woman like her, maybe he can work through me too."

The woman God can use knows where her value comes from. She is precious because of Who created her. She is valuable because of the One Who dwells with in her, not because of the material he used to fashion her or how he chooses to use her. There you have it...... If you want radiant skin, beautiful clear eyes, and a glowing personality start by working on "inward beauty".

What are your beauty secrets? What feeds your soul?

Labels: Bible Study, soul stretch, Tasty Tuesday

(Banner totally and unashamedly stolen from Yellow Rose's Garden.....Isn't it awesome? )

Welcome to Tasty Tuesday. On Tuesday's I give myself permission to concentrate on something non-food related that either feeds my mind, my soul or my spirit.

My sister recently sent me this email. Perhaps you have read it before but it reminds me that the way we perceive things affect our attitudes.


Often times a situation is what it is.......Our attitude toward the situation influence how we react to it. In the story below, putting a different "spin" on the situation resulted in gratitude for our ability to see what is all around us on a daily basis.
The Blind Man

One day, there was a blind man sitting on the steps of a building with a hat by his feet and a sign that read:
"I AM BLIND, PLEASE HELP."

A creative publicist was walking by and stopped to observe. He saw that the blind man had only a few coins in his hat. He dropped in more coins and, without asking for permission, took the sign and rewrote it.

He returned the sign to the blind man and left. That afternoon the publicist returned to the blind man and noticed that his hat was full of bills and coins.

The blind man recognized his footsteps and asked if it was he who had rewritten his sign and wanted to know what he had written on it.

The publicist responded: "Nothing that was not true. I just wrote the message a little differently." He smiled and went on his way.

The new sign read:

Labels: Attitude, soul stretch, Tasty Tuesday

In the months that followed the devastating Asian tsunami of December 2004, an amazing story of survival emerged from Simuelue Island, the closest inhabited land to the epicenter of the earthquake.

A news report said that only 7 of the remote Indonesian islan's 75,000 inhabitants died when 30 foot waves struck just half an hour after the quake. For decades, the people had heard stories told by their grandparents of giant waves that killed thousands on this same island in 1907. So when the ground shook and the sea retreated from the shore, the people recalled their grandparents' warning and fled to high ground.

So often I fail to heed the warning signs in my own life. Either I'm too preoccupied with my own thoughts to notice the waves retreating away from the shore or I run out to pick up the bright shells and treasures left on the beach. The temporary trinkets and shells are poor substitudes for the tidal wave of trouble that I've wandered into.

Thought for the day: A warning heeded is a disaster avoided.

Labels: Tasty Tuesday

I received this as an email long ago but find that it is a source of encouragement when situations occur that I can't understand or control.

The Little Hut

.

Then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little
hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened -
everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could
you do this to me?" he cried.

Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that
was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I
was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal,"
they replied.

It's easy to get discouraged sometimes when things appear to be going
badly. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives,
even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut
is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the
grace of God.

Labels: Tasty Tuesday