a matter of perception
10 Aug 2011 4 Comments
This afternoon while visiting with a friend after a meeting, a voice came from the parking lot.
“Is that a shark’s tooth?”
I looked at my friend and then to the elderly man that had just been helped out of a car and into position in front of his walker. My friend pointed to her chest then looked at my necklace. I looked down and noticed what the elderly man was referring to.
Reaching down, I grabbed the piece of jewelry and took a step closer to him so he could see.
“It’s supposed to be a wing,” I explained. “Like an angel’s wing.”
He smiled as we both agreed that an angel’s wing was much better than a shark’s tooth. Then he explained that he wanted to be an angel one day. That is when I noticed HER. The “angel” that had helped him from the car and into his walker. The “angel” that helped him up the curb and into the Dr.’s office that was in the shopping center where I stood visiting with my friend.
You see, LIFE is what we perceive. We can SEE a “shark’s tooth” or we can see an ANGEL’s WING.
We can “wish” to be an angel, or we can notice all of the angels that God puts in our lives on a daily basis.
The Voice
30 Apr 2011 Leave a Comment
It has been forever since I have blogged. I’ve missed it, but am having a hard time figuring out how to fit it into my schedule. The inspirations to write still come, so this morning I’m feeling that it is time to be faithful to that and “put ink to paper” ~ so here goes!
This week a new “reality” type show started called “The Voice.” It looked interesting, so I watched. [if you're curious, you can click here after you read the blog to learn more about the show.]
During the first phase of the show, a singer will come on stage and sing the song of their choice while the judges must listen with their backs turned. The point is for the judges to FOCUS on “the voice.”
Now, there’s a a novel concept.
The world is full of “chatter.” Whether the chatter comes in the form of a busy life or worry and strife, there are always “distractions.”
How often do we lose our focus, getting distracted and not actually listening to the Voice of God?
He is ALWAYS and ever present, whispering into our heart the path that He has laid before us. Yet, we choose “distraction” and, in turn, get lost.
When was the last time you took the time to LISTEN? To TRULY listen?
The time to listen is NOW. Turn your back on “distraction” and FOCUS on “the Voice” ~ HIS voice.
“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 11:15 [KJV]
Falling on your Face
23 Sep 2010 7 Comments
Every morning, almost without exception, I go for a 3+ mile walk. It is my exercise of choice, I suppose. Some days, I walk in silence, praying and talking over everything on my heart with God (and/or Jesus). Some days, I listen to my favorite radio station [K-Love]. Other days, I talk on the phone.
It all depends on my mood.
The other day as I was walking, singing along to my radio, I almost fell flat on my face. You see, I walk on a side-walk (novel idea, huh?!). As the years pass, sidewalks settle and well, oftentimes become uneven, causing a tripping hazard.
I am thankful that I didn’t fall on my face, but it brought to mind all of the times that I have “tripped” in life.
Most of the time, I just “trip” and recover quickly, thanking God for sparing me the recovery from a “fall.”
Sometimes, I have fallen on my face. Though those are often the most painful experiences, those are the ones that I have learned the most. I am thankful for those times too. How else do we learn the most meaningful of lessons, without experiencing a “fall?”
In scripture we are told, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” [1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)]
When was the last time you gave thanks for falling on YOUR face?
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.: R E T U R N :.
30 Dec 2009 Leave a Comment
Man and Woman He created them ~ “very good”
PERFECTION.
The seduction of PRIDE knocked quietly at their door;
They ATE of the fruit PRIDE offered
AND FELL.
They bore fruit of that of which they ate and PRIDE found success;
CLOUDING THE TRUTH.
PRIDE’s children propagated the Earth
DARKNESS fell.
He came to Testify the TRUTH ~ IN “Humility”
PERFECTION.
The seduction of PRIDE knocked quietly at His door;
He refused to EAT of the fruit PRIDE offered
AND STOOD.
They nailed Him to a cross.
In their PRIDE they did not recognize His GLORY:
He offers the Fruit of PERFECTION
“Take ~ eat ~ this is my Body, broken for YOU”
He is the LIGHT.
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Pass the Canteloupe
03 Mar 2009 1 Comment
I have two sons. One loves the foods that are good for you: veggies, fruits and the like. The other prefers PB&J, mac & cheese, cheese & cheese. I think it’s obvious that there is a huge difference between the nutrition values of the foods there.
Earlier last week, Mr. PB&J, comes home from school and asks for cantaloupe. WHAT? I was shocked! He rarely asks for fruits or veggies. My heart jumped for joy. PB&J boy craved something healthy! WOO HOO — Let’s go shopping!!
As my feet hit the ground, I remembered the food and nutrition class he was taking at school, so I figured it had something to do with that (it did). I explained to him that cantaloupe wasn’t in season and the discussion was over.
Last night at supper, it became evident that Mr. PB&J was sick. He was born with respiratory problems and still struggles, so when he starts to get sick, we have to be very proactive to keep it from turning to pneumonia.
I tucked him into bed, and again he asked for cantaloupe. I was puzzled. He then explained that cantaloupe is good for your immune system. It helps your body keep away and fight illness. Ahhh…now it makes sense.
Pass me the cantaloupe!
PRAYER is like cantaloupe. That is why in his first letter to the Church of Thessalonica, Saint Paul explained that we are to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Truly, it is a powerful tool the Lord has given us to fight off illness (sin/satan).
Think about it. If you are conversing with the Lord (praying), can satan be luring you? Maybe, but it certainly makes it a lot more difficult.
Does this mean to be at church all day? To be kneeling all day? To be in the closet all day? To be on the roof all day? (Hey, some people go to strange places to pray so I had to throw that out there!)
Wherever you go to spend your quiet time with Jesus, praying unceasingly doesn’t mean that you have to be there 24/7/365.
WHEW, right?
It does mean to include Him in everything. Asking Him what He thinks. What should I wear today Lord? Does my butt look big, Lord? LOL (sorry, had to throw that out there!)
The point is, He desires to be a part of everything that you are doing. Even if you are concentrating on a big project. Just an awareness that He is there with you brings Him praise, honour and glory — THAT is a form unceasing prayer.
When Jesus is a part of everything you are doing, satan most certainly does not have a foothold and you will stay out of the pit! It’s kindof your insurance plan, but you have to play an active roll.
Jesus says, “pray without ceasing and honour Me; keep Holy My Name; I Jesus am with you“
Pass the cantaloupe!
