Saturday, June 28, 2008
Taking Time To Breathe
It's important to take time to enjoy life. Getting your perspective on things back in balance. Your focus back on God, He truly works wonders in your life and gives you peace.
But, back to the flower bed. I didn't weed at all, yes I was shock at myself. I located some flowers I've enjoyed over the past few years and took a few cuttings.
My favorite cuts are Lavender. If you enjoy Lavender here's a helpful link. http://www.mountainvalleygrowers.com/lavendercareandtips.htm
Talk about a relaxing smell. I love it. I fell in love with Lavender, visiting Aaron in Port Angeles, WA . (I have another story about PA, I'll post another time). We went to Lost Mountain Lavender http://www.lostmountainlavender.com/. Aaron also loves it; and uses a pouch full of lavender bud to smell when he gets stressed. Don't laugh, it works, I use it too. I lost a couple plants from a harsh winter but, I've been getting some cuttings off a couple newer plants. Jim built me a small above ground garden bed for herbs and it's worked out well.
When I move, I'll miss my flowers, but I can plant more. I always do, and I'm getting better at it. Ha Though I think I'll really miss my kitchen.
Interesting note about lavender. I read where Lavender was mentioned in the Bible but under a different name. Here's a history link you might like, though Lavender is a better sounding name. http://www.lavenderfarm.com/history.htm
Song of Solomon 1:12
When the king sitteth at the table, he shall smell my Nardus
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful. [HCSB]
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
My Walk This Morning
I sure enjoy being outside. I also enjoy taking pictures. It's a good way to remember some of the beautiful things around you that God has blessed us with. Photography has always interested me. Someday I'd like to take some classes. In the meantime I take a lot of pictures so good and some not so good. I was reading an article in Natural Solutions, May 08 issue.
The article was called; "Turn a Lens Toward Your Life." It was about a form of contemplative photography called miksang. Miksang is Tibetan for "good eye." As in seeing something for the very first time, split second, and not as your brain habitually interprets and judges them. The photographic examples they used, in the article, awesome. And, were the type of photos I've always enjoyed over the years. I've also taken similar photo's though, never new it was a particular form called miksang. The article continues to share that miksang, doesn't explicitly strive to create pretty pictures (though many miksang shots are breathtaking just the same). Instead, it focuses on what our conscious mind tends to glaze over - even if it's a crumpled gum wrapper. I'm not indorsing it as a form of meditation though for that would be against who I am in the Lord. The link below has the full article. http://www.naturalsolutionsmag.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/articleSearch.article/articleID/14874/keyword/miksang/TurnaLensTowardYour
Anyway, some of the photo's I took might be concidered miksang. All I know it is a stress release to take pictures that are of interest to me and well as being out and about enjoying all the beauty God has given us to see.
If you are interested in looking at miksang photograph's, you can go to the Miksang site and check out the many galleries; http://miksang.com/
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A Funny As In Odd. . .
"When You're Down to Nothing, God's up to Something."
I had been searching, seeking the Lord for something to share, I guess that this must be what God had in mind for me to share today.
Faith is the belief that does not rest on logical proof or material evidence. Praise God that "Everyone is given a measure of faith." Romans 12:3 How we grow more in the Lord and strengthen our faith is simply stated in Romans 10:17 "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." The time you spend reading and meditating on God's word the better you'll know Him. The closer we are to Him, the better we'll know His voice and the easier it becomes to have full faith and trust. Our faces and eyes should be focused upward toward the heavens; looking to the Lord. He's able to work best through us when our focus is on Him and not on our circumstances. Remember our victory is in the Lord. I strongly suggest reading all Romans chapter 8.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
It's Been Awhile
As I'm sure everyone has noticed, I've not posted anything in awhile as I've been to busy to write for a couple of reasons. About three weeks ago I started a job working in the produce department of a local grocery store. I've already had my fill of it, so last Sunday was to be my last day. However, on Saturday I slipped on the floor as I was walking through a doorway; I was able to break my fall by swinging my right forearm and left leg into the doorjamb -- this prevented me from going down to floor. But needless to say, I was still badly bunged up (my grams words), because of how I was angled in the door frame and by the force of my forearm hitting the jamb. This happened because a co-worker was mopping and left the floor wet and without warning - end of story. By Sunday morning I was at a crawl, so I called off my last day. . .but, wasn't so bad that I couldn't make it to church.
Reasons for quitting? Well, the biggest reason is we are putting our house up for sale. As much as we may like the house, it's way too large for the two of us to take care of by ourselves. Also, and perhaps the biggest reason, without a steady income the mortgage is way to expensive. So after much prayer for God's guidance and direction, we decided to place it on the block. What this means in the short term is down sizing -- getting rid of all the stuff we don't need or want by giving it to our kids or selling it. In addition we've got a ton of minor repairs to make before we can let anyone see the place. This means painting, cleaning, and yard work -- the whole enchilada. Whatever it takes to sale! There's too much work for Jim to do by himself, and I can't do all that work and work at the grocery store, especially given the schedule they had me on. I have to admit though, that was the most physically challenging job I've ever had -- and I've had many challenging jobs in my life. Whew!
The most exciting news to report is our eldest son, Matt, finally proposed to his girl. Mathew and Dannielle are finally and officially engaged. They both love the Lord and each other. It's Awesome!
Unfortunately, there is a sad bit to it all this as Matt leaves today or tomorrow a for a six month deployment around world, or at least most of it. Following an old tradition, Matt asked her father for permission to ask Dannielle to marry him -- and that was very sweet. Dannielle snapped this picture and labeled it the Shotgun Talk June 8, 2008. ha Of course we don't know when the big day will occur, and since Matt will be out to sea for the next six months it may be awhile before a date will be set. But, nevertheless we're excited with anticipation whenever it takes place. Dannielle told me she's been planning this day ever since she was a little girl. We now just have one son left to tie the knot. hehe
I've been reading in Ephesians; my favorite New Testament book. We're also studying the entire book of Ephesians in Church. Our pastor came over yesterday for lunch, we were truly blessed to have him for a visit, he has a pastors heart with a genuine love for his flock. We were able to share with him how awesome and meaningful Ephesians is because it can easily be personalized when read. I learned this years ago when I was listening to Kenneth Hagen on TV, he shared how to replace many of the words Paul used with your own name or the name of someone you're praying for. I was reading verses to my husband and personalized them with his name -- it was powerful -- as is all of God's Word, we're very blessed to have His Word in our lives. You should try reading Ephesians in this way. For example: Ephesians 1:1-14, 2:4-6, 3:14-21 personalize with yourself and use the name of someone you're praying for when reading Ephesians 1:17-19. You can place yourself there as well.
I found a cool web site the other day and thought you might like it too http://www.studylight.org/ . I found it when I was researching the word "fear" and how it was used in Psalm 130:4. This came about as I've sign up for daily scripture verses on FaceBook.com. Anyone who receives the daily verse is able to discuss it in a blog. Fear is just one of many words used that can have a different meaning depending on how it's applied in the particular verse. The meaning in this case meant reverence. It may not be best site's out there, but it's worth taking a look. It has Hebrew and Greek applications. If you are one of the millions of people on Facebook, be sure to sign up for daily scripture verses. It's interesting to discuss the verses with others; and its an opportunity to witness to others and to pray for them as not all who receive the daily verse are believers.
On the fun side, my husband and I had pre-paid tickets to the movies. So we were tossing around Indiana Jones or Narnia Prince Caspian. It was Narnia, voted for its showing time. We are happy we did as we really enjoyed the movie. (We would have seen it anyway sooner or later.)
A couple of people that I spoken to said that it wasn't exactly like the written version or true to it. Another was a bit disappointed and thought she wouldn't care for it. The other liked the movie, but loved the book. I haven't read the Narnia Chronicles but have loved the books I have read by C.S.Lewis. The recent movie was wonderful as the analogies presented between man and his relationship with God were dead on, and easy to relate. For instance, at one point King Peter decided that he had waited for long enough Aslan (God) to help defeat the enemy and stepped out on his own. The result was a complete failure with many more dieing then necessary. The message was clear, when we act on our own without waiting for the Lords direction the result is usually bad. Another analogy presented, was that we can only see God when we seek God -- the only one who could see Aslan was Lucy, but when she took her eyes off of him to look or listend to the others, she would lose sight of him. It would take more of an effort for her to see him each time she sought him. When she had finally found him near the the end of the movie, she ask him why he had left her as she couldn't she couldn't see him. He said her that he was always there and it was her who looked away by listening to the others. Even though she believed in Aslan she was afraid she'd be alone on the journey to him. It all turned out well as Aslan was always ready to help, he just needed to be asked, which was what Lucy did -- she asked for help. If you haven't seen it go. I think I'd like to see it again. I thought it was better than the first.
And lastly, I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you (all who read) a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the surpassing greatness of His power toward us (all) who believe. Ephesians 2:17-19 NAS
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
To See Beyond The Fog -part 2
It's been awhile since my last couple of posts. I now have a job and I'm having to re-learn juggling my time. As well as, getting my physical strength to work for me. I haven't worked outside of the home for many years. I still have my website business and, if I was as active as I should be - I wouldn't be working this other necessarily. I also have another app. out there, so will see what turns up.
I wanted to do a part two of my last post as I felt like something more could be added. So the past couple days (week) I've been searching my thoughts and heart as to what to write. I'm hoping it all makes, at least some sense too those who are reading.
As in my last post of June 1, - To See Beyond The Fog. The fog is starting to move out, as we seek the Lord and acknowledge that our prayers are being answered.
It's interesting to me, how we, get so focused on ourselves and situations around us. We can't see for the fog. We take our eyes off the Lord and as a result we don't always see clearly the answers we’re seeking. Sometimes the hurdles we face - are things we placed there ourselves. “Sometimes things just happen.” We make things harder than they should be; and, don’t always do what we should do. We try to get through on our own abilities failing miserably in the process. We can be stubborn all the while trying to be in control. Even if it feels as though we're “just” doing something. We lack the patience needed to allow God do what He does best. And, in reality we delay moving forward. It is that free will God has given us - and God being the gentleman that He is we are able to slow up things. :) I don't believe it to be neccessarliy bad I think we need to do some house cleaning to mature.
We seek the Lord for many different reasons through His word and in prayer. It’s important that we listen carefully and understand what we are reading. I would suggest reading all of 2 Peter 1 - but looking at verse 20 it states - [Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal or private or special interpretation (loosening, solving). AMP
What are some of the things we seek? Maybe a job, the sale of a house, physical, even inter-healing from the past? What if it’s for direction on your journey, maybe answers for all the above? I imagine the list could go on and on. But, how about when we don’t seem to receive the answers we are seeking, what then? I think sometimes we tend to complicate matters and start adding to that list. This causing us too become overwhelmed or at times feeling disparate. It’s happened to me and it can be detrimental for you and your spiritual growth.
Let's not give the enemy any foot hold to do his work!
And above all; don’t lose heart –all is not lost. The all may not be what you are thinking it to be.
The all is what God himself knows to be important for your growth. Your walk to help you on this journey called life, and what He has called (purposed) us to do.
So wake up from the sleep – the fog is being lifted.
Ephesians 5:14-16 Awake, sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.
In verse 17 of the same chapter in Ephesians tells us; So then do not be foolish but understand what the will of the Lord is. To do this you have to trust the Lord in all things, don’t worry. He supplies our very needs. 1 Timothy 6:8, And if we have food and covering, with these we shall be content.
Many may say “I need the strength to go on.” He will supply this too. . . He is the one thing we can count on.
May you hear God’s voice;
In your heart.
Know His touch;
In your life.
And, feel His love
In each new day.
Unknown
I think I wrote this, I do jot thoughts down everywhere. To be on the safe side, I’ll placed unknown
.
Lastly, you may remember Mylon LeFevre (Christian musician/singer) Go to this link scroll to bottom and listen to the newest it will be a blessing to you.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Rustic French
*NEW ENTRY. . . . .THE BREAD IS AWESOME, AND WORTH MAKING AGAIN . . . ;)
To See Beyond The Fog
We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!
Fog is a cloud based on the ground, rather than in the atmosphere. Fog forms when there is a lot of moisture near the ground, or when the air near the ground cools to the dew point.
Sometimes on our life's journey, we can't (or don't) always see the direction we are going. Like trying to see through a fog. It may even be hurdles we are trying to get over. (As we discussed in church). This life isn't always easy. And, we were never promised it would be. Our promise is that He will always be there and help us through. I know it doesn't always seem like He is, but I know He is.
All was quiet and calm.
Outside, while the birds were sweetly singing.
The air moved across the field.
And, as it kissed the mist,
We were blanketed, by the fog.
Now, as the sun began to rise
Its warmth had touched the ground.
Then slowly lifting upwards;
It all became so clear.
To see beyond the fog.
Below just another version of verse above.
1 Corinthians 13:12 (Amplified Bible)
For now we are looking in a mirror that gives only a dim (blurred) reflection [of reality as in a riddle or enigma], but then [when perfection comes] we shall see in reality and face to face! Now I know in part (imperfectly), but then I shall know and understand fully and clearly, even in the same manner as I have been fully and clearly known and understood [by God].
Part 2