Monday, September 29, 2008
Right or Left?
Here's a random question:
In countries where they drive on the left side of the road, do they also push their carts at the grocery market on the left side of the isle? (presuming they have carts at the grocery market)
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Weariness
I didn't write last night because I was just so tired that all I wanted to do was go to bed. I slept so well! I am not quite ready to be awake, but oh well!
Yesterday I was thinking about weariness. The thesaurus lists the following words as related to weary; tired, exhausted, fatigued, shattered, wiped out, disillusioned. These are all words I can relate to.
I have felt weary a LOT this past year! After I was first diagnosed with RA, I thought about my father and how when I had last seen him he seemed to be falling apart. That was just a couple of years after he had been diagnosed with RA. I also thought about my grandmother and how difficult it became for her to sew and write as her hands got knotted up. All of a sudden, every commercial that talked about the debilitating effects of this disease echoed in my mind louder than ever! I had to face fear. Not just the fear that I may become disabled or lose the ability to do the things that I love to do, but the fear that I may not become the woman that I dream of being...or even worse, I may not become the woman that God dreams of me becoming.
I have had to choose almost every day to turn to God and admit that I am afraid. I tell him that I don't feel brave enough or strong enough or mature enough to do this well, but that regardless of my situation I desire to honor and praise Him. I ask Him to carry me and give me the strength to walk where I need to so that I can grow in the ways that glorify Him and draw me closer to Him.
I am still afraid. I am a little less afraid today than I was a year ago. And I just have to trust that God is growing my faith in small and practical as well as supernatural ways. I know He is! I feel it! I can't explain that, but what I can say is that more and more I am learning the voice of my sheperd and when I hear Him call, I turn to Him. I love His voice! It is sweet and fresh!
And for those few moments when I catch a breath of the peace of God it is worth it all! Better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere! It doesn't make the hard days any less hard, but when I look back and see some of the hardest times in my life, they are also some of the times I received the most blessing and have learned the most about who God is and who I am in Christ!
Be blessed!
Yesterday I was thinking about weariness. The thesaurus lists the following words as related to weary; tired, exhausted, fatigued, shattered, wiped out, disillusioned. These are all words I can relate to.
I have felt weary a LOT this past year! After I was first diagnosed with RA, I thought about my father and how when I had last seen him he seemed to be falling apart. That was just a couple of years after he had been diagnosed with RA. I also thought about my grandmother and how difficult it became for her to sew and write as her hands got knotted up. All of a sudden, every commercial that talked about the debilitating effects of this disease echoed in my mind louder than ever! I had to face fear. Not just the fear that I may become disabled or lose the ability to do the things that I love to do, but the fear that I may not become the woman that I dream of being...or even worse, I may not become the woman that God dreams of me becoming.
I have had to choose almost every day to turn to God and admit that I am afraid. I tell him that I don't feel brave enough or strong enough or mature enough to do this well, but that regardless of my situation I desire to honor and praise Him. I ask Him to carry me and give me the strength to walk where I need to so that I can grow in the ways that glorify Him and draw me closer to Him.
I am still afraid. I am a little less afraid today than I was a year ago. And I just have to trust that God is growing my faith in small and practical as well as supernatural ways. I know He is! I feel it! I can't explain that, but what I can say is that more and more I am learning the voice of my sheperd and when I hear Him call, I turn to Him. I love His voice! It is sweet and fresh!
And for those few moments when I catch a breath of the peace of God it is worth it all! Better is one day in His courts than thousands elsewhere! It doesn't make the hard days any less hard, but when I look back and see some of the hardest times in my life, they are also some of the times I received the most blessing and have learned the most about who God is and who I am in Christ!
Be blessed!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Just an Update on the Curry in the Car
I just wanted to give you an update on the curry in the car situation. I woke up today and went outside with various potions and lots of rags and towels and a bucket of hot water to clean up the seat and the carpet. (If you're lost at this point, the other night I spilled a LOT of curry all over the front passenger seat of my car. It was a mess!) I decided to use diluted laundry detergent, because I thought it would clean the yellow stains out of the seats the best. I sprayed the seat down and let it sit while I cleaned the rest of the car out. I came back and scrubbed it and to my amazement all of the curry stains came out. I wish I could say the same for the smell. I sprayed it again to make sure the seat and carpet got really clean. My car is now the cleanest it has been in 2 years! And, it now smells like curry...and lavendar! It's really funny...and kind-of gross! I think I may just leave the windows down whenever possible!
More Than a Meal?
Tonight I went to a community prayer meeting at AHOP (Austin House of Prayer). It was great! I felt like I really had a chance to still myself in the presence of God and pour out a portion of the adoration that He deserves. Like I said, it was great!
But you know what I think my favorite part of tonight was? After prayer, a group of us went to Kerby Lane Cafe to have snacks and just spend time together. I loved the community! We went around and shared our high points in the week and low points in the week and just got to know a little more about each other. It was so nice to just spend time together!
The early church was very big on meeting together over meals. I think that there is something to this and they knew it. What is it that happens when friends are together with food? We are nourishing our bodies and our spirit at the same time. There is a communion of some of the basic needs that we have. Plus, it's just fun! But is there more?
I am too tired tonight to spend much more time writing, but my guess is that I am not done exploring this! Goodnight all!
But you know what I think my favorite part of tonight was? After prayer, a group of us went to Kerby Lane Cafe to have snacks and just spend time together. I loved the community! We went around and shared our high points in the week and low points in the week and just got to know a little more about each other. It was so nice to just spend time together!
The early church was very big on meeting together over meals. I think that there is something to this and they knew it. What is it that happens when friends are together with food? We are nourishing our bodies and our spirit at the same time. There is a communion of some of the basic needs that we have. Plus, it's just fun! But is there more?
I am too tired tonight to spend much more time writing, but my guess is that I am not done exploring this! Goodnight all!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Yummy Dinner...BIG Mess!
Tonight I had my Bible Study group. It was great fun. One of the things that I really love is that we have dinner together. It's a great time to sit around and enjoy each other's company and find out what is going on with each other. We take turns preparing the meals and rotate. Tonight was my turn to bring the food.
I made this yummy honey-mustard curry dish. For ease of carrying, I packed it up in a laundry basket before putting it in the car. There was a towel on the bottom to cusion it and keep it from sliding and then another towel rolled up on the side to fill in the extra space. I loaded the basked into the front passenger seat and began the 6 minute drive. On the way, I had to make some twists and turns and go up a few hills. In the course of driving, the sauce sloshed out ALL over the seat of my car because the lid came off! It is great! I have no idea how to even begin cleaning it out! The chicken and a fair amount of the sauce was still there, so we had plenty for dinner. I just didn't think well enough to cover it better! Oh well! When I got home I looked at the towels that were also covered in curry and didn't know what to do except put them in the washer. I just peeked in and the water is mustard yellow! I think I may have to run them through more than once! And, I have a feeling that my car may smell like curry for the next month or two...if not longer!
I made this yummy honey-mustard curry dish. For ease of carrying, I packed it up in a laundry basket before putting it in the car. There was a towel on the bottom to cusion it and keep it from sliding and then another towel rolled up on the side to fill in the extra space. I loaded the basked into the front passenger seat and began the 6 minute drive. On the way, I had to make some twists and turns and go up a few hills. In the course of driving, the sauce sloshed out ALL over the seat of my car because the lid came off! It is great! I have no idea how to even begin cleaning it out! The chicken and a fair amount of the sauce was still there, so we had plenty for dinner. I just didn't think well enough to cover it better! Oh well! When I got home I looked at the towels that were also covered in curry and didn't know what to do except put them in the washer. I just peeked in and the water is mustard yellow! I think I may have to run them through more than once! And, I have a feeling that my car may smell like curry for the next month or two...if not longer!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Quiet
I am feeling a little extra introspective today. I am a little more quiet than normal. I am quite content to just sit and listen to slow, lulling music while I am working. I don't feel the need for a "pick-me-up." I am really ok with this. But for some reason, other people don't seem to be. I have had more than one person ask me if I am ok and when my response is "yes" they either say "I don't believe you" or "I don't think you really are ok right now." Why? Why are we so uncomfortable with quiet? With stillness?
Aren't we commanded to still our hearts in the Word? Didn't Jesus take time to get away from the crowds and spend time with only his disciples or even by himself? So why is it so uncomfortable for us to take time away from the business of the day and just have some quiet? I don't have any good answers. Just the questions. Like I said, I am feeling a little extra introspective!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Power of Words
I am going to keep this post short.
Today I was reminded of the power of words. When we interact with people, we get to choose if we are going to bless them or curse them by the words we use. There are countless scriptures that warn of the power of the tongue, and ultimately scripture gives us the instruction that we need. But, I don't think that we have to look only to scripture to see the effects of this teaching! How many times has someone said something to you that pierced you so deep in your flesh that you almost lost your breath for a moment? Have you ever had friendships damaged or broken all together because of something that was said in anger or out of spite?
Proverbs 29:20 says, "Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
We then read in Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
Thank you, Jesus, for grace and for forgiveness beyond measure! Please give me the humility and strength to forgive those who have spoken harsh things against me or who have wounded me with their words. And please help those who I have hurt with my words to forgive me. Bless me with a heart and a tongue that blesses others, and one that speaks your truths and promises. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.
Today I was reminded of the power of words. When we interact with people, we get to choose if we are going to bless them or curse them by the words we use. There are countless scriptures that warn of the power of the tongue, and ultimately scripture gives us the instruction that we need. But, I don't think that we have to look only to scripture to see the effects of this teaching! How many times has someone said something to you that pierced you so deep in your flesh that you almost lost your breath for a moment? Have you ever had friendships damaged or broken all together because of something that was said in anger or out of spite?
Proverbs 29:20 says, "Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
We then read in Matthew 12:36, "But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken."
Thank you, Jesus, for grace and for forgiveness beyond measure! Please give me the humility and strength to forgive those who have spoken harsh things against me or who have wounded me with their words. And please help those who I have hurt with my words to forgive me. Bless me with a heart and a tongue that blesses others, and one that speaks your truths and promises. Thank you, Jesus! Amen.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Sometimes, You Just Gotta Slow Down!
Today has been a relatively good day. I had the day off of work, so I decided to take advantage and do some things at home and then run a couple errands before having to be back to make dinner (Monday's are my night).
I built a bookshelf, moved some furniture around, and rearranged the myriad of movies I have. After that, I decided to go run a couple of errands. The plan started out that I was going to go to stop in at Sprint, go to Target, and round the trip out by going to HEB (a local grocery store). Three errands. This shouldn't take long, so I should be back by 1:00 at the latest.
Well, while in route, I got the scathingly brilliant idea to stop in at a store and look for a dress for a friends wedding that is coming up. What could it hurt to go take a look? The problem here is that I forgot that I had already exerted quite a bit of energy moving furniture around. And energy is something that I tend to run in short supply of these days.
So, what ended up happening is that I went to Sprint, but the one I went to couldn't help. I then stopped by the dress shop. I spent a while there, but didn't find what I was looking for, so I went down the street to another store. After trying on just about everything that they had and deciding I couldn't afford any of it, I left empty handed and realized that it was already 1:00. I was starving and starting to get a bit grumpy. I then reminded myself that I needed to get some things from Whole Foods and I wasn't too far so I popped in for lunch and to purchace the items I wanted, but I still needed to do the other shopping at HEB. So, I left headed to HEB. But, on the way out of the parking lot I saw a Sprint store and remembered that I still needed to take care of my phone, so I went in and got my phone fixed. I then left and went to HEB. I did my shopping and made it home at 4:30. Yes, 4:30. I threw the pots on the stove and scrambled around. Somehow, I got dinner on the table at a respectable time. A little later than normal, but not too bad.
I was so exhausted when I sat down to eat that I could hardly lift my fork! I can't believe that I tried to do all of that in one day and expected my body to just go with it!
So, every day brings about "life lessons". Right? What was today's?
Sometimes, you just gotta slow down!
I built a bookshelf, moved some furniture around, and rearranged the myriad of movies I have. After that, I decided to go run a couple of errands. The plan started out that I was going to go to stop in at Sprint, go to Target, and round the trip out by going to HEB (a local grocery store). Three errands. This shouldn't take long, so I should be back by 1:00 at the latest.
Well, while in route, I got the scathingly brilliant idea to stop in at a store and look for a dress for a friends wedding that is coming up. What could it hurt to go take a look? The problem here is that I forgot that I had already exerted quite a bit of energy moving furniture around. And energy is something that I tend to run in short supply of these days.
So, what ended up happening is that I went to Sprint, but the one I went to couldn't help. I then stopped by the dress shop. I spent a while there, but didn't find what I was looking for, so I went down the street to another store. After trying on just about everything that they had and deciding I couldn't afford any of it, I left empty handed and realized that it was already 1:00. I was starving and starting to get a bit grumpy. I then reminded myself that I needed to get some things from Whole Foods and I wasn't too far so I popped in for lunch and to purchace the items I wanted, but I still needed to do the other shopping at HEB. So, I left headed to HEB. But, on the way out of the parking lot I saw a Sprint store and remembered that I still needed to take care of my phone, so I went in and got my phone fixed. I then left and went to HEB. I did my shopping and made it home at 4:30. Yes, 4:30. I threw the pots on the stove and scrambled around. Somehow, I got dinner on the table at a respectable time. A little later than normal, but not too bad.
I was so exhausted when I sat down to eat that I could hardly lift my fork! I can't believe that I tried to do all of that in one day and expected my body to just go with it!
So, every day brings about "life lessons". Right? What was today's?
Sometimes, you just gotta slow down!
Sunday, September 21, 2008
What a Day!
I just got home from a very long Sunday! I went to church, went to lunch with some friends, went back to the church to prepare files for a meeting tonight, attended the meeting, and then was blessed with the opportunity to spend time catching up with another friend that I have not seen in months! What a day!
My morning started out a little bit rushed. I woke up later than intended and everyone in the house seemed to be on edge. I just prayed for everyone in the house to receive what we needed from the Lord today and to get a greater understanding of His love for each of us. We left in separate cars and the day began unfolding.
After the service, a good friend prayed for me along with a man that I don't know very well, named Thomas. Thomas had a vision for me. He said, "you know how there are those extension ladders that go really tall and they seem very unsteady as you look at them? Sometimes, they even have little feet along the way or expand out at the top to keep them more balanced. The Lord has extended such a ladder for you and in the right timing you will be asked to climb. You will want to know more, but you may only have the direction to climb. And, you will be high...tall. You may feel unsteady, but it is stable. You will be where you will be seen by other people. Don't let that distract you or keep you from climbing. It's ok; it's good. You may not want to be seen by other people, but you will be asked to climb and you will be seen."
I'm not entirely sure what the vision leads to, but it set in my Spirit with a sense of excitement and expectancy! Where is the ladder, God? When will I get to climb? Where will I climb to? Will I be brave enough? Will I have enough faith to climb when I hear you tell me to do so?
What a day!
Then at lunch, I got to spend time with a friend who I don't get to see very often. I ate lunch with her and another friend at her house and played with her 1 year old son. While he was taking his nap, we got to talk about what has been happening in her life lately and it was very refreshing to hear her perspective on some things. I feel blessed to have had that time!
Then tonight at our meeting, we were receiving training on Prayer Ministry. A part of the training was practical application, so we broke into groups of 4 and prayed. A woman who I don't know very well paired up with me and the couple I live with. They prayed for healing for me from R.A. The prayer was wonderful. The Spirit was so faithful to reveal some things in such a loving way. I feel like the whole time I have been praying for healing the Father's response has been that He is going to heal me from inside out...from the heart to my body. This was another glimpse of that!
After that, as I said, I got to spend time reconnecting with a friend. It was so great to spend time with her and hear about her life and what has been going on with her. It was so wonderful to just sit and talk to her!
So, at the end of this very long and wonderful Sunday, all I have left to say is, "What a day!"
My morning started out a little bit rushed. I woke up later than intended and everyone in the house seemed to be on edge. I just prayed for everyone in the house to receive what we needed from the Lord today and to get a greater understanding of His love for each of us. We left in separate cars and the day began unfolding.
After the service, a good friend prayed for me along with a man that I don't know very well, named Thomas. Thomas had a vision for me. He said, "you know how there are those extension ladders that go really tall and they seem very unsteady as you look at them? Sometimes, they even have little feet along the way or expand out at the top to keep them more balanced. The Lord has extended such a ladder for you and in the right timing you will be asked to climb. You will want to know more, but you may only have the direction to climb. And, you will be high...tall. You may feel unsteady, but it is stable. You will be where you will be seen by other people. Don't let that distract you or keep you from climbing. It's ok; it's good. You may not want to be seen by other people, but you will be asked to climb and you will be seen."
I'm not entirely sure what the vision leads to, but it set in my Spirit with a sense of excitement and expectancy! Where is the ladder, God? When will I get to climb? Where will I climb to? Will I be brave enough? Will I have enough faith to climb when I hear you tell me to do so?
What a day!
Then at lunch, I got to spend time with a friend who I don't get to see very often. I ate lunch with her and another friend at her house and played with her 1 year old son. While he was taking his nap, we got to talk about what has been happening in her life lately and it was very refreshing to hear her perspective on some things. I feel blessed to have had that time!
Then tonight at our meeting, we were receiving training on Prayer Ministry. A part of the training was practical application, so we broke into groups of 4 and prayed. A woman who I don't know very well paired up with me and the couple I live with. They prayed for healing for me from R.A. The prayer was wonderful. The Spirit was so faithful to reveal some things in such a loving way. I feel like the whole time I have been praying for healing the Father's response has been that He is going to heal me from inside out...from the heart to my body. This was another glimpse of that!
After that, as I said, I got to spend time reconnecting with a friend. It was so great to spend time with her and hear about her life and what has been going on with her. It was so wonderful to just sit and talk to her!
So, at the end of this very long and wonderful Sunday, all I have left to say is, "What a day!"
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Random Words?
I have frequently visited my friends blogs and thought, "what profound thoughts. I wish that I could do that." The fact is, I love writing! I have always loved it. I am just not very confident that what I have to say is something that anyone else would want to read. Is what I have to say just random words?
Well, tonight I break the chains and a try this out. This is actually the second time I have set up a blog, but the first was a complete flop. I hope that I am able to sustain this one long enough to at least remember the url.
After setting it up, I am pretty much exhausted. I don't know what all to say, except that I hope this doesn't turn into a disappointment. I'm sure that I will not always love everything I post, but I think it will be a good place for me to start in being honest with myself and others about who I am and what I have to say.
So for tonight, blessings!
Well, tonight I break the chains and a try this out. This is actually the second time I have set up a blog, but the first was a complete flop. I hope that I am able to sustain this one long enough to at least remember the url.
After setting it up, I am pretty much exhausted. I don't know what all to say, except that I hope this doesn't turn into a disappointment. I'm sure that I will not always love everything I post, but I think it will be a good place for me to start in being honest with myself and others about who I am and what I have to say.
So for tonight, blessings!
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