It's been a long time.
To all my family and friends.
Finally weary of "Striving", i am able to follow my Heart.
God is Good!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Friday, October 1, 2010
Love and Fear
The next time you label a loved one selfish and self-centered try to look at it this way.
Fear is at the center of it. The fear that there isn't enough of anything to go around. The fear that someone is going to hurt you. The fear of punishment. The fear of no punishment (mainly for the other guy). The fear that no one loves you. The fear that you are just unlovable. The fear that YOU don't even love you. The fear of humiliation. The fear of degradation. The fear of dependence. The fear of independence. The fear of codependence. The fear of nothingness. The fear that God's not real. The fear that YOU'RE not real. The fear that Love does not really exist.
Welcome to humanity! Enter Messiah! Welcome to Eternity.
The Good Book says "Perfect love casts out all fear"
God is Good!
Fear is at the center of it. The fear that there isn't enough of anything to go around. The fear that someone is going to hurt you. The fear of punishment. The fear of no punishment (mainly for the other guy). The fear that no one loves you. The fear that you are just unlovable. The fear that YOU don't even love you. The fear of humiliation. The fear of degradation. The fear of dependence. The fear of independence. The fear of codependence. The fear of nothingness. The fear that God's not real. The fear that YOU'RE not real. The fear that Love does not really exist.
Welcome to humanity! Enter Messiah! Welcome to Eternity.
The Good Book says "Perfect love casts out all fear"
God is Good!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Riding High
Feels good to start to blog again. It means i might actually have something meaningful to say. Better to be silent and thought a fool, than speak and remove all doubt. Hahahahahahah. What a great saying. I've done more than my share of speaking out foolishly.
I know only one thing, Christ. Sounds corny i guess, but it is true. Everything else is chasing after the wind, which is only good for flying a kite.
I've flown many a kite in my day. Lots of fun but with Christ, i get to be the kite.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
God is Good!!
I know only one thing, Christ. Sounds corny i guess, but it is true. Everything else is chasing after the wind, which is only good for flying a kite.
I've flown many a kite in my day. Lots of fun but with Christ, i get to be the kite.
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!
God is Good!!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
hee haw
Hello
It's been awhile.
Here's the thing. Just for you Tom. As per our discussion, i'm sure the donkey actually spoke to Balaam.
One needs only to tune in to the politicians of our day. Most certainly DONKEYS can speak.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I think that's pretty funny.
Okay, it's not that funny.
God is Good. (and most certainly has a sense of humor)
It's been awhile.
Here's the thing. Just for you Tom. As per our discussion, i'm sure the donkey actually spoke to Balaam.
One needs only to tune in to the politicians of our day. Most certainly DONKEYS can speak.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH! I think that's pretty funny.
Okay, it's not that funny.
God is Good. (and most certainly has a sense of humor)
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
"Recalculating"
Today is a great day. I feel like "i'm back" !!!
I have been feeling as though i were in retreat for awhile. Sometimes, like all of us, i wrestle with self-doubt, usually after something or someone, most often unknowingly, calls my opinions or actions into question. Enough of that!!!!
It is a subtle thing. I do not assign blame to anyone but myself. It is just the way of "the world" to indulge self-doubt. We are not really doubting ourselves, we are doubting God. Is He almighty, omnipotent, loving, all-knowing, etc, or not? To enjoy life is good, God simply says do not become enslaved to it. Be grateful. He is directing your footsteps. Believe it.
An interesting analogy. When Dave and i take a trip somewhere, we sometimes create our own shortcuts. The GPS will promptly redirect with, "Recalculating" and set us back on course. Let God be your GPS. Rest in Him! We need to take the time to figure out what that means. (self-talk lol).
God is Good.
I have been feeling as though i were in retreat for awhile. Sometimes, like all of us, i wrestle with self-doubt, usually after something or someone, most often unknowingly, calls my opinions or actions into question. Enough of that!!!!
It is a subtle thing. I do not assign blame to anyone but myself. It is just the way of "the world" to indulge self-doubt. We are not really doubting ourselves, we are doubting God. Is He almighty, omnipotent, loving, all-knowing, etc, or not? To enjoy life is good, God simply says do not become enslaved to it. Be grateful. He is directing your footsteps. Believe it.
An interesting analogy. When Dave and i take a trip somewhere, we sometimes create our own shortcuts. The GPS will promptly redirect with, "Recalculating" and set us back on course. Let God be your GPS. Rest in Him! We need to take the time to figure out what that means. (self-talk lol).
God is Good.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Such an Awesome God
Hello again.
Boy i need to start blogging more often.
Hey tom, i got your comment on my previous blog. Yeah, i miss you too.
I am absolutely sure the day will come when we will be living in closer proximity.
The rest of my friends and family, howdy doody to you all too.
Nothing new going on here. Just happy as a bug in a rug growing in grace and gratitude. The more i recognize how big God is, the less i take myself so seriously. Whew! What a relief that is!
Growing up is much more fulfilling than simply growing old.
I love you all
P.S.How do you spell relief? lol
God is Good!
Boy i need to start blogging more often.
Hey tom, i got your comment on my previous blog. Yeah, i miss you too.
I am absolutely sure the day will come when we will be living in closer proximity.
The rest of my friends and family, howdy doody to you all too.
Nothing new going on here. Just happy as a bug in a rug growing in grace and gratitude. The more i recognize how big God is, the less i take myself so seriously. Whew! What a relief that is!
Growing up is much more fulfilling than simply growing old.
I love you all
P.S.How do you spell relief? lol
God is Good!
The Truth
please check it out.
Lou Pritchett letter to Obama online.
Just enter his name.
Outstanding!!
Lou Pritchett letter to Obama online.
Just enter his name.
Outstanding!!
Friday, June 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Free Will
Bill, what a great conversation. How God's character sooooooooooooo surpasses anything that man could ever hope to achieve, demonstrated by the Cross of Christ.
While we were still sinners He died for us.
(Acts 17:30) Paul says:
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, and of this He has given assurance to all men by raising Him from the dead."
God is merciful and lovng. He is not merely a Lawgiver, unsympathetic to our condition, ruthlessly demanding obedience and subjugation. We are in truth His offspring. He has extended the invitation at the foot of the Cross. Choose wisely.
Life or Death !!
God is Good!
While we were still sinners He died for us.
(Acts 17:30) Paul says:
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed, and of this He has given assurance to all men by raising Him from the dead."
God is merciful and lovng. He is not merely a Lawgiver, unsympathetic to our condition, ruthlessly demanding obedience and subjugation. We are in truth His offspring. He has extended the invitation at the foot of the Cross. Choose wisely.
Life or Death !!
God is Good!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Who I Am
Hi everyone !
Another sharing moment.
My friend Bill and I were talking about a common theme in both our lives. We agreed we both are caregivers and have been for years. We both are at an age where we are reassessing all of it.
If you've lived long enough, you've asked yourself. Why me? How come i'm always the guy (girl) that this task falls upon? Is it worth it? Am i just spinning my wheels, enabling other people? I've had it. I'm tired of it. Let someone else do it.
Whew!! Sounds pretty glum and exhausting huh? Well, like i say, if you don't get this, you haven't lived much of life.
Okay, now for the good news. I've been through my moments of bitterness, frustration, and even anger over my "caregiver" status. Through it all, though, i've discovered a few marvelous things.
"Caregiver" or "enabler"? It's kinda like the difference between Mother Teresa and Dr. Kevorkian. Choose Life.
Yes, a stark contrast. But it gets our attention. The first represents true compassion. I believe the other grows out of pity.
Pity invites all of us to its party and leads to despair. Accept the invitation, you're hooked. True compassion, on the other hand, refuses to join the party. It offers you a ride home.
Christ says let your yes be yes and your no be no. Say yes to compassion and a resounding NO to pity. Free will is a wonderful gift. Choose wisely.
God is Good !
Another sharing moment.
My friend Bill and I were talking about a common theme in both our lives. We agreed we both are caregivers and have been for years. We both are at an age where we are reassessing all of it.
If you've lived long enough, you've asked yourself. Why me? How come i'm always the guy (girl) that this task falls upon? Is it worth it? Am i just spinning my wheels, enabling other people? I've had it. I'm tired of it. Let someone else do it.
Whew!! Sounds pretty glum and exhausting huh? Well, like i say, if you don't get this, you haven't lived much of life.
Okay, now for the good news. I've been through my moments of bitterness, frustration, and even anger over my "caregiver" status. Through it all, though, i've discovered a few marvelous things.
"Caregiver" or "enabler"? It's kinda like the difference between Mother Teresa and Dr. Kevorkian. Choose Life.
Yes, a stark contrast. But it gets our attention. The first represents true compassion. I believe the other grows out of pity.
Pity invites all of us to its party and leads to despair. Accept the invitation, you're hooked. True compassion, on the other hand, refuses to join the party. It offers you a ride home.
Christ says let your yes be yes and your no be no. Say yes to compassion and a resounding NO to pity. Free will is a wonderful gift. Choose wisely.
God is Good !
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Caution, Sharp Curves Ahead
A new day. Every one of them is precious. Even a bad day can have a bright moment. Maybe on that day, you're it. So find a Bright Spot in you.
He's there somewhere even on bad days. When you think you're really wacked out, you're not. God is just changing gears 'cause maybe there's a dangerous curve ahead. Slow down.
God is good.
He's there somewhere even on bad days. When you think you're really wacked out, you're not. God is just changing gears 'cause maybe there's a dangerous curve ahead. Slow down.
God is good.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Politics, Yuck
hey there,
to my friend Bill, what a great conversation again. Always enlightening and entertaining.
My friend Bill and I covered religion, business and politics. Okay, so bottom line it's all pretty much politics. Life is filled with politics but the message of Christ is that politics is not Life. God says be innocent as a dove and wise as a serpent. Let's just not walk through life with our heads stuck in the sand.
In this lifetime there will never be lasting peace and think not that life is fair. IT IS NOT!
But politics isn't all bad. It can play a role in keeping the peace.(To the degree that it is possible here) Christ says, render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.(paraphrase) Christ recognizes politics as a legitimate part of our existence. We just manage to corrupt everything we get our hands on.
I hate politics as much as the next guy, but it's probably the corruptive factor that turns our stomachs. It seems we are always choosing between the lesser of two evils.
I hate when that happens.
God is Good.
to my friend Bill, what a great conversation again. Always enlightening and entertaining.
My friend Bill and I covered religion, business and politics. Okay, so bottom line it's all pretty much politics. Life is filled with politics but the message of Christ is that politics is not Life. God says be innocent as a dove and wise as a serpent. Let's just not walk through life with our heads stuck in the sand.
In this lifetime there will never be lasting peace and think not that life is fair. IT IS NOT!
But politics isn't all bad. It can play a role in keeping the peace.(To the degree that it is possible here) Christ says, render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's.(paraphrase) Christ recognizes politics as a legitimate part of our existence. We just manage to corrupt everything we get our hands on.
I hate politics as much as the next guy, but it's probably the corruptive factor that turns our stomachs. It seems we are always choosing between the lesser of two evils.
I hate when that happens.
God is Good.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
"It's Friday but Sunday's Coming"
Hi friends and family,
I've been thinking about "trial by fire". Bummer. There are just times when there is no way out of a situation. Can't build a bridge, can't dig a tunnel,(just deepens the hole you're in),can't fly overhead, can't go around. We just can't bluff our way through. The only way to the other side is straight through it. Ouch!! The "how to" is the real question.
It is amazing yet typical for us to try all of the above before we come to terms with "navigating through". Often by that time, we have created more chaos and even greater obstacles. Navigation through the mess seems even more impossible.
Have you asked yourself; "Do I really want to get to the other side"? Not really, just want things to go back to the way they were. (Good luck with that)
I think that one of the most valuable life lessons has been to decide first of all to face trials head on. Secondly to look forward with anticipation (rather than dread). (that means i'm going to change too) It takes courage! Courage comes from a faith set in Example. A Perfect Example. We're given a Vision.
"It's Friday, but Sunday's coming". This expression refers to the Friday before Easter Sunday. The dark days of Christ's trial and scourging (I hate that part), followed by His Resurrection. What an Example of Love. With Love, there's always a plan.
Is it Friday? Sunday's coming !!!
God is Good.
I've been thinking about "trial by fire". Bummer. There are just times when there is no way out of a situation. Can't build a bridge, can't dig a tunnel,(just deepens the hole you're in),can't fly overhead, can't go around. We just can't bluff our way through. The only way to the other side is straight through it. Ouch!! The "how to" is the real question.
It is amazing yet typical for us to try all of the above before we come to terms with "navigating through". Often by that time, we have created more chaos and even greater obstacles. Navigation through the mess seems even more impossible.
Have you asked yourself; "Do I really want to get to the other side"? Not really, just want things to go back to the way they were. (Good luck with that)
I think that one of the most valuable life lessons has been to decide first of all to face trials head on. Secondly to look forward with anticipation (rather than dread). (that means i'm going to change too) It takes courage! Courage comes from a faith set in Example. A Perfect Example. We're given a Vision.
"It's Friday, but Sunday's coming". This expression refers to the Friday before Easter Sunday. The dark days of Christ's trial and scourging (I hate that part), followed by His Resurrection. What an Example of Love. With Love, there's always a plan.
Is it Friday? Sunday's coming !!!
God is Good.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
I have so many things to say, but lately i'm having trouble putting it out there. That's usually not like me.
This "season" of my life is an awesome time. Even on the "not so good" days, it's a terrific time. I feel i've come full circle. I suppose i'm still trying to define what that means. I've been processing so many life experiences this last year or two. I've always been thoughtful about such things. Looking and learning, wanting to understand, but never from this vantage point.
The scripture comes to mind:
"All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose". It is meaningful to observe that He doesn't say that all GOOD things come together .... There's the good, the bad and the ugly. It's a mystery for sure. Each one of those things is part of the tapestry we call life.
Some days I really see the Beauty of it all. Our lives woven into a beautiful thing. But some days not so much. Especially when it feels like it's all hanging by a thread. Hahahahah. Get it? Thread, tapestry? hahahahahahahaha! Sorry, i digress.
But here i am. Happy, at peace with my Creator, myself, and (my fellow man, as much as is possible).
God is Good!
This "season" of my life is an awesome time. Even on the "not so good" days, it's a terrific time. I feel i've come full circle. I suppose i'm still trying to define what that means. I've been processing so many life experiences this last year or two. I've always been thoughtful about such things. Looking and learning, wanting to understand, but never from this vantage point.
The scripture comes to mind:
"All things work together for good, for those who love God and are called according to His purpose". It is meaningful to observe that He doesn't say that all GOOD things come together .... There's the good, the bad and the ugly. It's a mystery for sure. Each one of those things is part of the tapestry we call life.
Some days I really see the Beauty of it all. Our lives woven into a beautiful thing. But some days not so much. Especially when it feels like it's all hanging by a thread. Hahahahah. Get it? Thread, tapestry? hahahahahahahaha! Sorry, i digress.
But here i am. Happy, at peace with my Creator, myself, and (my fellow man, as much as is possible).
God is Good!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Hawaiian Princess
To all my friends out there. Aaaaalooooha.
As i get older, my life becomes a journey back to my roots. I remember the little hawaiian girl romping on the beaches of the islands, soaking up the sun, strumming her ukelele, surfing the waves, picking mangos, and all manner of tropical fruit and enjoying all the wonderful things that come with living on an island paradise. Wow. My memories of "home" really hit me sometimes in waves of nostalgia. How amazing, that in the middle of all that family dysfunction, the beauty and awe of some of God's greatest handywork did not go unappreciated or unnoticed by this little hawaiian princess. Thank you Lord.
God is Good!
As i get older, my life becomes a journey back to my roots. I remember the little hawaiian girl romping on the beaches of the islands, soaking up the sun, strumming her ukelele, surfing the waves, picking mangos, and all manner of tropical fruit and enjoying all the wonderful things that come with living on an island paradise. Wow. My memories of "home" really hit me sometimes in waves of nostalgia. How amazing, that in the middle of all that family dysfunction, the beauty and awe of some of God's greatest handywork did not go unappreciated or unnoticed by this little hawaiian princess. Thank you Lord.
God is Good!
Friday, April 30, 2010
Ho Hum
Nothing earth shattering going on today.
The most exciting thing so far is that i took Max for a walk and he didn't bite anybody. Hurray !!! Nah, he's really doing very well. What a little stinker he is.
He's a great little dog. Getting much better on our walks. No pulling and pays close attention to his handler, lil' ole me. (He'd do anything for cheese lol)
see ya
God is Good !
The most exciting thing so far is that i took Max for a walk and he didn't bite anybody. Hurray !!! Nah, he's really doing very well. What a little stinker he is.
He's a great little dog. Getting much better on our walks. No pulling and pays close attention to his handler, lil' ole me. (He'd do anything for cheese lol)
see ya
God is Good !
A Joyful Heart
hello again,
wow, what a great couple days. Tom, what a terrific time i had. Great visit !
Looking forward to next time. And Jody, what a beautiful quilt. Thank you again so much. It did remind me of Hawaii, home sweet home.
Thanks tom for all the great insights we shared. Looking forward to seeing both of you next time. We'll have a little something planned. Of course, we always have to have some good eats.
okay for now. Til next time, this is me signing off. Adios amigos.
wow, what a great couple days. Tom, what a terrific time i had. Great visit !
Looking forward to next time. And Jody, what a beautiful quilt. Thank you again so much. It did remind me of Hawaii, home sweet home.
Thanks tom for all the great insights we shared. Looking forward to seeing both of you next time. We'll have a little something planned. Of course, we always have to have some good eats.
okay for now. Til next time, this is me signing off. Adios amigos.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
"And yea, though i walk through the valley ..." Ps.23
Well, as a general rule, i try to keep my comments leaning to the cheerful side.
Today is a difficult day for me. My awareness of the presence of evil in this world becomes so sharp and clear at times. It weighs heavily on this puny little heart of mine. I do not say that i feel hopelessly defeated or any such thing. I do become discouraged though, and sometimes brokenhearted knowing that the terrible abuses that occur all around us, go mostly unnoticed and unchecked. Of course my sensitivity to such things was birthed in my own childhood. My past resolved and memories have faded but it has left in its stead, a keen awareness.
I have a pretty wonderful life. My husband and I have been married for 22 years and very happily so. My children and grandchildren are happy and well. We are all in pretty good health. Life is good!!!
So what's the problem? Am I my brother's keeper? Am i able to help in anyway stop the insanity that i know many families endure. These abuses are not exclusive to the "unchurched". (Offensive stereotype, in my view. Why do we do that? We have labels for everyone) Stop already!
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His names sake.
And yea, though i walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, i will fear no evil
for You are with me;...."
God is Good !
Today is a difficult day for me. My awareness of the presence of evil in this world becomes so sharp and clear at times. It weighs heavily on this puny little heart of mine. I do not say that i feel hopelessly defeated or any such thing. I do become discouraged though, and sometimes brokenhearted knowing that the terrible abuses that occur all around us, go mostly unnoticed and unchecked. Of course my sensitivity to such things was birthed in my own childhood. My past resolved and memories have faded but it has left in its stead, a keen awareness.
I have a pretty wonderful life. My husband and I have been married for 22 years and very happily so. My children and grandchildren are happy and well. We are all in pretty good health. Life is good!!!
So what's the problem? Am I my brother's keeper? Am i able to help in anyway stop the insanity that i know many families endure. These abuses are not exclusive to the "unchurched". (Offensive stereotype, in my view. Why do we do that? We have labels for everyone) Stop already!
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His names sake.
And yea, though i walk through the valley of
the shadow of death, i will fear no evil
for You are with me;...."
God is Good !
Monday, April 5, 2010
Stinky Feet
All of us have many questions about religion and some bad memories regarding our religious upbringing. Lots of people just know they don't want to have anything to do with it. I can relate. My struggle with religion has gone on for many years.
A good friend of mine once told me that I should not throw the Baby out with the bath water. Well, that has helped me through those periods when I wanted to walk away from my faith or perhaps simply walk away from church. I still attend church but with a more balanced perspective which does not tempt me to toss the Baby.
We tend to describe religion as "organized". Funny, it's in the process of "organizing" that we lose our way. Jesus has become big business these days and even touts political endorsements. What's wrong with us????!!!!!
I'm sure before He returns, He will notify TMZ, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, etc. in order to insure full coverage of the upcoming event.
But that is not how the Bible defines religion. James 1:26-27 reads: "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. 27: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." I need to mind my own business and allow God to draw others to Christ in whom my life is hidden. If the Gospel of Christ and His resurrection offends someone, Redemption begins Its work. Legalism has no redemptive power. If it were so, Christ would have died unnecessarily.
I pray not to judge anyone's heart. God keeps me quite busy as Christ washes my own stinky feet. But we're not to bury our heads in the sand. We are to test the spirits.
What do you think?
God is Good.
A good friend of mine once told me that I should not throw the Baby out with the bath water. Well, that has helped me through those periods when I wanted to walk away from my faith or perhaps simply walk away from church. I still attend church but with a more balanced perspective which does not tempt me to toss the Baby.
We tend to describe religion as "organized". Funny, it's in the process of "organizing" that we lose our way. Jesus has become big business these days and even touts political endorsements. What's wrong with us????!!!!!
I'm sure before He returns, He will notify TMZ, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, etc. in order to insure full coverage of the upcoming event.
But that is not how the Bible defines religion. James 1:26-27 reads: "If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless. 27: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world." I need to mind my own business and allow God to draw others to Christ in whom my life is hidden. If the Gospel of Christ and His resurrection offends someone, Redemption begins Its work. Legalism has no redemptive power. If it were so, Christ would have died unnecessarily.
I pray not to judge anyone's heart. God keeps me quite busy as Christ washes my own stinky feet. But we're not to bury our heads in the sand. We are to test the spirits.
What do you think?
God is Good.
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