There's a never ending list of things & people to pray for these days. Yesterday, I took a little time to chat w/ a customer. Older gentleman. He's 78, recently widowed, and was having trouble w/ his furnace. This is actually an area where I know a little about, thanks to my Dad. :) Anyway, through conversation he told me quite a bit about himself. Told me he was lonely all the time. Told me that he was lost w/out his best friend of 58 years. Also told me that he hoped to fill the void. Told me he has a 60 yr old lady friend that he hopes to be his companion. Even told me they had spent the night together once. "We had fun" he said. He was SERIOUS about it too! *I tried so hard NOT to laugh!!* He ended up remarking, "if you ever need some good lovin, just look me up." *sigh* shaking my head* I did manage to witness to the man. Told him my "philosophy" on being single. He seemed receptive. He did end up hugging & smooching my cheek twice. *sigh* After he left, I sneaked into the office and laughed so hard I thought I was going to wet myself !!! I prayed for him. Prayed for myself. **God knows I've had my ups/downs with relationships. I've never had one that really worked, and yet.. it seems I'm the "go to" for advice and it's almost like people seek me out to talk to me about that stuff. I don't get it. Maybe I've been honed/primed for fielding these kinds of questions/situations. I just don't know. I have a bit of insecurities here and I try not to stress myself out over them.**
Also, yesterday, brought to light was my co-worker who is struggling right now. Poor dear is attempting to have children late in life, with some health issues. Yesterday was a very rough day for her. They told her they couldn't find a heartbeat. *sigh* Being in that situation twice in my life, my heart severely aches for her. I pray that God bring her the definite answers she's crying out for and that her heart be comforted. In this situation, that is pretty much all you can do except be ready to lend an ear if/when she's ready to talk about it. I know everything happens for a reason. There is a reason why my two pregnancies didn't happen. I'm thankful now, but then I was devastated. My days were dark and sad. I feel her pain. I truly do.
I know God works through us like blood passes through our veins. Basically, He carries us from one place or person to another for a reason.. a precise function in that place / persons life. I ran into that interesting fact several times yesterday. I thank God for those moments. I hope that even though my efforts may not seem grand or outwardly that His seeds be watered, His messages get across, and that His work be done.
This morning, I reminded my son before going into school.. You see, he's been struggling w/ getting his work done sometimes. . "And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men." It's Colossians.. 3:23 Anyway.. I reminded him that he needs to do his work as if God's instructed him to do it. It's been on my heart for some time now to tell him that. I know it's high school and it blows chunks terribly for him sometimes but I feel as though he'd understand that God wants us to work hard and do His will. This is why I love my job. Not only can I work for Cole's - - a family business, network, and etc of its own -- but I also get plenty of opportunity to do God's work as well. Believe it or not, I enjoy it! It may not always have those 'happy sunshine, rainbows, and fluffy bunny' days but it's good work and enjoyable to do it. I hope to talk more w/ my son about this later. The walk to school is so short & this morning I wasn't thinking clearly or prepared in anyway.. it just blurted out of me at the last minute. *shaking my head*
I feel God keeps grabbing my attention. I feel like I am being prepared for something bigger. I'm not sure what it is. I still struggle with some of my own personal issues that pop up from time to time. I pray God is in control and allows me to focus on others & the work He needs done in others lives. I know He's working on me. I know He'll get to my issues: one way or another. I still strive to remain joyous, happy, and feeling blessed.
Friday, November 15
Thursday, November 14
Trust
I wrote an essay back in 2008 .. It was a homework assignment that I handed in and if I remember correctly, got a 100% on it. Honestly, I'm feeling vulnerable these days. I try to be open, honest, and trustworthy to all. I guard my heart just enough. I've been practicing patience, diligence, and strive to keep myself out of temptation and fear. I can count on ONE hand the people I trust 100% w/out any reservation--these are the ones that I can go to NO MATTER WHAT!!! #1 is God. #2 is my parents and family. #3 is my boss. There is a #4--but I won't get into that too much. LOL (*Frankly, I get a little scared when I think of #4. It's a friend that I've grown rather fond of having in my life. I don't feel any pressure to be anyone but myself around this person and never ONCE have felt judgment. No matter what I've said or done: past, present, or future. **ok.. I must stop there. ** Admitting my level of trust for this person is already enough to cause me to have a mini freak out inside.*)
All my other friends, family, neighbors, relationships, friendships, and otherwise acquaintances have what I call: surface trust. That's what I call when you reach out, share good times, and are there to help them when they ask but you know that they're at higher risk for disappointing you. May not be today, tomorrow, next week or next month, but you KNOW that they aren't reliable enough to trust 100%--with all your secrets, feelings, and skeletons, etc. It may just because they're life is consumed by busyness or conflict or mental / emotional issues or it could be that you just don't know them well enough to share. This doesn't mean that you are a royal monster to them. This just means that you trust them w/ what you can, when you can.
So... here is that essay I spoke of earlier..
My key to trust is my faith & trust in the Truth and His guiding hand to lead me into trustworthy relationships with my fellow mankind.
Proverbs 3:5-6 states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." It appears that faith and trust go hand in hand. Faith is defined as complete trust. Trust is defined as to place confidence, depend or believe or rely on the truth; Truth being the real state of things. Trust should be a solid reliance on something true. This is why trust is so hard for us, as people. People are, by nature, tempted to lie, cheat, steal, and gossip.
When we place confidence in other people we leave ourselves vulnerable for possible disappointment. This disappointment can lead to fear in trusting others and lack of faith. Fear can keep us from trusting and believing of other things - like God, family, and even ourselves. Placing trust in someone or something should be free of fear or worry. Unfortunately, human nature is to suspect, fear, worry, and be tempted with deception.
This is why is it written for us in Psalms 118:8-9 "It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes." To trust our fellow man we must trust and be faithful that God will lead us and others to be in fellowship and in relationships worthy of trust. Our faith in God and our trusting Him to be in control is how we can be able to trust people even if we fear disappointment.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 - Asking God to help is another key to trust. Prayer and reflection on and for our relationships with others can lighten the burden of worry and fear. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7
All my other friends, family, neighbors, relationships, friendships, and otherwise acquaintances have what I call: surface trust. That's what I call when you reach out, share good times, and are there to help them when they ask but you know that they're at higher risk for disappointing you. May not be today, tomorrow, next week or next month, but you KNOW that they aren't reliable enough to trust 100%--with all your secrets, feelings, and skeletons, etc. It may just because they're life is consumed by busyness or conflict or mental / emotional issues or it could be that you just don't know them well enough to share. This doesn't mean that you are a royal monster to them. This just means that you trust them w/ what you can, when you can.
So... here is that essay I spoke of earlier..
My key to trust is my faith & trust in the Truth and His guiding hand to lead me into trustworthy relationships with my fellow mankind.
Proverbs 3:5-6 states "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." It appears that faith and trust go hand in hand. Faith is defined as complete trust. Trust is defined as to place confidence, depend or believe or rely on the truth; Truth being the real state of things. Trust should be a solid reliance on something true. This is why trust is so hard for us, as people. People are, by nature, tempted to lie, cheat, steal, and gossip.
When we place confidence in other people we leave ourselves vulnerable for possible disappointment. This disappointment can lead to fear in trusting others and lack of faith. Fear can keep us from trusting and believing of other things - like God, family, and even ourselves. Placing trust in someone or something should be free of fear or worry. Unfortunately, human nature is to suspect, fear, worry, and be tempted with deception.
This is why is it written for us in Psalms 118:8-9 "It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes." To trust our fellow man we must trust and be faithful that God will lead us and others to be in fellowship and in relationships worthy of trust. Our faith in God and our trusting Him to be in control is how we can be able to trust people even if we fear disappointment.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1 - Asking God to help is another key to trust. Prayer and reflection on and for our relationships with others can lighten the burden of worry and fear. "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Phillipians 4:6-7
Sunday, November 10
Struggling
I must admit - I am struggling. I've been working a great deal this past week or so. I'm not sleeping the greatest. When I do sleep, I am having strange dreams that make no sense whatsoever. While at work, I'm feeling under pressure and it's had it's moments of chaos now / then. So, basically you can say that it's just been "life".
This weekend was a special sale at work. It was MADNESS !!! People were crawling out of the woodwork! I saw people I haven't seen in ages !!! One was a very dear friend of mine in high school. She was my guidance counselor and I haven't seen her since shortly after graduation. She looked awesome !!! She remembered me and I got many hugs from her. It was GREAT to see her. She kept asking me, "How are you?" I kept saying, "I am well." with a smile. "Are you sure?" she said. LOL!! Even after all these years - She's still the very same. Always looking out for her "kids" ;)
Saturday, I was not on register. THIS MADE ME HAPPY !!!! I was outside all day doing a demonstration w/ a propane smoker. My partner for that was a co-worker from our warehouse. We spent the day (in between customers) chatting about a lovely variety of things. It was so nice having something different to talk about !! Oversees travel, history, cooking, and some of the luxuries of collecting antiques, books, and finer items like china, silver, and etc.. were all areas that just made the day go fast & enjoyable. I'm strive to be a simple country girl but the idea of world travel and these things mentioned above just tickle me to pieces. On the outside, I'm just a redneck gal w/ a 'help yourself' attitude, cooking up venison and mashed potatoes. On the inside, DEEP inside that mostly stays hidden there's a gal that would L O V E to set the table w/ linens and china and serve a delicious gourmet style meal and entertain / host a get together of the fancier variety. Crazy, isn't it ?! Yeah.. it is. ha ha !
Oh gosh ! yes.. I almost forgot to mention. One of my favorite (newly local) characters was in to the store. She approached me, as usual, with a smile & we chatted & giggled. Suddenly, she springs one on me. "I wrote a book", she says. *jaw drops* Really ?! That's great ! How does one acquire such a thing? I'd like to read it ! "Hang on" she says. Well.. a short while later she produces a lovely paperback copy of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" *jaw drops* It's gorgeous! I read the back cover and was instantly absorbed. I hand her a pen to sign it for me. She writes a lovely message in the front, along w/ her phone number, and smiles / giggles when handing it back to me. She said, "Call me when you're ready to pull something together. I'll help you for your book." **more on this in the next paragraph**
She's such a DEAR ! I mean.. honestly & truly. You see.. there's a story in her. She's currently been urged to write her life. She has told me bits here / there. Honestly, I'm surprised. To look at her, be around her, and spend time w/ her - YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS SOME OF WHAT SHE'S BEEN THROUGH! She noticed the same in me and before I knew it - I spilled my guts on my idea for writing a book. God knows what's He's doing bringing people to places, other people, and communities etc.. for the RIGHT reasons at the RIGHT times. "It's a good idea. You need to do that." she says. I stood there, jaw dropped (AGAIN) and shaking my head. I told her that I'll be praying for her, her new book, and the possibility / potential that it may hold for her & for those that read it. A total God moment. Another solid confirmation that I'm His servant, in the right place, and at the right time.
You see.. part of me has been wanting to write a book for a very long time. I usually talk myself out of it or think myself out of it. Lately, I've had a little.. well.. light encouragement / pushing to actually do it. A friend that's recently published & working on book #2 said, "Go for it ! If you need help, let me know. " Two people (fb friends / family from growing up ) have BOTH been blessed w/ an opportunity for their writing to be published (grand scale) recently. ONE has a book available on Amazon!!! I've always prayed for their efforts to be a success. The other is still working on hers. I truly rejoice for their successes !!!
My book .. well.. it's mostly an idea. I really want to do it. I like writing. It comes rather naturally to me. My style of writing is basically just typing as if I'm talking to someone. I'm sure grammatically and punctuation wise it's horrible, but hey.. it gets the job DONE! LOL!!! I feel a little guilty though because I haven't publicly come out and said about this desire or anything. I really would hate for someone that I care about, that's working hard on progressing their own work to think I'm doing this / having this idea / trying just to spite them, their efforts, and steal their thunder. So.. for now.. my blog is where it's at. The book idea.. is just that.. an IDEA. I may try to pull a few things together here / there but I won't act on it until I get a 100% sound, safe and solid 100% green light "go for it".
This is why I haven't blogged in about a week. I felt guilty. I was so blasted excited in thinking I could do something. Then, I just stopped. I just honest to goodness said "no. I'm not going to do it. I just can't. It's not worth it. There's no need." So.. that's what I did.
I know God is working. I know He's got a plan. What it is - I still am not sure but He's been telling me that I need to be where I am. I need to be at Cole's working w/ the people I do, for the customers that I know / love .. regulars & new, live in Mifflinburg w/ the community of people that are a lovely variety, and continue to do what I'm doing. Bloom where I'm planted. I'm listening. I'm waiting.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart". Jeremiah 29:11,13
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 2:5-6
ALL THREE OF THESE VERSES have come to me from NEW places this week. All three are special verses to me. I have them written / memorized / hanging in almost every corner of my house. I know God is telling me to stay strong, hang in there, and be patient. Good things are happening.. I just might not see it.
This weekend was a special sale at work. It was MADNESS !!! People were crawling out of the woodwork! I saw people I haven't seen in ages !!! One was a very dear friend of mine in high school. She was my guidance counselor and I haven't seen her since shortly after graduation. She looked awesome !!! She remembered me and I got many hugs from her. It was GREAT to see her. She kept asking me, "How are you?" I kept saying, "I am well." with a smile. "Are you sure?" she said. LOL!! Even after all these years - She's still the very same. Always looking out for her "kids" ;)
Saturday, I was not on register. THIS MADE ME HAPPY !!!! I was outside all day doing a demonstration w/ a propane smoker. My partner for that was a co-worker from our warehouse. We spent the day (in between customers) chatting about a lovely variety of things. It was so nice having something different to talk about !! Oversees travel, history, cooking, and some of the luxuries of collecting antiques, books, and finer items like china, silver, and etc.. were all areas that just made the day go fast & enjoyable. I'm strive to be a simple country girl but the idea of world travel and these things mentioned above just tickle me to pieces. On the outside, I'm just a redneck gal w/ a 'help yourself' attitude, cooking up venison and mashed potatoes. On the inside, DEEP inside that mostly stays hidden there's a gal that would L O V E to set the table w/ linens and china and serve a delicious gourmet style meal and entertain / host a get together of the fancier variety. Crazy, isn't it ?! Yeah.. it is. ha ha !
Oh gosh ! yes.. I almost forgot to mention. One of my favorite (newly local) characters was in to the store. She approached me, as usual, with a smile & we chatted & giggled. Suddenly, she springs one on me. "I wrote a book", she says. *jaw drops* Really ?! That's great ! How does one acquire such a thing? I'd like to read it ! "Hang on" she says. Well.. a short while later she produces a lovely paperback copy of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow" *jaw drops* It's gorgeous! I read the back cover and was instantly absorbed. I hand her a pen to sign it for me. She writes a lovely message in the front, along w/ her phone number, and smiles / giggles when handing it back to me. She said, "Call me when you're ready to pull something together. I'll help you for your book." **more on this in the next paragraph**
She's such a DEAR ! I mean.. honestly & truly. You see.. there's a story in her. She's currently been urged to write her life. She has told me bits here / there. Honestly, I'm surprised. To look at her, be around her, and spend time w/ her - YOU WOULD NEVER GUESS SOME OF WHAT SHE'S BEEN THROUGH! She noticed the same in me and before I knew it - I spilled my guts on my idea for writing a book. God knows what's He's doing bringing people to places, other people, and communities etc.. for the RIGHT reasons at the RIGHT times. "It's a good idea. You need to do that." she says. I stood there, jaw dropped (AGAIN) and shaking my head. I told her that I'll be praying for her, her new book, and the possibility / potential that it may hold for her & for those that read it. A total God moment. Another solid confirmation that I'm His servant, in the right place, and at the right time.
You see.. part of me has been wanting to write a book for a very long time. I usually talk myself out of it or think myself out of it. Lately, I've had a little.. well.. light encouragement / pushing to actually do it. A friend that's recently published & working on book #2 said, "Go for it ! If you need help, let me know. " Two people (fb friends / family from growing up ) have BOTH been blessed w/ an opportunity for their writing to be published (grand scale) recently. ONE has a book available on Amazon!!! I've always prayed for their efforts to be a success. The other is still working on hers. I truly rejoice for their successes !!!
My book .. well.. it's mostly an idea. I really want to do it. I like writing. It comes rather naturally to me. My style of writing is basically just typing as if I'm talking to someone. I'm sure grammatically and punctuation wise it's horrible, but hey.. it gets the job DONE! LOL!!! I feel a little guilty though because I haven't publicly come out and said about this desire or anything. I really would hate for someone that I care about, that's working hard on progressing their own work to think I'm doing this / having this idea / trying just to spite them, their efforts, and steal their thunder. So.. for now.. my blog is where it's at. The book idea.. is just that.. an IDEA. I may try to pull a few things together here / there but I won't act on it until I get a 100% sound, safe and solid 100% green light "go for it".
This is why I haven't blogged in about a week. I felt guilty. I was so blasted excited in thinking I could do something. Then, I just stopped. I just honest to goodness said "no. I'm not going to do it. I just can't. It's not worth it. There's no need." So.. that's what I did.
I know God is working. I know He's got a plan. What it is - I still am not sure but He's been telling me that I need to be where I am. I need to be at Cole's working w/ the people I do, for the customers that I know / love .. regulars & new, live in Mifflinburg w/ the community of people that are a lovely variety, and continue to do what I'm doing. Bloom where I'm planted. I'm listening. I'm waiting.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart". Jeremiah 29:11,13
"Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 2:5-6
ALL THREE OF THESE VERSES have come to me from NEW places this week. All three are special verses to me. I have them written / memorized / hanging in almost every corner of my house. I know God is telling me to stay strong, hang in there, and be patient. Good things are happening.. I just might not see it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)