I called my son, asked him if he'd like for me to come stay with him while his wife was going to be away visiting in another state. His reply was something like this: Yes, I'd like for you to come, but I don't know how you're going to like my pit bull. Well I'm deathly afraid of strange dogs, having been bitten once and almost another time. I considered whether or not to go since I was especially afraid of all kinds of bull dogs. My son's dog Blonka, as a rescued dog, had been grossly mistreated, and this made me even more afraid. I decided to go anyway.
When I arrived, Blonka paid me little attention, but the next morning when my son went to work and left me lying on the love seat watching TV, my troubles began. Every time I moved, the dog came to attention. I was afraid to get off the couch to get a cup of coffee. I stayed on the couch, moving just a little periodically, talking quietly to him, hoping he would know I wanted to be his friend. I tried just moving my big toe and that dog growled and raised his body with his eyes peeled on me. I talked to him and tested him until he finally let me off the couch, but with some concern on his part and mine. He would not let me touch him for about 3 days, but finally came around. He is still a litte wary of me even after several years, but I keep petting and talking to him. I visit at least once a year and now he accepts me and will let me pet him. If I keep working maybe I can convince him I'm his friend. I know he has to know me and want to be my friend before he'll completely trust me.
All this reminds me of something I read this morning about Jesus and the woman at the well. When Jesus saw her there, he asked for a drink. Now we all know that would make the woman wary of him because she was a woman and a Samaritan and Jesus being a Jew would not have had any interaction with her. Jews made it a practice to stay out of Samaria. However, this request for water by Jesus prompted a conversation about why he would ask a drink from a Samaritan woman. He got her attention and got into conversation, then gently led her to believe that He was the Christ. It isn't easy to get into the deep things of God until we've been patient in getting to know the person to whom we are speaking. Calvin Miller in UNTIL HE COMES wrote: (speaking as if Jesus were speaking ) "My kingdom is blessed by these two truths. First, everybody's thirsty, Second, it is best to pass on the water of life in such attractive ways that people long to drink it and are saved forever." He ended this devotion with this prayer:
"Lord Jesus,
There is in every heart an empty cup,
longing to be filled with the clean, pure, drinkable grace.
I therefore, bring my cup to your high shelf and beg
you to fill it daily with yourself.
Amen"
If I can keep visiting my out-of-state family, I'm hoping the pit bull will soon willingly crawl up on the couch close to me and sleep.
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Frugal Shopping
Some Things I've Learned About Food Shopping:
Since we live almost completely on SS benefits, money is tight at our house. We have learned much during our 57 years of marriage. I've learned how to shop in order to hold on to as much of our money as possible. Believe me, it takes it all for other things.
Here are some tips for frugal shopping which result in great food, almost anything you want to eat without going gourmet.
Don't buy what you think you need. Buy what's on sale. If you just must have it now, buy as little as possible if you're paying full price. Wait until it's on sale then stock up. Buy enough of the on sale items to last at least a month if you're sure it's the lowest sale price available. Take a little extra money, if you have it, the first time you go with this plan in mind. If there's no extra, just use what you have very carefully. Don't buy prepackaged foods, they're money grabbers.
Be selective, if chicken or hamburger are on sale this week, buy twice or three times as much as you normally would. Next week do the same with another item or items. Make sure what you buy is on sale. My motto now is: "If it's not on sale, I don't need it." Don't worry that you'll have to serve the same thing a few times during that early perid. Soon, you have a variety of meats, veggies etc. to choose from. Buy a few cans of tuna and intersperse this with your more desirable meals. One of our favorite meals is tuna salad, green peas and homemade applesauce served with Ritz or other crackers. We serve this about twice a month. Needless to say I stock up on tuna wherever I find it on sale.
Sav-ALot/Aldi's type stores have great buys and their brands are usually equal to or almost as good as brand names. Watch newspaper ads. Make a list of specials at regular stores, but before you shop at them, first visit your discount grocery, taking your list with competing prices with you. You'll likely find some of your items even cheaper there. Remember: brand names are not always best. These discount stores have great products too. I bought prunes, raisins, and dried plums at Sav-A-Lot and they're some of the best I've ever eaten, I also like their yogurt which is 50 cents per carton, Tombstone Pizza is always cheaper there.
Stay well stocked with chicken and hamburger. They're so versatile as we all know. Occasionally buy something special like salmon steaks, good shrimp, good steaks or something else you seldom can afford. I bought a bulk pkg of filet Mignon which we stretched over a long period of time. We just never eat that, but it was a special treat when we did. Even frugality needs a holiday. When I find butter, cheeses, chocolate chips, sugar, canned veggies we like (I like canned green peas better than fresh or frozen, so recently I bought 24 cans at 59 cents per can. Right now they're 50 cents at one store, so maybe I'll buy more), I buy several since I know I'll be using it regularly. I watch for the very lowest price. Last Christmas, I hardly had to buy any items for my Christmas baking because I'd already found them at a great price. One store in our area has sugar for 50 cents per pound or less about once every quarter. I stock up then, trying to keep about 40 pounds on hand at all times in case the sale doesn't happen on schedule. If I do run out, Save-A-Lot has it for about 59 cents a pound all the time.
Name brands no longer are a high priority on my lists. I still use my favorite coffee, and only Crisco solid shortening (which I only use in pound cake). For most of my married life, I thought Lipton Tea was the only good one, but no longer. The store brands are just as good. Save your money for other things.
I buy milk, bread and eggs when I need them, but I keep my eyes open for stores that sell them cheaper. Roses sells bread for $1.25. Some of the dollar stores sell it for $1.00 on certain days. Walgreens usually has a great price on milk and sometimes eggs. Kmart occasionally has a sale on eggs. Keep you eyes and ears open and try not to make special trips, check the store out when you're on that side of town. Don't make special trips unless it a really terrific deal or there are several items you can buy there.
Warehouse clubs are not always the best deal. You've had to pay to join, you might not use all of the bulk size before it spoils and the serving cost may not be cheaper than you can buy it on sale at your regular store. Focus on per piece or serving price, not whole box price. Make sure you are truly getting a deal.
I usually buy approximately $175.00-$225. at the beginning of a month, maybe $30. a week thereafter. Of course we have a garden, fruit trees, grape vines, and bee hives, so we preserve excess for future use. That's about $375 per month usually. One month, when we had a big tax bill, I just bought the milk/bread/eggs plus a few incidentals because money was tight and I had plenty of everything from my stockpile. If I see a GREAT deal I buy it then.
Did you notice that I haven't mentioned coupons? If you don't focus on brand names, you won't focus on coupons as much. I still clip the ones I know I will use, but I don't buy ANYTHING simply because I have a coupon. Focus on savings using weekly store ads and making lists. Stick to your list, don't buy on impulse.
We never run out of food.There are 3 adults living in our household and I usually have 7 for lunch on Sunday, sometimes more. I hear people who buy week to week talking about having no food in the house. I just wish I could help them learn more about grocery shopping and food preparation.
Since we live almost completely on SS benefits, money is tight at our house. We have learned much during our 57 years of marriage. I've learned how to shop in order to hold on to as much of our money as possible. Believe me, it takes it all for other things.
Here are some tips for frugal shopping which result in great food, almost anything you want to eat without going gourmet.
Don't buy what you think you need. Buy what's on sale. If you just must have it now, buy as little as possible if you're paying full price. Wait until it's on sale then stock up. Buy enough of the on sale items to last at least a month if you're sure it's the lowest sale price available. Take a little extra money, if you have it, the first time you go with this plan in mind. If there's no extra, just use what you have very carefully. Don't buy prepackaged foods, they're money grabbers.
Be selective, if chicken or hamburger are on sale this week, buy twice or three times as much as you normally would. Next week do the same with another item or items. Make sure what you buy is on sale. My motto now is: "If it's not on sale, I don't need it." Don't worry that you'll have to serve the same thing a few times during that early perid. Soon, you have a variety of meats, veggies etc. to choose from. Buy a few cans of tuna and intersperse this with your more desirable meals. One of our favorite meals is tuna salad, green peas and homemade applesauce served with Ritz or other crackers. We serve this about twice a month. Needless to say I stock up on tuna wherever I find it on sale.
Sav-ALot/Aldi's type stores have great buys and their brands are usually equal to or almost as good as brand names. Watch newspaper ads. Make a list of specials at regular stores, but before you shop at them, first visit your discount grocery, taking your list with competing prices with you. You'll likely find some of your items even cheaper there. Remember: brand names are not always best. These discount stores have great products too. I bought prunes, raisins, and dried plums at Sav-A-Lot and they're some of the best I've ever eaten, I also like their yogurt which is 50 cents per carton, Tombstone Pizza is always cheaper there.
Stay well stocked with chicken and hamburger. They're so versatile as we all know. Occasionally buy something special like salmon steaks, good shrimp, good steaks or something else you seldom can afford. I bought a bulk pkg of filet Mignon which we stretched over a long period of time. We just never eat that, but it was a special treat when we did. Even frugality needs a holiday. When I find butter, cheeses, chocolate chips, sugar, canned veggies we like (I like canned green peas better than fresh or frozen, so recently I bought 24 cans at 59 cents per can. Right now they're 50 cents at one store, so maybe I'll buy more), I buy several since I know I'll be using it regularly. I watch for the very lowest price. Last Christmas, I hardly had to buy any items for my Christmas baking because I'd already found them at a great price. One store in our area has sugar for 50 cents per pound or less about once every quarter. I stock up then, trying to keep about 40 pounds on hand at all times in case the sale doesn't happen on schedule. If I do run out, Save-A-Lot has it for about 59 cents a pound all the time.
Name brands no longer are a high priority on my lists. I still use my favorite coffee, and only Crisco solid shortening (which I only use in pound cake). For most of my married life, I thought Lipton Tea was the only good one, but no longer. The store brands are just as good. Save your money for other things.
I buy milk, bread and eggs when I need them, but I keep my eyes open for stores that sell them cheaper. Roses sells bread for $1.25. Some of the dollar stores sell it for $1.00 on certain days. Walgreens usually has a great price on milk and sometimes eggs. Kmart occasionally has a sale on eggs. Keep you eyes and ears open and try not to make special trips, check the store out when you're on that side of town. Don't make special trips unless it a really terrific deal or there are several items you can buy there.
Warehouse clubs are not always the best deal. You've had to pay to join, you might not use all of the bulk size before it spoils and the serving cost may not be cheaper than you can buy it on sale at your regular store. Focus on per piece or serving price, not whole box price. Make sure you are truly getting a deal.
I usually buy approximately $175.00-$225. at the beginning of a month, maybe $30. a week thereafter. Of course we have a garden, fruit trees, grape vines, and bee hives, so we preserve excess for future use. That's about $375 per month usually. One month, when we had a big tax bill, I just bought the milk/bread/eggs plus a few incidentals because money was tight and I had plenty of everything from my stockpile. If I see a GREAT deal I buy it then.
Did you notice that I haven't mentioned coupons? If you don't focus on brand names, you won't focus on coupons as much. I still clip the ones I know I will use, but I don't buy ANYTHING simply because I have a coupon. Focus on savings using weekly store ads and making lists. Stick to your list, don't buy on impulse.
We never run out of food.There are 3 adults living in our household and I usually have 7 for lunch on Sunday, sometimes more. I hear people who buy week to week talking about having no food in the house. I just wish I could help them learn more about grocery shopping and food preparation.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
THE MASTER’S HAND
I happened to open up one of my older bibles last night and there was my 30-40 year old copy of a gospel tract. The text of the tract began with the poem “The Touch of The Master’s Hand" by Myra Brooks. Reading this beautiful, timeless poem, I was once again reminded of the Power of our heavenly Father. That power so strong that He reaches down to us like the old violinist reached for the old violin, transforms our lives when we believe in, and devote ourselves to Jesus Christ, One with God, His one and only son, and receive His Holy spirit into our lives. This triune God of the Bible receives us as one of His own and continues His work in us. Our lives, as the music of the old violin, become more beautiful as God, the Master, plays on our heart strings to bring His beauty into our lives.
Like the old violin in the poem, we aren’t very beautiful or desirable in our unforgiven, living as the world lives condition, but once we are touched by the Master’s hand, we are transformed, given the desire to be like Him. Our focus becomes His will for our lives instead of our own will. Old things are passed away, all things become new. With this touch comes the realization of just how much God does now and did love and value us, His creation, even before we agreed to live for Him.
Not only are we changed, but God through us, reaches out to those around us, giving us a love for people who do not know him. It is God’s will and His desire that every person know and love him. We become His hands, His feet, His voice on earth to show others the way to the one and only God through Jesus Christ, His son, one with God, our Savior.
Maybe you’ve never read this poem, or it’s been a long time since you read it, I hope you will be blessed by it again as I was.
Like the old violin in the poem, we aren’t very beautiful or desirable in our unforgiven, living as the world lives condition, but once we are touched by the Master’s hand, we are transformed, given the desire to be like Him. Our focus becomes His will for our lives instead of our own will. Old things are passed away, all things become new. With this touch comes the realization of just how much God does now and did love and value us, His creation, even before we agreed to live for Him.
Not only are we changed, but God through us, reaches out to those around us, giving us a love for people who do not know him. It is God’s will and His desire that every person know and love him. We become His hands, His feet, His voice on earth to show others the way to the one and only God through Jesus Christ, His son, one with God, our Savior.
Maybe you’ve never read this poem, or it’s been a long time since you read it, I hope you will be blessed by it again as I was.
THE TOUCH OF THE MASTER’S HAND
By
Myra Brooks
‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidden, good folk?” he cried
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?
A Dollar--a dollar--then two, only two--
Two Dollars, and who’ll make it three?”
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, “NOW what am I bid for the old violin”
And he held it up with the bow
“A thousand dollars--and who’ll make it two?
Two thousand--and who’ll make it three?
Three thousand once--three thousand twice--
And going-and gone,” cried he.
The people cheered , but some of them cried
“We do not understand. What changed its worth?”
Quick came the reply
“The touch of the Master’s hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap, to a thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A “mess of pottage”--a glass of wine,
A game--and he travels on:
He is going once--and going twice--
He’s going-and almost gone!
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand.
By
Myra Brooks
‘Twas battered and scarred, and the auctioneer
Thought it scarcely worth his while
To waste much time on the old violin,
But he held it up with a smile.
“What am I bidden, good folk?” he cried
“Who’ll start the bidding for me?
A Dollar--a dollar--then two, only two--
Two Dollars, and who’ll make it three?”
From the room far back a gray-haired man
Came forward and picked up the bow,
Then, wiping the dust from the old violin,
And tightening the loosened strings,
He played a melody pure and sweet
As a caroling angel sings.
The music ceased, and the auctioneer,
With a voice that was quiet and low,
Said, “NOW what am I bid for the old violin”
And he held it up with the bow
“A thousand dollars--and who’ll make it two?
Two thousand--and who’ll make it three?
Three thousand once--three thousand twice--
And going-and gone,” cried he.
The people cheered , but some of them cried
“We do not understand. What changed its worth?”
Quick came the reply
“The touch of the Master’s hand.”
And many a man with life out of tune,
And battered and scarred with sin,
Is auctioned cheap, to a thoughtless crowd,
Much like the old violin.
A “mess of pottage”--a glass of wine,
A game--and he travels on:
He is going once--and going twice--
He’s going-and almost gone!
But the Master comes, and the foolish crowd
Never can quite understand
The worth of a soul and the change that’s wrought
By the touch of the Master’s hand.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksliving
A friend and I were emailing back and forth yesterday. In what was to be her last words for the day, she wished me a happy Thanksgiving. In reply to her email, I made comments about various things we had been discussing, then I reiterated by typing “And a Happy Thanksliving to you also.” Then I clicked “send” and the email was on its way without spell check. She immediately wrote back and said she liked that new word “Thanksliving.”
I’ve thought a lot about that in the last 24 hours. How should we be living anyhow? Shouldn’t we, especially if we are Christians, be living every moment with thanksgiving for all our blessings? If so, isn’t that thanksliving?
How, you may ask, can I live every moment with thanksgiving? I’ll tell you, it isn’t easy! However, scripture tells us in Ephesians 5:19-20:
19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Verse 19 tells me to keep a song in my heart, not just any song, but a song of the spirit, the spirit of God, a joyful song, making melody in my heart to the Lord. A song unto the Lord! The melody will be a melody of the spirit of God, played on the heartstrings and sung in a voice of praise to God the Father for all things, not just the good things.
So are we to give thanks for the bad things also? Absolutely. A good example occurred during our Thanks”living” dinner today. Each person was given a chance to give thanks for a special blessing in their life. After several had spoken, some serious, some comedic, my daughter-in-law, who is a little under the weather with sinus/chest congestion, spoke up saying: “I’m thankful that I’m not sicker than I am, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to be here today.” So, a good way to give thanks always, for all things, is to look for the good even in the worst of situations, then dwell on those things.
To anyone who just might be reading this, happy thanksliving!!
I’ve thought a lot about that in the last 24 hours. How should we be living anyhow? Shouldn’t we, especially if we are Christians, be living every moment with thanksgiving for all our blessings? If so, isn’t that thanksliving?
How, you may ask, can I live every moment with thanksgiving? I’ll tell you, it isn’t easy! However, scripture tells us in Ephesians 5:19-20:
19Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Verse 19 tells me to keep a song in my heart, not just any song, but a song of the spirit, the spirit of God, a joyful song, making melody in my heart to the Lord. A song unto the Lord! The melody will be a melody of the spirit of God, played on the heartstrings and sung in a voice of praise to God the Father for all things, not just the good things.
So are we to give thanks for the bad things also? Absolutely. A good example occurred during our Thanks”living” dinner today. Each person was given a chance to give thanks for a special blessing in their life. After several had spoken, some serious, some comedic, my daughter-in-law, who is a little under the weather with sinus/chest congestion, spoke up saying: “I’m thankful that I’m not sicker than I am, otherwise I wouldn’t be able to be here today.” So, a good way to give thanks always, for all things, is to look for the good even in the worst of situations, then dwell on those things.
To anyone who just might be reading this, happy thanksliving!!
Saturday, April 30, 2005
Shake The Dust Off Your Feet!
Recently someone told me to think twice before repeating the message that Jesus is the way, the only way to God, that my religious beliefs are insulting to those who do not believe as I do.
I fully realize how offensive the message of Christ is to many people today, but that makes no difference in the command to go into the world, preaching the gospel, baptizing them, teaching them in the name of the Lord. Note: the verse below says all nations, which means many will be offended by the message.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost..
The truth is, my calling is to speak boldly, telling those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the truth concerning His coming to earth, his ministry, his rejection, his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven to take his seat at the right hand of God, forever interceding for us as we call on him in prayer. He is alive! This witness is not to put myself above anyone else as a Christian, but to attempt to share the joy of the Lord who is my strength. I really would like for everybody to know. Some will be offended, as I am sometimes saddened and, yes, offended by the rejection of my Savior.
If I am to talk about this only to those who believe as I do, then how are the others going to know the joy of serving him? How am I going to tell them that God loves them and wants them in his family, that he waits patiently for all to come to the knowledge of the truth? How am I going to tell them that God rejects no one, people are the ones doing the rejecting while the heart of God is weeping for their lostness? If we don't tell, then Christianity remains isolated, blessing only those who already know. If our forefathers and those who told us in these current times had remained silent, we would probably have remained in our sinful state, never knowing the love of God.
Matthew 10: 14-15 "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
As Jesus sent his disciples to preach the gospel, he told them to go to the lost sheep of Israel, those who didn't believe he was the Messiah, and preach the gospel (Jesus). In Acts 13, Paul and his companions were preaching Jesus (now to the gentiles as well as Jews) in various cities when the devout Jews stirred up a rebellion against them, so in verse 51 "they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium." They gave up their preaching there and went elsewhere as Jesus had told the disciples to do in Matthew 10:14-15. But they continued preaching. Those people we give up on by brushing the dust off our shoes and moving on, just may not get another opportunity to hear the word. This makes me a little reluctant to give up too soon on those who have rejected my witness. Look at the consequences in Matthew 10:15. I shudder to think of anyone facing this kind of destiny.
When I received this rejection, I was hurt deeply and stunned, for this has never happened to me before with such a note of finality. However, as time goes on and I reflect on it, I realize that if I live the life of a dedicated Christian, I will be rejected. I must rejoice in it, for when I tell someone the way to salvation, I know I'm doing the will of God.
My God teaches love for all people, even those who are unlovely, unaccepting and seemingly without hope. But we must remember, there is hope as long as there is life. He also teaches forgiveness for all who believe. I must tell it, you must tell it, all must tell it, so that knowing, all can come to a knowledge of saving grace through Jesus Christ. If we don't tell, they may never know. We must not be put off by rejection, but we must love them all the more so that if we can't tell them anymore, we can show them by the way we live.
John 3:16-18, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
I fully realize how offensive the message of Christ is to many people today, but that makes no difference in the command to go into the world, preaching the gospel, baptizing them, teaching them in the name of the Lord. Note: the verse below says all nations, which means many will be offended by the message.
Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost..
The truth is, my calling is to speak boldly, telling those who do not believe in the Lord Jesus Christ the truth concerning His coming to earth, his ministry, his rejection, his death, resurrection and ascension to heaven to take his seat at the right hand of God, forever interceding for us as we call on him in prayer. He is alive! This witness is not to put myself above anyone else as a Christian, but to attempt to share the joy of the Lord who is my strength. I really would like for everybody to know. Some will be offended, as I am sometimes saddened and, yes, offended by the rejection of my Savior.
If I am to talk about this only to those who believe as I do, then how are the others going to know the joy of serving him? How am I going to tell them that God loves them and wants them in his family, that he waits patiently for all to come to the knowledge of the truth? How am I going to tell them that God rejects no one, people are the ones doing the rejecting while the heart of God is weeping for their lostness? If we don't tell, then Christianity remains isolated, blessing only those who already know. If our forefathers and those who told us in these current times had remained silent, we would probably have remained in our sinful state, never knowing the love of God.
Matthew 10: 14-15 "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city."
As Jesus sent his disciples to preach the gospel, he told them to go to the lost sheep of Israel, those who didn't believe he was the Messiah, and preach the gospel (Jesus). In Acts 13, Paul and his companions were preaching Jesus (now to the gentiles as well as Jews) in various cities when the devout Jews stirred up a rebellion against them, so in verse 51 "they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium." They gave up their preaching there and went elsewhere as Jesus had told the disciples to do in Matthew 10:14-15. But they continued preaching. Those people we give up on by brushing the dust off our shoes and moving on, just may not get another opportunity to hear the word. This makes me a little reluctant to give up too soon on those who have rejected my witness. Look at the consequences in Matthew 10:15. I shudder to think of anyone facing this kind of destiny.
When I received this rejection, I was hurt deeply and stunned, for this has never happened to me before with such a note of finality. However, as time goes on and I reflect on it, I realize that if I live the life of a dedicated Christian, I will be rejected. I must rejoice in it, for when I tell someone the way to salvation, I know I'm doing the will of God.
My God teaches love for all people, even those who are unlovely, unaccepting and seemingly without hope. But we must remember, there is hope as long as there is life. He also teaches forgiveness for all who believe. I must tell it, you must tell it, all must tell it, so that knowing, all can come to a knowledge of saving grace through Jesus Christ. If we don't tell, they may never know. We must not be put off by rejection, but we must love them all the more so that if we can't tell them anymore, we can show them by the way we live.
John 3:16-18, For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Saturday, March 19, 2005
THE REAL THING
NORTH CAROLINA SWEET TEA AND BARBEQUE
We recently traveled to Tucson Arizona to visit with our son and his family. While there we visited the annual International Gem and Mineral show several times. On Sunday, we attended the Convention Center show in downtown Tucson, where there was an array of wonderful exhibits and vendors where you could just look, explore, talk with knowledgeable people, and maybe even make a purchase or two. And of course there were the food booths.
One of those booths was a lady who had lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Her specialty was North Carolina Barbeque and sweet tea. Now we are real North Carolinians and enjoy good barbeque and drink sweet tea with every meal except breakfast. We were so excited to see that sign and thirsty as we were, we could hardly wait. When we arrived at the booth, I also noticed they had fresh squeezed lemonade. So in order to try both, I ordered a sweet tea and a lemonade, the tea for the husband and lemonade for me. My granddaughter also ordered a barbeque sandwich.
Let me tell you, none of that was anything like what we have in North Carolina. I didn’t taste the barbeque, but it was just a thin coating of strings of meat, not eastern NC looking at all, nor was it a thick juicy, mouth watering mound like we get here whether it’s eastern or western. Of course everyone knows we have an on-going battle between advocates of the two varieties here in NC.
The lemonade, certainly not even resembling the delicious fresh squeezed stuff we make here in North Carolina had some artificial taste probably a boxed product with maybe a very light twist of lemon, was a real disappointment. The tea was even worse, the taste was so near the taste of the Lipton canned drink we got out of a vending machine recently, we couldn’t tell the difference, certainly not the southern taste of home. When we finished with the drinks, we were still not satisfied.
I guess the point of this essay is that when you’re hungry and thirsty, nothing will do except the real thing, and the real thing is Jesus. He fills all our hungry places and gives the water of life so that we never thirst again. There are many knockoffs of real things out there in the world, including many so called ways to strengthen our spiritual lives or attain peace, but none will fill the void and will leave us still searching for the good life. The good life is found only in Jesus who gives us peace no matter what our circumstances.
John 14:6
We recently traveled to Tucson Arizona to visit with our son and his family. While there we visited the annual International Gem and Mineral show several times. On Sunday, we attended the Convention Center show in downtown Tucson, where there was an array of wonderful exhibits and vendors where you could just look, explore, talk with knowledgeable people, and maybe even make a purchase or two. And of course there were the food booths.
One of those booths was a lady who had lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Her specialty was North Carolina Barbeque and sweet tea. Now we are real North Carolinians and enjoy good barbeque and drink sweet tea with every meal except breakfast. We were so excited to see that sign and thirsty as we were, we could hardly wait. When we arrived at the booth, I also noticed they had fresh squeezed lemonade. So in order to try both, I ordered a sweet tea and a lemonade, the tea for the husband and lemonade for me. My granddaughter also ordered a barbeque sandwich.
Let me tell you, none of that was anything like what we have in North Carolina. I didn’t taste the barbeque, but it was just a thin coating of strings of meat, not eastern NC looking at all, nor was it a thick juicy, mouth watering mound like we get here whether it’s eastern or western. Of course everyone knows we have an on-going battle between advocates of the two varieties here in NC.
The lemonade, certainly not even resembling the delicious fresh squeezed stuff we make here in North Carolina had some artificial taste probably a boxed product with maybe a very light twist of lemon, was a real disappointment. The tea was even worse, the taste was so near the taste of the Lipton canned drink we got out of a vending machine recently, we couldn’t tell the difference, certainly not the southern taste of home. When we finished with the drinks, we were still not satisfied.
I guess the point of this essay is that when you’re hungry and thirsty, nothing will do except the real thing, and the real thing is Jesus. He fills all our hungry places and gives the water of life so that we never thirst again. There are many knockoffs of real things out there in the world, including many so called ways to strengthen our spiritual lives or attain peace, but none will fill the void and will leave us still searching for the good life. The good life is found only in Jesus who gives us peace no matter what our circumstances.
John 14:6
Sunday, January 23, 2005
TSUNAMI-A Cup Of Cold Water
In our church service today, the youth minister preached about overcoming adversity, with emphasis on the victims of the tsunami. He related stories from the area, one concerning a man who said he lost his wife, children and at least 100 family members and friends. Along with that loss, he now had no home, no job, no co-workers. Nothing, NOTHING!
I remember the times in my life when I've faced a critical time. In every instance, I've had a home in which to take refuge. I've had family members to share in those critical times, and friends to support me in a way no one else can.
I began to really see what has happened. This man had no home in which to take refuge, no family to share his grief, no friends to bring him a warm bowl of soup, or comforting cake or bread. He had no one, NO ONE. This man is only one of thousands in the same position.
Then there is the man on one of the islands who was washed out to sea by the first wave, then a second wave landed him back on his island.........alone. After 20 plus days he was finally rescued waving a flag made from his clothes, wearing only his underwear. All this man owns is a pair of undershorts! No one else on his whole island survived!
Though this is a half a world a way from me, how can I not share in the grief and loss of these people? I've suffered loss of a child, a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a mother-in-law, a father-in-law, brothers-in-law, 2 nephews, BUT - not all at one time. These losses were spread over an approximate 25-year period. I had time for one grief to lessen before another hit. This man and these people suffered all this loss in probably 1 hour or less. How can we not have compassion in view of all this?
What can I do? I am but one person. One with little material wealth, but much more than these people have. I have food on my table, my family, my capabilities and my compassion.
Many agencies are sending money, clothing, workers, and other aid. Our church will on Saturday, January 29, have a "Comfort Food Sale". Our church members will bake cakes, cookies, breads, soups and other comfort foods for a public sale. All proceeds will go to the Tsanami relief fund. I can cook! I can be there to assist in the sale. I can buy items my family can use. I can help! There is something for each one of us to do and if each one of us does what we can do, much will be accomplished. I can't as one do very much, but as one in 1000, I can do much.
Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
I remember the times in my life when I've faced a critical time. In every instance, I've had a home in which to take refuge. I've had family members to share in those critical times, and friends to support me in a way no one else can.
I began to really see what has happened. This man had no home in which to take refuge, no family to share his grief, no friends to bring him a warm bowl of soup, or comforting cake or bread. He had no one, NO ONE. This man is only one of thousands in the same position.
Then there is the man on one of the islands who was washed out to sea by the first wave, then a second wave landed him back on his island.........alone. After 20 plus days he was finally rescued waving a flag made from his clothes, wearing only his underwear. All this man owns is a pair of undershorts! No one else on his whole island survived!
Though this is a half a world a way from me, how can I not share in the grief and loss of these people? I've suffered loss of a child, a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a mother-in-law, a father-in-law, brothers-in-law, 2 nephews, BUT - not all at one time. These losses were spread over an approximate 25-year period. I had time for one grief to lessen before another hit. This man and these people suffered all this loss in probably 1 hour or less. How can we not have compassion in view of all this?
What can I do? I am but one person. One with little material wealth, but much more than these people have. I have food on my table, my family, my capabilities and my compassion.
Many agencies are sending money, clothing, workers, and other aid. Our church will on Saturday, January 29, have a "Comfort Food Sale". Our church members will bake cakes, cookies, breads, soups and other comfort foods for a public sale. All proceeds will go to the Tsanami relief fund. I can cook! I can be there to assist in the sale. I can buy items my family can use. I can help! There is something for each one of us to do and if each one of us does what we can do, much will be accomplished. I can't as one do very much, but as one in 1000, I can do much.
Matthew 10:42
And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.”
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