Life of a Fisherman's Wife

It's Over

2009-12-15T06:08:00.001-08:00

January 5th can't come soon enough.

I may be in trouble

2009-11-30T11:48:00.001-08:00

O.K. I did something I don't do. I didn't consult the fisherman, I just did it. It could potentially cost $900! I haven't spent the money yet, but I intend to do just that. I did not ask permission. I have ordered a detailed estimate and I am excited and unremorseful about the consequences. I am tired of waiting on the man to do the things I want done. I hope to do this without inconveniencing him at all. Please, Lord, help me!

Silver Sienna

2009-11-04T18:19:00.000-08:00

Reasons I like my car:

1. It's mine.
2. It's paid for.
3. It seats eight.
4. It is flexible, unlike many people I know.
5. It is still running.
6. It has a working radio and c.d. player.
7. I can talk to God there uninterrupted (while alone).
8. I can sing at the top of my lungs whatever I want (again, while alone).
9. The kids are strapped in, keeping them from running away from me.
10. I can go to McD.'s in it.

Too long

2009-10-24T19:51:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been a year since I posted anything on this blogsite. I guess I felt like I was talking to myself like a strange person so I quit. But the fact of the matter is, I do talk to myself and I like it. So here I am again. I've been too gone for too long.

My sweet fisherman built a new shower where our old fiberglass number used to reside. It's a vast improvement over the fiberglass form that we wore out. Nowadays, I'm spritzing in a tile job with brand new chrome fixtures. It's enough to make a grown girl get giddy. I love alliteration.

I didn't realize how much praying I did in the old shower until I was using the new one. We had to share with our brood in an upstairs potty place that is much less private. I know I didn't pray in that one, except to say "Thank You, Lord that I didn't slip on the toys in the bottom here." I quipped to my husband that what he really did was to construct a new temple for me. So now, I go into the bathroom and prepare for a shower, knowing that I will get at least five minutes of prayer time with Jesus. He's always there, I just forget to keep talking to him. The whole world is my temple really. It's been too long since I spoke to Him minute by minute.

The smell of fun

2008-10-27T20:33:00.000-07:00

He didn't catch anything this particular evening, but neither did anybody else. I don't think that the shore suits this wild one. He has slept in a hurricane. He is as cool as a cucumber when everyone around him is losing their head. I love this about him. It's a perk of being the fisherman's wife. He got a lead on a boat last night. It sounds like it's the one right up our alley. In other words, affordable. I hope the boat turns out to be the "one" that he's been dreaming over and fawning over for months and years. He wants a boat for himself and for us and I want what he wants. I want that dream, too. In my romantic, idealistic thoughts I picture the five of us on the water (perfectly calm, of course) with our poles all in a row. What an image. Dad and son and daughter and daughter and mom all catching the fish and squealing and having a great time. O, I hope this dream is within reach.

A need to know

2007-12-07T20:46:00.001-08:00

Did you ever beg someone to know a secret? When the answer or information was given, did you just feel a need to give it back? It's like the age-old forbidden fruit thing. If you eat it, you will know stuff. But the stuff isn't necessarily helpful or pretty or nicely said or edifying or even just make you feel better. That's where I am today. Wishing I hadn't pushed for information. Wishing I didn't know an awful truth. It is truth, but blissful ignorance seems better now. So what do I do with this? Do I stuff the information or beg God to block it from my mind or call a spade a spade and say so what? I don't know.

Come, and let us return unto the LORD: for he hath torn and he will heal us; he hath smitten, and he will bind us up. After two days will he revive us: in the third day he will raise us up, and we shall live in his sight. Hosea 6:1,2

Calling all Harry Potter fans!

2007-08-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

Number seven has come and has been gobbled up here. I miss Harry. More than Harry I miss Snape (or was that Alan Rickman I miss?). Dontcha just wish there was a little more? That's a good yarn, one that leaves you with the feeling that the character just left the room. So what did the rest of you think of the last installment of J.K. Rowling? Inquiring minds want to know.

New look

2007-08-02T13:21:00.000-07:00

Do ya like it? I thought I'd play with a little update, here. Nothing like summer time rain to keep one indoors and bored. I should be doing something constructive. But this is better, right? The above fishies are from a trip the old man took. This isn't only his catch, rather a collection from all the patrons on board. I thought it was pretty. Yum!

The Watchers

2006-09-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

I live in a small place. Everyone knows most everybody else in this place. We know our neighbors. There are some people who live here that really like to know their neighbors. They patrol the area like cops on their beats. Complaints are filed at the town office. Trouble is started for anyone doing anything that might cause property values to lower. It frustrates many of us just trying to live our lives, you know, live and let live. Why must they be in our business? Why must they meddle in our affairs?

I grow tired of dealing with the hassle here sometimes. Until I remember there are people like this everywhere. Even David wrote about this and what we should do about these guys:

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man that does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.

O LORD, that I would get out of the way of evil men. Jesus, teach me to love them all, to abhore the wrong they do, and to pray for my enemies. Above all else, teach me to love others.

Stolen identity

2006-08-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

I found out very recently that my credit card has some odd purchases on it. The credit card company found them and is investigating. No real harm has come of it. The amounts are very small. We haven't had to pay for this problem and new cards are forthcoming. Still, it is oddly unsettling to have this happen. How did this happen? My credit card is in my wallet. Where did this happen? The only logical answer is that it happened somewhere in cyber space.

When I began this blog I realized that I was severely limited in what I could share by privacy. I can't tell readers if I have girl or boy children. I don't feel comfortable talking about where I live. I feel very guarded in discussing anything of any true feeling because it will be attributed to me and come back and bite me somehow. People know me and they know I write online. If I share information then I might be embarrassed by the content. I know my Dad doesn't really appreciate that I am sharing anything at all. I guess it's the old family adage....Don't put your business on the streets!

Nothing is really private. I could be photographed right now in my own home. Barring privacy curtains it could be happening to you. The thing that brings comfort is this: God is also watching. He is watching out for me. He cares what happens to me. How do I know? I don't know. I just know that I know. He formed me in my mother's womb. In the most private inmost parts of my mother, God could see me. I don't feel the foreboding wrath of God over that fact. It gives me great peace to know that God is checking on me daily.

Did you know that there is a mark upon us that God has put on us that believe in Him? It is to show that we belong to Him. An identity that can not be stolen, not even if our bodies be murdered. That makes me feel safe. When I was younger I feared an intruder might come and try to hurt me. As I got older I realized that no lock or alarm could really stop them. It is unsettling to know that even good people are harmed every day. Isn't it good to know that who we are, our true identity, is saved by God?

There is a place of quiet rest,
near to the heart of God,
a place where sin can not molest,
near to the heart of God.
(hymn)

Renouncing FOR the throne

2006-05-14T16:49:00.000-07:00

I heard recently that the problem with asking forgiveness for a sin and going back and committing again is a common thing. The difference with people who don't ever do it again is that they RENOUNCE the sin rather than just REPENT of the sin. How very interesting. Before I got married, my husband made it clear that he thought cigarette smoking was a disgusting habit. I didn't tell him, but I would puff a few while downing the occasional drink. Because I wanted him more than the cigarettes I went home and trashed a nearly full pack of lovely mint clove cigarettes. I still think about smoking. I have even had a problem with secreting a smoke here and there. But I always repent and get back on the straight and narrow. If I could do this for my earthly husband, why not God who I am supposed to be married with spiritually? I hope that very soon my sins will be like that nearly full pack of cigarettes and end up in the bottom of a landfill never to be seen again.

Slop Bucket Christianity

2006-05-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

I have never identified with Lot's wife before. As a child hearing the story, I was amazed at how stupid she could be to turn around and do the thing God said specifically not to do. How many times have I done that in my own life? I woke up with my heart pounding several nights ago. I was still in that half fog state of dreaming. I was in the middle of conversation with God. He was telling me that I had been like Lot's wife. Here I am, a confirmed Christian. I am looking back on the evil I have done and longing for it again. So many people have told me that watching Sex in the City is not a terrible thing. It is, though. If I want to be close to Jesus in relationship, I should sever ties with all that is evil. It's not the sex that's evil. It's the foul language and the raunchy behavior. It's not just the show, either. It's me, not looking forward to all I have been promised by my heavenly father, instead dwelling on the past. My earthy father calls that being a slop-bucket Christian. Constantly going back and digging up sins that have long since been forgiven. Or worse, in my case, wanting to go back to those sins and do them again.

But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you. Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools. Psalm 39:7,8

Slow Pace/ Rat Race

2006-04-09T18:00:00.000-07:00

The pace of this life is very different from that around me. While others are speeding to work, I am sitting in a chair, feeding our child. People are sitting down to begin their day at a desk and I am washing dishes. I load the dishwasher, rinse or run it depending on how full it is. I load the washing machine. Typically I unload the dryer and fold the clothes I left in it from yesterday. I run the vacuum cleaner. In the meantime, our child has spit up on the carpet so I get out the cleaner and wipe it up. While others are going in twos and threes to lunch, I eat alone. I eat leftover dinner from the night before, or I make a salad or sandwich. Our child eats again. I'm getting bored just writing this.

Just recently a very famous article written by a (now) very famous woman suggested that being a housewife is both demeaning and unneccessary. What I do is unnecessary. According to her. I walked around feeling morose for a day or two after that. Should I be out there with the rest of you? Should I be contributing more than a hot meal for my family, a bedtime story or two? Is what I do really so expendable? Some days I would definitely answer yes. Some days, someone else would do a much better job at this than me. And with a better attitude. The jobs I do are not mentally challenging. The structure of my day allows for plenty of free time.

What she's really saying is that smart women shouldn't be at home, but it's alright for women who don't have degrees. Truly. I have a degree. I have children. I am in direct conflict with her beliefs. I should be making a solid contribution to this world and cease to do menial work. Child care is menial work. It's repetitious and mindless and boring. Sometimes.

O.K. So I come to this conclusion....this is only a short phase of my life. I can get on with work in a few years. Our children are young, and I don't want to pass them off on some child care worker somewhere. I don't want to entrust the younger years of our kids onto other people. So, yeah, what I do seems like a whole lot of nothing some days, but if I didn't do it....you'd notice. I'm a mother.

Nothing I'm saying hasn't been said before or better by someone else. It's just that it's meaningful to me. It means something to a lot of women. I'm not saying I'm better than working women, because we're all working women. I'm just saying that I can't justify working outside the home. Recently, I lamented to my own mother (who stayed home, then just recently went back to work) that I don't do anything. She said I was giving our children a happy childhood. So that's what I'm doing. I'm giving our kids a happy childhood.

Boob Tube

2006-02-22T11:46:00.000-08:00

Four words....sex in the city. I have been addicted. Absolutely shameless, I know. I don't have cable. I don't subscribe to satellite. On a local station every week night, two back to back episodes are aired. It doesn't even come in all that well. I sit up and glue my eyeballs to the screen. It has been edited for content. Still, it is totally out of the realm of anything a Christian should be watching. I have felt somewhat justified because lots of women I know love this show. I recently started renting movies from an online service and I tried a season of this show for my first month's selections. The blinders came off, friends. This show is REALLY trashy. Which only titillates the senses more. I decided to openly pray about it. It isn't like God doesn't have an idea about what I'm doing. He knows. So I asked for strength in renouncing this. Guess what. I got as far as swinging my legs over the side of the bed to pad up the stairs to plop down in front of the boob tube (literally). I couldn't do it. That small, still, right voice said to me.....why do you want to watch filth? The old stand-by "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil" continues to be true. If I want to go to the next level of intimacy with the LORD, then I have to give this garbage up. I started memorizing the 121st psalm today. Might as well replace garbage with something worthwhile.

2006-01-14T05:54:00.000-08:00

Trash Talkin'

2006-01-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

My mouth has always been an issue (see Mouth Harping). I have never gained control over the words that fly out of my mouth. I will use language that is inappropriate for a Christian, I will gossip or slander someone. I am apt to speak about things which are best left unsaid. There are so many scripture references that talk about this (see the ENTIRE book of James, for instance) and yet I still sin with the hole just below my nose. Do I not possess the tubing that runs from my mind to my mouth to stop myself before I blow it? I have often prayed about this issue, asking God to take away my sin and vowing afresh to cease in this sin. I heard something recently that makes an enormous difference, though. RENOUNCEMENT vs. Regretfulness. When one renounces a behavior they vow to NEVER do it again. Somewhere in the back of my mind I can hear myself say, "But when I do, He'll forgive me.". That's a little self-defeating, I know? I am hoping that it just gets a little better each day. This year I don't want to be constantly apologizing to people for hurt feelings or apologizing to God for the curses I spew forth. It truly is a restless evil.

If I am to move forward with God and grasp that which He has for me in this new year, I must renounce double speak forever.

I leave it in the dust, Lord. I offer this sacrifice to you.

fame talking, lame walking

2005-12-27T06:06:00.000-08:00

I really have never understood talk shows that exploit the sins of the masses. They bring on some woman who wants to tell her boyfriend (in front of millions, at the very least thousands) that she is cheating. Is it the money? Is it the need for fame?

I wonder, though, how much this blog of mine is similar. I confess to secretly desiring fame. I would love to be popular. How different is this outlet, I wonder, than going on television to talk of my sins? I am confessing sins and flinging them out into the abyss that is the internet.

Lately, I have not come here. My own life has been far too busy. Now that I return I am somewhat embarassed at the content on these pages. It's such a vunerable thing, I've done. I'd rather strangers read it than my own family and friends. The reason why is so very telling. I would have to get up and face them every day. Would they be thinking of my recent bout with pride? Would they hold any of this against me in some secret prejudice?

I guess that speaks to my enormous insecurity. I want to be well-liked. I want to be at peace with people. I don't want to bring any negative attention to myself. Still, I can not reason away that God would like me to share my journey with you. Whoever you are. And most likely if you are reading this....you know me personally, because it's pretty difficult to just stumble upon these pages.

So read on, and perhaps in the new year I'll post more often. At the very least I hope my words do not wound anyone beyond repair. At the very most I hope that they stir a remembrance of why we are here. It is all about God, you know.

John 1:3,4
All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

Pride

2005-10-07T10:03:00.000-07:00

I was just finishing up a session on the web with Beth Moore. I am currently working on her bible study Believing God. I had an "aha!" moment, one I can not deny. Let me start at the beginning.....

About four years ago, I thought that I was called to do a ministry of Teen Mops. Mops is a group for mothers of young children. I sent off for the necessary materials, I read the information, I went to my local churches and asked for money and volunteers to work on this with me. I was so excited. It failed miserably. There was no one to come. Nothing came of it. I was so deeply embarrassed. I asked God over and over again, "Why?". I thought that He told me to start this program. I began to doubt that I had ever heard His voice.

Fast forward, friends. This program failed because the Lord wanted to sift out my pride. He wanted me to let go of it. I was so excited to be up front, a leader, the voice of God. I was so wrong. Even when I started this blog, it was for the personal accolades that I could accumulate for myself. They are like salve on the wound of insecurity. I have been so wrong.

Thank you, God, for finally leading me to an answer! Thank you for humbling me. I don't ever want to commit the sin of pride again. If I do, please remind me to stop it! May all of the things I do be for Your glory and not my own.

Ps. 32:3
When I kept silent, my bones grew old
Through my groaning all the day long.
For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me;
My vitality was turned into the drought of summer.
I acknowledged my sin to You,
And my iniquity I have not hidden.
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,"
And You forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Selah.

Remember

2005-03-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

The day before Easter here. Kids are excited about egg hunts and candy and stuffed bunnies. Many of us are busy getting Sunday finery together. Where is Jesus? Did you forget this is the HOLIEST of days as a Christian?

It's easy to do. Gasp! That's an awful thing to say. So many times we get caught up in the preparations surrounding an event that we forget the most important aspect of it. Oh, Lord Jesus, that we would not forget what today means.

John 19:28-30
Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, "I am thirsty" A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus' lips. When he had received the drink, Jesus said, "It is finished" With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.

Jesus died, for you and for me. Praise God it doesn't end there. He rose for us as well!

MOUTH HARPING

2005-03-22T17:07:00.000-08:00

James 3:5, 6

Lifewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Boy did this one hit home. My whole life I have struggled with my mouth and the stuff that flies out of it. If only there were some connector in my brain that would yell, stop!

Of course, there is such a thing in my brain. The Holy Spirit is my guide and I need to give Him control of my tongue and thoughts. For some reason, it has not occurred to me (before recently) that I can give him control over my mouth. I surely need some help in this department. Today, I said no less than three things to three different people that were completely inappropriate and rude. Thoughtless. Heartless. I feel about three inches tall after something like that. I beg to gobble those words back up. That's the worst thing. I can't take it back. It's already out there. I just prayed to God that the person I said it to wouldn't hold it against me. I asked forgiveness of the person to whom I misspoke. I plead with the Spirit to have full control over my mind and mouth. I sure hope He perfects me in love soon.

An answer to prayer

2005-03-17T08:15:00.000-08:00

I am amazed by the strength that a friend of mine shows me. Her son, B. has been diagnosed with brain tumors. He has fought a battle with them for over three years now. His mother has been told that he has a 1% chance of survival. Can you imagine facing that?

She came over today and I showed her the room where I do scrapbooking and crafts. She asked if we could do this together. Of course, I replied, just leave your stuff here because I know you don't have a lot of space. She began to weep and I said, what? "Don't take this the wrong way, but that is such an answer to prayer, because I want to do Brandon's albums now, I don't want to have to do them after he's gone. " she said.

Well, of course not. I understand that. But get this, she's an answer to my prayers.

I have been telling people since this craft room was completed that they could leave their stuff in ir and just come over whenever to work. No one has taken me up on it. I have been praying for more friends recently. It seems to me that I can never have too many friends. And just when you think you have enough, someone moves or their life speeds up and they're too busy, etc. Yep, she is an answer to a prayer for more friends. I feel abundantly blessed to have a friend that has so much character. You know, integrity, faithfulness, truthfulness, all the good traits.

Thank you, Jesus.

Psalm 103:1, 5

Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name.....who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

Trust a must

2005-03-13T14:08:00.000-08:00

As I waved off the fisherman this morning on a business trip, I cried. I cried not because he was leaving (it's only 3 days). I cried because I had no control over the airplane he was about to get on. I don't have any control over the drivers of taxis. I don't have any control over the weather. This is why I cried. Instead of getting myself worked up about it, I prayed. O.K., I still got worked up about it, but I prayed. I approached God's throne like the child that I am. Tears pouring down my face, I poured out the sincere fears of my mind and soul. I said aloud that I knew whatever happened-God was in control and had our best interest at heart. God comforted me. I can't really say how. Just a quieting of my thoughts, an ebbing of my tears and a blanket of help over my whole body. Thanks, Father, for that.

Psalm 91
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart......

read the rest.

I'm not into bondage

2005-03-10T08:52:00.000-08:00

Song of Songs 2:7
Daughters of Jerusalem, I charge you by the gazelles and by the does of the field: Do not arouse or awaken love until it so desires.

Oh, but had I listened to these words so long ago! Many years have passed since I should have heeded those words. The Lord led me to this scripture this morning. Perhaps in the hope that I could tell some of you out there in blogland to listen. If any good can come out of my fall, I pray it will.

As a young woman I was in too big a hurry to wait. I rushed headlong into the world of sex. Before that even, when I was younger, I was always so curious about it all. I wish now that I had stuck to the things of youth. There was so much clean fun to be had. The danger of my haste was not only in the constant fear of pregnancy or STDS. The memories would haunt me for so long. They followed me into my marriage with this fisherman. Satan would not let me forget my fall.

It wasn't until a bible study called Breaking Free that I was able to get loose from the bondage of the enemy. God released me to a freedom in my thought life I hadn't known. For a woman especially, your body is so connected to your mind. I hope my sharing this part of my life will spare some of you years of guilt and suffering.

If you have already fallen, put your knees down on the floor and ask God for help. Guard your hearts in Him against the evil one. Just because you have already sinned, don't continue in it. That was my thought, "well, I'm not a virgin anymore so what does it matter?". It matters because the longer you sin, the deeper the wedge between you and God can seem. It made me feel so unworthy to communicate with Him. This was another lie I believed that kept me from making a break with sin.

If you haven't sinned, pray that God would shelter you from this temptation. Be smart about relationships with the opposite sex. Don't be alone with someone you know you shouldn't be alone with. In all things, pray. And if you feel the temptation is too great, marry before you sin (I Cor 7:2-5).

I realize this is pretty heavy, today. For some reason, my heart was burdened to share it. I know I'm no expert on this subject. Seek out a trusted pastor or counselor and remember not to go alone. I've been mindful not to be alone with any man of God. We are all tempted. In hearing of your temptation the evil one could so tempt a man of God to lead you into further sin. I say this only as a precaution. It has never been in my experience. I also mean no disrespect to any ministers.

I pray for the young girls and boys of our holy congregation to be sheltered from this sin. God have His protective hand over their bodies and minds in Christ Jesus. Holy Spirit speak to their hearts to guide them from any trouble. Parents, be open to speak with your children about their bodies and feelings. I pray this for the whole world of believers in Christ.

The World Over

2005-03-08T21:10:00.000-08:00

I am truly inspired today. Now this may seem a small thing but I got excited because I saw a Malaysian woman's website and her witness about God. It was inspiring to know that the whole world is full of people who recognize Jesus is the Savior and the Son of God. Maybe that should have been obvious to me, but truly, I just never really considered it too much. Seeing the physical evidence of another person's words and pictures on the other side of the earth just awes me.

Revelations 7:9

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.

Let us wave our palm branches high for the Lord Jesus.

Divine Invitations don't come gift wrapped

2005-03-07T10:58:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love it when God sends you a divine invitation and you take Him up on it? This morning, I'm just doing the dishes....when a thought pops in my mind about a friend that is really lonely right now. Her life has changed rapidly in the last few years and she really hasn't cultivated any new lasting relationships with people to just be with. I was lamenting the fact that I hadn't invited her to a bible study we're doing at church (because we're already a month into it). God nudged me to invite myself over (bringing lunch) to her house. I called and then I thought about the study again. I started telling her about it. She said she started the exact same study but had to quit when her mother became ill. She finished the first five weeks. Now friends, isn't that God's timing? She may join me at this study now. Who knows, she might meet someone who will be a great friend to her. I just love it when God does something like that. I am excited to see how it turns out. I'm praying that she will be willing to step out of her comfort zone and meet some new people.

I want to encourage you today to listen to that little voice that tells you to call someone, write them a note or stop by their house. It could be a divine invitation from the Holy Spirit to transform a life, maybe even yours. It's not always a thunder bolt. Sometimes it's just a thought or feeling that you SHOULD do something. So often we continue about our business, rather than to listen to that small, still voice that beckons us.

2 Corinthians 4:18
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

May we see with our hearts, today.

The little things

2005-03-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." Galations 5:6

Recently I got into a heated debate about circumcision on a blog. I am a bit ashamed to admit now how riled up I got about the whole subject. The Lord led me to this scripture this morning. Amazing how good His timing is. Any sooner and I would not have been able to receive this information. I see now how pointless the whole situation was. "The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.". Our belief in the kingdom of God and its truths, and our acting accordingly is what truly matters. This is really freeing, people. This is freedom from the law.

I'm not above the law. I'm released from a strict adherence to the old law because of Jesus. I'm not talking about ten commandment stuff, either. I'm talking about kosher or not, holy sabbath being kept or gentile or jew. Jesus freed us from the strict old codes that keep us bound. Don't talk to strangers. Don't marry a person of a different race. Don't wear jeans to church. Yeah, these things bind us as well. Think about some of those in your own life.

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love."

So get out there and express it. I can't wait!

Take a new tack

2005-03-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

I came to a big realization today. My blog could be about something radically different. My blog could be more personal without endangering anyone. My blog could be about my walk with God. I thought about erasing all former posts and starting from scratch, but then a reader wouldn't see the change that has taken place in my mind and heart. So, I'm just going to leave all those other posts and begin again. Take a different tack.

I've been a Christian most all of my life. I thank God that my parents are Christians and raised me in the church and on the Word of God. From the time I was three years old, I can remember singing in the church. It's a major part of my identity. There is a family of God to which I have belonged for a very long time. This does not mean that I was/am perfect. Oh, I have strayed. I have walked a perilous path, even after knowing the truth of God's love and forgiveness for me. I have walked in darkness of my own making.

My path to here, most recently, began with a dissatisfaction I have felt in reading others' blogs. It's not enough to comment on their pages. I have always been someone with something to say. But not only that, the content of these blogs is lacking is something big. The Creator is missing. Their topics are so small when compared to the subject of the Almighty. So I embark, hoping to draw in others to contemplate how great the Lord is. Hoping to satisfy within my soul a longing for something more. A loneliness for God's people. A sense of purpose that needs fulfilling. Is there anything better than being next to God? Why do I stray when it is so good to be in the shadow of His purpose?

That may be enough to contemplate for the day.

Is there anything better than being next to God?

Why do I stray when it is so good to be in the shadow of His purpose?

Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you......

read the rest for yourselves.

Food for thought

2005-03-02T20:29:00.000-08:00

Isn't anyone ever going to post a comment on my blog? What's da matter wid me....

I was actually thinking yesterday how utterly boring this place has been since I got started. When I compare it to other blogs I just come up feeling.....lesser. So, how to spice things up. Hmmm. Personal information seems to get that job done. But how to share without putting family in jeopardy. With recent events being as they are I am a little gunshy about talking about anyone I love. I am, of course, referring to that nutjob that killed the woman for her baby. How do we discuss matters of cyber importance without divulging important facts?

I know, let's talk about strange food combinations! I love peanuts stuffed into the top of an 8 oz. bottle of coke. O.k., now it's your turn.

Big Trouble in Little Blogland

2005-03-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Whoa, folks. It is getting deep up in here. My oh my. Where do I begin? I have some favorite blogs that I read daily. Now, they're favorites because they are so controversial. They're controversial because they are truthful. One of the best radio commentators always starts off his show with "You shall hear the truth, and the truth shall make you mad!". There are a lot of mad people out there right now. And not afraid to spew that stuff around for all of the internet to see. Curse words, inciteful phrases, generalizations, they all abound. Now the hosts don't seem to mind too much. Maybe their skin is thicker than mine. Maybe it's all just funny. But I don't get off on all the ugliness. Let's keep it clean, shall we, ladies?

Red diaper doper babies

2005-02-28T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hollywood is liberal. I know. I haven't said anything that you don't already know out there. What is up with this? I refuse to believe that all artists are somehow attracted to social programs out of the goodness of their hearts. I guess I just don't get it. I watched a bit of the Oscars last night. The only people who didn't laugh at Chris Rock's Bush jokes were the old fogeys like Mickey Rooney. Not that anything that Chris Rock said offended me. God forbid I be, OFFENDED. That is a truely leftist word. But I often wonder, why? Why is Sean Penn a nut? Jane Fonda, Susan Sarandon, Tim Robbins, Richard Gere? Just to name a paltry few. Maybe it's because they are handled by agents and studios. Because most of the time people who don't strike out and work for themselves have no idea of the amount of money that government steals from us. That must be it. Anybody got any insight on this?

old friends

2005-02-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

Does anyone out there have a really old friend? I don't mean like an eighty year old (unless of course you are eighty) or something like that. I mean like a friend that you have known most of your life. I have such a friend. In fact, I have a few. But there is a difference between a friend that you have known all your life and one you have liked all your life. One you continue to choose to be friends with. One whose path seems so similar to your own. Or if not, that you just GET one another.

Yesterday's Oprah

2005-02-22T08:37:00.000-08:00

I love Oprah. I should start right there because I am sure people out there would like to be informed before they read any further. She is awesome. I don't know why I love her, I just do. I guess that makes somewhat of a cliche. Married, domestic goddess, two point five kids and a hub and I sit down with laundry two to three times a week to watch Oprah. We affectionately call her Okra around here because when the oldest was youngest she called her that. We love okra, too.

So yesterday she has on these women that have made a huge turnaround in their frumpy lives. These women were incredible looking. They must work out daily for hours. As if. If looking like them means I would have to work out (shiver) an hour and a half a day then no way, hosea. I mean, Oprah looks great.....but even I know she has a fleet of staff to do her whole self up every day. I guess I'm trying to say that although I'm a little plump, I'm not a frump. And I think I'm as happy as the women she featured.

So women of the world who don't enjoy or do the excessive exercise thing, UNITE!