Sunday mornings
Waking up to a light dusting of snow on the ground
A puppy waiting at my bedroom door to greet me
The Return of the Fireflies
2 years ago
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Thankfulness revisited
Thankfulness list continues:
Sunday mornings
Waking up to a light dusting of snow on the ground
A puppy waiting at my bedroom door to greet me
The promises held in a new day
Thankful to be able to experience the wonderful gift called Nature that is all around me.
Sunday mornings
Waking up to a light dusting of snow on the ground
A puppy waiting at my bedroom door to greet me
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Springtime
Thankful list for today:
Wonderful places to visit in this world
Memories to keep
Pictures to keep those memories alive
The promise of spring every year
Being content to wait for it!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Piercing The Darkness Day
Today is Piercing the Darkness Day. Participants are to leave encouraging words written on a slip of paper in a place where someone who needs them will find them. It is to be done anonymously, and with much stealth. The premise is to Pierce the Darkness with kind, encouraging words that we could all use. I am in! I can always use some encouragement and kindness. And to my shame, it seems like I hold back on doing this for others thinking that they will view me as being insincere or corny. Well the heck with that! I am going to see how many people I can encourage today. Who is in?
Thankfulness List
Fresh snow blanketing the forest.
Homemade peach jelly
Glasses that help me to see
The anticipation of getting my shoe inserts today so I can walk painlessly
Cozy fires
Sleepy smiles
The smell of fresh brewed coffee
Seed catalogs in the heart of winter
Amaryllis and paper whites blooming in the bay window while the snow is falling outside
Thankfulness List
Fresh snow blanketing the forest.
Homemade peach jelly
Glasses that help me to see
The anticipation of getting my shoe inserts today so I can walk painlessly
Cozy fires
Sleepy smiles
The smell of fresh brewed coffee
Seed catalogs in the heart of winter
Amaryllis and paper whites blooming in the bay window while the snow is falling outside
Monday, January 16, 2012
The List continues
Thankful for:
My baby son's 15th birthday today
Chocolate Funny Cake
Tiny little brown birds at the feeder
Wind that sounds like the ocean
Long chats on the phone with a kindred spirit
Sons that kiss me goodbye before leaving for work
The words "I love you" said at each parting
Great smelling shampoo
The ability to walk without searing pain
The realization that everything is going to be ok
Today I venture out on a full day away from my home and off of bed rest. It cannot be avoided. I am taking it slow and have good shoes and inserts in place to protect my feet. I am looking forward to getting out and about, but I am also a little nervous about how I will feel after the day is over. I will still have a birthday party to run once I get back. I will keep you updated on the progress!
The wind is blowing today and for a moment when I awoke this morning I thought I was near the ocean. The wind sounded just like waves crashing against the shore. I am longing for the ocean. Colorado would be perfect if it had an ocean. Maybe I should get my shell collection out and put it in a prominent place, bringing a little of the ocean to me. Just leave the seagulls in Florida---I don't miss them.
My baby son's 15th birthday today
Chocolate Funny Cake
Tiny little brown birds at the feeder
Wind that sounds like the ocean
Long chats on the phone with a kindred spirit
Sons that kiss me goodbye before leaving for work
The words "I love you" said at each parting
Great smelling shampoo
The ability to walk without searing pain
The realization that everything is going to be ok
Today I venture out on a full day away from my home and off of bed rest. It cannot be avoided. I am taking it slow and have good shoes and inserts in place to protect my feet. I am looking forward to getting out and about, but I am also a little nervous about how I will feel after the day is over. I will still have a birthday party to run once I get back. I will keep you updated on the progress!
The wind is blowing today and for a moment when I awoke this morning I thought I was near the ocean. The wind sounded just like waves crashing against the shore. I am longing for the ocean. Colorado would be perfect if it had an ocean. Maybe I should get my shell collection out and put it in a prominent place, bringing a little of the ocean to me. Just leave the seagulls in Florida---I don't miss them.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Thankfulness Journal
I have been reading "One Thousand Gifts". It is a quirky book written in a very different writing style that is not easy to just pick up and read. You almost have to set time aside to read a little and then think about it, read a little more and then ponder some more. But in this book, the author challenges herself to make of list of 1000 things that she is thankful for; an ongoing list that she adds to each day, week, year. Before Thanksgiving, alot of us on Facebook took that challenge for the month of November. It was interesting to see what all of my friends came up with to be thankful for. Family, friends, spouses, health. Those were of course listed. But others wrote in about that particular pink cloud they had seen at sunrise or the steam on the mirror of their bathroom after a long, hot bath.
Just recently in another blog I follow, the writer has given herself the challenge to cast aside negative thoughts as they come to her each day and make a concerted effort to think positively instead. Out with the negative--in with the positive. Sounds easy at first, but when you really start to analyze the typical day, I bet most of us could say that the negative thought patterns outweigh the positive ones. No examples are necessary I am sure.
So in an attempt to see my world in a positive light all this month----maybe even till February---I will try to make my own list of things that I am thankful for each day. Feel free to add to this list as you see fit.
God's Love
Children that grow up and make you smile
Grandchildren that are squeezable, huggable and kissable
The cozy crocheted blanket on my bed that my very missed mother made for me
Warm socks
Authors who write something worth reading
Dinner made by a friend
Lady Earl Grey Tea in a sturdy china cup early in the morning before anyone else is awake
The feeling you get when you open your eyes first thing in the morning and you know it is going to be a wonderful day.
Christmas shopping in October
My chickens
My canary
A REAL letter from a dear friend that arrives in your REAL mailbox
Beautiful stationary
Wax seals with initials printed in them
Anything Victorian
Springtime bulbs
Listening to the ocean--anytime
The owl's hooting just outside my bedroom window
Dancing like a teenager even when I am not one
Singing along with Paul McCartney from the 2nd row
Yelling for that winning touchdown in overtime---Go Broncos
Hearing an old gospel song that brings tears to my eyes
Taking a deep breath and knowing that things are going to fine
Feet that work
Doctors that are smart
Movies that are worth the time it takes to watch them
Blogging sights where you can write and write and write
More later....
Just recently in another blog I follow, the writer has given herself the challenge to cast aside negative thoughts as they come to her each day and make a concerted effort to think positively instead. Out with the negative--in with the positive. Sounds easy at first, but when you really start to analyze the typical day, I bet most of us could say that the negative thought patterns outweigh the positive ones. No examples are necessary I am sure.
So in an attempt to see my world in a positive light all this month----maybe even till February---I will try to make my own list of things that I am thankful for each day. Feel free to add to this list as you see fit.
God's Love
Children that grow up and make you smile
Grandchildren that are squeezable, huggable and kissable
The cozy crocheted blanket on my bed that my very missed mother made for me
Warm socks
Authors who write something worth reading
Dinner made by a friend
Lady Earl Grey Tea in a sturdy china cup early in the morning before anyone else is awake
The feeling you get when you open your eyes first thing in the morning and you know it is going to be a wonderful day.
Christmas shopping in October
My chickens
My canary
A REAL letter from a dear friend that arrives in your REAL mailbox
Beautiful stationary
Wax seals with initials printed in them
Anything Victorian
Springtime bulbs
Listening to the ocean--anytime
The owl's hooting just outside my bedroom window
Dancing like a teenager even when I am not one
Singing along with Paul McCartney from the 2nd row
Yelling for that winning touchdown in overtime---Go Broncos
Hearing an old gospel song that brings tears to my eyes
Taking a deep breath and knowing that things are going to fine
Feet that work
Doctors that are smart
Movies that are worth the time it takes to watch them
Blogging sights where you can write and write and write
More later....
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Resting
So this month has been a real change in lifestyle for me. I have been put on bed rest to let my injured feet heal from over use and very poor choices in shoes. This summer I was on my feet alot working a job I loved. Walking on concrete with Crocs is not a good combination for middle aged feet. As a direct result of this, both feet were damaged. Now the healing process needs to include NO WALKING!!!
At first all I could think of was how wonderful it would be to dive into that huge pile of books on the shelf that I never seemed to get a chance to read. Hour after luxurious hour would be spent lost in another persons words and worlds. And I have had the pleasure of doing just this. But after awhile, the old eyes get tired, the backside gets numb and the patient gets restless.
So----as a change of pace, I picked up my paints and started to watercolor. Years ago I had a few lessons and discovered that I had no artistic talent, but that I still loved this art medium. So off I went on an art adventure. I have LOVED it! The bright colors, the smell of the paint, the texture of the paper were just what I needed to give a little spark to my bed rest!
So half way through my bed rest vacation I have to say I am enjoying myself. Books are being consumed, paintings are being created and my feet are healing! I am going to purchase sensible, feet nurturing shoes next week, and make sure I do my exercises like the doctor ordered. But the minute I am allowed to drive I am heading to the art store downtown. I think this bed rest may have sparked my interest in painting again. Let's just hope these new shoes can also give me some artistic talent.... one can always hope!
At first all I could think of was how wonderful it would be to dive into that huge pile of books on the shelf that I never seemed to get a chance to read. Hour after luxurious hour would be spent lost in another persons words and worlds. And I have had the pleasure of doing just this. But after awhile, the old eyes get tired, the backside gets numb and the patient gets restless.
So----as a change of pace, I picked up my paints and started to watercolor. Years ago I had a few lessons and discovered that I had no artistic talent, but that I still loved this art medium. So off I went on an art adventure. I have LOVED it! The bright colors, the smell of the paint, the texture of the paper were just what I needed to give a little spark to my bed rest!
So half way through my bed rest vacation I have to say I am enjoying myself. Books are being consumed, paintings are being created and my feet are healing! I am going to purchase sensible, feet nurturing shoes next week, and make sure I do my exercises like the doctor ordered. But the minute I am allowed to drive I am heading to the art store downtown. I think this bed rest may have sparked my interest in painting again. Let's just hope these new shoes can also give me some artistic talent.... one can always hope!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Have the Times Changed?
Being considered "worldly" came up for discussion at our house this week.It started with a post on Facebook that was meant to be funny, and turned into a large discussion with my kids and husband on the definition of the word and what Christians mean when they say something is "worldly".
What was considered "worldly" when I was growing up has certainly changed. Being a kid in the 60's and 70's I lived through a huge cultural revolution in our nation's history. There was a large upheaval in our nation of basic foundational principals that the previous generations adhered to. Women went out to work, burned their bras, and participated in sit-ins and marches. The Civil Rights movement sparked an entire segment of our population to stand up and be counted as never before in our nation's history. Teenagers got high, dropped out and protested in the streets over a war that they felt was not worthy to give their lives for. Young men burned their draft cards and questioned authority.
Music was changed by 4 young men from Britain. TV was changed by a young, unmarried career women that openly talked about sex and raised a baby alone. Movies started to have ratings since the language and content were considerably more adult than previously when they were filmed in black and white. Family restaurants added bars, and TV was as common as computers are today. The Internet changed the way we looked at the world and the information we received.
But Christians wanted to hold on to a higher standard. The old saying, "don't smoke nor drink nor chew~~ nor run with girls that do" was preached from the pulpit. Lines were drawn and long sermons preached about the evils of the world around us. My early years of being a Christian were filled with lists of things to do and not do to show the world you were a Christian. Outward signs were pushed to prove that we were unspotted by the world and its influences. Some things on the lists included:
Women did not wear pants.
No smoking
No drinking alcohol
No dining anywhere alcohol is served
No dances
No movies
Men did not have long hair
Women did not have short hair
Men did not wear jewelry
Women did not have piercings
Never ever have a tatoo
Men were clean shaven
No rock music
No gambling
No work or travel on Sundays--not even going out to eat
Never miss a Sunday church service
No cussing
No chewing
The list in other churches included not driving a car with chrome or wearing bright colors such as red or orange. Shopping at stores like Entertain- mart or Cabbellas was frowned upon as being worldly. Dangling earrings and blue eye shadow were a definite no-no. And playing cards and poker chips were straight from the pit of hell. Sexy underwear and trendy shoes put you on the list. And dyed hair truly made you a goner. It seems alot of the rules were aimed at women and our ability to slip into the abyss if we did not have a set of rules in front of us to keep us straight. One girl I went to school with was not allowed to wear shiny patent leather shoes because they might reflect what she had on under her skirt..and therefor make her loose.
All that said, {and I am sure you could add to the list with your own experiences} we come to 2011 and wonder what is on the list today. Music---styles---movies---trends. They all come and go. Skirt lengths go up and down. Pants are worn by the female organist at church. Services are on Saturday nights now along with Sunday mornings to accommodate those who can't seem to get up early Sunday morning. Lots of wonderful Christians drink (not to excess) and play cards with friends on Friday nights. Grey hair is covered up and implants are put in. Tummys are tucked and Paul McCartney concerts are sold out. Drums are on the stage at church and electric guitars are a welcome part to many worship services. Some churches even have worship dancers---gasp!
Are all these things wrong? Do all the Christians that participate in any of the past taboo things have a problem with a "love of this world?' Can we really tell from the outside what relationship they have with the Lord? Is it a keeping of a list that keeps us holy and blameless before God.
A wise pastor friend of mine said~~" being worldly is when what we do is not for the Honor and Glory of God, to include but not be limited to going on vacation, drinking a soda, going to church, singing a hymn, or listening to JZ." I got the point.
God's glory is what we are to be busy with---not checking off a "not to do" list and feeling smug about our choices. That looks different for everyone I think. If it harms God's glory--we better think twice. But I am oh so sure I do not want to be the judge and jury for that decision for others. It will be a big enough job keeping on track myself.
So what does it look like for a Christian to be "worldly" in 2011. I am not making a list---or even giving you a once over to see if you measure up---but going to keep my eyes focused on Him and see where He wants me to go.
What was considered "worldly" when I was growing up has certainly changed. Being a kid in the 60's and 70's I lived through a huge cultural revolution in our nation's history. There was a large upheaval in our nation of basic foundational principals that the previous generations adhered to. Women went out to work, burned their bras, and participated in sit-ins and marches. The Civil Rights movement sparked an entire segment of our population to stand up and be counted as never before in our nation's history. Teenagers got high, dropped out and protested in the streets over a war that they felt was not worthy to give their lives for. Young men burned their draft cards and questioned authority.
Music was changed by 4 young men from Britain. TV was changed by a young, unmarried career women that openly talked about sex and raised a baby alone. Movies started to have ratings since the language and content were considerably more adult than previously when they were filmed in black and white. Family restaurants added bars, and TV was as common as computers are today. The Internet changed the way we looked at the world and the information we received.
But Christians wanted to hold on to a higher standard. The old saying, "don't smoke nor drink nor chew~~ nor run with girls that do" was preached from the pulpit. Lines were drawn and long sermons preached about the evils of the world around us. My early years of being a Christian were filled with lists of things to do and not do to show the world you were a Christian. Outward signs were pushed to prove that we were unspotted by the world and its influences. Some things on the lists included:
Women did not wear pants.
No smoking
No drinking alcohol
No dining anywhere alcohol is served
No dances
No movies
Men did not have long hair
Women did not have short hair
Men did not wear jewelry
Women did not have piercings
Never ever have a tatoo
Men were clean shaven
No rock music
No gambling
No work or travel on Sundays--not even going out to eat
Never miss a Sunday church service
No cussing
No chewing
The list in other churches included not driving a car with chrome or wearing bright colors such as red or orange. Shopping at stores like Entertain- mart or Cabbellas was frowned upon as being worldly. Dangling earrings and blue eye shadow were a definite no-no. And playing cards and poker chips were straight from the pit of hell. Sexy underwear and trendy shoes put you on the list. And dyed hair truly made you a goner. It seems alot of the rules were aimed at women and our ability to slip into the abyss if we did not have a set of rules in front of us to keep us straight. One girl I went to school with was not allowed to wear shiny patent leather shoes because they might reflect what she had on under her skirt..and therefor make her loose.
All that said, {and I am sure you could add to the list with your own experiences} we come to 2011 and wonder what is on the list today. Music---styles---movies---trends. They all come and go. Skirt lengths go up and down. Pants are worn by the female organist at church. Services are on Saturday nights now along with Sunday mornings to accommodate those who can't seem to get up early Sunday morning. Lots of wonderful Christians drink (not to excess) and play cards with friends on Friday nights. Grey hair is covered up and implants are put in. Tummys are tucked and Paul McCartney concerts are sold out. Drums are on the stage at church and electric guitars are a welcome part to many worship services. Some churches even have worship dancers---gasp!
Are all these things wrong? Do all the Christians that participate in any of the past taboo things have a problem with a "love of this world?' Can we really tell from the outside what relationship they have with the Lord? Is it a keeping of a list that keeps us holy and blameless before God.
A wise pastor friend of mine said~~" being worldly is when what we do is not for the Honor and Glory of God, to include but not be limited to going on vacation, drinking a soda, going to church, singing a hymn, or listening to JZ." I got the point.
God's glory is what we are to be busy with---not checking off a "not to do" list and feeling smug about our choices. That looks different for everyone I think. If it harms God's glory--we better think twice. But I am oh so sure I do not want to be the judge and jury for that decision for others. It will be a big enough job keeping on track myself.
So what does it look like for a Christian to be "worldly" in 2011. I am not making a list---or even giving you a once over to see if you measure up---but going to keep my eyes focused on Him and see where He wants me to go.
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