Yesterday (okay a few more days have passed) with my FIRECRACKER FLEX FRIDAY...inspired me to pull this one off the shelf...and since it talks of Spring....and we have passed Memorial Day I pull it off the shelf to finish up. I have since found out that this was during a blogger time that it was doing weird things with blogs...but still think maybe it was supposed to wait...but felt the need to pull it back off so here we go...hang on because I think this could be quite the "bike ride" with a few sharp turns...
The last week or so the theme I seem to be hearing is GIVE THANKS! I had an e-mail that I received that said the following (I put the picture in just cause...)
This really made me think about how I seem to always come to God usually asking and not taking time for thanking...you know if we really stop and think we all have things to be so thankful for! And among those I give thanks for is friends (this includes my family because they are after all some of my bestest friends)...
At my kitchen table there sits a whole stack of thank you cards that have not been written. Not that I am not thankful...but back to the PROcrastinator. I had worked on taxes and knew friends were more forgiving than the IRS. Then I was sick and so I didn't. And I look back at an old blog I had started titled Why Do We? This was "pre" March 9, 2011 but it was after losing a very special man just a week before. And I had asked why wasn't I there more for others and maybe I will finish that one up because as I have done there is a whole list of excuses. BUT today at my kitchen table I have to share my devotionals...and other lessons I am learning.
This week I was looking out my kitchen window and there was the big old cottonwood with leaves and I thought when did that happen! When I wasn't looking Spring came. And it just put a song in my heart that there was green coming. So this morning when the God Calling (Two Listeners) said the following, it made me smile: (so this date might give away my timeline!)
Rejoice in the Springtime of the year. Let there be Springtime in your hearts. The full time of fruit is not yet but there is the promise of the blossom.
Know surely that your lives too are full of glad promise. Such blessings are to be yours. Such joys, such wonders.
All is indeed well. Live in My Sunshine and My Love."
There's a little flame inside a soul
Some shine bright
Some shine small
The rains will come
And the waters riseBut don't you ever lose your light
In this life you will know
Love and painSo when it hurts
When times get hard
Don't forget who's child you are
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mineI'm Gonna let it shine
Gonna let it shine
May you live each day
With no regret
Make the most of every chance you get
And your eyes get wideWhen you look at the stars
With the same sense of wonder as a child's heartWith the ones you love
Treasure the time
And for those who are gone
Keep the memories alive
Don't ever let go
There's a fire inside youBurning with hope
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mineI'm gonna let it shine
Gonna let it shine
When clouds settle in
But after the rain comes the sun
Don't you ever forgetDon't forget
Don't, don't forgetOne day there will be no more pain
And we will finally see Jesus' face
So until then I'm gonna try
To brave the dark
And let my little light shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mineI'm gonna let it shine
Gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
Gonna let it shine
Oh, shine
Gonna let it shineThere's a little light inside us all
Which this brings me to my next devotional from My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers...(And I had written this whole blog and thought it was saved and had a glitch and so I start over and wonder if I will remember what I put before but...I am giving thanks all the same...)
The springs of love are in God, not in us. It is absurd to look for the love of God in our hearts naturally, it is only there when it has been shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit.
"Love suffereth long, and is kind . . ." 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
If we try to prove to God how much we love Him, it is a sure sign that we do not love Him. The evidence of our love for Him is the absolute spontaneity of our love, it comes naturally. In looking back we cannot tell why we did certain things, we did them according to the spontaneous nature of His love in us. The life of God manifests itself in this spontaneous way because the springs of love are in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 5:5.)
And this brings me back to what I had started writing about. And so I have a link that you can start playing and listen to while you read (I love the Golden Girls!) Thank you for being a friend
On March 9, 2011 when we got "the phone call"...we did not think about packing bags, we did not think that we would be gone for days. All we thought about was how quick can we get to our child! And so we hopped in the truck and headed north! So when it came time when we thought we should go to bed...we borrowed sleepwear from Heather and then we all laid down...not really sure we slept.
Then came the next day and the reality that we only had the shirts on our back and the jeans on our butts...I joked with some about not holding it against me for being the smelly kid! I talked about this with Pam, Wes, and Diana...some of those that were there with a spontaneous love...I have been getting lessons from different places about the "washing of feet". You know where it talks in the Bible in John 13 of Jesus washing the disciples feet the night before he died. And I think of my cousin's wife going through a learning lesson with her children where they washed each other's feet before Easter. A way to share this story, that her kids will remember. I think of my friend talking at her church how they wash each other's feet and how the man came up right behind her and she felt that he was trying to "cut in line ahead of her"...He then told her that his bride to be was ahead and he wanted to be by her because they wanted to wash each other's feet. And of course in reading the Easter story I read in John 13:12-17 (NIV) where it says...
Then came the next day and the reality that we only had the shirts on our back and the jeans on our butts...I joked with some about not holding it against me for being the smelly kid! I talked about this with Pam, Wes, and Diana...some of those that were there with a spontaneous love...I have been getting lessons from different places about the "washing of feet". You know where it talks in the Bible in John 13 of Jesus washing the disciples feet the night before he died. And I think of my cousin's wife going through a learning lesson with her children where they washed each other's feet before Easter. A way to share this story, that her kids will remember. I think of my friend talking at her church how they wash each other's feet and how the man came up right behind her and she felt that he was trying to "cut in line ahead of her"...He then told her that his bride to be was ahead and he wanted to be by her because they wanted to wash each other's feet. And of course in reading the Easter story I read in John 13:12-17 (NIV) where it says...
12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. 13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
So back to my story...on not having clothes and so before long here shows up Diana with "bags" and within these bags, I like to refer to as my Love Suit...these "angels" knew that we did not have clothes and so just went and got us each some sweats, socks, unders, tooth brush, and just so many things that just touched my heart deeper than they may ever know. Just an illustration of washing feet...this was only a small part of what these special friends did...even Wes you just being willing to eat when I needed to feed someone! Taking Otis to the groomer...running errands...but I think I know where these learned it as their dad was right there and continues to be there when you need him (thanks Gordon).
Just the times that so many have "washed feet" with no other reason than just because...I think of a friend, Tyler, and how he just came and helped Heather clean house or help with whatever...just because....I think of Patrick who was there for his friend Lance not just during the times when the pain was new....but then weeks after just came and helped him with sheep...probably not on his top ten list of things to do...but just because...and I think FRIENDS! I think of the friends that were and still there for me...Mary you are an angel sent for sure! There are so many that are just there..."washing feet"! I think of during the funeral time and my brother and his family just being there...Shane, my brother, driving us around....Jo, his wife--my sister, mopping the floors, serving food, covering the fort. Denise running a shuttle service from the airport...sharing her voice. Sandy and family being there....babysitting....All the food brought in....all those who gave and continue to give gifts of money, love, and prayer! Then I can't even touch the Chief and his family...the Yowell's are an amazing bunch! It is overwhelming but reminds me that there is so much to be thankful for and that there are some special people out there! And inspires me to the kind of person I want to be. There are many other instances but these are the snapshots that come to mind...
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| Misty, Patrick and Lance and Patrick and Lance...my kids! |
Which this brings me back to how yesterday and so many yesterdays have lead up to this blog. I got to have lunch with Pam and her precious Gabe and Kara as well as with Izzy and her mama and P-pa! And my heart hurts for Pam and Wes and their loss but even though they have their own "stuff", they continue to be special friends...doing chores...and being friends.
But then Friday night Amy, Jake, and Andy (more friends of Jay and Heather's) that just showed up and played t-ball with Izzy...Yes Jake I believe real men aren't afraid to use pink bats...(even if you dance sitting down!) Then out to dinner at Jenny's the local Mexican food establishment in Limon and there was Gordon (another special friend and Pam's dad), Andy, Jake, Amy C., Tyler, and I think of how I heard the other day this preacher talking about how we should try to live so that even when you die your life still carries on...and I think how Jay would have loved this gathering...time with friends and how he was still there with us...conversation of "Jay's wedding" made me smile and happy memories that we still have!
But I think about how friends...are sometimes those that are there for a short season, for a day, a minute, or for much longer. And friends aren't just those that do for you...but some that you just enjoy being around and bring joy to your life, those who might just come and "be" with you, I think deeper on what a friend is. There was a saying if you want to have a friend...be a friend!
It is funny how this blog has taken on a life of its own...how each time I come parts are removed, things cannot be added, fonts are changed. And so I wondered if it was something I shouldn't share...it didn't really seem controversial...but as I sat at my kitchen table I again asked if I should not redo and finish...okay so my devotion after I had just asked that was the following:
Delay Is Not Denial
Read the lessons of Divine control in Nature's laws.
Nature is but the expression of Eternal Thought in Time. Study the outward form - grasp the Eternal Thought, and if you can read the thoughts of the Father, then indeed you know Him.
Leave Me out of nothing. Love all My ways with you. Know indeed that "All is well." Delay is but the wonderful and all-loving restraint of your Father - not reluctance, not desire to deny - but the Divine control of a Father who can scarcely brook the delay.
Delay has to be - sometimes. Your lives are so linked up with those of others, so bound by circumstances that to let your desire have instant fulfillment might in many cases cause another, as earnest prayer, to go unanswered.
But think for a moment of the Love and thoughtful care that seek to harmonize and reconcile all your desires and longings and prayers.
Delay is not denial - not even withholding. It is the opportunity for God to work out your problems and accomplish your desires in the most wonderful way possible for you.
Oh! children, trust Me. Remember that your Maker is also your Servant, quick to fulfill, quick to achieve, faithful in accomplishment. Yes. All is well.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than
your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:9
And so I sit there and laugh out loud thinking how not only in writing a blog but in so many things we do (even writing thank you's)...that it is not always on our time or even in our plan or understanding. So I smile and say Thank You God for being a FRIEND!!! And while a lot of this was written quite some time back it still has just been growing and so I leave with the scripture I was given today...2 Corinthians 9 in my study Bible 6-14 says:
The Cheerful Giver
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:
“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”[a]
10 Now may[b] He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 9 As it is written:
“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”[a]
10 Now may[b] He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
“ He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever.”[a]
10 Now may[b] He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11 while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
Yes thanks be to God....but also to special angels right here! lyp
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