I would love to be an Author, a Storyteller, or a Singer… wait, I guess I already am pretty much! Just on the cheap… and the prompt did not say we have to be good at it.
I write and you read it, so there is that in my Author department. I tell Stories of all types, I just have a small audience. I sing every single day, whether it is here at home, or out on the trail. Just don’t ask the passersby or the wildlife why they are running the other way.
The point is, focus on doing what you dream of doing… never let money stop you!
When we open the door for that stranger at the Gas Station, and they walk through without giving any response… no eye contact, no verbal thank you, and not even a nod of appreciation…
Since I was never claimed by any one, let alone a culture, this question makes me very uncomfortable, if I am being completely honest. I am proud to be an American, though our Government is nothing but a filthy swamp, filled with the selfish and often nefarious motives worn by our leaders. I am not proud of that part, nor interested in any form…
All I can say, without being flippant or disrespectful, is that the only culture I have traced back to my beginnings is me!
My culture could be called The Foster Care System, but there is nothing there I want to brag about to anyone. The only culture of Me that I can clearly recall is God and His relentless pursuit of my heart.
In complete honesty, if God had not interceded on my behalf as a small child, I would not be here today, so ya I am pretty proud of Him. I suppose this also means that I find a great interest in Him, as well as pride…
So, as to the prompt question, the aspects of my cultural heritage (God) that I am proud of or interested in, would be the Heart of God!
This seems right up my alley this morning… I got this!
I associate with Raisin Brand… Brandaids… Rembrandt… Brandy… Cattle Branding… I love Brandishing my sword when I game… and I totally associate with anything Brand New…
What? Am I wrong? Don’t judge or Brand me as cheesy because of this.
Please don’t tell me that my sense of humor is Off Brand… lololololol
Ok Ok… I’ll stop… but it was funny and you know you laughed. Just for all your efforts, I will leave you with a morning goodie…
It seems only yesterday that we embarked on our adventure, and yet, here we are walking barefoot in the sand toward our village destination. What a journey it has been getting here, all the highs and all the lows… rogues and bandits, the Otterfolk, and a baby dragon, of all things. So many experiences I never saw coming when it all began. I am also astounded, at the commitment of all my faithful friends. I feel that I can call you my friends after all we have experienced together, don’t you?
I can say that if I have to be a human burrito with someone, I would choose you, Bubbles. Crocket, I can’t think of anyone I would rather have my eyebrow singed off by a dragon with. James I shall forever think of you as my favorite sword wielding front runner, always clearing a path. Christine, without your voice to enrich and encourage us, we might well have lost heart on more than one occasion. I am certain that the little otter babe Milka, will never forget you singing for him that night at the village.
Last night was such a wonderful time, sitting around the fire and sharing our favorite bits of the journey. I will forever cherish the beautiful dragon figurine that you made for me, Carver. It will carry the memories of all we accomplished together. Cate my friend, none of us would have fared as well, had it not been for your gifted skills at healing. I can say that we all are eternally grateful that you stuck to the journey with us.
Though I am unable to speak for any of you, I know that my life will be forever changed because of you, and I hesitate to leave this moment.It feels a bit strange standing here, looking across the sand to the shore. My stomach is filled with butterflies, unsure of what to expect when we arrive.
Look there at the waters edge… I think I can see the one that was lost to me, and they’re waving for us to approach. The sun makes it difficult to see the people clearly from here. It looks as if there is quite a large group of others there, as well. Come on, hurry! Let’s go join them…
Beyond the story lies our truths…
As our party approached our lost companion, we were shocked to discover we saw our very own images reflecting off of the surface of the ocean.
All along it was us, and that which had been lost was a part of our soul that has now been recovered and restored to each of us. That which had been running away in fear, had been our very own courage! Courage to believe in ourselves, or perhaps courage to step out in faith doing something that we know we should… it is not for me to say.
We are now able to see the gift we had been delivering, though it will be unique to each soul who looks within their own bags.Consider your bag to be God’s Spirit! It is with you at all times, whether you carry it within your heart (belief), or choose to carry it on your side (searching). Either way the bag (God’s love and provision) will always be faithful to you, so my hope is that you will keep it with you, even though I travel on and you return to your lives.Now that we have been given our courage back, it is for each adventurer to determine the path before them. I leave you here, in order to process, understand and choose your own path. Remember that I am always near, assuming you keep your bag handy for contact.
Perhaps one day, some of you will tell me what your gift was and what you chose to do with it. As for me…
For now, I have been called away on matters of importance to my Commander. This little brute has a journey of his own that must be undertaken, and it has been asked that I go along to assist.
The Commanders parting message for me was this, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:32-34
So, with that, I must leave you here and journey on toward that which I have been commissioned…
Fear not for we can be assured that our paths will cross again… but a small boy is in need of a Dragon, I think, so this storyteller has much work to do. Keep your eyes open for my lantern out there on the paths you travel. I will keep the light burning bright for you …
Yes folks… this is what I decided it must look like when I try to do self recording videos out on the trail. So for everyones sake, I have made the executive decision to avoid talking or selfies, as I am either going to trip, scare someone, or drop my phone… or heaven forbid, drop my COFFEE!!!
I came to several insights this morning as I walked. One insight was that, perhaps the virtual part is more important than the mouth part. I simply don’t find anything important enough to say, because I am too busy listening. While walking, God whispers to me both in words, as well as music. This morning, as I was walking along, listening to music and trying to record a video without falling into the river, I was taken aback by the words of this song…
I realized that when we walk together and I am taping it, God is there the whole time, quietly spending precious moments with this wild daughter of His. So, when you walk with me, you are near to the God of Ages… the maker of everything… this orphan’s Father! You’re spending a precious 3 to 5 quiet moments of your time with Him… along with me, the camera holder.
From now on, every time you click on those videos I post, I am praying that God breathes love and blessings into your worlds, simply by being near Him… just like He does for this child.
The second insight that arrived during this walk, was just that, the walk! I asked myself why walking is so important to me? I mean, why do I feel the need to keep bringing you along, and yet have nothing of value to say? This isn’t rocket science for crying out loud! I think it might have to do with who is doing the walking and who is doing the talking. My favorite part of the walks are usually when God shows me things, and if I am talking … I am not listening, nor am I learning!
The question God asked me this morning was, “Who are you walking for?” What a loaded question! That sort of stuff, ladies and gents, is the reason I am most often on the trail for 1 to 2 hours a day. I walk because I know that I cannot talk at the same time with the pace I keep. God knows this, and my suspicion is that He chooses these precious moments when my mouth is shut, to whisper His guiding and sustaining words to my spirit. I found that my spirit knows my human body needs the activity for many reasons, but somehow my body responds wholeheartedly, desiring to give my spirit its quiet time, for God to rejuvenate and refill my reservoir.
Walking, for me, is all about the balance I guess. My hope in sharing a few precious moments with you each week, is perhaps you will maybe get a top off on Your spiritual love tank too.
As I sit drinking my coffee this morning, I am actually irritated by this prompt. It feels too much like a therapist question, and right now I am not impressed with our medical system in any fashion. I also must remind you of yesterdays prompt response, where I told you that I do not like taking advice. Along that line, I also do NOT like being told what to do!
That being said, I am still making the best effort I can, to answer this prompt without being sarcastic or flippant. My reasonings for being so sensitive to a question like this stem from nearly killing myself seeking love and acceptance where there was none. All my earthly efforts to be seen and received in love, have been rejected by those I called family… all of them!
My life started over almost a year ago… it will be a year in October.
In the category of What could you do more of , I asked myself that question so many times over the years. The part that God has been teaching me about this pattern of thinking, is that all I have been doing is working myself into the ground trying to do something only God can do. Yup! For nearly an entire year now, God has been undoing all of the damaging habits that the world instilled.
In the category of doing more, I got nothing… but in the category of doing less, I have an ample supply of examples for the Prompt.
I cannot say I should talk more because we know who I am, and I talk a lot… too much in fact! No one listens, and in fact, they usually go the other way. I get it! I am too much for most of the world.
I cannot say I should write more because we know who I am, and I write a lot… and I will continue to write my fingers off, whether anyone wants to read it or not. Writing heals me and pleases my Heavenly Father, which fuels me to write even more.
I cannot say I should pray more because we know who I am, and I pray a lot… in fact, it is more like talking with God all day long as if he were a loved one sitting or walking beside me… wait, that is actually just what He is… my loved one, my friend, and my only true Father!
I cannot say I should exercise more because we know who I am, and I walk a lot… actually, 6 miles nearly ever day. If I try to do any more of the calorie burning activities, I will not be able to keep up with the eating part to fuel my body… I would evaporate!
I cannot say that I should read more, or love more, or Anything more… Gods got me, thank you very much WordPress!
I walk one day at a time, seeking to do that which pleases God, not man! It is costly in some regards… I have my husband and my 3 girlfriends in my world… that’s it!
In honesty, it is the way I want it because it means that I am doing something right for once! I am not doing others any good, if I smother the flame within the lantern I carry for God. I am supposed to be His vessel… to be His light in the darkness.
Truly, I could try to do more of all the above mentioned things, burning myself out and getting nothing in return… Or… I can rely on the one who CAN do more… more than anyone on this earth could ever attempt… and I will be the better for it.
I leave you with this verse. It is from the Amplified Bible, and I like the way it has been translated:
I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.] Philippians 4:13
I almost didn’t leave our morning treat, due to WordPress pushing my buttons, but never fear… the cookies are here…
*****We interrupt our normal broadcasting of Monday Messages, to tell you a hilarious story about something I did the other night*****
I thought I had missed a call on my phone, but with my one good eye, I clicked the wrong icon in my contact list. I hit redial and when the call picked up, it took me through an odd walk through of setting up a message profile… just like when you set up voice mail. I thought it strange, but I thought the number said STATE of WASHINGTON, so I assumed it was for messages from my doctor. I finished the walk through, hung up, and my phone immediately dinged with a message alert. I went to my text messages and saw a new message from my own security on the phone.
I opened the message and read it. It was informing me that someone had just gone in and changed the password and message for my voicemail. It then dawned on me that I had called myself, and set up my own voicemail. The number actually said, WASHINGTON STATE… because it was my own number, duh… so reading is very fundamental folks!
I did go back and find the actual person who called me, but this time I was wearing my glasses… hahahahahahahahaha…
Now back to your previously recorded show
I have no idea what Tuesdays Talk and Walk will be, as it is pegged to be raining heavy for a good bit… you might just get a rendition of Singing in the Rain that you can never un-see, who knows.
Wednesday is the final episode of Just a Bag, and then we will be heading to Live Novel Fridays in October. Sorry, no spoilers.
Our Note to Self series continues on Saturday… don’t miss out on #6.
Live Wire is just that… Live… so I’ve no idea, as of yet, what we will be looking at. But the virtual potluck will be good, so no matter what I talk about, there will be free virtual food… so everyone virtually wins!
I know, I know, I know… when it comes to advice, I am a Quarterback NOT a Receiver! Hey, I am just being honest. Don’t tell me what to do, has been my mantra since I can remember.
Daily writing prompt
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
With that being said, one of the best pieces of advice came from my husband… probably the only one brave enough to try, other than the Man upstairs. In fact, I think God uses my husband all the time to soften my heart. My better half is a quiet man, far from my incessant babbling. He does not often open himself up to the firing line of my sassy mouth, but when he does… I tend to listen… I do not trust anyone else this deeply.
You have undoubtedly read other things I have written, so you should hopefully be aware of our journey… its been rough, to say the least. There was a time when I kept asking “why” about a great many things overwhelming us. One day, as we were driving, I sat in the passenger seat lost in an emotional well, struggling to cope with things. Out of the blue my husband says, “You know, I don’t think it’s about all the garbage in life we keep getting hit with, maybe what’s important, is how we handle getting through it”. These heartfelt and wise words have echoed through my mind at each twist and turn we have had since, and there have been many.
I really do believe that God, in His great wisdom, blessed me with my own personal guardian, my steed, my warrior, and my very best friend… I feel pretty lucky!
And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken. – Ecclesiastes 4:12
Ever throw a pebble in a pond, just to hear the kerplunk sound, and then watch the ripples play out across the water? We don’t really think about where the pebble goes after it disappears, as we are busy looking for another rock to throw next. We usually don’t even follow the ripples to see how they change the shore surrounding the pond… why? We simply like the sound made, and the initial ripples that came as a result of the rock hitting the surface.
At my age nowadays, I don’t throw much of anything anymore, especially rocks… I’m too tired. Besides, the pond and pebble example has been used enough times, that I’m sure most have heard it at one time or another. With that being said, I’m hoping my brief explanation is enough to connect you with todays Live Wire … the life of Jacob.
Much time has been spent this week, studying over the life and journey of Jacob, who may have been a bit of a bad boy, I think. Talk about a world of drama… from stealing his brothers birth rite to marrying two sisters, only one of which he loved. The struggle was pretty real for him. Granted there were things out of his control in much of it, but he still did not help things at times… often tossing pebbles into the pond of his life, that only ended up making the situation worse for himself.
Chapter by chapter, we follow Jacob through some seriously disturbing marital and child rearing situations… none of which he handled well in any shape or form. While Rachael and Leah fight over his love and favor, flinging their maidservants at him to one up each other in the children department, Jacob just keeps fathering babies left and right without a thought. It was apparent from the beginning that Jacob was not letting God lead him in this mess… how on earth are you gonna work 7 years for someone, in order to marry the woman you love, and then sleep with someone else on your wedding night… hmmmm. Then, when you wake up and discover the truth, you then work another 7 years for the girl you really wanted. My mind went from thinking Jacob was an idiot, or he was still being that bad boy I mentioned earlier.
Either way, there was a great amount of what I refer to as good bad and ugly, during the years of Jacobs journey. I am not for certain, but I don’t think that Jacob really truly followed God for himself, until after the night that he wrestled with Him… I noticed a marked change after this point. All of the earlier times that God spoke to Jacob about what to do, it was always repeated as “the God of my father Isaac”, or “the God of Abraham”. After that night, Jacob changed… seeking to make peace with his brother Esau, whose birth rite Jacob stole.
This didn’t mean things were all better however, as we learn further on in the story of Jacobs life. Pebbles cast, ripples must still play out…
If God was so faithful in the life of Jacob, then there is hope for this girl too. If he could still walk his journey, through all his own folly and mess ups… so to can I. God made provisions for Jacob and faithfully carried him all the way through his life, regardless of mistakes, misdeeds, or out of control circumstances. So too will He make provisions for this girl, this orphan child… with all her flaws, failures, and scars to tend.
By the time I finished reading through his story, I found that I love Jacob more with all his flaws and bad boy history. It leaves me feeling so hopeful, that even though I stand upon the shoreline of my own pond, where the ripples have come to lap at my feet… God chooses to work through broken things to suit His purposes.
This Sundays Potluck theme is surrounding Jacob and his story… in honor of broken things, let’s break bread together and turn some broken frowns upside down…
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Journey With Me! 