b
How Good is God
How good am i …
He MADE me
In HIS image…
You see me, but do you really?
b
If He is Upright and Just
do i follow suit…
If He shows me no anger
Is that what i portray…
If HE is the LIGHT
am i reflecting for you…
the light you might need?
b
He is a loving God
Collecting broken things…
He picked me up
Giving me wings…
To carry light wherever the darkness may be!
b
b
b
Duh! If I had the money and were given an opportunity to open a shop, it would be a Flurrby Store… not only could you have your very own baby, but I would sell em for .99 cents!
Yup. For under a dollar, you could start building your own Flurrby Farm. Start with one…
b
and then come back for more. They come in all shapes and sizes…
b
b
They come in different styles and colors…
b
b
b
Big or small…
b
b
b
All the supplies and vet care would be provided from within our store, for a membership fee of 99 cents a month!
And once a month we hold a drawing for a free baby… tickets are … you guessed it, 99 cents!
b
b
You can’t judge or blame me for this answer, because they said, “If you were going to open up a shop”, and there was nothing in there saying it had to be legit! Besides, I really would do this if I had money to burn, minus the baby give away.
I left snacks that I think Flurrbies also might like, so they should be safe for you to share with others…
b
b
b
To ensure you take me serious about the 99 cent idea, I have donated our morning snacks without even asking for money… it’s how I roll.
I know we have all heard plenty about the fruits of the spirt, so I won’t do a whole ramble… but, I will just quote it straight from the source…
In the book of Corinthians in chapter 13, Paul says, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
So… that’s my answer… LOVE!
I do carry a bag filled with my faith and hope, but the love seems to just cover it all…
She sits in a crowded room
It feels so alone, so cold
Her senses are assaulted
Sounds that are jarring
Smells of anxiety
The air is thick with it
It is difficult for her to breathe
She attempts to see into their souls
But all windows have been boarded up
Blocking her view
When she tries with her words, in only mouth sounds
Her heart only receives echoes
Sometimes hollow and empty, other times angry and defensive
The crowded room pushes her backwards
Into the darkened corridor
She remembers The Purpose…
She rests in an empty room
It is so quiet here… beautiful and peaceful
She feels His spirit guide her
She delights in encouraging others
Her words are now easily accepted, now spoken by keyboard
Instead of empty echoes
Now there is light filling her space
Love seems to float in the air here
With every note she types…
Does anyone remember me talking about a Lobby? What about the fountain that just got installed?
Well, when this prompt showed up, I decided to do a recap of a few different articles I posted in the not too distant past…
Do you remember this little bit?
Imagine if you will, a hostess. Preferably, you will imagine an elegant southern bell type, charming and delicately demure… but I will settle for the lady with the baseball cap and walking shoes. When your mind enters said Church, this hostess(me) belongs inside the lobby in order to greet you and perhaps assist in directions to where you wish to go… she does not need her own office for private sessions of deep inspired directions, no! She desires to remain in the lobby, ensuring that you get to where you were headed.
This hostess takes great joy in her role within the lobby, looking forward to seeing what life blossoms there, from day to day. She takes pleasure in the cleaning and maintenance of her environment, happily refilling the bowl of refreshments, resting upon a small nightstand within the lobby. There is a lantern resting atop the tables surface, casting a warm and gentle glow throughout the room. This light is always on and never requires anything in order to burn… it simply remains on, and in fact never even flickers! If this light is always on, then my mind says that the bowl of refreshments does the same, right? I will believe that this is true, and go further to say that it is possible then, that her presence within the lobby is not necessary for the One who placed her there, but for the visitors that she encounters in His service…
b
How about this one?
b
When my studies began opening up a picture of what I thought church might look like, this lobby is the part of the body that I feel equipped for serving others in, considering myself a hostess. Whether you believe, whether you feel a bit lost, or maybe you’re just a bit weary on your journey and need a quiet respite to regain your strength for the journey… come on in! I am guessing that this is what the new fountain has been installed for… you, me, your friends, my friends, and all of our families. Aren’t we all supposed to be considering each other as brothers and sisters? I am not capable of dragging souls in off the highway, nor should it be my job.
I simply believe that I am being led to stand fast in said Lobby, to be readily available to you, for prayer, encouragement, hope, and to point you to the table of refreshments, and now to the fountain of life-giving hope…
b
If this blog might bring about any change in the world, I would hope that souls in need of respite, might take refreshment and comfort within the walls of my Lobby… I genuinely love you guys, and just want to offer some joy, laughter, and light to a world with much darkness.
Yay! It’s Friday… PIZZA… nothin like dinner for breakfast, right?!
b
Just a Bag
cont’d Part 6…
b
b
Good morning sleepy heads. I thought you were going to sleep the morning away, but by the sounds of all your snores, I guessed everyone needed the rest. What should I have expected after all of the fun from yesterday? I’ve set the water to boil for coffee or cocoa… I brought out both. I am guessing that it was the smell of the bacon, though, that got you all moving in this direction. I don’t blame you… it does smell wonderful! In the event you were worried about it, I made sure to bring the non-caloric version of all our goodies, so help yourself… guilt free.
b
b
I know we should get moving soon, but just like you guys, I am exhausted from all the festivities and my back is still sore from the relay race… honestly, I didn’t think an otter weighed that much, or I would have thought better of carrying Milka on my back. It shows how out of shape I must be, since he is barely older than a pup…only half the size of his parents.
b
b
So, for the sake of this back of mine, and in consideration of the enormity of all that you guys did yesterday, let’s enjoy a lazy breakfast before we head out. Is it just me, or does it seem like forever ago, we were all back at the broken cart trying to figure out what we should do about the otter folk village?
Crocket, quite simply, your repair to the wagon wheel was ingenious! Once we got the cart put back together, we covered it with a brightly colored canvas… compliments of Cate and Willow… again, thank you ladies. Can you imagine how we would have ever gotten that heavy thing to the village, if it hadn’t been for Cia thinking of grabbing carrots out of her bag? There is no way that horse would have come back and let us halter it again.
b
b
It was the most hilarious and impromptu practice, trying to put our comical troupe together, shortly before we entered the village. The otter folk probably heard our laughter all the way down the trail.
b
b
Bubbles, I’m not sure what was funnier, you trying to get yourself stuffed into the supply crate, or when you jumped up and nearly fell out, when attempting to surprise everyone with your Exploding Bubble Bag trick! The crowd of otter babes went wild with laughter, so it was an instant success! You were basically the pied piper for the rest of the day, with giggling little ones following you wherever you went, begging for more bubbles.
b
b
James, I can’t prove it, but I think you were a magician earlier in life… I still can’t figure out how that clam ended up behind the abbot’s ear. The look of surprise on Father Humblton’s face was enough for Crocket to choke on his food. I only know this, because I saw Beetroot soup shoot out of Crockets left nostril. I cannot say which I thought was funnier!
b
b
Jokes and laughter aside, I am so incredibly blessed by the day we shared with those folks. You all worked so hard assisting in the repairs and rebuilding of the village. I am so encouraged to see each of you, utilizing your bags with such ease, and without one bit of hesitation.
b
b
All I know is… you guys outdid yourselves, from all of the supplies we were able to replace, to the bountiful gifts of food and materials you donated all on your own.
b
b
Christine did you notice, when you and I were talking over the evening’s music planned, we were being watched?
b
b
Just under the back wheel of the cart, I spied two tiny hands, occasionally popping out to strategically grab food, being dropped by the grown ups unpacking the supplies. That was Milka, the otter babe with the raspberry stained lips… the one that fell asleep in the folds of your cloak while you sang lullabies to the little ones. I found out from his mother, that Milka was in the cottage when vermin set it afire, barely escaping with his life. While his wounds have begun to heal, the tiny fellow has been very standoffish ever since… until last night. The more your voice drifted across the village, it was like a healing balm settled upon the otter folk. We are so fortunate that you were with us… Thank You!
b
b
For as much as I want to get to our destination, to deliver what is needed, I am beginning to see the value in the getting there part. While I had been so excited and gung-ho to finish our mission, it was not until last night, after the fish fry, that I understood.
b
b
Well, I understood a bit better than the day before, and really, I am not sure I fully get it still. But you can decide and then tell me what you think. As there is a sizeable number in our gang, I am guessing you might have gained your own insights.
b
b
b
As for myself, I was in the middle of washing the dishes from the festivities, when I saw the old Abbot resting under a tree, snoring softly. I felt an overwhelming need to reach into my bag, not even knowing what I was looking to find. When I withdrew my hand from my bag, I held what looked like a small cloth package, held together with twine. There was a note attached, held in place with a yellow ribbon.
b
b
Before your curiosity takes flight, I did not see what was in the package, since I wanted to give the old man privacy while he read the letter. Upon reading what was in the message, the old abbot gently bowed his head and held the small box to his lips, letting just a single tear spill onto the package… he never did open the gift. It was almost as if he already knew what was within the box. When he looked up and saw that I was observing him, he gently smiled at me, and then drifted off to sleep again, the package safely tucked into his robes. It was as if I had dreamt the whole thing. As he drifted off, I thought I heard the old man whisper something about reading Luke 12: 32-34.
While you all were sleeping, I looked up the verses that the old abbot spoke of, and have been sitting here all morning pondering. Let me share with you the words I read…
“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.”
What do you think it might mean… I mean was it literal, or figurative? Was the old man referring to himself or me? I need more time to ponder all the questions flying around in my head, but we are overdue as it is. Perhaps we can toss ideas back and forth with one another while on the path…
b
b
The first moments after reading this prompt question, were a little bit of a let down, only because I have no earthly desire to be in any other universe than this one. Hey, it might be a mess, but it is our mess, right? Besides, I am fairly certain that any other universe that has more than 0ne brain, will encounter the same amount of mess as we have… grass is always greener somewhere else.
Where could the grass be green enough? This train of thought got me imagining. If there is anywhere besides here I wanna be, it might seem easy for you to guess Heaven, and you would be correct. But in my minds eye, within heaven is a place beyond any other, and only I can dream of it… If you went to heaven, where would you want to stay… personally, I do not have a clue what it truly will look like, I do not think a human mind has the capacity to see as God sees.
Everyone can imagine what heaven will look like, but for each of us it looks different, I am sure.
b
I will share with you the dream I had as a young, and though it might seem silly to some, it comforts me when I feel the ugliness of the world creep in.
I dreamt of a meadow, sheltered within a grove of enormous ancient trees.
Within this meadow was a stable, and in this stable were horses… not just any horses, but the king’s personal steeds, and their mares and offspring. In case you are worried that my view of heaven is missing the mark, this stable is not far from the heavenly host and the streets of gold. It might be easy to read the bible and babble off a description of the place He prepares for me, but I will not be in my room all the time, so I wander… that’s how I found the stable.
I went there to feed the foals and play in the meadow with them… when they wandered back to their mothers, I headed to the stable to find my curry brush, and the smoothing brush too.
I spent hours brushing and smoothing the coats of the mighty steeds that pull the King’s chariot down the main street every morning and every evening. If we are in heaven, you might wonder why God would need horses and chariots to be with us? I don’t think He does, I think He loves doing it, maybe. What do I know, I am only human.
Why would He create something so beautiful, if he did not wish to spend time with said beautiful thing… He created us didn’t He?
b
Whatever it will look like, and however it really does end up being, I know I am going there… and it is my dream… and it brings me comfort… and if you wanna blame anybody for this idea of mine, blame WordPress. I was not looking for an alternate universe, and maybe if we all spent more time trying to take better care of the one we have, there would be no need to leave it…
b
If nothing else, maybe if we make it better here, all the aliens would stop speeding past our exit.
b
If you still want to head out to another universe, I have left you a freeze dried snack for the road… for everyone else, here is your earth fodder…
Gross, I know… but come on… gag it down… I promise it tastes earthlike.
b
Melancholy Girl…
Part 3
In his elder years, Harleys’ face reminded me of one of the two wrinkly faced grumpy hecklers from the Muppets. He eventually became blind as a bat, but still always tilted his head in this ridiculous fashion, as if he could still see. When he was a pup, both he and his brother would drag each other around on their shared tether, both trying to show us where to go. In his late years, however, Harley would go out to pee and simply forget where he was, wandering off in confusion. We tethered him to the porch at that point, and he was content to wander and fake pee on imaginary bushes… seriously, he would lift his leg at nothing, and act like he was peeing on it.
Through ups and downs and over hill and dale, that dog matured into the finest dog I have ever known… I admit that I cry a little bit when I think back on things… We lay him to rest three summers ago, with all the dignity he so deserved. I am not sure why, but that goofy dog gave me 16 unforgettable years, and left an indelible mark upon my soul, forever…
You would think that I would be done with having pets after that, but it is the opposite. Harley changed me, and in a deep deep place. That sweet, dumb little pug gave me hope… restored some of my joy while I traveled dark and often lonely paths… It is just like in life when we risk hurt, in order to receive love from another. Harley reminded me that the benefits far outweigh the risks, as far as how truly loving another soul is concerned. I have decided, it might not be about the destination, as much as the journey there…
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16 NIV
Thank you Harley, for reminding mamma…
We are Florphans right at this time, but I know that somewhere out there is a Flurby, looking for a Florphan to adopt, and so I shall be a good girl and prepare the best big eyed Florphan smile for my hopeful forever home. Either way, I like to let everyone know that I am potty trained, I do not chew clothing or destroy furniture, and I rarely bite…
b
b
While I may not be wealthy, nor would I consider myself a big spender… I must rise to the occasion for this mornings prompt.
IBS has been my companion for a very long time, so you most likely wouldn’t find me plating up anything spendy. This digestive system of mine would surely dump me on the side of the road if I were so brave.
Over the years I have cooked and baked many good things, and in honesty, it tastes better to me than going out! So, for the food aspect of this prompt… I got nuthin!
However,
I have to admit that I have paid nearly $15 for a coffee… and on that occasion it was not worth it, at all! Being a staunch coffee lover, I have had some of the best and for sure, some of the worst… wife of a trucker here. There were times when I questioned the safety, let alone the flavor, of the coffee I had to suffer through. If you have never spent time on the road for a living, it might surprise you to see some of the things deemed sellable.
Why is coffee such a big deal to me, you ask? Maybe it is a comfort thing, as I remember drinking black coffee as far back my childhood. His name was Uncle Leo, and the only memory I have of him, is watching him pour Tabasco sauce into his coffee, as we sat around the campfire. Memories are a powerful thing. Don’t ask me how a little girl was able to enjoy a cup of black coffee with nothing in it… the price of love maybe, because I have a distinct memory of affection from that old man. I just know that whenever I run out of cream, I think fondly of Uncle Leo while I gag my bitter brew down.
While the bigger bean producers get all of the popular hype from media, I myself prefer a modest cup of Folgers Classic Roast, with a good dose of French Vanilla cream. If you were to ask my husband, I am sure he would mention the cost of my magic creamer… yes I said magic, since it miraculously swirls its goodness throughout my cup of morning Jo. I will be truthful in saying that I have at least 2 to 3 cups of this go go juice… don’t judge! Trust me, coffee keeps me sane.
I know that the price of coffee in comparison to a meal, is not in the same ball park, but I would guess there are others that would agree with me when I say… I will trade myself to a band of traveling gypsies if the coffee was good… Just sayin…
Here…
To go with your coffee
For anyone out there who has that ONE favorite snack, you know, the one that you can devour with absolute abandon… ya, you know who you are…
I Salute you!
It takes a great athlete, to eat through a package of pure sugar (basically), and come out the other side alive! Not just alive, but ready to do it all again!
It takes much training, as well as dedication to the sport (addictive candy habit), to withstand the possibility of foundering on our favorite treat!
For all great athlete’s, the winning secret is a back-up buddy… yes folks, it is that easy! My back-up buddy is my husband, who always has my back… seriously… if he didn’t, I would quite possibly eat so much licorice, that my teeth would simply fall out! Seriously, I have absolutely no will power, when it comes to my Twizzler Pull a parts! If they ever stop making them, it will be me on the evening news, seen picketing in front of the Twizzler Plant… trust me, they will want to start that old candy machine up… right fast and in a hurry!
If it were up to me, we would be homeless with a cart full of candy. That is where my back-up buddy comes to the rescue… both, by lovingly ripping the poor candy bag from my sticky fingers, and distracting me with sweet talk, while he hides the bag. He has no choice… that candy has to last… and he prefers my smile with teeth still intact! Besides, can you believe how expensive candy has gotten? Yeesh!
Once in a while, when there is extra cash… he buys me a bag… and pretends he does not notice me eat the WHOLE bag!
My advice to you is… Back-up Buddies… get one if you don’t already have one… but get your own… you can’t have mine!
He is so darn cute!!!
Journey With Me! 