There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm.
He was given a slingshot to play with out in the woods.
He practiced in the woods; but he could never hit the target..
Getting a little discouraged, he headed back for dinner.
As he was walking back he saw Grandma's pet duck.
Just out of impulse, he let the slingshot fly, hit the duck square in the head and killed it. He was shocked and grieved!
In a panic, he hid the dead duck in the wood pile; only to see his
Sister watching! Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing.
After lunch the next day Grandma said, 'Sally, let's wash the dishes'
But Sally said, 'Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen.'
Then she whispered to him, "Remember the duck?'
So Johnny did the dishes.
Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing and Grandma said, 'I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper.'
Sally just smiled and said, 'well that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help?
She whispered again, 'Remember the duck?' So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.
After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's; he finally couldn't stand it any longer.
He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck.
Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug and said, 'Sweetheart, I know. You see, I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing, but because I love you, I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you would let Sally make a slave of you.'
Thought for the day and every day thereafter:
Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done...? And the devil keeps throwing it up in your face (lying, cheating, debt, fear, bad habits, hatred, anger, bitterness, etc)...whatever it is...You need to know that:
God was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing.
He has seen your whole life... He wants you to know that He loves you and that you are forgiven. He's just wondering how long you will let the devil make a slave of you.
The great thing about God is that when you ask for forgiveness;
He not only forgives you, but He forgets.
It is by God's grace and mercy that we are saved..
Go ahead and make the difference in someone's life today.
Share this with a friend and always remember:
God is at the window!
When Jesus died on the cross; he was thinking of you!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Higher up the mountain
My dad taught me this simple lesson by example, and as sure as he was a good man, I am obligated to live according to it's truth and pass it along to others.
The scene:
a troop of Boy Scouts out for a weekend training hike, strung along an uphill section of trail, moving toward their camp for the night. Some older, more athletic, and in shape for carrying a pack with all that they would need for two or three days in the woods; sleeping bag and tent, food and cook stove, clothes and fishing gear. Among the younger ones, or the weaker, you would see big, old fashioned, army surplus packs with bulky sleeping bags that showed the relative inexperience of the "tenderfoot".
As sure as the trail winds upward, and the heat of the mid day sun takes its toll, the distance between the leaders and the stragglers grows.
Quite simply, the newest scouts are not prepared for what is before them, and have carried too much for their physical capability.
Now, the wise scoutmaster steps in and starts to pull weight from the 'too heavy' pack and puts it into the pack of a 'sprinter' ( or more likely his own pack).
He knows that it is not important who carries what, only that all hikers reach camp in time for dinner.
The highest joy of being a smarter hiker in better shape is not that you can be there first ( at others expense) it is more likely that joy of knowing that you are able to lend your strength and your experience to another so that they can enjoy the mountains, with you.
Today, somewhere along your trail, you may find someone who is over burdened. Be willing to take something out of their pack, and slow your pace enough to share some trail time with them. You will see more of the marvelous view as well, and have shown a uniquely human trait: compassion
The scene:
a troop of Boy Scouts out for a weekend training hike, strung along an uphill section of trail, moving toward their camp for the night. Some older, more athletic, and in shape for carrying a pack with all that they would need for two or three days in the woods; sleeping bag and tent, food and cook stove, clothes and fishing gear. Among the younger ones, or the weaker, you would see big, old fashioned, army surplus packs with bulky sleeping bags that showed the relative inexperience of the "tenderfoot".
As sure as the trail winds upward, and the heat of the mid day sun takes its toll, the distance between the leaders and the stragglers grows.
Quite simply, the newest scouts are not prepared for what is before them, and have carried too much for their physical capability.
Now, the wise scoutmaster steps in and starts to pull weight from the 'too heavy' pack and puts it into the pack of a 'sprinter' ( or more likely his own pack).
He knows that it is not important who carries what, only that all hikers reach camp in time for dinner.
The highest joy of being a smarter hiker in better shape is not that you can be there first ( at others expense) it is more likely that joy of knowing that you are able to lend your strength and your experience to another so that they can enjoy the mountains, with you.
Today, somewhere along your trail, you may find someone who is over burdened. Be willing to take something out of their pack, and slow your pace enough to share some trail time with them. You will see more of the marvelous view as well, and have shown a uniquely human trait: compassion
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Now
what a word, and what a concept!
I believe it is transforming to realized that Now is
Then was, and Later may or may not be,
but My magnificent NOW is the best it has ever been and is filled with
the Goodness of God and the power of me, meeting up against or in tune with all of the natural surroundings and the human elements that inhabit my world.
Let me give you a sample of my Now, and then I will take Now into my work world.
Right Now I have my mom
Right Now I have a healthy body and ( some would say) a sound mind
Right Now I have bright sunshine and amazing mountains lavishing their warmth on me
Right Now I am loved by family, friends, and my beautiful children
Right Now I see the way God's grace has strengthened me for this moment
Only Now can I use my mind, body and talents for good and for the purpose that God has for me
I can not fix or change what was THEN, I tried and failed back then to be, do and say the perfect combination of things that would make me 'right'. When I think about then, I see what was missing, what was wrong or what could have been. Loss, pain and disappointment for me were there in the past, but have no place right now.
Similarly, the future is a fool's guessing game. How many had it all figured out two years ago but now can not see how they will make it work today? too many I fear. No one of us has a guarantee of ten more days on the earth or ten more years.
we only have Now, and we should seek the strength to know what that means.
and Now, I have to go to work, more on this......... ( you guessed it) .... Later!
sorry about all those past posts where I did not understand this and whined, or complaiined
I believe it is transforming to realized that Now is
Then was, and Later may or may not be,
but My magnificent NOW is the best it has ever been and is filled with
the Goodness of God and the power of me, meeting up against or in tune with all of the natural surroundings and the human elements that inhabit my world.
Let me give you a sample of my Now, and then I will take Now into my work world.
Right Now I have my mom
Right Now I have a healthy body and ( some would say) a sound mind
Right Now I have bright sunshine and amazing mountains lavishing their warmth on me
Right Now I am loved by family, friends, and my beautiful children
Right Now I see the way God's grace has strengthened me for this moment
Only Now can I use my mind, body and talents for good and for the purpose that God has for me
I can not fix or change what was THEN, I tried and failed back then to be, do and say the perfect combination of things that would make me 'right'. When I think about then, I see what was missing, what was wrong or what could have been. Loss, pain and disappointment for me were there in the past, but have no place right now.
Similarly, the future is a fool's guessing game. How many had it all figured out two years ago but now can not see how they will make it work today? too many I fear. No one of us has a guarantee of ten more days on the earth or ten more years.
we only have Now, and we should seek the strength to know what that means.
and Now, I have to go to work, more on this......... ( you guessed it) .... Later!
sorry about all those past posts where I did not understand this and whined, or complaiined
where the heck have I been?
this is what I do.
four days into this project with a great client and willing helpers
I am seeing 300 feet of outdoor living space of redwood and a balcony/ waterproof overhang. Next to be Imagineered, will be the swing, water feature and planting beds.
It is the only reason I would not blog!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Living in God's garden
As I was pulling more dandelions it occurred to me that God is a bit like a gardener or farmer
and that He has planted me, right here and right now, generously providing everything I need to grow, to be strong and to bloom gloriously.
In his garden he puts all sorts of trees and plants for various reasons and only expects that they would respond to the care He gives to become fruitful and beautiful. As I grow I can not get puffed up with pride about my own beauty or compare it to the appearance of other trees or shrubs in this garden, nor can I take much time with worrying about why there are so many weeds around me.
In the parable of the wheat and the tares Jesus helped us see that the world is full of good and evil and that at the appropriate time God will sort out who is each, and deal with it, once and for all.
I am blessed that I see growth in my own life and in that of others around me. I wait patiently for the King of the garden to bring it into full mid summer glory, and I do not worry about telling Him how His garden should be. It is good to be alive in the spirit and to feel the grace and mercy of a loving Father rain down upon me like soft summer showers with just the right hint of 'Miracle grow' mixed in.
For more on Jesus explanation of this parable see CHESTER STREET
or just do your own search of Matthew 13 or google "wheat and tares" like I did.
and that He has planted me, right here and right now, generously providing everything I need to grow, to be strong and to bloom gloriously.
In his garden he puts all sorts of trees and plants for various reasons and only expects that they would respond to the care He gives to become fruitful and beautiful. As I grow I can not get puffed up with pride about my own beauty or compare it to the appearance of other trees or shrubs in this garden, nor can I take much time with worrying about why there are so many weeds around me.
In the parable of the wheat and the tares Jesus helped us see that the world is full of good and evil and that at the appropriate time God will sort out who is each, and deal with it, once and for all.
I am blessed that I see growth in my own life and in that of others around me. I wait patiently for the King of the garden to bring it into full mid summer glory, and I do not worry about telling Him how His garden should be. It is good to be alive in the spirit and to feel the grace and mercy of a loving Father rain down upon me like soft summer showers with just the right hint of 'Miracle grow' mixed in.
For more on Jesus explanation of this parable see CHESTER STREET
or just do your own search of Matthew 13 or google "wheat and tares" like I did.
o
tFriday, May 15, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Vacation memories ( or what happened to me?)
So I am on this beautiful wood ketch, making toward the open ocean out of San Diego bay, and suddenly a strange force comes over me, and I become nauseated, and dump the contents of my stomach into the ocean, several times. When I get somewhat stabilized and the boat heads off on the port tack the swells are handled better, and I go recline on a side deck, sucking in quantities of fresh ocean air. Here is where I get fuzzy about the details, but I am almost sure that I was abducted by aliens in a UFO. When I returned I had serious radiation burns on my face, parts of my legs and on the tops of my feet. The crew, which had been 'normal' during the sail, turned into rum slugging drunks after dinner, so I think they had some sort of extra terrestrial contact also.
The hot shower in the tiny 'head' gave some sense of calm and ease, and I turned in and prayed the gray, big headed weirdos would leave me alone.
I awoke too early in the morning to a giant SPLOOSH, and flapping wings. It seems that fishing, for the pelicans, begins just at first light. Breakfast was hearty and the captain offered me two small magic pills that fended off all queasiness and the alien menace. The rest of the day was a quiet one, just the wind across our bow and the whoosh of the bow wake. I got so relaxed I did not even bother with wanting to trim sails, or handle the steering. I was a vegetable, and only the thoughts of the Sheraton's breezy room and the cool pool could coax me off the vessel I had come to think of as MINE for two days.
Video view from the bow HERE
The hot shower in the tiny 'head' gave some sense of calm and ease, and I turned in and prayed the gray, big headed weirdos would leave me alone.
I awoke too early in the morning to a giant SPLOOSH, and flapping wings. It seems that fishing, for the pelicans, begins just at first light. Breakfast was hearty and the captain offered me two small magic pills that fended off all queasiness and the alien menace. The rest of the day was a quiet one, just the wind across our bow and the whoosh of the bow wake. I got so relaxed I did not even bother with wanting to trim sails, or handle the steering. I was a vegetable, and only the thoughts of the Sheraton's breezy room and the cool pool could coax me off the vessel I had come to think of as MINE for two days.
Video view from the bow HERE
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
weeding - and feeding
It is WAY spring all of a sudden
and the battles have been renewed between myself and the ever present Taraxacum officinale,
or dandelion.
It should be plural but what is the plural of thousands?
SO i am pulling weeds, and planting flowers.
Mom thinks the damndelions are flowers, cute and yellow.
I think the damndelions are a scourge, the eleventh plauge that God set on the Egyptians to finally convince Pharaoh to "let my people go!" No matter. They are bad news, and a pox and a blight on my flower garden. I will not have them or their floating fluffy offspring ruining my floral displays.
As I am constantly monitoring myself for useful messages and visions to explain what heretofore has been inexplicable ( me), I sensed in the dandelions an object lesson de jour. I am working it up into a full blown post, but suffice it to say that God owns the garden that is me, and has let me work in it, and so I am choosing daily the type of flowers and care that go into making me beautiful and fruitful.
Yes, it is back breaking work. I am holding on to see the results that some weeding, watering and fertilizers will bring in the months and years ahead.
and the battles have been renewed between myself and the ever present Taraxacum officinale,
or dandelion.
It should be plural but what is the plural of thousands?
SO i am pulling weeds, and planting flowers.
Mom thinks the damndelions are flowers, cute and yellow.
I think the damndelions are a scourge, the eleventh plauge that God set on the Egyptians to finally convince Pharaoh to "let my people go!" No matter. They are bad news, and a pox and a blight on my flower garden. I will not have them or their floating fluffy offspring ruining my floral displays.
As I am constantly monitoring myself for useful messages and visions to explain what heretofore has been inexplicable ( me), I sensed in the dandelions an object lesson de jour. I am working it up into a full blown post, but suffice it to say that God owns the garden that is me, and has let me work in it, and so I am choosing daily the type of flowers and care that go into making me beautiful and fruitful.
Yes, it is back breaking work. I am holding on to see the results that some weeding, watering and fertilizers will bring in the months and years ahead.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
for mom
A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away. As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.
He asked her what was wrong and she replied,
"I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."
The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose." He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."
She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.
The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.
He asked her what was wrong and she replied,
"I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother. But I only have seventy-five cents, and a rose costs two dollars."
The man smiled and said, "Come on in with me. I'll buy you a rose." He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother's flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, "Yes, please! You can take me to my mother."
She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.
The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother's house.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Friday, May 08, 2009
can you imagine?
Can you picture me:
four days without email
Four days of no television ( i think I will leave it off for tonight also)
Almost NO phone calls, maybe two text messages
I glanced at USA today twice ( way to go Manny Ramirez, Jeez!)
Two days of walking around San Diego, and two days and a night aboard and older wooden Ketch, sailing in the bay and the ocean, wi9th nothing but wind, waves and sea life to contemplate.
Ahhhh it was so good.
four days without email
Four days of no television ( i think I will leave it off for tonight also)
Almost NO phone calls, maybe two text messages
I glanced at USA today twice ( way to go Manny Ramirez, Jeez!)
Two days of walking around San Diego, and two days and a night aboard and older wooden Ketch, sailing in the bay and the ocean, wi9th nothing but wind, waves and sea life to contemplate.
Ahhhh it was so good.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Tip of the day for new bloggers
when having a hard time sorting many thoughts
and not knowing what to slap into a blog post, do a bullet list.
Ten thoughts on a Monday:
1. Monday dawns cloudy, no matter what the weather man said
2. To the birds it is just another piece of sky to fly in, another wedge of time for eating, nesting and rejoicing in being such a cool bird.
3. The Sun which is as constant as anything we know, has no problem with the clouds, or Monday.
4. The Oaks which have endured hundreds of winters, will announce spring in their own time and in their own way, soon. They live for summer, and glory in the power of the earth, and water and sun. Every Summer Monday is a good one for the oaks, and for acorns and squirrels.
5. Having experienced only 18 mountain winters, I am not as strong as an oak, but I am getting there. (aside- Beach boy endless summers do not make you strong or teach perseverance. )
6. Having three children DOES give me the opportunity to grow wise and gray at the same time.
7. Monday is one seventh of my week, it would be wrong to to lose any part of it complaining.
8. I love the work I am doing and the ministry God has given me, seven days a week.
9. Fasting makes me strong, in many ways. Taking away food today makes me appreciate it more on Tuesday.
10. Allowing myself juice and tea with honey is practicing self love, self care.
and not knowing what to slap into a blog post, do a bullet list.
Ten thoughts on a Monday:
1. Monday dawns cloudy, no matter what the weather man said
2. To the birds it is just another piece of sky to fly in, another wedge of time for eating, nesting and rejoicing in being such a cool bird.
3. The Sun which is as constant as anything we know, has no problem with the clouds, or Monday.
4. The Oaks which have endured hundreds of winters, will announce spring in their own time and in their own way, soon. They live for summer, and glory in the power of the earth, and water and sun. Every Summer Monday is a good one for the oaks, and for acorns and squirrels.
5. Having experienced only 18 mountain winters, I am not as strong as an oak, but I am getting there. (aside- Beach boy endless summers do not make you strong or teach perseverance. )
6. Having three children DOES give me the opportunity to grow wise and gray at the same time.
7. Monday is one seventh of my week, it would be wrong to to lose any part of it complaining.
8. I love the work I am doing and the ministry God has given me, seven days a week.
9. Fasting makes me strong, in many ways. Taking away food today makes me appreciate it more on Tuesday.
10. Allowing myself juice and tea with honey is practicing self love, self care.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Joy of set
There really is no happiness like that of setting tile.
This week I get to take a simple tile and make it Beautiful because we add a little slant to it.
The blue wires are a heater that the home owner added to keep his lovely wife and babies' tootsies warm in the winter. he is a very smart guy.
I am glad to have an opportunity to serve them and to get out of my "shell" for a while. I just wish I was healthy at the same time. Today we will finish the kitchen and set tile in the entry hall. Maybe some time for grout and sealer.
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