Little Things

Yesterday I needed to go to town. I had a bit of extra time so decided to stop at Dollar General to grab a few things. Well, as usually happens when shopping, the time got away from me and I realized I'll have to hurry to get to the next place in time.

I grabbed my stuff and hurried towards the checkout counter, noting with dismay that there were 2 ladies in front of me, carts piled high. Oh no, I thought, this is going to take awhile. I sure wish this lady in front of me would offer to let me go first. But how likely is that, my thoughts continued, she's probably in a hurry, too. The lady in question was looking the other way, quite oblivious to me and my thoughts, or so I thought. I sighed and resigned myself to a long wait.

Not more than a minute later the lady turned around and mumbled something that sounded like, "You can go ahead." My mouth must've dropped open and I'm sure I looked rather dumb-founded. "Huh?? What was that again?" I fumbled rather stupidly. She repeated it, as I continued to stand there in shocked amazement! Finally I gathered my wits and hesitantly replied, "If you're sure... I am kind of in a hurry. Thank you!"

It was all I could do to keep from crying right then and there. God heard my wish, which I hadn't even formulated into a prayer, and He answered. Just like that.

I thanked Him. I continue to thank Him. He cares about me. He cares about the "little things" and He is looking out for me every minute of every day.

He Knows!

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

I was reminded of this verse the other day. With things being a bit uncertain with my job, it took on new meaning. There are a lot of things I don't know concerning the future but God says that He knows and if I know the God who knows, I don't have to know what the plans are. My job is to trust the God who knows.

And God is good and I am always loved.

It Takes All Kinds

We have a sign on the counter at work that says: "Please refrain from cursing in respect for God and others..." with 4 Bible verses following. I was a bit surprised yesterday when the guy in dark sunglasses, earrings and a nose ring asked for a copy to put in his office.


And then there was the woman who said she drove 80 mph all the way from Inman to get there to pick up her computer before we closed. She seemed to have a strong emotional attachment to the afore said computer. It was hugged and gushed over and said sweet nothings to, as if it were a long-lost child.

A week or so ago, we got a returned check in the mail. The lady got mad because she (falsely) thought we hadn't fixed her computer and didn't think she was treated fairly so she put a "stop payment" on her check.

What about the 90-year-old, dementia-seized Dad who bashes the cookie-baking party?

Or...the 7-year-old who says rather bitterly, "I never get what I want."

And the person who wakes up quite early on Thanksgiving morning, hungry. She thinks of sneaking down to the neighbors and snitching a hunk of the turkey she knows is baking in the oven, but... she settles for a bowl of cereal. (Don't ask me how I know these things.)

Then there was the husband who knew his wife was scared to stand up and give her testimony in church and so he went and moved the mikes off the platform and stood up there with her, for moral support, as she talked.

People. So many people. How does Jesus see them? How do I see them? What lessons can I learn on giving and receiving love?

SNOW!!

I love snow! Although I knew there was some in the forecast tonight, I was still shocked when my friend called and told me to look outside. It was SNOWING! Big, delicious, fluffy flakes (well, in this case, rather wet, heavy ones would be a better description). The ground was already white and it was still coming down. Thickly. I wanted to dance a jig. The second snow of the season and November is hardly started. Amazing for Kansas!

Tonight after work I dropped in at Dad & Mom's and begged a bite of supper. Families are nice like that. They are quick to pull up an extra chair and set out another plate. There is a forgiving heart for little beggars.

But although I enjoy eating the good home cooking, tonight I had other things in mind. I needed a "Golf" fix. It's an addicting game. (This isn't the one where you run around on a green carpet of grass and hit a ball around.) If you don't know how to play it, I would advise you not to learn, unless, of course, you want to come play with me. I don't usually have very good luck, which only spurs me on to play "one more", whereas Mom, who declares she doesn't know how to play, wins without even trying! Aggravation!

There was a battle of the wills, for Mom wanted to play "Dominoes" and I wanted to play "Golf". So we compromised and played both. Ann was even induced to play a few rounds of "Golf" before she set her sights on higher things. After which Mom & I commenced to play a few games of "Dominoes", Dad not being persuaded to help.

As we were deep into our game, suddenly all was blackness and...silence, everyone being struck dumb, momentarily. And then, "What happened to the lights?" came Dad's voice from somewhere in the regions of the utility room. And then there was a scrambling to find a flashlight, after which we dug out a few candles. We sat in the flickering light and contemplated important issues, such as: Why did the light go out? How soon would it come on? And have you ever wondered why, as soon as the power goes off, you suddenly feel extremely thirsty and MUST go to the bathroom?

Well, finding no answers to these rather weighty questions, someone (I'd rather not mention any names) suggested another round of "Golf", seeing as how the sister was rather handicapped in her pursuit of higher aspirations. And so we did. But still, the winds of fortune had not changed and one went home with sadness of heart. In regards to "Golf". In regards to snow, great gladness!

Such joy! I stepped out on the porch and stuck out my tongue to catch a few flakes. And then I beheld my car...

What fun to maneuver the slippery, slushy roads as I slowly made my way home. But I must say I was glad it was only for a quarter mile.

As fun as candles are, I was very glad the power came back on in time for me to take a shower and...to write this post.

I still like snow. I'm off to check if it's still snowing and then...to bed.

Good night!

1000 Gifts

No, I haven't reached it yet, but I'm working towards that goal. Yesterday I wrote #871. I hope to hit 1000 before this year rolls out. So many gifts...so little time...to enjoy them all.

Here are a few:
- God's lavish love
- A garage for car on a frosty morning
- Night with 11 hours of sleep! Awww...
- Baby smiles
- Yellow flowers in mini teapot
- Hugs all around
- Green lights when late for work
- Moon shining between bare branches
- Muddy roads (a sign of the long-awaited rain)
- Shockingly low electric bill
- Forgiveness

****************************************************

Jesus was a man of love, gentleness and compassion. I'm trying to learn how to be compassionate instead of critcal and condemning. It's not always easy.

The story in John 8:1-11 is a perfect example of Jesus' love and compassion. If you haven't read it recently, read it again. Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn thee, go and sin no more." Wow! How often do I condemn those who have sinned? And if it's not someone else, it's myself. I can't believe I did that! How can I ever forgive myself? And yet...when I come to Jesus he is so ready and willing to forgive and if He forgives, why shouldn't I?

And so I lay me down in peace and sleep for my God is on the throne and all is well.

I Wish...

...I could think of something brilliant or witty to write. I can't.

Life is crazy. It takes unexpected twists and turns. I'm smiling up at a sunny, blue sky without a cloud on the horizon. Next thing I know, I'm face-down in a dark tunnel, not sure if I'll ever see the light of day again. And yet...I know...God is in control. He has every one of my days written in His book.

With some regret, I trimmed back my moon flower bush. It got hit by frost last week and was drooping badly. I loved those flowers blooming in the night. But still I know. They will bloom again someday.

My sister took Dad shopping for a sweater the other day. He clung closely to her side, for he didn't want to get lost. This is a good thing. As they stood in line at the checkout counter, he said quite loudly, to no one in particular, "I hope I'm still following the right person." This is also a good thing...to be sure you're following the right person.

"For since the world began, no ear has heard, and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for Him." Isa. 64:4 NLT

And in the waiting... I will praise Him...

Really Living

Sitting around a campfire on a cool, fall evening...

- roasting marshmellows and hotdogs

- munching popcorn

- telling stories

- laughing, loud and long

- gazing at starlit night sky

- enjoying fellowship of friends

- edging closer to warmth of fire

- friendly dog begging for love


And above all...embraced and surrounded by God's love!

RAIN!!

Last night as I was lying in bed listening to the patter of raindrops on the roof, I kept repeating this phrase over and over: "Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Jesus! THANK YOU, JESUS!!!

Rewards & Faith

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. Heb.11:6 NIV

Do you believe that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him?

And what about faith...sometimes I think all my faith is gone...but it says it is impossible to please God without faith.

Even in the Dark

It was another warm, July evening as I stepped outside to bid my sister goodbye. I happened to glance in the direction of my moonflower bush. I was amazed at what I saw and I ran over to take a closer look. Yes! The bush was COVERED with gorgeous white flowers bravely shining in the night. I began counting...ten...twenty...thirty...forty...fifty! Fifty blossoms! My heart was struck with the beauty and I couldn't quit exclaiming over them.

Moonflower bush the next morning.

(With not nearly as many blooms but it gives you an idea.)

At last I rather reluctantly went inside, but the beauty went with me. My heart was filled with joy and I found myself singing as I prepared for bed. A song I had never heard before...one God gave to me...overflowing with thanks and praise to Him. (It doesn't matter how loud you sing when you're the only one in the house.:))

And as I thought about the moonflowers shining in the night, I asked God, "What is there purpose? It seems strange that you would cause flowers to bloom at night, when they would be seldom seen." And God replied, "Don't miss the beauty I am showing you, Pauline. There is beauty in the dark. I am with you even in the dark."

My heart felt comforted because I KNOW it's true. He is with me, even in the darkest night.

AND, my friend, He is with you.

My dear Mother...

...brought me this toilet paper roll cover, this morning at 7:00 o'clock, that she crocheted especially for me!
Mom loves doing things for people and I have often been the recipient of her acts of service over the years. As she has aged she has had to give up a lot of things that she loved doing for others. But this is one thing she could still do and no sooner was the request made yesterday morning than she went right to work.

I love it! And I love Mom for her unselfish giving!

P.S. I also love my purple/lavendar bathroom!

He Did It Again!

From this...

To this!

As of today I have a new place of abode. I still marvel at the amazing and awesome ways in which God works. A week ago I had no idea where I was going to move. I only knew that in 3 weeks I may be homeless.

It was quite a shock when I received word in May that my landlords were returning from Thailand and I would need to move. Moving wasn't really in my plans for this summer. I had come to love this little "house on the prairie". "Really, God," I questioned, "are you sure this is the right timing?"

And so began my search for a house. I hunted here and hunted there. I made phone calls and more phone calls. I looked at this place and that place. I followed suggestions of many helpful friends. All to no avail. NOTHING seemed right.

My faith was like a yo-yo...up and down...up and down... I prayed and prayed...other friends prayed for me...and still...no house...nothing...

At the beginning of my search Mom told me of a house just down the road from them that would soon be empty. We didn't know if they were selling or renting. I called about it and found out they were selling. I wasn't sure about buying but didn't totally throw that out. However, the next day I heard it had been sold. A week or so later I decided to check if the new owners were interested in renting. They were! But...they had someone else pretty interested and the price was too high. A day or two later they called me back and said the other party had backed out. Oh, how I wanted it but it was too much. I didn't think there was any hope, for it was a good location and a good price for what it was (it was just that it was really bigger than I needed and I couldn't see paying that much).

Time went on. My friend suggested I just go take a look at it. I was reluctant, for I was afraid it would make me want it all the more and I knew there was no way I could afford it. But one night I got the sudden notion to go look. As I feared. I liked it. Even more than I thought I would.

So I kept looking. At other places. The time kept getting closer. I HAD to find a place soon. WHAT was I going to do??

Last Sunday the pastor read these verses in Habakkuk 3: "Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior." vs.17-18 And this is how it read to me, "Though I have no place to live, yet I will rejoice in the Lord." And I thanked him.

Monday morning I felt led to call these people and make an offer. They called me back at noon and said, "Come over and let's talk." I went over after work and it was handed to me on a silver platter, no questions asked. Less than a week later, here I am enjoying my new house.

There's nothing else to say. It was God. Plain and simple. And I give Him the glory for He alone is worthy.

And what really blows me away... He didn't just give me some dinky place to get by...He gave me the one place that He KNEW I really wanted! What an awesome God!

Thank God for Hugs

Last week I was watching the front counter while Dwight was gone to lunch, when a man walked in with 2 small children. I would've guessed them to be maybe 2 and 4. As I walked to the front of the store, the little blond-haired boy came running towards me and threw his arms around my legs in a big bear hug. I was a little startled and surprised, for this was no one I had ever seen before! But my surprise soon turned to delight and I enthusiastically returned the hug.

I had to wonder...does he go around giving hugs to everyone he sees...or maybe...did God tell him I needed a hug that day?

A little blond-haired boy...I had never seen before...will probably never see again...but God used him to bless my day...

Thank God for hugs!

Forgive...AGAIN??

But I don't feel like it...I feel angry and bitter. How could they do that to me AGAIN!?? And merrily go on their way, not seeming to care, while I miserably struggle through the day. And the lies fly thick and fast. I fight back the tears of frustration and anger.

I scroll through my list of songs looking for something different to play. I click on the song "When God Ran" by Phillips, Craig & Dean. As the music plays, I sit there with tears silently dripping down and falling on my keyboard. The story of the prodigal son...of love...of forgiveness. And when he was still a long way off his Father saw him coming and RAN to meet him!

Suddenly I realized: I can't forgive if I don't first accept the Father's forgiveness for me. At that moment something changed inside me. Jesus has forgiven me...AGAIN! No, I don't deserve it. But He loves me...and that is why.

I felt the anger and bitterness melting away...the day looked brighter, much brighter. I could smile. I wanted to see them, talk with them.

Because of His forgiveness...I too forgive...because I love...that is why!

Roses!

New rose bush!

Roses Will Bloom Again

by Marsha Henry

I planted a little rose bush

I tended it with care

It's buds began to blossom

Their fragrance filled the air

But when winter came it withered,

The petals drooped and fell to the ground

My heart sank as it faded

But I'd forgotten who had made it

Chorus:

Roses will bloom again

Just wait and see

Don't mourn what might have been

Only God knows how and when that

Roses will bloom again.

The precious Rose of Sharon

Broken and bruised in cruel shame

Stained on the cross of Calvary

So that men might be saved

Oh, Satan cheered as he died

While Mary and the others cried

Then God raised him up from that sleep

And kept a promise only he could keep.

I See the Cross...

...as a place of love and forgiveness. As I kneel there again, Jesus comes and stands beside me with his hand on my shoulder, his tears mingling with mine. Love. Forgiveness.

Yesterday it happened again. The sudden insight, as though a lightbulb went on in my head. All these years, that's what has been happening. A vow made. A stronghold. Unforgiveness.

But as I knelt at the foot of the cross, confessed my sin and felt God's forgiveness, in an instant, it was gone. I was free! Happy! Loved! Forgiven!

And Jesus bent down, looked me in the eye and said, "Arise, my daughter, to walk in newness of life!"

"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they (YOU) may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10

Confidence

A lovely, sunny Saturday with nothing pressing to do...

I stayed at home and only did what I wanted to all day long! How sweet and refreshing...healing for the soul...

This afternoon I went for a stroll down my quiet, dirt road. As I drank in the fresh, warm air, I sang and talked to God. Later I sat and watched the lovely clouds as the sun was setting.

This is a good time in my life, not always easy, but good. A time to be quiet, to rest, to wait... a time to enjoy days of refreshing with no one else making demands on my time... a time to commune with God and hear His heart for me... a time to trust... to know my future is in His hands and the ones I love are in His hands...

My theme verse for this year:
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Phil.1:6

He will do it. For me. For you.

Nothing But Trust

"I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted." Job 42:2

This year I'm teaching a Sunday School class of 4-6 year-olds. I'm amazed at how often the lesson speaks so loudly to me and things that I am facing.

This week it's the story of Job. Job did nothing wrong and yet he suffered many things. He didn't understand what was going on and still he chose to trust God. Suffering draws us to God and shows us things that we wouldn't see otherwise. In the end Job said, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you."

Turn our hearts to you, O God!