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

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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.