Yep, you read that right -- I'm takin' a break for a few days.
The weather report for the weekend is good, so we're planning to go ahead with our garage sale this weekend.
Seems as though all I've done the last few days is put price stickers on the sale items, many of which are dishes. I took time to look some of them up on the web as they appeared to be worth something. (Rex's first wife LOVED decorative dishes!) It was quite interesting, especially when I would find an exact match for something I had -- Currier and Ives plates, for example.
What puzzled me, however, were a couple of old metal plates -- don't know if they are brass or bronze! But were they heavy. The design looked to be hammered out. There were absolutely no markings on them to identify the source, so I just stuck a sticker on them that says "Make Offer!"
Tomorrow someone is coming to help us set up shelving on wooden horses so we can display things. We had hoped to borrow folding tables from the church, but there is a big dinner and baby shower Friday night for the pastor, so they need all their tables!
Anyhow, think of me the next couple days and say a prayer for me as walking is difficult for me and we have to carry everything from the living room outside!
See ya in a couple days!
Preacher's Kid
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
SPIRITUAL RUNAWAY
Oh what a fun evening -- the cat snuck out!
Tippy is a housecat, so we've never gotten a collar or license for him. I've even tried to coax him outside occasionally, but he gets scared and backs away from the open door. But if HE manages to pry the door open by himself, that's a different story! He must have been gone an hour or more until we missed him this evening. And it was raining lightly! Rex and I jumped in the car to drive around the block when we saw the black and white rascal curled up beneath our motor home which we park behind the house. But do you think we could get him to come out? An hour and a half later, in he came, nice and dry, which means the motor home was as far as the little booger got!
Aha! Devotional fodder! Spiritual Runaways!
As God's children, are we ever guilty of running away spiritually? I know we can never actually run away from God. Sometimes people refer to Him as the Hound of Heaven although I'm not sure I like that phrase in referring to the Almighty!
Am I the only one who ever speaks out of turn, or manifests a wrong spirit, or holds a grudge, etc., etc., which in turn leaves me feeling as though I don't want to pray? Leaves me feeling ashamed of myself and not quite ready to face God in prayer?
Thank God for His understanding of our human frailty and our guilty feelings. And thank Him, too, for His never-failing forgiveness. When we ask, He welcomes us back to His loving open arms just as we did Tippy a few moments ago!
How much better, though, to stay within the safety and protection of God's wonderful love to begin with!
Preacher's Kid
Tippy is a housecat, so we've never gotten a collar or license for him. I've even tried to coax him outside occasionally, but he gets scared and backs away from the open door. But if HE manages to pry the door open by himself, that's a different story! He must have been gone an hour or more until we missed him this evening. And it was raining lightly! Rex and I jumped in the car to drive around the block when we saw the black and white rascal curled up beneath our motor home which we park behind the house. But do you think we could get him to come out? An hour and a half later, in he came, nice and dry, which means the motor home was as far as the little booger got!
Aha! Devotional fodder! Spiritual Runaways!
As God's children, are we ever guilty of running away spiritually? I know we can never actually run away from God. Sometimes people refer to Him as the Hound of Heaven although I'm not sure I like that phrase in referring to the Almighty!
Am I the only one who ever speaks out of turn, or manifests a wrong spirit, or holds a grudge, etc., etc., which in turn leaves me feeling as though I don't want to pray? Leaves me feeling ashamed of myself and not quite ready to face God in prayer?
Thank God for His understanding of our human frailty and our guilty feelings. And thank Him, too, for His never-failing forgiveness. When we ask, He welcomes us back to His loving open arms just as we did Tippy a few moments ago!
How much better, though, to stay within the safety and protection of God's wonderful love to begin with!
Preacher's Kid
Saturday, April 24, 2010
SPIRITUAL FORGETFULNESS
This blog would have been written well over a half hour ago if I hadn't forgotten what my password was! And Voila! I had my devotional thought -- Spiritual Forgetfulness!
At my age I really should write down my passwords in some secret place. Only I'd probably forget where that secret place was!
Speaking of secret places -- and this is what I call "a bunny trail" as it has nothing at all to do with my devotional thought. Or does it?
My husband has finally decided to get a much needed new billfold. He had several around the house, but you know how that goes. The new one is never as comfortable as the old one! In the process of deciding which new one to use, he discovered a twenty-dollar bill folded up in an out-of-the-way place in one of them. Neither of us knows how it got there. But that reminded him -- he always carries a one hundred dollar bill folded up in a secret compartment of his billfold, just for emergencies, you understand. But where was that secret compartment? Yep, he finally found it; and sure enough, there was that hundred dollar bill! Imagine finding $120 in one day!
I'm convinced, however, that age has nothing to do with "Spiritual Forgetfulness." I think young and old alike are all too familiar with that. How easy it is to forget God's wonderful blessings. How easy it is to forget He knows our greatest need as well as our smallest want! And in lieu of the dire predictions of the TV newscasters, we quickly forget that God is still in control no matter what happens!
Let's make a special effort in the coming days to remember God's gazillion blessings. And above all, let's remember to thank and praise Him for those blessings!
Preacher's Kid
At my age I really should write down my passwords in some secret place. Only I'd probably forget where that secret place was!
Speaking of secret places -- and this is what I call "a bunny trail" as it has nothing at all to do with my devotional thought. Or does it?
My husband has finally decided to get a much needed new billfold. He had several around the house, but you know how that goes. The new one is never as comfortable as the old one! In the process of deciding which new one to use, he discovered a twenty-dollar bill folded up in an out-of-the-way place in one of them. Neither of us knows how it got there. But that reminded him -- he always carries a one hundred dollar bill folded up in a secret compartment of his billfold, just for emergencies, you understand. But where was that secret compartment? Yep, he finally found it; and sure enough, there was that hundred dollar bill! Imagine finding $120 in one day!
I'm convinced, however, that age has nothing to do with "Spiritual Forgetfulness." I think young and old alike are all too familiar with that. How easy it is to forget God's wonderful blessings. How easy it is to forget He knows our greatest need as well as our smallest want! And in lieu of the dire predictions of the TV newscasters, we quickly forget that God is still in control no matter what happens!
Let's make a special effort in the coming days to remember God's gazillion blessings. And above all, let's remember to thank and praise Him for those blessings!
Preacher's Kid
Thursday, April 22, 2010
SPIRITUAL EYE DILATION
I like to draw on the happenings of daily life for my blogs when I can. Today was no exception. I had my annual eye exam this afternoon; and because I am diabetic, the optometrist put drops in my eyes to dilate the pupils to see if there was any damage in my eyes due to the diabetes.
The process is not painful at all, but I always fight having drops put in my eyes. Of course, the doctor always wins the fight! It's the blurry vision that follows that I don't care for. Even as I write this blog, several hours later, I find my vision still somewhat blurred!
Did the doctor find anything questionable? Of course, she did. Which means another exam in a month with another dilation!!! Disgusting, to say the least, but I'm not too concerned at this point. Even the doctor thinks it is temporary. I haven't felt well this week and my blood sugar has been high for the first in almost two months. When that settles down, she thinks my eyes will, too.
Anyhow, I got to thinking about spiritual dilation of the eyes, our spiritual eyes, that is. I wonder if God doesn't want to dilate our spiritual eyes with drops from His Word. Not that He needs to see into our eyes, for He already knows what is there. He knows what is in our hearts, too.
But we need our spiritual eyes dilated so WE can see more of His love, His goodness, His direction, and His will for our lives. I guess you could call spiritual dilation a reversal of the physical dilation!
Whether it's dilation of our physical eyes or our spiritual eyes, it will be beneficial! So let's allow God to put drops from His Word into our spiritual eyes and then let them seep on down into our hearts.
It won't make our spiritual eyes blurry, either. To the contrary it will sharpen our spiritual vision inmeasurably.
Gotta quit blogging--can't see to continue!
Preacher's Kid
The process is not painful at all, but I always fight having drops put in my eyes. Of course, the doctor always wins the fight! It's the blurry vision that follows that I don't care for. Even as I write this blog, several hours later, I find my vision still somewhat blurred!
Did the doctor find anything questionable? Of course, she did. Which means another exam in a month with another dilation!!! Disgusting, to say the least, but I'm not too concerned at this point. Even the doctor thinks it is temporary. I haven't felt well this week and my blood sugar has been high for the first in almost two months. When that settles down, she thinks my eyes will, too.
Anyhow, I got to thinking about spiritual dilation of the eyes, our spiritual eyes, that is. I wonder if God doesn't want to dilate our spiritual eyes with drops from His Word. Not that He needs to see into our eyes, for He already knows what is there. He knows what is in our hearts, too.
But we need our spiritual eyes dilated so WE can see more of His love, His goodness, His direction, and His will for our lives. I guess you could call spiritual dilation a reversal of the physical dilation!
Whether it's dilation of our physical eyes or our spiritual eyes, it will be beneficial! So let's allow God to put drops from His Word into our spiritual eyes and then let them seep on down into our hearts.
It won't make our spiritual eyes blurry, either. To the contrary it will sharpen our spiritual vision inmeasurably.
Gotta quit blogging--can't see to continue!
Preacher's Kid
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
SPIRITUAL SUPERMARKETS
Walmart has just opened one of its super big stores in our area including a grocery section. It's so huge I've only gone inside once and then didn't stay long. It's too confusing for this simple mind of mine to look at the abundance of different kinds of food, compare nutrition labels, then compare prices -- prices within the store itself and then prices in other supermarkets. Ads, whether in flyers, newspapers or on TV extol the virtues of this brand over another brand until my mind goes round and round like a whirly gig going no where! Of course, not all brands are satisfying -- I have my definite favorites, unless it's chocolate of course! Chocolate is chocolate is chocolate -- that's why my husband keeps the stuff hidden and doles it out two pieces at a time! But I guess that's better than nothing. If the stuff is left out in plain sight, I'll soon eat it all. Then I wonder why I don't lose weight!
Today there are just as many churches on the street corners as there are different foods in the supermarket! There are so many store-front churches, any more, at least in our area of the country. I don't know where the people come from, but it seems that every time we go for a drive, another store-front church has popped up -- sometimes within two or three doors of each other!
Like food, there are many brands of religion these days. And like food, they're not all satisfying.
So when it comes to Spiritual Supermarkets, be sure to make the right choice. After all, there's only one right choice, and that is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Preacher's Kid
Today there are just as many churches on the street corners as there are different foods in the supermarket! There are so many store-front churches, any more, at least in our area of the country. I don't know where the people come from, but it seems that every time we go for a drive, another store-front church has popped up -- sometimes within two or three doors of each other!
Like food, there are many brands of religion these days. And like food, they're not all satisfying.
So when it comes to Spiritual Supermarkets, be sure to make the right choice. After all, there's only one right choice, and that is Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior!
Preacher's Kid
Monday, April 19, 2010
THE SAFEST PLACE
Some interesting statistics came across my desk today. Thought I'd pass them on!
How to stay safe in the World today! Where IS the Safest Place?
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals.
But. . ..
You will be pleased to learn that only ..001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at Church!
And . . . Bible study is safe too! The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, attend church, and read your Bible. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Good advice, huh?
Preacher's Kid
How to stay safe in the World today! Where IS the Safest Place?
Avoid riding in automobiles because they are responsible for 20% of all fatal accidents.
Do not stay home because 17% of all accidents occur in the home.
Avoid walking on streets or sidewalks because 14% of all accidents occur to pedestrians.
Avoid traveling by air, rail, or water because 16% of all accidents involve these forms of transportation.
Of the remaining 33%, 32% of all deaths occur in Hospitals. So, above all else, avoid hospitals.
But. . ..
You will be pleased to learn that only ..001% of all deaths occur in worship services in church, and these are usually related to previous physical disorders. Therefore, logic tells us that the safest place for you to be at any given point in time is at Church!
And . . . Bible study is safe too! The percentage of deaths during Bible study is even less.
So, attend church, and read your Bible. IT WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!
Good advice, huh?
Preacher's Kid
Saturday, April 17, 2010
SPIRITUAL TARNISH
I dare say you'll be glad when my garage sale is over so you don't have to hear any more about it. Know what? I'll be glad when it's over, too!
The other day I blogged about getting rid of trash in our spiritual lives just as I'm doing with the garage sale. I didn't mention anything specifically, as I recall, but I was thinking along the lines of unforgiveness, bitterness, holding grudges, judging others, gossiping, etc.
Then I found a couple silver trays my husband's first wife had. Although she had them wrapped securely in velvet, they had some tarnish on them. Not bad for as many years as it's been since they've seen the light of day. I removed some of the tarnish with my trusty Tarn-X -- but the pieces need a little more work. Then I read on the web that you should put a piece of aluminum foil in your dish pan or sink, place the piece of silver on the foil, and cover with baking soda and water. My problem, however, is that neither a dish pan nor my sink is big enough to hold the trays!
And then my thoughts focused on "Spiritual Tarnish." Now what's the difference, you're wondering, between spiritual tarnish and spiritual junk? This is just my own thoughts -- I'm no authority on the subject!
In my mind I'm thinking of spiritual tarnish as those so-called minor, or hidden parts of our lives -- our thought life, I guess you could say. We may not voice everything we're thinking, but if we're not careful, uncharitable thoughts or judgmental thoughts play around in our minds -- trapped and hidden just like my silver trays were covered with black velvet material. No one could see what was inside those covers until it was exposed to the light.
Maybe it's time we expose our hidden thoughts and desires to the Word of God if they're not holy, Christ-like, Godly thoughts, and let His grace wipe the tarnish from our hearts, making us shine once again like refined silver separated from the dross.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Several of you have said you've tried unsuccessfully to make comments about my blogs now and then. I just found a place where I made some changes on my end of the line and did so. Don't know if that will help or not. If it works, I'd love to hear from you.
The other day I blogged about getting rid of trash in our spiritual lives just as I'm doing with the garage sale. I didn't mention anything specifically, as I recall, but I was thinking along the lines of unforgiveness, bitterness, holding grudges, judging others, gossiping, etc.
Then I found a couple silver trays my husband's first wife had. Although she had them wrapped securely in velvet, they had some tarnish on them. Not bad for as many years as it's been since they've seen the light of day. I removed some of the tarnish with my trusty Tarn-X -- but the pieces need a little more work. Then I read on the web that you should put a piece of aluminum foil in your dish pan or sink, place the piece of silver on the foil, and cover with baking soda and water. My problem, however, is that neither a dish pan nor my sink is big enough to hold the trays!
And then my thoughts focused on "Spiritual Tarnish." Now what's the difference, you're wondering, between spiritual tarnish and spiritual junk? This is just my own thoughts -- I'm no authority on the subject!
In my mind I'm thinking of spiritual tarnish as those so-called minor, or hidden parts of our lives -- our thought life, I guess you could say. We may not voice everything we're thinking, but if we're not careful, uncharitable thoughts or judgmental thoughts play around in our minds -- trapped and hidden just like my silver trays were covered with black velvet material. No one could see what was inside those covers until it was exposed to the light.
Maybe it's time we expose our hidden thoughts and desires to the Word of God if they're not holy, Christ-like, Godly thoughts, and let His grace wipe the tarnish from our hearts, making us shine once again like refined silver separated from the dross.
Preacher's Kid
P.S. Several of you have said you've tried unsuccessfully to make comments about my blogs now and then. I just found a place where I made some changes on my end of the line and did so. Don't know if that will help or not. If it works, I'd love to hear from you.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
SPIRITUAL SMORGASBORD
My husband and I went to Royal Fork, our favorite buffet, for dinner today. You see, seniors can always eat a dollar cheaper, any day, any meal. Then they give you a little yellow card and stamp it once for each meal you purchase. When you get ten stamps, you get a free meal. Not bad, eh? Better yet, one day a week is a special seniors' day and you get TWO free stamps! The day changes each month; this month it's Thursdays. Rex is in charge of the seniors' group at our church; and for a year, now, on the last double stamp day of the month, our Prime Timers, as we call them, go to Royal Fork. They love it. We have anywhere from 14 to 29 who attend.
Today I asked myself how I could "spiritualize" the experience for a blog. Was that ever easy! Don't know how I could have missed it before!
We have to eat spiritually, of course. At least we do if we want to grow in our walk with the Lord. And we know that our spiritual food is the Word of God.
Believe it or not, the Bible is one giant smorgasbord! What do you like to eat? History? Try the Old Testament, or the book of Acts. Do you prefer poetry? How about Psalms? Maybe you prefer selfhelp reading with lots of wisdom and advice. Then Proverbs is right down your alley. How about Christian romance? Try the book of Solomon! Is letter writing your thing? Read Paul's letters in the New Testament. Do you like excitement? Maybe the book of Daniel will satisfy you. Interested in end-time events? Try Revelation. Are you one of these people who like "gorry" things? Try reading about Old Testament practices when a conquering king would cut off the big toes of conquered generals after a war! Or behead them and hang their bodies up on the city wall! Whatever you enjoy, it's all there, just suited to your taste.
How long has it been since you've "stuffed" yourself at a "Spiritual Smorgasbord?"
Preacher's Kid
Today I asked myself how I could "spiritualize" the experience for a blog. Was that ever easy! Don't know how I could have missed it before!
We have to eat spiritually, of course. At least we do if we want to grow in our walk with the Lord. And we know that our spiritual food is the Word of God.
Believe it or not, the Bible is one giant smorgasbord! What do you like to eat? History? Try the Old Testament, or the book of Acts. Do you prefer poetry? How about Psalms? Maybe you prefer selfhelp reading with lots of wisdom and advice. Then Proverbs is right down your alley. How about Christian romance? Try the book of Solomon! Is letter writing your thing? Read Paul's letters in the New Testament. Do you like excitement? Maybe the book of Daniel will satisfy you. Interested in end-time events? Try Revelation. Are you one of these people who like "gorry" things? Try reading about Old Testament practices when a conquering king would cut off the big toes of conquered generals after a war! Or behead them and hang their bodies up on the city wall! Whatever you enjoy, it's all there, just suited to your taste.
How long has it been since you've "stuffed" yourself at a "Spiritual Smorgasbord?"
Preacher's Kid
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
SPIRITUAL MEMORY BANK
For months--and I do mean MONTHS -- my computer has been getting slower and slower. My technician said I needed more memory. Then he forgot about it and I didn't want to push (He's too reasonable price-wise to push!) so said nothing for a while. Finally it got so bad I just HAD to give him a nudge.
Know what? He put in additional memory night before last in less than five minutes and now I'm a happy camper!
When my husband forgot something inconsequential the next day, I just HAD to suggest: Wouldn't it be great if Jim could install additional memory for Senior Citizens' minds as effortlessly but as effectively as he did my computer?
Of course, that quickly translated itself into "Spiritual Memory!"
Scripture does have a lot to say about "remembering," starting with Ecclesiastes 12:1: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." I think the writer must have known about the lapse of memory for senior citizens when he penned that to the younger generation!
Look up the word "remember" in any concordance and you'll come up with umpteen references, far too many to attempt to list in a short blog. There's so much "good stuff" for Christians to remember -- God's mercy, His daily blessings, His love, care and protection, each new day, every breath we take, ad infinitum!
Then I spied John 15:20(a)when Jesus said, "Remember the word I said unto you . . ." Then He proceeded to tell His disciples exactly what He was referring to.
But isn't that what you and I need to do? Remember God's Word. Remember what He has said. And just what HAS He said? He's said we're His children. He's said He's given us Divine life. He's said we have a mansion in Heaven. He's said He'll supply our every need. He's said He's blessed us with every spiritual blessing. On and on and on. And above all, He said He's given us His Son Jesus!
I challenge you to start remembering what He's said. Store those "He saids" in your spiritual memory bank. Make a list if you have to. And then start praising Him not only for His words but also for the gift of remembrance!
We all need more memory -- spiritual memory, that is!
Preacher's Kid
Know what? He put in additional memory night before last in less than five minutes and now I'm a happy camper!
When my husband forgot something inconsequential the next day, I just HAD to suggest: Wouldn't it be great if Jim could install additional memory for Senior Citizens' minds as effortlessly but as effectively as he did my computer?
Of course, that quickly translated itself into "Spiritual Memory!"
Scripture does have a lot to say about "remembering," starting with Ecclesiastes 12:1: "Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth." I think the writer must have known about the lapse of memory for senior citizens when he penned that to the younger generation!
Look up the word "remember" in any concordance and you'll come up with umpteen references, far too many to attempt to list in a short blog. There's so much "good stuff" for Christians to remember -- God's mercy, His daily blessings, His love, care and protection, each new day, every breath we take, ad infinitum!
Then I spied John 15:20(a)when Jesus said, "Remember the word I said unto you . . ." Then He proceeded to tell His disciples exactly what He was referring to.
But isn't that what you and I need to do? Remember God's Word. Remember what He has said. And just what HAS He said? He's said we're His children. He's said He's given us Divine life. He's said we have a mansion in Heaven. He's said He'll supply our every need. He's said He's blessed us with every spiritual blessing. On and on and on. And above all, He said He's given us His Son Jesus!
I challenge you to start remembering what He's said. Store those "He saids" in your spiritual memory bank. Make a list if you have to. And then start praising Him not only for His words but also for the gift of remembrance!
We all need more memory -- spiritual memory, that is!
Preacher's Kid
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
A TIME FOR LAUGHTER
Ecclesiastes 3:4 declares, "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance." Laughter is also a good medicine.
Well, I got my medicine this evening, and it put me in the best mood I've been in all day.
I was going through my kitchen today getting ready for that garage sell in a couple of weeks I was telling you about. I've found treasures galore, treasures I didn't even know we possessed, such as two brand new microwave pop corn poppers, still in their original wrappings. I found a brand new Magic Bullet set--a fancy, easy way to make cool drinks. At least it was easy when I watched the TV demonstration! But when I got the set, well, that was a different story. Then I found an electric ice cream mixer I didn't even know we possessed! And as I found these and other forgotten treasures, I also found my roaster and my bundt pan which I've been looking for forever. I knew I had them, but they had gotten buried behind some other things. After all, when you live in a trailer, even a double wide such as we have, space is limited.
But the fun came when I asked my husband to see what was in those two cupboards above the refrigerator. No way could I reach them. He took my little squeegie stick that picks things up from high places (that's how I found my bundt pan) -- and latched on to a pack of something. As he pulled it down in slow motion, I saw too late to warn him, that it was a box of drinking straws with the end open and he was pulling it out upside down! Instead of telling him to stop, I began laughing in anticipation of what was going to happen next at his expense! Aren't I terrible? Of course he turned around to see what I was laughing at, and that's when all the straws fell out of the box and landed on the floor! I couldn't for the life of me stop laughing until finally my husband got the giggles, too -- giggles at my laughter, not his clumsiness! In spite of my having to stoop over to retrieve the recalcitrant straws, the laughter did both of us good.
Laughter can be a good medicine. Try it sometime. I'm sure it will brighten your day. Especially if the cat jumps into the fray and runs off with a straw which has kept him occupied all evening!
How long has it been since you've had a good laugh? Even at your own expense? I'm sure going to bed in a good mood tonight!
Preacher's Kid
Well, I got my medicine this evening, and it put me in the best mood I've been in all day.
I was going through my kitchen today getting ready for that garage sell in a couple of weeks I was telling you about. I've found treasures galore, treasures I didn't even know we possessed, such as two brand new microwave pop corn poppers, still in their original wrappings. I found a brand new Magic Bullet set--a fancy, easy way to make cool drinks. At least it was easy when I watched the TV demonstration! But when I got the set, well, that was a different story. Then I found an electric ice cream mixer I didn't even know we possessed! And as I found these and other forgotten treasures, I also found my roaster and my bundt pan which I've been looking for forever. I knew I had them, but they had gotten buried behind some other things. After all, when you live in a trailer, even a double wide such as we have, space is limited.
But the fun came when I asked my husband to see what was in those two cupboards above the refrigerator. No way could I reach them. He took my little squeegie stick that picks things up from high places (that's how I found my bundt pan) -- and latched on to a pack of something. As he pulled it down in slow motion, I saw too late to warn him, that it was a box of drinking straws with the end open and he was pulling it out upside down! Instead of telling him to stop, I began laughing in anticipation of what was going to happen next at his expense! Aren't I terrible? Of course he turned around to see what I was laughing at, and that's when all the straws fell out of the box and landed on the floor! I couldn't for the life of me stop laughing until finally my husband got the giggles, too -- giggles at my laughter, not his clumsiness! In spite of my having to stoop over to retrieve the recalcitrant straws, the laughter did both of us good.
Laughter can be a good medicine. Try it sometime. I'm sure it will brighten your day. Especially if the cat jumps into the fray and runs off with a straw which has kept him occupied all evening!
How long has it been since you've had a good laugh? Even at your own expense? I'm sure going to bed in a good mood tonight!
Preacher's Kid
Sunday, April 11, 2010
SPIRITUAL GARAGE SALE
As a kid, I lived in a small town where a siren not only announced twelve o'clock noon each day, it also signified a fire somewhere. And how I longed to follow the fire truck and get in on all the excitement. Ditto for a car wreck when an ambulance came whizzing by, lights and siren buzzing! I was too young to grasp the implication of loss, whether life or property. My family often teased me during my growing-up years about wanting to go to fires, wrecks and garage sales--none of which my parents would let me do!
Eventually I outgrew my desire to chase the fire trucks and ambulances; but when I was old enough to be on my own, I'd hunt down every garage sale in sight -- also thrift stores. Those are still two of my greatest delights; but alas! My inability to walk much has stifled that desire, too. No, to be perfectly honest, the desire hasn't been stifled in the least -- I just can't fulfill that insatiable desire!
Now I live in a motor court where we're not permitted to have garage sales any old time we wish. A weekend each Spring (and maybe another in the Fall) is designated for garage sales for the entire community. This year it's April 30th and May 1st. After mentally debating the pros and cons for a couple weeks, I finally decided today I'd go ahead with the chore this year, especially when some friends from church offered to help. The Lord knows we have plenty of "junk" to get rid of--but oh, the work of getting it all together and priced! The sale itself is a different story -- that I enjoy! It's so good to get rid of that junk.
I think the idea of garage sales must be predicated on that cliche that "One person's junk is another person's treasure." I know I have scads of nearly brand new cookbooks that surely someone will want. I just don't do fancy cooking any more. Never mind the other treasures I could mention -- the list is too long!
Then the thought hit me a few moments ago: Why wouldn't "Spiritual Garage Sales" make an interesting Baby Buggy devotional! I was all "gungho" to get to my computer and belt out such a devotional when it hit me -- what kind of spiritual trash could possibly be someone else's spiritual treasure? I giggled to myself at that idea!
I admit we all probably need to get rid of some spiritual trash in our lives, though -- you can decide for yourself what trash you're living with that you should part with. But sell it to someone else? Hello-o-o-o-o!
So much for a good devotional! Let's just settle (me included) for getting rid of some spiritual junk in our lives! Don't try to peddle it off to someone else!
Preacher's Kid
Eventually I outgrew my desire to chase the fire trucks and ambulances; but when I was old enough to be on my own, I'd hunt down every garage sale in sight -- also thrift stores. Those are still two of my greatest delights; but alas! My inability to walk much has stifled that desire, too. No, to be perfectly honest, the desire hasn't been stifled in the least -- I just can't fulfill that insatiable desire!
Now I live in a motor court where we're not permitted to have garage sales any old time we wish. A weekend each Spring (and maybe another in the Fall) is designated for garage sales for the entire community. This year it's April 30th and May 1st. After mentally debating the pros and cons for a couple weeks, I finally decided today I'd go ahead with the chore this year, especially when some friends from church offered to help. The Lord knows we have plenty of "junk" to get rid of--but oh, the work of getting it all together and priced! The sale itself is a different story -- that I enjoy! It's so good to get rid of that junk.
I think the idea of garage sales must be predicated on that cliche that "One person's junk is another person's treasure." I know I have scads of nearly brand new cookbooks that surely someone will want. I just don't do fancy cooking any more. Never mind the other treasures I could mention -- the list is too long!
Then the thought hit me a few moments ago: Why wouldn't "Spiritual Garage Sales" make an interesting Baby Buggy devotional! I was all "gungho" to get to my computer and belt out such a devotional when it hit me -- what kind of spiritual trash could possibly be someone else's spiritual treasure? I giggled to myself at that idea!
I admit we all probably need to get rid of some spiritual trash in our lives, though -- you can decide for yourself what trash you're living with that you should part with. But sell it to someone else? Hello-o-o-o-o!
So much for a good devotional! Let's just settle (me included) for getting rid of some spiritual junk in our lives! Don't try to peddle it off to someone else!
Preacher's Kid
Saturday, April 10, 2010
SPIRITUAL RING-AROUND-THE-COLLAR
Remember the ad from upteen years ago about "ring-around-the-collar?" Wasn't that the one that had a parrot singsonging the words, or do I have that mixed up with another ad? Anyhow, the ad I'm thinking about was promoting the stain remover "Shout." The answer to the question of how to get the stain out was to "shout" it out!
I don't know if "Shout" is still on the grocery shelves or not, or if it has gone the way of Oxydol. How many years has it been since you've seen Oxydol in the super market?
And spiritually speaking, like Oxydol, shouting has almost disappeared from the shelves -- oops, I mean from our churches. Bet you can't recall when you last heard someone give an old-fashioned genuine shout of praise in church! I know I can't.
My nemesis who told me Easter Sunday we have to give people "what they want," also remarked that people don't become Christians anymore by going to the altar for prayer and then jumping up and shouting, "I'm saved." In all honesty, I must admit that a person does not have to do that in order to become a Christian. But, Oh, how I miss the old-fashioned hallelujahs, the old-fashioned "amens," and yes, the old-fashioned shouts of joy and victory.
Makes me wonder if there isn't some spiritual "ring-around-the-collar" in our modern churches!
Preacher's Kid
I don't know if "Shout" is still on the grocery shelves or not, or if it has gone the way of Oxydol. How many years has it been since you've seen Oxydol in the super market?
And spiritually speaking, like Oxydol, shouting has almost disappeared from the shelves -- oops, I mean from our churches. Bet you can't recall when you last heard someone give an old-fashioned genuine shout of praise in church! I know I can't.
My nemesis who told me Easter Sunday we have to give people "what they want," also remarked that people don't become Christians anymore by going to the altar for prayer and then jumping up and shouting, "I'm saved." In all honesty, I must admit that a person does not have to do that in order to become a Christian. But, Oh, how I miss the old-fashioned hallelujahs, the old-fashioned "amens," and yes, the old-fashioned shouts of joy and victory.
Makes me wonder if there isn't some spiritual "ring-around-the-collar" in our modern churches!
Preacher's Kid
Thursday, April 8, 2010
SPIRITUAL DEFORESTATION
I got the cutest email the other day. Wish I could include it in this blog. I did forward it to some of you. It was titled "The Problem with Deforestation" and was a picture of a single, humongous tree in the middle of a lush meadow. One dog was "using" the tree, as dogs habitually, do, while there was a line of almost twenty dogs of all kinds and sizes lined up and waiting their turn! I thought it was hilarious.
As I looked at the picture again tonight, I thought of Proverbs 22:28, Living Bible, which commands: "Do not remove the ancient boundary marks. That is stealing." The King James Version uses the word "landmarks" instead of "boundary marks."
But isn't that exactly what we've done in our modern churches? Removed the ancient boundary marks, the ancient landmarks, the ancient signposts, the ancient guidelines or whatever you want to call them? And in so doing, we've stolen spiritual blessings from the younger generation according to the Living Bible paraphrase.
God doesn't change. His Word doesn't change. His requirements don't change. Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the Lord, I change not." Hebrews 13:8 echoes that statement and says, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever." And the Living Bible adds in verse 9 of the same chapter, "So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas."
Surely, in the light of those Scriptures, I don't need to spell out how the church today had removed its ancient landmarks and how it has changed. In my mind, those changes are equivalent to the deforestation portrayed in that humorous email photo I spoke about!
If only God's people would "stand in line" to voice their objections the way those dogs "stood in line" to use that one, lone tree, I believe those ancient landmarks could be restored and God could once again have His rightful place in His house of worship.
Preacher's Kid
As I looked at the picture again tonight, I thought of Proverbs 22:28, Living Bible, which commands: "Do not remove the ancient boundary marks. That is stealing." The King James Version uses the word "landmarks" instead of "boundary marks."
But isn't that exactly what we've done in our modern churches? Removed the ancient boundary marks, the ancient landmarks, the ancient signposts, the ancient guidelines or whatever you want to call them? And in so doing, we've stolen spiritual blessings from the younger generation according to the Living Bible paraphrase.
God doesn't change. His Word doesn't change. His requirements don't change. Malachi 3:6 says, "For I am the Lord, I change not." Hebrews 13:8 echoes that statement and says, "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today, and forever." And the Living Bible adds in verse 9 of the same chapter, "So do not be attracted by strange, new ideas."
Surely, in the light of those Scriptures, I don't need to spell out how the church today had removed its ancient landmarks and how it has changed. In my mind, those changes are equivalent to the deforestation portrayed in that humorous email photo I spoke about!
If only God's people would "stand in line" to voice their objections the way those dogs "stood in line" to use that one, lone tree, I believe those ancient landmarks could be restored and God could once again have His rightful place in His house of worship.
Preacher's Kid
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
SPIRITUAL HAIR SPRAY
The hair dresser about scalped me last time I got a hair cut. I just wanted a trim on the sides and in the back -- nothing taken off the top. Apparently I didn't make that clear to her. My hair is thin and fine to begin with, and now it's so short that even with hair spray I'm having a terrible time getting it to look half decent. I'll sure be glad when it grows out a little bit!
I recall the time I attended a writers' conference and my hair spray spilled all over my clothes in the suitcase. (That was when I learned to put any and all liquids in plastic baggies when packing!) The conference was just a three day affair, so I didn't have a lot of clothes with me. You can imagine how stiff my dress was when I removed it from the suitcase and tried to wear it. But worse yet was my underwear! Did you gals ever try wearing nylon undies that were stiff as a board? It's not comfortable, I can guarantee you!
Then I think about people who are as stiff as my spray-soaked undies, spiritually speaking, that is. I'm talking about people who have an opinion on anything and everything and will not budge for love nor money even when they're wrong. Of course, they never admit to being wrong. They're so wrapped up in their own ideas they won't budge an inch for anybody. If someone else's opinion doesn't agree with theirs, they refuse to listen to reason. They refuse to even try to see another person's point of view, whether right or wrong. They're just plain stiff and starchy!
Like I sometimes tell my husband, "My opinion is the right opinion! No two ways about it" Oops -- didn't mean to let that secret out!
Hair spray does have its good point, though. Did you know you can use it to remove stains from a ball point pen?
Are you a stiff and starchy Christian? Oh, I surely hope not!
Preacher's Kid
P.S. And I'm only "funnin'" with my husband when I tell him my opinion is the only right opinion!
I recall the time I attended a writers' conference and my hair spray spilled all over my clothes in the suitcase. (That was when I learned to put any and all liquids in plastic baggies when packing!) The conference was just a three day affair, so I didn't have a lot of clothes with me. You can imagine how stiff my dress was when I removed it from the suitcase and tried to wear it. But worse yet was my underwear! Did you gals ever try wearing nylon undies that were stiff as a board? It's not comfortable, I can guarantee you!
Then I think about people who are as stiff as my spray-soaked undies, spiritually speaking, that is. I'm talking about people who have an opinion on anything and everything and will not budge for love nor money even when they're wrong. Of course, they never admit to being wrong. They're so wrapped up in their own ideas they won't budge an inch for anybody. If someone else's opinion doesn't agree with theirs, they refuse to listen to reason. They refuse to even try to see another person's point of view, whether right or wrong. They're just plain stiff and starchy!
Like I sometimes tell my husband, "My opinion is the right opinion! No two ways about it" Oops -- didn't mean to let that secret out!
Hair spray does have its good point, though. Did you know you can use it to remove stains from a ball point pen?
Are you a stiff and starchy Christian? Oh, I surely hope not!
Preacher's Kid
P.S. And I'm only "funnin'" with my husband when I tell him my opinion is the only right opinion!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
THE BIBLE VS CELL PHONES
Here's an email that just came in -- too good not to share!
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phones, we don't have to worry about our Bibles being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think: Where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
Hope you enjoyed this.
Preacher's Kid
Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we flipped through it several times a day?
What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it?
What if we used it to receive messages from the text?
What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if we gave it to Kids as gifts?
What if we used it when we traveled?
What if we used it in case of emergency?
This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?
Oh, and one more thing.
Unlike our cell phones, we don't have to worry about our Bibles being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill.
Makes you stop and think: Where are my priorities? And no dropped calls!
Hope you enjoyed this.
Preacher's Kid
Monday, April 5, 2010
GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT
In my last blog, I was bemoaning the way the church has substituted theatrics for spirituality.
On Easter Sunday morning, I didn't attend the breakfast or the children's egg hunt--I was still hurting over substituting those things for our S.S. class and hymn sing. My husband and I were one of the last to arrive for the worship service, and the greeter, who is also a board member, laughingly chided us for being late. That I just couldn't take, for we WEREN'T late! So I told him why we hadn't come for the early activities and laughingly added (I think the devil made me do it!), "I'm ashamed of every board member, including you and my husband, who didn't object to these plans!"
I'm afraid that didn't go over too well -- but then I've always been known to speak my mind! After church, this board member tried to explain his position. After all, we're the older generation. Yep, agreed. And young people worship God differently today than we're accustomed to. Yep, agreed. Etc. I don't have space to list all the other reasons he gave. Some ideas I agreed with; on other thoughts I challenged him. "Are your ideas working?" I queried. He had no answer!
"We must give them what they want," he concluded. Now wait a minute -- that concept didn't really hit me until later in the day. "Give them what they want." Where in Scripture did Jesus "give the people what they wanted?" Until He gave His life, that is. Where in the Bible did Paul and the Apostles "give them what they wanted?"
Reminds me of an illustration I heard years ago about the little child on the train whining and complaining at his nanny until his mother spoke sharply to her and said, "Give him what he wants so he'll shut up." The nanny did so, and the child let out a scream and began to cry uncontrollably. Know what he wanted? A honey bee that was climbing up and down the window! And when he got what he wanted, he also got stung!
Now that I have that off my chest, I'll try to get back to real devotionals tomorrow!
Hope you had a happy Easter. I'll admit, I didn't; I was too upset!!! But I survived!
Preacher's Kid
On Easter Sunday morning, I didn't attend the breakfast or the children's egg hunt--I was still hurting over substituting those things for our S.S. class and hymn sing. My husband and I were one of the last to arrive for the worship service, and the greeter, who is also a board member, laughingly chided us for being late. That I just couldn't take, for we WEREN'T late! So I told him why we hadn't come for the early activities and laughingly added (I think the devil made me do it!), "I'm ashamed of every board member, including you and my husband, who didn't object to these plans!"
I'm afraid that didn't go over too well -- but then I've always been known to speak my mind! After church, this board member tried to explain his position. After all, we're the older generation. Yep, agreed. And young people worship God differently today than we're accustomed to. Yep, agreed. Etc. I don't have space to list all the other reasons he gave. Some ideas I agreed with; on other thoughts I challenged him. "Are your ideas working?" I queried. He had no answer!
"We must give them what they want," he concluded. Now wait a minute -- that concept didn't really hit me until later in the day. "Give them what they want." Where in Scripture did Jesus "give the people what they wanted?" Until He gave His life, that is. Where in the Bible did Paul and the Apostles "give them what they wanted?"
Reminds me of an illustration I heard years ago about the little child on the train whining and complaining at his nanny until his mother spoke sharply to her and said, "Give him what he wants so he'll shut up." The nanny did so, and the child let out a scream and began to cry uncontrollably. Know what he wanted? A honey bee that was climbing up and down the window! And when he got what he wanted, he also got stung!
Now that I have that off my chest, I'll try to get back to real devotionals tomorrow!
Hope you had a happy Easter. I'll admit, I didn't; I was too upset!!! But I survived!
Preacher's Kid
Thursday, April 1, 2010
SPIRITUAL AMUSEMENT PARKS
Churches have what I call an "entertainment mentality" today. They certainly aren't what they used to be.
To begin with, it's difficult to find a church that still sings the old-fashioned hymns in harmony style using hymnals. It's unison singing from a TV screen led by a worship team rather than a song leader. And some of the worship teams are quite skilled in entertainment -- both in dress and actions. When the first choruses were introduced, they were quite worshipful, both words and music. One could even harmonize with the music. Nowadays, rhythm, beat, and noise have replaced true music. Offbeats are emphasized and the words often fail to rhyme. Melody, too, has disappeared as a musical phrase is repeated over and over. And with no notes to follow, how in the world is one supposed to learn the new tunes, if, indeed, one can call them tunes!
Then religious movie scripts were introduced. We have to keep the people's attention, you know!
Many churches have dropped Sunday School classes. Kids attend school during the week -- they need Sundays off. And many sporting events are now held on Sundays which keep many people from attending church services.
I really should classify this last paragraph as a Pet Peeve. My blood pressure jumped to over 220 when I first learned that on Easter Sunday our church is not having the usual hymn singing and adult Bible Study class. No, they're going to "feed their faces" with an Easter breakfast instead of feed their souls on the Word -- and on the most holy Sunday of the year. So the women are all trying to come up with breakfast casseroles of one kind or another. Oh, yes, they're also going to have an egg hunt for the kiddies. Poor kiddies -- they don't get ehough candy and such at home and at school! How are our children ever going to learn the real meaning of Easter?
Guess it's all part of the "Entertainment Mentality." Call me old fashioned if you will, but I'm not participating!
Sunday is not a day for church, anymore -- it's time for a trip to a "Spiritual Amusement Park."
Preacher's Kid
To begin with, it's difficult to find a church that still sings the old-fashioned hymns in harmony style using hymnals. It's unison singing from a TV screen led by a worship team rather than a song leader. And some of the worship teams are quite skilled in entertainment -- both in dress and actions. When the first choruses were introduced, they were quite worshipful, both words and music. One could even harmonize with the music. Nowadays, rhythm, beat, and noise have replaced true music. Offbeats are emphasized and the words often fail to rhyme. Melody, too, has disappeared as a musical phrase is repeated over and over. And with no notes to follow, how in the world is one supposed to learn the new tunes, if, indeed, one can call them tunes!
Then religious movie scripts were introduced. We have to keep the people's attention, you know!
Many churches have dropped Sunday School classes. Kids attend school during the week -- they need Sundays off. And many sporting events are now held on Sundays which keep many people from attending church services.
I really should classify this last paragraph as a Pet Peeve. My blood pressure jumped to over 220 when I first learned that on Easter Sunday our church is not having the usual hymn singing and adult Bible Study class. No, they're going to "feed their faces" with an Easter breakfast instead of feed their souls on the Word -- and on the most holy Sunday of the year. So the women are all trying to come up with breakfast casseroles of one kind or another. Oh, yes, they're also going to have an egg hunt for the kiddies. Poor kiddies -- they don't get ehough candy and such at home and at school! How are our children ever going to learn the real meaning of Easter?
Guess it's all part of the "Entertainment Mentality." Call me old fashioned if you will, but I'm not participating!
Sunday is not a day for church, anymore -- it's time for a trip to a "Spiritual Amusement Park."
Preacher's Kid
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