Month: April 2017

This Frame Is Just Like Me

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This frame is just like me, full of pits, flaws, and just plain messy.  It is also a work in progress.

I bought this frame with nail holes, because it reminds me of the scars we get through life.  This is a reminder to me about how messy life (and people) can be.

I didn’t want to leave all of the holes – I wanted to fill them in.  This is my reminder that healing does take place, but sometimes there are scars.

My attempt to fill the holes did not go well.  The frame looks messier than before.   I decided this would be a work in progress.  I have been thinking through what I can do to make the frame look nice.  I’m not sure if that is possible, but I’m going to try.

I like visual representations of life lessons.  We all live through difficult times that wound our spirits.  Those experiences change us for the rest of our lives.  We may feel as though we will never be whole again.  However, for the Christian, God uses each life situation to make us more like Jesus Christ.  There is no better goal in life than to become like Christ.

So this frame is a reminder to me that while I am messy and have flaws, God is still working on me to produce a beautiful image.  His.

A Facebook Stalker

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I have a Facebook stalker – maybe two or three.  Usually a stalker is someone bad, but in my case I have friends looking out for me.  Any time I post a need, one of them responds quickly.  Volunteering herself or a member of her family to help meet my need.

I love my Facebook stalkers.  And they love me.

Easter Reflections

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Merry Christmas

Yes, I know.  This is is a Christmas card.  However, I was struck this past Christmas by this greeting card sent by one of my employer’s suppliers.

We tend to separate Christmas and Easter, but the two holidays are closely related.  Jesus Christ came to be born as a baby with the purpose of dying on the cross for our sins.

So today on Easter Sunday, I am thinking about and thankful for both Christmas and Easter.

God is so good!

 

The Blessing of Food Issues

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A while back I shared my story about “Contentment with Flooding“.  Today I want to share about another challenge that God put in my path and how He has used it to my benefit.

Some years ago I had been getting sick frequently.   Too frequently.  I floundered for a while, but finally wondered if I had food issues due to an article I had read about gluten sensitivity.  I also talked to a friend who has Celiac’s Disease and found we had health issues in common.  I decided I needed to try eating gluten free to see if that would make a difference.  Wow, did it ever!  I had more energy than I had in a long time and didn’t get sick as much.  I started losing weight (that needed to come off) and could tell I was healthier.

As hard as I tried,  I felt it impossible to consistently have good food habits.  I am learning to change my thinking about food.  Food should be fuel  for my body (which is the temple of the Holy Spirit according to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20) and not used to make me feel good.  God blessed by taking away the convenience foods that I tended to run to when life was crazy (which is often).  Food is still a battle, but God has blessed in making it possible to get the foods I need and encouragement from friends to have right thinking.

Sometimes blessings come in the form of difficulties.  I still struggle counting trials joy (especially when I want pizza), but God is patient and lovingly brings me back to the right path.

God is so good!

Make God Your Everything

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The tagline for my blog is “Make God Your Everything.”   This thought has been rolling around my head for the last few years.  I am learning that God should not only be at the center of my life, but my entire life.  Nothing is worthwhile without Him.

Unfortunately, my selfish personality wants my life to be all about me.  I am thankful God gives reminders that He is worthy of my loyalty.  His love patiently brings me back to the place I need to be.

He must increase; I must disappear. (John 3:30)

Make God Everything

Picture: Matanuska Glacier, Alaska (2005)

Sleeping Lady – again

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If you have read my blog and looked at the pictures, you may have noticed how much I enjoy Susitna (Sleeping Lady) in Anchorage, AK.  I have been going down memory lane by looking at pictures from my two trips to Alaska so I wanted to post another Sleeping Lady picture.

This photo isn’t as clear and distinct as some.  This was taken on my first trip in 2005 with the last film camera I had.  (This was also right before sunset and there was some haze in front of Sleeping Lady.)  Those were special memories that I wanted to share.

May God give you His rest tonight.

Psalm 3 5