THIS JOURNEY
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
April 18
April 18, 2011 ~
This morning I was studying about Jacob’s family. What a dysfunctional family it was with its favoritism, multiple wives, strife, manipulation, deceit, and on it goes. You can read about it in Genesis 36 and 37.
In reading the story, it is clear to me why his sons, however inexcusable, had major issues and treated Joseph, among others, terrible. Knowing the background helps me better understand what led them to do the things they did.
As I think about it, I have to ask myself am I any different? I, like everyone, am to some degree trapped in my own circumstances. Things happen that are beyond my control. So my question is, how do I respond to those circumstances? After all they weren’t my fault. Do I let them control me? Do I let them dominate my thoughts and actions to the point that I compromise principle, or do I allow my principles to guide me through my circumstances, both past and present?
Dear Lord, I turn to you. May I be like Joseph who turned to You, the God of His father’s, to lead and guide him even when bad things happened to him that were out of his control. As he determined in his heart to follow You and stand for Your principles, I do, too.
Happy For A Reason reason’s:
1. God can bring good out of difficult, not to mention horrible situations.
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28
2. A fun little excursion to one of my favorite stores, REI!
3. And right next door to REI, is another favorite, Whole Foods! They had purple asparagus! I have never tried it, that is about to change!
4. One and a half boxes in the green house cleaned out and ready to plant!
5. The sun is really shining!
April 17
April 17, 2011~
Now, that is the way to start the day! Potato pancakes! Yummy….I do believe this is my favorite breakfast! To top it off, they were made by Ron! Delicious!
Happy For A Reason reason’s:
1. Potato pancakes! Yummy!
2. Ron made me breakfast.
3. Grapes are all pruned! What a job! It had not been done for two years, plus the posts and wire broke. Next chore is to get the posts in!
4. One box in the green house cleaned out, with Ron’s help! Now if it will warm up and not rain, we might be able to plant soon.
5. A walk in the sunshine!
April 16
A jam packed day it was! It started with church in the morning, concert in the afternoon, and ended with Juanita and Alissa over for the evening.The concert was an Easter Cantata called, ”No More Night” with Belle Cantori, a ladies chorus, His Praise, a men’s chorus, and Portland Adventist String Orchestra. They had a wonderful selection of music. It was performed beautifully. I was truly blessed!
Happy For A Reason reason’s:
1. Church
2. Friend Debbie, who made me feel welcome at the church I was visiting.
3. A wonderful concert! It was the first time I have been able to hear Alissa perform while playing the bass.
4. Fun time doing the Muscle Mile exercises with Ron and Alissa, while we waited for Juanita to arrive! Yep, we got in one mile and had the dog thinking we were nuts! I am sure if any neighbors saw us, they knew we were nuts!
5. A nice evening at home with Juanita and Alissa.
“A house is made with walls and beams. A home is made with love and dreams.” ~Author Unknown
Bass players in deep discussion! Hmmm? Wonder what she is trying to convince Mr. Gosney about?April 15
It’s a birthday day! Twenty-three years ago Peter was born. It seems as though it was only yesterday and yet on the other hand so long ago. He was a premie, but you wouldn’t know it today!
A son…
Is someone you want the best for always.
You wish him success in life, and while you don’t say it quite enough, you’re grateful for all that he is and thankful for all that he does… He is your heart—your joy—your son. ~Author Unknown
Happy Birthday Peter!
Happy For A Reason reason’s:
1. Twenty-three years of memories, with Peter, we thought we’d never have.
2. The hole in Peter’s heart was healed at about 4 months of age! The doctor said it would never happen…. We know who fixed it!
3. I could sing Happy Birthday to Peter!
4. A run in the rain with Alissa.
5. A coat that kept me dry while I ran, well, for the most part.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
April 14
April 14, 2011 ~
As I was having my worship time this morning, I could hear the birds singing outside. The urge to fling the window open wide was so strong I could not resist! It was as if the birds were right there in the room with me as I felt the cool breeze, breathed in the fresh air, and listened as the Robin by my window happily called to his friends, who echoed his call. Other birds were joining the chorus with their background harmonies. I am so thankful I am able to enjoy living in the country where it is quiet and the sounds of nature are easily heard. I am reminded of a story I heard years ago about an old Indian, from the country, who was in the city for some reason. He was accompanied by his friend who lived in the city. Walking down the busy streets, the Indian looked, wide eyed, at all he saw,streets lined with buildings of different sizes and shapes, reaching to the sky. The traffic noise from the buses, taxis honking horns, trucks and cars, along with people talking and yelling as they call for a taxi, was over whelming. Suddenly the Indian stopped. His companion asked him if something was wrong? The Indian said, “Listen, do you hear it?” His companion asked, “Hear what?” The Indian said, “The bird?” His companion said, “A bird? How could I hear a bird with all this noise?” The Indian looking around pointed up several floors high on a nearby building was a robin, perched on a window seal, singing its sweet melody.
How could the Indian hear the bird? It was the ability to hear what he was tuned into, or trained to hear. What am I tuned to hear? What about my thoughts? Sometimes so much is thrown at me that my mind is racing like a city traffic jam. Do I hear just the traffic, or am I still connected to my God so that I hear His still small voice, like the Indian heard the bird? Is all the activity and traffic making the sound of His voice inaudible?
Lord, please keep me tuned to the sounds of Your creation and Your still small voice no matter how busy or how much traffic there is in my life.
Happy For A Reason reason’s:
1. Time to spend with my God!
2. A window that opens!
3. Fresh air and sunshine!
4. The cool morning breeze.
5. Yummy gluten free coffee cake my sister baked for me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)