"I may not amount to much, but at least I'm unique." Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Never tho't of myself as being unique...but nevertheless, I am (more ways than one). Oh, you're wondering how's that, huh? For starters, I was a Smith girl; eldest of five children. Uniqueness first came in the form of my name. People always ask how I got such an unusual one.
Goes like this...my dad wanted to name me Betty and mother said, "NO"...we'll name her Vasca. I think she got it from some novel...it was novel all right. My sister and three brothers were christened Jane, Don, Ron and John...thankful that I came first.
What's in a name anyway? Well, mine is a great icebreaker...forget politics, weather and all that stuff...a unique name can cover lots of ground. For what seemed like years, people had trouble spelling mine...now, most spell it correctly. Smith was certainly never, ever a problem...how simple is that?
The year before I met M, our family lived in Beall Subdivision in West Texas. Think that was some kind of omen...was God sending me a message? Ta-Dah...met and married M Beall..totally foreign to the Beall Subdivision...I have worn that name ever since I swept him off his feet...not difficult at all. He came home from Korea so weak, he simply fell into my arms and the rest is history.
What's in a name? Plenty and I love mine...BE ALL...as in "BE All that you can be!" Of course that was the Army's motto awhile back but hey, it fits. M made career with that outfit.
James Dobson wrote.."It is our uniqueness that gives freshness and vitality to a relationship." I wanna' be all the me that God wants me to be...and you know what? I've stepped out of the boat and using my uniqueness ~ BEing All I can be.
Father, you are the giver of all things; you bless me so abundantly...never giving up on me! I pray that I will use the uniqueness you gave me to encourage everyone you put in my life...to show them your great love. I love you and I wear Christ's name gratefully. It's in His Name I pray, Amen.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
I Look...I See
Okay, putting the reader and the books on the shelf for awhile...as far as the blog goes...M and I continue reading but after all, this is my blog and I can change gears, right? I'll get back to 'my reader' later.
Life has so many peaks and valleys...joys and sorrows...surprises and disappointments. I'm a very observant person; always have been, guess I always will be and I like that. Sort of like...Spirit Eyes...wide open to people, wide open to the opportunities His Spirit shows me. Beieve me, there are more than plenty.
Henry David Thoreau wrote..."The question is not what you look at, but what you see." I don't just look at a person, I want to 'see' what's going on there. I look at you and I feel somethng is not quite right; what is it? What is it that is hurting you so? Then you open your heart and there it is...in plain sight and oh how painful it is...I ache with you.
Good friends marriages get 'derailed'...how can I help? One of our son's will be out of a job this month...he has a family to care for...how can I help? A young husband/father just died...how can I help? A young wife/mother just died...how can I help? A child is into drugs and trying to kick the habit...how can I help? Life is hard...and...not always fair. One never knows what feelings whelm us during these times...but life goes on and on and on.
I've not had an easy life...very difficult times with many downs. But hey, with God anything is possible and believe it or not, I've become a 'water walker'...stepped out of the boat and walking by faith. Emptying oneself for God does that, you know! God never gave up on me...nor did those who loved me then and love me more now...never gave up! They were there for me, they encouraged me and last but not least, they prayed for me!
Lesson learned...the best thing I can and will do for those I see in danger of drowning...is to be there for them, to encourage them and to pray with them and for them.
"Wonderful Father, I ask for your help in seeing, not just looking. Help me see what's going on here, to shine your light for those whose eyes mirror heartache...to encourage, to pray for them and show them your love...to be there for them. I pray that they would be here for me and mine, too! All of us need encouragement and hope...you give it and I thank you so much for encouraging me and giving me hope...regardless! In Your Sons' Most Holy Name, Amen"
Life has so many peaks and valleys...joys and sorrows...surprises and disappointments. I'm a very observant person; always have been, guess I always will be and I like that. Sort of like...Spirit Eyes...wide open to people, wide open to the opportunities His Spirit shows me. Beieve me, there are more than plenty.
Henry David Thoreau wrote..."The question is not what you look at, but what you see." I don't just look at a person, I want to 'see' what's going on there. I look at you and I feel somethng is not quite right; what is it? What is it that is hurting you so? Then you open your heart and there it is...in plain sight and oh how painful it is...I ache with you.
Good friends marriages get 'derailed'...how can I help? One of our son's will be out of a job this month...he has a family to care for...how can I help? A young husband/father just died...how can I help? A young wife/mother just died...how can I help? A child is into drugs and trying to kick the habit...how can I help? Life is hard...and...not always fair. One never knows what feelings whelm us during these times...but life goes on and on and on.
I've not had an easy life...very difficult times with many downs. But hey, with God anything is possible and believe it or not, I've become a 'water walker'...stepped out of the boat and walking by faith. Emptying oneself for God does that, you know! God never gave up on me...nor did those who loved me then and love me more now...never gave up! They were there for me, they encouraged me and last but not least, they prayed for me!
Lesson learned...the best thing I can and will do for those I see in danger of drowning...is to be there for them, to encourage them and to pray with them and for them.
"Wonderful Father, I ask for your help in seeing, not just looking. Help me see what's going on here, to shine your light for those whose eyes mirror heartache...to encourage, to pray for them and show them your love...to be there for them. I pray that they would be here for me and mine, too! All of us need encouragement and hope...you give it and I thank you so much for encouraging me and giving me hope...regardless! In Your Sons' Most Holy Name, Amen"
Thursday, March 4, 2010
My Reader
Each morning I'm usually up before Michael...gives me time to check the mail and print our favorite blogposts for the 'best time'. You don't know about that time yet so I'll explain as you read along. M's up, we have a cup of coffee w/a toast to the day; settling in M contentedly begins...reading to me.
You wonder why he gets to do all the reading? Well, certainly not because he's the head of the house or lording it over me...it's like this, he has a good reading voice while I simply do not. I had injuries to my 'voice box' and have a low, soft voice which is difficult for most to hear/understand..'specially M. I'm a multitasker so while he reads I can sit still, do breakfast, etc. He checks me out occasionally to see if I'm getting it and I am...we laugh & so it goes!
We begin w/Daily Bread from RBS Ministries followed by reading from the Message translation of the Bible...the new posts from our fav blogsites...then the other books...books...books...books!
This quote from David Almond describes our feelings: "Books. They are lined up on shelves or stacked on a table. There they're wrapped up in their jackets, lines of neat print on nicely bound pages. They look like such orderly, static things. Then you, the reader come along. You open the book jacket, and it can be like opening the gates to an unknown city, or opening the lid of a treasure chest. You read the first word and you're off on a journey of exploration and discovery."
This is my 'best time'...for the remainder of the week (maybe even longer)...I'll write more about 'my reader'.
Most Wonderful Father, Thank you for blessing me so richly; thank you for lending me to M, for lending him to me. You have blest me with a wonderful influence and I am better for it. Hearing M reading from your book each morning reminds me to use my 'spirit eyes' to take advantage of the opportunities sent my way...shining your light wherever I am. I pray that I will wisely use what you give me...making each day a day of discovery and 'the best time'. In Jesus' Name...Amen.
You wonder why he gets to do all the reading? Well, certainly not because he's the head of the house or lording it over me...it's like this, he has a good reading voice while I simply do not. I had injuries to my 'voice box' and have a low, soft voice which is difficult for most to hear/understand..'specially M. I'm a multitasker so while he reads I can sit still, do breakfast, etc. He checks me out occasionally to see if I'm getting it and I am...we laugh & so it goes!
We begin w/Daily Bread from RBS Ministries followed by reading from the Message translation of the Bible...the new posts from our fav blogsites...then the other books...books...books...books!
This quote from David Almond describes our feelings: "Books. They are lined up on shelves or stacked on a table. There they're wrapped up in their jackets, lines of neat print on nicely bound pages. They look like such orderly, static things. Then you, the reader come along. You open the book jacket, and it can be like opening the gates to an unknown city, or opening the lid of a treasure chest. You read the first word and you're off on a journey of exploration and discovery."
This is my 'best time'...for the remainder of the week (maybe even longer)...I'll write more about 'my reader'.
Most Wonderful Father, Thank you for blessing me so richly; thank you for lending me to M, for lending him to me. You have blest me with a wonderful influence and I am better for it. Hearing M reading from your book each morning reminds me to use my 'spirit eyes' to take advantage of the opportunities sent my way...shining your light wherever I am. I pray that I will wisely use what you give me...making each day a day of discovery and 'the best time'. In Jesus' Name...Amen.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
How's Your ABC Routine?
Remember a few months ago when we were deluged w/the 'swine flu'? Covering coughs and sneezes in a different fashion and wash...wash...washing our hands. Lots of tips on how best to do that...I adopted the suggestion of singing the ABC song while busily soaping/washing my hands...proved effective for me.
Had a funny thought today about that simple little exercise...easy as 'ABC'...so many things are simple but wow, we humans can really mess up 'simple little things'. Wonder why that is? Could be society is so into 'having it my way'...having to 'be heard'. A thought ran through my mind the simple little ABC's have evolved into All 'Bout Control...as in 'my way or the highway'.
I like to have a voice...to be heard; most of us do...truth is, what I think or want won't necessarily agree with your wants and thoughts...maybe so, maybe not. It's very important that I constantly examine myself...can't afford to be tossed here and there by too much hot air...God knows I have plenty of my own!!!
Negative or positive...which will it be? Frankly, I like positive...I stay that way by constantly reminding myself that I am not in control...with me, it's All 'Bout Christ...now I've said my ABC, tell me what you think of me.
Most Wonderful Father, I know that with your help I can be what you want me to be. I pray that I will remain positive...that I will not gripe or whine...that I will use spirit eyes to share your light with those you place in my life...no matter when or where. I want so much to be pleasing to you..to be like you. I know you'll help me! In Your Son's Blessed Name, Amen
Had a funny thought today about that simple little exercise...easy as 'ABC'...so many things are simple but wow, we humans can really mess up 'simple little things'. Wonder why that is? Could be society is so into 'having it my way'...having to 'be heard'. A thought ran through my mind the simple little ABC's have evolved into All 'Bout Control...as in 'my way or the highway'.
I like to have a voice...to be heard; most of us do...truth is, what I think or want won't necessarily agree with your wants and thoughts...maybe so, maybe not. It's very important that I constantly examine myself...can't afford to be tossed here and there by too much hot air...God knows I have plenty of my own!!!
Negative or positive...which will it be? Frankly, I like positive...I stay that way by constantly reminding myself that I am not in control...with me, it's All 'Bout Christ...now I've said my ABC, tell me what you think of me.
Most Wonderful Father, I know that with your help I can be what you want me to be. I pray that I will remain positive...that I will not gripe or whine...that I will use spirit eyes to share your light with those you place in my life...no matter when or where. I want so much to be pleasing to you..to be like you. I know you'll help me! In Your Son's Blessed Name, Amen
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Stamp of Approval
Most of the time...my attitude is positive, sunny forecast..no clouds in sight. Okay, I confess that occasionally it rains on my parade. However, I'm not without my umbrella...it's the Paraclete living in me and when I run into what I consider stormy weather the Spirit guides me...ta-dah, rainbow time.
Rainbows may prove somewhat evasive when so much of what surrounds me today is...conflict. What I want vs. what you want; what I like vs. what you like; I'm right vs. you're wrong...endless conflict. Do you have those feelings or am I the odd one out? God created me and I know He's interested in my attitude...not necessary that I express it verbally since...well...He has awesome ESP...ooh!
You're probably aware that I love quotes, right? Well, I read this from W. Clement Stone..."There is little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative."
Things I feel passionate about really affect my attitude. You're probably the same...most of us are. What I really must watch is this; I cannot expect you to become just as passionate about it. You have your 'pet passions', I have mine and multiply that by several hundred and what's the answer? Aargh..talk about different attitudes...like a combat zone if we aren't careful.
Here's the rub, politics is always a war zone but religion? Religion is an extremely different ballgame...we're God's family...a loving family. Growing maturing...together! It would be so 'heavenly' if you and I practiced being positive. I've decided, as of today, I've buried the past for the sake of...God's Stamp of Approval.
"Whenever you're in conflict w/someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude." Timothy Bentley.
Dear Father, I pray my attitude will be positively pleasing to you; I want to make a difference in my relationships...please give me strength to be the 'me you want me to be'. In Your Son's Name, Amen.
Rainbows may prove somewhat evasive when so much of what surrounds me today is...conflict. What I want vs. what you want; what I like vs. what you like; I'm right vs. you're wrong...endless conflict. Do you have those feelings or am I the odd one out? God created me and I know He's interested in my attitude...not necessary that I express it verbally since...well...He has awesome ESP...ooh!
You're probably aware that I love quotes, right? Well, I read this from W. Clement Stone..."There is little difference in people but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative."
Things I feel passionate about really affect my attitude. You're probably the same...most of us are. What I really must watch is this; I cannot expect you to become just as passionate about it. You have your 'pet passions', I have mine and multiply that by several hundred and what's the answer? Aargh..talk about different attitudes...like a combat zone if we aren't careful.
Here's the rub, politics is always a war zone but religion? Religion is an extremely different ballgame...we're God's family...a loving family. Growing maturing...together! It would be so 'heavenly' if you and I practiced being positive. I've decided, as of today, I've buried the past for the sake of...God's Stamp of Approval.
"Whenever you're in conflict w/someone, there is one factor that can make the difference between damaging your relationship and deepening it. That factor is attitude." Timothy Bentley.
Dear Father, I pray my attitude will be positively pleasing to you; I want to make a difference in my relationships...please give me strength to be the 'me you want me to be'. In Your Son's Name, Amen.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Mirror, mirror...on the wall...WHO'S THAT???
Sometimes when looking at myself in a mirror, I get the strangest feeling...like I'm detached from myself and looking on. Okay, no psychoanalysis please...don't want to know what that might mean...it just is a very peculiar feeling. Personal therapy ~ me to me ~ is okay though.
God's looking at me 24/7 and wonder what He thinks, right? It's awesome to think He knows my every thought, emotion...ouch, HE KNOWS ME TOP TO BOTTOM...INSIDE OUT?? I don't even know myself that well. I need a tune-up...oh, and God, please send your Windex!
Just remembered...He's already equipped me w/the tools of choice...many words and the Paraclete, too. Lost my focus somewhere...took my eyes off Him and oops, in the water. I want to be positive; that isn't always simple. Sometimes, I fall into a pool of negativism...my bad. Mm, I love to talk...guess I become smitten w/the sound of my voice...how could people not want to hang on my every word??? My bad. Easy...easy...maybe I'm biased? Probably. Especially if I don't really know much about my subject of the moment...jumping to conclusions is sooooo simple, much simpler than checking facts.
Facts are important, so are many other things...figures...checklists...do I measure up to your expectations? Well, I don't know. You and I don't always bump into each other, so I don't know where you are...you don't know where I am...So?
You and I are good people...but we aren't into the same things...So? You and I may not publicize what we do...So? I'm me & you're you...BUT...good news...I'm out of the shop...clear heart...clear eyes & whew...God's cleaned my mirror!
God's looking at me 24/7 and wonder what He thinks, right? It's awesome to think He knows my every thought, emotion...ouch, HE KNOWS ME TOP TO BOTTOM...INSIDE OUT?? I don't even know myself that well. I need a tune-up...oh, and God, please send your Windex!
Just remembered...He's already equipped me w/the tools of choice...many words and the Paraclete, too. Lost my focus somewhere...took my eyes off Him and oops, in the water. I want to be positive; that isn't always simple. Sometimes, I fall into a pool of negativism...my bad. Mm, I love to talk...guess I become smitten w/the sound of my voice...how could people not want to hang on my every word??? My bad. Easy...easy...maybe I'm biased? Probably. Especially if I don't really know much about my subject of the moment...jumping to conclusions is sooooo simple, much simpler than checking facts.
Facts are important, so are many other things...figures...checklists...do I measure up to your expectations? Well, I don't know. You and I don't always bump into each other, so I don't know where you are...you don't know where I am...So?
You and I are good people...but we aren't into the same things...So? You and I may not publicize what we do...So? I'm me & you're you...BUT...good news...I'm out of the shop...clear heart...clear eyes & whew...God's cleaned my mirror!
Thomas Merton wrote..“The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them.” I aim to love like God does...He knows best & I trust Him...100%. Love You! (Love me?) | |
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Monday, February 1, 2010
Thank-Full
Something most comforting came to me yesterday morning. M and I have 'separate' bedrooms; only because our house is extremely small by current standards. But hey, we visit each other many mornings and 'snuggle' together. Having a few extra minutes Sunday morning, I cuddled up and just drifted w/thoughts. I lay my head on his chest and ever so softly whispered, "I love you"...oh, you're wondering what remarkable thing could come from that little simple utterance? M's hard of hearing due to his early career in the Tank Corps...so I really had no intention of his hearing my whisper...wonders of wonders, he replied, "I love you, too." So sweet and I won't forget that moment...that sweet moment.
That got me to thinking about how the Spirit whispers to me...if I keep my heart open, I heat him...I can whisper to God. Oh wow! Just imagine whispering back and forth...a private exchange with my Father...can't beat that w/a stick. Now whispering is good but at times, I need to hear His loud voice...and that took place yesterday.
Sunday morning we had a very humbling lesson from a spirit-filled young man...he's very exceptional and stands head and shoulders above other pulpit men. Speaking from the heart he talked of things that have been harmful, devisive and how badly we need love in our lives. He fed us what we have needed for so long; we've not had a very healthy diet.
Thank you Cody, for being courageus enough to 'speak the truth' and not pussyfoot around what's going on in our lives. I need that and you probably do too. Let's encouraage each other in truthful words, and alway in love. I'm now 'thank-full'...
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