Frogging Ride

Lamentations 3:22-23 (NIV)

²² Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,  for His compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning;     great is your faithfulness.

I had extremely productive plans for the holiday weekend!  There was a wedding to attend and as I packed my three projects for the ride, I noted the progress of each.  These were not projects that needed to be cast on, okay one did need to be put on the needles but the rest were at least 60 rows in.  I was looking forward to a pleasant ride with my needles clacking their soothing cadence with music softly playing.

Alas, then the car air conditioner and the cd player went out.  No biggie, I could still knit, but that morning I neglected to fortify myself with a cup of coffee.  So not having achieved full wakefulness I picked up the needles and  pattern, allowing my faulty memory to tell me where to begin, I totally neglect to re-read my notes, so I did not include the necessary increases in those twelve rows.  In frustration, I stuffed that project back into the bag and picked up the next “mindless” project. Admittedly, I had already made two minor mistakes that only a perfectionist would have caught, then my coffee deprived mind made mistake number three.

Three strikes and  that project was now out and hastily packed away.  The breeze picked up and I sat and pouted, fussing at myself and trying to figure out what to do.  I did not read the directions again, I did not make sure that I my mind was in the right space to move forward.  Riding home the next day later, I pulled out the project and began pulling out ALL of the stitches.  I’m sure the trucks looking down in the car thought I was knitting, but nooooo, I was frogging!  There was quite a bit of tension released as I wound that sweater back into a ball.

Like life, I am still learning to acknowledge and recognize my errors.  I am resigned to be more patient with myself and others.  Life is filled with constant lessons should we be willing to learn and embrace our mistakes long enough to acknowledge, confess and release them.  Did I not read my Bible that morning?  Had I neglected to find out God’s plans for my day?  Without fortifying myself with the Word, the reading or patterns and directions won’t happen.  Knowing God’s plan for the trip, would have diminished the frustration I caused.  Thankfully, God permits do overs, His mercies are fresh and new every day. I am grateful for the blanket of forgiveness that cover our lives should we be willing to learn and move forward.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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I am Not Job!

English: Job restored to prosperity (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

1 In the land of Uz  there lived a man whose name was Job.   This man was blameless  and upright;  he feared God   and shunned evil. Job 1:1 (NIV)

There are most certainly times in life when we compare ourselves to Job.  I know that I have uttered the words, “having a Job moment” attempting to place myself in his category.

The reality is that Job’s lived a blameless and upright life and yet God permitted him to be tested beyond typical human endurance.  I, am not blameless, have not led and upright life, yet thankfully the Blood of Jesus covers me. The loss of children, fortune and health would bring most of us to our knees or send us to bed or floor curled into fetal positions praying for a swift end or even death.

Job had every reason to be upset, yet through it all he  asked to be shown where he had done wrong Job 6:24 ²⁴ “Teach me, and I will be quiet;  show me where I have been wrong.”  As we go through difficulties, hit speed bumps that slow our earthly progress and illnesses that sap our will and strength, let us remember the example of Job.  Through it all God is to be praised, God is to be honored and we are to seek to learn where we have fallen short.  Seeking God’s direction, making clear and sincere our confessions, petitions and requests.   Holding fast to God knowledge that He is right there with us, through it all!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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God Knits!

Illustrates the definition of a knitting wale, a set of stitches in which each stitch supports the previous one and is itself suspended from the next. This fabric was made using two colors of hand-spun wool from the same sheep, knit using a slip-stitch double-knitting trick; that’s why the alternating red and white wales are half-staggered with respect to one another. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 

The New International Version of the Bible contains 12 texts that reference the word “knit”.  Not all pertain to the actual act of knitting, but the care for unclean knitted/woven  materials of linen, wool or leather.  Most of the texts in Leviticus spoke directly to the care of material having mold.  Leviticus 13:49-57.

Though I must admit that my favorite knitting text is Psalm 139:13 (NIV) ¹³ For you created my inmost being;  you knit me together  in my mother’s womb.

As a knitter, I choose materials that feel good to my hands, that slide and glide across my fingers without causing hang-nails or raw skin.  I select colors and weights on a belief that what will be produced will not only be beautiful, but will by extension be a reflection of my love and care.   The psalmist understood that God took that same care with him while in his mother’s womb.  I take comfort in knowing that this very same God to the same care with me!  Today I am rejoicing and thankful to be a one-of-a-kind God original!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

I love the idea that God specially selected every facet of my being, that He carefully and lovingly fashioned me to be an extension of His love to others.

 

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Crowd Reaction

Jesus and Saint Peter, Gospel of Matthew 4.18-20 Français : Jésus et Saint Pierre, Évangile selon Matthieu 4.18-20 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Matthew 9:36 (NIV)

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,  because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 13:2  (NIV) 2 Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat in it, while all the people stood on the shore.

When the word spread through the villages and towns that Jesus was coming, they flocked en mass to where ever he was to hear what he had to say.  The words spoken and lessons taught caused people to literally drop what they were doing to hear this man from Galilee speak .  As I watched American Idol last night there were remarks about the audience of 7,000 people packed into the Nokia stadium.  A stadium with comfortable seats, air conditioning and restrooms.   This to hear two gifted young people sing for a title.

Christ packed a shoreline with folks so tight, he had to sit on the water in a boat to teach.  There were no restrooms, no comfortable seats or concession stands.  Physical comfort was not a concern, the desire to hear what the Master was teaching was the objective and sole purpose for being in that place, at that time.  I have witnessed crowds losing their minds over this celebrity or that celebrity whose ultimate goal is merely to entertain and not necessarily uplift.

Give me Jesus!  I would take the discomfort, heat and crowd just to have been able to hear Him speak the words that have on so many occasions provided salve for my soul.  He still speaks today and I yearn to hear and obey each and every word.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Wake Up!

Psalm 44:23-26

Wake up, O Lord! Why do you sleep?     Get up! Do not reject us forever. ²⁴ Why do you look the other way?     Why do you ignore our suffering and oppression? ²⁵ We collapse in the dust, lying face down in the dirt. ²⁶ Rise up! Help us!   Ransom us because of your unfailing love.

I had to smile when I read this text.  What utter despair, fear and frustration the writer must have been feeling to even insinuate that God was asleep. 

Watching the news, reading the paper and even just living day-to-day there are moments when it may seem that God’s silence can leave us a wee bit panicky.  Yet, when we read and study we realize that He never sleeps, He never slumbers, He is always watching, always in control and most of all He always loves us, even when we might have doubts. 

Today, I am thanking God again for His unfailing love and faithfulness.  For providing for each and every need, for calming hearts and most of all for the gift of Jesus. 

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

 

 

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In the Creator’s Hands

Ephesians 3:15 (NLT)

¹⁵ the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth.^[a]

Perception. This rose is perfect, despite my shaky camera phone hand. Each delicate petal perfectly formed, open at just the right angle, colored in a hue that speaks volumes of love. It appears large enough to fill a lapel or round out a corsage.

Reality, this is a miniature rose on a petite bush on my coffee table. Yet a close up reveals and unfolds God’s masterful handiwork.

There are times when we feel our contributions do not really matter as much. The little that we contribute, seemingly a mere pittance, yet in God’s hands our little far exceeds our expectations in order to fulfill the purpose God has for us!  The Creator of the entire world and all that is in it created us, we were made to do amazing, incredible things all we have to do is believe!  All contributions to mankind count, no matter the size!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

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Taking a Shoulder ride

Ecclesiastes 11:5 (NLV)

⁵ Just as you do not know the path of the wind or how the bones are made of a child yet to be born, so you do not know the work of God Who makes all things.

You’ve seen them, up high, heads above the crushing crowd, held secure and safe riding upon shoulders of their protective fathers, squealing in glee as they take in the sights and sounds from their elevated perches.

Lately it seems that the jostling to and fro by the masses, the kicks and stepping on the back of my shoes by the masses  that trampled my feet, and knocked me about,  disoriented and juggled me so I don’t remember where I was traveling.

I am fed up. I am tired.  I am on the verge of tears or a flat-out, full-blown tantrum but instead I fall back remembering that I know exactly what to do.  I turn, raise my arms, tear streaked face and hands like a child and  say “up”.   Lift me up Poppa, shield me from this onslaught. Protect and aid me through this madness. Allow me to ride upon your shoulders until You have shown me the wonders You have for me to see.  Lord, I am depending on You to guide, protect and direct me, and for you to place me where I am to be when the coast is clear.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

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Happy Mother’s Day!

For 26 years, give or take a month or so, I have been a mother. Yet, for most of these years, it always felt more like the day was for others and not me. God blessed me with a beautiful daughter who is and has always been the joy of my life.

When I married my dear husband two years ago i was blessed with three more lights. This year, there will be a wedding that will again increase the blessings.

I learned that being a mother is all about love. Love in its most vivid and varied colors and complexities. Love that exposes and opens my heart to willingly love so many others.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

Posted from WordPress for Windows Phone

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Checkin the Tude

Stained glass window of the sacred Heart of Jesus Christ in the former Mosque (Cathedral) of Cordoba, Spain (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

“Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”        1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 MSG

It seems that several times this week I seriously failed in this challenge.   Even yesterday, I felt the downward tug of my lips and the mantle of cheerfulness sliding slowly like a silk shawl from my right shoulder to the floor.  At that time I acknowledge that I did not have the energy or desire to grab for and pull it back straight.

Oh for the days when being disgustingly cheerful was so easy and effortless.  To again be able to alternate between annoying and brightening the lives of other people.  In these less than star reaching moments I miss being one of those people who was always cheerful.  It is in those times that I find it necessary to constantly call on Jesus.  He, who conquered death has more than enough strength to remove the dark clouds hovering over head, to inject the joy back into my spirit.

When the day seems darkest, I reflect on the goodness of the Lord and the clouds part and the Son is able to shine through.  Praising God again for His faithfulness to me through all storms and difficulties!

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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Open Doors

Français : l’entrée (datée 1820) de l’église Sainte-Catherine de Limeuil, Dordogne. English: The entrance (1820) of the Church Saint-Catherine in Limeuil, Dordogne, France. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Pray for Open Doors  = Colossians 4:2-4 (MSG) 

^2-4Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude. Don’t forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I’m locked up in this jail. Pray that every time I open my mouth I’ll be able to make Christ plain as day to them.

 

Open minds and open doors permit entré or exit of knowledge, love, blessings, experiences, change, good or bad circumstances.  I pray for God to open doors that allow me to continue to be of greater service to Him.  To have my mind, heart, eyes and arms open to embrace all He desires for me to do.

It is easy at times to wish those same doors slam firmly closed so that I can stew over what may or may not be going the way I want.  When letting go of my desires moves me out of the way of what it is that God needs.  My prayer today is not only for those doors to open but that God remove any barrier that stands in His way.

Making His praise glorious!

Ree

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