TWO LITTLE FROGS

READ THE POEM AT THE BOTTOM

Nope.  I didn't win the lottery...did you?  What would I do with all that money other than run for my life?

Didn't do much today.  Too lazy.  Washed another load of cloths, went to the Dollar Store and then to the Chinese Restaurant. Watched a little TV of and on, but there is very little that interest me. 

I have ants in my pants.  Not really.  I have ants in the bathroom.  I don't know where they are coming from.  I keep spraying, but they keep coming back.

For the past three days the weather man has said there would be rain and there was, but I slept through it so it couldn't have been much of a storm.

I guess the police had my neighbor and his truck under their lights because there was a hit and run by a small pick-up.  The kid that was hit will be OK, but the driver left him injured in a ditch.  Anyway, my neighbor has a BIG truck so I guess it wasn't him.

Some one is to come on Monday to fix the attic vent that blew in during a storm a couple weeks ago.  I hope he shows up.  Actually he is pretty reliable, but expensive.

Two frogs fell into a can of cream

or so it has been told.

The sides of the can were shinny and steep,

the cream was deep and cold.

"Oh, what's the us," said number one's,

"It"s plain no help's around."

"Good-bye my friend, good-bye sad world"

and weeping still he drowned.

But number two, of sterner stuff,

dog paddled in surprise.

The while he licked his creamy lips

and blinked his creamy eyes.

"I'll swim at least a while," he thought,

or so it has been said.

It really wouldn't help the world

if one more frog were dead.

An hour or more he kicked and swam,

not once he stopped to mutter.

Then he hopped out from the island

he had made...of fresh churned butter.

author unknown.

Don't you enjoy a good, silly poem that also makes a point and gives us a little direction in our daily struggles in living life?  And we all have struggles just as Job did.  Remember him?  The point or lesson is that we should never give up, never give in, keep kicking with love and fidelity until we form our own safe place in the Lord.  Make butter.

END

Pruning for the Spirit.

Did you get a lottery ticket?  I'll bet that you did.  Everyone did.  I did.  The chances of winning are nearly non-existent.  But for $2.00 I will take a chance.  Of course it is gambling, but we gamble every day.  The minute you get into your car or drive down the street you are taking a chance.  So for a couple dollars I will-did-take another chance.

I stayed in today.  I did a little vacuuming and did a few cloths.  I need to do a lot more.  If I were to win the lottery(fat chance)or even 1 percent, I could hire a maid.

This afternoon I put a roast into the pressure cooker.  it turned out well.  I do love that pressure cooker.  Add the roast to the food from the Deli and I am a happy camper.

The sirens were going off a short time ago for an incoming thunder storm.  Last night I was awakened by bright lights  strobbing in the window.  I got up and looked out the window and it was a police car in front of my house.  I thought they were coming to take me away.  Nope, they had the guy next door.  I would really like to get out of this area as it has changed so much and not for the better.

+++

I AM THE TRUE VINE,

AND MY FATHER

IS THE VINE DRESSER.

EVERY BRANCH IN ME

THAT BEARS NO FRUIT

HE WILL TAKE AWAY:

AND EVERY BRANCH

THAT BEARS FRUIT

HE WILL CLEANSE,

THAT IT MAY BEAR

MORE FRUIT.

YOU ARE ALREADY

CLEAN

BECAUSE OF THE WORD

I HAVE SPOKEN

TO YOU.

John 15: 1-3

+++

This verse may not seem to be in sync with the Lenten Spirit, but it does speak of a cleansing...as we are cleansed by the Word of God. It also makes me think of a grape vine that I removed the other day because it is in a bad spot.  Next to go are the Blueberry plants that have never produced.  If we, His creations, do not produce, we also will be pruned.  We all have something, a small spiritual gift or charisma, that we can offer in His name, and I try to think of this poor blog as a little fruit of the vine and hope the Lord finds it acceptable.  I know it isn't much, but is an effort.

END





COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Am I good to go now?  I did take the van in.  The a/c will blast you right out of the front seat.  I also got a new battery.  It had the original battery in it from when I bought the van.  That makes it about 7 1/2 years old and getting weaker.  As I did not want to be stranded somewhere...anytime soon...or later, it was replaced.  So I am good to go, but the price of gas leaves me with no where to go...at least not very far.

I went to the store for some groceries.  Milk is always on my list.  I got stuff from the Deli as I don't want to cook.  I did get a frozen pizza which I will "tweak" and than put in the oven at a later date.  It only cost .99 cents so I will add a few things to it and make it better.

Yesterday when I was at the Home watching the floor. I knew something was about to make a lot of people sad and teary eyed.  As the residents and their families were all called in for the big meeting, it wasn't hard to add two and two and come up short.  They said the closing was in large part due to lack of vocations(young nuns)and the high cost of maintenance.  Without doubt, both are factual, but I think it was also some financial concerns, too.  The more Obama cuts and guts Medicare and Medicaid, the harder it gets for nursing homes to keep the doors open.  Still, it is a sad day when a home that has a 130 year history must shutter and close and shunt the residents off to other homes.   Some will pass away before the final nail is set around Dec. 31.  I am sure that the Sisters thought about it long and hard before making the decision because they looked sad and grim, too.

So, today I did what needed to be done, or some of it, here in my domicile.  There are always things that need to be done,
 that are not done....waiting, waiting like the dust under the bed or the spider in it's web.  Usually when the house looks awful some one comes and shows up at the door.  I am gonna lock the door, turn off all the lights and pretend that I am a hermit...or would that be a hermit-iss?  Hmm.

+++

FOR IN THE SPIRIT

WE ARE ALL BAPTISED

INTO ONE BODY,

WHETHER JEWS

OR GENTILES,

WHETHER SLAVES

OR FREE,

AND WE ARE ARE

GIVEN TO DRINK

OF ONE SPIRIT.

FOR THE BODY

IS NOT ONE MEMBER

BUT MANY.

2 Cor. 12: 13-14

+++

The Holy Father-the Pope-you know, the guy with the big hat, long shepherds staff, and leader of the Catholic Church, exhorts us to evangelize.  As I am a poor speaker and even poorer thinker, this is my feeble effort to do so.  I hope that it is not such a puny effort that it reaches no one.  It gives me a little courage as I see some readers that keep coming back from various countries.  God keep and bless all that labor under a heavy yoke.  God bless THIS country...that does not know how to count it's own blessings and keep it free.  I fear for my own nation which is giving up so much of it's religious liberties without even realizing it, with hardly a whimper.

END

P.S Is counting your blessings a lost art/prayer?

Just a euphemism?

THE END OF AN ERA

I'm tired.  Going to bed.  Its been a long day. The nursing home is closing after 130 years of caring for the elderly.  The residents are in tears, of course.  The home will not close for a while-about 9 months from now.  It may be sold.  Who knows.

So, I am just too tired to think of anything to write.  Somebody write for me...Ha!

"Into your hands I comment my spirit."  I have even forgot where that is from in the Bible...that's how sleepy I am

END

Early to bed?? Maybe.

OK.  I got the yard done-all of it, and a good thing, too.  It is supposed to rain in the afternoon.  I was supposed to have the a/c fixed in the morning, but got a call around 7 p.m. asking if I and another person would come "petrol" the floor at the home while there is a big staff meeting.  We all ready know that Mother is being transferred.  Some of the employees are fearful of losing their jobs, but I will speculate that it may be about Obama Care and forced coverage for abortion.  I have been wrong before, but I guess I will hear about it, whatever it is


Otherwise, there isn't much to write or relate of interest.  This will be short as I need to go to bed "early" so that I can get up early.

I AM THE LIGHT

OF THE WORLD:

HE THAT FOLLOWS

ME

SHALL NOT

WALK IN DARKNESS

BUT SHALL HAVE

THE LIGHT OF

LIFE.

John 8: 12

END

SPIRITUAL CAKE BAKING

Another pretty day that started out cool, but became as nice as anyone could ask for.  I didn't get a lot done this day because I am lazy.  I will try to capture a little ambition tomorrow, put a leash on it and put it to work.  The yard needs to be mowed again.  This will make the fourth time of mowing in the funny month of March.  I was hoping to get by with mowing every other week, but the grass is too green and busy growing every day.

I took a loaf of bread out to the next door dog.  I thought she would "share" it with her chocolate Lab buddy, but she scarfed it all down herself.  Piggy dog, but she likes me and I hope to keep her on friendly terms.  (By the way, the bread was bad, lest you think I am wasteful.)

I will get  the a/c fixed on my van on Wed.  When "the other guys" fixed the heater last fall, they un-fixed the air.  I think they let all the freon out; on purpose or by accident, I don't know.  I do know that they have not been honest with me in the past and maybe this was a make work scheme where I would have to bring the van back in. They did it before when the van was new, telling me that it needed new plugs, wires and a new computer.  I really don't like those "other guys."

So...have you been saved?  I hear a lot of people saying that they have been saved on TV and in person.  Is being saved a one time event?  After you have been "saved" can you go back to being who and what you are or may be?  I have heard and seen that as well.  It's just a little like some peoples concept of confession.  Confess on Saturday and then raise hell all week.  For confession to viable a person needs to be truly sorry for what they may have done or said, or their lifestyle.  Then not do it again or try to avoid what they needed to confess.

I just read a neat quote and I am sure not everyone will agree with it, but I like it.

"Catholicism recognizes that salvation is a process: we are saved, being, saved, and will be saved, but God  alone knows and will judge based on His criteria of justice.  We can have the assurance of salvation, but not the certainty that He(God) has, due to  our own human weakness, ignorance and frailty."

I thought that to be a pretty neat summation of salvation; put better than I ever could.  It is kind of like baking a cake.  If you leave out one essential ingredient or another, the cake will fall flat, or be unpalatable.  The frosting on top is nice, but it is supported by the cake.  So...how is your cake baking?

Will it be as good tomorrow or next week, as it was today?  Sometimes we get caught up in the fervor of the moment, swept by the surge, noise and force of the incoming tides, only to be pulled back out into the deep waters.  We all (almost all unless you might happen to be a saint) have our epiphanies of spirituality, but the proof of salvation is in the test of time, words and actions.  I can shout it from the rooftops, "I am saved!"  But, am I?  Are you?  Only God knows the answer and it is something to deeply consider.

+++

FOR GOD HAS NOT

APPOINTED US 

TO WRATH,

BUT TO OBTAIN

SALVATION

BY OUR LORD

JESUS CHRIST,

WHO DIED FOR US

THAT WHETHER

WE WAKE OR SLEEP,

WE SHOULD

LIVE TOGETHER

WITH HIM.

+++

1 Thessalonians 5:9-10

Am I boring you to death here?  Well, you will find life in salvation.

END

ROBED IN SPLENDOR

I was out doing various things today.  I stopped at Holy Name and bought a few books at their annual book sale.  Now all I need to do is read them.

I went to the Dollar Gen. store and then to the The Dollar Tree and got some things for the resident at the home.  They love that stuff...don't we all!  I am back on my boiled egg diet.  One proper meal, then a boiled egg or Oatmeal.  It does get boring, though.

I have been hunting in the closet again, trying to find cloths that will fit me that I can wear to church.  I have several "almost" blouses, but not quite.  That gets boring, too.  We are supposed to be like the birds of the air and not worry about our remnant, but of course, those words were spoken by a man...Jesus.  So, like most women I do have that touch of vanity.  "Oh, what will I wear today?"

IF THERE IS

A NATURAL BODY,

THERE IS ALSO

A SPIRITUAL BODY.

SO IT IS WRITTEN.

"THE FIRST MAN ADAM

BECAME A LIVING

SOUL"

THE LAST ADAM

BECAME

A LIFE GIVING SPIRIT.

1 Cor. 15: 44.

I'm not sure how to number this passage as there is a verse right before verse 44, but I'm sure that you can find it.  I think that the Paul's letter to the Corinthians is telling us in effect, not to consider what the mortal body looks like, but to be concerned about what our immortal body-spirit will become, and that we shall cloth ourselves in glory and splendor upon our own resurrection.  I hope this makes sense to any reader as I am not very good in putting my thought to words.

END

Rainy Day in the Bluegrass

I picked up my new glasses. They are heavy as they are real glass lenses, not plastic.  I sent my old ones in to have new lenses put into the frames so that I will have a backup pair of glasses.  All the better to see you with...

I also got a haircut.  This was a better cut and of course, more expensive.  I am not a big spender, but sometimes it is worth the extra few bucks for a good haircut.

Of course I stopped at the Chinese Restaurant.  Don't order milk at a Chinese Restaurant...what is milk??  It kind of fun to see people come into a Chinese Restaurant and load up on spaghetti...or just load up until their plates spill over and on to the floor.  They seem afraid that they won't be able to get more.  It's a buffet'..all you can eat!  Maybe they are afraid that they will have to make more than one trip to the buffet'..

I spent my day running around and in a long wait at the beauty shoppe.  The beauty shoppe was full of men and young guys.  They are more picky about their hair than the woman.

Other than that it was a kind of slow poky, hurry up and wait day.  Of course, the rain came down and the sirens went off, but the bad weather went a bit east of here and caused some damage.  With the overnight rain and the storms today, the grass is lush and already needs mowing.  It won't be done  'til next week as gas goes up with the ticking of the clock.

+++

FOR GOD

WHO HAS COMMANDED

THE LIGHT TO SHINE

OUT OF DARKNESS,

HAS SHINNED IN

OUR HEARTS.,

TO GIVE THE LIGHT

OF KNOWLEDGE

OF THE GLORY OF

GOD

IN THE FACE

OF JESUS CHRIST

11 Cor. 4:6

+++

I know I have posted this passage before and commented on the passage, too.  So tonight I will just end here.

END

FIG LEAVES AND THE ORDER OF THINGS!

Oh, here I am again.  I went to bed "early" last night.  I went to bed tired. I got up tired.  I'm tired of being tired!  I even slept "late."  Well, we are about to have a change in the moon phase-that may account for it!

So...this day was an "in" day.  I did what I had to do and no more. I kept drifting off as I sat on the couch.  Before it was discovered that I had sleep apnea I would just fall over.  I don't do that anymore!  A good thing, too!  One time I fell asleep on the commode, fell over and hit my head on the bath tub and woke up laughing at my self.  It was so stupid and funny.  It's a good thing I am so hard headed!  Sometimes we just have to laugh at ourselves!

We had a nice rain for most of the day and more coming tomorrow.  I do have to go out and do a few things and go to the eye Doctor.  My glasses are finally in.  So...if I get wet I will remember that only sugar melts.

+++

GOD HAS SPOKEN

AND SUMMONED

THE EARTH,

FROM THE RISING

OF THE SUN

TO ITS SETTING.

+++

Psalm 49: 1

There is order in all things, even when everything appears chaotic; without rhythm or reason.  Even the smallest sub-atomic particle is part of God's creation and plan.  Scientists keep searching of the God Particle.  In all their wisdom and knowledge...they have not found what they seek.  Those men of science better be careful about eating the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge or they may all find themselves wearing fig leaves.  Um...that wouldn't be good.

END



"THIS DAY GOD MADE..."

Last evening I told myself that I would get a lot done today.  Well, I did.  I got up!  Actually my inner clock is not working according to my desires.  I do not want to wake up at 5 A. M.  I want to sleep.  I don't have to get up.  I am retired.  Tell my primitive brain/alarm clock that.  I did read that the older you become...the less sleep you need.  That might be true, but I don't have to enjoy sleeplessness, esp. since I seldom go to bed before 12 midnight and usually later.  No, I am not staying up to watch TV.  There is nothing to watch.

I finished off the yard work this afternoon and pulled a few more weeds.  Then I just sat on the back porch and drank a Coke and absorbed the sun.  I seem to be getting a tan in March.  It isn't too hot out so it is enjoyable to work and sit in the sun.  My big sister Beverly can tell you that I was an outdoor kind of kid and where ever my brothers and sister Betsy happened to be, I was right there trying to tag along.  Of course, they didn't want me to be a tag along, but there I was!

The nice weather we have been gifted with is about to pack up it's ribbons and bows and party on out of here, bringing on rain, thunder and lightning.  OK, that sounds like a rousing good time to me.  Party on, Mother Nature!!

I am pretty glad in one way that tomorrow is supposed to be a soaker.  I have worked fairly hard these past several days and I am tired-ready to rest in spite of that infernal, internal alarm clock.  I think the spring has sprung and is dysfunctional.  Bad Clock-very bad.

+++

MEM

HOW I LOVE YOUR LAW,

O LORD!

IT IS MY MEDITATION

ALL THE DAY.

YOUR COMMAND

HAS MADE ME WISER

THAN MY ENEMIES,

FOR IT IS EVER

WITH ME.

Psalms 118: 97-98

END

I know that you have heard the expression "You are your own worst enemy."  This is true for me as I am always sticking my foot in my mouth or tripping over my tongue.  I try not to be my own demise in the social graces, but charm and discretion sometimes escapes me.  I often forget to lock the cage of verbosity...aka... "big mouth."   I wish I could..I know I should, take Pslam 118 to heart and live by it.  Sigh...I try.  By the way, I have taken Psalm 118 a little out of context so you may wish to read all of it.

THE REAL END



HUMBLE CHARITY IS QUIET: WITHOUT NOISE

Oh no!  I fell down on the job.  I meant to write out some thoughts with paper and pen, but didn't get to it.  I did get a lot of work done 'though, even with a work a little, rest a little kind of persistence mode.  Hey, I am not a a spring chicken, you know! Now that the good weather is here there is lots to do and "THE HARVEST IS GRATE AND THE WORKERS (ME ) ARE FEW."  I did mow again as the grass is growing faster than I am, and I trimmed one small grape vine.  Tomorrow it will be the front yard that gets a manicure.  I do have to divide the yard work as the back yard is fairly time consuming.  After the outside is spiffy it will be inside to spiff-icate  Like my new word?  SPIFFICATE!  It is supposed to rain on my parade so inside work can have my attention on Thursday or whenever Mother Nature rings my doorbell.

I've been on a Popcorn kick.  There isn't a lot of calories in the brand I buy and it fills me up nicely.  I get the Pop Weaver brand of Popcorn as it is low in fat and cholesterol and comes out to about 200 cal. per whole bag.  And it is good, too!  I think I am down another pound, but not sure.  If it stays down for a couple of days then I will count it as another pound off.  Ah, the day in the life of a short, chubby person!

+++

WATCH, STAND FAST

IN THE FAITH,

ACT LIKE MEN,

BE STRONG.

LET ALL

THAT YOU DO

BE DONE

IN CHARITY.

+++

1 Cor. 16: 13-14

Scriptures also tell us that when we do a good work or an act of charity that the one hand should not know what the other hand is doing.  We are entreated not to brag or advertise what we give or are doing. For the sake of our own self edification, seeking fame, glory or recognition for what we perceive as pleasing to God, may not be so pleasing after all.  We are not to tell the world or those around us, but to quietly give or do what is expected if we are humble Christians. 

END

 

I

WALKING THE LINE

I have had the doors and windows open again, letting in the fresh air.  I have two fans on and am comfortable.  I went out and pulled a few weeds along the base of the grape vine and around the Hibiscus plant that is poking up very quickly.  And I sat on the porch and just enjoyed the nice weather.  The days are just right; warm and sunny, without humidity. 

There just isn't much to write about on a Monday.  The week is just getting started.  I'm sure that something will pop up in my brain tomorrow.

+++

LOVE JUSTICE,

YOU WHO JUDGE

THE EARTH;

THINK OF THE LORD

IN GOODNESS,

AND SEEK HIM

IN INTEGRITY

OF THE HEART;

BECAUSE HE IS FOUND

BY THOSE WHO

TEST HIM NOT,

AND HE MANIFESTS

HIMSELF TO THOSE

WHO DO NOT

DISBELIEVE HIM.

++++

Wisdom 1:1-2

We seek justice of ourselves, but do we seek it for others?  And we all test or try to test God at one time or another in our lives; don't say you don't...I won't.  We are all human and have our times of doubt and ethical frailness.  It's hard to walk the straight and narrow, especially in our modern culture.  We each have a path to follow and how we walk the line determines who we are and where we are going.  Whenever you are in doubt re-read The Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes and try to abide by them.

END

Another day is done.

Saturday is just about gone and has taken all the little Leprechauns and gremlins with it.  It was a good day for the Irish as the weather was really nice.  We did have a little shower in the late afternoon which hardly got the windshield wet.  Just smeared.

I cooked the roast and the two steaks in the pressure cooker this eve.  Now I won't need to cook after church.  I may add a salad tomorrow; you know the kind-it comes in a box!

I bought some candy for some of the residents at the home which I will take over tomorrow.  The elderly can not get out all that often so they are happy to get some little thing or a little candy now and then.

I actually got a blouse buttoned up today.  It is still a little tight yet, and I need to lose some more-or a lot, before I can fit into some of my cloths again.  I won't wear the blouse for a while as I don't want my belly to be all that noticeable!  Time is passing and I hope the weight goes with it.  Pass it on to someone else.

In the meantime there isn't much to write about as I do live a kind of sedate life-not too exciting!

+++

I SEE HIS BLOOD

UPON THE ROSE

AND IN THE STARS,

THE GLORY

OF HIS EYES

HIS BODY GLEAMS

AMID ETERNAL

SNOWS,

HIS TEARS FALL

FROM THE SKIES.

I SEE HIS FACE

IN EVERY FLOWER;

THE THUNDER

AND SINGING

OF THE BIRDS

ARE BUT HIS VOICE-

CARVEN BY HIS POWER.

ROCKS ARE HIS

WRITTEN WORD.

ALL PATHWAYS

BY HIS FEET ARE WORN,

HIS STRONG HEART

STIRS THE EVER

BEATING SEA.

HIS CROWN OF THORNS

IS TWINED

WITH EVERY THORN,

HIS CROSS IS EVERY TREE.

by Joseph M. Plunkett.

++++

I thought you might enjoy this poem.  It is in the back of my prayer book.  It is a little long, but really nice-good. You do have time to read it, don't you?  You will see a couple words that seem to be miss-spelled, but that is how the author wrote the poem.

END



I cheated.  I ate 5 chocolate covered Cherries.  Since I didn't eat much else, I hope the "damage" was minimal.  It's hard, you know.  I did get a roast and a couple steaks out for tomorrow.  Maybe they will quell my appetite or cravings for yummy stuff.

I went to the library and picked up a coupe of books to read.  One book is about apologetics by Steven K. Ray.  It is a book that goes through the history of the early church's foundations and traditions.  It is titled  Upon this Rock and deals with Saint Peter and the Primacy of Rome in scripture and of the early church.  Despite being know as apololgetic literature, it is not about being sorry...aka...apologetic.  Rather, it gives the reader a better understanding of the Catholic faith and from whence it claims it's authority.  It is not a book for everyone and is not "lite" reading, but very interesting because every thing the Catholic church teaches is backed up and verified by scripture.   Most Protestants or Baptist (and some of you won't like this) and even most Catholics do not really know much about church history.  It is pretty interesting reading.

The other book I checked out was for pure entertainment.  There just isn't much on TV that is worth watching 'though I am sure many would disagree with me.  Well, that's OK.  Fill your head with junk TV; I do that occasionally, too.  After all, I am not an intellectual and need a little stale bread to chew on every now and then...or too often.

I did a little shopping and spent just over $9.00 bucks.  I did forget a couple of items.  I want to get more eggs before the price spikes in a couple of weeks, for Easter.  Eggs are already high enough, as is everything.

+++

THERE IS A VANITY

WHICH OCCURS

ON EARTH:

THERE ARE JUST MEN

TREATED AS THOUGH

THEY HAD DONE

EVIL AND WICKED MEN

TREATED AS THOUGH

THEY HAD DONE JUSTLY..

THIS, TOO,

I SAY IS VANITY.

Eccl. 8: 14

+++

Don't we all know men and women like these?  Movie stars, politicians, bankers and more: persons of power, wealth and authority ?  Can an honest man become a President?  Probably not.  It is all about who has the most money or the biggest club.  How big is your club and how deep are your pockets?  While scriptures are not an outright condemnation of such material and financial attributes, there are strong  teachings against it as such vanities breed contempt for man and God. "It is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to get to heaven." 

END



HO-HUM and UNDER THE SUN

I took the day off.  I didn't work hard and I didn't look for work 'though there is plenty that needs to be done.  My occasional philosophy is that it will be there waiting for me tommrow...and it will.

The kid next door is trying to clean up his back yard.  He has quite a job to tackle.  It looks like they have just tossed stuff out the back door and let it lay there.  The adults-at least three of them living there-should have known better and should be helping the kid get the yard cleaned up.  It also smells because of the two dogs that live there, too.  Dogs don't know better, but people are supposed to.

Not a lot of anything going on.  The weather fizzled out locally, but it did rain south and east of here and some young girls north and east of here were hit by lightning; one is critical. 

I guess tomorrow-Friday- will be some lite shopping and maybe eating out, but maybe not.  I need to use up what I have.

+++

 AGAIN I SAW

 UNDER THE SUN

THAT THE RACE IS NOT WON

BY THE SWIFT,

NOR THE BATTLE

BY THE VALIANT,

NOR A LIVELIHOOD

BY THE WISE,

NOR RICHES BY THE SHREWD,

NOR FAVOR BY THE EXPERTS;

FOR A TIME OF CALAMITY

COMES TO ALL ALIKE.

++++

Eccl. 9:11

++++

Hmm, I guess that leaves me out!  I am not any of the above; I am not swift, valiant, wise or shrewd.  I am just a kind of ho-hum little person among all the other ho-hummers in God's earthly kingdom, and happy to be so.  Anytime I can wake up in the morning and great the day with a ho-hum kind of prayer...its a good day...for this "is the day the Lord has made" and that isn't so ho-hum after all!

END

Another very fine day in the Commonwealth of KY.  KY is not a state; it is a Commonwealth though the difference I can not tell or see.  State or Commonwealth, it was a good day to get a lot of outdoor work done...and work I did.  The yard, front and back, is looking better than Ky. Fried Chicken.

I am happy to have gotten so much done as it is supposed to rain tonight and tomorrow.  It's hard to stay one jump of Mother Nature.  I guess tomorrow I can do some cleaning inside.  Painting will have to wait until the sun shines again.

All the work made me hungry and I guess my diet took a slight hit.  Yesterday I packed away a whole Sub and today I had fries and a chicken sandwich from Wendy's.  I guess I will have to work a little harder and burn off those extra calories.  I am going to bed "early" because I made myself tired.  I should sleep well.

I dragged out a pedestal fan because on Thursday, while it won't be 82 degrees, it will be in the 70's and humid.  I don't want to run the A/C this early in the season.  Um, what season is this anyway?  Please...someone tell me!!

I don't know who wrote the following.  There was no author listed.  It is in the very back of my very old Office Book.

THE HOUR OF COMPLINE
(NIGHT TIME)
CASTS ITS AURA
OF CALM AND TRANQUILITY
UPON TIRED BODIES.

THE EYE OF GOD
WATCHES OVER
HIS BELOVED ONES
AND HIS ANGELS
ARE PRESENT TO GUARD.

THE DRAGONS MAY
STILL LURK
IN THE DEPTHS,
BUT CHRISTIAN SOULS
(THE TWO DOVES)
WITH TRUSTFUL
CONFIDENCE
REST IN PEACE.

END

Mowing in March and Prophecy

OK, I mowed the grass in March.  I think a few other people did the same thing.  I got the back yard done and tomorrow I hope to finish up in the front.  The front is a little harder to do and I need to do some sprucing up here and there.  You should see the Plum tree; I wish you could.  It is snow-white with blossoms and alive with honey bees.  I wish I knew where the hive is located-I do like honey!

I spent most of the day outside doing yard work...work a little, rest a lot.  Having a mower with an electric start is so good and makes my arm happy because I don't have to yank a cord to get the mower going. 

I worked hard enough and long enough that I didn't want to cook.  I climbed into the van and went to the sub shop and got a couple subs to go...and ate both of them.  And believe it or not, I got a slight tan this day of 78 degrees!  A beautiful day and no humidity!

My neighbors across the ally decided to do a little sun worshiping and got their lawn chairs out and the pads they lay on for that beach effect.  They didn't stay out long so the couldn't have gotten very much sun.  Thus went the day.  A day in the sun and a day of visible results is a day well spent, in my book!  Tomorrow I willl do it again and we are supposed to break a record of 80 degrees!

WHEN I WAS A CHILD

I SPOKE AS A CHILD,

I FELT AS CHILD,

I THOUGHT

AS A CHILD.

NOW THAT I HAVE

BECOME A MAN,

I HAVE PUT AWAY

THE THINGS OF A CHILD.

1 Cor. 11-2

This a continuation of what I posted last night.  I suppose what it is saying in essence is "grow up" and grow in the spirit of Christ.

AIM AT CHARITY

YET STRIVE

AFTER SPIRITUAL

GIFTS,

ESPECIALLY THAT

YOU MAY PROPHECY

1 Cor. 14: 1

++++

The gift of prophecy is a gift I wouldn't care for as I think it would be a heavy burden to see...hear...know...or preach what may be coming.  (I am such a coward) This vs. continues and says that to speak in tongues is to speak to God.  Again, a gift that I would not wish upon myself, for I speak to God in my own way, effective or not, I do not know.  I wonder if we really get to chose in spite of free will.  I kind of think we get what we get....what God wills for us.  What do you think?

END

Well spoken in the end

I've been trying to up to upload a few pictures, but for some reason they will not upload.  It uploaded the other day...sigh.

Any how or anyway...whichever way you chose, the Plum tree is in full boom as of today, March 12.  We will probably get a hard frost and that will be the end of that...or the fruit.

I got the big, old mower out and it is on the charger.  As it is an electric start and has been hibernating since fall, it needs a good dose of juicy juice.  It will take overnight to get the battery up and ready for a good work out.  As we had rain overnight and early this morning, I am not sure if the ground will be dry enough for running through the grass/weeds.

I did get some photos of my neighbors yard and I had hoped to post them tonight.  They would have been interesting.

I have been working on the kitchen a little bit and getting it ready for a little more canning.  I need  maid service, I think.

There are teeny weeny  running all over my desk.  They may be attracted to the warmth of the computer.  I don't know where they have come from or why they are visiting me; I do know that they bite.

I got a couple loads of cloths washed, dried and hung up.  I washed sweaters, too.  It may be time to put them away for the season, but you never can next week tell what next week will bring.  I may drag them out again.

+++

CHARITY NEVER FAILS,

WHEREAS PROPHECIES

WILL DISAPPEAR,

AND TONGUES WILL CEASE,

AND KNOWLEDGE

WILL BE DESTROYED.

FOR WE KNOW IN PART

AND WE PROPHESY

IN PART,

BUT WHEN THAT

WHICH IS PERFECT

HAS COME,

THAT WHICH IS IMPERFECT

WILL BE DONE AWAY WITH.

Cor. 13: 8-10

+++

Do you think that means-applies...to us here in this 21 century?  You may wish to continue to read this passage.  I'll bet you know it well or at least have heard it spoken or taught at some time in your lifetime.

END





Time flies at the speed of light

I have re-set all my clocks except one; the clock radio.  I might just leave that one as it is and slowly wake up to music and at my own speed.  It does take a couple days to get adjusted to a different time, and as you all know, I like to take my time.

I made a big pot of home-made soup this afternoon.  I am waiting for it to cool off before putting it in the refrigerator.  The pot of soup will be good for several lite meals this week.

I really don't feel like writing this post.  I know that I have had over 15,000 " hits" from here in the U.S. and various foreign countries, but seldom does anyone acknowledge that they have looked in at the blog.  So...I wonder if it is worth the time and effort of writing and posting.  I am seriously considering giving up posting here.

Don't forget to re-set your clocks, watches and clock radios.  One hour ahead, if you are here in the U. S. A.

*****

FOR GOD,

WHO HAS COMMANDED

THE LIGHT TO SHINE

OUT OF DARKNESS,

HAS SHINED IN OUR HEART,

TO GIVE US THE LIGHT

OF KNOWLEDGE

OF THE GLORY OF GOD

IN THE FACE

OF JESUS CHRIST.

****

11 Cor. 3-6

I don't know about the rest of the world that God created, but I like light and lots of it.  I wish I were a beacon on a dark and windy shore, a guide to  floundering ships or souls.  It is a good wish, but I know it is hard to ignite and keep the flame unwavering, within myself, let alone in others.  How do YOU keep the flame ever-burning?

END



JUDGEMENT CANDY...I HAVE IT.

A nice, sunny day even though it was a little cool.  It remained in the low 50's and it supposed to be in the 20's overnight.  Next week is supposed to be like the month of May...or so the weatherman says.  I am ready for some nice spring-like days.  I really do need to mow the grass even though I don't want to start this early.  Who wants to mow the grass in March?

I got a little gas this afternoon...and I do mean little.  $15.00 will get me around the block a couple of times.  If you really think the economy is getting better you will get warts on your tongue for lying to yourself or you have been sniffing too much pixel dust off your computer. 

I got some hamburgers out of the freezer to thaw out.  They are not the "pink slime" kind.  I have had them in the freezer for a while and it is time to use them.  I took a loaf of bread out the freezer, too.  It looks like it got run over by a big Mack truck.  I will use it up in some manner or an other. 

So...who wants to come help me paint next week if the weather stays nice?  No one?  Well, that's just what I figured!  I guess it will be a do it myself project!

I shopped a little this afternoon.  I didn't buy much as I do not really need a lot.  I need to use up what I have.  And I cheated on my diet this afternoon.  I bought a dark chocolate bar with peanuts.  I ate about half of it.  Sometimes I crave some of the foods that I have given up in order to diet.  I can go so long and then I have to cheat and be happy!

****

OWE NO MAN ANYTHING

EXCEPT TO LOVE

ONE ANOTHER;

FOR HE WHO LOVES

HIS NEIGHBOR

HAS FULFILLED

THE LAW.

Romans 13: 8

****

LOVE DOES NO EVIL

TO A NEIGHBOR.

LOVE THEREFORE

IS THE FULFILLMENT

OF THE LAW.

Romans 13: 10

****

I will be the first to say that I am pretty judgmental of others and their activities, moral lassitude or general behaviour.  I try not to be, but it is always a struggle to rise above my frail  nature.  It must be something in my DNA or genetic makeup.  You would think that at my age I would have conquered such character weaknesses and lack of Christian virtues, but I haven't.  Still working on it.  It is like dieting.  You make a little progress and then you tend to slide back a little  "Oh, just a little piece of candy won't hurt."  But it does.

END 

Rain falls on the just and sinners alike!

It has rained the day away and washed out any ambition I thought I had, making it a do nothing day.  I kind of cat napped several times on the couch and that was about it.  The rain finally stopped in the mid-afternoon hours.  There was a lot of moisture and nowhere for it to go as the ground is already a squishy sponge.  As the rain left, the temperature started falling.  Not a drastic fall, but more in keeping with the season.  It's a good thing that all that rain wasn't snow!

I am going through some old papers and found some recipes that I may post later when the gardens are in full swing, but they are not timely for now.

 
Speaking of time:  Don't forget to reset your clocks before you go to bed Saturday night.  If you do forget you won't be late for church on Sunday morning: you will early.  You will beat the minister, preacher or priest, to the alter and be a congregation of  one-1.  You know that "one is the loneliest number in the world."  Just remember, "Fall back, spring ahead!"

BLESSED IS THE MAN

WHO ENDURES TEMPTATION:

FOR WHEN HE IS TRIED,

HE SHALL RECEIVE

THE CROWN OF LIFE,

WHICH THE LORD

HAS PROMISED

TO THEM THAT

LOVE HIM.

James 1:12

END

God Has Garden

Working outside yesterday has caused my sinuses to be in a drippy, nasal congestion, funky kind of mode.  I went to the store and got de-congestion tablets, but won't take any until bedtime.   They make me drowsy.  If I am going to sleep, I prefer to do my snoring at night.

I did a little bit outside this afternoon, but not much.  There are things to do, but it will rain tonight and this March day was  around 73 degrees and rapidly moving on.  Today we saw it, tomorrow we won't.

As I have a head full of allergies and a headache to go with it, so I won't write much tonight.  Oh, springtime, what you bring with it.  Thanks a lot ol' Mudder Nature.  Sniff, sniff.  Blow,  sniff.

THERE IS NOTHING

BETTER FOR MAN

THAN TO EAT AND DRINK

AND PROVIDE HIMSELF

WITH GOOD THINGS

BY HIS LABORS.

EVEN THUS, I REALIZED,

IS FROM THE HAND OF GOD.

FOR WHO CAN EAT OR DRINK

APART FROM HIM?

Eccl. 2: 24-25

I think all gardeners are close to God, co-creators within His realm, working the earth according to His will, turning the soil, planting the seeds and attending to the growth of His garden. As God will harvest, we too, will benefit from cultivating what has been sown.  Maybe that's why I like to garden, to be nearer to He who has made me.

END

WHAT IF....

What if....

What if you were hungry;

What if you had a hungry child;

A hungry parent or relative?

What if someone had a gun

in one hand,

 a loaf of bread in another,

the gun at your head,

and the offered bread

held forth to you...

if you would renounce

your faith-religion-trust in

Jesus Christ and redeemer?

Would your chose the loaf

in the hand of a tyrant

or would you chose the

 REAL BREAD OF LIFE?

Would you be like Peter

and deny Christ Jesus

three times

and then shed tears

of regret or shame?

Would you chose

to carry your cross

and drag yourself

up the hill of Calvary,

shedding your sweat, blood

and flesh along the way?

What would you do?

What would you chose

 a loaf of bread

or eternal salvation?

None of us really know because we have seldom been tried or put into such a sorrowful condition, at least not in this country so far.  Could we, a great nation, ever come to such a miserable state?  The answer is yes.  We are no longer a First World Country.  We are a second world state and falling.  We have a failed government that is in rapid decline, even if you can not see it or admit that it occurring.

****

This eve. I cooked three steaks with a big, fat onion and rice.  It turned out well and I was tempted to eat another steak, but refrained myself.  Ha!  It wouldn't be good for my diet!  Now I have a craving for some dark chocolate.  Fortunately for my waistline...I don't have any in the house!

I did get out and pick up wind blown twigs and papers from the yard.  The grass is growing way too fast!  Tomorrow I will try to get a little more done in the way of yard work.  The ground is very soft and  and there is more rain-lots of it-on the way. And that is where the day went, but it certainly was a glorious day.

END