spiritual

A Rose Is Still A Rose

Posted by

0

Good morning Wonderers:

I mentioned to you last week I was crocheting flowers in an attempt to reconnect with painting. What I am actually doing is crocheting roses for the niece’s bridal flowers. I think I’m doing a good job with the crocheted stitches but I was really having difficulties rolling it into the shape of a rose. So I call my niece’s mother for guidance.

First let me say my sister-in-law is my sister and she has a heart of godly love for everyone. It’s just her nature. She took her time without criticizing what I created. She just help me understand how to roll the crocheted platform into a rose. When I looked at hers and I looked at mines, in my mind I was criticizing everything I had done.

I think she saw it in my face. We were on FaceTime and she took her time explaining little things that made a difference in our flowers. Like how she is more experienced, she crochets tightly, her flower is large and mines is small so she has more material to help shape the rose. Me having less materials makes it harder. I don’t know but I felt better about my rose by the time we got off the phone.

Is criticism better than praise? I think not. Even as an old girl, I would have been crushed had she criticized my flowers and I was able to fulfill my obligation. I wanted to do this for my niece so I’m glad her mother is who she is. A godly woman and mother equipped with the fruit of the spirit of God.

The fruits of the Spirit is live, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness. Galatians 5:22 NIV

Still, I texted the flower crew made up of my nieces and daughter to see if my roses were acceptable to go into the bouquets. They texted back: Approved!

So I’ll keep going. I can’t wait to see how they all turn out.

Thanks for perusing and have a great morning.

https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/2023/01/08/sunday-poser/

Rocked By The Father

Posted by

0

I don’t recall when it started but I remember once asking my grandmother when would it stop. Better yet how would I stop. It had become such a habit, one that embarrassed me to the core. I was in my teens and I was worried I would rub my hair out to a bald spot. She told me one day it would just happen. Not to worry about it. It would stop on its own.

I think it has been going on now for about fifty years, me rocking myself to sleep. I’ve had times not realizing I had stopped and times when it was incessant. I don’t know how my family was even able to sleep with me and tolerate the movements that and the cool air that would rush in between the swaying. They did it because they loved me and they knew it brought me some peace.

Today in service at church I heard the pastor speaking about how God rocks us in his arms and for the first time I fully understood why I do it. The father is comforting me like only he can. No matter how happy or unhappy, tired, fearful or anxious I may have been only the Father’s rocking can bring me comfort and lull me to sweet sleep. No one else has ever been able to completely give me that kind of peace. The peace that surpasses all understanding. Even though I did not understand why I was rocking God knew what I needed and he provided it. In that period of rest God was empowering me with inner strength through his Spirit preparing me to receive the love of Christ so I could continue on in whatever was to come. What a blessing that the Father loves us so much.

Our service today was based on Ephesians 3:14-21 – Paul’s Prayer for Spiritual Growth.

“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”

‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭3:14-21‬ ‭NIV

How is God comforting you and bringing you strength?

I pray this passage speaks to you in some way and you know Christ’s love is available to you.

Thank you for perusing and may God be with you tonight and always.😘

http://bible.com/111/eph.3.15-21.niv

Worth

Posted by

0

Good morning Wonderers:

This message is for everyone but especially the women of this world. Do you know your worth? You are worth far more than being in the wrong relationship. Worth far more than being a side chick. Worth far more than being hidden from the light,

I question do you know because of what I see going on around me. I am not questioning your intentions so I am not going to put out any scenarios. I can only tell you about my own personal experiences and hope it gives you some guidelines to starting a relationship.

1. You are worth the love you desire. Don’t settle for anything less than what you want. God knows the desires of your heart and will send the right person at the right time. You do not have to run him down.

2. Wait for the godly man that will respect you in all manners. He will be willing to meet your family and friends. He will be with you in public. He will not keep you a secret. He will want the world to know God blessed him with a treasure.

3. He will be considerate of your every need. He may not be able to accommodate all of them but he will sit and listen and help you come to s solution.

These are three things I know to be true in going into a relationship but there is more you need to know.

1. Trust God he set the standard for relationships. Thou shall not covet. Ladies there are men that are troubled with their own sinful nature. You should know you are above entering into the middle of all that. Pray over the situation if God be for you who could be against you. If he doesn’t clear the situation he was not to be yours. God is not the author of chaos, he works for the good of those you love the Lord and according to his purpose. What God has for you is for you.

2. Wait on the Lord anyway. He will open doors no man can shut and put aside what you think should be the plan. He has a better plan.

3. Pray, pray and pray that he will lead you and guide you to the right person.

These are the guidelines I want my girls to know. When the right man comes along you will know it in your spirit. Regardless of his looks, prestige, fame or whatever you think you see in him. God sees all of him every hidden nature. You just need to be still and know God will never leave your side. Be still and listen to the Spirit he will tell you if he is the one.

Thank you for perusing and have a wonderful morning.

Through The Waters

Posted by

0

Shortly after my husband passed I read an article where the author suggested grief comes in waves. I don’t remember who wrote it I just remember how I felt at that time and I couldn’t relate to it. Now I see the ocean in front of me and I’m standing on the other side for now.

Sometimes the waves come and slowly entices you to come in. Innocently you play in it letting it surround you while you take a deep breath and let it wash over you. Other times it knocks you down and drags you into the deep murky waters. You can’t catch your breath and you struggle for air while the currents take you deeper into despair leaving you isolated from anything you know good. While you are submerged thoughts of anguish take over you. Fear, anxiety, and depression take a hold of you. The water tells you lies about your life, about your dreams, about the people you love and especially about the person you grieve.

And then there are the times when you are submerged deep enough for thoughts to take you in but not deep enough for terror to take you over. That is mostly the times when other people question your integrity because they see you in the water comfortable in your own skin. What they don’t know is at that time you are in denial of your reality. For me, it’s several different scenarios all leading to the same conclusion. He is not dead. He is off at war fighting for his family and will return soon. He is somewhere undercover so his family will be protected while he fights for his innocent and someday will return. My favorite, he is a MI6 agent and when the plot to destroy the world is done, he will come home. He will come home. He will come home again and your family will be restored. It has all been a bad dream.

The waves keep rolling and rolling but fortunately I have a Savior who keeps pushing me back to shore. He rescues me and gives me breath and brings me back to life. He comforts me like no one else can. He restores me and gives me hope. He lets me know there is no condemnation in choosing life. It is what he expects of me. He expects me to live out the purpose he planned for me. It does not mean that I am not in pain. It means that my Father loves me not to leaving me floating face down in the water. He stands me up on the sands of the shore and walks me through the valley. He removes all the mountains in my way and returns me to the path home to my family. My purpose and his plan.

So when I say I’m standing on the other side of grief for now I say it with confidence because I serve a God that will never leave me nor forsake me. The waves may come but the Spirit is with me and he will not let me drown. Jesus will rescue me and bring me back to the shore. I hope you know it too. We are his children and he loves us more than we can ever know. Whatever your situation he can bring us through the waters and he can move mountains!

Isaiah 43:2 NLT “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

How awesome is this! I am standing on his promises.

Thank you for perusing and have a good evening.😘

Perfectionist

Posted by

2

Good Afternoon Wonderers.

Look closely friends. I started out this project with a perfect point and the more I do, the less perfect they are. And quess what, it does not matter. I used to be a perfectionist. Everything had to be done a certain way. I had to control everything in fear that it would get messed up. Like when you have a barbecue and everyone has a list of side dishes to bring and everyone brings bake beans. That’s a lot of stress on a person and what’s worst people just let me have it. I assume they had no choice I trained them that way. I would never ask for help and if I did I couldn’t wait for them to do it at their leisure. I remember once we had a fish fry and my sister-in-law wanted to help. I was running around like a chicken with my head cut off when I allowed her to season the fish. The event was a success and afterwards I went to thank her for her help. Her response was unexpected. She thanked me and went on to say how honored she was that I let her into my kitchen. She had married into the family 25 years ago and I had never let her rinse out a glass. Oh happy day, That evening I let her wash the dishes too! 😉

And it taught me a lesson. Here I was thinking when I invited people to my home I just wanted them to relax and be at peace when all they wanted to do was be apart of my world and share this moment.

Wonderers, I got off track on this pinwheel. Here’s the point. Perfectionism was one of my imperfections. Now that I see it in myself I pray to be able to loosen it and not be afraid to know God’s truth about me. That I am his child and he loves me unconditionally. God has graced me to be me and it feels good.

You can check this blog for errors and send me a list of corrections if you like. I have my children here with me and we are going to watch the Eagles play. Perfect happiness….them sharing this moment with me. My husband was a diehard Eagles fan. He passed on to glory after the Super Bowl last year. His final moment with us and I’m praying for the Eagles to play in the Super Bowl. God willing.

Thank you for perusing and listening to my prayer. #flyeaglesfly

Do Good!

Posted by

0

Pinwheel 6. Do Good Wonderers.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭6:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

http://bible.com/111/gal.6.2.niv

I’m reminded to try to do Good to every one I intersect with. When I was performing judicial duties I came across many people who were in the midst of a sinful situation. I ways tried to be compassionate to their plight wishing I could do more for them beside the legal aspects. I wish I would have prayed for them and told them about the love of Jesus and how it was available to them. I carried many of their burdens trying to make sure they knew their legal right and what the law afforded them. I should have talk to them about what God offered them……salvation. The time has passed for them so I’ll share the message with you.

God sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is Love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God.

May peace be with you and thank you for perusing.

Bold Faith

Posted by

0

Wonderers

God requires us to have a bold faith in his son Jesus Christ. 1John 4:9-10, 15 states, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is Love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God, (NIV)”

The key verses I attached to this pinwheel are from the Book of Daniel. (2017-18 Standard Lesson Commentary NIV, Vol.24.) These men laid down their lives for their faith in God. The cross does not discriminate. God loves everyone. I will lay my life down for the Lord for I trust in the Lord with all my heart and soul.

Thank you for perusing. May God continue to bless you and keep you.

Steadfast

Posted by

0

Good evenings Wonderers:

Hi guys!

If you know me, well, you know I did not want to learn to sew. I like the idea of it however me and the sewing machine would alwaysend up in a fight. All the women in my life sew. My mother tried to teach me, It just was not in the cards for me. I wanted to make quilts like my grandmothers did but it missed me and passed to my daughter. I did not completely give up. I once sewed sheets together and covered an old store bought quilt and darted little bows throughout it to give it the look of a quilt and gave it to my daughter Kerrie when she was young. I can’t remember how old she was but she still has it. She told me the other day that it is the only thing she covers herself with that helps her feel better throughout her pregnancy. When I think about it this quilt got her through high school, heart break and war. All the places I could not go with her but I could hold her in my arms and comfort her and love her unconditionally.

Over the summer she took me to Fabricate Studios in Atlanta Georgia where I met instructor Diana. Diana, the angel that took my fear of the machine helped me make two quilted oven mitts that started the beginning of this journey.

In November Kerrie invited me to Glamp Stitchalot where I was inspired by about 150 beautiful spirits full of life and love of their craft. At Glamp I came back with so much fabric I actually have a stash. That’s an important term for quilters, it means the possibilities are endless 😛. And five days ago I got to thinking about what to do with some of it.

I know how inspired I get when I think about painting but quilting is different. Going through your fabric is spiritual. I can’t explain it but you can spend some time going through it. You can’t rush it. It’s like when you were a kid and you saw a pile of leaves, you just jumped in and laid in them and you rolled around for the pure joy if it. No worries just pure joy.

<<<<<<<<<<<
ame to me that I should make something so I went throughout my stashed when cowardly I selected this package of charm packets by Windham Fabric. This design is Makers Home by Natalie Barnes. I love the colors and designs. They were calling to me. I said cowardly because they are already cut into squares and I was just going to sew squares together. This fabric is too bold for that! For a day I rearranged those squares until I thought I had it all in my mind how it was going to go when something happened. Why not make a pinwheel? You remember how to do it. My daughter labored through it with me the first day of Glamp and it was perfect. So I decided to step out on faith and do it. Of course I didn't remember it actually right but I just kept ripping out the seams and turning fabric around until I finally got the triangles going in the right directions. There was something about rearranging those little fragments of cloth, ripping the seams apart and putting them back together in a new perspective, the right perspective, made me think of my life. This is where I am! God will meet you where you are and turn you around.

I was thinking there are two perspective to every thing. As much as I thought I had a steadfast spirit, I had been living a lie. The pinwheel was representing my past sins versus the new perspective of my time spent with Jesus. Like the pinwheel I had to be broken and put back together again. God willing I plan to do a pinwheel a day and label it. Every fragment of my life and heart has to be separated, corrected and rearranged. It is not going to be easy but with God's help I can be whole with a clean heart. Like the quilt I'm going to have in the end I will be forever changed. That's what I want to be "fixed in place" and be who God has called me to be. I'm claiming my authority!

I called my daughter and she is going to do the same. You can follow her blocks on Instagram at karefullymade. God willing we are going to do a block until Thanksgiving and we will present our quilt at Christmas.

I'm only on day three Wonderers. I invite you to join in. Maybe we can exchange scriptures to encourage each other. Having a steadfast gaze is my goal to help me fight against the many things that distract me. It takes about twenty minutes to make a pinwheel but it is also a part of my meditation on scripture so it takes me longer. Just the same I would love the fellowship. Thank you for perusing and may God bless you and keep you.

Create in me a pure heart, O’God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10

Good night.

X Marks The Spot

Posted by

0

Wonderers:

Cloud formations constantly change.  You look at the sky and you see one thing.  You look back and the image has softened or disappeared.  You only have an instant to see, meditate, reflect and share a provoking image but with technology we can now capture an imagine and hold it to analyze our thoughts into words and put all the pieces together and have proof of our experience.  Not that we need proof but sometimes we can not explain the supernatural in words.  We wait on evidence of an unspoken promise.  Confirmation.

Praying for help is the only resource available and I have faith that my supplications and prayer requests are being heard.  I sometimes question if I really am experiencing the supernatural and I did not want to be the person that reveals and connects they see God in everything but guess what….he is in everything so try to convict me if you must but here it goes.

I’m trying to be both parents in my household and I’m praying to be the structure that my husband was to our children.  I’m the unorthodox parent, the fun and flaky disciplinarian.  But my young men need the structure and I cried out to God in desperation for help.  It came to me to do one of my husband’s tricks which I threatened for several days when it came to me I had to actually do it to get the point across.  So you can follow my thoughts process, my husband would talk of sprinkling water on the children if he could not get them out of bed.  Just hearing the water run was enough to get them stirring.  I tried it but they knew I wouldn’t go through with it.  Instead of yelling and getting upset I had to get their attention.  I started to trickle the water on the pillow and the boy sat up and he said, “there’s an “x” on the pillow.  I looked and said, “x marks the spot.”  We had a long talk about expectations and what kind of person I needed him to be so I could be the person God needed me to be.   We left the conversation at that and I took him to school.  You have heard me speak of the road we travel to school everyday and I feel God is with me most on this path and this day was no different.  When we arrived at the entrance of school, he got out and when I looked up this is what I saw.


Coincidence, maybe.  I say it is God confirming he heard my cry and he let me and the boy both know he is with us and he will never leave us.  I went home and prayed for over a few more things that were blocking me from having a clean heart and stilling my joy .  The response:


Keep in mind I live 15 minutes from school so it is not the same sky.  What it is no matter how they got there is this.  God has dominion over the heavens and earth and he loves us enough to answer our prayers.  Be assured he is listening. 

And I think this could be the heart be my next painting.

Thank you for perusing and may God bless you and keep you today and always.

Thankful

Posted by

0

Good Morning Wonderers,

I did not know how it was going to be done, this getting through Thanksgiving without falling apart.  This day made up of our traditions without the usual participants and their predictable actions.  The day just started revolving on it own without knowledge or interference.  It just revolved.

It started with an invitation, one that should have went out 6 years ago with the birth of the child that united our families.  This family may have never known the gratitude felt that they are apart of this child’s life and therefore are an extension to mines.  There should be no separation in a family that loves each other.  It should not matter how we became family only that we are and the fact that the invitation was accepted and honored really supports our hearts are kindred spirits and we have something in common.  The love of a child.

The menu kept changing as ingredients went missing, side dishes burnt up and things had to be restarted.  Laughter was constant and attitudes were adjusted and we got through it.  Some traditional dishes made it to the final list and some were deleted.  Some new items like the coconut cake were welcome along with the new guests.  Memories of thanksgiving past echoed throughout the kitchen especially last year’s challenge with no oven to use.  It was not a problem, just a chance to go back to a simpler time we shared.  The purchase of a roasting pan and the toaster oven saved the day.  The children experienced how back in our time it took all day to cook Thanksgiving dinner while we bake one thing at a time in the toaster oven.   There could have been nothing sweeter than to rejoice about this memory except for you being there and because of it you were.  Its funny how we sometimes do not recognize our blessings when they are happening but when realized they are the most precious moments of our lives.

All day news of family gatherings and events all around the world had a new meaning.  It felt good to hear that people where sharing the day with others and life was moving forward despite heartbreak and tragedy.  After dinner was over and the house was quiet there was a phone call from a hospital room.  Thank God that he is in control and every one is okay but there was a fleeting feeling.  A reminder that we need to be thankful for every moment of our life and for every person in our lives past, present and future.

The day ended with another phone call from my friend.  She knows God’s love and knows my heart.  She was calling to confirm everything felt today was real because she felt it too through her own circumstances.  So thankful for the many talks we have shared over the years and although I some times do not know how I am going to get through I’m Thankful we know….with God’s help this too shall pass.