Sunday, March 31, 2013
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By:
Anita
Saturday, March 30, 2013
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By:
Anita
What's that?
I’ve been on the receiving end of a sharp tongue. Sadly, I’ve also been on the giving end, too. Since I’m not a “confrontationist” by nature, this history of my sharpness happened behind closed doors, behind backs. It embarrasses me to say, but if I’m to live authentically, I must.
I’ve spouted off at times, speaking in the flesh instead of through the Spirit.
I’ve allowed pain, hurt and frustration to guide my speech rather than Him.
I’ve given in to my humanness, turning my back on who I am in Him.
Saying it, writing it makes it so real.
I’ve been guilty of assumptions, assuming without gathering all the facts.
I’ve been guilty of surmising, creating scenarios in which to respond.
I’ve been guilty of sarcasm ~ lots of sarcasm.
In the midst of it all, He’s been quietly speaking into my Spirit, calling my attention to what flows from my tongue.
He reminds me of Philippians 4:8:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
Then leads me to Matthew 15:18:
But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart. . ...
Followed by Galatians 5:22,23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
What has He been teaching me?
What is He teaching me?
1) A heart full of Him speaks Him because a heart full of junk speaks just that ~ junk.
2) I must allow Him to filter my words, not just catch them afterwards, repairing any damage.
3) Letting go of foolish speak is evidence of my love for Him and my relationship with Him and His word.
As I live my life I need to remember that HE sees my shortcomings, my faults and loves me through each. HE patiently teaches and reminds me how hiding HIS word in my heart influences what comes out of MY mouth.
Blessings
I’ve spouted off at times, speaking in the flesh instead of through the Spirit.
I’ve allowed pain, hurt and frustration to guide my speech rather than Him.
I’ve given in to my humanness, turning my back on who I am in Him.
Saying it, writing it makes it so real.
I’ve been guilty of assumptions, assuming without gathering all the facts.
I’ve been guilty of surmising, creating scenarios in which to respond.
I’ve been guilty of sarcasm ~ lots of sarcasm.
In the midst of it all, He’s been quietly speaking into my Spirit, calling my attention to what flows from my tongue.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.
Then leads me to Matthew 15:18:
But the things that come out of a person’s mouth come from the heart. . ...
Followed by Galatians 5:22,23:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
What has He been teaching me?
What is He teaching me?
1) A heart full of Him speaks Him because a heart full of junk speaks just that ~ junk.
2) I must allow Him to filter my words, not just catch them afterwards, repairing any damage.
3) Letting go of foolish speak is evidence of my love for Him and my relationship with Him and His word.
As I live my life I need to remember that HE sees my shortcomings, my faults and loves me through each. HE patiently teaches and reminds me how hiding HIS word in my heart influences what comes out of MY mouth.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
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By:
Anita
My motto
These days it seems that for every step I take forward, I end up taking two steps backwards. Not a great way to get ahead, wouldn’t you agree?
You’d think that with only working part-time, I’d be able to get ahead with things around the house. Like the stacks of wedding photos from three years ago that are still waiting to be put in the photo albums, or give the house a good spring cleaning, {which was done when we were gearing up for that same wedding} or what about the closets that need to be purged of old and non-worn clothes, or how about organizing the games & video cupboard, or, here’s a good one, how about the boy’s room. Both boys moved out in September of 2010 when they left for college. Their rooms however look like they are only away for the weekend ~ because I’ve done nothing about it. I just keep doing what I’ve always done - which isn’t alot. Well now, that’s not quite true. I still make meals, do the laundry, tidy up, keep the dished washed, dried and put away, I try to go for a walk, and on a good day, perhaps go for run, read book or two, but that’s. about. it. Not much on the list to win me the good wife, mom, or contributor to the home award .. . . huh?
It seems that as each day passes, I am only able to manage the status quo. Because I am so far behind in everything that even the simplest of tasks seem to overwhelm me. .. . . and the more overwhelmed I feel, the further behind I seem to fall as every task seems insurmountable.
In fact sometimes even just thinking about everything that needs to be done overwhelms to the point that I can’t even get started on anything. I don’t know if making myself a goal list would help, or maybe I need someone to gently nudge me to get things done, giving me the incentive I need.
And then I remind myself of this:
Blessings
You’d think that with only working part-time, I’d be able to get ahead with things around the house. Like the stacks of wedding photos from three years ago that are still waiting to be put in the photo albums, or give the house a good spring cleaning, {which was done when we were gearing up for that same wedding} or what about the closets that need to be purged of old and non-worn clothes, or how about organizing the games & video cupboard, or, here’s a good one, how about the boy’s room. Both boys moved out in September of 2010 when they left for college. Their rooms however look like they are only away for the weekend ~ because I’ve done nothing about it. I just keep doing what I’ve always done - which isn’t alot. Well now, that’s not quite true. I still make meals, do the laundry, tidy up, keep the dished washed, dried and put away, I try to go for a walk, and on a good day, perhaps go for run, read book or two, but that’s. about. it. Not much on the list to win me the good wife, mom, or contributor to the home award .. . . huh?
It seems that as each day passes, I am only able to manage the status quo. Because I am so far behind in everything that even the simplest of tasks seem to overwhelm me. .. . . and the more overwhelmed I feel, the further behind I seem to fall as every task seems insurmountable.
In fact sometimes even just thinking about everything that needs to be done overwhelms to the point that I can’t even get started on anything. I don’t know if making myself a goal list would help, or maybe I need someone to gently nudge me to get things done, giving me the incentive I need.
And then I remind myself of this:
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
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By:
Anita
Mirror ~ Mirror
Have you ever seen the movies “Wizard of Oz”, “Snow White” or the TV show “Once Upon a Time”?
I am totally into these kinds of stories, these days. Especially after watching “OZ the Great and Powerful”.
At the heart of each one of these is good vs. evil - bad vs. good. Throughout the story the battle goes back and forth until you are left on the edge of your seat wondering who is ahead and who is behind. You curse when the Bad scores points against the Good and cheer when Good prevails. Back and forth it goes in constant drama. Makes for good TV but not so much when you are faced with it in life. Maybe not evil per se, but the back and forth with someone that only wants to hurt, discredit or force you to eat the poisoned apple.
Take the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. She stalked Dorothy, sent flying monkeys at her, threatened her and did everything to exert her power over her. Green with jealously, locked in her castle she needed to hurt what was good. She manipulated and lied and looked for any opening to release her anger onto another.
Or how about the evil Queen in Snow White? I just finished reading the book “Fairest of all”
It's a wonderful story about how the wicked queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs became so wicked. From the moment I saw this cover ~ I absolutely had to read it. In it we learn of how the Wicked Queen became the bitter and well, evil witch we've known for years. We are taken back to the days where she lived with her father, an artist in crafting mirrors. We also read of her marriage, her dreams, hopes and eventually her downfall.
And after reading her story ~ you begin to feel a little more empathy for her.
In fact, I really feel sorry for all people like this. When someone is so full of pain, of insecurity or just plain miserable with their own lives, they tend to lash out at others. They lie. They bully. They talk behind your back and do whatever they can to knock you down. They keep files and notes and look for whatever opening they can find to hurt you. They worm their way into your friends, your family and your life. However, you do not have to let their poison effect you.
In reality, it's not even really about you. It's about them. Their issues, their hang ups. Nothing you could ever do or say will change it. And when you realize this, you do not ever need to defend yourself. Hold your head up high, shoulders back and remember that it is not your battle to fight, they need to make peace with themselves.
But.. .. .. . I wouldn't eat any apples in the meantime.
Blessings
At the heart of each one of these is good vs. evil - bad vs. good. Throughout the story the battle goes back and forth until you are left on the edge of your seat wondering who is ahead and who is behind. You curse when the Bad scores points against the Good and cheer when Good prevails. Back and forth it goes in constant drama. Makes for good TV but not so much when you are faced with it in life. Maybe not evil per se, but the back and forth with someone that only wants to hurt, discredit or force you to eat the poisoned apple.
Take the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. She stalked Dorothy, sent flying monkeys at her, threatened her and did everything to exert her power over her. Green with jealously, locked in her castle she needed to hurt what was good. She manipulated and lied and looked for any opening to release her anger onto another.
Or how about the evil Queen in Snow White? I just finished reading the book “Fairest of all”
In fact, I really feel sorry for all people like this. When someone is so full of pain, of insecurity or just plain miserable with their own lives, they tend to lash out at others. They lie. They bully. They talk behind your back and do whatever they can to knock you down. They keep files and notes and look for whatever opening they can find to hurt you. They worm their way into your friends, your family and your life. However, you do not have to let their poison effect you.
In reality, it's not even really about you. It's about them. Their issues, their hang ups. Nothing you could ever do or say will change it. And when you realize this, you do not ever need to defend yourself. Hold your head up high, shoulders back and remember that it is not your battle to fight, they need to make peace with themselves.
But.. .. .. . I wouldn't eat any apples in the meantime.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
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By:
Anita
WANTED: Friends
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Most of us are familiar with the classic friendship story in the movie “Toy Story” - where our main character “Woody” the cowboy doll which had been Andy’s favourite toy, until it was replaced with “Buzz Lightyear” the spaceman figure, leaving Woody feeling left out of all the fun. Of course in classic Disney style the situations they find themselves in give these beloved characters opportunity to figure out a way to get along and end up becoming the friends they were meant to be.
You've got a friend in me, You've got a friend in me
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles, from your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said, Boy, you've got a friend in me!
You've got a friend in me!
We all want to have true friends; however making friends is difficult… at least it is for me. I have always found it difficult to find someone that I could relate to. Maybe it was because I was shy. Maybe it was because I am a little on the abnormal side! {depending on your definition of abnormal!} Maybe I never wore the right clothes, said the right things. Regardless of the reason, I always found it difficult to reach out to new people.
The older I’ve gotten the harder it is {or so it seems} to make friends. Since I don’t work out of the house, the opportunities just aren’t there. Finding friends over 40 has proven harder than I thought it would. It seems with each passing year it’s harder and harder to meet people who are interested in developing a new friendship. It seems everyone out there is either afraid of getting hurt, doesn’t want to make the investment into a new relationship or are quite comfortable in their own little clique of friends. While I do consider my mother, my sister, my daughter, and my aunt my friends, nothing beats a non-related friend who will grab a cup of tea with you or just hang out because they enjoy your company. Someone who will listen to your rants and raves without judgement; someone who you can share your life with.
We been attending a new church for about a year now and we love it! The Sunday morning worship in music is Spirit filled, the Pastor’s messages proclaiming the Word of God fills my soul for another week and the people are so friendly that I revel in their genuine love for us; and yet I haven’t made a deep connection with another woman. I knew that when we left our other church I would sadly lose a lot of those friendships as we would not have the same opportunity to connect since most of our time together was at the church building. I knew it and yet was still greatly wounded when it actually happened. I’ve tried to stay connected to a few ladies, but others I had to let go as therewas is a lot of resentment because we left.
Which puts me, back in the friend market once again.
Maybe I should post a “Friend Wanted” Ad. Something like:
Wanted: Female friend who is interested in finding a real friend; someone who listens, who can hold a decent conversation, a kindred spirit to whom you can confide your inmost soul. Looking for someone that holds similar interests - such as going for a cuppa tea, walking, card making, working out, and cooking. Board game (book lover) is a bonus. Prefers someone with high family values. Looking for someone who is trustworthy, honest, and overall just a fun person to be with. Qualified person would be interested in fun times, new experiences, and creating what will hopefully be a lifetime friend! Serious inquires only.
Taking the time to nurture a friendship is worth every moment. As the years pass, some people will stay by your side, but many won't, and you'll realize that each friendship you keep is priceless.
Are you lucky enough to be blessed with friends, or are you like me and ready to place that ad?
Blessings
Most of us are familiar with the classic friendship story in the movie “Toy Story” - where our main character “Woody” the cowboy doll which had been Andy’s favourite toy, until it was replaced with “Buzz Lightyear” the spaceman figure, leaving Woody feeling left out of all the fun. Of course in classic Disney style the situations they find themselves in give these beloved characters opportunity to figure out a way to get along and end up becoming the friends they were meant to be.
When the road looks rough ahead
And you're miles and miles, from your nice warm bed
Just remember what your old pal said, Boy, you've got a friend in me!
You've got a friend in me!
We all want to have true friends; however making friends is difficult… at least it is for me. I have always found it difficult to find someone that I could relate to. Maybe it was because I was shy. Maybe it was because I am a little on the abnormal side! {depending on your definition of abnormal!} Maybe I never wore the right clothes, said the right things. Regardless of the reason, I always found it difficult to reach out to new people.
The older I’ve gotten the harder it is {or so it seems} to make friends. Since I don’t work out of the house, the opportunities just aren’t there. Finding friends over 40 has proven harder than I thought it would. It seems with each passing year it’s harder and harder to meet people who are interested in developing a new friendship. It seems everyone out there is either afraid of getting hurt, doesn’t want to make the investment into a new relationship or are quite comfortable in their own little clique of friends. While I do consider my mother, my sister, my daughter, and my aunt my friends, nothing beats a non-related friend who will grab a cup of tea with you or just hang out because they enjoy your company. Someone who will listen to your rants and raves without judgement; someone who you can share your life with.
We been attending a new church for about a year now and we love it! The Sunday morning worship in music is Spirit filled, the Pastor’s messages proclaiming the Word of God fills my soul for another week and the people are so friendly that I revel in their genuine love for us; and yet I haven’t made a deep connection with another woman. I knew that when we left our other church I would sadly lose a lot of those friendships as we would not have the same opportunity to connect since most of our time together was at the church building. I knew it and yet was still greatly wounded when it actually happened. I’ve tried to stay connected to a few ladies, but others I had to let go as there
Which puts me, back in the friend market once again.
Maybe I should post a “Friend Wanted” Ad. Something like:
Wanted: Female friend who is interested in finding a real friend; someone who listens, who can hold a decent conversation, a kindred spirit to whom you can confide your inmost soul. Looking for someone that holds similar interests - such as going for a cuppa tea, walking, card making, working out, and cooking. Board game (book lover) is a bonus. Prefers someone with high family values. Looking for someone who is trustworthy, honest, and overall just a fun person to be with. Qualified person would be interested in fun times, new experiences, and creating what will hopefully be a lifetime friend! Serious inquires only.
Are you lucky enough to be blessed with friends, or are you like me and ready to place that ad?
Blessings
Thursday, March 21, 2013
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By:
Anita
The 50 book Challenge
I’ve always loved reading.. .. Even as a young child I have the fondest memory of sitting in my Grandma’s living room reading Uncle Arthur’s Bedtime Stories.
I’ve long since graduated to many different authors writing many different genres of books with fiction being my favourite. I can and do end up spending several hours engrossed with a good book, in fact I can get so absorbed with the stories that I totally can lose track of the time. Reading is probably my very most favourite pastime!
So when Krystle posted this ~ I knew this was one opportuity I could not pass up. Not only does this challenge combine my love for reading but it also includes me hanging out at my favourite place ~ the Library! I love searching for new authors and get excited when my favourite author has written a new book ~ quite often I end up spending several hours there.
Here’s a list of what I’ve read since I’ve accepted the challenge:
#1 Triplets - Molly Gregorie
#2 Acts of Malice - Perri O shaunessy
#3 Secrets - Danielle Steel
#4 Extreme Measures - Michael Palmer
#5 Angles Flight - Michael Connolly
#6 Accident - Danielle Steel
#6 Low Pressure - Sandra Brown
#7 Up Close and Dangerous- Linda Howard
#8 The Trophy Wives - Kristin Billerbeck
#9 The Drop - Michael Connolly
#10 Shiver - Karen Robards
#11 Eyes Wide Open - Andrew Gross
#12 Full Disclosure - Dee Henderson
#13 419 - Will Fergussen
#13 These Things Hidden - Heather Gudenkauf
#14 Broken Harbour - Tana French
#15 Lying with Strangers - James Grippando
#15 Double Blind - Brandilyn Collins
#16 In the Woods - Tana French
#16 The Truth about Dandelions - Hayley Linfield
#17 Faithful Place - Tana French
#17 Inside - Alex Ohlin
#17 The Lawyer's Lawyer - James Sheehan
#18 Last to Die - Tess Gerritson
I’m almost halfway through this challenge and it’s not even June yet! I am sure you’ve noticed that most of my books are fiction, {which according to Wikipedia is ~ Fiction: the form of any work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary and theoretical ~ that is, invented by the author.} um, ok, I guess they are all fiction ~ but there is just something about that genre that just pulls me in. Whether it’s taking me to far away places, an opportunity to live vicariously through the characters, or helping me decipher with the detectives in the most recent whodunit! It gives me a window in to another world!
It’s probably true that you can’t judge a book by its cover, but if the cover can’t grab me, I doubt the story will… I’ve also learned that through all my years of reading that there are too many good books out there to waste time reading a bad book. .. .. so if my most recent book from the library doesn’t quite entice me to continue reading it, I simply return it for the next one on my list.
“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all." - Henry David Thoreau.
Blessings
So when Krystle posted this ~ I knew this was one opportuity I could not pass up. Not only does this challenge combine my love for reading but it also includes me hanging out at my favourite place ~ the Library! I love searching for new authors and get excited when my favourite author has written a new book ~ quite often I end up spending several hours there.
Here’s a list of what I’ve read since I’ve accepted the challenge:
#1 Triplets - Molly Gregorie
#2 Acts of Malice - Perri O shaunessy
#3 Secrets - Danielle Steel
#4 Extreme Measures - Michael Palmer
#5 Angles Flight - Michael Connolly
#6 Low Pressure - Sandra Brown
#7 Up Close and Dangerous- Linda Howard
#8 The Trophy Wives - Kristin Billerbeck
#9 The Drop - Michael Connolly
#10 Shiver - Karen Robards
#11 Eyes Wide Open - Andrew Gross
#12 Full Disclosure - Dee Henderson
#13 These Things Hidden - Heather Gudenkauf
#14 Broken Harbour - Tana French
#15 Double Blind - Brandilyn Collins
#16 The Truth about Dandelions - Hayley Linfield
#17 The Lawyer's Lawyer - James Sheehan
#18 Last to Die - Tess Gerritson
I’m almost halfway through this challenge and it’s not even June yet! I am sure you’ve noticed that most of my books are fiction, {which according to Wikipedia is ~ Fiction: the form of any work that deals, in part or in whole, with information or events that are not factual, but rather, imaginary and theoretical ~ that is, invented by the author.} um, ok, I guess they are all fiction ~ but there is just something about that genre that just pulls me in. Whether it’s taking me to far away places, an opportunity to live vicariously through the characters, or helping me decipher with the detectives in the most recent whodunit! It gives me a window in to another world!
“Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all." - Henry David Thoreau.
Blessings
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
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By:
Anita
Is it Spring yet?
According to the calendar it is and even more so because my Kraft Canada ~ What's Cooking magazine came in the mail yesterday ~ making it official!
I love this little magazine that arrives about 3 or 4 times throughout the year. With it's wonderful new recipes, great articles and information about new products ~ plus that fact that's it's free, makes it one great little surprise signalling the beginning of each season.
It something that I will read from cover to cover feeding into my cookbook addiciton, plus I will tear out any of the recipes that I want to make in the future and I will add to my collection and put them into this binder.
Since it's the first day of Spring and my magazine has arrived, let's hope the Spring weather soon follows.
Blessings
It something that I will read from cover to cover feeding into my cookbook addiciton, plus I will tear out any of the recipes that I want to make in the future and I will add to my collection and put them into this binder.
Since it's the first day of Spring and my magazine has arrived, let's hope the Spring weather soon follows.
Blessings
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