My mix is all talked up!

My fame is spreading far and wide. Not exactly the kind of fame I want. I'm known for twisting words around. When this happens to me, I usually don't realize it for a few seconds -- and then it hits. I'll never live down some of these tongue twisters. Like the time I said "Wayne and Blendy" for Blain and Wendy. I've yet to live that one down.

Yesterday I did it again. At the end of a telephone conversation, I said, "Well, I'm going to go out and snovel show" now. There was dead silence on the other end of the phone, and I thought, something didn't sound right . . ." It hit the both of us at once, and we howled with laughter.

Yep, I've been snoveling show ever since. How talked up can your mix get?

Why Fast?

I've just posted an article on examiner.com/Harrisburg, which asks the question, "Why Fast?"
Our pastor at Agape Fellowship had presented the proposition of fasting in the Sunday morning sermon. Without mentioning the various types of fasting that one can employ, let me share here a fast that a friend shared with me (not mentioning names). This fast is so appealing that I immediately decided to join with her in this fast. She said (and I quote) -- "I'm fasting on fasting!" Wanna come along? (smile)

Now, just in case someone out there takes us seriously, please read the article to which I referred. We are indeed joining our hearts to commit (in some way) to fasting in the weeks ahead. Wanna join us - for real!

Oh no -- not again

The weather report calls for another winter storm, starting tonight. Granted, we haven't gotten more than four inches (at least where I reside). Here's my logic:

Every time I fill the shovel with snow, I am lifting 8 to 10 inches of snow. Now, I not only lift it, but I have to carry it to a destination or pitch it, again to a destination -- out of the way. Here's another problem. If I pitch it, it doesn't always land on target. If I carry it, I face other threats -- like slipping or worse scenario, falling.

Now, while all this is taking place -- the shoveling, pitching, carrying, slipping, not to mention freezing and sweating, all at the same time -- the canine kids are on the tie-outs, watching (and enjoying) the show. As I huff and puff (with a smile, of course), the question arises in my inquiring mind. Why didn't God create the canine kingdom to be able to somehow help to remove the snow. That reminds me of a word of exhortation from my Nana when I was in my innocense: "Don't eat yellow snow."

Airborne!

It was the closest I ever came to taking a spill without actually doing it. Picture this if you can:
I was putting the canine kids out for their final nighttime potty. Fastening the dual leash onto them, and then the tie-out, I stepped out on the porch. I decided to take the garland off the bannister so it wouldn't get snowed on because I wanted to pack it away. Just as I got to the bannister, Daisy gave a lion-like roar and dashed off the porch, dragging Mitzi after her -- and me -- almost, but not quite. The tie-out was wrapped around my ankles, so when Daisy charged (probably after a cat) my strapped ankles flew straight out. I grabbed the bannister and there I was, horizontal! Thank the Lord for the bannister, or I would have had a very rough landing. By the way, both ankles got rope burns, even through my thick socks. Again, we're defying odds. Jesus had mercy -- in spite of me.`

Falling Blackbirds

Blackbird, male singing (Photo by Malene, Wikimedia Commons)

Only twenty-four?


According to the newscasters, there were at least sixty black birds that fell from the sky – not just once, but twice in as many days. What is happening?

Last Spring, a number of black birds landed in the lot behind my home. I counted 24 of them, and thought about that line in the nursery rhyme that I used to recite to my sons: “For and twenty blackbirds baked in a pie.” (What a gruesome thought!). Several weeks later, again 24 black birds visited my lot.

Just last week, a flock of the shiny, black visitors were back, enjoying a feast at the feeder on a pole in my yard. This time, I didn’t count them. Then I heard about the black birds dropping from the sky.

There are different theories about the falling blackbirds. Perhaps something in the environment – a governmental interference – or an insecticide – or this or that.

If you have any thoughts on the subject, I invite you to comment.


(I recommend an article about the blackbirds on the Dothan Christianity Examiner site at www.examiner.com. Joseph Parker gives some insightful, provoking thoughts.)

Love covers WHAT ???

I was brushing my teeth yesterday morning, when my thoughts went to a certain individual who is involved in a questionable relationship. (Stop sweating -- it's not you.) I began to formulate a prayer in my mind. Suddenly, these words stepped up center stage: Love covers a multitude of sins. The scripture in Peter's epistle reads "Charity covers, etc." because the Greek word "charity" means "love". So, ok, Lord, I thought how does this apply to my thoughts about this one who is in need of change? Here's what I learned through my search of the scriptures:

The Greek language has a number of different words translated "cover" in our English versions of the New Testament; but the word used in this passage of scripture means to purposely conceal or to keep from exposure. Talk about grace! Then the Lord reminded me that we are forgiven of our trespasses to the extent that we forgive others who have trespassed against us.

As I rinsed toothpaste from my mouth yesterday, I realized that the marvelous grace of God is to flow through me to this one in need. I am not to judge his actions, but to love. Hopefully, that demo of love will reap a harvest in his life. So enjoy love as you both receive and give.

To my precious family and friends

May your New Year hold blessings beyond your comprehension. I pray that you will walk in the love of the Lord every step that you take. When you turn to the right or the left, may His voice clearly lead you into His perfect way. I pray that good health and well being will be your daily portion, and that your every need will be fully met. May your spiritual understanding be opened as never before, and your life be filled with peace and joy -- even in the midst of circumstances that are difficult. Be blessed with the blessings of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Happy New Year!

                                                                                                                                             Penny

P.S. Mitzi sends her love too!