Be still and know that I am God

Wow! Isn't that just amazing! I was reminded of this verse by someone today. I am so thankful for that. The whirlwind of life has finally caught up to me. School started today, I have a bazillion things to remember (since currently I am without a planner), current events, the changing of a season, realizing I am MUCH closer to my goal, feeling like I am going to burst into tears any minute. . . Enough said? Be still. Easier said than done God! I have just had a lot bottled up at once and needed to drain a little out. I'm afraid I'll go mad!

I am also reminded of the quote "God is God and I am not." Isn't that the truth? My poor little human brain can't handle all of this. God, give me strength, REST, and peace. I will be still and listen.

The hobo and the guilty heart

Whenever I drive out of the Fred Meyer parking lot (next to the Jack in The Box) there is usually at least one hobo sitting or lying on the corner in the grass. My heart ALWAYS melts whenever I see them. One day when I was entering the parking lot (in the scorch of summer)I saw a hobo lying in the shade of a very small tree. When I was inside shopping, I bought him a water bottle. As I was leaving, I parked in the restaurant parking lot and walked over to give him the water. Of course I was a little nervous. This was my first real encounter when I was alone, and not in a comfortable environment such as the church. We exchanged a few words, and that was that.

Now to present day (this afternoon) I came across another hobo in the same shady spot. Though, today there was no need for shade granted it was about 65 degrees. My thought process was: he probably doesn't need water, it's cool outside, I think I'll just be on my way. As I was driving out I drove right past him. He was sitting on the curb, and we both made eye contact. The only thing I gave him was a slight (probably pitiful) smile. I just can't believe it. Well, I can, I feel it now. What was I thinking? Why was I not more generous? How guilty I feel . That could have been Jesus of Nazareth needing a drink of water, and I JUST missed my golden opportunity.

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Matthew 10:42

Jesus, oh how I need forgiveness now. I cannot bear to think that that was you who was sitting there looking so helpless. Why did I not share my cup? When you were hideously hanging on the cross would I have shared my cup? Why not now in such a simple way? Please help me is these miniscule tasks.

Purpose

My purposes for this blog:

*As I continually live my life shaped around Jesus, I would like to share that journey. I will write about my struggles, joys, experiences, and maybe some thoughts shared by others.

*I may also share pictures that captured special moments in my life.

*I'm not usually one to take my thoughts and write them for anyone to see. Or for that matter write them! I've never been much of a writer, but I have seen the ways many of my friends and others around me have grown spiritually by writing. I guess in a way this blog is an experiment or a new adventure. I am ready to tackle this unfamiliar world of writing!

Phyllis

Phyllis is my plant that I personally have grown for about 5 years.

Background:

Phyllis is a Phylodendron. My parents first got her when they were married 25 years ago. In our old house Phyllis sat on top of this china hutch that we have, and hung down on either side of it nearly touching the floor. When we were packing boxes getting ready to move, my mom was going to get rid of Phyllis! I was apalled, because I am very sentimental towards things. I told her that I wanted to keep the plant, so of course she let me keep just a small part of her. I had to cut off a few small leaves an put them in a jar of water. After a LONG time (like a year or two) the leaves had grown some roots in the water and Phyllis was ready to plant! I planted Phyllis and have had her since. I think It is quite fun owning my own plant, especially because she is older than me!

Now, I talk about Phyllis as if she is my friend, and I want to clarify that yes, she is my friend! It is kind of a sad friendship in a way though, not how I really treat my friends! You see, Phyllis just sits on my shelf and stares at me, even when I forget about her. Every once and a while I will look up at her and her leaves will look kind of curled, then I know it is time to give her some water!

It is kind of sad being excited about such a meanial thing as a plant, but it is something that I can take care of. I like the feeling of taking care of something, and keeping it alive.

Mr. Right

One of my favorite books is Every Young Woman's Battle. My favorite paragraph toward the end of the book depicts a "modern/lay-man term" sort of way of the marriage of the lamb. I love it!

"There is a Mr. Right who longs for my attention and affection, who stands ready to engage in a more passionate love relationship than I could ever imagine. He's already made enormous sacrifices to demonstrate His uncondidional love for me. He comes from the stronges family I could imagine and His Father set an example of perfect love for Him to follow. He owns everything in both heaven and earth and can provide for me beyond my wildest dreams. He has a great vision for our future together, which includes a never-ending honeymoon together in paradise."


*I did change some words to first-person to make it more personal