~ I'm very thankful my Hubstir is feeling better after being the sickest I've seen him.
~ I'm thankful to have both Ellery and Khloe back a couple days a week, still unable to lift with my left arm
but they are an important part in my healing!
~ Thankful for our beautiful warm weather, 80's at the beach this coming weekend. Still praying for more
rain that we so desperately need.....
~ For bulbs that are blooming in my yard. Love the fact they just hide out for the winter only to remind
us they never really left us!
~Thankful for guests to our home. This week my eldest sister, brother in law and Cookie their dog came for
night in order to adopt another dog. A friend of mine mentioned on Facebook she had a dog in need
of a family as his elder owners could no longer care for him. Deanna, Mickey and Cookie met up with the
possible new member of the family. Happy to say Cookie now has a companion, Arnold!
~ Thankful for my cousin Linda and her husband Pat who are coming down Saturday and staying until
Sunday. Never have enough time with the two of them, just so excited to see them!
The practice of being thankful is so important.
When things seem at their worst, there is still much to be thankful for.
It may take some quiet moments to see them, but they are there.
You will find you can increase your own happiness just by practicing
thankfulness ~
~
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine
jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.” —
William Arthur Ward
Hoping you will look for things to be thankful for on Thankful Thursday and every other day!
I read this recent post on the Desiring God Blog. My first thought was what would most husbands honestly have to say after reading this? "Honestly have to say?"
I thought it a great truth when I read it, never really looked at it from this perspective. The problem with great truths, if one reads it and knows it as truth but does nothing with this truth.....well, it's the same is those who claim to be Christians on Sundays but not the other 6 days of the week. To live the truth in front of others, but not out of ear shot or sight of them. By not living the life you speak of....well as you will read it puts a bad light on ones view of Christ!
Obviously this isn't to say this occurs just with husbands, this article is just husband specific....wives, we are to live in a specific way toward our husbands as well. The article just happens to address what a kindhusband looks like.....Of course I hope husbands will read this, and yes, live it's truths. Wives, don't get on a soap box over this :-) A good reminder that when we point a finger at someone, there are three pointing back at ourselves.
I think this article is important enough to share and I hope you will share it yourself!
We find many husbands in the Bible, but not many stand out as ideal.
One of the men who does stand out is Boaz. Throughout the book of
Ruth, he stands out as a model of what a husband as a husband should be.
He is a godly and considerate employer (Ruth 2:4). His kindness toward Ruth is clear and well-marked before
he thinks of himself as a possible husband to her. His character as a
godly husband comes out in his kindness in assuming the role of
kinsman-redeemer for Ruth. So the next time you read through the book of
Ruth, think of the kindness of this husband.
What do unkind husbands do? Among other things, they preach heresy in
the living room. Paul tells husbands to love their wives as Christ
loved the church (Ephesians 5:25).
This is not given as simply a nice illustration. A husband is the head
of his wife the same way Christ is the head of the Church (Ephesians 5:23).
This means that husbands are speaking all day every day about what
Christ thinks of the Church. And because such speaking is inescapable,
they are either telling the truth or they are lying. No husband has the
option of silence.
The Lies of Mistreatment
And unfortunately, while all mistreatment is a lie, more than one lie is possible. For example, what lie is being told by bitter husbands? Paul tells husbands not to be bitter against their wives (Colossians 3:19).
But some men think that they have been provoked enough that resentment
is their only option. What is the lie? The lie is that Christ has a
lousy attitude whenever he is provoked, which we would think must be all
the time.
Another lie is told by a lustful husband. Some men think
that a straying eye is only natural. What is the lie? The lie is that
Christ is an adulterer, that he is unfaithful to his bride.
Then there is the lie told by limp husbands. Some men
provide no leadership for their wives. What is the lie? The lie is that
Christ is a loser and a wimp. That this is fairly common in our day is
not surprising, given the doctrine of Christ that is held by many.
Last, proud husbands tell another lie. Some men have
contempt for the abilities of women, including their wives and
daughters. What is the lie? They are saying that Christ despises his
Church, making fun of it whenever he gets the chance.
Five Characteristics of a Kind Husband
So what is a kind husband? As we see the ideal of a husband’s
kindness displayed by Boaz, we also should fill out our understanding of
that kindness from the teaching of the Bible elsewhere. We are perhaps
too accustomed to the phraseology of the Pauline command to love our
wives, and so it might help us to think of this central duty in terms of
kindness. First, a kind husband is incomplete. God created man in his image, male and female created he them (Genesis 1:27). A man and his wife become one flesh (Genesis 2:24), which indicates the intimacy of sexual union (2 Corinthians 6:16). Apart from the intervention of God with the gift of celibacy, it is not good that man should be alone (Genesis 2:18).
True male confidence therefore operates within the context of mutual
kindnesses. “Confidence” that in any way hints, indicates, or says to a
wife that “I don't need you” is not real confidence at all, but mere
arrogant bluster. Men who build themselves up by tearing down their
wives are following the “wisdom” of hell. A husband is kind to the one
who completes him. Second, a kind husband is a lover. The ideal here is the
lover portrayed in the Song of Songs. He is ardent, devoted, strong, and
sexually confident. But remember the first point; this confidence is
not in himself, but rather in his ability to fulfill his
appointed role, which is only half of what must be done. Too often we
forget what the Bible commands (Proverbs 5:15–19). A husband is kind to his beloved. A kind husband is a provider. A man who does not provide for his household is worse than an unbeliever (1 Timothy 5:8). Since his wife is the most important member of his household, he has a profound obligation to provide for her. Specifically, he provides her with food, clothing, and conjugal rights (Exodus 21:10). A husband is kind to the one who is dependent upon him. Fourth, a kind husband is a nurturer. A Christian husband is called to nourish and cherish (Ephesians 5:29). In this sense, a lack of tenderness, where appropriate, shows a lack of masculinity. A husband is kind to the object of his kindness. And last, a husband is a kinsman-redeemer. A husband is close to his wife; she is his sister, his bride (Song 5:1). In a very real sense, he models for her the idea of savior and redeemer (Ephesians 5:25–26).
What husband is sufficient for such things? Not one, but we live and
love by grace. A husband is kind to his sister, the one he brings to
himself.
Believer or not, imagine marriages with husbands such as this?
Now to find the article on wives :-) I'm in search mode!
It's what echos from my heart today....
It's what echos from my heart today................................
This week I am sharing with you a post from one of our Pastor's Blog. He is battling leukemia and is six months post bone marrow transplant. He shares with us daily about his status which allows us all to pray for him specifically. Pastor Mike has been the biggest inspiration to many, proof positive great things can come out of the bad. As he has shared his victories and his struggles I am amazed by his great faith in God. I'm thankful for each post I read of his, he is a blessing to many. He is currently still having to take anti rejection meds which isn't always the case 6 months into his treatment. As you can imagine how hard it might sometimes be to remain positive and encouraged, it is then he encourages us the most!
I am thrilled he has allowed me to share his most recent post, I know you will be blessed by it.
Today
I came across a reference to the “Hound of Heaven”. I’m sure that it is
a familiar phrase to some of you as it was to me, but I never knew
where it came from. It turns out that it is a poem written by English
poet Francis Thompson (1859–1907). The poem became famous, and was the
source of much of Thompson’s posthumous reputation. It was initially
published in Thompson’s first volume of poems in 1893. In 1971 it was
included in the Oxford Book of English Mystical Verse. It was also an
influence on J. R. R. Tolkien, who read it a few years before it was
published. The name is strange and it startles one at first. It is so
bold that it does not attract, rather the reverse. But, when one reads
the poem, this strangeness disappears. As stated in The Neumann Press
Book of Verse, 1988; “The meaning is understood. As the hound follows
the hare, never ceasing in its running, ever drawing nearer in the
chase, with unhurrying and imperturbed pace, so does God follow the
fleeing soul by His Divine grace. And though in sin or in human love,
away from God it seeks to hide itself, Divine grace follows after,
unwearyingly follows ever after, till the soul feels its pressure
forcing it to turn to Him alone in that never ending pursuit.”
The
truth of this poem can clearly be seen in the life of Jonah. Jonah
didn’t start rebounding until he got swallowed. Some of us are not going
to get right with God until we are swallowed either—until God sends us
circumstances so adverse, so cataclysmic that running to God is the only
thing left. Remember, Jonah could have repented anywhere along the
line, but it took this incredible circumstance to get his attention. He
prayed from the stomach of the fish. Chapter 2 is the beginning of
Jonah’s rebound, the start of his turnaround where he realizes that he
has missed the boat.
Jonah
prays a wonderful prayer: “Lord, I’m in this fish, but You threw me
overboard. Those sailors were doing what You wanted done. You are
absolutely sovereign. Everything is under Your control, so I know this
is You. I didn’t think of it then, but I know it now.”
Ever
been in the pit? The pit can be instrumental to get us back in the will
of God. It’s a bad place to be, but if it took our going to the pit to
get us back on the mountaintop, thank God for the pit.
God
didn’t move until Jonah remembered. God didn’t move until Jonah
confessed. God didn’t move until Jonah got right. Many of us want God to
move before we’ve moved. We want God to act before we act. Jonah acted,
and God responded. He commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry
land, whereupon he asked the way to Nineveh.
Sometimes,
because of our rebellion, we don’t get it right until the third or
fourth attempt. Sometimes in our rebellion we don’t get it right until
we’re been at it for years and years. Sometimes we don’t overcome that
sin which so easily besets us until later (Heb 12:1), although it could
have been overcome sooner. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom. But
whatever it takes to bring us back, God will do it. He’s the “Hound of
Heaven” who pursues us until we surrender.
If you would like to follow his journey the link below will take you there.
Joining up with Rebecca Jo over at http://www.knitbygodshand.com/ a reminder to consider all there is to be thankful for. Focus on that rather than whatever may be weighing you down!
Today I am reminded of how thankful I am for antibiotics. The hubstir came down with the flu 3 weeks following my shoulder surgery. His flu turned in to pneumonia and a good old Z Pac along with Steroids has brought him to a much better place in a little over a week.
I'm thankful that at least two of my grandchildren live close by. When I'm with them I'm in a constant state of thankfulness. How lucky Grandparents are that live by all of their grands!
Thankful for a little PBS Masterpiece series called Downton Abbey. As of last night I am at last caught up with my fellow followers of the series. Since surgery the hubstir and I have watched all five seasons, we were committed :-)
I know it has it's downside but I am thankful for Facebook and the ability it gives me to reach so many of my friends and family.
John 14:27 - Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your
hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
~
I know there are many troubled hearts in the world, I know some of them personally.
This morning started off with a message from a High School friend who short of a miracle is nearing the end of her life on this earth. She has fought a good fight with an incredible attitude and spirit. Cancer may win this fight but she has eternity of perfect health~
Some struggle with new beginnings, attempting to find a new normal for themselves.
Some are trying to remain hopeful when their self is sometimes tempted to doubt, to allow their faith to be nudged by fear..
Some live without hope of tomorrow and see no way out of the pit they are living in.
My Encouragement for them is, there is One bigger than You and your circumstance.
He gives peace to the weary, hope to the hopeless, strength to the weak.
Just believe and trust Him.
~
Peace is not as simple as the absence of fear. Peace is a person.
He said He would never leave us. We let our hearts become troubled when
we forget that He is with us.
~
Hoping today and everyday you will each encourage those who cross your path. It's not always apparent when someone needs and encouraging word. It's what echos from my heart today ~
Day eleven post surgery, and all is well. Doctor said I'm better than most at this point!
The
process has been relatively easy for me, very little pain, no trouble
sleeping. The hardest part has been dealing with another cough/cold that
would not (still) go away! Been so touched by friends that took time out of their lives to help in any way, or stop in to visit me.The days are challenging sometimes with so much alone time! The greatest challenge, it's nearly impossible to
dry my own hair..... Can't help but wish while watching Downton Abbey
that I had my own Anna to assist. :-)
The hubstir has gotten rather good at doing it for me! In fact he has taken the best care of me.
Truth is, life is good in the big scheme of things, if my greatest trouble is drying my hair!
~
My
church has been experiencing some difficult times, which is never wanted,
yet it happens. You see church is the people, and because we belong to
Him does not mean we are free from the struggles in this world. It means
we know as we go through challenging times,we are never alone. We
continue totrust and know that with God, good will prevail every time.
I have always felt this little church will provide many with a hope
they have never known, a feeling of acceptance and being cared for. That
I'm sure will continue, I've never felt stronger about that then after yesterdays service, God has this.
~
Missing
my sweet Khloe and Ellery....oh the days are so long without them. I so
treasure every moment they have come to visit with their Momma or
Daddy. My youngest son made a special surprise trip to bring me chicken
soup when I was feeling my worst, my heart swelled! How I love the men
they have become......
~
I
try and keep busy, reading, have spent very little time online, and
I've been good with that. I've enjoyed watching the first four seasons of Downton Abbey
with my Bustir. Would love to have Mosley serve me some tea
right about now...... :-)
Doing my best to catch up with my fellow bloggers!
Teaming up with Rebecca Jo over at Knit by God's Hand again for Thankful Thursday!
I am thankful to finally reach the day of shoulder surgery!! It's been a little over a year since it starting bothering me so, it's about time! Torn rotator cuff and torn bicep tendon, it's gonna be interesting.....
Khloe and Ellery will be in the loving care of Grammy and Grandpa Kaiser who are here from Michigan.
I'm so glad they are here to take over!!!!! It's easier knowing they are with family :-)
My Hubstir has arranged time off from work to help me with the many things I will not be able to do. I hope I don't wear him out....it's hard not being able to do for myself. I have been trying to think of a way to do laundry, it's a favorite chore of mine. I think I can get it in the washer and moved to the dryer....it's the folding I'm not sure of.? I will be in a contraption sling of sorts for some time....they refer to it as a sling! I can tell you it's not the square piece of cotton fabric that I adorned when I broke my arm at age 6 that tied around my neck. This thing breaks down to three or four parts, very interesting. The young man that fitted me for it showed me the one snap approach of getting in on and off. Hoping that is remembered come time to test those instructions because there are about four or five clips like on a car seat. It will be with me for a while, I may have to give it a name?
I explained yesterday to Khloe while waiting on the phone with the O.R. Nurse that my surgery to fix my shoulder was going to be tomorrow. Of course she asked if she could go because, "remember Namaw, when I grow up I want to be a flying fish, a Momma and a Nurse?" Ummmm.. yes but even Pa can't go in. "Don't worry Namaw me and Roo (Ellery) will take care of you, we can even do the laundry."
The child does excel at towel folding, I'll keep her in mind :-)
A Cinderella of sorts.....
Evidence,
she really did fold the short stack of towels in this photo!
I'm so thankful for some amazing women who will bring us meals during week one of this fiasco. I'm hoping I can accomplish cooking by the second week??? So much unknown.
I'm thankful I have three new books to read, three and a half seasons of Downton Abbey to watch, and a great online Bible Study.
I do worry about boredom, and no little ones to snuggle up with.
