Monday, May 16, 2016

PET PEEVES


Irritation.

Defined as this: the state of feeling impatient, annoyed, or angry.

Oh yes.

Ever just feel downright irritated at life…and people?

Just *bugged to death* by frustrations and aggravations?

Yeah, me too.

So, just for fun I thought I'd list some of my pet peeves, some of the things that irritate me the most:


1) Stickers on something

You know, the stickers that won't come off.

Oh sure, they fool you into thinking that they're going to come right off.  They do this by letting you easily pry up one little corner.  You start peeling, ever-so-slowly, only to end up pulling the top layer off, leaving a paper trail of the worst kind.

Sure, then you try using your fingernails.

That only succeeds in getting little bits of paper and adhesive stuck under your nails.

The next step is using a little soap and water (which, incidentally, cannot be used on a book cover, which leads to more aggravation).

Sometimes you can be successful with removing the paper, leaving only a gluey, sticky residue.

At this point I usually try the *sticky loves sticky* method of removal.  This entails rolling up a piece of tape and repeatedly pressing it against the residue. I have found that doing this slowly, applying pressure and then peeling the tape back, yields better results than quick jabs.

If none of these methods work, I usually resort to using Goo Gone – a pleasant orange-smelling oil that usually does the trick.  Of course, then you have to clean up the Goo Gone, another pet peeve.


2) Perforations on bills

OK, so you get the bills that have no perforation to aid in easily removing the payment stub they expect you to send in with your payment.  This is irritating enough, as you must dig out the scissors and do the work yourself.

As if paying the bill wasn't irritating enough.

Or, and this arguably bugs me even more, the perforation does NOT match up with the fold.  Most often the difference is about a millionth of an inch.  But that is enough to make a real mess.

I like a clean edge.

And with this perforation/fold disparity, it becomes next to impossible.

I've tried to do the fold one way, fold another way method of making the perforation more "tearable" – (which is a terrible waste of time).

Even so, most of the time I end up with a ragged edge…

…which I trim with scissors.


3) Tamper-proof seals on containers

You know the ones.

The ones that you have to fiddle with to even try to find a starting point to peel – (without tearing off a fingernail in the process).  Of course, if this is successful, you never, ever get the whole thing off in one piece.

There have been times when I've gotten so frustrated that I just pierced the top with a sharp object – (probably the scissors that I have just used on my bills).  Of course, then you have to fish the little flap out.

Don't get me started on the pinch-and-twist caps.

Or the cotton inside.


4) Exploding things 

Let me qualify this.

"The Hub" and I live in the mountains at 6300 feet elevation.

So, whenever we buy groceries *down-the-hill* and trek them back up the hill, there's a certain amount of pressure that builds up inside the containers.

Evidently, things expand above sea level.

Suffice it to say that on more than one occasion I have been baptized with yogurt.

Or splattered with soup.

Or celebrated with potato chip confetti.

(To be fair, though, the potato chip thing could be a result of sealed margins that don't separate easily – ie, potato chips, crackers, cereal – another pet peeve of mine – grrr…)


5) Slow drivers in the fast lane

No need for a lot of explanation here.  I'll make it simple…

MOVE. OVER.


6) Bike riders who don't obey the rules

Maybe I'm just a bit bitter about bikes in general after my fall a couple of weeks ago?!

But when I go visit my family, down in the *city*, bike riders are often the worst rule-breakers around!

They don't stop at stop signs, they don't signal their intentions, they cut in front of you, they zip around in their spandex like the road belongs to them.

Not all bike riders are like this.

So I'm just peeved at the offenders.


7) People who cut into line

I. CANNOT. STAND. THIS.

The only times I can remember almost getting into a literal fist fight is when people have cut in line.  In front of my kids.  Especially at amusement parks.

'Nuff said.


8) Impolite texting behavior

Two things:

One, leaving a texting conversation in the middle of the conversation.

So, you're in the middle of a conversation and all of a sudden the person disappears.  And maybe you don't hear a reply text until two hours later. Which leaves me with the whole paranoia thought that I might have said something to offend them?

Like LOL??

Two, people who text you a question and then when you start to fashion a reply, you see the little dots signifying that they're writing you another text.

Honestly, give me time to reply!!

Or, the worst is a combination of the two – they text a question and then disappear from the conversation.

Know what I mean?

I just think that it is so


9) Bending book covers or dog-earing pages

Books are hallowed to me.

I can maybe forgive you mishandling your books, but don't mess with mine!

I almost lost a friendship when I loaned a paperback to a friend, which was returned looking like it had been run over by a truck.  I asked them to buy me a new book.

Feud ensued.


10) People who can't spell my name

Even when I spell it for them.

I'm not going to name names (*$’s), but I have told them my name and spelled it, and they still get it wrong.

Is it that old-fashioned?

Or is it that we live in a culture where people spell names so weird that we don't know what to do?

I've seen Sheran, Sharron, Cheran, Sherin, Shannon – once I got frustrated and told them my name was Cindy – (which they spelled Cyndi).  I'm tempted to tell them my name is "X"…

Ex, Exx, Ecks???


These are just a few of my pet peeves.

Life is full of exasperationsituations and people that endlessly irritate, frustrate, and aggravate us.

But how we react to it is up to us.

We can let the enemy distract us, tempting us into a complaining, negative attitude, steering us into anger and bitterness.

Or we can let the Lord teach us about longsuffering.


Many people think that longsuffering means "suffering long."

But the word longsuffering in the Bible is the Greek word "makrothymía" – and comes from the two words "makrós" meaning "long," and "thymos" meaning "passion, anger."  It can properly be translated "long-passion" – i.e. waiting sufficient time before expressing anger.

To be longsuffering is to have self-restraint.  To be longsuffering means not immediately retaliating or punishing.  

God is the source of longsuffering because it is part of His character.

He is patient with sinners, patient with our failings, patient with our weaknesses.

And when we become His followers, we must follow His example.

How might our lives be affected if longsuffering was exhibited in our attitudes, our words, our actions?

How might our relationships change – with family, friends, at home, at work, at church?

Our human self-nature can be so easily peeved, so very short-fused.

We are quick to get irritated, frustrated, aggravated.

So very quick to strike out with unkind words and unforgiving attitudes.

But, when we stop and think about how longsuffering God is with us – well, do we really have any right to be any less longsuffering with others?

No, friends, we do not.


There are always going to be things that really bug memy pet peeves will always test my patience and drive me to distraction.

But with the help of the Holy Spirit, I'm going to try to look at them differently.

Not as interruptions and disruptions, but as learning moments.

Moments when I can step into the character of God Himself…



What's one of your pet peeves?






Easy peasy?

Yeah, right...



"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience (makrothymía), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…" 
(Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)

"And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, 'The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…'" (Exodus 34:6-7, KJV)

"The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression…" (Numbers 14:18, KJV)

"But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth." (Psalm 86:15, KJV)

"Don't you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you?  Can't you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?" (Romans 2:4, NLT)

"And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation…" 
(2 Peter 3:15, KJV)

"The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9, Berean Study Bible)

"…for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." (1 Timothy 1:16, NASB)

"Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." 
(Colossians 3:12, NIV)

"May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy…" (Colossians 1:11, ESV) 

"We prove ourselves by our purity, our understanding, our patience, our kindness, by the Holy Spirit within us, and by our sincere love." 
(2 Corinthians 6:6, NLT)

"Always be humble and gentle.  Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other's faults because of your love." (Ephesians 4:2, NLT)

"And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." (1 Thessalonians 5:14, NIV)




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BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

49 comments:

  1. Drivers who are texting and totally unfocused! Also drivers who turn SLOWLY in front of me, or who inch along in a 45 at 20 or 25. I guess traffic is one of my worst! I know God will keep allowing those drivers just to 'grow me up'... :) The irritations of life are daily, and these scriptures say it all. I don't hear Jesus scolding those drivers, so the words must be for me!! :)

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  2. I hadn't thought much of long suffering before, only to know that God is long suffering and patient with us. You explained it really well here, Sharon. I have to laugh, how hard is it to spell Sharon. You'll have to tell people it is spelled the traditional way and then see what they come up with, LOL.

    Definitely need to practice it a bit more in some aspects of my life.

    One of my biggest pet peeves is people who don't clean up after their dogs when they are walking them. Enough said.

    betty

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    1. That's a good one Betty. I would not have thought of this and it definitely irritates me when they don't clean up after their dogs.

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  3. Oh yeah ... Sharon ... "Pet peeves" ... (maybe that's why Betty thought of dogs (pets)... Beautifully, humorously written as always Sharon (or is it Shari?) Many things irritate me but I don't think most are my pet peeves although as you mentioned different ones, I thought about how that particular one bugs me at times too.

    The best part for me was you teaching on "long-suffering"! Your spiritual applications most often are needed by me and this one was most definitely - very applicable and most difficult in the scheme of things as patience is a quality I really need (I guess this is the next close runner). And I did not know this ... I'm one of those that thought of this as suffering long. I so appreciate this lesson. Most certainly this is one of the BIG characteristics of God (seen in Jesus) that I (we) need: BIG growing and learning moments - much better to look at everything this way instead of letting us get the best of us. Too much currently bugs me ... but from your list: not obeying traffic, med. bottles/packages that I can't easily open and mostly people cutting in line (traffic or people lines). Maybe your lesson will help me with the Holy Spirit to handle this better. Thanks Sharon.
    ~ Hugs and prayers, Peggy ~ check your email, I sent you please. On to re-read last week's and comment plus your gratitude (guess I missed last week's)

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    1. I have many comments from your "Grateful Thoughts" (sigh)... so I will just pray and hope God answers and passes them along.

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  4. Those stickers are one of my pet peeves too. And mess with my books? I'm with you: "Books are hallowed to me. I can maybe forgive you mishandling your books, but don't mess with mine!" ha. Thanks for bringing some laughter into my day, Sharon.

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  5. Whew! Glad I'm not one of those bike riders! I do dislike the stickers and the cotton and the "not-so-easy-to-open bottles of medicine. I despise slow drivers in the fast lane, especially if not even going the speed limit! One of my pet peeves is trying to open a Gatorade bottle which is closed so tightly it would take Hercules to open it. And when you have arthritis in a thumb it is next to maddening.

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    1. Me, too, Bill about the Gatorade bottle. Good one!

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  6. gosh, I share some of those pet peeves, and alot more..lately with people! Braggers, ugh! Bother me! Competitive mothers with their kids! Your ideas to be more Godly in dealing with these irks come at a good time..thanks..I'll adopt the longsuffering view..Thanks so much! Visiting from next door at #smallwonder today! Good timing..

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  7. One of my pet peeves is the person who feels they are in a special category (from the rest of the population) called DNA, meaning Does Not Apply. The speed limit DNA to them, the gate that says closed DNA to this person, the 15-item limit in the speedy grocery line DNA. But the truth is, I often think I am a DNA when it comes God's guidelines and standards--"Love your neighbor" (surely you don't mean the one that traps and kills the adorable groundhogs!), Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength (You have most of me God, well, a lot of me, ummm a good portion of me), etc. So I guess I can't be too critical of others who think the rules DNA. :)

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  8. Oh, my! I know exactly what you mean...some of these are very aggravating to me, too. Things can just really get on one's nerves, can't they? I think my main pet peeve is the total disregard customer service employees seem to have for customers anymore. They ignore you like you are not standing there, they talk on their cell phones while waiting on you, they hold conversations with co-workers and are so distracted. I miss the days of good, sincerely warm and caring customer service. Thanks for letting me vent! Sending you much love, sweet friend.

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  9. I had to smile at a few of your pet peeves, as they are mine, as well, but that exploding stuff ... wow! I had no idea you live at such a high elevation. Are you pretty much alone up there, or is it a residential area?



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  10. "But how we react to it is up to us." Exactly! So many things can get us aggravated, but our response is the measure of our character. Visiting from #Lifegiving Link up.

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  11. For me it's when my husband puts wet clothes in the hamper. What makes me thing at this late stage of the game he will change? But I keep reminding him (he agrees with me but forgets.) I like your message of longsuffering, the points you made and Scripture verses because there are probably more things I do that irritate him and I just say: "I forgot. I'll remember next time...."

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  12. Yes! Especially the easy-open packages that are not, or the resealable packages that don't. Also pop-up windows on sites just seconds after I come to the page. How do I know if I want to subscribe yet, I haven't had a chance to look at anything, LOL! When someone leaves the microwave a mess, doesn't replace the toilet paper roll, etc., etc. I'm sure I have dozens that just aren't coming to mind right now. One thing I try to tell myself is "don't feed the fire" - I tend to go over and over the little offense and keep myself steamed about it instead of overlooking it. Good thoughts and verses about longsuffering! My post was on quick, uncontrolled reactions that cause damage.

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  13. I loved your story it made my smile, and I can understand the frustration. YOU are NOT alone. I suppose we just must put up with some of these bottle tops and cotton etc. sorry about the altitude causing your groceries to have a fire works display. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a True Story.

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  14. Pajamas in public!!!
    This post made me laugh, Sharon.. and it made me say: "me too" a lot !
    Thankfully, The Lord is long-suffering with me.

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  15. My biggest pet peeve is people who are not considerate of those around them. And people who wear their pjs in public :)

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  16. We definitely share some pet peeves, Sharon (or is it, Sherin?). :) It's interesting with your timing because as a church we've been praying through a list of scriptures and part of that is the fruit of the Spirit. Over these last weeks of praying, the ones that have stood out the most have been: patience, gentleness, and self-control. It amazes me that these largely undervalued but much needed qualities are a simple byproduct of submitting your life to God and allowing His Spirit to work. It's mind-blowing to me! Interesting too that once patience goes out the window, it usually doesn't take long for gentleness and self-control to follow. Humorous and food for thought--thanks Sharon!

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  17. Love this, Sharon! Some of your pet peeves are also mine. An additional one for me is someone not returning a voicemail message (especially if I left it on their home AND cell phone). Of course, then you needed to get in my business with the point of long-suffering and I plead in need of that word!! Thanks so much! Happy to be your neighbor at Crystal's Linkup.

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  18. I laughed as I read your list and then I started thinking about mine. One of my pet peeves is having things left out on the kitchen counter. I don't like waking up to clutter. Another one would be when my boys have a stain on their clothes and they don't alert me. I wash and dry it and then it's twice as difficult to remove. Ugh.
    I love how you turned this to us realizing that there are things that will always bother us, but we must rely on the Holy Spirit.
    PS-The picture at the top of your blog?!? I've hiked that...one of my favorite hikes! If you live close to that, let me just tell you, I'm jealous!!

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  19. I forgot to tell you thanks for linking to Waiting on Wednesday!

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  20. I have some of the same pet peeves. Another is when driver slow their cars down to turn they put their brakes on before they use the blinker. Silly, I know. I like the way you remind us that these are opportunities to learn and to demonstrate the love of God. Blessings! I'm your neighbor at #TellHisStory.

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  21. Oh man... Well, you've already read about one of my big pet peeves this week. I could go on, but your writing bids me to dump my pride. It's about being Him to the rest of the world. Thanks for the colorful reminder.

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  22. Stickers...yes! Annoyances are great for building character.

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  23. And I thought I was the only one. You nailed all the peeves--and then some. But most of all--the remedy for our responses when those peeves get the better of us. Longsuffering--great word study!!!
    Love ya!
    Kathy

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  24. Oh yes. Hate those stickers!!! And I chuckled over the exploding stuff and your explanation. Just had this vision of you after grocery shopping... and as often as it may happen you are totally still surprised. :)

    I miss getting by to read your words every week. I'm just slow with the blog reading lately but when I come here I am reminded QUICKLY of how much I enjoy being here.

    I know I also have an email to respond to...

    Oh goodness. Similar to leaving you hanging with a text message???

    I do appreciate you. Do really care about you. And do really, really miss you.

    Much love.
    xoxo

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  25. My daughter shares your frustration of people who spell her name wrong. On the first day of school the teacher wrote out her name, minus one letter. She cried when she got home, "They forgot my 'Y'!"

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  26. Sticky things - YES. I bought Goo Gone just to get those annoying stickers off everything. It does work. This post made me laugh and also ponder a few things.

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  27. Hi Sharon, oooh, this has been a week where my pet peeves have ALL been met! Urgh! But I know that they irritate me more when my focus is on them and not on God. Trying to look up more today, so in honour of that, I choose not to list any pet peeves here :)
    God bless, great post, and as per usual thanks for the wise words mixed with chuckles.
    Tracy
    ps: thanks for linking up too :)

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  28. Sharon, I laughed and chuckled as I read because my pet peeve is the tacking of an A on the end of my name ALL the time... and that's simply not my name! lol I know this frustration all too well :) So thankful for a Lord who teaches us in the middle of our frustrations grace, mercy, and long suffering.... visiting from #FaithNFriends blog hop at Deb's!

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  29. Oh, this is so good, and the older we get the longer the list (seems) to get of things "up with which we have to put." But there is a well that is so deep, and we've drunk from it ourselves and received God's grace and forgiveness. Thankful today for the grace He give that keeps us going.

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  30. You had me laughing out loud with the name spelling section! Too funny! I'm writing on patience during the month of June. I always get a little nervous about how I'll have to practice that thing I'm working on. I'm sure I'll find lots of irritations as I try to focus on long-suffering. Thanks Sharon! This is great!

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  31. One of my pet peeves are people who arrive late. Grrr! I'm by nature a punctual person, and don't get this behavior in others, though I've learned to tolerate a bit better over time - namely, because whenever my daughter and her husband bring the grands over, no matter what time I tell them, they are guaranteed to be at least 30 minutes late. I could get frustrated, but by then, I'm so happy to see my little ones, I forget all about it.
    Thanks, Sharon, for making me laugh today and for reminding us the value of long suffering.
    Blessings!

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  32. losing my cell phone! that happened this morning! found it eventually. prayed after stewing.

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  33. Yes, more and more with each passing day! That is a great list of pet peeves you listed. I could have used this long-passion about 30 minutes ago!!!

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  34. Yep, numbers 9 & 10. I have a lot of people who address me, Lori, and I'm assuming it's because they saw my last name, last? My pet peeve is neighbor children ringing our doorbell during the "dinner hour". When I was growing up, nobody would dare to knock or ring the doorbell at a friend's house during the coveted 5-7PM. Today, that's not the case. Guess I'm old-fashioned :)

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  35. *Giggling* I have one bill where there is no perforation and they are too cheap to send a return envelope. I quickly learned a lesson on loaning books to people...never again! Thanks Sharon, for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.

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  36. We all have our pet peeves, but I think we would be better off to let them all go. If we are so focused on God's long suffering nature, we can give up our preferences. Thanks for sharing at the #LMMLinkup.

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  37. You are preaching to the choir here about stickers, ESPECIALLY ones that they put right on the front glass of a picture frame! Really?? Couldn't they put it on the back?? lol.

    I have found that using nail polish remover takes the sticker right off and the residue. :-)

    I have my own list of pet peeves, as we all do, but they certainly lead to the same feeling of frustration in us all.

    I liked when you said, "Moments when I can step into the character of God..." A good reminder that those frustrating moments are opportunities to "step into the character of God".

    Thanks so much for sharing. :-)

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  38. I have many and have let most go. Generally we could all be more polite. Texting...ick. Goo Gone.....excellent. People that walk away from faith....ick. XO

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  39. A big 'YES' to #9!
    I write note on the front page for borrowers to see that I don't allow it.

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  40. They make an adhesive removing product now. It's in a spray can. I don't even try to scrape and struggle anymore. Just a little squirt and wait 5 minutes and the worst sticker just comes right off.
    my pet peeve is when my kids put the tea pitcher back in the fridge with lest than 1/4 inch of tea in the bottom! No one needs cold plastic. Please just rinse it out! haha.
    but like everyone else, I especially liked your spiritual focus on long suffering. not much of that in the world (or in the church) anymore, is there?

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  41. Hi Sharon! This is my first visit to your site from the Bloggers Spotlight link-up and I wanted to thank you for sharing some humor and positive advice on handling negative emotions that we all have from time to time. I look forward to seeing you this week on the link-up :).

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)