HAND ME THE KLEENEX

Achoo!

Gesundheit.

Yes, it is allergy season.  

And when you live up in the mountains, in the middle of a forest, surrounded by dirt, you're gonna do some sneezing!


Some trivia tidbits:

Did you know that "gesundheit" in German means "health"?

And why do we sometimes say, "God bless you," after a person sneezes?

The practice of blessing someone who sneezes dates as far back as AD 77, although it is far older than most specific explanations can account for.  Some have offered an explanation suggesting that people once held the belief that a person's soul could be thrown from their body when they sneezed, and sneezing would open the body to invasion by the devil or evil spirits.

Other folklore suggests that sneezing was the body's effort to force out an invading evil presence.  In these cases, "God bless you" or "bless you" is used as a sort of shield against evil.  In the past, some people may have thought that the heart stops beating during a sneeze, and that the phrase "God bless you" encourages the heart to continue beating.  (From Wikipedia)

So hey, does your heart actually stop beating?

No, but it changes.

When you sneeze, because your chest contracts, the pressure inside your body momentarily increases.  This will decrease the blood flow back to the heart. The heart compensates for this by changing its regular heartbeat momentarily to adjust.  However, the electrical activity of the heart does not stop during the sneeze.

Phew!!

Some more fun information?!

Sneezes travel about 100 mph!  And a single sneeze can send around 100,000 germs into the air!  (Let's cover our mouths, people…)

Plucking your eyebrows may make you sneeze because it stimulates a nerve that supplies your nasal passages.

You don't sneeze in your sleep, as sneezing nerves also go to sleep. (Evidently, coughing nerves are not quite so polite…)

Bright sunlight makes 1 out of 3 people sneeze, and it's actually an inherited trait.

Iguanas sneeze more often and more productively than any other animal.  (So, though you might give a mouse a cookie, please hand an iguana a Kleenex).

And speaking of Kleenex, that word is actually called a genericized trademark (or proprietary eponym) – which is a trademark or brand name that has become the generic name for, or synonymous with, a general class of product or service (usually against the intentions of the trademark's holder!)

Some other examples: Xerox, Thermos, Legos, Dry Ice, Flip Phone, Linoleum. (Can you think of any others?)


But I digress.

Sneezing.

Yes, I've been doing that a lot lately.

And the ill effects of allergies don't stop there.

I've got itchy, irritated eyes.  My nose is stuffy and my throat is scratchy.  I have sinus pressure and headache pain.  I'm coughing, and exertion makes me breathe harder than normal.

Yup, I'm a hot mess.

But why on earth am I in this physical state?

Sure, I might blame the dirt, or the trees, or the pollen – but in truth, most allergens are harmless.

What really causes allergic reactions is one's own immune system, a result of what the body does when it feels threatened or invaded.  Mistaking innocuous allergens for a serious threat, the body attacks them in a misguided assault. 

Yes, allergy season is a difficult time.

And my body does indeed react!


But how about other *irritants* in life?

Pesky people, frustrating situations, aggravating problems, broken-down appliances and cars, snarled traffic jams, incessant bills…this list could go on and on, and I'm sure you could easily add your own *irritants*.

I don't know about you, but I'm chagrined to say that my feelings, my thoughts, my words, my spirit also react to these.

How quick I am to have an immediate response to innocuous irritants.

And all too often I react in overblown fashion to the smallest things.

Are you like me?

Why are we so touchy sometimes?

I think it's because we get ourselves all tangled up in our own selves.

We view the world through our own glasses, and we take things too personally.

We all have that human tendency to be vulnerable in areas that touch on how we define ourselves.  And if we perceive an "invasion" on our own personal turf, we quickly react.

More often than not, in poor fashion – snap judgments, ill-conceived words, flashes of anger, acts of revenge.


This is not how we are called to act as followers of Christ.

In fact, Jesus was rather scandalous in what He had to say:

"'You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.'" (Matthew 5:21-22, NIV)

"'You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.'  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.  If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.'" (Matthew 5:38-39, NIV)

"'You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.'" (Matthew 5:43-45, NIV)


Jesus said all of these things in the Sermon on the Mount.

Can you picture yourself there, sitting among the throngs of people?

Can you imagine hearing these words?

What would you have thought?

Truth be told, my reaction then would probably be much the same as it is now.  

"Lord, of course I would never murder anyone.  But how can You possibly say that being angry is the same thing?"

"Lord, of course I would never take someone's eye or tooth.  But how can You possibly ask me to roll over and take it when someone has done me wrong?"

"Lord, of course I make every effort to love those around me.  But how can You possibly ask me to love those who put me down, or attack me, or actively persecute me?"

"Lord, how can I possibly do these things, especially when I don't want to?"


And what might Jesus say to me about that?

"'Humanly speaking, it is impossible.  But with God everything is possible.'" (Matthew 19:26, NLT)

Sigh.

I thought He might say something like that.

But truly, if you really ponder it, at the base of everything that Jesus calls us to do, is His entreaty to lay down our desires, our wills, our lives, at His feet.

He asks us to untangle ourselves from our own selves.

To yield, surrender, to give up our own rights – to die to self – and to take up His cross instead.

Oh, discipleship is hard…and costly.

But even in this, we don't do it alone.  

"For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him." (Philippians 2:13, NLT)

We can't WANT to without Him.

We can't ACCOMPLISH it without Him.


Irritants will always be there.  

Bothering us, aggravating us, exasperating us, distressing us, annoying us – constantly poking at our selves.

How we react is up to us…

And as followers of Jesus, we are called to do as He would do.

Achoo.

God bless us.



How are you reacting to frustrating situations and/or pesky people in your life?

Nature's beauty surrounds me.
Achoo.

Let His beauty surround you.
God bless.

"'If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.  But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.'" (Matthew 6:14-15, NLT)

"'Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.'" (Matthew 7:1-2, NIV)

"'Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you.  Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.'" (Luke 6:37, NLT)

"'Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.'" (Matthew 11:25, NASB)

"Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.  Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." 
(Ephesians 4:31-32, NASB)

"Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.  Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." 
(Colossians 3:13, NLT)

"'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.'" (Matthew 5:7, ESV)

"A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." (Proverbs 19:11, NIV)

"Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly." (Proverbs 14:29, NIV)

"Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools." (Ecclesiastes 7:9, NIV)

"Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.  Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." (James 1:19-20, NLT)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh…" (Galatians 5:22-23, KJV)

"If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, KJV)



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, MONDAY OF MANY BLESSINGS, THANK GOODNESS IT'S MONDAY, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, MAKING YOUR HOME SING MONDAY, MUSING MONDAYS, MODEST MONDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, RA RA LINKUP, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, TUESDAY'S RUBIES, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WORSHIPFUL WEDNESDAY, WISE WOMAN, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, WEDDED WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, PARTY AT MY PLACE, SHINE BLOG HOP, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, DANCE WITH JESUS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP, & FAITH, WEEKEND WIND DOWN PARTY, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY 


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

LIVING WITH A LEFT-HANDER

Yup.

"The Hub" is a proud left-hander.

A southpaw.

And I can always tell when he's been out-and-about in the house.

My just-cleaned blouses are hung up in the opposite direction.  Dusted decorative elements on our shelves are replaced backwards.  The TV remote is on the left-hand side of the recliner.

I find it kind of endearing.


Here's some fun facts about lefties:

1. Only about 10% of the population is left-handed.  And women, by a margin of 4%, are more likely to be right-handed.  (Interesting sidenote, though: Women, by a margin of 100%, are more likely to be right...ahem)

2. August 13th is "Left Handers' Day."

3. In Latin, the word for left is sinister, related to the noun sinistrum.

4. The word left in English comes from the Anglo-Saxon word lyft, which means weak or broken.  The Oxford English Dictionary defines left-handed as meaning crippled, defective, awkward, clumsy, inapt, characterized by underhanded dealings, ambiguous, doubtful, questionable, ill-omened, inauspicious, and illegitimate.  (Poor lefties – they have really gotten a bad rap throughout history!)

5. The German for "left-handed" is linkisch, which means awkward, clumsy, and maladroit.  In Italian, the word is mancino, which is derived from "crooked" or "maimed" (mancus) and is also used to mean deceitful or dishonest.  In Russian, to be called a left-hander (levja) is a term of insult.

6. Although approximately 90% of all humans are right-handed, cats, rats, and mice that show handedness seem to be equally split between right- and left-pawedness.  (I think Marty's a rightie...)

7. Studies have suggested that left-handers are more talented in spatial awareness, math, and architecture.  ("Honey, where are my keys?")  Right-handers tend to be more talented verbally.  ("Oh, here they are, on the etagere.")

8. Many people who are left-handed draw figures that face to the right.  (Which explains all the right-facing cartoon figures that "The Hub" draws for me!)

9. Researchers postulate that the proportion of left-handers has remained constant for over 30,000 years.

10. When placed on their tummies, right-handed babies tend to turn their heads to the right.  Left-handed babies usually turn their heads to the left or they don't show any preference.

11. Mothers who are over 40 at the time of a child's birth are 128% more likely to have a left-handed baby than a woman in her 20's.  (And, 128% more tired...)

12. Left-handedness runs in families. Lefties in the British royal family include the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William.


The list of famous "lefties" reads like a very eclectic "Who's Who" – including such "baddies" as Jack the Ripper, John Dillinger, and Osama bin Laden, but also the following "goodies":

Benjamin Franklin, Alexander the Great, Thomas Jefferson, Aristotle, Leonardo da Vinci, Michaelangelo, Julius Caesar, Mozart, Beethoven, Albert Einstein, Madame Curie, Mark Twain, Helen Keller, and Gandhi.

Not to mention celebrities like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Whoopi Goldberg, Judy Garland, Marilyn Monroe, and Robert deNiro.  And money-makers like John D. Rockefeller and Bill Gates.

Our current president is a lefty, too!

I have heard it said that handedness is largely controlled by the opposite side of the brain.  So, if you consider that, lefties are actually the only people in their right minds!!

(But don't tell "The Hub" that…)


If you recall, I earlier said that I find my husband's *leftiness* endearing.

But, I also have been known to point out to him that he does things "backwards."

Yes, that"s my "right" perceptions talking!

But honestly, I've been thinking about this whole issue of *differentness* – and our bias against those who do indeed think, act, speak, behave, look, dress differently than we do.

How easy it is to pass judgment on others.

Now, I'm not talking about matters of right and wrong here.

God is quite specific on certain matters.

I'm talking about differences that don't, and really shouldn't, matter.

In a world where tolerance is touted as an all-important value, it's interesting to me that at the same time there seems to be more and more hatred brewing.

An interesting juxtaposition, but so human.

Even in the Garden of Eden, there was trouble brewing.

Once Adam and Eve introduced sin to the world, I'm sure they started arguing over their differences.

Adam probably refused to ever ask for directions, and Eve most likely bought too many shoes…

And didn't Cain kill Abel out of jealousy?  And doesn't jealousy have its roots in comparing and judging another person by how they're different than you?

Look at the Pharisees and Sadducees arguing over religious disagreements – and yet, they completely missed Jesus.  

(Hmmm, a modern-day observation, too???)

And who could forget the family feud between the Jews and the Samaritans?


Hatred, judgment, prejudice, intolerance, bias.

How is it that we have become so "modernized" in our technology, so "refined" in our cultural sophistications, and yet, remain so banal in our innate human tendency to judge and dismiss those who are different?

And honestly, isn't this tendency most tragic when it occurs within the Body of Christ?

Have we lost Christ Himself in the short-sighted habit of picking apart our brethren?

Oh, we must stop!

Many of you will remember a song with lyrics that said: "They will know we are Christians by our love…"

Friends, this is not just a kindly suggestion.  This is a direct command!

Jesus Himself stated, "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.  Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.  Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." 
(John 13:34-35, NLT)


So I'm taking a good long look at the relationships in my life – family, friends, fellow believers, acquaintances, strangers – and asking myself how I'm doing…

Am I accepting differences in others, especially when they rub up against me and my ways?

Am I learning how to judge less, and extend grace more?

Am I refusing to dismiss sin, while at the same time determining to embrace sinners?

Am I reaching out to the marginalized, the ostracized, the detested?

Am I loving like Jesus did?


Yeah, I've been thinking about "The Hub" and his left-handedness.  And the sometimes tongue-in-cheek, and other times what-is-wrong-with-you way that I deem his behavior "backwards" and "wrong."

When the truth of the matter is this – we're both evenhanded in our need for each other, and our deepest need of the Savior.

So this…

Might we all become more mindful of our tendency to judge and malign differences.

Might we all become more open to embracing the joys of every individual’s uniqueness.

Might we all strive to look like Christians by our love for one another, and our unity as we pursue the Author of our Faith.

Might we all endeavor to look more like Jesus.

Whose arms stretched wide open, as His hands (both left and right!) were nailed to the cross, in order to demonstrate what true love looks like.


Those precious scarred hands still reach out today…

…to every single person alive on this earth.


Let's do the same.

 Seeing
eye-to-eye
starts
with the
heart.

"Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.  For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen." (1 John 4:20, NIV)

"For you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus…There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female.  For you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:26, 28, NLT)

"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love." (Galatians 5:6, ESV)

"But now in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.  For He Himself is our peace…by abolishing in His flesh the enmity…" (Ephesians 2:13-15, NASB)

"My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory." (James 2:1, ESV)

"So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'" (Acts 10:34-35, ESV)

"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.  But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?  Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." (1 John 3:16-18, NASB)

"'Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap.  For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.'" (Luke 6:37-38, ESV)

"You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister?  Or why do you treat them with contempt?  For we will all stand before God's judgment seat…Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another.  Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister." (Romans 14:10, 13, NIV)

"Believers, do not speak against or slander one another.  He who speaks [self-righteously] against a brother or judges his brother [hypocritically], speaks against the Law and judges the Law.  If you judge the Law, you are not a doer of the Law but a judge of it.  There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy [the one God who has the absolute power of life and death]; but who are you to [hypocritically or self-righteously] pass judgment on your neighbor?" (James 4:11-12, AMP)

"Therefore you have no excuse…every one of you who judges.  For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things." (Romans 2:1, ESV)

"'Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye…'" 
(Matthew 7:3-5, NIV)

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.  For I was hungry, and you fed me.  I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink.  I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.  I was naked, and you gave me clothing.  I was sick, and you cared for me.  I was in prison, and you visited me.'

Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you?  Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality?  Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'" 
(Matthew 25:34-40, NLT)




Do you struggle with differences?  Are you prone to judgment?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, SMALL WONDER, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, LIFE GIVING LINKUP, GOOD MORNING MONDAYS, THE ART OF HOMEMAKING MONDAYS, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, TITUS 2 TUESDAY, UNITE LINKUP, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, TUESDAY TALK, TELL IT TO ME TUESDAYS, RA RA LINKUP, TEACHING WHAT IS GOOD, INTENTIONAL TUESDAY, WORSHIPFUL LIVING, TELL HIS STORY, THE HOMEMAKING PARTY, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, THREE WORD WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, COFFEE & CONVERSATION, WOMEN WITH INTENTION, WAITING ON WEDNESDAY, SITTING AMONG FRIENDS, THURSDAY FAVORITE THINGS, GRACE AT HOME, SHINE BLOG HOP, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FROM HOUSE TO HOME, LITTLE THINGS THURSDAY, COZY READING SPOT, NO RULES WEEKEND BLOG PARTY, LIVE FREE THURSDAY, BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, EVERYDAY TESTIMONY, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, FAITH 'N FRIENDS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, GRACE & TRUTH, TGI SATURDAYS, FAMILY, FRIENDSHIP & FAITH, WEEKEND WHISPERS, WORD OF GOD SPEAK, SMALL VICTORIES SUNDAY, GIVE ME GRACE, SOCIAL BUTTERFLY SUNDAY, INSPIRE ME MONDAY, MOTIVATION MONDAY


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

FOLLOW THE BOUNCING...check

Yup, my feet are not made of clay - they are made of rubber.

I bounced a check last week.

A substantial amount.  A tidy sum.  A big one.  

The down payment on our new cabinets for the new house.

I had a total *spaz* moment.  (I would call it a "senior moment" but that implies that the mistake had something to do with age.  Nope.  This one was just plain stupid…)

You see, Mr. Cabinet Guy deposited the check the same afternoon that I handed it to him.  (As if he didn't have the total right to do that – HA!)

And I forgot to transfer the money to cover it.

Funny thing is – (not ha ha funny, by the way) – is that I didn't even realize it until the next morning when I went to check my emails.  I had something called a LOW THRESHOLD ALERT on my account.

Foreboding.

I have added this little gizmo to my online banking so if I go below a certain amount in my checking account, it alerts me.  ("Hey, silly pants, you need to transfer some funds!")  Works great for those incidental *forget-me-not* moments.

In this case, as I read on in the email, I found out that I was several HUNDRED dollars overdrawn.  At first, I didn't even remember writing the checks the day before – I initially thought that someone had invaded our account and chocked up a whole bunch of goodies at our expense…

Then I remembered – oh no, the cabinet guy.

So, I quickly made an online transfer to cover the check.

Hoping I might have circumvented the whole stupid process of having the check returned.

No such luck.

At one point I thought I might be OK.  A friendly customer service representative told me that though the check had been returned, it would be put through my account again that morning – and of course, it would be OK now.

Totally wrong information.

The check has been returned, and I have been assessed a rather LARGE returned check fee. (Does it even matter that I've been a loyal customer for 37 years???)

The old days are gone – there is no more *grace period* at the bank.

It got me thinking.

I'm a little used to being able to have some breathing room with bills and stuff.  They might send out a (little) threatening "notice of cancellation" letter here and there, but they're just warning shots really.  On most things, you've got some time past your due date to pay.

Banking – no longer do they give you that "second pass" to make it all right.

Got me thinking – (what doesn't these days??) – no grace period.

You know, WITHOUT JESUS, that's kinda the whole situation.  WITHOUT JESUS, we are totally under judgment.  All fallen short – no second chances.  

With Jesus, there is…

GRACE. PERIOD.

No fees, no penalty.

We come with nothing but our repentant hearts – and Jesus removes every sin counted against us, now and forever.

The overdrafts, the insufficient funds, the cancelled or lost checks, the stolen debit cards – it's all gone when we accept Him as our Lord and Savior.

Aren't we so very privileged and fortunate to live on this side of the cross?! Aren't we beyond blessed to live in the grace period?!

I don't know about you, but I happen to like the way Jesus does banking!


And the customer service is wonderful!!


Have you ever bounced a check?  
(C'mon, I want some truth-tellers out there)

What does the grace of God through Jesus mean to you today?


Linked today with Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

DON'T LOOK AT ME!

Inspection.

A process not to be confused with "just-give-it-a-quick-once-over."

The dictionary defines inspection as: To examine carefully and critically, especially for flaws

So, in any buying/selling a house transaction, there comes a time for the *Inspection*.  A time when some professional is paid to go and check out (microscopically) the house.

I much prefer being the buyer in this situation.

In this case, the inspector kinda "works for you" - he has your best interests at heart.  He investigates every nook and cranny to make sure that everything works and is *up to code*.

This is a good thing if you're the buyer.

Because, more often than not, you have all the bargaining power.  If you're not satisfied with the inspection, you can back out of the deal.

We were generally pleased with the inspection report on our new house in the mountains.  A few repairs - (which the sellers took care of) - but no *deal-breakers*.

However, when we accepted an offer on our house, WE became the sellers.

And we became the subject of the dreaded inspection.

Let me tell you - it was tough.


I found out that I. DO. NOT. LIKE. being inspected.

Actually, I have found the whole process of selling a house to be invasive and unsettling.

Initially, I felt unnerved having photos of my home on the internet.  It is not a good feeling to google your address and see pictures of YOUR OWN home up the for the whole web world to see.

"Oh look, there's my bed, where I sleep."

"Yup, that's where I take a shower, all right."


"Uh huh, there's all the cool stuff I've decorated with."


I felt wildly uncomfortable having people (total strangers) come into my house.

I actually did fret about people breaking something.  I really worried about them stealing stuff - (I'm Polly Paranoia, remember?!)

So, that part was not easy.

We had so many showings in that first 24 hours that "The Hub" and I just sat in the backyard rather than go away.  Do you have any idea how weird it is to know that people are snooping around and whispering about your home?

And then the day arrived for the home inspection.

I was nervous about it - (I think I watch too many home improvement shows). We had to leave this time - while Inspector Gadget and the buyers investigated every nook and cranny in OUR house.

Luckily, our repair list was very small - very *do-able*.

But the process of being looked at, and evaluated felt bad.  I felt exposed and vulnerable.  I felt judged.

I felt like everyone was watching me take a shower or something.

It got me thinking about the Lord.

About why so many people avoid Him.

I think it's because we humans do not like being inspected.  We get uncomfortable under the microscope.  We singularly tend to avoid having our motives or words or actions evaluated.

We don't like to be judged.

Many non-believers see God as the "Evil Judge in the Sky."  He bandies about a long list of "DON'TS" - which He arbitrarily imposes on us - and then He deems us not *up to code*.

They stay away from Him because He feels invasive.

But sadly (and honestly) I think many of us God-fearing believers kinda shy away from Him sometimes too.  We don't like being looked at - we feel vulnerable and exposed.

We also sometimes fear His judgment.

I know I intellectually accept the overarching Truth that I fall short of the glory of God.  I know I need salvation.

However, it's the little *fall shorts* that I'd rather not have God see. Sometimes I don't want to disappoint Him.  Other times, I just want to do my own thing and not have Him interfere.

Skewed view?


You bet!

Because the truth that I am learning is that I need God's inspection - for I am often an expert at self-deceit.

"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is?" (Jeremiah 17:9)

So, Lord - I need Your inspection to stay spiritually sound.  I need Your help to stay *up to code*.  Please point out the faulty stuff. And please make any necessary repairs.

I want to be a home that YOU are comfortable living in!



"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!" (Psalm 139:23, ESV)


Do you feel comforted or unnerved by the knowledge that nothing escapes the all-seeing eyes of God?


BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

DIRTY LAUNDRY

OK, I've got a good story for you.

Let's start at the very beginning…

One day last week, "The Hub" and I went out to do our weekly errands – marketing, mailing bills, going to the bank, etc.

"The Hub" is really finicky about where he parks his Jeep. (I'm the same way about Eddie, my car). So, we park in the alley behind the market and the stores.

This day, we pulled into our usual place to park, got out of the car, and went and did our errands.

When we started to walk back to the car, through an area between two buildings, I saw *something* lying on the asphalt next to one of the parking spaces.

Upon closer inspection, I realized that it was a pair of fancy black…ahem…undies.

I was appalled.

I called "The Hub" over.

"Look at this," I said as I pointed to the offending dainty.

"Huh," said "The Hub" – rather nonchalantly.

"Don't you think that's disgusting?" I said.

"Someone probably just dropped them on the way to the cleaners," he replied. And then, he continued on his way to the car.

Well, I quickly dismissed the possibility of accidental panty-dropping – because, after all, who has their underwear dry-cleaned? (I apologize if any of you out there do that…)

So, here I am, conjuring up all sorts of nasty mind images of some rude, promiscuous female – doing her "thing" in the backseat of a car (or, even worse, maybe a truck) in the alleyway behind the market.

My expression morphed from disdain to revulsion to out-and-out contempt. Probably some out-of-control teenager – (redundant phrase) – I thought. Or maybe someone from one of the stores on a *quickie* break. A secret, sin-filled rendezvous, perhaps. Maybe even a torrid, terrible affair.

The longer I stood looking at the pair of *unmentionables* – the more judgmental I became.

But then, all of a sudden, things changed.

I thought perhaps I recognized something.

I bent over and looked closer.

"Wait a minute…" I thought to myself. "That little satin bow looks kinda familiar."

"The Hub" called out to me, "Are you coming or what?"

"Come here for a second," I said to him, a bit puzzled.

He walked over.

"I think I recognize these panties," I said to him.

"What?? How could you?"

I whispered quietly to him, "Because I think they're mine."

Well, "The Hub" picked up the fancy black…ahem…undies – and sure enough, upon closer inspection, I realized that they were indeed…MINE!

How did that happen, you may ask?

(You can ask – "The Hub" sure did!)

Evidently the night before, being extra tired, I pulled off my jeans and my underwear at the same time. Then, the next morning, I didn't see the "old" pair in my jeans when I put on the "new" pair.

So, as I walked to the market, the underwear snaked its way down my pants leg, only to emerge out of the bottom of my jeans.

Paints a pretty picture, doesn't it??

You think walking out of a bathroom with a random square of TP is embarrassing…can you only imagine what this would have been like if someone had noticed?

"Um, excuse me, Ma'am. You seem to have a "traveling" pair of panties coming out of your pants."

Wow.

Can you spell awkward?

I knew you could.

"The Hub" erupted into laughter. I broke out in shame.

Because, you see, I had judged this "other woman." I had thought terrible things about her (lack of) character. I had labeled her a tart, a trollop, a floozy, a harlot, a hussy, a slut. (Don't worry – these words weren't at the tip of my tongue – I used my Thesaurus).

In short, I had passed incredible judgment upon the owner of these wanton unmentionables, only to realize that "I was she."

It was a good lesson.

It's so easy to make snap judgments, to jump to conclusions without having all of the facts. We humans (especially we women?) are so prone to deeming ourselves better than the next person. I think there's some inherent tug/pull between pride and insecurity that drives us to the compelling urge to compare ourselves with others.

I know I have that gene.

It's part and parcel of the sin-flawed nature I was born with.

The takeaway of this little incident? (Besides the "knock-down-my-smugness-a-notch-or-ten" lesson???)

Well, of course – as Jesus said, "Do not judge others, and you will not be judged."

He goes on to say why:

"For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged."

OUCH.

I realized that my standard of judgment had come from an almost instantaneous place of condemnation. I assumed the worst, with absolutely no information to assume that.

What does that say about me?

Besides the great laugh that I had at my expense – which I think I rightly deserved – I was chagrined at the ugliness that often lies just behind my "righteous façade."

Though I am a child of God, I've really got a long way to go.

Lord, forgive me for my self-righteous tendencies, and for my quick judgment of others. Teach me how to be more gracious, and to believe the best about people. Don't let me fall into the temptation of making easy assumptions when I don't have all the facts. And most of all, thank you that You don't judge me in the way that I deserve.

The moral of the story?

Be careful whose *dirty laundry* you condemn – it might just turn out to be yours!

"And why worry about a speck in your friend's eye when you have a log in your own?" (Matthew 7:4)

"Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you." (Matthew 7:12)

"Look beneath the surface so you can judge correctly." (John 7:24)

"Don't speak evil against each other…" (James 4:11)

"When you say they are wicked…you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things." (Romans 2:1)

"Love…is ever ready to believe the best of every person…"

(1 Corinthians 13:7, AMP)

"So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)

Have you ever made a *snap judgment* of someone and been totally wrong?

Linked today with:

Joan at SHARING HIS BEAUTY

Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - End of Story

Jesus, the Savior is born.

Though the world did not know it, a new world order had begun. A brand new King had come to usher in God's Kingdom.

Nothing would ever be the same again.

In many ways, this was the beginning of life.

Yes, God created the heavens and the earth, and everything in it. That was the beginning beginning. The very first spark of life. The generation of all that is.

But the word *beginning* goes beyond that.

I love these words – commencement, opening, launch, foundation, establishment, inauguration.

Baby Jesus – the Beginning of Life.

But how does the story end?

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is found in Daniel, and it prophesies the ending:

"I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge.

His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool.

He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence.

Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him.

Then the court began its session, and the books were opened." (Daniel 7:9-10)

The first thing that occurred to me as I read this passage was the vision of all the angels. Those are the very same angels who watched with bated breath as Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was born into humanity.

Can you even imagine the hush that fell over the heavens at that moment?

Especially Gabriel.

The one who had been given the privilege of telling Mary about the secret plan of God.

I'm sure he hovered close by during the entire pregnancy, during the long trip to Bethlehem, during Mary's labor, and during the actual birth. Did he breathe a sigh of relief when Jesus was delivered safely?

And then, did his eyes grow as big as saucers as he looked at the miracle of God Incarnate – a baby with his Master’s eyes?

Glorious.

And yet, it was the moment that the angels were given their marching orders. War had begun on a level never before seen. The enemy was very, very angry. Spiritual conflict took on new meaning. I can see Gabriel turn to the angelic host and cry out, "Brethren, to arms!"

We who believe in the Savior – including the ones that came before us, and the ones who will follow us – have joined them in the fight.

We fight until the day when Daniel's vision comes true.

And it will come true – God has promised.

There is a court date on the calendar for every person, every nation, every authority in heaven and on earth. At the end of all time, there will be judgment.

"Then the court began its session…"

Can you imagine the hush that will fall over the heavens at this moment?

"…and the books were opened."

I'll bet not even a pin dropping would make a noise.

The end of the beginning, and the beginning of the end commences.

Daniel continues, "I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal – it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed." (Daniel 7:13-14)

(I just have to interject a holy WOO HOO here! OK, I feel better now…)

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is like the period at the end of a sentence. A sentence that began this way, "She gave birth to her first child, a son" (Luke 2:7) – and ends with these words, "And the books were opened, including the Book of Life…Nothing evil will be allowed to enter…but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life." (Revelation 20:12; 21:27)

Yes, the beginning of the story began with a hush – and yet, in a nondescript manger war was declared.

But, one day the story will end – and the Son of God will reign.

I can only imagine the thunderous sound of saved souls and the heavenly host joined together in praise, worship, celebration, triumph…

"GLORIA IN EXCELSIS DEO."

Amen.

What does the birth of Jesus mean to you – both now and in the future?

(Today I am linked with Charlotte at SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE PICK 'EMS - Our Awesome God

My dad was a big guy.

Six foot, three inches tall – about 230 pounds.

Me?

5' 4" – around 110 pounds (in high school!).

I thought it was great that my dad was a little (a lot) intimidating. Kept me safe.

I vividly remember one night when a couple of guys thought it would be *real fun* to egg my house. They drove up our driveway and launched a salvo of poultry grenades at our front door and windows.

My dad flew out of his chair.

At the time, he was wearing this robe that his mother had bought him on a trip around the world. It was black, with little Chinese letters on it. It made him look like a Ninja warrior.

So, you can imagine what happened when Father Shogun threw open the front door and blasted out onto the driveway!

I have never in my entire life seen a VW Bug speed away so fast! I think it set a land speed record of 0-60 mph in 2 seconds flat.

Fortunately, my dad did not recognize the car or its occupants. I had my suspicions. Only later, much later, did a guy from our church 'fess up and relate that evening from his perspective.

"Man, Shari, I thought your dad would kill us if he got his hands on us. I've never been so scared in my life!"

I smiled.

For you see, I knew that my dad's *bark* was worse than his *bite* – but I was often glad for his bark…

Today's "Bible Pick 'Ems" is from the book of Nahum.

Before sharing the verses, let's explore a little background. Remember good old Nineveh? The city that repented after hearing Jonah's warning of judgment? Well, it seems that (only) a hundred years later, they had forgotten the message, and evil was again reigning.

God called Nahum to pronounce his judgment on the wicked nation of Assyria.

"The LORD is…filled with vengeance and rage. He takes revenge on all who oppose him and continues to rage against his enemies!...he never lets the guilty go unpunished. He displays his power in the whirlwind and the storm. The billowing clouds are dust beneath his feet. At his command the oceans dry up, and the rivers disappear…In his presence the mountains quake, and the hills melt away; the earth trembles, and its people are destroyed. Who can stand before his fierce anger? Who can survive his burning fury? His rage blazes forth like fire, and his mountains crumble to dust in his presence." (Nahum 1:2-6)

God has *bark* – and He alone has the power to *bite*.

The world has laws – boundaries and rules that are set up by God. But people regularly flaunt these regulations. God calls this willful disobedience, this rebellion against His control – SIN.

Sometimes it seems that the wicked are escaping justice. That they are succeeding in their evil ways.

But, there is a day coming.

A terrible day of wrath.

Justice will ultimately be served. God will settle all accounts. He will not let sin go unchecked forever.

And woe to those who are not under His grace at that time.

"It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God." (Hebrews 10:31)

Nahum's words are terrifying – even to me, a follower of Christ. Sometimes I think it's a good idea to get a healthy dose of the reality of God's power – His awesome might – His jealous fury. He is not a God to be trifled with – or ignored.

Today's verses serve as a warning to those who remain arrogant and resist God's authority. They will one day face His anger. No one will get away with rejecting Him – no one will be able to hide from His judgment.

For those of us who are believers, today's verses are an admonition. We are not to take the Almighty God lightly. He is a fearsome God who must be feared – worshiped with reverence and awe.

But, to us, He is also something more than a Judge.

He is Mercy Incarnate.

God is compassionate, slow to anger. Praise His name for His patience with me, a sinner who had nowhere to turn but to His salvation.

Jesus took the *bite* out of God’s *bark* for all those who believe on His name.

And those of us who trust Him will be kept safe forever.

"The LORD is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him." (Nahum 1:7)

How do you fear the Lord? How is He your refuge?

"When in doubt, search God out!"

QUAINT WORDS

Welcome to "Quaint Words!”

These posts will contain thoughts, poems, and prayers from old books that I have found at antique stores, flea markets, and garage sales (with an occasional treasure from a bookstore).

I love the rhythm and sound of the older English language, and am blessed by other believers who have gone before me!

"If I think of God as a Judge, and myself as a sinner, I need the blood of the cross to bring me into His presence, in the way of righteousness. I must fully understand [that] every claim which God, the righteous Judge, had upon me, a guilty sinner, has been divinely answered, and eternally settled, by "the precious blood of Christ."

This gives me soul peace.

I see that, through that blood, God can be "just and justifier of him which believeth in Jesus."

...the whole question of sin was fully gone into and perfectly settled between God and Christ, amid the deep and awful solitudes of Calvary.

Thus my load is taken off; my weight removed; my guilt cancelled; I can breathe freely; I have perfect peace; there is literally nothing against me; I am as free as the blood of Christ can make me...

This, in itself, is ineffably precious to every sin-burdened heart...

God is my Father, and I am His child...

We could no more earn a place in the heart of the Father, than we could satisfy the claims of the righteous Judge. All is of free grace. The Father has begotten us; and the Judge has found a ransom.

We are debtors to grace for both the one and the other."

(From "Things New and Old" by Anonymous, c. 1859)

(A listing of books and authors, and also dates of individual postings from those books, will be found on my "QUAINT WORDS" page)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

COME LORD JESUS!

The Lord you are seeking will suddenly come.

But who will be able to endure it when He comes?

Who will be able to stand and face Him when He appears?

For He will be like a blazing fire.

The LORD says:

"At that time I will put you on trial.

But, on the day when I act in judgment,

you will be My own special treasure.

I will spare you.

Then you will see the difference between those who serve Me

and those who do not.

The day of judgment is coming.

But for you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness

will rise with healing in His wings.

No longer will there be a curse on anything.

For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there.

Look, I am coming soon.

And I am bringing My reward with Me

to repay people according to their deeds.

You will worship Me.

You will see My face.

And you will go free..."

The LORD God will shine on them.

They will reign forever and ever.

Praise the LORD!

Praise Him for His mighty works!

Praise Him for His unequaled greatness!

"I am the Alpha and the Omega - the First and the Last - the Beginning and the End.

I am the bright morning star!"

Amen!

Come, Lord Jesus!

(From Malachi 3 & 4,

Revelation 22, and Psalm 150)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

BIBLE "PICK 'EMS" - Do Not Grieve the Lord

CHECK IT OUT!

A new "BIBLE PICK 'EMS" update is now posted on my other blog:

www.biblepickems.blogspot.com

(For the complete story about "Bible Pick 'Ems," see my blog entry dated June 29, 2010)

(Scripture references for "Bible Pick 'Ems" will continue to be posted on this blog)

THANKS!

"When in doubt, search God out!"

"FAN THE FLAME" FRIDAY - Wrath

Welcome to "Fan the Flame" Friday.

This is a weekly post that will be "short and sweet" (kinda like me...)

Just a word and a phrase, a sentence or a question...just a little something to "fan the flame" of your creativity!

Today's word: wrath

How would you define the word wrath?

What is the difference between God's wrath and our anger?

Let me know what you think!!

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

WHAT’S YOUR PIN?

PIN.

Personal Identification Number.

We all have them. They’re our secret little passwords – they give us entrée into a host of things.

I have several for various bank accounts. My husband has his own. The cable company gave us one. So did many other companies and institutions. My PIN allows me to use my ATM/Debit card like a happy bandit.

Easy cheesy…1, 2, 3.

It’s personal to just me – (and no, it’s not 123).

I hold it very "tight to the vest." I have it written down in only one spot besides my brain. I’m not telling where that is…HA!

Whenever I have to use it on a keypad, I put one hand over my other hand, pretending like I can’t see the little numbers. But I can see just fine – I’m really just guarding, protecting my PIN.

When I use the drive-up ATM window, and if "The Hub" is driving, I tell him the number before we get to the window. If he forgets it, I whisper it to him. Never can tell who’s listening…(I know, a little paranoid!)

But why am I so careful?

Because knowing that one little number would allow anyone to BE me. They could steal all kinds of things – my money, my credit, my identity.

Wouldn’t want that…

The process of picking a PIN is interesting. We’re assigned one initially, but many of us then make up our own. Oh, that’s when every clever gene we have goes to work!

Some of us make up words, some of us just use numbers – some of us make up a combination of both.

A funny little side story on that – "The Hub" has a word for one of his PIN’s. One time, he went to use his ATM card at a keypad. Oh no, the keypad only had numbers! After explaining his dilemma to the cashier, she handed him her cell phone. "The Hub" then proceeded to "translate" his PIN into numerical language!

PIN’s – they’re important.

That little number – (or word, which is really a number, if you know what I mean!) – gives me the freedom to "enter" into many places, to do many things – anywhere and anything that requires my PIN. The gas pump, the market, various accounts, my bank, restaurants, stores – the list goes on and on.

These are important things – yes – but they are earthly things.

The only place I really care about entering is Heaven.

And there’s only one way to get there.

At some point, every single person that’s ever lived will have to stand at the foot of the throne of the Almighty God. He will look down on us, and ask why we should be allowed to enter into His Kingdom. He’s asking for our "PIN"…

Here it is:

53787

(Look at a keypad with letters – you’ll understand…)

J E S U S…

The ONLY way to enter…the ONLY way to identify ourselves that counts.

And this PIN we can SHOUT at the top of our lungs!

“Jesus [53787] told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

BLOG = “Blessed Leaning On God!”

IN A MANGER THAT DAY

IN A MANGER THAT DAY

The hands

that made the universe

were born –

In a manger

that day.

The eyes

that had seen

the edge of eternity

stared,

unfocused,

at an unfamiliar world –

The great voice

that thundered “I AM”

to generations past,

and made the foundations

of the world

quake,

cried out,

hungry,

totally dependent

on the dust

He had made –

In a manger

that day.

It was a miracle

of humility,

A wonder

too wonderful

to understand.

A moment

that made heaven

stand still…

The angels

looked down

on the Master

who knew them by name,

As He lay helpless,

unable to speak

or walk…

A baby.

And yet

the devil and his demons

trembled

in fright,

as their judgment

lay quietly –

In a manger

that day.

Most of the earth

woke up

that morning,

None the wiser

that Wisdom

had been born –

For who could comprehend

that the Eternal One

had entered time

and space –

In a manger

that day.

A moment

of joy

of awesome

Marvel…

Shepherds came

and wise men too,

Knowing something

but yet

not knowing yet,

that their Creator

was now with them

right there –

In a manger

that day.

As the bright

and

beautiful

Star in the sky

shone down

on the face of Love,

The shape

of a cross

lingered

in the shadows

A dark day

coming –

In a manger

that day.

And yet,

a triumph

had also

arrived…

The desperate

condition

of mankind

was given

Hope,

The chasm

that had separated

God

from His creatures

was bridged,

And every person

who had ever been

Or

would ever be,

was given the chance

to be rescued

and saved –

For it only

takes

an open heart,

a moment of belief

to see

with the eyes of faith,

that God

came for you –

In a manger

that day.

© Sharon Kirby

December 24, 2007

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"