Monday, August 29, 2016

Tell Me a True Story Blog Party - Week of 08/29/16


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Reading a True Story
 
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I began blogging in January of 2010 and La La La  was one of my first posts. 
My prayer as a blogger was that those reading my posts were also listening to God.

 
La La La La La La?


Have you ever seen a child (or wife) put their hands to their ears and cry out La La La La La La La?   They just did not want to hear what was being told to them.  
 
 
The words were probably good words and worth hearing.
 
In the case of children it was probably something they needed to hear.
 
In the case of wives – it is often good to listen to a husband’s wisdom. And the same goes for husband’s; take time to listen to your wife.


Have you ever said La La La to God when he is speaking to you?

 
God may be speaking through the Bible and definitely worth listening to.
 
OR it may be the preacher at church who is presenting a good message.
 
OR it could be a friend just sharing; - - what ever the case - -
 
Next time you are tempted to put your hands over your ears and say La La La,
 
It might be better to listen to what is being said.
 
It could be just the very thing you need to hear.

Mark 4:24 ESV /  And he said to them, “Pay attention to what you hear: with the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and still more will be added to you.

Proverbs 19:20 ESV / Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 12:15 ESV / The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.

James 1:19 ESV /  Know this, my beloved brothers: be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger - -

John 10:27-28 ESV /  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

Romans 10:17 ESV / So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. ~ ~ ~

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Monday, August 22, 2016

Tell Me A True Story Blog Party - Week of 08/22/16



Reading a True Story
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

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~ ~ ~
Birth Certificate

 

The year was 1931, and the old dimly lit ranch house belonging to my Grandparents welcomed into this world the first-born daughter to my mother and father.

The attending nurse was able to stay, and instruct the new mother in all that was necessary to care for her new baby, but the hurried doctor was anxious to leave for a scheduled fishing trip.

In his haste, the doctor neglected to fill out the paper work for a birth certificate. Ultimately, the birth of the new baby was never documented at the county recorder’s office.

A few years later, during World War II, each family was requested to report to their local grammar school to apply for food and gasoline ration books. Proof that each person was a member of the household was verified by presentation of a legal birth certificate.

By this time, there were two other children in the household with recorded birth certificates, but none for the oldest child.

The oldest child agonized with a whiny complaint, “Now I know that I was adopted, and I have suspected it for some time!”

Because she was the elder child, she was expected to take on more responsibility. This caused her to feel put upon and somehow, different from the other children. Because more attention was paid to the baby, and the younger brother, it also stirred a bit of jealousy.

Her mother assured her that she was not adopted, and that steps were already being taken to prove that she was indeed a bona-fide member of the family.

The doctor had since passed away, but the nurse was located. Her memories of the birth at the old farm house were clear, and she was willing to sign an affidavit of birth for the anxious parents. With that behind them, the paperwork was taken care of speedily, enabling each family member to obtain their ration books.

As we reminisce about the importance of having our names subscribed to a recorded certificate-of-birth here on this earth, it is also of the utmost significance to understand the eternal magnitude of having our names written down in God’s book in heaven!

Entrance into heaven is only as we are able to present to the gatekeeper, our Second Birth Certificate. Some call it being Born-Again, which is an excellent term for receiving Jesus into our heart.

One day Jesus spoke to a man named Nicodemus, and told him, “Unless a person is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” The well educated man did not understand and asked Jesus, “Must I re-enter my mothers womb and be born a second time?” Jesus explained to him, that the new birth is a spiritual experience, and comes about by inviting Jesus to be your savior and Lord.

If you have not already done so, it is essential that you do so today! Jesus stands at your heart’s door and is knocking for entrance. The door of your heart is decision and voice activated. Just speak with your mouth and invite him in.

Revelations 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hears my voice, and opens the door, I will come in to him, and will dine with him, and he with me.
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~ ~~

Monday, August 15, 2016

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 08/15/16



READING A TRUE STORY
 
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~ ~ ~

Changing our World by Sacrifice
 
We don’t like the word sacrifice.  It means giving up something and usually it is something that you want or need badly. 

At first I thought to write about the widow who gave up her last portion of oil and meal, in order to feed the prophet who demanded that he feed her first.  This was a test for her, because she had a young son who was also hungry.  Because of her obedience she, her son and the prophet were able to enjoy daily food as the oil and meal was replenished each day by a miracle. 

Have you ever sacrificed something you wanted badly and instead shared with others?   

I remember one event in our young married life.  We did not have a car, so we were walking as we returned from a mid week church service.  My husband asked me how much money we had to last the week.  I told him I had put our last $5.00 in the missionary offering that night.  He was not too happy, but what was done was done.  We had enough food in the pantry so we would not go hungry.  He probably had to sacrifice something he wanted that week. 

The Bible tells us to cast our bread upon the waters and it shall return to us after many days.  This verse is not referring to actual bread, but our subsistence.  

Many times God has asked us as a family to sacrifice money to help others in need.  The support of missionaries can be far reaching.  As they labor for the Lord, we shall also share in their reward. 

I can honestly declare that God has been faithful and has provided for our family for many years. 

Is God asking you to sacrifice something?  It may not be money.  He may be asking you to step back from friends who are pulling you away from the Lord.  He may be asking you to take a new direction for your life. 

If God is asking you for a sacrifice, I would urge you not to weep and beg to be let go, but instead to obey quickly, wash your face and do what God is requiring of you. 
~ ~ ~

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Monday, August 8, 2016

TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY - Week of 08/08/16



READING  A  TRUE  STORY
 
You are invited to enter YOUR True Story at our Blog Party. 

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?
If someone comments on your post, please visit their site and leave a comment.

~ ~ ~


Cut the Apron Strings  - A true Story
 

The announcement by our young teen age son that he wanted to purchase a motorcycle touched a spark in me that caused my hair to stand on end.   

Although he was old enough to drive one, I refused to even consider the thought.  I suppose I was a domineering Mom and also a bit (lot) strict. 

But mom, I already have a job lined up to deliver packages for a courier service - - and this cycle belonged to the lady who had this job before.  She is asking a very good price for it and it will be a safe bike. 

About that time, my husband entered the room having heard the conversation.  He gently came along side me and whispered in my ear, “Hazel it is time to cut the apron strings!” 

That remark was like cold water thrown on my face, but it did wake me up. 

“Alright,” I told our son, “but let Dad go with you and if he thinks it is a good buy, you can go ahead with your plans.”  A Happy boy purchased his cycle and he also got the job. 

He did enjoy the money this after school job gave him, and I noticed that he had purchased an extra helmet. 
One day, here he came, with one of the girls from our church perched on the back of the cycle, both as happy as jay birds.  He was observing all the rules of safety and also enjoying the prestige that this small cycle gave him. 

Children do grow up, and when they are responsible and hopefully wise - - it is time to allow them to make adult choices.   

As our children reached adulthood, there have been times that I have had to say, “Well I don’t approve, but you are old enough to know right from wrong, so I thank you for at least telling me what you plan to do.”   

I have learned to cut the strings even when it is painful. The worse part is that cutting the apron strings can hurt the mother and sometimes also the child as she releases her hold on her babies. 

I am reminded that God has cut the apron strings on us and permits us to make decisions.

Not all our choices are so good for us, but God allows us to make our own mistakes. 

At other times, the Lord is pleased with us as he sees us “Happy as jay birds” enjoying the pleasures of riding (or walking) on the path he has laid out for us. 

Although I do not consider the Holy Spirit to be apron strings, I do appreciate that He walks along side me and whispers in my ear – I am with you always; where ever you go.
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Monday, August 1, 2016

Tell Me a True Story - Week of 08/01/16



Reading a True Story

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~ ~ ~

Can you Smell That?
 
Some people are more sensitive to smell than others.  My husband is one of those persons.   When our children were small, my hubby could never change a diaper, or clean up after a dog accident.  And that is the truth!  Good thing he has a first-rate wife! (smile)

This particular morning my hubby was cooking breakfast on our electric stove.  Suddenly all the lights went out and sparks flew, and our stove just quit!  Out of the blue he could smell smoke. 

Stepping outside to investigate the fuse box, he discovered that the electric panel was on fire.  Flames were shooting out and it appeared that our mobile was possibly doomed to also catch on fire. 

Keeping his wits about him, he quickly turned off the power at the main pole.  Next he grabbed the hose and squirted water until all the fire was extinguished.

After turning the power back on, we discovered that a few plugs in the house still worked, and by using extension cords, he was able to get our refrigerator going.

A quick call to our contractor neighbor on his cell phone - - gave us the name and number of a reliable electrician who showed up late that afternoon.  The electrician was able to do some temporary work, and we were thankful that he gave us TV and computer access. 

His promise to return in two days to replace the panel did not come to pass, as apparently there were parts to order that were not available locally.  This left us for the week end with temporary fixes and extension cords. 

Again he did not return at the time promised, and we found it necessary to leave for a dental appointment and go about our business. 

Leaving him a note on the gate, and penning our three dogs in their small yard; we left, as this would allow him to do his work unhindered by curious animals.

After another no show, we called and left him a message stating that we were wondering where he was.  Well finally it all worked out and he arrived with a new panel and a helper and did the installation pronto, and to our liking.  We were pleased! 

This reminded me to consider all the time we wait; expecting the return of Jesus to happen soon.  He keeps putting us off for another day, another week, another year.   

However as I read the signs of the times, I think that his delay must have a good reason. 

There still must be some sheep that need to get into the fold !! 

~ ~ ~
 
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~ ~~