Tell Me a True Story - Week of 12/26/16

Reading a True Story to Sister

 

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Can You Tell me Who ??

 

 

Can You Tell Me Who? - - -  (My True Story)

As a young mother, I was surprised when my telephone rang and a radio station identified themselves as a quiz program; explained what the call was about, asked my name and requested for me to hold for a moment.   

The Master of Ceremonies was chipper as he came on and told me that there was a nice prize available if I could correctly answer the question - - he paused then asked. 

Who was Abraham Lincoln’s Secretary of War? 

 

History was something I studied for the test, and then promptly forgot about it.  Had I been a current school girl with studies about the Government, I probably would have remembered the name, but instead I mumbled, I am sorry but I don’t know the answer.  

The MC acknowledged his sorrow, but said that as an alternative for the nice prize, the advertiser was sending me some free samples of their product in the mail.   

If only I had thought to give my maiden name, I would have won the grand prize.  The answer was Edwin Stanton.  That name Stanton had actually crossed my mind, but I considered it not a good answer, brushed it off and lost by not paying attention to recall and the inward voice of the Holy Spirit. 

Often a hunch will give good direction when you listen to it.  Actually I prefer not to call it a hunch or a premonition, but I believe God speaks to us in that still small voice giving insight when we will stop and tune in. 

Actually the prize I might have won was not that great!   

 

Can you remember being disappointed at the prize in the Cracker Jack box? 

 

Paul reminded us to strive for the grand prize of heaven which will be presented to all who finish their race.  We will NOT be disappointed with our reward.

 

2 Timothy 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

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TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 12/19/16

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Reading a True Story

 

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My True Story  - -  Growing up in the Big City

 

 

Most of my childhood was in the big city of Oakland, California, but the city was divided into smaller districts.  Each district had their own "coffee shop" with the regulars, a bank, a post office, a movie house, a drug store, a couple of named grocery stores, a bakery, a chiropractor, and some business shops such as an insurance agent, and a shoe repair shop.   

These districts existed like a small town and were an island to many.  Every thing near our home was within walking distance including two Mom and Pop small stores close by.   At the coffee shop we could order a fountain coke and ask for vanilla or other flavors.  Our fast food restaurant was a Casper’s Hot Dog place.   A public library was also near by. 

We also had a cow boy of sorts.  He was a young man who always wore a cowboy hat while he rode his bicycle.  I think he was what you might call a bit "slow."  Not retarded, just a bit slow.  Each neighbor hood had their characters too, and our cow boy was one of them. 

Our city had an excellent bus system with a transfer method that allowed you to change to another bus without paying extra.   

There is safety in numbers and as children we did all our bus riding with my brother my sister and usually a couple of other friends. 

We learned to navigate through our metropolis to down town shopping, to Lake Merritt to the museum, to go ice skating, or go to the Hayward plunge swimming pool.  The ride to the pool required an extra fare when we reached a point where different cities met. 

The streets were laid out in neat blocks, and at times we just took long walks.  Mother would go with us when we hiked to Mill’s College, and to the hills behind it.   

Our earthly city was a wonderful place to grow up, and to later find work there.  A place to attend church, meet friends, to eventually marry and raise our own family within its borders.  

I was thinking about the lay out of heaven today, and remembering that the Bible tells us that the streets are of purest gold, and as you look through the gold you can see the foundation which is made of precious jewels.  The gates are made of pearls, and there is a tree of life that all those in heaven may partake of. 

The plain truth is that no city on earth regardless of its beauty or charm can compare with the magnificence of heaven.  

I do hope you have made your reservation early, so that Heaven will be your final home.   

You do understand that the decision must be made while here on earth, because if you wait too long, it will be too late.

~ ~ ~

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TELL ME A TRUE STORY BLOG PARTY Week of 12/12/16

Reading a True Story

 

 

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My True Story About the Burnt Beans  

One Sunday at my church I shared the story about me burning the beans, and how sweet my husband was to me because last time it was he who burned the beans. 

I was also thinking about how Jesus told stories.  He spoke often in parables.  His disciples would sometimes ask him to speak more plainly. 

He did speak plainly at times and they usually did not understand plain talk either. 

Jesus sometimes would tell a story and say it is likened unto - - - and the people usually could relate. 

Other times Jesus would just tell them to "GO FIGURE."  To think about it and figure out what he meant.

The bean story is about not judging when you may be guilty of the same or similar things.  It is also about holding your words and not speaking too quickly.  It is also about releasing a loved one to fail at times and love them anyway.  Just in the same way God loves YOU. 

So in case you are wondering about some of my stories - - -   Go Figure !!

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Tell Me a True Story Blog Party - week of 12/05/16

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Reading a True Story

 

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Roofing the Office Supply (A True Story from my Book "Rescue the Stories Book Two)

Neatly stacked in the corner of our kitchen sit our extra chairs waiting until they were needed again for company. 

My thoughts went back to when we obtained these chairs and also twenty nice metal folding chairs.

Years ago we were contacted by an Office Supply company requesting that we make a deal with them. 

They offered chairs, folding tables and enough office supplies in exchange for a new roof. 

Robert told them he would consider it and get back to them.  We talked it over and then contacted our Pastor.

Our church was using some old fashioned double wooden folding chairs in our fellowship hall and in the Sunday School rooms, so new single metal folding chairs and new folding tables would be wonderful.   

We offered to make a donation to the church of a certain number of chairs and tables to fill their need and the over flow of twenty chairs and the stacking chairs would be ours to keep. 

We contacted the Office Supply and agreed to accept their offer.  The exchange was a good one. 

During the years we have used our single folding chairs in the yard for a barbecue, loaned them to a new church just starting up and also our neighbor has benefited when he has a large gathering over to his place. 

The stacking chairs are kept in our kitchen and are so comfortable and handy when needed. 

The Church old wooden chairs were taken to the dump, but had we known about E-bay or Craig’s List they could have been sold as antiques for big bucks.   

Sometimes what you don’t know can cost you plenty.   

It is sad to realize that many children and adults today do not know the real meaning of Christmas and the story of Jesus birth, his life, death and resurrection.  It only takes a few years when the Bible and Jesus are erased from our schools to create a generation of uninformed persons about Jesus and the salvation He offers to all who will receive.

I am happy for Child Evangelism, Release time Christian Education and the Good News clubs that are making a mark in the lives of many children.  Often their parents are reached also. 

I have some friends who do church in the Park when the weather is good.  They play music and sing to attract a crowd. 

 

We must use any means we can to reach the lost, or it will cost them and us dearly.

 

Tell Me a TRUE Story Blog Party opens Monday evenings at 5:00 pm  for your TRUE Story entry.

~ ~ ~ 

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Tell me A True Story Blog Party week 11/28/16

Reading a True Story

 

 

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for your TRUE Story entry.

 

Counseling   (A true Story from my Book "Rescue the Stories # Three)

 

I heard the frantic cry of my husband, “Hazel, Please come in here quick,” was his plea. 

I'm Listening

We were assisting a small church in their Christian Educational department, but my husband was often asked to perform other duties. 

 

On this day, a distressed woman had asked for counsel as she was having a problem coping with her distraught husband.  The gentleman had recently suffered the loss of one of his arms, and feeling that he was less of a man, he ending up by pushing her away. 

 

Arriving to answer my husband’s call of concern, I entered the office to find the woman dressed provocatively in mini shorts, a deep cut blouse and heavy make up. 

 

One important thing they teach you in any Bible School is to protect yourself against gossip or suspicion that could end in slander.  Here was a typical example in full view.

 

Ministers should be careful if at all possible not to council the opposite sex with the door shut, and if available to invite their mate, or another person to sit in on the session. 

 

Sobbing, the woman poured out her story, and it was extremely evident that she did not actually want direction and guidance.  She was searching for someone to agree with her and comfort her in her decision to leave her husband. 

 

A few months later, we saw her again, and this time she informed us that she was happily engaged to be married to a fine gentleman.  We offered our congratulations.  What else could we say? 

 

I am reminded of the wedding vows, so easily forgotten by some, in times of illness, accidents, or even when angry, “Forsaking all others; until death do us part.”  

 

Many times, the grass on the other side of the fence that appears so inviting will soon surprise you, because it has been sprayed with weed killer, and will quickly wither and dry up.   

 

Not all exchanges are for the better.    

Only one is; The great exchange.  This is when you give Jesus your old life and you receive HIS everlasting life to live inside your heart.  

When it comes to counseling, for myself, I have discovered long ago, that a little talk with your best friend, Jesus is safe, and He does not pass on to others, what you have shared with Him.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7EWzA8OoEw

 

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Tell Me a True Story Blog Party week of 11/21/16

Reading a True Story

 

 

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Good Grief !! 

 

Tears flowed down my face when I received the telephone call from my mother and she informed me that my father had passed away from his long illness. 

Although I knew he was in heaven, it did not stop me from grasping the fact that I would not be able to visit and speak to him any longer, here on this earth. 

My husband, Robert told me, “Hazel, those tears are because you are ‘feeling sorry for yourself,’ and they are not tears of grief.”  You must change your thinking.”  Robert continued with some other words of wisdom that caused me to consider what he had said.   

How often do we enjoy a good “pity party, and get pleasure from feeling sorry for our-self,” and we call it grief for what ever reason.   

Honestly I have seen some people weep and wail more over one of their animals who died then they did when one of their own family members passed on. 

There is a time to weep, according to the Bible, and a time to rejoice.  Our grief time is sadness usually because we will miss the person here on earth.  

God does not want us to STAY in the mode of grieving; for how long, I can’t say, but it should be temporary.  A short time to grieve is okay, but then there comes a time to wipe away the tears.   

There are moments to remember the person for who they were to us and the memories of happy times together.  

Even if there were sad times, those can even yet be forgiven whether the person is with us or not.  Speaking out the words “I forgive you,” is healing. 

If the person was Hell bound, then we should really grieve.  Then do what we can to give and live the gospel to those who are still with us.  The rich man in hell wanted someone to warn his brothers to repent and come to God, because he knew Hell was real.  His was true grief. 

As we live here on earth, may we do our part to show others who a Christian is, by our example and by reaching out to others with kindness and encouraging words. 

When it is our time to cross that river between earth and heaven, may our friends and loved ones, grieve for a few moments, and then rejoice with us that we are with Jesus. 

Isaiah 53:3  He was despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

~ ~ ~ 

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Tell Me a True Story Blog Party week of 11/14/16

Reading a True Story

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Commitment

Our friends from our Bible School had telephoned us and begged us to come help them in their new church that they had started in Texas.  A group of family and friends were their core group but they wanted another couple to assist them in their ministry.  Possibly take Wednesday night services and set up a Sunday School program, and give a helping hand in their work. 

I was so excited.  These were our dear intercessory prayer partners that we had spent so many joyful hours with, while we attended the Bible Training Center in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.  I was anxious to join with them in their ministry.  “Let’s do it,” I told Robert. 

BUT – my husband had already “COMMITTED” us to be a part of our local church as Christian Education Directors and to begin a Book store in the church.  He was to be the Associate Pastor and assist when the Pastor was away for a few days. 

My husband had given his word to our local pastor – and that was it.  We could NOT go back on our agreement. 

A wife is bound by Christian love to respect, honor, and follow her husband, so that is what I did.  Casting aside what might have been, we settled down to minister where we were pledged and planted at this time. 

In the Bible there were times when men gave their word, and it was their BOND.  Often it was the cutting of blood to create a “COVENANT.”  

When your word is given it must stand.  There are many times in life when we give our word.  The marriage vows come to mind, but there are other times too.   

Joining a Church with a group of believers is a commitment.  Joining the military, or giving a promise to a cause.  We commit to pay our mortgage, and our car payments, and we sign on the dotted line.

I am reminded when God gave His Word that He would send a deliverer to save us from our sins.  This promise was fulfilled in Jesus.   

At Christmas time, we celebrate that Jesus came to earth to be born of a Virgin.  He grew up to become a man and to minister, working miracles and healing the sick.  He died on a cross for us, and true to His WORD - - - He rose again on the third day. 

After meeting with his friends and believers for forty days, Jesus gave His WORD again.  “I shall return and there you will be with me also.  Wait for the Promise from the Father for the Holy Spirit will Give you Power to be my witnesses in your city – in the surrounding areas, and then into all the world.” 

God is faithful and he always keeps His Committed Word! 

May we ever follow the example of God, and when we make a commitment let us always keep our word.

~ ~ ~

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Tell me a True Story Blog Party week of 11/07/16



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Lien on Me or Lean on Jesus

 

Our roofing business was being recognized by many of the general contractors who were building apartments and condominiums.  To protect ourselves we hired an attorney to help us put certain language into our contracts to indemnify us.

Our attorney also told us to be sure to place a Lien on each job that we accepted. 

This became my duty to make certain a lien was prepared and applied at the recorders office. 

 

A large job came our way and the work was proceeding.  Our contract had asked for a partial payment at each stage of the job. However the payment did not arrive.  The following day, we did not show up to finish the work.  Their foreman phoned me and said they were ready for us to continue. 

 

I told him, we needed the partial payment before we could return.  He said, they were short of funds and I told him we also were short of funds and we could not purchase the material and pay our men unless they paid us.  He said that he would see what he could do. 

 

Later he called me back and told me I could pick up a check and I told him we will be there and we were.

 

The day came when we should receive our final payment for work completed.  Again there were delays and the word was out that the general contractor was asking all the subs to receive 50 cents on the dollar – take it or leave it.

 

Thankfully we had heeded our attorney’s advice and had placed a lien on the property.

 

When they offered for us to take less, we stated that we had given them a bargain price up front and we intended to be paid in full.

 

A year went by and the property had a buyer, but they could not complete the sale until we were paid and our lien was removed.  Eventually they paid us and we were pleased.

 

Fortunately, during the months of waiting, we had our day to day roofing jobs that kept us afloat and we did not suffer loss. 

 

In life there are times when LIFE is TOUGH, but Jesus tells us to lean on Him and rest.

 

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all of you who are weary and loaded down with burdens, and I will give you rest.

~ ~ ~ 

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Tell Me a True Story Blog Party - Week of 10/31/16

Reading a True Story

 

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               Uninvited Visitor

The knocking at my door was more of a violent scratching, like my dog does when he wants inside. 

I pulled the curtain aside and peered out to view the hooded dark figure as he continued to thump and tap loudly. 

Opening the door just a crack was enough for him to push against the door and gain entrance even without a formal invitation. 

I asked his name, and he mumbled something and then quietly moved to a corner to sit and hide while he continued observing me. 

Finally I told him I was certain that I did not want him in my home. 

He spoke in whispers and in a nagging monologue began to berate me and tell me how bad I was, and that I was no good.  

His voice rose up a tone or two as he gained confidence in what he was about; “You do nothing right, and no one likes you,” was spewing from his lips. 

“It was all your fault and you have no one to blame except yourself,” he continued. 

“Even God will never forgive you, and you will never make heaven your home!” 

How could I shut up this disgusting creature, and how could I entreat him to leave? 

All that he alleged was both true and at the same time false, but now I was hurting in the pit of my stomach as he continued to criticize and rebuke my being. 

Crying out to God for help seemed not to reach heaven. I had asked forgiveness, long ago, and had become a “Good Christian,” so why was he doing this to me? 

My thoughts turned to recent readings in my Bible, and I remembered a verse in Romans that I quoted often. I began to shout it out loud to this strange uninvited visitor. 

Romans 8:1-2 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 

Gaining confidence - - and with a bold voice, I spoke to my visitor, and told him that Jesus lives here and that he must leave and not return.  

With a crooked smile, he raised himself, and slowly slinked toward the open door and left. 

But as he trudged down the path, he turned and called to me - - “I’ll be back!"

~ ~ ~ 

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Tell Me a True Story Blog Party Week of 10/24/16

 

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Roofers working with Hot Asphalt

 Asphalt On our Clothes – A true story

from my book Rescue the Stories book Two

 

Our young neighbor girl stood at my front door and asked if she could walk with us to school.  I invited her into the house and gathered my brood so we could all walk together.   

As I looked at our little friend, I asked her, “Is your daddy a roofer?” 

She looked up at me and said, “Yes, how did you know?”  I told her, “Our daddy is a roofer too, and we mothers just know some things.”   

The truth was I knew, because one look at the blouse she was wearing, and I could see a tiny black dot of asphalt. 

Her mother had the same problem in her laundry that I did.  Although I was very careful to wash my husband’s clothes separately and hang them on the line, it was inevitable that a speck or two of asphalt was deposited and hidden in the washing machine.  It would then be transferred unknowingly to other clothing. 

Energine Spot Remover was the chemical of choice to remove asphalt from my washer, and it often worked on clothing, but it did not always remove everything.  

More than once, I took out my “Tri-Chem” fabric paints and drew a flower on my girl’s dresses.  The boy’s clothes seemed to escape the asphalt, how I did not know. 

One day the wife of our roofer friend asked me how I dealt with the asphalt in my life.  She informed me that she would get so angry to the point of tears, and she simply could not cope with this problem.   

I suggested that because roofing work was our bread and butter, that we should accept asphalt as a necessary evil and try to live with it.  I told her that in life there are a lot of situations we must simply put up with, and in our case asphalt was one of them.   

Understand that I am not suggesting that we put up with sin and filth in our lives, but as we age and get older, there are many changes in body and lifestyle that can occur.  In some cases we must put up with aching joints, hair falling out and other signs that we are not as young as we use to be.  Loss of income: There are many ways we can learn to become skilled in saving money and stretching our dollars. 

Loosing a spouse, by death or divorce can bring unwanted anguish and unplanned change, and even anger, depression and despair.  

With God’s guiding hand, He can facilitate what ever changes are ahead and He can smooth the progress, no matter what are our circumstances.   

You are not alone.  Many are experiencing similar situations.  One thing we must always remember is that God has promised to never leave us or forsake us.

~ ~ ~

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