True Story Blog Party Week of 06/15/15

A Mother Reads A True Story

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

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!

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May we all Produce Much Good Fruit

Give it Another Year!

The Lord pulled me to the parable from Luke 13: 6-9.  This scripture portion is about Jesus telling the story of the tree and the farmer who asked his workers to cut it down because it was not producing fruit.  His gardener requested, “Please give the tree another year.  I’ll dig around it, fertilize it, and maybe it will produce next year; if it doesn't, then chop it down.”

During this past year, I have followed and read after several well known bloggers.  Some have written books, newspaper columns, and devotionals that knock your socks off.  Yet underlying I have also noticed at times a hint of fear, thinking they are not good enough, and genuine doubt that they are even making a difference.  This might include all of us!!

Perhaps at times we all feel discouraged, and we wonder if we are like that tree that is being given another chance to revive, to pick up and begin again to reach out in our ministry with faith and fervor.  Might I be so bold to say, to come alive with a renewed Spirit Filled Anointing that will actually make a difference in the lives we touch.

May we continually be reminded that each of us is unique?  We are all different with our varied writing and ministry skills, but that is what causes each of us to be distinct and only one of a kind special in God’s eyes.

The Bible story of this tree does not tell us what happened at the end of the year, but I can only surmise that at the finish of the year that all that pruning, digging, compost, and nourishment was able to cause that tree to produce much fruit.

Each day we are resting on the doorstep of – a new beginning. 

Let us determine to keep our thoughts full of faith, positive, and forward - - To expect, and to anticipate miracles.  May we use our imagination to envision fertile ground, and an abundant harvest ahead!

At this time I am asking our Lord God to dig deep into each of us, to stir us up, douse us with the fire of the Holy Spirit and sprinkle us with some of His “Miracle Grow,” that we may all produce much fruit - - Each after our own kind.

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True Story Blog Party Week 06/08/15

Reading a True Story

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

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!

 I try to read 5 at a time.

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

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View the notice On The "Blue Back Ground Above" How  

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A True Story from My Book “Rescue the Stories Book One” 

My Face Was RED !!

 

 

My mother did not wear make up and as a three year old child, I think I may have figured out one of the reasons why! 

One Sunday morning, to keep me occupied while we were in church, Mother let me look through her purse.  First, there was a small mirror that kept me busy for a few minutes. 

 

Wait, what was this?  I discovered a pretty little box with something blushing red in it, and a tiny powder puff.  Using the mirror, I began to apply the red stuff to my cheeks. 

The congregation had been asked to stand, while they sang all the verses to one of the hymns.  This gave me adequate time to complete my make-up job! 

As if my cheeks were not enough, some of the pretty powdered rouge found its way to my chin.  Almost effortlessly, it seemed to glide right up to my forehead until my entire countenance was a fabulous rosy-red. 

When the song was finished and mother sat back down, she was unpleasantly surprised to find that I had started an extreme make-over in church. 

The back row giggled! 

Mother quietly excused herself.  She firmly escorted me to the bathroom where some soap-and-water was applied, along with some vigorous scrubbing!  Soon, I was back to my old, pale self.  

How many of us have ever done something in innocence, only to later discover that we were an embarrassment to others - - - and possibly to ourselves? 

Isn’t it a wonder how God forgives our silliness, and gives us Grace to wash away that foolishness, so we can present a happy face to our world? 

God is so kind!  He may even snicker at some of our childish escapades.  For me, at least, there were not any far-reaching consequences; my mother knew what to do, and I allowed her to help me out of my situation, without fussing.   

If we are willing to keep a flexible attitude, and are constantly ready to clean-up and start over, it makes the lessons easier.  A teachable spirit is what God desires of us.  The Bible calls it repentance: stopping and turning, and going in the other direction. 

If at times, you find yourself with a “red face,” be willing to be escorted to The Fountain!  Without fail, the flow will wash you and make you presentable again. 

Psalms 51:7  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

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True Story Blog Party Week 06/01/15

Listening to a True Story

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A True Story from My Book “Rescue the Stories Book One”

 Life is not always “Pink”

 

Thinking back to my Kindergarten days, I realize now that we were fortunate to have an extraordinary teacher.  Miss Helen Jane was a bubbly person, always smiling, and as she spoke she would look into the eyes of each child.   

She stood at the door welcoming each child by calling their name as they entered the room, and at the end of the day she would again stand at the door and plant a kiss on our cheek.   

The girls did not mind, but for show, the boys would usually rub off her kiss.   

In today’s world those kisses would certainly not be approved by the School board, or the State or the Federal Government.  But that was the year 1937 and things were different then. 

An old victrola was in our room, and as we sat in a circle Miss Helen Jane would play music and shuffle our names from a group of flash cards. The child, whose name was shown on the card, was asked to skip around the circle and return back to his or her seat.  Our teacher made a game out of us being able to recognize our name.   

I remember that our chairs and tables were all painted a lovely hot pink.   

There was one chair that was brown.  Our teacher called it the “Thinking Chair.”  The idea was; those who misbehaved were to sit and “think” until they were ready to apologize to our teacher.   

Actually I don’t remember any child ever having to sit in that 'bad brown' thinking chair.  We all wanted to please our teacher and be good children. 

When Kindergarten was over and I entered the first grade room, you can imagine my shock when I discovered that all the chairs and tables were that 'bad brown' – not pretty pink.   

What had I done to deserve this?   

Aint that the truth, Life isn’t always Fair and Fun like Kindergarten ! 

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Tell Me a True Story Blog Party Week 05/25/15

Reading a True Story

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

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!

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My other blog is:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.  

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A True Story from My Book “Rescue the Stories Book One”

Let Me In !!

 

I Want My Mama

Very early in life I remember my Mother washing clothes in an old wash tub in the yard and hanging them out to dry on a line.  She used one of those old fashioned wash rub boards to get out the spots and make sure everything was clean.   

My baby sister was born just after my third birthday, and I remember banging on the bedroom door, and demanding to see my mother. 

Yelling the words, “I want my Mama,” did not open the door for me. 

 

Finally my Aunt Edna pulled the door slightly open and told me that I could NOT see her because my mother was sick. 

Refusing to be denied, I screamed and cried, “I want my Mama,” until my aunt finally allowed me a short visit. 

Mother smiled at me, and reached out to give me a gentle hug, and then she asked me to please obey my aunt, so I said “OK.”   

I was satisfied, I had seen my mama - - and I had gotten my own way. 

 

At times it is a good thing to REFUSE to be DENIED, especially when you pray.

Exodus 20:12  ESV  “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land that the Lord shall give you.

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True Story Blog Party week 05/18/15

Reading a True Story

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

 My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!

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A True Story from My Book “Rescue the Stories Book Three”

Do Things “Just Happen”- - Or Is It God? 

Usually when a couple are house-hunting in order to purchase a home, they both go together to make that decision.  In this instance, that was not the case.  The decision was being left up to me!  Soon I was on a plane flying to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to purchase a home for our year’s stay. 

Our plans were to arrive in the beginning of summer 1976 and get settled in.  Since the Bible Training Center was holding their second year of classes at Sheridan Assembly in Tulsa, I decided to go there first and audit a class.  Seating myself with the students, I sat back and tried to blend in.   

The gentleman sitting next to me realized that I was not a student so he asked me, “Why are you here?” 

I told him, “My husband and I will be students in the next school term, and that I was there to purchase a house for our family.”  

Enthusiastically he flipped through his wallet and drew out a business card.  “Here,” he said, “My father-in-law is a Real Estate Agent and he can help you.”   

Did I just “Happen,” to sit next that particular student? 

Arriving at my motel, I called the number on the card, and was pleasantly surprised when the man I was supposed to call answered the telephone.  He just “Happened” to have floor duty that day!  I gave him all the information as to what I needed:  a four bedroom house, a certain price range, a large yard for our two big dogs.

He asked if I would be free the next day to view homes, and I grabbed the opportunity. In the meantime, he would put together a list of homes available, and we would start early the next morning.   

True to his word, he took me to view many homes in the Tulsa area but none were ringing a bell.  Finally, the agent asked me if I would be willing to go further out towards Broken Arrow, as there were some fairly new homes there with large yards.  I told him, that we were used to driving 20 miles and that would NOT be a problem. 

Three homes in that area were shown to me.  Suddenly, as we looked through the last home, I heard in my spirit, “This is the one.”

I called my husband and shared the particulars.  He told me what to offer and not to go over a certain price.  Everything clicked.  I told the sellers, when we needed Escrow to close, signed papers, left a deposit, and flew back to California.  With not so much ado, we had a home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma! 

Two months later we arrived in Oklahoma with our menagerie and family.  We met the agent, made all the closing settlements, and headed out to our new home.  The sellers were doing their final sweep and told us they would be out in 20 minutes or so.  Shortly we were able to set up our beds, bring in our things and settle in for the night. 

What occurred the following day was amazing.  We decided to drive into Tulsa to the ministry headquarters and spy out the land.  Guess what? We were told that the School for the next session would be moving to a new location just purchased in Broken Arrow, located 4 miles from our new home!   

Now, do you believe that “Just happened?”… Or was it God?

You too can expect God to direct your path in all of life’s decisions.  Learn to seek His face, and then trust your inward spirit as The Lord guides you in the way you should go.

 

Psalm 37:23  The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord:  

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Tell Me a True Story - Week 05/11/15



Reading a True Story

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

 My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!

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Glasses for the Baby

A True Story from My Book Rescue the Stories Book Two

 

 

 

“Don’t sit so close to the TV,” I instructed my three year old son.  When I placed him on the sofa, he tilted his head downward and rolled his eyes up to look at the TV.   

“Something is not right with his eyes,” I told my husband.  “I will make an appointment to take him to the eye doctor. 

“This boy needs a specialist,” said the doctor, “And may I suggest an excellent doctor with offices close by?” 

After making an appointment, off we went to visit the specialist.  The doctor asked him to show with his hand which way the fingers on the letter E were pointing.  The doctor twirled the small eye glasses on the machine until he was happy that this would be a correct prescription for our son. 

Then he positioned the machine so that our boy could look through it at me.  Our boy began to smile real big, and I said, “What are you smiling about?”   

The Doctor made an astonishing statement as he said, “He is seeing his mother for the first time.”  Doctor continued, “Your son could not see his own feet in front of him. That is how bad his eyes are." 

At Sunday school, he suddenly became interested in the pictures and the stories about Jesus. 

Those early glasses were quite thick, but he no longer ran into walls and other things as he played.   

A growing boy often needed new frames so we made regular visits to the specialist, for adjustments to his glasses.   

As time went by, and Junior High school was near, Doctor suggested that perhaps for cosmetic reasons, we should consider contact lenses.  “He is old enough to take care of contacts,” said the doctor. 

That was a good choice, and it caused our son to feel better about him-self. 

The thick glasses were used in the evenings at home to give the eyes a rest, but all in all his adjustment to contacts were fine. 

I am reminded that there is spiritually another world that we cannot see that is brimming with angelic beings. No eye glasses on earth will reveal these angels that are protecting us, but they are real and active in their ministry. 

We can pray with Paul that our spiritual eyes will be opened - -

Ephesians 1:18-21 That the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, ¹⁹ And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,  ²⁰ Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, ²¹ Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

2 Corinthians 4: 18. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (NIV)

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True Story Blog Party Week 05/04/15

Reading a True Story

 

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

 

My goal is to read and comment on EVERY entry!

Have you tried reading and commenting on a few posts near you?

My other blog is:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.

 

View the notice ON THE "BLUE BACK GROUND above"

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My Feature Story for Today - -



I Honestly Felt Like Slapping Gloria's Face

 

This true story is a Chapter from my Book:  Rescue the Stories Book One 

 

Gloria and Ann

My first grade teacher asked my reading group to arrange our small chairs in a circle at the back of the room.  I sat between Gloria and Ann.  Gloria leaned across me and spoke to Ann in a voice loud enough so I could hear.   

She said, “Do you like Hazel?”   

Ann replied, “Yes.”   

Gloria laughed and said, “I don’t like her at all.  In fact I hate her.” 

I felt like crying! The color in my face drained and so did my spirits! 

 

Even though I had been taught not to hit, I was tempted to slap Gloria’s face!   

In my six year old mind, I knew I had a choice. 

I quickly decided that I would pretend that I had not heard Gloria’s remarks.  I would treat her with kindness.  Those Sunday School lessons on loving your neighbor had paid off!   

 

Years later, I realized that Gloria had been teasing and joking.  Some families enjoy pranks and playing those ugly games, but it is not a good practice. 

 

Children can be injured by mean words they hear and remember.  Scars can be left that often cause insecurity and feelings of rejection leading to emotional and even physical illness.

“Dear Gloria, I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to learn the exercise of walking in forgiveness.” 

Matthew 6:14-15  For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
 

Practicing Forgiveness frees up Your Own Heart

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Check out my other blog:  A Joyful Noise Please follow by e-mail.  

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