Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish — and what it was like to set it free.
I've had a few posts that I was nervous about publishing. The funny thing is, those were posts that I got a lot of positive feedback on. I've received negative comments through the years, but they've usually been on posts that I hadn't given a second thought to when I published them. The internet is a strange place sometimes!
Here are the top posts that I was most nervous about publishing:
UNCLE - My very first post
I was pretty nervous about joining the blogging world but I'm so glad I did! I really enjoy writing (usually) and I have met some great people through this little place on the world wide web. I love it when I get a comment from a far away friend. (Hey you? Yes, you, reading right now? Leave a comment some time! Just say Hi!)
Peace that Passes Understanding
This was the post I wrote after our house was broken into while I was in it. I was still struggling with fear (honestly, pretty much a basket case!) and I didn't want to dwell on it. I know that fear can feed fear and I didn't want friends/family to freak out and cause me to freak out even more.
A New Adventure!
This was the post I wrote when I made my blog private and announced Les' job change. We were already in Hawaii at the time, although I had worked on that post for several weeks. Up to that point the only people who knew about our situation was our families and Pastor and Sister White. Things had been up in the air for months but I had not written about it at all on my blog. I was nervous about writing this because I was nervous about the big change that was taking place in our lives!
My Hero
I had been blogging for several months before I wrote my first post about my brother, Rod. He was so special to me and it was hard to put into words just how much he meant to me. I was completely overwhelmed by the many comments I received on that post. I'm not the only one who loved and misses him!
All in all I prefer to keep my blog positive, not because I want to avoid mean comments, I just want to encourage people or make them think or smile when they read here. So if you need a laugh today, please read Great Car for Sale, Yo! It's about our experience with buying a car from Craigslist on Oahu.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Remarkable
Les and Lance have now pedaled their way into their eighth of nine states! They crossed the Mississippi/Alabama border this morning and are nearing the 2300 mile mark. They have had an amazing trip and if all continues as planned they will reach Savannah, Georgia and the Atlantic Ocean this Friday!!
But let me tell you about someone else who is remarkable - my neighbor, Joe. I introduced him on this blog over eight years ago. He is one of many smiling faces I see on a regular basis when I'm out running or riding my bike. Joe is an avid hiker and always has a smile for me.
About a month ago Les and I saw Joe while we were on a bike ride. It was just a quick, "Good morning!" but I told Les, "Joe didn't seem himself." Les wondered how I could tell in such a short greeting, but I just knew.
Fast forward to this morning while I was out for a run. I saw Joe up ahead and determined to catch him. I slowed to a walked when I caught him. Our conversation started off like this:
Me: How are you, Joe?
Joe: I'm great!
Me: You didn't seem yourself when I saw you a few weeks ago, are you okay?
Joe: Well, I had my toes cut off...
To make a long story short, due to poor circulation, Joe's feet were not getting adequate blood supply. In June he had the toes of his right foot removed and in July had the same procedure done on his left foot. He is now walking on stumps. He said he was in a lot of pain prior to the surgery but has had none since. The main thing that has changed is the length of his stride, but his sunny outlook hasn't changed a bit.
I asked Joe if he had been able to resume hiking. "I wanted to hike a certain mountain on my 80th birthday and I did just that on Wednesday!" I am so in awe of this man! 80 years young, walking three miles, 5 days a week and in his words, "working at the Senior center to help those less fortunate," the other two days!
Joe reached his turn around point and we said goodbye for the day. I finished my run with a huge smile on my face! What an inspiration!
But let me tell you about someone else who is remarkable - my neighbor, Joe. I introduced him on this blog over eight years ago. He is one of many smiling faces I see on a regular basis when I'm out running or riding my bike. Joe is an avid hiker and always has a smile for me.
About a month ago Les and I saw Joe while we were on a bike ride. It was just a quick, "Good morning!" but I told Les, "Joe didn't seem himself." Les wondered how I could tell in such a short greeting, but I just knew.
Fast forward to this morning while I was out for a run. I saw Joe up ahead and determined to catch him. I slowed to a walked when I caught him. Our conversation started off like this:
Me: How are you, Joe?
Joe: I'm great!
Me: You didn't seem yourself when I saw you a few weeks ago, are you okay?
Joe: Well, I had my toes cut off...
To make a long story short, due to poor circulation, Joe's feet were not getting adequate blood supply. In June he had the toes of his right foot removed and in July had the same procedure done on his left foot. He is now walking on stumps. He said he was in a lot of pain prior to the surgery but has had none since. The main thing that has changed is the length of his stride, but his sunny outlook hasn't changed a bit.
I asked Joe if he had been able to resume hiking. "I wanted to hike a certain mountain on my 80th birthday and I did just that on Wednesday!" I am so in awe of this man! 80 years young, walking three miles, 5 days a week and in his words, "working at the Senior center to help those less fortunate," the other two days!
Joe reached his turn around point and we said goodbye for the day. I finished my run with a huge smile on my face! What an inspiration!
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Writing Prompts October 22-28
October 22 - Sad but true
Tell us about the harshest, most difficult to hear — but accurate — criticism you’ve ever gotten. Does it still apply?
October 23 - As seen on T.V.
Write a script for a late-night infomercial — where the product is your blog. How do you market yourself? What qualities do you embody that other “products” don’t? What are the benefits of reading your blog?
October 24 - Express yourself
Tell us about a time you couldn’t quite get your words or images to express what you wanted to express. What do you think the barrier was? For bonus points, try again.
October 25 - Simply the best
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?
October 26 - Breakdown
Tell us about a habit you’d like to break. Is there any way it can play a positive role in your life?
October 27 - The golden hour
6:00AM: the best hour of the day, or too close to your 3:00AM bedtime?
October 28 - Seven wonders
Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would your seven words be?
Tell us about the harshest, most difficult to hear — but accurate — criticism you’ve ever gotten. Does it still apply?
October 23 - As seen on T.V.
Write a script for a late-night infomercial — where the product is your blog. How do you market yourself? What qualities do you embody that other “products” don’t? What are the benefits of reading your blog?
October 24 - Express yourself
Tell us about a time you couldn’t quite get your words or images to express what you wanted to express. What do you think the barrier was? For bonus points, try again.
October 25 - Simply the best
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?
October 26 - Breakdown
Tell us about a habit you’d like to break. Is there any way it can play a positive role in your life?
October 27 - The golden hour
6:00AM: the best hour of the day, or too close to your 3:00AM bedtime?
October 28 - Seven wonders
Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would your seven words be?
Monday, October 16, 2017
Sooner Flashback
Les and Lance pedaled in to Oklahoma last Thursday. When we were talking on the phone that night Les said something like, "I was gonna use Sooner in my post title, but I don't really know what that is." Instantly I was back in fifth grade...
My teacher at Del Mar Elementary school in the fifth grade was Miss Shambley. She was a good teacher, fair and funny, but her favorite subject was history. She loved teaching American history! We probably spent more than the normal amount of time studying this subject, but she really made it fun.
Each student in our class was required to choose a state to do a report on. We had to choose the state and then tell why we had chosen to study it before we were given approval to move forward on that state. My Mom's mom, Grandma Luella, was born in Oklahoma, so that is the state I chose to study.
As soon as Les said, "I don't know what a Sooner is..." I had all the answers! I immediately started telling him about the land rush that occurred. Two million acres of prime Oklahoma land were opened up to settlers in 1889. Settlers could claim up to 160 acres and as long as they lived on the land they could claim it as theirs. (Side note: I'm not advocating the way this land was stolen from American Indians, just reporting on history.)
High noon on April 22, 1889, was when the area was opened for settlement. There were people who entered the land early and hid until the legal time - they were then able to settle on choice land before others got there. Those people were called Sooners, because there was a "sooner clause" in the land act, stating that anyone entering early would not be able to claim any land. This was cause for much litigation through the years.
So if you ever wondered why I spend time blogging about the historical significance of places we've visited around the world - it's all because of my fifth grade teacher. Of course my studying would have been much easier today with the internet!
Did you have a teacher that made you love (or hate) a certain subject in school?
Each student in our class was required to choose a state to do a report on. We had to choose the state and then tell why we had chosen to study it before we were given approval to move forward on that state. My Mom's mom, Grandma Luella, was born in Oklahoma, so that is the state I chose to study.
As soon as Les said, "I don't know what a Sooner is..." I had all the answers! I immediately started telling him about the land rush that occurred. Two million acres of prime Oklahoma land were opened up to settlers in 1889. Settlers could claim up to 160 acres and as long as they lived on the land they could claim it as theirs. (Side note: I'm not advocating the way this land was stolen from American Indians, just reporting on history.)
High noon on April 22, 1889, was when the area was opened for settlement. There were people who entered the land early and hid until the legal time - they were then able to settle on choice land before others got there. Those people were called Sooners, because there was a "sooner clause" in the land act, stating that anyone entering early would not be able to claim any land. This was cause for much litigation through the years.
So if you ever wondered why I spend time blogging about the historical significance of places we've visited around the world - it's all because of my fifth grade teacher. Of course my studying would have been much easier today with the internet!
Did you have a teacher that made you love (or hate) a certain subject in school?
Saturday, October 14, 2017
Writing Prompts October 15-21
October 15 - Childlike
Explain your biggest regret — as though to a small child.
October 16 - Honorific
October 16th is officially declared “Person X Day” — and you get to pick Person X. Tell us about someone who deserves to be commemorated.
October 17 - Community service
Your entire community — however you define that; your hometown, your neighborhood, your family, your colleagues — is guaranteed to read your blog tomorrow. Write the post you’d like them all to see.
October 18 - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
You get some incredibly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
October 19 - Home sweet home
When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?
October 20 - Release me
Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish — and what it was like to set it free.
October 21 - Blank is the new blank
Click over to your favorite blog, and pick out the 4th and 14th words (that aren’t “the” or “an”). Drop them into this phrase: “_____ is the new _____.” There’s your post title. Now write!
Explain your biggest regret — as though to a small child.
October 16 - Honorific
October 16th is officially declared “Person X Day” — and you get to pick Person X. Tell us about someone who deserves to be commemorated.
October 17 - Community service
Your entire community — however you define that; your hometown, your neighborhood, your family, your colleagues — is guaranteed to read your blog tomorrow. Write the post you’d like them all to see.
October 18 - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
You get some incredibly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
October 19 - Home sweet home
When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?
October 20 - Release me
Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish — and what it was like to set it free.
October 21 - Blank is the new blank
Click over to your favorite blog, and pick out the 4th and 14th words (that aren’t “the” or “an”). Drop them into this phrase: “_____ is the new _____.” There’s your post title. Now write!
Friday, October 13, 2017
Pastor Appreciation ~ Grandpa and Grandma McElhaney
I decided to finish my Pastor Appreciation Week with a post about Grandpa and Grandma McElhaney. When they received the revelation of this marvelous truth, they embraced it and passed it on. They left a great heritage to many generations.
In the fall of 1933 Grandpa and Grandma first came into contact with the Apostolic message. Grandpa was the first to be baptized in Jesus' name, while Grandma resisted. Finally, one cold night, the winter of 1935, she jumped up at the end of the service and said she wanted to be baptized. There was two feet of snow on the ground. It was so cold and ice in the tank had to be broken to baptize her. She had brought no change of clothing and had to walk almost two miles home in her wet clothes. By the time she got home her clothing was frozen on her. Shortly after that she received the Holy Ghost and the following summer, Grandpa received the Holy Ghost at home.
Grandpa founded a church in New Castle, Indiana in 1936 and pastored from 1936-1950. There is still a Jesus name church in that city today! Pictured below is the congregation in about 1945. Grandpa had a weekly radio broadcast and held street meetings on Saturday nights.
Both of Les' grandparents were licensed Pentecostal ministers before the formation of the United Pentecostal Church International in 1945. The organization was created by the merger of the Pentecostal Church Incorporated and the Pentecostal Assemblies of Jesus Christ. Grandma Marie belonged to one of the organizations and Grandpa Earl belonged to the other!
Grandpa died in 1989, the same year Les and I met, so I was not privileged to know him. I met Grandma Marie on a couple of occasions and although her body was failing, her mind was still sharp and she loved being surrounded by her family. At her funeral, her grandson Allen told quite a story. Grandma was part of the church when Allen became the pastor in Panama City, FL. From that time forward, she always addressed him as Bro. Crabtree, showing respect to his role as her pastor.
Grandpa and Grandma moved to Panama City, Florida in 1950. They returned to Indiana for about a year in 1953, then pastored in Florida until his retirement in 1972. A large, loud, loving extended family gathers in Florida each Thanksgiving. Descendants of Earl and Marie McElhaney, many involved in the ministry and still loving the truth that these two embraced so long ago.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
McBRAAM Week 2... Meanwhile on the Home Front
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| Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta |
It's not all just pedaling and eating. There's a lot of laundry going on!
Meanwhile, on the home front...
We had Santa Ana winds on Monday that knocked one of our trees down. We knew it wasn't healthy and needed to come down, the wind just gave it a little help. I have a tree removal company coming today and they'll be taking a second tree down as well. The years of California drought were tough on our trees.
I noticed on Tuesday that the water coming out of the faucet wasn't as hot as usual. I couldn't get any hot water yesterday. I wasn't sure what to do, so Google to the rescue! "How to Re-light a Water Heater Pilot Light..." A few posts later, I found a very helpful video that showed the exact same dials that are on our water heater. Five minutes later the pilot light was back on and I got a hot shower yesterday afternoon!
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| Les gave me this mug when we were dating! It's been getting a lot of use while he's been gone. |
The David Abbott family is going to be in church with us for the next couple of weeks while Pastor and Sister White are in the Philippines. Last night Bro. Abbott said most people don't say "I love you" very much. I kinda had to chuckle, because if he could see the texts between Les and I, he would know we are not most people! I am so glad he is having a great time, but I am really missing him. I guess these little blips on the home front are keeping me a little busier to help the time pass more quickly. Looking forward to being reunited soon!
Pastor Appreciation ~ Pastor Richard McGriffin
My acquaintance with Pastor McGriffin (AKA Pastor Mac) is the most recent. January 2013 found us moving "temporarily" to Hawaii. What we thought would be a six month stay has turned in to almost five years of part time Hawaiian living. As I mentioned on Sunday, with Pastor White's assistance we found New Life Pentecostal and Pastor and Sis. Mac.
I realized never shared about how Les first "met" Pastor Mac via telephone. Pastor White had called and talked to Pastor Mac, then told Les to give him a call. It was the Monday night before we would go to Hawaii on Friday in January 2013. Les called Pastor Mac and after a brief greeting, Pastor Mac said he would need to call Les back. Les could hear a lot of noise in the background and thought he must have been in a restaurant. A few minutes later Les' phone rang. On the other end a voice said, "Is this Les McElhaney? Do you know who this is?" To make a long story short, it was Pastor Ron Becton from Nashville, Tennessee. Bro. and Sis. Becton (Les' former youth leader) were in Hawaii for a marriage retreat and were having dinner with the McGriffins that night! Bro. Becton's confidence in, and friendship with, Pastor Mac was that final piece of peace we needed.
Pastor Mac faces some unique challenges in pastoring in Hawaii. Many people are only there for vacation, they aren't interested in putting down roots and investing in a church. Many people who live there are in the military, which means they move after just a few years. We've seen a lot of people come and go in these past five years. It can't be easy pastoring sheep who don't stay in the same pasture for long, but Pastor Mac loves everyone who comes to NLP, no matter how long or how short their stay. He teaches and preaches with the same passion no matter how many are missing.
We don't go hungry spiritually when we are in Hawaii. I am so thankful that this couple is in our lives. We're blessed to know them!
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Pastor Appreciation ~ Pastor Philip White
I knew of Bro. White long before he became my pastor. He was the Youth President in the Western District and I had heard him preach at various camps and conferences. He also preached a revival in Fresno before he pastored in Burbank.
During my early twenties as I waited for God to bring Mr. Right into my life, I started praying not only for my future husband, but for his pastor as well. I changed my list of things I wanted in a man to include "must belong to a good church" and even included a list of pastors that I felt I would be safe in their churches. When I met Les, and saw a future with him, I knew I was going to be in safe hands with Pastor White as my pastor - he was one of the pastors on my "list!"
When Les and I were going to buy our first house (we lived in a townhouse for almost 10 years), things were moving very quickly. On a Thursday in January 2001, we set up an appointment to meet with Pastor White for his counsel. The appointment was for the following Monday. From Thursday to Monday, our offer on the house had been accepted, and we had an offer on our townhouse. Well that was kinda scary to us. But Pastor White gave us wisdom that I will never forget. He said, "sometimes when God is in it, He makes things move very quickly." His assurance brought peace to my troubled mind.
For over 26 years, I have been pastored by Pastor White and I truly love, admire, and respect him. His wisdom is amazing, his preaching anointed, and his burden for the work of God far reaching. Pastor and Sister White have been there for us through funerals and surgeries, but they have also rejoiced in our times of blessing. They are great people of God.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Pastor Appreciation ~ Pastor Vaughn Morton
Bro. Morton became the pastor of Truth Tabernacle in November, 1972. I was 8 1/2 years old and still on the shy side. He says I didn't speak to him for the first 5 years he was pastor! While I don't know for sure, I wouldn't be surprised if that wasn't pretty close the truth.
I remember many times when Bro. Morton would come to our home to pray for Rod. It didn't matter, night or day, if Mom called, he came. I also remember when Rod broke his femur and was in a body cast. Naturally, everyone who came to visit signed his cast. Not Bro. Morton! He signed Rod's leg - "just to make sure your momma's washing you!"
Memories too numerous to recount come to mind, but my world changed completely when Bro. Morton asked me to work in the church office. I was a junior in high school, attending Truth Tabernacle Christian School in its first year of existence. I started working part time in the afternoons instead of taking electives, then worked full time in the summer. I had no idea I would end up working there for ten years. How can I even describe the impact those years made in my life? His constant encouragement and kind words when I did something right helped me come out of my shy shell. What fun I had WORKING! The many times he would jump from around some corner ("only the guilty jump"), the notes on my calendar, the smiley faces in red ink, on and on those memories go.
There were words of wisdom and encouragement when I was down. One particular day comes to mind - I had just walked into the church lobby from the Christian school and Bro. Morton met me there. He took me inside the sanctuary and told me he was proud of me, among many other things. He always seemed to know what I needed to hear. Another day he gave me a scripture that became a promise, "sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall" (Ruth 3:18).
I'm so thankful that Elder Morton is still in my life, he is very dear to my heart, and I love him so much. I called him last week after I received his book. He is no longer pastoring, but he is as busy as ever being a blessing to the kingdom of God everywhere he goes.
Monday, October 9, 2017
Pastor Appreciation ~ Pastor Murray Layne
Bro. Layne was Mom's pastor at the time of my birth. It was Bro. Layne who grounded Mom in the truth. I naturally don't remember any of those details, but I do remember being a child and being very aware of Bro. Layne as the man of God in our church. It was during his 19 years of dedication and service that many decisions were made that put Truth Tabernacle on a sure path. Truth was preached, property was purchased, buildings were built, a bus ministry was started, and a great revival of "hippies" took place under his leadership.
I remember services in what is now the school cafeteria at Truth Tabernacle. We had hard benches and no carpet on the floor, but God moved in mighty ways. Bro. Layne baptized me in the old baptistry in the back of that building on January 11, 1971. I can picture that night as if it happened yesterday. What a privilege to be baptized in the lovely name of Jesus by my pastor!
I also remember building the "big church", which is now the prayer room/school chapel. I can still see that day when we broke ground out on the corner of First and Holland. What an exciting time of anticipation!
I'll also never forget when Bro. Layne announced to the church that God was calling him to another city. I was only eight years old at the time and didn't fully understand the implications, but I remember Mom saying, "How will I ever love another pastor like I love Bro. Layne and his family?" Thankfully God had just the right person in mind to pastor Truth Tabernacle, but the Layne family has always held a special place in my heart.
I remember seeing Bro. and Sis. Layne through the years, and as I got older they just grew dearer and dearer to me. They have both gone on to be with the Lord now, but I look forward to the day when we meet again in front of the throne.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Pastor Appreciation Week
I posted the writing prompts for this week but won't be using any of them. October is Clergy Appreciation month and I want to spend this week giving honor where honor is due. I have had four pastors in my lifetime - Pastor Murray Layne, Pastor Vaughn Morton, Pastor Philip White, and Pastor Richard McGriffin. They have each impacted my life in tremendous ways.
I often hear people say, "My pastor is the greatest!" I don't use that phrase because I have had more than one pastor. I don't rank them, choosing one as greater than another. Just like a parent shouldn't play favorites, I don't have a favorite pastor. They ALL mean a great deal to me. They have been with me through different parts of my life.
We have been in a unique situation for almost five years now. We spend a lot of our time in Hawaii because of Les' job. Last year we were on the island for six weeks straight, two different times. We need a pastor in our lives where we are, so when we are in Hawaii we put ourselves under the authority of Pastor McGriffin. We trusted Pastor White to guide us in choosing a church on Oahu and we trust Pastor McGriffin to take care of us spiritually while we are there. We feel very blessed to have both these men in our life.
Jeremiah 3:15 says, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." I am thankful for the pastors that God has given me. Les and I are now in our 50s, both Pastor White and Pastor McGriffin are in their 60s. I realize that my next pastor will most likely be younger than me. When that day comes, I will trust God to give me the right man for the job, and I will respect that man no matter his age.
The best way to show appreciation to your pastor? Be the Best Saint Your Pastor Has Ever Pastored! Make his job easy!
How do we make our pastors' jobs easier? Stand with him. Pray for him. Support him financially. Grow in God. Have a personal prayer life. Read the Word. Be on time for church. Be on time for pre-service prayer and pray when you get there. Fight the fiery darts of the wicked. Fight the flames of gossip, rebellion, disobedience, and discontent. When you go to him for counsel - do what he says. Give your pastor time to rest. Time to study. Time to spend with new babes. The list could go on and on, but you get the idea! Be the Best Saint Your Pastor Has Ever Pastored! And not just in October!
I often hear people say, "My pastor is the greatest!" I don't use that phrase because I have had more than one pastor. I don't rank them, choosing one as greater than another. Just like a parent shouldn't play favorites, I don't have a favorite pastor. They ALL mean a great deal to me. They have been with me through different parts of my life.
We have been in a unique situation for almost five years now. We spend a lot of our time in Hawaii because of Les' job. Last year we were on the island for six weeks straight, two different times. We need a pastor in our lives where we are, so when we are in Hawaii we put ourselves under the authority of Pastor McGriffin. We trusted Pastor White to guide us in choosing a church on Oahu and we trust Pastor McGriffin to take care of us spiritually while we are there. We feel very blessed to have both these men in our life.
Jeremiah 3:15 says, "And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding." I am thankful for the pastors that God has given me. Les and I are now in our 50s, both Pastor White and Pastor McGriffin are in their 60s. I realize that my next pastor will most likely be younger than me. When that day comes, I will trust God to give me the right man for the job, and I will respect that man no matter his age.
The best way to show appreciation to your pastor? Be the Best Saint Your Pastor Has Ever Pastored! Make his job easy!
How do we make our pastors' jobs easier? Stand with him. Pray for him. Support him financially. Grow in God. Have a personal prayer life. Read the Word. Be on time for church. Be on time for pre-service prayer and pray when you get there. Fight the fiery darts of the wicked. Fight the flames of gossip, rebellion, disobedience, and discontent. When you go to him for counsel - do what he says. Give your pastor time to rest. Time to study. Time to spend with new babes. The list could go on and on, but you get the idea! Be the Best Saint Your Pastor Has Ever Pastored! And not just in October!
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Writing Prompts October 8-14
October 8 - Bloggers, unplugged
Sometimes, we all need a break from these little glowing boxes. How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
October 9 - Can’t get enough
Have you ever been addicted to anything, or worried that you were? Have you ever spent too much time and effort on something that was a distraction from your real goals? Tell us about it.
October 10 - Fright night
Do you like being scared by books, films, and surprises? Describe the sensation of being scared, and why you love it — or don’t.
October 11 - Mid-season replacement
For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new season, or wishing for one more week of the old?
October 12 - Blogger in a strange land
What’s the strangest place from which you’ve posted to your blog? When was the last time you were out and about, and suddenly thought, “I need to write about this!”?
October 13 - Michelangelo’s YOU
Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing, or event from the last month of your life into the glistening marble of immortality. What’s the statue and what makes it so significant?
October 14 - Imitation / flattery
Write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favorite author.
Sometimes, we all need a break from these little glowing boxes. How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
October 9 - Can’t get enough
Have you ever been addicted to anything, or worried that you were? Have you ever spent too much time and effort on something that was a distraction from your real goals? Tell us about it.
October 10 - Fright night
Do you like being scared by books, films, and surprises? Describe the sensation of being scared, and why you love it — or don’t.
October 11 - Mid-season replacement
For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new season, or wishing for one more week of the old?
October 12 - Blogger in a strange land
What’s the strangest place from which you’ve posted to your blog? When was the last time you were out and about, and suddenly thought, “I need to write about this!”?
October 13 - Michelangelo’s YOU
Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing, or event from the last month of your life into the glistening marble of immortality. What’s the statue and what makes it so significant?
October 14 - Imitation / flattery
Write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favorite author.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Exhale
Tell us about a time when everything seemed to be going wrong — and then, suddenly, you knew it would be all right.
Five years ago this month Les suddenly became unemployed. He was out of work for a total of three months and during that time the only company that showed any interest was his current employer, based in Honolulu. My Dad was in and out of the hospital during that time and our house was broken into while we were visiting him in San Francisco. (You can read the entire store here.)
I'm sure most people would think, "A job in Hawaii? what could be wrong with that?" But for me it was scary. We had been to Hawaii many times for vacation, but I always thought, "It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there." I especially thought that of Oahu, more specifically Honolulu. Exactly where we would be going.
There was a great deal of fear on my part. Move, even temporarily, away from California? Leave our home church? Walk into a brand new life, not knowing a single person when we got there? I was so unsure.
The uncertainty lasted for almost three months. During that time we prayed and prayed. Les talked to Pastor White many, many times. My most common prayer was, "God, it's kinda cool thinking about Hawaii, but we're really just waiting for you to open the right door, here. I'm sure that's what you want for us." One day I heard the song, "God is God" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The next time I told God, "I know you want us to stay here," I felt God say, "Hawaii is where I want you." I can't tell you how strong I felt it, tears came to my eyes and peace came to my heart. While I could not see the entire picture God was painting, I handed him the brush I'd been holding and knew everything was going to be all right!
Nearly five years later, I am so thankful for the times we have spent in Hawaii. Oahu is so much more than Honolulu and Waikiki. When you get away from the busy tourist areas, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with some of the kindest people. We have gained an entire church family that we love. I was taken completely out of my comfort zone, but I know I have grown in areas that I didn't even know I needed to grow. I'm so glad that God is God, and I am not!
God is God
And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don't know
And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust
[Chorus]
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
And the sky begins to thunder
And I'm filled with awe and wonder
'Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I
Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass
[Chorus]
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things
So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone
[Chorus]
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
Five years ago this month Les suddenly became unemployed. He was out of work for a total of three months and during that time the only company that showed any interest was his current employer, based in Honolulu. My Dad was in and out of the hospital during that time and our house was broken into while we were visiting him in San Francisco. (You can read the entire store here.)
I'm sure most people would think, "A job in Hawaii? what could be wrong with that?" But for me it was scary. We had been to Hawaii many times for vacation, but I always thought, "It's a nice place to visit, but I wouldn't want to live there." I especially thought that of Oahu, more specifically Honolulu. Exactly where we would be going.
There was a great deal of fear on my part. Move, even temporarily, away from California? Leave our home church? Walk into a brand new life, not knowing a single person when we got there? I was so unsure.
The uncertainty lasted for almost three months. During that time we prayed and prayed. Les talked to Pastor White many, many times. My most common prayer was, "God, it's kinda cool thinking about Hawaii, but we're really just waiting for you to open the right door, here. I'm sure that's what you want for us." One day I heard the song, "God is God" by Steven Curtis Chapman. The next time I told God, "I know you want us to stay here," I felt God say, "Hawaii is where I want you." I can't tell you how strong I felt it, tears came to my eyes and peace came to my heart. While I could not see the entire picture God was painting, I handed him the brush I'd been holding and knew everything was going to be all right!
Nearly five years later, I am so thankful for the times we have spent in Hawaii. Oahu is so much more than Honolulu and Waikiki. When you get away from the busy tourist areas, it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with some of the kindest people. We have gained an entire church family that we love. I was taken completely out of my comfort zone, but I know I have grown in areas that I didn't even know I needed to grow. I'm so glad that God is God, and I am not!
God is God
And the pain falls like a curtain
On the things I once called certain
And I have to say the words I fear the most
I just don't know
And the questions without answers
Come and paralyze the dancer
So I stand here on the stage afraid to move
Afraid to fall, oh, but fall I must
On this truth that my life has been formed from the dust
[Chorus]
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
And the sky begins to thunder
And I'm filled with awe and wonder
'Til the only burning question that remains
Is who am I
Can I form a single mountain
Take the stars in hand and count them
Can I even take a breath without God giving it to me
He is first and last before all that has been
Beyond all that will pass
[Chorus]
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
Oh, how great are the riches of His wisdom and knowledge
How unsearchable for to Him and through Him and from Him are all things
So let us worship before the throne
Of the One who is worthy of worship alone
[Chorus]
God is God and I am not
I can only see a part of the picture He's painting
God is God and I am man
So I'll never understand it all
For only God is God
Monday, October 2, 2017
Reading Material
How do you pick what blogs or books to read? What’s the one thing that
will get you to pick up a book or click on a link every single time?
I have always enjoyed reading, but I am careful about what I read. On a day like today, when every news headline is screaming about the terror that occurred in Las Vegas last night, it's hard to read the details. I want to stay informed about our world, but some days are harder to read about than others.
When it comes to books and blogs, I want them to pass the Philippians 4:8 test: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." I've chosen not to read some books or blogs, some after just a paragraph, because I want my mind to be filled with good things.
I had a pleasant surprise this afternoon when I walked out to the mailbox. New reading material! I know I will enjoy every single page because I know the author:
This brought a huge smile to my face on a day that had felt very heavy.
I feel privileged to be on the mailing list for this book. I assume that if you are at West Coast Conference in Fresno next month these will be available for purchase. I have only read the back cover, but I know it will be worth purchasing!
I have always enjoyed reading, but I am careful about what I read. On a day like today, when every news headline is screaming about the terror that occurred in Las Vegas last night, it's hard to read the details. I want to stay informed about our world, but some days are harder to read about than others.
When it comes to books and blogs, I want them to pass the Philippians 4:8 test: "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." I've chosen not to read some books or blogs, some after just a paragraph, because I want my mind to be filled with good things.
I had a pleasant surprise this afternoon when I walked out to the mailbox. New reading material! I know I will enjoy every single page because I know the author:
This brought a huge smile to my face on a day that had felt very heavy.
I feel privileged to be on the mailing list for this book. I assume that if you are at West Coast Conference in Fresno next month these will be available for purchase. I have only read the back cover, but I know it will be worth purchasing!
Sunday, October 1, 2017
October Writing Prompts
Can you believe we are in the final quarter of 2017? This is always the busiest time for most of us. Personally our calendar is filling up quickly but I still want to keep blogging. I may not need as many prompts since I prefer writing about what's happening, but for those quiet days here are the prompts for this month.
October 1 - Fearful symmetry
Pick a letter, any letter. Now, write a story, poem, or post in which every line starts with that letter.
October 2 - Reading material
How do you pick what blogs or books to read? What’s the one thing that will get you to pick up a book or click on a link every single time?
October 3 - New internet order
All the world’s countries have decided that the Internet itself needs a government. Your country asks you to run for Prime Minister of the ‘Net — do you accept? If so, what will your platform be?
October 4 - The clothes that (may) make the (wo)man
How important are clothes to you? Describe your style, if you have one, and tell us how appearance impacts how you feel about yourself.
October 5 - Eye of the beholder
Describe what it feels like to hear a beautiful piece of music or see a stunning piece of art.
October 6 - Mixtape masterpiece
You make a new friend. Make them a mix tape (or playlist, for the younger folks) that tells them who you are through song.
October 7 - Exhale
Tell us about a time when everything seemed to be going wrong — and then, suddenly, you knew it would be alright.
October 8 - Bloggers, unplugged
Sometimes, we all need a break from these little glowing boxes. How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
October 9 - Can’t get enough
Have you ever been addicted to anything, or worried that you were? Have you ever spent too much time and effort on something that was a distraction from your real goals? Tell us about it.
October 10 - Fright night
Do you like being scared by books, films, and surprises? Describe the sensation of being scared, and why you love it — or don’t.
October 11 - Mid-season replacement
For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new season, or wishing for one more week of the old?
October 12 - Blogger in a strange land
What’s the strangest place from which you’ve posted to your blog? When was the last time you were out and about, and suddenly thought, “I need to write about this!”?
October 13 - Michelangelo’s YOU
Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing, or event from the last month of your life into the glistening marble of immortality. What’s the statue and what makes it so significant?
October 14 - Imitation / flattery
Write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favorite author.
October 15 - Childlike
Explain your biggest regret — as though to a small child.
October 16 - Honorific
October 16th is officially declared “Person X Day” — and you get to pick Person X. Tell us about someone who deserves to be commemorated.
October 17 - Community service
Your entire community — however you define that; your hometown, your neighborhood, your family, your colleagues — is guaranteed to read your blog tomorrow. Write the post you’d like them all to see.
October 18 - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
You get some incredibly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
October 19 - Home sweet home
When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?
October 20 - Release me
Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish — and what it was like to set it free.
October 21 - Blank is the new blank
Click over to your favorite blog, and pick out the 4th and 14th words (that aren’t “the” or “an”). Drop them into this phrase: “_____ is the new _____.” There’s your post title. Now write!
October 22 - Sad but true
Tell us about the harshest, most difficult to hear — but accurate — criticism you’ve ever gotten. Does it still apply?
October 23 - As seen on T.V.
Write a script for a late-night infomercial — where the product is your blog. How do you market yourself? What qualities do you embody that other “products” don’t? What are the benefits of reading your blog?
October 24 - Express yourself
Tell us about a time you couldn’t quite get your words or images to express what you wanted to express. What do you think the barrier was? For bonus points, try again.
October 25 - Simply the best
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?
October 26 - Breakdown
Tell us about a habit you’d like to break. Is there any way it can play a positive role in your life?
October 27 - The golden hour
6:00AM: the best hour of the day, or too close to your 3:00AM bedtime?
October 28 - Seven wonders
Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would your seven words be?
October 29 - First
Tell us about your first day at something — your first day of school, first day of work, first day living on your own, first day blogging, first day as a parent, whatever.
October 30 - Free to be me
What’s the character trait you admire the most about yourself?
October 31 - Halloweeny!
If bloggers had their own Halloween and could go from blog to blog collecting “treats,” what would your blog hand out?
October 1 - Fearful symmetry
Pick a letter, any letter. Now, write a story, poem, or post in which every line starts with that letter.
October 2 - Reading material
How do you pick what blogs or books to read? What’s the one thing that will get you to pick up a book or click on a link every single time?
October 3 - New internet order
All the world’s countries have decided that the Internet itself needs a government. Your country asks you to run for Prime Minister of the ‘Net — do you accept? If so, what will your platform be?
October 4 - The clothes that (may) make the (wo)man
How important are clothes to you? Describe your style, if you have one, and tell us how appearance impacts how you feel about yourself.
October 5 - Eye of the beholder
Describe what it feels like to hear a beautiful piece of music or see a stunning piece of art.
October 6 - Mixtape masterpiece
You make a new friend. Make them a mix tape (or playlist, for the younger folks) that tells them who you are through song.
October 7 - Exhale
Tell us about a time when everything seemed to be going wrong — and then, suddenly, you knew it would be alright.
October 8 - Bloggers, unplugged
Sometimes, we all need a break from these little glowing boxes. How do you know when it’s time to unplug? What do you do to make it happen?
October 9 - Can’t get enough
Have you ever been addicted to anything, or worried that you were? Have you ever spent too much time and effort on something that was a distraction from your real goals? Tell us about it.
October 10 - Fright night
Do you like being scared by books, films, and surprises? Describe the sensation of being scared, and why you love it — or don’t.
October 11 - Mid-season replacement
For many of us the seasons are changing, bouncing unpredictably between cold and warm. Are you glad to be moving into a new season, or wishing for one more week of the old?
October 12 - Blogger in a strange land
What’s the strangest place from which you’ve posted to your blog? When was the last time you were out and about, and suddenly thought, “I need to write about this!”?
October 13 - Michelangelo’s YOU
Your personal sculptor is carving a person, thing, or event from the last month of your life into the glistening marble of immortality. What’s the statue and what makes it so significant?
October 14 - Imitation / flattery
Write a post in the style of (or simply inspired by) a favorite author.
October 15 - Childlike
Explain your biggest regret — as though to a small child.
October 16 - Honorific
October 16th is officially declared “Person X Day” — and you get to pick Person X. Tell us about someone who deserves to be commemorated.
October 17 - Community service
Your entire community — however you define that; your hometown, your neighborhood, your family, your colleagues — is guaranteed to read your blog tomorrow. Write the post you’d like them all to see.
October 18 - Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
You get some incredibly, amazingly, wonderfully fantastic news. What’s the first thing you do?
October 19 - Home sweet home
When you’re away from home, what person, thing, or place do you miss the most?
October 20 - Release me
Tell us about the blog post you were most nervous to publish — and what it was like to set it free.
October 21 - Blank is the new blank
Click over to your favorite blog, and pick out the 4th and 14th words (that aren’t “the” or “an”). Drop them into this phrase: “_____ is the new _____.” There’s your post title. Now write!
October 22 - Sad but true
Tell us about the harshest, most difficult to hear — but accurate — criticism you’ve ever gotten. Does it still apply?
October 23 - As seen on T.V.
Write a script for a late-night infomercial — where the product is your blog. How do you market yourself? What qualities do you embody that other “products” don’t? What are the benefits of reading your blog?
October 24 - Express yourself
Tell us about a time you couldn’t quite get your words or images to express what you wanted to express. What do you think the barrier was? For bonus points, try again.
October 25 - Simply the best
NASA is building a new Voyager spacecraft that will carry the best of modern human culture. What belongs onboard?
October 26 - Breakdown
Tell us about a habit you’d like to break. Is there any way it can play a positive role in your life?
October 27 - The golden hour
6:00AM: the best hour of the day, or too close to your 3:00AM bedtime?
October 28 - Seven wonders
Khalil Gibran once said that people will never understand one another unless language is reduced to seven words. What would your seven words be?
October 29 - First
Tell us about your first day at something — your first day of school, first day of work, first day living on your own, first day blogging, first day as a parent, whatever.
October 30 - Free to be me
What’s the character trait you admire the most about yourself?
October 31 - Halloweeny!
If bloggers had their own Halloween and could go from blog to blog collecting “treats,” what would your blog hand out?
Friday, September 29, 2017
Timeless
Les' dad arrived last night. In his luggage is this Bible:
Bill received it after joining the Navy in 1951 when he was 18 years old. Nearly 66 years later it is as enduring as ever. Tucked in that Bible is a note from Grandpa McElhaney written in 1952 telling his youngest son to live right and honor the Lord, and that his dad would be praying for him.
Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." It is timeless!
Bill received it after joining the Navy in 1951 when he was 18 years old. Nearly 66 years later it is as enduring as ever. Tucked in that Bible is a note from Grandpa McElhaney written in 1952 telling his youngest son to live right and honor the Lord, and that his dad would be praying for him.
Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." It is timeless!
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Cleaning House
Is there “junk” in your life? What kind? How do you get rid of it?
I decided to use Friday's prompt today because I spent all day yesterday cleaning house. Tuesday is my regular cleaning day, but everything got a little extra attention because Les' dad and Lance are arriving before the grand McBRAAM departure on Saturday. When it comes to cleaning house, the final thing I do is light a candle. I want my house to be clean, but I do not like the smell of cleaners!
The big thing on my to-do list while Les is gone is going through closets and cabinets. Since he started working in Hawaii in 2013 we have let a lot of stuff accumulate. I threw our collection of maps away yesterday - some were as old as 1983! Shoes, clothes, books, etc. will be going in donation boxes.
Of course there is other junk that accumulates. Les taught a Sunday school lesson last month about forgiveness. We can't let unforgiveness pile up in the closets of our lives. Forgiveness is an intentional act. Even when forgiveness is not requested, we need to forgive in order to get rid of some of the junk in our lives.
It isn't easy to get rid of emotional junk. Just like cleaning house there are things you have to get rid of over and over. Old hurts sneak up like dust bunnies and we have to get the vacuum back out. But Matthew West's song called Forgiveness has this powerful line, "The prisoner that it really frees is you."
It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those who don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
Forgiveness, forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you’ve got a right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying set it free
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
So let it go and be amazed by
What you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
I want finally set it free
Show me how to see what your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
I decided to use Friday's prompt today because I spent all day yesterday cleaning house. Tuesday is my regular cleaning day, but everything got a little extra attention because Les' dad and Lance are arriving before the grand McBRAAM departure on Saturday. When it comes to cleaning house, the final thing I do is light a candle. I want my house to be clean, but I do not like the smell of cleaners!
The big thing on my to-do list while Les is gone is going through closets and cabinets. Since he started working in Hawaii in 2013 we have let a lot of stuff accumulate. I threw our collection of maps away yesterday - some were as old as 1983! Shoes, clothes, books, etc. will be going in donation boxes.
Of course there is other junk that accumulates. Les taught a Sunday school lesson last month about forgiveness. We can't let unforgiveness pile up in the closets of our lives. Forgiveness is an intentional act. Even when forgiveness is not requested, we need to forgive in order to get rid of some of the junk in our lives.
It isn't easy to get rid of emotional junk. Just like cleaning house there are things you have to get rid of over and over. Old hurts sneak up like dust bunnies and we have to get the vacuum back out. But Matthew West's song called Forgiveness has this powerful line, "The prisoner that it really frees is you."
It’s the hardest thing to give away
And the last thing on your mind today
It always goes to those who don’t deserve
It’s the opposite of how you feel
When the pain they caused is just too real
Takes everything you have to say the word
Forgiveness, forgiveness
It flies in the face of all your pride
It moves away the mad inside
It’s always anger’s own worst enemy
Even when the jury and the judge
Say you’ve got a right to hold a grudge
It’s the whisper in your ear saying set it free
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
It’ll clear the bitterness away
It can even set a prisoner free
There is no end to what its power can do
So let it go and be amazed by
What you see through eyes of grace
The prisoner that it really frees is you
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Show me how to love the unlovable
Show me how to reach the unreachable
Help me now to do the impossible
Forgiveness
I want finally set it free
Show me how to see what your mercy sees
Help me now to give what You gave to me
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Forgiveness, forgiveness
Monday, September 25, 2017
Celebrate Good Times
I'm using today's title but not the writing prompt. This week is the kickoff of a long anticipated event - McBRAAM ~ The McElhaney Brothers' Bicycle Ride Across America.
These two brothers, Lance and Les, will be riding their bicycles across the United States of America! It has been on their bucket list for years and it is finally going to happen. Les' dad, Bill, affectionately known as Pops, will be driving the support vehicle. The route looks something like this:
They will leave Southern California on Saturday, September 30th and plan to be in Savannah, Georgia by Saturday, October 28th. The two most common questions I have received:
1. Are They Crazy??
Well, yes, a little. Or maybe a lot. However, this goal is not out of reach. Les and Lance are both strong riders. They will not be racing. Pops will have water, fuel and tools in the van if (when) somethings goes wrong. All three of them are very intelligent (it's actually kinda scary how smart they are) and they have spent months planning, researching, thinking, and planning some more.
2. Are You Going With Them?
No. Originally they had considered renting an RV and Les told me I was welcome to go along for part of the trip. My response, "I'm not living in a rolling locker room for a month!" This is a boys' only trip. I am happy that they are doing this but I am happy to stay home. I've got a to-do list that is growing and I hope to actually get it all done. I will be flying to Atlanta during the final week to meet up with them and be in Savannah for the grand finale!
I'll be posting updates here from my perspective from time to time, but if you're interested they plan to blog daily at their own blog ~ McBRAAM. Let the good times roll!
These two brothers, Lance and Les, will be riding their bicycles across the United States of America! It has been on their bucket list for years and it is finally going to happen. Les' dad, Bill, affectionately known as Pops, will be driving the support vehicle. The route looks something like this:
They will leave Southern California on Saturday, September 30th and plan to be in Savannah, Georgia by Saturday, October 28th. The two most common questions I have received:
1. Are They Crazy??
Well, yes, a little. Or maybe a lot. However, this goal is not out of reach. Les and Lance are both strong riders. They will not be racing. Pops will have water, fuel and tools in the van if (when) somethings goes wrong. All three of them are very intelligent (it's actually kinda scary how smart they are) and they have spent months planning, researching, thinking, and planning some more.
2. Are You Going With Them?
No. Originally they had considered renting an RV and Les told me I was welcome to go along for part of the trip. My response, "I'm not living in a rolling locker room for a month!" This is a boys' only trip. I am happy that they are doing this but I am happy to stay home. I've got a to-do list that is growing and I hope to actually get it all done. I will be flying to Atlanta during the final week to meet up with them and be in Savannah for the grand finale!
I'll be posting updates here from my perspective from time to time, but if you're interested they plan to blog daily at their own blog ~ McBRAAM. Let the good times roll!
Saturday, September 23, 2017
Writing Prompts September 24-30
September 24 - Standstill
For a moment today, time stands still — but you can tweak one thing while it’s stopped. What do you do?
September 25 - Celebrate good times
You receive some wonderful, improbable, hoped-for good news. How do you celebrate?
September 26 - 2100
The language of the future: what will it be like? Write an experimental post using some imagined vocabulary — abbreviations, slang, new terms.
September 27 - A bend in time
When you’re giddy with excitement, does time speed up? Slow down? Tell us about the experience of anticipation.
September 28 - Ebb and flow
Our blogs morph over time, as interests shift and life happens. Write a post for your blog — but three years in the future.
September 29 - Cleaning house
Is there “junk” in your life? What kind? How do you get rid of it?
September 30 - On the road
If you could pause real life and spend some time living with a family anywhere in the world, where would you go?
For a moment today, time stands still — but you can tweak one thing while it’s stopped. What do you do?
September 25 - Celebrate good times
You receive some wonderful, improbable, hoped-for good news. How do you celebrate?
September 26 - 2100
The language of the future: what will it be like? Write an experimental post using some imagined vocabulary — abbreviations, slang, new terms.
September 27 - A bend in time
When you’re giddy with excitement, does time speed up? Slow down? Tell us about the experience of anticipation.
September 28 - Ebb and flow
Our blogs morph over time, as interests shift and life happens. Write a post for your blog — but three years in the future.
September 29 - Cleaning house
Is there “junk” in your life? What kind? How do you get rid of it?
September 30 - On the road
If you could pause real life and spend some time living with a family anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
No Fair {Repost: If Only I Were God}
Tell us about something you think is terribly unfair — and explain how you would rectify it.
There are many things in life that are terribly unfair but when I started working on this post I remembered something I wrote along this lines several years ago. I looked for a particular quote, then decided I just needed to re-post the entire thing. So here it is, "If Only I Were God."
I recently read "I'll Watch the Moon" by Ann Tatlock. It was an amazing read! Here is the book description:
There are many things in life that are terribly unfair but when I started working on this post I remembered something I wrote along this lines several years ago. I looked for a particular quote, then decided I just needed to re-post the entire thing. So here it is, "If Only I Were God."
I recently read "I'll Watch the Moon" by Ann Tatlock. It was an amazing read! Here is the book description:
When polio stalked Minnesota in 1948, fear was every mother’s constant companion. Young Nova Tierney and her older brother, Dewey, live a mostly idyllic life despite sharing living space with a motley assortment of tenants at the boarding house run by their Aunt Dortha and mother, Catherine. Dewey, nicknamed “Galileo” for his love of astronomy, dreams of some day walking on the moon, and he and Nova spend many happy hours looking at the night sky together in their backyard. When Dewey is hospitalized with polio, Nova promises to watch the moon for him (thus the title) until he is well. But will he recover? In her bitterness over a childhood secret, her late husband’s infidelity and her son’s desperate illness, his mother turns her back on God. “Sometimes, I wonder how we all go on living,” she muses. Hope begins to return when she strikes up a friendship with boarder and Auschwitz survivor Josef Karski.I didn't know much about the polio epidemic, being born after the vaccine, but it was one of the most dreaded childhood diseases of the 20th century. People who were finally getting their lives back after WW II, were now facing a dreaded disease. While Dewey is in the hospital, his mother has many conversations with Josef. She questions how he can go on believing and trusting in God when his entire family was destroyed during the war and he spent years in a concentration camp. Josef tells her a story that he heard while in Auschwitz. He questioned if God had turned His back on him. A Jewish rabbi shared this story with him:
A Jewish rabbi was standing high on a hill with a couple of his students, looking down at the town where his school was. Suddenly a group of Cossacks on horseback attacked the town. As he saw many of his students, along with the men, women, and children of the town being slaughtered, the rabbi looked up to heaven and said, "Oh, if only I were God." One of his students said with astonishment,"But, Master, if you were God, what would you do differently?" To which the rabbi replied, "If I were God I would do nothing differently. If I were God, I would understand."We often hear people say, "If I were God, I would..." or "How can a God of love allow such?" But we are not God. We can never fully understand His ways. Josef concluded his story to Catherine with this:
There is so much of suffering that I will never even begin to understand. But I am content in believing that I don't have to understand why the story unravels the way it does so long as I know that in the end everything will be all right.I've been thinking about my brother Rod a lot lately. Really missing him! I could spend the rest of my life saying, "if only I were God..." But in the end, everything really did turn out all right for Rod. He left this life, with all its pain and sorrow, and received a crown of life. If I were God, why would I change that?
Monday, September 18, 2017
Bookworms
Grab the nearest book. Open it and go to the tenth word. Do a Google
Image Search of the word. Write about what the image brings to mind.
The nearest book was Mom's Bible. The following quote is on the inside cover: "Other books are given for our information. The Bible was given for our transformation." The tenth word "was" brought up exactly zero images. But the word "Bible"... I really didn't even need an image search for it.
The first image that came to my mind is from Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The Bible can definitely cut at times, but I like what the 1599 Geneva Bible Translation Notes says, "An amplification taken from the nature of the word of God, so powerful that it enters even to the deepest and most inward and secret parts of the heart, fatally wounding the stubborn, and openly reviving the believers."
I have seen lives transformed by people who embrace the word of God. There is no greater book, any time, any place than the Bible!
The nearest book was Mom's Bible. The following quote is on the inside cover: "Other books are given for our information. The Bible was given for our transformation." The tenth word "was" brought up exactly zero images. But the word "Bible"... I really didn't even need an image search for it.
The first image that came to my mind is from Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." The Bible can definitely cut at times, but I like what the 1599 Geneva Bible Translation Notes says, "An amplification taken from the nature of the word of God, so powerful that it enters even to the deepest and most inward and secret parts of the heart, fatally wounding the stubborn, and openly reviving the believers."
Another word in the quote is "transformation." This image came up and it is very fitting:
Sunday, September 17, 2017
So Many Prompts, So Little Time
I didn't use any of the writing prompts last week - not because I didn't want to, but I really didn't have time. I was in Fresno Monday and Tuesday for a funeral and that put me behind the rest of the week. The funeral was for Bro. Richard Hull, the original school principal at Truth Tabernacle Christian School. I'm so glad I was able to attend - he was a unique person and it was a great celebration of his life. He's the one we pulled the original April Fool's joke on (read about it here.) He's also the person who first taught me how to use a computer back when I had a giant Commodore 64!
I was able to sneak in some family time while in Fresno - dinner with my sister, Kim, and her girls, Krysten and Lauren. I got to see Kim and Rodney's new house and spent the night with the twins. I also got in lots of hugs from so many of my Truth Tabernacle family. The only picture I took was on my way there:
This week will be back to normal and now I have two week's worth of writing prompts to choose from!
I was able to sneak in some family time while in Fresno - dinner with my sister, Kim, and her girls, Krysten and Lauren. I got to see Kim and Rodney's new house and spent the night with the twins. I also got in lots of hugs from so many of my Truth Tabernacle family. The only picture I took was on my way there:
This week will be back to normal and now I have two week's worth of writing prompts to choose from!
Saturday, September 16, 2017
Writing Prompts September 17-23
September 17 - The cat says meow
Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object, thing, animal, or another person.
September 18 - Naked, with black socks
Are you comfortable in front of people, or does the idea of public speaking make you want to hide in the bathroom? Why?
September 19 - Are you being served?
What’s the most dreadful (or wonderful) experience you’ve ever had as a customer?
September 20 - No fair
Tell us about something you think is terribly unfair — and explain how you would rectify it.
September 21 - We can be taught!
What makes a teacher great?
September 22 - Practice makes perfect
Tell us about a talent you’d love to have…but don’t.
September 23 - Non sequitur
Write a post about anything you’d like, but be sure to include this sentence somewhere in the final paragraph: “He tried to hit me with a forklift!”
Write a story about yourself from the perspective of an object, thing, animal, or another person.
September 18 - Naked, with black socks
Are you comfortable in front of people, or does the idea of public speaking make you want to hide in the bathroom? Why?
September 19 - Are you being served?
What’s the most dreadful (or wonderful) experience you’ve ever had as a customer?
September 20 - No fair
Tell us about something you think is terribly unfair — and explain how you would rectify it.
September 21 - We can be taught!
What makes a teacher great?
September 22 - Practice makes perfect
Tell us about a talent you’d love to have…but don’t.
September 23 - Non sequitur
Write a post about anything you’d like, but be sure to include this sentence somewhere in the final paragraph: “He tried to hit me with a forklift!”
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Writing Prompts September 10-16
September 10 - Six of one, half-a-dozen of the other
Write a six-word story about what you think the future holds for you, and then expand on it in a post.
September 11 - Thank you
The internet is full of rants. Help tip the balance: today, simply be thankful for something (or someone).
September 12 - Toy story
What was your favorite plaything as a child? Do you see any connection between your life now, and your favorite childhood toy?
September 13 - Snark bombs, away!
Try your hand at parody or satire — take an article, film, blog post, or song you find misguided, and use humor to show us how.
September 14 - Bookworms
Grab the nearest book. Open it and go to the tenth word. Do a Google Image Search of the word. Write about what the image brings to mind.
September 15 - Sorry, I’m busy
Tell us about a time when you should have helped someone… but didn’t.
September 16 - Super sensitive
If you were forced to give up one sense, but gain super-sensitivity in another, which senses would you choose?
Write a six-word story about what you think the future holds for you, and then expand on it in a post.
September 11 - Thank you
The internet is full of rants. Help tip the balance: today, simply be thankful for something (or someone).
September 12 - Toy story
What was your favorite plaything as a child? Do you see any connection between your life now, and your favorite childhood toy?
September 13 - Snark bombs, away!
Try your hand at parody or satire — take an article, film, blog post, or song you find misguided, and use humor to show us how.
September 14 - Bookworms
Grab the nearest book. Open it and go to the tenth word. Do a Google Image Search of the word. Write about what the image brings to mind.
September 15 - Sorry, I’m busy
Tell us about a time when you should have helped someone… but didn’t.
September 16 - Super sensitive
If you were forced to give up one sense, but gain super-sensitivity in another, which senses would you choose?
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Luxurious
What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?
Merriam Webster defines luxury as:
It wouldn't take long for me to come up with a full list of luxury items that I take for granted. When we lived on Oahu in 2013 we were in a one bedroom apartment. I learned that I can live without a lot of the luxurious stuff that I think of as necessities.
Ask anyone in a shelter in Texas today and luxuries are the least of their worries - clothes, shoes, a place to sleep and a warm meal feel luxurious when you've lost everything. Folks in Florida evacuating before Hurricane Irma are deciding what to pack up and what to leave behind.
In 1994 we were hit by the Northridge Earthquake. I wrote about it following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and said, "The dishes we lost were more than most Haitians will own in a lifetime." In 2003 Les was in a bicycle accident and the following day a fire devoured the hill behind our house. In an email to friends and family I wrote this, "I decided to start packing things at that time. If you've never had to determine what is really important in your life and what is not, a fire in the neighborhood will help you do that very quickly. I loaded about 3 boxes of pictures and financial records in the back of our van and decided everything else what just that - things!"
The truth is most of us love our stuff more than we should. Our "creature comforts" make life easy. But Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:7, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible says this, "The Gospel is called a "treasure" which is so styled, because it contains rich truths, and an abundance of them; comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones, for the price of them, their antiquity, distance of place from whence they come, and their duration; because it has in it rich blessings, spiritual ones, the blessings of the new covenant, solid, substantial, and irreversible ones, and a fulness of them; and because it consists of exceeding great and precious promises, of more worth than thousands of gold and silver; free, absolute, and unconditional ones, which are yea and amen in Christ, and relate both to this, and the other world; and also because it exhibits and shows forth to us the riches of God and of Christ, of grace and of glory; which are unsearchable, substantial, satisfying, and durable."
Take this whole world but give me Jesus! There's nothing more valuable than the treasure of knowing Him.
Merriam Webster defines luxury as:
1: a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment lived in luxury
2a : something adding to pleasure or comfort but not absolutely necessary one of life's luxuries
b : an indulgence in something that provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease
It wouldn't take long for me to come up with a full list of luxury items that I take for granted. When we lived on Oahu in 2013 we were in a one bedroom apartment. I learned that I can live without a lot of the luxurious stuff that I think of as necessities.
Ask anyone in a shelter in Texas today and luxuries are the least of their worries - clothes, shoes, a place to sleep and a warm meal feel luxurious when you've lost everything. Folks in Florida evacuating before Hurricane Irma are deciding what to pack up and what to leave behind.
In 1994 we were hit by the Northridge Earthquake. I wrote about it following the earthquake in Haiti in 2010 and said, "The dishes we lost were more than most Haitians will own in a lifetime." In 2003 Les was in a bicycle accident and the following day a fire devoured the hill behind our house. In an email to friends and family I wrote this, "I decided to start packing things at that time. If you've never had to determine what is really important in your life and what is not, a fire in the neighborhood will help you do that very quickly. I loaded about 3 boxes of pictures and financial records in the back of our van and decided everything else what just that - things!"
The truth is most of us love our stuff more than we should. Our "creature comforts" make life easy. But Jesus said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
Paul said in 2 Corinthians 4:7, "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us." John Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible says this, "The Gospel is called a "treasure" which is so styled, because it contains rich truths, and an abundance of them; comparable to gold, silver, and precious stones, for the price of them, their antiquity, distance of place from whence they come, and their duration; because it has in it rich blessings, spiritual ones, the blessings of the new covenant, solid, substantial, and irreversible ones, and a fulness of them; and because it consists of exceeding great and precious promises, of more worth than thousands of gold and silver; free, absolute, and unconditional ones, which are yea and amen in Christ, and relate both to this, and the other world; and also because it exhibits and shows forth to us the riches of God and of Christ, of grace and of glory; which are unsearchable, substantial, satisfying, and durable."
Take this whole world but give me Jesus! There's nothing more valuable than the treasure of knowing Him.
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
I Am A Rock
Is it easy for you to ask for help when you need it, or do you prefer to rely only on yourself? Why?
I think it's ironic that this topic came up after last week's post about Jezebel. Jezebel's name translated in Hebrew is "without cohabitation; an island" which literally means that she will not live in one accord with anyone. I studied Jezebel during my study of the Women in the Bible in 2015. Of all the women I studied, she was the most evil. Not only was she devious, but even after a curse was placed upon her she never humbled herself to ask for help from God or man. Her final act was "she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. " (2 Kings 9:30) "Jezebel did this that she might present an imposing appearance to Jehu and die as a queen. ((Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament)
In 1624 John Donne wrote, "No man is an island." I would be foolish to think I can rely completely on myself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You can be strong and confident but you will still need help in life.
It can be something as simple as when I asked the worker at Target this morning to reach for something on a shelf. I'm 5'2" and without a ladder, I wasn't going to get the item. When I started training for my first marathon, I searched for a training plan. I knew without help that running 26.2 miles was not going to happen. Of course it's much bigger than that - we need help spiritually, physically, emotionally, and even financially sometimes.
Needing help is a two way street. There are times when I need help but there are also times when I can help someone in need. Galatians chapter 6 says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (verse 2, 3, and 10)
"I Need You To Survive"
Chorus:
I need you
You need me
We're all a part of God's body
Stand with me
Agree with me
We're all a part of God's body
It is his will that every need be supplied
You are important to me
I need you to survive
You are important to me
I need you to survive
Bridge:
I pray for you
You pray for me
I love you
I need you to survive
I won't harm you
With words from my mouth
I love you
I need you to survive
I think it's ironic that this topic came up after last week's post about Jezebel. Jezebel's name translated in Hebrew is "without cohabitation; an island" which literally means that she will not live in one accord with anyone. I studied Jezebel during my study of the Women in the Bible in 2015. Of all the women I studied, she was the most evil. Not only was she devious, but even after a curse was placed upon her she never humbled herself to ask for help from God or man. Her final act was "she painted her face, and tired her head, and looked out at a window. " (2 Kings 9:30) "Jezebel did this that she might present an imposing appearance to Jehu and die as a queen. ((Keil and Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament)
In 1624 John Donne wrote, "No man is an island." I would be foolish to think I can rely completely on myself. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. You can be strong and confident but you will still need help in life.
It can be something as simple as when I asked the worker at Target this morning to reach for something on a shelf. I'm 5'2" and without a ladder, I wasn't going to get the item. When I started training for my first marathon, I searched for a training plan. I knew without help that running 26.2 miles was not going to happen. Of course it's much bigger than that - we need help spiritually, physically, emotionally, and even financially sometimes.
Needing help is a two way street. There are times when I need help but there are also times when I can help someone in need. Galatians chapter 6 says, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." (verse 2, 3, and 10)
"I Need You To Survive"
Chorus:
I need you
You need me
We're all a part of God's body
Stand with me
Agree with me
We're all a part of God's body
It is his will that every need be supplied
You are important to me
I need you to survive
You are important to me
I need you to survive
Bridge:
I pray for you
You pray for me
I love you
I need you to survive
I won't harm you
With words from my mouth
I love you
I need you to survive
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Name that... You!
Do you know the meaning of your name, and why your parents chose it? Do
you think it suits you? What about your children’s names?
I had to do a little research for this post. I have probably read it in the past, but the meaning of my full name, Kathryn Marie, is:
Kathryn: Pure. This was the meaning in every language listed. I know Mom and Dad were looking for a "K" name if I was a girl since our family at the time was Kimberly (woodland clearing of the royal fortress), Richard (powerful leader), and Rodney (fame). I would have been Randy if I was a boy.
The meaning of my middle name is a little bit different:
Marie: Wished-for child; rebellion; bitter. Mom wrote in my baby book, "Kathy is the fulfillment of our fondest dreams, a family of two girls and two boys." The first definition fits, but hopefully the other two never do. I'm choosing wish-for child over "pure rebellion."
As far as my name suiting me, after 53 years I can't imagine having any other name.
I had to do a little research for this post. I have probably read it in the past, but the meaning of my full name, Kathryn Marie, is:
Kathryn: Pure. This was the meaning in every language listed. I know Mom and Dad were looking for a "K" name if I was a girl since our family at the time was Kimberly (woodland clearing of the royal fortress), Richard (powerful leader), and Rodney (fame). I would have been Randy if I was a boy.
The meaning of my middle name is a little bit different:
Marie: Wished-for child; rebellion; bitter. Mom wrote in my baby book, "Kathy is the fulfillment of our fondest dreams, a family of two girls and two boys." The first definition fits, but hopefully the other two never do. I'm choosing wish-for child over "pure rebellion."
As far as my name suiting me, after 53 years I can't imagine having any other name.
Writing Prompts September 3-9
September 3 - Blogger with a cause
If your day to day responsibilities were taken care of and you could throw yourself completely behind a cause, what would it be?
September 4 - I am a rock
Is it easy for you to ask for help when you need it, or do you prefer to rely only on yourself? Why?
September 5 - Imagine all the people
The next time you’re in a public place — a coffeehouse, a park, a store — observe the people around you. Pick a person, a couple, or a group, and imagine what their lives might be like.
September 6 - Regrets, I’ve had a few
What’s your biggest regret? How would your life have been different if you’d made another decision?
September 7 - Luxurious
What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?
September 8 - The excitement never ends
Tell us about the last thing you got excited about — butterflies-in-the-stomach, giggling, can’t-wait excited.
September 9 - What a twist
Tell us a story — fiction or non-fiction — with a twist we can’t see coming.
If your day to day responsibilities were taken care of and you could throw yourself completely behind a cause, what would it be?
September 4 - I am a rock
Is it easy for you to ask for help when you need it, or do you prefer to rely only on yourself? Why?
September 5 - Imagine all the people
The next time you’re in a public place — a coffeehouse, a park, a store — observe the people around you. Pick a person, a couple, or a group, and imagine what their lives might be like.
September 6 - Regrets, I’ve had a few
What’s your biggest regret? How would your life have been different if you’d made another decision?
September 7 - Luxurious
What’s the one luxury you can’t live without?
September 8 - The excitement never ends
Tell us about the last thing you got excited about — butterflies-in-the-stomach, giggling, can’t-wait excited.
September 9 - What a twist
Tell us a story — fiction or non-fiction — with a twist we can’t see coming.
Friday, September 1, 2017
Repost: Book Review ~ Evicting Jezebel
Pastor White briefly mentioned Jezebel during his Bible study on Wednesday night. I was reminded of this post, originally posted on September 6, 2013.
I downloaded a free book for my Kindle the other day ~ "Evicting Jezebel: The Rising Trend of Aggressive Women." The book description says this:
Chapter 1: Our Decay by the Decade
This is a review of how our society, especially women, has changed since the Sexual Revolution. Television programming has introduced a new breed of women - those who became the head of household while dads stayed home. The women were dominant and assertive. Thirty years after the sexual revolution, Sex & the City made airwaves. Four women who regularly met at bars and talked endlessly about men. The women were successful in their careers, but broken in their personal lives. Of course there are also Desperate Housewives and cougars, women who prey on younger men.
Chapter 2: Who Was She? The Ancient Jezebel
Jezebel's name translated in Hebrew is "without cohabitation; an island" which literally means that she will not live in one accord with anyone. She was a master manipulator who surrounded herself with enablers. She despised men of strength and anointing, they weren't easily manipulated or intimidated.
Chapter 3: Who is She? The Modern Jezebel
The modern day Jezebel is the exact same spirit of the ancient queen of Israel, using the same tactics. This is a comparison of the two Jezebels:
Chapter 4: She Floats like a Butterfly, Stings like a Bee
This chapter is devoted to different types of boxing techniques that Jezebel uses to manipulate those around her. The Jab, the Cross, the Hook, and the Uppercut. Of course her hits are usually verbal, not physical. She also uses False Innocence, the Blame Game, Victim Mentality, Deflection and Escape.
Chapter 7: Jezebel in Men.
The goal of the spirit of Jezebel is control, which is found in men when they use strength and violence to obtain control and domination. This is most often seen in domestic violence, rape, and human trafficking.
The Jezebel spirit is found in relationships, friendships, and in the workplace. It is dangerous and destructive. Jezebel is all about herself. A godly woman will build up and nurture those around her. The Biblical example of the contrast of the Jezebel spirit is Ruth:
The Jezebel spirit is found in the home, in the community and even in the church. The only answer is to evict that spirit. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters," so if the Jezebel spirit is found in someone's heart, His Spirit is not.
The fruit of the Jezebel spirit is found in Proverbs 6:16-19: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
In contrast, the Fruit of His Spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
I didn't mean to write such a lengthy review, but I do highly recommend this book (currently $2.99 on Amazon for Kindle.) There were more than the usual amount of grammatical errors (missing commas, sentences that didn't make sense, etc.) but it was worth it to keep reading.
I downloaded a free book for my Kindle the other day ~ "Evicting Jezebel: The Rising Trend of Aggressive Women." The book description says this:
Jezebel may float like a butterfly but she stings like a bee!It's only 70 pages, so this was a very quick read, but gave me much to think about. I'm sure I'll be going back and re-reading much of it. Just a few of the highlights:
Case studies are starting to emerge that women and teen girls are becoming more assertive, aggressive and violent. In biblical history, these were all of the tactics and techniques of the queen Jezebel. The contrast of the new creation of the butterfly, Jezebel stings anyone who threatens her ability to control and manipulate others.
Evicting Jezebel sheds light on the alarming trend in aggressive women in our families, communities and churches and searches the Bible for answers by comparing the traits and technique of boxing to the traits and techniques of Jezebel. It also gets to the root so that you can serve her with an eviction notice.
Chapter 1: Our Decay by the Decade
This is a review of how our society, especially women, has changed since the Sexual Revolution. Television programming has introduced a new breed of women - those who became the head of household while dads stayed home. The women were dominant and assertive. Thirty years after the sexual revolution, Sex & the City made airwaves. Four women who regularly met at bars and talked endlessly about men. The women were successful in their careers, but broken in their personal lives. Of course there are also Desperate Housewives and cougars, women who prey on younger men.
Chapter 2: Who Was She? The Ancient Jezebel
Jezebel's name translated in Hebrew is "without cohabitation; an island" which literally means that she will not live in one accord with anyone. She was a master manipulator who surrounded herself with enablers. She despised men of strength and anointing, they weren't easily manipulated or intimidated.
Chapter 3: Who is She? The Modern Jezebel
The modern day Jezebel is the exact same spirit of the ancient queen of Israel, using the same tactics. This is a comparison of the two Jezebels:
Chapter 4: She Floats like a Butterfly, Stings like a Bee
This chapter is devoted to different types of boxing techniques that Jezebel uses to manipulate those around her. The Jab, the Cross, the Hook, and the Uppercut. Of course her hits are usually verbal, not physical. She also uses False Innocence, the Blame Game, Victim Mentality, Deflection and Escape.
Chapter 7: Jezebel in Men.
The goal of the spirit of Jezebel is control, which is found in men when they use strength and violence to obtain control and domination. This is most often seen in domestic violence, rape, and human trafficking.
The Jezebel spirit is found in relationships, friendships, and in the workplace. It is dangerous and destructive. Jezebel is all about herself. A godly woman will build up and nurture those around her. The Biblical example of the contrast of the Jezebel spirit is Ruth:
The Jezebel spirit is found in the home, in the community and even in the church. The only answer is to evict that spirit. Jesus said, "No man can serve two masters," so if the Jezebel spirit is found in someone's heart, His Spirit is not.
The fruit of the Jezebel spirit is found in Proverbs 6:16-19: "These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
In contrast, the Fruit of His Spirit is found in Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
I didn't mean to write such a lengthy review, but I do highly recommend this book (currently $2.99 on Amazon for Kindle.) There were more than the usual amount of grammatical errors (missing commas, sentences that didn't make sense, etc.) but it was worth it to keep reading.
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