Here's an experiment: for one or two days, throughout the whole day, pay attention to your face. If you walk by a mirror, window, or shiny object, glance at your face, and notice what your face is doing. When you are resting, are the corners of your mouth drooping? When are your eyes sparkling like you have something fun in store?
Some people have a perpetual smile or grin. Others have a "down-turned" mouth.
I once did a funeral for an elderly man, who was quite positive throughout his life. I got to the viewing before the family arrived and stood before the casket. And I smiled, because the gentleman was SMILING! I had never really seen that before. I thought, "He knows the punchline of the joke!" Even in death, he was grinning!
A verse I read this week has brought me to an awareness of what is showing on my face:
"Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with joy. No shadow of shame will darken their faces." Psalm 34:5 (NLT)
How's your face today?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Oh NO...I'm Addicted!
Friday night I checked my email before bed...turned off the computer, and then woke up Saturday morning to NO INTERNET! I just returned from church and helping Marvin with lunch, and it's finally on. So from Saturday a.m. to Sunday at 1:15 p.m. I could not get on FB, could not see if my accountant had finished my taxes, could not find out about Sharon and Casey traveling in Guam.
I can handle being without the internet, but I love being so connected with people when we are so far apart. I count on being able to find out what's happening in various parts of the world --- when our news media is woefully lacking in international information, unless it's where we are fighting a war or the latest natural disaster.
Sometimes during the Lenten Season, people try to go without something, and many these days are fasting from electronics. I think I'd rather skip ice cream!
I can handle being without the internet, but I love being so connected with people when we are so far apart. I count on being able to find out what's happening in various parts of the world --- when our news media is woefully lacking in international information, unless it's where we are fighting a war or the latest natural disaster.
Sometimes during the Lenten Season, people try to go without something, and many these days are fasting from electronics. I think I'd rather skip ice cream!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Too Lazy for Joy?
I was tired last night when I got home from working all day in Yakima. After dinner I thought about visiting Marvin, and almost talked myself out of it because it felt so good to sit with my leg up, ice my knee, and rest. But I got up and went...taking our latest Robert Fulghum book.
He was awake, had done well with dinner and was very alert. We have a deal --- he has to sit with me while I read instead of lying in the bed, so we sat on the love seat together.
After reading a couple stories and chuckling together, I said, "Did you hear about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan? Many people were lost." He scrunched up his face which indicates sadness, his way of crying.
Then he said, "I want to go."
"To Japan?" I asked.
"Yes."
"What would you do there?" I questioned.
He held up his hand and waved...and said, "I'd wave at them and say I love you." Then he started laughing, something he does rarely these days. And we had a great laugh together and a hug. We ended by praying together for the victims in Japan -- he prayed out loud, also a rarity recently.
Simple joy in the middle of all kinds of difficult circumstances...and I almost missed it because I was tired. Well, maybe it was just lazy.
He was awake, had done well with dinner and was very alert. We have a deal --- he has to sit with me while I read instead of lying in the bed, so we sat on the love seat together.
After reading a couple stories and chuckling together, I said, "Did you hear about the earthquake and tsunami in Japan? Many people were lost." He scrunched up his face which indicates sadness, his way of crying.
Then he said, "I want to go."
"To Japan?" I asked.
"Yes."
"What would you do there?" I questioned.
He held up his hand and waved...and said, "I'd wave at them and say I love you." Then he started laughing, something he does rarely these days. And we had a great laugh together and a hug. We ended by praying together for the victims in Japan -- he prayed out loud, also a rarity recently.
Simple joy in the middle of all kinds of difficult circumstances...and I almost missed it because I was tired. Well, maybe it was just lazy.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Sharpness and Dullness
Some time ago I helped a young man who needed money for tuition --- by buying some cutlery from him. Oh, he gave me a great deal, I'm sure. The best part was the vegetable peeler. It is the utensil I value most from that purchase!
I knew when I bought them, that the knives were very sharp. I keep them in their little cardboard covers when not using them, and I'm very careful. Usually.
Last night I needed to split open an Vitamin E to put the oil on my new knee scar. I grabbed the serrated knife and was in a hurry. My left index finger is now swathed in 4 bandaids to stop the bleeding!
I'm doing a study by Anne Graham Lotz and this week it's about going deeper into the Word of God. Today's scripture was about the Word being a "double-edged sword" that divides soul and spirit, and lays bare all the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Paul told Timothy to be very careful how you handle the Word of God. Undoubtedly because it's SHARP.
We value sharp knives --- do we value the Word as well? Or prefer a dull blade?
I knew when I bought them, that the knives were very sharp. I keep them in their little cardboard covers when not using them, and I'm very careful. Usually.
Last night I needed to split open an Vitamin E to put the oil on my new knee scar. I grabbed the serrated knife and was in a hurry. My left index finger is now swathed in 4 bandaids to stop the bleeding!
I'm doing a study by Anne Graham Lotz and this week it's about going deeper into the Word of God. Today's scripture was about the Word being a "double-edged sword" that divides soul and spirit, and lays bare all the thoughts and attitudes of our hearts. Paul told Timothy to be very careful how you handle the Word of God. Undoubtedly because it's SHARP.
We value sharp knives --- do we value the Word as well? Or prefer a dull blade?
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