Did You Notice?

 This is ONLY for my regular readers and followers. . .ok, the rest of you can read this, also.  I was only teasing.  Who am I to discourage anyone from reading my little ol' blog?

  I chose a different blog template recently; did you notice?  I'd love your thoughts and feedback in regard to it.  I feel like I need change often, so my blog reflects that at times.


And today's random:

  I was grocery shopping this morning, using my re-usable shopping bag horde. The cashier who was waiting on me does NOT like the re-usable shopping bags.  I have been in her "line" before, and each time she comments offhandedly about how she does not like those bags.  Honestly I try to avoid her line because I know it pains her to wait on someone like me.  As far as that goes, I'd rather we both be enjoying the shopping experience as much as possible.  As I could not avoid being in her line (read that as not enough lines open), there I was.  She grudgingly greeted me, and I cheerily replied.  She began listlessly loading my frozen and cold items in one of my freezer bags; "great!" I silently cheered.  After she filled one of my "least of these" bags, I re-positioned my bag o' bags (whilst she was busy and NOT looking) with the other freezer bag on top and my best bags next; in her defense, the "least of these" was the next one in the pile.  I said nothing except cheerful thank-you's as we both endured the process -- me with a smile and her with lips in a grim line.  Then I heard her sadly mutter, "I don't pack these kinds of bags very well." My heart stirred with compassion for her -- silently I released blessings and peace over her.  And I am thankful that I was privileged to be in her line this morning.  She needed me and what I carry of the #Kingdom.  I needed her to stir my compassion and to give away what Jesus gave me.

  Someone once told me that I pick up on lots that is going on in a given situation, which seems to be true.  What I have realized is that I often misinterpret after the observation.  This morning I was reminded that even Paul did not always hear and discern correctly, (it's right there in The Book).  I need Holy Spirit and His gifts soooooo much!  Still a work in progress here:).

So, what do ya think about the new template?

What's your random from today?


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Tech Week 2015, Wednesday

 Peacefulness and order seem to be reigning so far this week.  The costume crew has worked hard to be prepared and has found themselves ahead of the plan.  Tonight is the first dress rehearsal, which will birth new projects.  It will continue to be a GREAT week.

 While labeling and sorting through my thread spools in preparation for their appearance at the theater today, I found myself reflecting upon the various projects associated with those thread colors.  I felt warm, happy and comfortable as I pondered, despite my knowledge that none of those projects were accomplished without mistakes and frustration.  Is it maturity and wisdom that empowers us to remember the entirety of the experience, including the messy and painful bits, and yet still find it a satisfying and even comforting memory?  Perhaps the added bit of knowledge that everyone struggles, makes mistakes and gets frustrated in the process is the "vitamin" that keeps this kind of jumbled rumination healthy?

 And then mix in the wonderful revelation that though now we see dimly, one day we will SEE clearly because we are face-to-face with KINGDOM REALITY.

 When dim seeing is this satisfying, how much more incredibly is what lies ahead?!

  What threads, colors, revelations are you seeing these days?


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Instead

Well, yes, I should be cleaning right this very moment. Of course I WAS planning to do so over an hour ago, BEFORE I had to troubleshoot the printer problems that everyone seems to be having today. . .AHEM!

Whilst accomplishing the things I could do while awaiting the various fixes to take place, (which as it turns out were all NO GOOD, except for the winner:  restarting the modem), I opened a spreadsheet on Google Drive and realized that I did not share this most excellent idea for "large" families who exchange names and gift lists at Christmas time.  If that is you, read on.  If not, it's up to you.

Celebrate!

 What do I want for my birthday?  Some years that question has left me feeling bewildered and discouraged because I had no answer.  Not happening this year.  It did take me some time to hand over a list, but I had one already started well before the beginning of February.  This year the difficulty has been narrowing it down.

 Currently I am typing on one of my presents, the

ASUS TF300T-DOCK-BL Tablet Docking Station

image from: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834991741&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=6146833&SID=1xcjw3g04fsed

The Best Gift

I'm a little confused about what day it is, but I am on vacation!  You see, Saturday was not like any ordinary Saturday because we were hosting our annual 1Voice Cookie Baking and Come Have Fun Hanging Out overnight, which was fabulous because of the amazing world-changers who attended; we missed very much all of the team who were unable to come! 

As a result of this fun-filled event, Monday became my Saturday, which meant Tuesday became Monday.  Although today is Wednesday, in my mind, today is Tuesday.  Add to that the unheard of fact that I attended a movie theater both Sunday night and Monday night (the real nights and not the ones in my mind), AND I just don't know for sure...

Regardless all the days have been fun and have felt like celebrations.  I do love a party.  I also have learned that I need quiet, reflection times, too.  Today while on my way to do the weekly grocery and miscellaneous shopping a song inspired me and filled me with joy, peace, thankfulness and awe.  I love it when God shows up in my day-to-day routine, like driving in the car along a familiar path.  His love is the best gift!  Here are those lyrics that rocked me to the core today:

God loves a lullaby
In a mother's tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

God loves the drunkard's cry
The soldier's plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

The woman holding on for life
The dying man giving up the fight
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

The tears of shame for what's been done
The silence when the words won't come
Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing
Better than a choir singing out, singing out

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

We pour out our miseries
God just hears a melody
Beautiful, the mess we are
The honest cries of breaking hearts
Are better than a Hallelujah

(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)
Better than a Hallelujah
(Better than a Hallelujah sometimes)"

Amy Grant, Better Than a Hallelujah 

Songwriters: Sarah Hart, Chapin Hartford

My favorite line:  "Beautiful, the mess we are."

What stirs in your heart when you read these lyrics? 

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Do You Hear What I Hear?

I love this season of wonder -- what an amazing gift that God came to earth in the form of a precious baby to be our example and to make a way for us to be a part of His family.  What gift will I bring to lay at His feet as I pause to adore Him?  What comforts and joys are heading my way in the days to come?  How and where will I tell my Noel stories? 

What about you?  About what do the carols and songs of Christmas cause you to pause and reflect?

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Thanksgiving = Breakthrough

What's God's will for your life?  Be joyful always, pray continually and give thanks

in all circumstances.  This will unstick you and bring about breakthrough in your life.


"God is kinder and gooder than you think" (Bill Johnson). Because God is always good and is

the giver of good gifts, we thank Him for what we do not yet see, but which we know is coming

our way and for who He is.  Of course we also thank Him for the good things we do see, also. 


For what are you thankful this year?


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