#Caneyhead Sunset

In the large scope of life, I am, overall, a positive person.

When things are bad, I tend to think they will get better.

When things are good, I drink it in and savor the flavor.

In general, I think people are going to do the right thing, and when they don't, I go looking for "why". Thinking of myself and what could of possibly made me do that if I were them.

I am not a grudge holder.  I eventually make peace with things, get over it, even if no one ever apologizes.

When I am lazy, I am very, very lazy and when I am busy I stay at it, sometimes doggedly.

I have been in the throws of depression before, but my basic make-up is one of resilience;  knock me down and I get back up... may lay there a while, but I get back up.

My heart wants to be exquisitely generous, but my wallet has seldom allowed me to be.

Some days are diamonds and some days are coal, yet they are all a gift.

When I feel worn and threadbare, these are the things that warm my heart and mend my soul:

Music that shares what I feel.  The smile of a child.  A warm hug.  A good movie to get lost in.  Time with an animal.  A good cry.  One simple act of kindness towards me.  I think God for these gifts, these simple blessings.  And I thank Him so much for where I live!  For the beauty and quiet I can always find here.  It is something that never fails to peel away the stress, let me escape the world and recharge, revive.  Be it the greens of the trees, the wildflowers, the shade, the birds, the song of frogs and crickets, the call of an owl, the stars at night or simply the stillness.  Or a sunset like this:

What is you most basic make-up?  How do you escape?  What soothes your soul or lifts your spirits?

Barbara

#Faith: #TheWordOnWords

"Then Judah stepped forward and said, “O sir, let me say just this one word to you. Be patient with me for a moment, for I know you can doom me in an instant, as though you were Pharaoh himself."

Genesis 44:18, TLB

Last time we looked at the folly of persisting in an argument just to have the last word and the damage it can do not to allow a little time and distance cool the fires of anger.   Today, let's look at how quickly anger and words can damage people and relationships.

In Genesis 44:18, we read the words of Judah when Joseph's brothers were caught leaving Egypt with the money and silver cup Joseph had planted on them. "...I know you can doom me in an instant...."

Unlike Joseph, we don't have the authority of Pharaoh behind our words.  Yet, our words still carry a lot of weight, especially for those they are directed at.  And even to ourselves, as how we are perceived by others comes in large part by what we say and how we say it.

It takes only an instant to become angry, but in that instant we can do irreparable damage to those around us.  Even if what we say in anger does not seem that bad to us, each of us has different sensibilities.  

Pray to be slow to anger. Try withholding comment once you start to feel anger.  Once again, remove yourself from the situation until you are calmer.  It may be that in retrospect it was not that big a deal. Yet, even if it still seems to be a matter you need to address, better to do so with a clear head and a calm demeanor. 

Has angry words or actions ever destroyed a relationship you were in?  Has cruel words ever harmed your sense of self worth or purpose?  Have you uttered things in anger you immediately wished you could take back?

Barbara

What Makes Me Weird Meme - #Flashback

Long, long ago in a land far away, people didn't "blog", they "journaled".   It was a close knit community, called J-Land by those who dwelled there, it's official name on the internet map was:

.

For a season, in late 2005 and early 2006, a meme circulated there. It was fun, simple, and helped everyone see we really are not all that different.  The meme was "What Makes Me Weird".  The person tagged lists five things about themselves that others might consider weird, and then tags five others, asking them to do the same.  I want to see this circulate around Blogger and Wordpress! Please be a sport and play along.

Five Weird Things About Me  👀

1.  I prefer to eat my mashed potatoes with a little salt sprinkled on them, no gravy please.  Has to be fresh salt on top, makes no difference how salty they were or weren't on their own.

2.  I can pick up things with my toes and pinch the fire out of you, too!

3.  I have dreamed the answer to problems at work before.

4.  I always sneeze in a sequence of three, one right after the other.

5.  I must have a sheet over my body and  at least some light blanket up to my hips to sleep.

Okay, I admit the list could have been pages long, but I don't want to scare you off.  

Now, for whom I am asking to join me in this: 

 The Silver Fox,  Elizabeth, Ann Bennett, Doree Weller and Rowena.

Perhaps soon we'll find out how weird they are!😉

Do you share any weird traits with me?  Do you enjoy doing memes from time to time?

Barbara

#ISawItOnFacebook

   

At first glance, this sounds like something that might make an impact. Upon deeper reflection, most likely not.  It fails on the basis that these males do not yet have a daughter.  Asking them to imagine what is it like: the hopes, dreams, level of protectiveness one feels, still seeing one's little girl where there stands a grown woman, is near impossible.

There may be a few sensitive, imaginative souls out there that could visualize it well enough to be affected by it.   But how many of them would probably already be treating those they dated with respect? Most, I would say.

And what of the girls?  How many toy and tease with a fellow's heart? Or think more about what he can do for them, than him himself?  

Dating should be such a simple, carefree thing!  Guys and gals going out with people they find interesting to get to know them better without pressure or preconceived expectations.  Without game playing or role playing.

Alas, it is often anything but that, at every age and stage.  What of you?  Were/are most of your dates enjoyable and relaxed?  If you could, would you go back and change how and why you dated?  What was your funniest experience?  Worst?  Most memorable?  Oddest?  

I'll get things started by telling you that once I was all dressed up to go honkytonking, complete with my good boots and Petie Pete took me through a briar patch in the drizzling rain to rabbit hunt instead!

Okay, your turn.  Now share!😉

#Life: Yes, leave a message, but please don't leave a voicemail.

Please enjoy this short clip!

It's no secret we live out in the boonies.  We have a house phone. Our phone allows for people to leave a message.  While not on a separate machine with a tape, it works just the same as Jim's did on the Rockford Files.  In order to hear the message, there is no need to phone anywhere, just press one button and listen.  Pete checks our phone periodically throughout the day for missed calls and messages. I love when messages are like the one Jim had here.  Concise information and enough detail you don't have to call back unless you happen to want to.

Then there is voicemail, which is on every cell phone and many home phone services.  All of these devices that have voicemail, also tell you when you've missed a call.  I hate voicemail!  If I miss a call on my cell and I know you, I am definitely going to call you back.  Unlike the messages, if I want to hear a voicemail, I have to place a call and go through prompts.  Then nine times out of ten I'm going to need/want to call the party back as well.  To top it off, if I am at home, the only way I can place these calls on my cell at the house is to go outside.  Once the voicemail icon pops up on my phone there is no way to know if you have one or ten unless I phone in.  It all just seems like much ado about almost nothing to me and way more trouble than it is worth.

For business purposes, I can see voicemail's benefit.  But I have little use for it in my life.  Most of the younger set I know never even bother to set theirs up and simply just return the missed calls they want to.  I think they have the right idea. 😉

What about you, is your voicemail set up on your personal cell phone? If so, do you listen to voicemails or just return the call?  Do you live in an area where all cell functions do not work inside your home?

Barbara In Caneyhead

#Faith: #TheWordonWords

“This is what to do,” she said. “Flee to your Uncle Laban in Haran. Stay there with him awhile until your brother’s fury is spent, and he forgets what you have done. Then I will send for you. For why should I be bereaved of both of you in one day?”

Genesis 27:43-45, TLB

Here we go, our first stop in Genesis. This is Rebekah speaking to Jacob after he had tricked Isaac into giving him Esau's blessing and Esau into selling his birthright for a bowl of porridge. Doesn't matter that Esau had some right to be angry....furious with his trickster brother. If they had been in close proximity at this time, there would have probably been a killing, much like Cain and Able. So when confronted with fierce anger directed your way, whether deserved or undeserved, the best thing to do is to make a retreat and give time a chance to cool the fires of passion. Likewise, if you are the one who's anger is heating up, better to distance yourself from the object of your anger until it has subsided.

Yeah, it's hard not to put in that one last comment.....to take that little jab at the one who is ranting at you or angered you, but it is for the best. You'll be guarding yourself from becoming too angry and intense and allow the other person to begin to think more rationally and calmly. Then you can approach them for forgiveness if you did wrong them. Or to find out what was behind their actions and words. It worked for Jacob! Esau was truly happy to have his brother return when he finally did. He had gotten over his anger, gone on with his life and became a successful man in his own right. 

We will probably not have to leave the country or stay away for years. It may take as little or an hour, or sometimes a month or more. Just be in prayer in the meantime as to your actions & intentions, for the other person and what they may be harboring toward you and for the Spirit of Forgiveness to proceed you into your next meeting. 

Do you have a hard time closing your mouth or walking away when angry?  Have you had occasions when you regretted not doing so?   Were you ever taught to "count to ten"?

Barbara