Am I Really Wonderfully Made?

Am I Really Wonderfully Made?I don’t feel like I am really wonderfully made!

I walk by a store window and go “yuk! Who is that woman?”  Why am I not taller? I look so old and bent!

My friends’ hair is so cute blowing in the wind! Why is mine so straight? Wish I had different hair!

Hold on, Susie! Stop that! Do you know what you are doing? Do you really think God made a mistake when He fashioned you in your mother’s womb?

God’s Word says in Psalm 139:14 – “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful,  I know that full well.”

NOTE: This coloring picture and Scripture verse are taken from my Patches’ Biblical Activity and Coloring Book. Click here for information.

We all have these feelings; especially today when the world is trying to tell women how they should look!  However, if we allow these negative feelings to grow, it will affect all other aspects of our life!

We believe the Bible. It’s God’s word; it never changes. We believe God is the giver of life. We enjoy telling little children how God made them special; just like He wanted them to look. Why do we have such a hard time believing it for ourselves?

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10

For me, I know sin creeps in and destroys my vision. When I fail to give quality time to God each day; the old evil one has a hey-day! He is constantly roaming through all the earth to see whom he might devour. And, it begins with one little negative thought, then another, then another!

Did you catch that phrase above: we (YOU) are God’s masterpiece! That’s a fact! As they say, you can bank on it!  If you want a revival in your heart and soul, read and study Psalm 139 in its entirety. Trust God to do a work in your spirit as only He, your Creator, can.

For a very good article entitled “What does it mean to be Fearfully & Wonderfully Made”, click here.

Precious readers, I pray as we enter springtime together, we will enjoy the joy God has for us. I pray for you often; and thank you for praying for me.

Hugs,

Exciting news: I am working on Patches’ stories for some great artwork I received from the coloring contest. Book #2 is going to be fantastic!

 

Proof it Pays to Nurture Your Inner Child

Proof it Pays to Nurture Your Inner Child

For proof it pays to nurture your inner child, you only have to look at 88 year old Cousin Penny!

Not the best day for a drive!

The cold, brisk wind practically blew the car door off its hinges as we struggled to transfer Cousin Penny from our tiny car safely to her wheel chair and into the bank.

She insisted we go now, regardless of weather or how she felt. She looked old and weary as the bank clerk guided us toward the elevators.

Independent doesn’t begin to describe her!

Without warning or asking for help. Penny made a quick U-turn in her motorized chair and headed across the lobby full speed.

The inner child had a need!

“Popcorn! Popcorn! Popcorn!”  Her giggly voice and broad smile let us know why she insisted on the bank today: Popcorn Friday! The inner child was getting fed and all was well.

We spent better part of an hour going from floor-to-floor tending to her business. She never once lost her smile or shared her popcorn! She looked and most likely felt 20 years younger than when we left home!

This was survival technique for her.

Spending years with Cousin Penny, I learned first hand how to nurture your inner child early. Often, in the most stressful times, she stopped everything for a short walk, silliness and giggles or an unplanned treat. What a difference a few minutes would make in the day.

For some great quotes to bring out the child in you, click here.

This week I have felt weary, stressful, and far from meeting any goals. A few sleepless nights; unproductive days; and a calendar turning too fast was taking its toll on my spirit. Faithfully seeking God, meditating on Scripture, praying all  helped.  Yet I found myself somehow not connected. Ever feel that way?

Perhaps my inner child needed nurturing.

“Honey, are you busy right now?” I knew whatever Hubby was doing, he would always stop if I needed or wanted something.

“Let’s go to McD’s for an ice cream cone.”

His look was predictable.

“Now?” It had to seem quite a foolish suggestion. We’ve had days of single digit temperatures, and today , though warmer, was cloudy. He knew, too, that I was struggling to finish my project on time.

I smiled. Did I really think I should take time to wander off to town for an ice cream cone? No. And, truthfully, did I really need ice cream? (We are not going there!)

“Grab your jacket; I’ll warm the car.”

We’re home now, and I cannot believe how much work I have done in the past two hours.  The work I have accomplished on our return is proof it pays to nurture your inner child.

A challenge for you. When things get heavy at home and everyone is on overload, pause, pray, and consider some little surprise something to nurture your inner child, and the your entire families’ as well. It pays big dividends!

By the way, “Cousin Penny” is Trudi Prichard, is my partner in creating Patches the Turtle.  Click here to see the first book; 2nd one is coming out this summer.

The Greatest Gift is Love

The Greatest Gift is Love

The Greatest Gift is Love.  

To the world, love comes wrapped in fancy chocolates, red roses, or expensive diamonds. Sadly, they miss the mark and devalue true love.

Love cannot be bought; it is a free gift.

The most expensive gifts, given without love, are worthless. Therefore, money cannot buy true love.

Love gives sacrificially.

Spending hours on fancy meals and decorations, expecting thanks in return misses the point. Likewise, the simplest meal, given in love, has its own rewards.

Love is kind and gentle.

Love shines through weariness.  Love knows we all need loving care, and gives sacrificially.

Love is content.

Love does not envy those who have bigger homes, better jobs, or more things. Instead of envy, love rejoices in their good fortune.

Love delights in giving.

Love does not expect something in return. Love gives from a pure heart, the reward is in the giving.

For the true meaning of love, click here.  In I Corinthians 13, God describes what true love looks like.

Here are some simple ways you can share love today.

1. Perhaps someone you know could use a warm hug and a bit of your time. A sincere smile and listening ear may save their day.

2. You might take flavored coffee or chocolate to a mom who won’t spend the dollars for herself. Be sure to allow time to share a cup with her (and a sweet roll?)

3. Consider simple gifts like cleaning a winter-worn car for a neighbor or friend.

4. Perhaps a weary family with a houseful of kiddos would welcome help with some simple chores. Consider bringing activity books to occupy the kids.

One of my favorite little stories serves as a great example.

Often told at Christmas, “The Gift of the Magi” by O. Henry likely takes place in the early 1900’s  Jim gives Della her present – an assortment of combs, useless now that her hair is shortened. Della then shows Jim the chain she bought for him with her locks of hair. Jim tells her he sold his watch for money to buy her ornamental combs.

Two things strike me with this story. #1, how well the two knew each others desires. And, #2, their willingness to sacrifice their prized possessions for the one they loved.

Praying for each of you that you are surrounded by those who love and encourage you.

Hugs,

Looking forward to all those Art Contest Entries from our little friends.