March Musings - Day 21

"Why do you have a watch on your ankle?" has been the question I've gotten the past couple days.

Well, here's the answer:

I was having trouble remembering to pray. I wanted to pray, I needed to pray, but it never came to mind. So I put a watch on my ankle to remind me to:

"Watch for a time to pray!"

So whenever I feel it rubbing my ankle, or I brush up against it with my other foot, I pray for whatever comes to mind first. Or even say thank you for whatever comes to mind first! So far it's worked well, and it's definitely a good reminder to look for the times in which I can pray for those I care about, or even those I wouldn't normally pray for depending where I am.

Maybe you might want to try wearing a watch on your ankle?

Beautiful Blessings - 7/26/16

~ a perfectly poised portraiture of a kitty

~ always looking for my favorite book - War and Peace - at libraries I visit

~ the beauty in old books that match

~ finding a selfie on my phone left to make me smile :~D

~ a clock that tells the time and the date

Christmas - Time!

Over the next 7 days counting down to Christmas, we'll be reflecting upon this wonderful season!

A couple weeks ago, I walked into the living room to see this....

The clock was sitting among the toys....

I thought about this....

A timepiece among the nativity story....

Time....

The Israelites had been waiting years for this time....

The time for which the Messiah would be born....

(Emphasis mine!)

Psalm 69:13 (ESV)

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. 

At an acceptable time, O God, 

in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

At the perfect time, with His steadfast love, God sent our savior, Jesus!

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a place chosen many years before!

Micah 5:2-3 (ESV)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.

Time is present...even at Jesus' birth!

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Even after His birth, when the Magi came!

Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come toworship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Christmas time is here....

Time with which we spend with family and friends....

Time in which we remember how precious time is....

Time in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior....

Friendships Forged with Time

I like 2 of the definitions of the New Webster's Dictionary, one says to form by heating or hammering, and the other says to move forward slowly = Forge.

Friendships are so special to me. Some friends I've known since I was knee-high, others for the past few years, and yet others I've met with in the past year. Each friend is special, and each friendship is different, but a common is that no matter how long I've known them, they've been forged with time. When I read about heating and hammering, my thoughts immediately flew to Proverbs 27:17.

Proverbs 27:17 (ESV)

Iron sharpens iron,
    and one man sharpens another.

How true! My one friend and I constantly keep each other on our toes. She knows how to tell me truthfully what's best, and I do the same for her. We keep each other sharp, and focused. By doing so, our friendship has been forged, sharpened, and grown. In fact for my birthday, she gave me a plaque that says: 

"Friendship is like sunshine. It keeps us warm and helps us grow."

The definition of friend (according to the New Webster's Dictionary) is a person known and well liked by another. My personal definition of a friend is someone who appreciates you for who you are; who will stand by you, and you for them; never leaving for frivolous things; and who is always honest with you.

Recently, I noticed another friend was online, so I messaged him to find out how he was, as I hadn't heard much from him. To be honest, at the time, I was bone-tired, yet when he said he was exhausted, it gave me a boost. Though I was exhausted, I was able to show empathy. I have a quote I keep in my Bible that says it best:

"You need people to hold you up emotionally and encourage you. By doing this, you will be strengthened, and they will be strengthened."

 I have a friend, who compared to my first-mentioned friend, I haven't known as long. She's battled many health problems, yet is always ready to pray for you, even if she needs prayer more. She has unknowingly showed me the verse below in tangible ways.

Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, 

but also to the interests of others.

Many many friendships have been forged and strengthened. Each one is special because each one has been forged in different ways. In order to have a deep and meaningful friendship, you need to invest in others. Find out how they are doing, what they've been up to, and how you can pray for them. This goes both ways. You also need to be open about what is going on in your life, things you are struggling with, etc. Quite often my friends have struggled with something similar, so they are able to reach out to for pray and comfort me, and I for them. Friendships are very important to me, and as they are forged, strengthened, and withstand the passing of time, then I know I have special friendships indeed!

Temptation of Time

Time.What a temptation it is to waste it! I bought a watch the other day. I absolutely love wearing it! The shiny gold watch with a sleek brown leather band, is memorizing as you watch the seconds tick by. While I currently write this on paper to transfer to my blog later, there is a strong temptation to waste time and energy. I'd really like to chat with a friend online, but between thoughts on wasting time, I'm doing laundry (a way I can use my time better!). Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 tells about time. How there is a time and place for everything. With this watch I've discovered how fast time ticks away...

...a second lost here, a second lost there. The school season is upon me. My time is being filled with many blessings. School, my job, sisters, housework, and more! I could waste it on frivolous things or I could use it wisely. Is chatting with a friend, frivolous? No! On the contrary! Chatting with a friend deepens the bond of your friendship. So why did I choose to sort laundry? Because there is a time for everything. And the time right now would best be spend doing laundry! Use your time wisely so you don't succumb to the temptation of wasting it!

A Wonderful Round of Applause!

A wonderful round of applause to my dear friends who took time to write and share guest posts with you all!

In case you missed them:

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Valuing Life: Beginning to End

His Feet - A Poem

Learning in Ecuador

Being Classy: Advice for Guys

Thank you for the time you took to write such lovely posts! 

If you haven't read these, I encourage you to do so!

*applause*

Slow during the Rush

Sometimes we're in such a rush, we forget about those around us.

Today I got up, ate breakfast, and went to work within an hour's time.

Rush, rush, rush.

When I got home, it was time for our tea party.

Time slowed.

We (my sisters and I) all dressed up in our "fancy" clothes, made some tea, put some snacks on fancy plates, and enjoyed ourselves immensely.

We laughed, and chatted about who knows what, yet being together drew us closer.

We slowed time, & created memories.

Was I planning on posting about this little tea party? No...actually it was far from my mind.

When it was over, they all went to play, and I started to clean up.

I picked up the dishes, and left on my fancy dress.

Silky softness rubbed against my bare feet.

The simplicity of the moment.

A simple act of love, a tea party, will be remembered for years.

Slow time; do something simple with those you love.

Treasure time slowed.

30 Days of Love: Day 11

Proverbs 27:9

Oil and perfume make the heart glad,
So a man’s counsel is sweet to his friend.

 

Spend time with them today. And while you are together, ask them honestly how they are doing. If they have anything going on, pray and offer advice.

A Journey of Becoming a Young Woman of Faith - #8 Big Sister

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,
    when it is in your power to do it.

As big sisters we are faced with decisions about using our time. We can use it wisely with our siblings and a wee bit of me time or we can use it for ourselves and have a wee bit of family time. We often focus on ourselves instead of others which leaves us with cranky siblings. We are then withholding good from our siblings. When we show the love and kindness they are more ready to listen. This will be short, sweet and to the point. I'm not going to elaborate as usual. If you are able to do anything for or with your siblings: do it! 

I challenge you to do something like what I'm about to do. I'm about to go play a board game with my sisters. I've found when I do something like a board game they are happier, focused and in a way more willing to listen. Serve your siblings a slice of your time now.

Love

We are messy. Our hearts are messy, our lives are messy, our possessions can be, too.

But none of that matters. We have God.

He's too mighty, too powerful, too marvelous, too perfect, to understand or comprehend.

We are all messy. We all have messed up hearts, messed up lives, messed up motives, messed up love.

Our love is miniscule compared to God's. His is everlasting, ours is transient.

Jeremiah 31:3
"I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you."

The Lord who made the Heavens and the earth loves us??

And he continues his faithfulness to us??

We are nothing. He is everything. And we treat him as if it was the other way around. We treat others as if it was the other way around.

Our lives are fleeting on this earth. We are born, we live, we die. All within about a century.

In Sunday school we are going on a trip through the Bible to refresh our memories of what the Bible is all about.

My teacher was pointing out that in the beginning of Genesis in chapter 5 it talks about how long the person lived and then he died. Our lives are short.

So I want to challenge all of you.

1st Corinthians 13:4-8
 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it dies not rejoice at wrong doing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails.

In the next few weeks I'm going to be focusing on my family, prayer, and my relationship with God. I love my family, I love praying and learning more about God but I've been doing it wrong.

Romans 12:2
Do not be conformed to the world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect.

I'm "breaking away" from the worlds ideas. I want to treat God, my family and friends as if they were Kings and Queens.

If God can show us everlasting love why can't I do the same?

It will be hard. It will be tough. I will want to give up, but the world needs to see God's love overflow in our lives as Christians.

So I challenge you: what ever you need to do to accomplish this, do it! If you need to limit computer, limit movies, limit alone time, what ever you need, do it!

Philippians 2:4
Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also the interests of others.

For me, I'm going to limit my online time to 2 hours a day for the next week. Unless I'm using it for school work or research, my time limit is going to be 2 hours. I'm going to take the extra time and start being there for my sisters, becoming a young woman that God desires me to be, spreading God's love, and being a servant to my friends and family. I'm also going to spend that time delving into God's word and praying.

Matthew 5:14
In the same way let your light shine before others so that the may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.


Join me! :~)

Ach!

She is getting sooooooooooooo big! Where has the time gone? 

She is crawling and sitting up. And she is desperately trying to figure out how to stand. 

My lil baby sister is growing up! 

Mushu: "My little baby, off to destroy people." 

(Mulan)

What I needed to hear

I am taking a fast from email this week.

Which is hard, because that is how I access my blog, through email.

I do this every now and then. It really refreshes my outlook through God's word and how I see and chat with my friends.

Email is my form of communication. No Facebook, no cell phone, no texting, no Twitter.

I wanted to write a blog post.

Why, I have no clue.

I pulled up my email to access my blog.

And I saw I had a new blog entry to read from "A Holy Experience", written by the author of "One Thousand Gifts".

And I read it.

And her post talked about something I am dealing with.

PERFECTIONISM

I have a pendulum.

It swings one way: I AM IN PERFECTIONIST MODE
It swings another:   I AM IN WHO CARES MODE

I try to do one or the other. And I am never happy where I am. And then it struck me.

I am fine.

I help out around the house.

I help my Mom.

And then I think.....

:~D ....the rain is falling. But the Son is shining!

I had no clue what to write.

But now I do.

I am going to write my goals.

1. Continue my skim through the Bible, reading about God's holy women.
2. Straighten the library like I promised Mom.
3. Start my French book. And do some math.
4. Think of dinner, because its been a long day for Mom.
5. Work on repairing an antique blanket.
6. Take costumes to the dance studio. 
7. Work on my clothes of Compassion, Kindness, Humility, Gentleness, Patience, and Love. (Colossians 3:12&14)
8. Have a tea party with my sisters. 

I have nothing to worry about. 

If my bed isn't perfectly made, the cat who was sleeping on it won't care, that is okay.

If my sisters aren't perfect, that is okay. 

If my outfit isn't perfect, that is okay. 

If my hair isn't perfect, that is okay. 

HAVE A MARVELOUS RAINY DAY! THE SON IS SHINING! 

Christmas already????????

Christmas....don't you love that word?

I definitely do.

Snow, giving, and of course the celebration of our Saviors birth.

80 days till X'mas.

Already.

It is creeping up on us.

Gaining speed.

And WHAM!

Hits you like a frozen snowball on your face.

It can't be coming.

The year just started.

We just had our birthdays.

We just danced in our dance recital.

I just went to camp.

We went just camping as a family.

The baby was just born.

School just started.

Apple and pumpkin season just got here.

Where did the time go?

It is not possible!

Celebrate the next 80 days as if it were Christmas already.

Cause it coming faster then you know.

A letter to my dear, ANNOYING CAT!

Dear Ansel,

Nothing like waking up at 5 something to hear a cat's LOUD purr in your ear!

It sounded like a motor boat!

Purrooom-Purrooom

Good grief Ansel, SOME people like sleeping without a boat in their bed.

 Please refrain from bouncing the bed so hard you jolt me awake for an hour.

And PLEASE refrain from purring so loud!

I need ear plugs!

I love you my goofy, sometimes grouchy cat, but waking me up at 5 something for an hour is NOT an option.

I had every right to toss you out of the room. 

And you deserved.

When you get this letter, please don't growl like a bear. (Which I am sure you will, because you like to growl at EVERYTHING!)

I love you, furry Ansel.

Love your Human, Moriah

P.S. DON"T WAKE ME UP TONIGHT!!!!


*No sermon Sunday, but I was able to help out a friend.

*No munchie Monday, but I was able to help out my sisters. (Unless I think of something.....)

Silly Saturday: Sleepin' in

I slept in today!

Instead of getting up at 7:30,

I got up at 8:20.

:~)