Thursday, April 28, 2011

Strong Prayer

Strong Prayer
April 28, 2011

32 For who is God, save the Lord? and who is a rock, save our God? 33 God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. 34 He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places. II Samuel 22: 32-34 KJV

Just awhile ago when I was in the bathroom, I made the statement, “My prayer is so weak.” And I decided to examine, just exactly what makes my prayer this way. Is it me? Is it my laziness? Is it the fact that I feel the only time to pray is in the morning? Maybe all of these things and a misconception I may have about prayer.

Yesterday in the shower, two men I’ve never met, but are strong Christians came into my mind. Now, this might be a strange place for me, a woman, to think about Christian men I’ve never met, but God doesn’t want His followers to pray when it’s convenient for them. So, right then and there, I prayed for these two men. The thought occurred to me that there is no correct time to pray. That’s what makes it strong.

I knew a lady in a church I attended who told me many times, “Pray without ceasing.” This, too, is what makes prayer strong. In David’s prayers to the Lord when Saul kept persecuting him, David prayed all the time. Second Samuel 22 is an amazing prayer of David. The whole chapter is filled with praises to God. And if David prayed in caves, before battle, as a king, and in all kinds of other situations, then I guess I can, too.

There’s never a correct time or place to pray and that is what makes it strong.

God’s blessings upon you, your family, and your furkids (if you have any). If any of you would like to pass this on to others you know, please feel free. Also, if you’d like to be removed from this list for any reason (like you read it in other places), please let me know – there will be no hard feelings. I do this not for those who read it, but because of what happens between God and me.

Michelle Rose

Thursday, April 21, 2011

I Am One of His Sheep
April 21, 2011

27 [Jesus said] My sheep listen to my voice; I know them and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. 29 My Father. who has given them to me, is greater than all, no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one. John 10:27-30 NIV

I have used this verse before, but I am using it again because it best illustrates the relationship between sheep and my Saviour. Many years ago I worked with sheep when I was going to school to become a vet tech. So, I don’t know very much about sheep. One thing I do know is that they know the voice of the shepherd who tends them and they follow him. Now instead of shepherds many farms have “guard” llamas or dogs like Australian shepherds to herd the sheep. They are also gregarious animals, meaning if one sheep does something, then the others will likely follow.

I am one of Jesus’ sheep, simply because I do follow His voice. I am blessed by the fact that my Saviour guards me so fiercely that no one can take me away from Him. Even in the atmosphere of today’s world – with all its technology, crime, natural disasters, and other things happening – I feel safe. I know that harm might happen to me, but I also know that Jesus watches over me, 24/7. In today’s world, I feel there is no greater guarantee than this promise of my Father.

May God’s blessings enrich your lives – you, your family, and your furkids.

Michelle

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Two Fish, Five Loaves, and a Miracle


Two Fish Five Loaves and a Miracle
April 20, 2011

15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away, so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” 16 Jesus replied, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17 “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. 18 “Bring them here to me,” he [Jesus] said. 19 And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. 20 They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 21 The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children. Matthew 14:15-21 (New International Version, ©2011)

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties. ~Oswald Chambers

Prayer is communication with the Divine. It can be whispered or chanted or written or expressed in the work you do. However it is expressed, it is never in vain. ~Donna Wilk Cardillo

I never liked fish. I thought they were boring to watch swimming around in a tank. Then I changed my mind when I realized how relaxing watching fish are. People use fish in diverse ways – for eating, for pets and for calming their minds. My Saviour used fish to perform a miracle. He used just two fish and five loaves to feed 5,000 people. This is the third animal in this week’s thread.

Now I don’t eat fish, since I’m a vegetarian, but can I can just imagine how the 5,000 people welcomed the fish and bread, since they were hungry after sitting in the sun all day listening to Jesus preach. They never expected a miracle from an animal they used for their living and for their meals. But that’s the splendor of Jesus and the miracles He performs. They are unexpected. And when I pray to God or Jesus, I don’t know what the answer will be. Like a fish follows food, I follow Jesus, since I believe not only is He my Saviour, but He also hears my prayers, no matter whether I pray to Him silently or with my voice. Fish, bread, countless people, and miracles – I know Jesus has no end to what He can do. I know one thing – He died for me and then defeated death. I praise Him because, as the saying goes, “He’s got my back.” He sure does.

Bless all of you, your families, and your furred, feathered and finned kids this High Holy Week.

Michelle Rose

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

A Dog's Loyalty

A Dog’s Loyalty
April 19, 2011

Man is a dog's idea of what God should be. ~Holbrook Jackson

The dog is the only animal that has seen his god. ~Author Unknown

We long for an affection altogether ignorant of our faults. Heaven has accorded this to us in the uncritical canine attachment. ~George Eliot

I talk to him when I'm lonesome like; and I'm sure he understands. When he looks at me so attentively, and gently licks my hands; then he rubs his nose on my tailored clothes, but I never say naught thereat. For the good Lord knows I can buy more clothes, but never a friend like that. ~W. Dayton Wedgefarth

You think dogs will not be in heaven? I tell you, they will be there long before any of us. ~Robert Louis Stevenson

Quotes from http://quotegarden.com (as were the ones about the cats last night)

Continuing on the thread I started last night and will continue through the week (ok, can you guess where this is going?), I will “spotlight” dogs. So, what do dogs have to do with God? When dogs are in bad situations and they are rescued, they become loving companions. When, I as a human do bad things, my God does not stop loving me. That is true of a dog no matter what situation they are in. I have seen documentaries where they say that a dog will do anything to please its master. I, too, do all I can to please my Lord, my Saviour because one of these days, when I die, I will face Jesus in Heaven. The two quotes above I like best are the ones by George Eliot and Robert Louis Stevenson. I long for love and although I have many friends who love me, and maybe somewhat unconditionally, none come as close as the canines I’ve encountered. Now this doesn’t mean my friends don’t love me – they do. Dogs are just very sensitive to someone’s feelings and nature. (shhhh, don’t let Sasha hear me saying this!) ;~D And will I see the dogs who went to heaven? Ones I’ve grieved for? I hope so because I think God put them in my life and on earth to let mankind know how loyal He is. And on the flip side of that - just how loyal am I to God? Only I can answer that in my heart and spirit.

And now, to end on a touch of humor, since my eyes are getting a bit misty…(I know those of you who own dogs will understand).

I wonder what goes through his mind when he sees us peeing in his water bowl. ~Penny Ward Moser

May God bless you, your families, and your furkids (if you have any).

Michelle Rose

Monday, April 18, 2011

Rituals

Rituals
April 18, 2011

If the pull of the outside world is strong, there is also a pull towards the human. The cat may disappear on its own errands, but sooner or later, it returns once again for a little while, to greet us with its own type of love. ~Lloyd Alexander

The ideal of calm exists in a sitting cat. ~Jules Reynard

Although all cat games have their rules and rituals, these vary with the individual player. The cat, of course, never breaks a rule. If it does not follow precedent, that simply means it has created a new rule and it is up to you to learn it quickly if you want the game to continue. ~Sidney Denham

You cannot look at a sleeping cat and feel tense. ~Jane Pauley

I was looking for quotes on rituals. However, what more ritualistic animal is there on earth than cats? Those people who don’t own a cat are missing out on saving electricity, since a cat is a furry alarm clock. Cats also condition their humans to feed them when they “demand” it. And cats, whether they meow or not, have trained their humans to give in to their commands – clean my litter box, brush me, pet me, go to bed, and all the other rituals that make human lives interesting when one has a four-legged furry love with paws and a tail.

Since I have no one else in my life, my day sometimes revolves around what Sasha wants or needs at certain times. This morning she was bouncing all over the bed, trying to wake me up. Other times she will come lay with me. Our nightly ritual is for her to lie next to me in bed while I watch television – yes, she has me well trained.

Everyone has rituals, whether they are spiritual or not. One of my spiritual rituals is to read my Bible each morning and pray for my friends, family, and those with special prayer needs. One of God’s rituals is to show me how much He loves me. In return, I thank Him for the blessings He bestows on me. And yes, one of those blessings is Sasha.

May God’s blessings be upon you, your family, friends, and any furkids you may have. This is the High Holy Week in the Christian religion, where God showered His blessings upon us through Jesus’ crucifixion. This was God’s ritual to show humanity He sacrificed His Son, Jesus for our forgiveness of sin. Hallelujah!

Michelle Rose

Saturday, April 16, 2011

God and the Beasts of the Earth

My cat Sasha, one sweet but spoiled cat.

God and the Beasts of the Earth
April 16, 2011

"If all the beasts were gone, man would die from loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beast, happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth, befalls the sons of earth." Chief Seattle

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Mahatma Gandhi

I am your servant, LORD, and you have kept your promise to treat me with kindness. Psalm 119:64-66 Contemporary English Version

Be Still and Know that I AM GOD. Psalm 46:10

So much goes on today that is sad, but that is the world – there cannot be joy without sadness. What makes me the saddest is abuse of women, children, and animals. The abuse of the last two in this group not only makes me sad, but also very angry, since they are the most helpless. I think about the commercial on tv for the largest animal organization in the US. One of the segments has a scraggly looking dog, shivering and looking very sad saying, “Why won’t they stop beating me.” And there are a multitude of animals in equally disheartening situations.

So, what do the above quotes above I know what it is and that is kindness. They are all tied together with a common thread. I’ve always heard the saying, “Practice random acts of kindness.” Well, I believe it’s not just a saying, but a directive to be kind where ever and whenever we can. It’s what God wants for me. I know Jesus treats me with kindness and love? He died for me so that I could be forgiven.

Ok, so many of you know how much I love animals. Why would God create animals if we weren’t to live in harmony with them? Yes, times have changed, but I don’t think God wants us to abuse animal. Notice I said abuse and there is more of that than even I realize. It’s frightening to hear all the news about the way many people treat animals. The destiny of people is inherently tied in with animals and nature. That’s not just my belief. Evidently God believed it to, otherwise why would the Lord have saved all the animals (alive at the time) on Noah’s ark when He destroyed the earth with the Great Flood?

May God rain his blessings upon you, your family, and any furkids you have. I almost sent this God’s Tug out last night, but I was in quite a bit of pain and had to get away from my computer. I’m glad I didn’t. This revised message is more in line with what I wanted to say, than last night’s blog.

Michelle Rose

Thursday, April 14, 2011

By God's Grace & Glory

By God’s Grace and Glory
April 14, 2011

11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee. Psalms 85:1-2 KJV

I have been going through many things lately: the ugly, the bad, & the good. Here’s how I see it – not through my eyes, but through the eyes of the Lord.

God, I hurt physically so much, but thank you God that I’m alive.
God, I have very little money, but thank you Jesus that I have some money in my wallet.
God, I have overdrawn my checking account, but thank you Father that I have a couple friends who lent me the money to cover the overdraft.
Father, I’m lonely, but thank you God that I have friends who love me and a cat to keep me company.
God, I hurt today when I went to an AA meeting, but thank you God that I was able to get there and that I’m sober (I know many people struggle with getting and staying sober).
God, I’d love to be able to help people more than I do, but thank you God that you’ve provided a way to help people one day at a time through the internet.
God, I don’t have very many clothes to wear, but thank you Jesus for the clothes I do have, since I know that many people have less than I do.
Jesus, sometimes I dislike living in one room, but thank you Jesus for the roof over my head, since I know that many people are living on the streets out in the heat and cold.
Father, I haven’t been working much lately, but thank you Father for the hours that I am tutoring and for the extra work that has been promised to me by my company.

So, this is my list for now; however, I’m sure that I can add so much more. Today I was thinking that all the bad things that are happening to me right now are the evil one attacking. Yet, by God’s grace and glory, I am blessed. He watches over me and protects me. I praise you God. I praise you Jesus. No one will take me from your hands. I know that.

Michelle Rose

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

God's Love

God’s Love
April 13, 2011

1 Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.
Psalm 136:1-3 NIV

Great thoughts and a pure heart that is what we should ask from God.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

library.timelesstruths.org/music/The_Love_of_God/ Here are the lyrics of a song that tells about God’s love.

I have this image in my mind of seeing a couple mothers nursing their babies when they were in public places. It touched me because of the beautiful look of love I saw on their faces while doing it. Ok, maybe some of you mothers who have had children and nursed them may not agree with me, but I think this site is one of the most wonderful. And there are mothers who don’t love their babies and children this way. You might think I’m sappy, but it brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.

Then, I segue into thoughts of how much God loves me and it’s beyond my comprehension. My mind can’t contain the whole of this concept because there is no end to how much He loves me. Only through the birth of His Son, who died to become my Saviour can I wrap my mind around how much I’m loved. Some days when I’m feeling down, I have a hard time with the depth of His love, but it doesn’t last long. God never stopped finding ways to show me how much He loves me. It’s incredible to think that someone like me, who doesn’t deserve His love because of my sins, should be forgiven by the blood of Jesus. I am loved by the Father, saved by the Son, and guided by the Holy Spirit. I am guided through this life until I see my Saviour face-to-face. Little babies are miraculous beings – totally dependent upon their families. Sometimes, I crumple in my adulthood and become childlike and needy, just wanting to sit on my Heavenly Father’s lap and have His arms around me. And you know what? He’s never too busy to do that for me because His love endures forever. Hallelujah!

May God’s blessings rain down on you, your families, and furkids (if you have any).

Michelle Rose

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Life's Pebbles and Boulders aka Problems

Life’s Pebbles and Boulders aka Problems
April 12, 2011

24 Then the end will come, when he [Jesus] hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he [Jesus] has destroyed all dominion, authority, and power. 25 For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26 The last enemy to be destroyed is death. I Corinthians 15:24-27 NIV (but if you are so inclined, read the whole section of Paul talking about the resurrection of the dead and the body – I Cor. 12-58 – it’s amazing!)

It took me quite awhile today to read the whole section that Charles Stanley used in his magazine In Touch for the meditation today, which was from verse 20-58. I’m glad I did. In life everyone has problems and they are as varied as anyone can think of. I’ll just mention them generally – health, loneliness, grief, natural disasters, poverty, victims of crime and at least a gazillion more.

I think about problems, but I’ve also heard so many things about God taking care of them. Here are several of them:

God is bigger than any problem I have. (I’m sure many have heard this one before)

God is good all the time.

Life’s not fair, but God is good. (This saying is on a mug a late friend gave me.)

I’m sure everyone has some sayings of their own that they’ve either heard or have been brought up with. One problem, though, which neither I nor anyone else for that matter, can successfully overcome is victory over death. When I read the verses above I had to read them several times over, since I was so amazed by them. Only Jesus through God the Father can do this. I know this, but it's still always amazing to read again.

This will be a short God’s Tug tonight. I’ve been dealing with quite a bit of pain in my lower back and bad headaches the last few days (no I’m not complaining, I just have to take care of myself), so I’m off to bed after I post tonight’s blog. Also a praise for God - my company has offered me (and other tutors) a chance for some temporary work until the end of June, so I will not be unemployed just yet. YAY God! ;-)

God’s blessings upon you, your families, and (any) furkids.

Please note that you may pass God’s Tug on to anyone you think would like it. I appreciate any comments you have for me, whether I agree with them or not.
Life's

Michelle Rose

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Humor in Walking God's Path

Humor in Walking Gods Path
April 10, 2011

Jesus tries to make a point.

Jesus saw a crowd chasing down a woman to stone her and approached them. "What's going on here, anyway?" he asked."This woman was found committing adultery, and the law says we should stone her!" one of the crowd responded."Wait," yelled Jesus. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." Suddenly, a stone was thrown from out of the sky, and knocked the woman on the side of her head.
"Aw, c'mon, Dad..." Jesus cried, "I'm trying to make a point here!"

http://www.christian-jokes.net/Jokes/Bible-Humor/144-Jesus-tries-to-make-a-point.aspx

I had no idea what I wanted to write about today, but somehow the thought of Christian humor entered my mind, so I googled it. This made me laugh because the Bible is quite serious on so many things in my faith. However, God never said (or at least I don’t know if it’s said anywhere in the Bible) I always have to be serious. I love humor, at least those which don’t make nasty fun of other people, (i.e. blonde, racial, & ethnic jokes), ones that are just plain cruel, or are just plain dirty. They don’t interest me. Now this is an opinion, but it’s my own – much of society today is too numb about being sensitive to others (not everyone). Maybe that’s why when I hear off-color jokes or ones like I described above, it just turns me off. And the closer I move in my faith toward, the less I want to hear off-color or nasty jokes. Does that make me “a goody-two-shoes”? Maybe. What I care about is doing what the Lord wants me to do and being the kind of person He would have me be. Yes, I love to laugh and studies have shown that laughing can be a pain reliever. When I’m laughing at something genuinely funny, I don’t feel as much pain. The endorphins kick in and I feel like a different person. Isn’t this what my God would have me do? Isn’t this why He created me with a conscience, heart, and soul? For me these are rhetorical questions.

May God bless you, your families, and any furkids you might have.
Michelle Rose

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Use, Used, Using

Use, Used, Using
April 9, 2011

20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. Genesis 50:20 New Living Translation

I am the vessel. The draft is God's. And God is the thirsty one. ~Dag Hammarskjold, Markings, 1964

Use can be either a noun or a verb. The concept can be either a bad or good. People can use other people – friends use friends for many good reasons. There are also people who use others for their own selfish and evil purposes. God uses people for His own purposes. Ok, Sasha uses me, since I feed and love her and clean her litter box out. I use her for companionship and another one much more important – helping ground me in my emotional disorder –manic-depression (shhhh, Sasha doesn’t know it).

God used me today to write today’s blog. I wanted to walk away from the computer, but I knew if I did, this blog would not get written.

You’ve all heard the following story, I’m sure, but it’s a funny example of the way God uses people. I’ll summarize it. It’s about the God-fearing old lady and the atheist who have a verbal war each morning about the existence of God. One day the old lady prays to God for groceries, since she’s hungry. The next day she opens her door to see groceries are there, but the last two lines are the funniest:

'PRAISE THE LORD!' she cried out 'HE HAS PROVIDED GROCERIES FOR ME!' The atheist neighbor jumped out of the hedges and shouted: 'THERE IS NO LORD; I BOUGHT THOSE GROCERIES!!' The little old lady threw her arms into the air and shouted: 'PRAISE THE LORD! HE HAS PROVIDED ME WITH GROCERIES AND MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!'

God’s blessings upon all of you, your families, and you furkids. If you wish to share my blog with others, please feel free to do it.

Michelle Rose

Friday, April 8, 2011

My Mind and My Body

My Mind and My Body
April 8, 2011

My whole being, praise the Lord and do not forget all his kindnesses. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He saves my life from the grave and loads me with love and mercy. He satisfies me with good things and makes me young again, like the eagle.
Psalm 103:2-5 NCV

So many things have been going through my mind lately about what I look like. I’m not happy with my body image and my weight. I don’t feel at my best, knowing I’m at risk for health issues. Some time ago, I told my doctor I was interested in the lap band to help me lose weight, but after watching a Dr. Oz show I taped where they covered the subject of lap bands, I’m not so sure I want the surgery anymore. Yet, I know this is not an answer, only a help in losing weight. I have so much trouble controlling what I eat – I’m a compulsive overeater. Now that I’m unemployed or will be soon, I don’t know what I can afford to help me lose weight. I don’t believe in dieting. I do have a gym/heath club to which I can return, now that I’m feeling better.

Ok, here’s the big issue – my mind is in the way – of eating correctly, of getting to the gym, of doing so many things that would help me. I keep wondering what’s wrong with me (well, other than my compulsive overeating) and why I have this fear of moving forward. This verse is perfect – it lets me know that I’m not alone, so why do I feel this way?

I saw a new psychiatrist today and he adjusted my medications to help me with the depression part of my bi-polar disorder. Wow, he asked me all kinds of questions. I like him much better than the NP, so I’m going to continue with him even though I have to pay for the visits. Maybe if I can get my depression under control, then it will help me become more willing to keep away from my emotional/stress eating of junk food. I’m not looking for a quick fix, just some help getting out of this rut I’ve been stuck in for more than half a year. I’m tired of it. Praise God for loving me the way He does, because I sure haven’t been so in love with myself lately. Sigh…

God’s blessings upon you, your families, and your furkids (if any),
Michelle

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Two Men

Two Men
April 6, 2011

1How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hid your face from me? 2 Ho long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me? 3 Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. Give me light to my eyes, or I will sleep in death: 4 my enemy will say, “I have overcome him.” and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5 But I trust in your unfailing love: my heart rejoices in your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. Psalm 13

19 And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20 To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Philippians 4:19-20

When doing my meditations this morning I realized there were two men in the Bible to whom I look at as examples of Godly men. David wrote many of the Psalms and sang to God about everything. David complained. David told God of his fear. David praised God. David told God how angry he was at Him. David kind of smirked a little (I can’t think of any other word) when God destroyed his enemies. David told God he loved him. David asked for God’s help, but most of all, David told God he trusted Him. I’ve often heard many people say that someone is not supposed to pray for specific things. Using David’s example, it looks like it’s ok to ask God for almost anything in prayer.

As a Pharisee, Paul persecuted Jesus. We all know what happened to Paul on the road to Damascus. Paul’s writings are strong, passionate, and frank in their belief that Jesus as the Son of God. After his conversion, Paul didn’t have the rich life that David did as a king, or even a somewhat comfortable life as a shepherd and after everyone stopped trying to kill him (although David spent quite a bit of his life hiding in caves). Paul spent most of his life after his conversion in prison, in chains, shipwrecks, starving, in rags, and other struggles that make most of our lives appear easy. Yet, Paul stood up for God’s truth and he wasn’t going to let anyone persuade him otherwise. And did Paul ask Jesus for anything in prayer? I’m sure he did, but he spent much of his ministry teaching, admonishing, and helping people. His epistles show that Paul praised Jesus, in addition to being a teacher.

Two very different men. Two different approaches to God. Two men convinced in their faith. I’m not anything like these two men in their passionate approaches to our Lord. But in looking at them as examples, I do my best to follow what they did when praying to God and I thank my Father for the example of their lives that helps me move closer to Jesus.

God’s Blessings upon you, your families, and your furkids (if any).

Michelle Rose

Monday, April 4, 2011

Communication

If you wish to be taken off this mailing list or read God's Tug on another location, please email me. Here are the other two sites where this blog is posted: by email, notify me at monique.baby@gmail.com and www.wordchimes.com.

God's Blessings upon you, your families and furkids (if any).
Michelle Rose

Communication
April 4, 2011

I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face. Peace to you. The friends here send their greetings. Greet the friends there by name.
3 John 1:14 NIV

I often wonder what happened to conversations and letters between friends. For the most part now - I’ve fallen into this trap, too - much communication is done by email and texting, not speaking face-to-face or by phone. This morning I called my aunt and uncle in NJ. I had the most wonderful chat with my Uncle Angelo. We talked about what it was like back in the 40s (he knew more than I did about the early 40s) and how things were different when he served in the war. It was the longest conversation I had with him for a long time. Usually, I just ask to talk to my Aunt Nettie. I have friends where I live and although we’ve been friends for a long time, I usually hear from them only by a mass text message or email. I miss speaking to them. Ok, maybe they are having problems and don’t want to talk. But are we still friends? I was also thinking about when it was nice to get a card or letter in the mail; then came the technological revolution and now everything is done by email or texting (I’m not a big fan of the last, except for occasional ones). My two favorite ways of talking with someone I know are by phone or in person. I even bought some nice cards at Trader Joe’s to send out and they are still sitting here. This week, I’ll write these cards and mail them.

I think communication with Jesus is amazing. He’s never busy; never sends me text messages or email, and never turns away from me. The lines of communication and talking to God and my Saviour, Jesus are always open. I know it can’t always be like that in life, but it’s amazing to know that my God always has time to listen to me. He’s never going to be out of touch because of the technological revolution.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

"F" Words; Don't Worry, It's Clean

"F" Words - It's clean don't worry
April 2, 2011

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 (New International Version, ©2011)

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:9-11 (NIV)

Tonight when I fed my cat, I said to her, “Sasha, you want some food?” She immediately responded by bounding into the kitchen. Then I thought for her food is her “f” word. So many times, when society thinks in terms of the “f word,” it is only in the use of profanity. Here are some other “f words,” and their associations in God’s world.

Freedom – for someone living in a war-torn country, or under the rule of a dictatorship, it’s the ability to live without fear, or to worship how they choose.

Forgiveness – it’s the knowledge that when a wrong is done, there is grace beyond the mistake.

Faith – knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Lord exists and He watches over His creations no matter what happens.

Family – those around you who may be relations, friends, or companions in a common belief. For those who do not have blood relations, their friends are often their family.

Friends - non-relations sticking with others through good and bad times, and loving them unconditionally. It hurts when they pass out of your life for whatever reason.

Fun – that which is done to relieve seriousness and work.

Fingers – the appendages on hands for many uses in life, such as praying, typing, eating, or holding the hands of others.

Ok, these are just a few words with positive connotations beginning with the letter “f.” It’s not always linked with profanity. They are words that I associate with positive attitudes, what God would have me do in my life, and those that uplift me in the presence of negativity. And just so those reading this blog think I’m saying these things because I’m perfect, I want to tell you I’m definitely not. I’ve let a few of those other “f” words slip from my tongue and I have to ask Jesus for forgiveness.

If you prefer to read this blog elsewhere, either on www.wordchimes.com or by email, please send me an email telling me so. Also, if you would prefer to be dropped from God’s Tug. No hard feelings.

Blessings upon you, your families, and your furkids (if you have any).
Michelle Rose

Friday, April 1, 2011

God's Furred and Feathered Ambassadors

Friends, I had no idea what I was going to write tonight. This came from God. What I write here is about my life and my relationship with the Lord.

God's blessings upon you.
Michelle Rose

God’s Furred and Feathered Ambassadors (and those with scales, too) ;~D
April 1, 2011

An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language. ~Martin Buber

If all the beasts were gone, men would die from a great loneliness of spirit, for whatever happens to the beasts also happens to the man. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the Earth befalls the sons of the Earth. ~Chief Seattle of the Suquamish Tribe, letter to President Franklin Pierce

Isaiah 11: 6-9
“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox. The infant will play near the hole of the cobra, and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest. They will neither harm nor destroy on my holy mountain, for the earth will be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” (NIV)

So much of my life I’ve spent alone, with the exception of having a four-legged companions – I’ve never been married or had a long-term relationship. God has gifted me with numerous cats, guinea pigs, and a few rats. When I feel lonely, they have cuddled me; sat on my lap; listened when I spoke of joy and sadness; needed me; and accepted me just as I am. It has also caused me great sadness when God took them from me, just as He put them in my life. It’s not that I dislike people, it’s just that for so long I could not relate to my own kind because of my emotional disability. That happened when I was first diagnosed with it, but it still happens sometimes now. I can only be with others for so long then I have to escape to be by myself and with either Sasha or other animals. The words Isaiah uses in this verse are pretty much close to my picture of an idyllic heaven. It’s where I want to be when I leave this earth. I want to run with the wolves, tigers, cheetahs, leopards, and other creatures that humans destroy for their own selfish and greedy motives. Creatures, in this life, that mostly are too wild for human companionship. Ok, I’ve gotten off on a bit of a rant here. But, maybe what I see in them, not that I don’t see it in people, are God’s blessings of understanding.

Last night I was watching The Mentalist, with Simon Baker. If any of you watch this show, you’ll understand what I’m talking about here. Patrick Jane, the character played by Baker, is multi-faceted – funny, outrageous and courageous. But something I realized last night was that he is also perceptive to the needs of people and compassionate towards them. Last night’s episode had me in tears, since Jane understands that a medical examiner, who he’s always ridiculed, is dying. It is that compassion, making me love his character. This is how God blesses me with animals – this is how animals are to me (ok, not that people aren’t). This is how God wants me to be toward other people and my lessons come from some humans and many animals. This is the longest God’s Tug I’ve written so far – although I want to keep them brief. Yet, I needed to get it out, since I’m having a bit of a challenging time right now.