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
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Thursday, April 21, 2011
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
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
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
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
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Asking and Caring
Photobucket Image by Speigel16
Have you ever asked that question that many people take for granted? Yes, the one for which we only expect a cursory answer. You know the one I mean? It rolls off our lips like winning coins coming out of a slot machine. The question is "How are you?"
Most of the time the answer is a one-word or less fly-by: "Fine," "Ok," "Lousy," or something of that nature. I have one online friend, who when I ask that question goes into great detail. Now, I know to expect this, but I'm also interested in how this friend really is doing at the moment. We've talked online and sometimes on the phone quite a number of times, so I know the situation.
I've often given detailed answers to this question, because sometimes a simple answer won't do and life (mine or anyone else's) can be complicated, rather than requiring a simple answer. If I didn't care about how my friends are, I wouldn't ask. Fortunately, I mostly have the time to listen to this friend and we can discuss what's happening in both our lives in detail. Maybe we can't help solve any situations at the time, but sometimes just talking things out and having someone listen helps.
I know when I was going through the challenging times where nothing appeared simple, I was very grateful for those who listened to me. I was also grateful they encouraged me to adopt a positive attitude no matter what events I was experiencing. Maybe friends will get tired of hearing you talk about the same thing if it goes on for too long (well, some aren't like this), but one sure thing is that God never tires of listening to us. And, He not only listens, He makes a way where there is none. How do I know this is true? Because it happens in my life over and over again.
So, next time you (or I) ask someone "How are you?" be prepared for an honest answer.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Freedom
"The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become." ~Harold Taylor~
As I was walking home from the farmers' market today, I thought about freedom. Freedom comes in many forms - personal, physical, mental, financial, emotional, and governmental (and probably more). I have learned quite a bit about freedom in my life with the experiences I've had and the lessons these experiences have taught me. I don't smoke, drink, or use drugs, so I have freedom from substance abuse. I don't drive a car, so I have financial freedom from the expense of owning one. I don't own a house, so I don't have the expense of upkeep and repair. I don't eat certain foods, so I've lowered my risk of certain diseases.
Yet aside from all of this, when I think about freedom, it goes much deeper than that. I think true freedom comes from within - from the way I look at life and how I process my environment. I don't have to own many of the material possessions that some people feel equate freedom - and to them they might and that's ok. Although I do have certain possessions in my life and they help, freedom comes from the beauty I see around me, a God in my life and His love, good memories of times like yesterday - a bunch of poets and teachers having dinner after a poetry reading, or being in a quiet apartment with my cat next to me. Freedom is an abstract concept although it can have concrete manifestations.
Most of all, freedom is looking back from where I've come to where I am now and not worrying about where I'll be going, since I know that's not in my hands, but in the hands of someone greater than I am.
The following is a poem I wrote about a picture I saw online for another project I'm writing poems for - the return of people to the internment camp at Manzanar. One photo struck me particularly. Maybe this is what started my thinking about freedom.
pierced heart
in darkness my heart
is pierced by that from
which i can't escape
an unwilling
prisoner of hate
not because of what
i am only because
my association with
events make me who i am
free me to love again
as i once did unwrap
this wire from my spirit
As I was walking home from the farmers' market today, I thought about freedom. Freedom comes in many forms - personal, physical, mental, financial, emotional, and governmental (and probably more). I have learned quite a bit about freedom in my life with the experiences I've had and the lessons these experiences have taught me. I don't smoke, drink, or use drugs, so I have freedom from substance abuse. I don't drive a car, so I have financial freedom from the expense of owning one. I don't own a house, so I don't have the expense of upkeep and repair. I don't eat certain foods, so I've lowered my risk of certain diseases.
Yet aside from all of this, when I think about freedom, it goes much deeper than that. I think true freedom comes from within - from the way I look at life and how I process my environment. I don't have to own many of the material possessions that some people feel equate freedom - and to them they might and that's ok. Although I do have certain possessions in my life and they help, freedom comes from the beauty I see around me, a God in my life and His love, good memories of times like yesterday - a bunch of poets and teachers having dinner after a poetry reading, or being in a quiet apartment with my cat next to me. Freedom is an abstract concept although it can have concrete manifestations.
Most of all, freedom is looking back from where I've come to where I am now and not worrying about where I'll be going, since I know that's not in my hands, but in the hands of someone greater than I am.
The following is a poem I wrote about a picture I saw online for another project I'm writing poems for - the return of people to the internment camp at Manzanar. One photo struck me particularly. Maybe this is what started my thinking about freedom.
pierced heart
in darkness my heart
is pierced by that from
which i can't escape
an unwilling
prisoner of hate
not because of what
i am only because
my association with
events make me who i am
free me to love again
as i once did unwrap
this wire from my spirit
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Life's Boomerangs
"The game of life is the game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later, with astounding accuracy." ~Florence Shinn~
Sometimes I say or do things, then afterwards wonder why I did or said them. My thoughts and words are usually under pretty much control, but tonight, something I said came back to me. Embarrassment is what I feel at being a bit loose lipped and saying what I should not have said.
I think the situation will work out ok. Sometimes the passage of time helps situations resolve themselves. Other times they haven't. In those cases, I just have to let go of the people, places, or things that don't work out and move on.
Sometimes I say or do things, then afterwards wonder why I did or said them. My thoughts and words are usually under pretty much control, but tonight, something I said came back to me. Embarrassment is what I feel at being a bit loose lipped and saying what I should not have said.
I think the situation will work out ok. Sometimes the passage of time helps situations resolve themselves. Other times they haven't. In those cases, I just have to let go of the people, places, or things that don't work out and move on.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Before and After
This morning in reading my morning meditation - the scripture reading - from Charles Stanley's In Touch, I saw a picture of myself. Not that I didn't know what I was like before, but it said it so plainly that I am grateful that I am a Christian.
Galatians 5:19-26
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we life by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Charles Stanley says: "The key to living a life of joy, peace, and victory is found in Galatians 5. Notice that I did not say a life without conflict or one free of temptation, trial, or heartache. Those are part of the human condition. But we can triumph through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In fact, today's passage makes clear how vital it is for believers to life a Spirit-filled life."
When I think about the before me, it is evident to me why not only did people not like myself, but I didn't like myself either. Now, self-love has not come immediately and in a big rush. It has taken many years of belonging to Christ (and many, many changes in my life) for me to get to the point where I like myself just as I am, looking like the Michelin tire (wo)man or Pillsbury dough girl and all. ;-) But God does not look at my outsides. He created me with love.
Yes, it took quite a long time to love God's creation (me) the way HE (emphasis mine) sees me. But I do and I less and less I allow others' perception of me (the negative ones) to influence how I feel. God loves me, He shows me how He loves me. I am becoming (the after me) the person God wants me to become.
Galatians 5:19-26
19 The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25 Since we life by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Charles Stanley says: "The key to living a life of joy, peace, and victory is found in Galatians 5. Notice that I did not say a life without conflict or one free of temptation, trial, or heartache. Those are part of the human condition. But we can triumph through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In fact, today's passage makes clear how vital it is for believers to life a Spirit-filled life."
When I think about the before me, it is evident to me why not only did people not like myself, but I didn't like myself either. Now, self-love has not come immediately and in a big rush. It has taken many years of belonging to Christ (and many, many changes in my life) for me to get to the point where I like myself just as I am, looking like the Michelin tire (wo)man or Pillsbury dough girl and all. ;-) But God does not look at my outsides. He created me with love.
Yes, it took quite a long time to love God's creation (me) the way HE (emphasis mine) sees me. But I do and I less and less I allow others' perception of me (the negative ones) to influence how I feel. God loves me, He shows me how He loves me. I am becoming (the after me) the person God wants me to become.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Listening to My Body
I woke up early this morning and could not get back to sleep. Instead, I called my Aunt Nettie in NJ, then got Sasha's food and my breakfast ready. Today, I've been having trouble with pain in in my arms and legs, but I've attempted to keep somewhat active anyway. I went to the farmers' market, since I was out of baby lettuce, sprouts, and tomatoes. It's a bit of exercise and gets me out into the fresh air and sunshine. In the desire to eat better and change my eating habits, I've allowed myself the "luxury" of buying and eating fresh organic food. I love the taste more than fruits and veggies I buy from Ralph's Market.
After I ate lunch, a vegan meal I bought at the farmers' market, I was on the computer, but felt very tired. I wanted to stay on the computer chatting with my friends on facebook, but my body had other ideas. So, I got off the computer and lay down to take a couple hour nap. This, like the good food I gave it today, is what my body was telling me it needed.
Sometimes when I don't listen to what my body (physically) is telling me, I've gone over the limit and experience more pain. It's like that when I don't listen to what God is telling me. I have more pain in my day or in my life. Past mistakes tell me to stop being stubborn and listen to what I don't know but something or Someone else does. It saves me the pain of making the mistatke again.
After I ate lunch, a vegan meal I bought at the farmers' market, I was on the computer, but felt very tired. I wanted to stay on the computer chatting with my friends on facebook, but my body had other ideas. So, I got off the computer and lay down to take a couple hour nap. This, like the good food I gave it today, is what my body was telling me it needed.
Sometimes when I don't listen to what my body (physically) is telling me, I've gone over the limit and experience more pain. It's like that when I don't listen to what God is telling me. I have more pain in my day or in my life. Past mistakes tell me to stop being stubborn and listen to what I don't know but something or Someone else does. It saves me the pain of making the mistatke again.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Forgiveness
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Forgiveness
“…bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.” ~Colossians 3:13 New American Standard Bible~
“I can forgive, but I cannot forget, is only another way of saying, I will not forgive. Forgiveness ought to be like a cancelled note - torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.” ~Henry Ward Beecher~
Today I watched an incredible movie, “Maria Goretti.” It is about an Italian peasant girl in the early 20th century. Alessandro (one of the other villagers) could not accept her devotion to God and killed her when she would not give in to his selfish desires. Although based on a true story, I don’t know how close the movie is to reality. The fascinating part about the dvd is because of Maria’s faith, she forgave Alessandro for killing her. In 1950, Maria became a saint.
After watching “Maria Goretti,” I thought about my life and the people who hurt me. I don’t know how many times (probably countless) I’ve brought up someone that did me harm. In my prayers, I’ve done a cursory forgiveness, but never truly forgave them, otherwise the matter would be settled. I wonder, if someone did me enough harm to kill me, would I be able to forgive them?
These two quotes are quite significant, because when Jesus died on the cross to forgive sins, He did not look back and bring them up again. He forgave me and that’s the end of it. It should be that way when I forgive someone for hurting me. I have so much more to learn about forgiving someone.
Michelle Rose
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
August 6-10, 2009
**I'm posting all of the lessons I haven't posted in one day, to catch up quickly for those who would like to read them.
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Best in Myself
When we seek out the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.
~William Arthur Ward~
Wednesday I was on top of the world – everything appeared to be a blessing – then I went to the mail and I had a reality check. I had to file another claim for unemployment. I got upset – not stopping to see the shades of grey in between the white of blessing and the black of feeling punished. I called a friend and he suggested that I just had one more hoop to jump through before the San Francisco trip. I mentioned that it felt like they were rings with flames around them. All day Thursday I tried to get through to refile my unemployment claim, with no luck.
Part 2 continued on Friday.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Friday, August 07, 2009
Anger: The Worst of Myself
Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before - it takes something from him. ~Louis L'Armour
If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size? ~Sydney J. Harris
Anger is one letter short of danger. ~Author Unknown
I know this appears backwards, but I don’t always learn lessons when I’m patient. The last quote is especially relevant to what happened Friday. I learned one time that if I go to the EDD (Employment Development Department) office, they can sometimes get through to the 1-800 number to file claims. After my appointment with the nutritionist, I went to the office in downtown LA. I tried the number from the phone in the office and got irrationally angry and slammed the phone down. Fortunately, I didn’t get in trouble, but one of the office workers came out and said she’d help me. We talked for a minute and it took her a couple of tries to reach the claims department. She spoke to the rep, explaining the situation, then I filed my claim verbally. It turned out, that since I’d filed the claim online on Thursday, I already had a confirmation number.
So, things worked out. I got upset and angry for nothing. Once again, I reminded myself of the saying that God protects drunks and fools. I may not be a drunk, but anger certainly makes me a fool.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Preparation
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt
I am driving to San Francisco on Monday with friends to spend a week with them at poetry readings. Normally, I’d have already been packed by now, but I haven’t even started. Today I went to the bank and did a bit of shopping for food to take on the trip, so we don’t have to eat at restaurants. Then, I was either going to do laundry or some cleaning – I did neither – but watched the dvd, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. That’s the energy I had. Now that it’s later, I’ve decided to go to Ralph’s, like I planned earlier. It’s cooler out and I have a little more energy. Tomorrow I can do the laundry, a little cleaning, and pick up my meds at the pharmacy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Difficult Decisions
"We all carry around so much pain in our hearts. Love and pain and beauty. They all seem to go together like one little tidy confusing package. It's a messy business, life. It's hard to figure--full of surprises. Some good. Some bad." ~Henry Bromel, television producer~
I've had much pain in my life. Some of it led to incredible opportunities after I worked through it. Today I was in enormous physical pain that no matter what I did, it never went away. In addition, I experienced extreme muscular pain and weakness and exhaustion, making it difficult for me to do even the one task I set for myself - laundry. In light of the way I felt, I decided not to go on the poetry tour to San Francisco. In my heart I was sad, but I knew I made the best decision for myself, since feeling like I did (and I have), I would not be able to keep up with the pace of the tour. This tour will not be the last one, nor will I feel this way forever. More opportunites for tours and vacations will arise and when they do, I will be ready for them physically, emotionally, and mentally. I know that the Lord was telling me that this wasn't the right time to force my body to do what it wasn't ready to do.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Monday, August 10, 2009
Never Too Late
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans), English novelist~
“Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” ~David Starr Jordan, The Philosophy of Despair, US biologist, educator, & ichthyologist (1851 - 1931) ~
I have often mentioned to others that I am not a success. I am 60, but my life is not over by any means. I did a search of famous people who achieved success late in life. Some people are very recognizable, while others may not be. Below is a short list of people who show that never giving up led to their success:
“Anna Mary Robertson "Grandma" Moses was in her 70s when she began painting scenes of her rural life in upstate New York.
When she was just months shy of her 50th birthday, Julia Child collaborated on her first French cooking book, a two-volume set titled Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Colonel Sanders of finger lickin’ good chicken fame, had a difficult start in life but early on realized he had a creative cooking talent. However it was not until he was in his 60s that he started KFC and became a millionaire.
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her family's life in the 1870s and 1880s in the acclaimed The Little House on the Prairie series of books for children. She published her first book at the age of 65.”
References quoted and paraphrased from: http://www.eldr.com/blogs/creativity-matters/when-creative-success-comes-later-life
What this shows me is that everything I have done so far relates to future success in my health, creativity, achievements and in all areas of my life. I may not become as famous as the people I mentioned above, but I will achieve the success of accomplishment. I measure success in being faithful to God and in the work I do to achieve my goals.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Healing
“3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. 5Great is our Lord and might in power; his understanding has no limit.” ~Ps 147: 3-5 NIV~
I have been brokenhearted many times about so many things. The Lord knows each one of them. He’s healed me, enabling me to move on in my life, often on to something much better. Right now, my heart is still battling with my food addiction. It’s out of control again. The visit to the nutritionist went well, but what I need is continuing support in this addiction. Just as the Lord has numbered and named each one of the myriad of stars in the sky, so has He all the days of my life. I want to win this battle. I want healing from the destructive force of this addiction. I must return to reading the book given to me by one of my friends who receives this daily journal, God Hunger. The author of the book encountered the same battle and won the war.
Once again, I ask you to keep me in your prayers (if you pray) or thoughts (if you don’t). Thank you.
Michelle Rose
Thursday, August 06, 2009
The Best in Myself
When we seek out the best in others, we somehow bring out the best in ourselves.
~William Arthur Ward~
Wednesday I was on top of the world – everything appeared to be a blessing – then I went to the mail and I had a reality check. I had to file another claim for unemployment. I got upset – not stopping to see the shades of grey in between the white of blessing and the black of feeling punished. I called a friend and he suggested that I just had one more hoop to jump through before the San Francisco trip. I mentioned that it felt like they were rings with flames around them. All day Thursday I tried to get through to refile my unemployment claim, with no luck.
Part 2 continued on Friday.
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Friday, August 07, 2009
Anger: The Worst of Myself
Anger is a killing thing: it kills the man who angers, for each rage leaves him less than he had been before - it takes something from him. ~Louis L'Armour
If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size? ~Sydney J. Harris
Anger is one letter short of danger. ~Author Unknown
I know this appears backwards, but I don’t always learn lessons when I’m patient. The last quote is especially relevant to what happened Friday. I learned one time that if I go to the EDD (Employment Development Department) office, they can sometimes get through to the 1-800 number to file claims. After my appointment with the nutritionist, I went to the office in downtown LA. I tried the number from the phone in the office and got irrationally angry and slammed the phone down. Fortunately, I didn’t get in trouble, but one of the office workers came out and said she’d help me. We talked for a minute and it took her a couple of tries to reach the claims department. She spoke to the rep, explaining the situation, then I filed my claim verbally. It turned out, that since I’d filed the claim online on Thursday, I already had a confirmation number.
So, things worked out. I got upset and angry for nothing. Once again, I reminded myself of the saying that God protects drunks and fools. I may not be a drunk, but anger certainly makes me a fool.
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Saturday, August 08, 2009
Preparation
Do what you can, with what you have, where you are. ~Theodore Roosevelt
I am driving to San Francisco on Monday with friends to spend a week with them at poetry readings. Normally, I’d have already been packed by now, but I haven’t even started. Today I went to the bank and did a bit of shopping for food to take on the trip, so we don’t have to eat at restaurants. Then, I was either going to do laundry or some cleaning – I did neither – but watched the dvd, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. That’s the energy I had. Now that it’s later, I’ve decided to go to Ralph’s, like I planned earlier. It’s cooler out and I have a little more energy. Tomorrow I can do the laundry, a little cleaning, and pick up my meds at the pharmacy.
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Sunday, August 9, 2009
Difficult Decisions
"We all carry around so much pain in our hearts. Love and pain and beauty. They all seem to go together like one little tidy confusing package. It's a messy business, life. It's hard to figure--full of surprises. Some good. Some bad." ~Henry Bromel, television producer~
I've had much pain in my life. Some of it led to incredible opportunities after I worked through it. Today I was in enormous physical pain that no matter what I did, it never went away. In addition, I experienced extreme muscular pain and weakness and exhaustion, making it difficult for me to do even the one task I set for myself - laundry. In light of the way I felt, I decided not to go on the poetry tour to San Francisco. In my heart I was sad, but I knew I made the best decision for myself, since feeling like I did (and I have), I would not be able to keep up with the pace of the tour. This tour will not be the last one, nor will I feel this way forever. More opportunites for tours and vacations will arise and when they do, I will be ready for them physically, emotionally, and mentally. I know that the Lord was telling me that this wasn't the right time to force my body to do what it wasn't ready to do.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Never Too Late
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” ~George Eliot (Mary Anne Evans), English novelist~
“Wisdom is knowing what to do next; virtue is doing it.” ~David Starr Jordan, The Philosophy of Despair, US biologist, educator, & ichthyologist (1851 - 1931) ~
I have often mentioned to others that I am not a success. I am 60, but my life is not over by any means. I did a search of famous people who achieved success late in life. Some people are very recognizable, while others may not be. Below is a short list of people who show that never giving up led to their success:
“Anna Mary Robertson "Grandma" Moses was in her 70s when she began painting scenes of her rural life in upstate New York.
When she was just months shy of her 50th birthday, Julia Child collaborated on her first French cooking book, a two-volume set titled Mastering the Art of French Cooking.
Colonel Sanders of finger lickin’ good chicken fame, had a difficult start in life but early on realized he had a creative cooking talent. However it was not until he was in his 60s that he started KFC and became a millionaire.
Laura Ingalls Wilder wrote about her family's life in the 1870s and 1880s in the acclaimed The Little House on the Prairie series of books for children. She published her first book at the age of 65.”
References quoted and paraphrased from: http://www.eldr.com/blogs/creativity-matters/when-creative-success-comes-later-life
What this shows me is that everything I have done so far relates to future success in my health, creativity, achievements and in all areas of my life. I may not become as famous as the people I mentioned above, but I will achieve the success of accomplishment. I measure success in being faithful to God and in the work I do to achieve my goals.
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Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Healing
“3He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. 4He determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. 5Great is our Lord and might in power; his understanding has no limit.” ~Ps 147: 3-5 NIV~
I have been brokenhearted many times about so many things. The Lord knows each one of them. He’s healed me, enabling me to move on in my life, often on to something much better. Right now, my heart is still battling with my food addiction. It’s out of control again. The visit to the nutritionist went well, but what I need is continuing support in this addiction. Just as the Lord has numbered and named each one of the myriad of stars in the sky, so has He all the days of my life. I want to win this battle. I want healing from the destructive force of this addiction. I must return to reading the book given to me by one of my friends who receives this daily journal, God Hunger. The author of the book encountered the same battle and won the war.
Once again, I ask you to keep me in your prayers (if you pray) or thoughts (if you don’t). Thank you.
Michelle Rose
Monday, April 13, 2009
Complacency
Lessons from Life, Monday, April 13, 2009
Complacency
“The final test of religious faith is whether it will enable men to endure insecurity without complacency or despair, whether it can so interpret the ancient verities that they will not become mere escape hatches from responsibilities but instruments of insights into what civilization means.”
~Reinhold Niebuhr quotes (American theologian, 1892-1971)~
This is where I’m at – complacency – a nowhere zone that feels like a grey area with even greyer edges. I’m not sure how I got here. Was it that during a crisis or challenge the adrenalin flowed and now that it’s over, there’s no “excitement” any more? I know it was a gradual process, but I know one thing, I’m finding it quite difficult to get out of this place.
I want to be back where I feel that my faith is a miracle of wonder; that life is incredibly amazing; that my goals are something to fight for. Maybe writing about this is the first step.
My gratitude to day is realization.
Surrounded by God’s Light, Michelle Rose
A Vacation from the Computer
Lessons from Life, Saturday, April 11, 2009
A Vacation from the Computer
“Good for the body is the work of the body, and good for the soul is the work of the soul, and good for either is the work of the other.” ~Henry David Thoreau~
I spend so much time on my computer, often not really accomplishing much, so today I was happy to take a vacation from it. I spent all day with the Pasadena Humane Society Mobile Adoption Unit. Of course, I took care of a Chihuahua most of the day.
What did I accomplish today? I was outside in lovely weather, I gave a sweet Chihuahua love and helped people see he needed a forever home, and I came home feeling tired, but happy.
My gratitude is that I was able to be the Chihuahua Whisperer one more day.
Taking care of God’s Creatures, Michelle Rose
Good Friday
Lessons from Life, Friday, April 10, 2009
Good Friday
“So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.” ~Luke 21:31 KJV~
Today the Romans crucified Jesus. He suffered unspeakable agony on the Cross as He shouldered the sins of the world alone. I spent today feeling depressed, since another student cancelled and I made no money this week. I wonder how Jesus felt hanging on that Cross, dying for people who did not believe in Him? Was He depressed? I know from reading the Bible that He asked The Father if the Crucifixion might be avoided, but Jesus also said those five words, “Not my will, but thine.” So Jesus knew that no matter what, He would be tried as a criminal and crucified just like one.
It never fails to amaze me that Jesus loved me so much that He would die for me. He didn’t question that He had to do it, He just obeyed the Father. I don’t believe Jesus became depressed that He had to do this. He followed the will of the Lord. The amazing part is that no matter what size my problems are, Jesus cares for each one, just as He loves me, even though I’m not perfect. He died for my imperfection. He died so He could see me again in Heaven – face to face – where all my sins would be forgiven and washed away.
Need I have anymore gratitude than this for the love of Jesus and my heavenly Father? I think not.
So Blessed and Loved by Jesus, Michelle Rose
A Cup of Comfort
Lessons from Life, Thursday, April 9, 2009
A Cup of Comfort
“Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.”
~Matthew 6:32-34~
Today I left my place early to get into Eagle Rock, so I could have lunch before tutoring my student. However, the student never showed, never called, never “nothinged.” To say I was upset is putting it mildly, since this is not the first time this student has done this to me. I wanted to yell and scream at the mother, but she’d gone out and left the student at home, besides it’s not good business to do that. I called my coordinator and blew off a bit of steam with him. He understood, as I’d told him this student and her mother did this on several occasions.
I decided to get back to Hollywood and go to Starbuck’s to have a cup of decaf espresso and a blueberry bar if they had them. I’m not sure why, but the bitterness of the espresso has always been soothing to me. That’s my physical cup of comfort. I didn’t make any money this week, but the Lord’s cup of comfort is being with me in a time when I feel quite depressed and upset. Yes, I’m concerned about money.
Sometimes I really like working in education, but the uncertainty of it does not make me comfortable. I’ll stay in it for right now, since this is how I know how to make money. I feel, though that God is somehow telling me to keep looking for something else in which I be more suited and more successful. I’ve got the sense that I’ve been following others’ paths most of my life, and now, even at this late age, it’s time to break free and choose something that is uniquely my own.
My gratitude is that the espresso soothed me and that I have the intrinsic knowledge and understanding that God loves me even when I don’t feel lovely.
Comforted by My Saviour, Michelle Rose
Slow Accomplishments
Lessons from Life, Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Slow Accomplishments
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishments.” ~Jim Rohn~
I am not always been disciplined in accomplishing my goals, so some of them take longer to achieve. Yet it is in my consistency to accomplish them that I succeed. When faced with the overwhelming amount of what I had to achieve, I’ve learned to allow myself to concentrate on one at a time, as I can handle them. Sometimes it’s not a choice of when to deal with them, but how in my attitude. It’s all I can do, since I’m only one person and in doing this, I’ve learned I don’t get as panicked and anxiety-ridden. This in itself has been my discipline.
My gratitude is knowing I can make it through challenging times and not worry that I will come through on the other end.
Realizing My Strengths, Michelle Rose
Wonderful Discoveries
Lessons from Life, Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Wonderful Discoveries
“My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare.”
~Psalm 25:15 NIV~ (actually all of Ps. 25)
In reading through the Bible, I’m discovering something wonderful – connections between the books of the Bible, events in them, and how they relate to events in my life.
In I Samuel, David, who’s become a soldier for King Saul is suddenly running from the King who believes David wants to harm the King. In the Psalms, many of which are written by David, who started out as a humble shepherd, calling out to God for safety from his enemies wanting to kill him.
I may not have enemies pursuing me who want to murder me – it only feels like it – but still, I’ve cried out to the Lord for relief from the overwhelming stress I’m under and He listened. David never stopped believing that his God would protect him. I’ve had my moments of doubt that my trials would ever end, but I have come through them and they are almost at an end. My lesson is taking an example from David and his faith in the Lord.
I’m grateful for my continuing faith.
I’d also like to request of those who read my Lessons from Life to pray for the earthquake situation in Italy. One of the ladies who reads this daily reflection lives in Italy. Maria, you are in my prayers that you and your family are safe.
Taking Lessons from the Bible, Michelle Rose
Turning a Corner
Lessons from Life, Monday, April 6, 2009
Turning a Corner
“The love of God is greater far
Than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
And reaches to the lowest hell…”
Full lyrics & information at: http://library.timelesstruths.org/music/The_Love_of_God/
~Written by Frederick M. Lehman, 1917~
I have not been in a very good place lately, as you can tell from my Lessons. Today, I turned to God for help, by writing, “God, I know I’m almost out of the woods, but the trees appear so huge. Can you hug me a bit closer and help me rise about them, showing me the edge of the forest? Your Child, Michelle Rose”
Tonight I was catching up on reading Nan’s Calendar and Everett’s Good Things and God showed me the edge of the woods. He showed me His Light.
My gratitude is how much better I feel.
Back in the SonLight, Michelle Rose
This Week's Ending
Lessons from Life, Sunday, April 5, 2009
This Week’s Ending
Even though I just felt like resting today, I had to do a bit of shopping (since I was out of soymilk) then do a couple loads of laundry – yeah – my once-a-month-whether-I-need- it-or-not-laundry – but I was totally out of underwear. Now the clothes are in the dryer and I can fold them soon.
Hopefully, the work I get this week will not be at middle schools, but I think it will, since the high schools are on break. Still, I need the money and work. I still haven’t had the chance to write the curriculum for a summer job. Not sure what lessons I’m learning each day, except how drained I am.
I’m grateful to have clean underwear.
God’s Wondering Child, Michelle Rose
Emtionally Drained
Lessons from Life, Saturday, April 4, 2009
Emotionally Drained
Today was supposed to be a fun day, but by the time I came home, I was so very tired physically and emotionally. I arrived at Poetry & Cookies late because the bus didn’t come on time and nearly didn’t get to read because I was kind of forgotten since I went to the bathroom. I think I’ll stay home next year since the rest of the day didn’t go very well either. My student didn’t show up, although her grandfather called later to apologize. By that time I just wanted to leave and come home. One of the poets gave me a ride down Lake Ave. Crossing the street after the light turned green, I nearly became roadkill when a car barreled through the red light – I pulled back just in time. Fortunately, the bus came a few minutes later – I felt so anti-social.
I was grateful to get in bed early, since there was nothing much on tv, and to read a very good book.
God’s Vulnerable Child, Michelle Rose
Payday
Lessons from Life, Friday, April 3, 2009
Payday
Today I received my pay from SSDI and LAUSD. I was so grateful that LAUSD included a stimulus rebate, which helped me pay my rent, some bills, and buy things I needed. Unfortunately, after paying for everything, I still couldn’t afford my discounted LA Zoo membership. I’ll just be patient and wait until I have the money to renew my membership.
After all the running around I did, I came home and was very tired and hurt quite a bit, but was very grateful for all I managed to accomplish.
Grateful to God, Michelle Rose
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