“Bun Bun”

Let me introduce you to Bun…

sometimes called Bun Bun

When I got a stuffed animal when young…

I went with my feeling as to whether it was a girl or boy.

Then I named him/her accordingly.

Evidently I had felt for years that Bun was a boy.

Finding out later in “her life”, that my Granddaughter at one year old felt she was a girl.

She had received her on her first Easter morning 18 years ago.

We laughed when I discovered my mistake,

Being a stuffed animal, it was the choice of the owner (recipient) to make that decision.

As I began writing this blog… I was not going in this direction at all.

But, as story tellers do…

The writing takes on a life of it’s own.

A toy is a toy.

The creator of the toy can choose the sex of it.

The recipient can name and call it what gender they want.

But…

When God uniquely created mankind in His image…

“Image” meaning we reflect the very character of God in our spiritual being.

And we are distinct from all other creatures.

Genesis 1:26-28

A key part of Scripture whereby foundational teaching on the image of God begins.

The Hebrew language of verse 27 makes it clear that God’s image of mankind depicts humanity as distinct from animals.

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

God then directly breathed into man’s nostrils the breath of life. (Genesis 1:26, 2-7)

Intimate actions compared to the general nature of creating everything else.

Back to Bun…

He has been greatly loved!

My granddaughter, now 18, will be going to college in the very near future.

We kiddingly asked her if Bun was going with her.

She said no…

Afraid of being made fun of.

I imagine all students of this age have a few things of attachment that will be left behind.

Oh, if we could just get passed that stigma.

It would be so freeing if we could just be ourselves totally.

So, when looking at Bun on Christmas Eve and reminiscing…

Kennedy decided that he or was it she?…

needed a few repairs.

I have repaired Bun many times…

Like the Velveteen Rabbit in the storybook…

He was loved so much his fur is flattened and his tail and nose have been rubbed completely off.

Ribbon on neck long gone.

He was brought to me and I smiled so BIG as I hugged him tight.

Like a part of our little family I love him too..

Even with his tears and rips…

Tail had been fixed before and nose had been replaced

He was quite dirty, due to them thinking he would fall apart.

Tears and rips repaired…

new tail and nose with heart…

and a new red / pink ribbon…

Washed gently and dried…

Ready to be loved for many more years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Adventures of Chase”

My adopted baby boy is a totally black kitty…

that I named Chase.

Wanted a boy name and I really liked this one.

Black cat breeds are as sleek and elegant as they are sweet and affectionate.

Chase identifies with the breed called…

“Devon Rex”
Sporting a pixie-like face and large ears, this breed has a full-of-tricks personality.

It describes him perfectly!

 

This shelf is above my stove in the kitchen.

No place too far out of reach or too tall.

I come in to find him on top of the refrigerator.

As I said he is so black you cannot even see any accents or his eyes at times when taking pictures

He looks at me like , “What’s the matter?”…

“What’s the big deal?”…

I’m thinking he’s on top of the fridge when I look up and he is walking on door…

Of course I had to laugh!

Next episode of Chase…

to come in next blog.

“How his name fits perfectly!”

 

Christmas Present

My little neighbor has a new Granddaughter.

She is still very small and her name is Luna.

Yes, like the moon.

That is her with her big brother.

Precious.

Grandma found an old Spring Horse probably from the ’60’s or “70’s.

I could not find one just like it on the internet.

It was in great condition.

Well… I thought it was.

Except for not having a mane or tail and painted all white.

Just a few discrepancies, ha, ha!

I was asked to paint it and of course it would need a mane and a tail.

I love fixing old into new, so I said sure.

We put in my shed.

Summer became Fall… Fall became winter.

Did I remember the horse in the shed?

Of course not!

Not until my neighbor asked about it.

So…

between doing Christmas for my family, decorating barely, making costumes for Christmas Play at church, keeping up my house chores, visiting (it was the season),

going to events planned

making fudge for presents,

getting yard and house winterized,

I brought “the Horse” into my house and walked around it for weeks.

You know that art is something you have to be in the mood to do!

So… one night I got my paints together, checked over this horse, and began to form an idea in my head as to what could be done to bring him back to life.

Color was my first thought…

colors that were meant for a little Princess.

Pinks, purples, yellows, aqua blues…

That would do!

The design on the horse began to come alive.

Main body first.

The reins, the bridle , the saddle and handles.

.

What was I going to do for a tail and mane?

I thought of many ideas.

But, my thrift stores gave me my idea.

I found a baby throw which reversed… pink on one side…

lavender on other.

Being, that I do have an artistic mind, the image started taking place.

“Gorilla Glue” and some cutting and clipping.

“THE HORSE” was finished.

Even with her name.

Rave reviews, which I was thankful for.

Just in time for Christmas Eve.

Even though our little Princess wouldn’t be riding her Fairy Tale Horse for a few more months.

Grandma Sherry smiled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Helping Your Church Grow”

Our Church is growing and so am I.

My goal this past year of 2019 was to find a Church Home and to find Peace in my heart.

Without God leading me to my small church, Cardinal Hill Baptist, I would never had made it!

I have been involved now for six months.

You noticed I use the word “involved”.

Because if not involved,

Meeting other members,

Participating in events,

Learning new names,

Giving what you can give,

Sharing your talents,

You just are not a part of your church.

I hear the word “active”… engaging or ready to engage in physically energetic pursuits.

“involved”… being a part of something or associated with it.

******************

Skip now to December 30, 2019

I have now been “involved” for one year.

I now feel a real part of “my church”.

I have met and become friends with many.

I have started painting on walls of some of the rooms at church,

a Sunday School room and the nursery.

I paint murals,

talent only credited to God.

No real training but, a talent born with,

so “God Given”.

I admit I haven’t moved as fast as I wanted on these projects,

but, I hope to focus better this coming year.

Using my time wisely has not been my greatest function lately.

So hope to improve on that!

Other things I have tried to do is to join classes that are presented on Wednesday nights.

We have lately been studying the…

Ten Commandments

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall make no idols.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Keep the Sabbath day holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet.

We have gotten through #5.

Will begin again after the first of the New Year.

We have learned so much in our discussions and studying.

Mainly how weak we are and how much stronger we need to become in following

God’s Laws and teachings.

We had Bible School in the summer.

I helped by having a “Paint your face” booth and having crafts for a younger and older class of children.

With the theme similar to a jungle theme…

we made cupcakes with animal figures on top and notebooks.

The people who provided all of the activities, classes, food and work was phenomenal.

Recently we had a Christmas Play…

We were so blessed for the “PARTICIPATION”!

(definition to follow)

Music, Singing, Technical Help, Cast Members, Making Costumes and Accessories, Coordinating the Participants with their lines and acting, Sets and preparing food, desserts and drink for all that came.

It was such a blessing to see the finished product.

We give to our church in other ways.

Through cooking and baking for our dinners.

Through tithing.

Through cutting grass, keeping the grounds the church is built on.

Through keeping church clean.

Through being teachers.

Through keeping account of the monies given to the church and wisely using these funds.

Keeping records.

Just a few of the many jobs that have to be addressed.

YES!

some require lots of skill and others less but, we give or do where or what we can!

All important!

*****

Participation:

participation

[pärˌtisəˈpāSH(ə)n]

NOUN 

participations (plural noun)

1. the action of taking part in something.

   “participation in church activities” ·

   synonyms:

   involvement · taking part · part · engagement · contribution · sharing · association · partaking · joining in

   This is what has to happen to help our church grow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Chase”

After losing my husband Bobby. I was a mess.

Still have a few meltdowns which I call them.

The missing and loss is horrific.

I have literally pushed myself through this past year.

It has been 1 year – 6 months.

On the day I was lead to write this it was raining and temperatures were going to drop to freezing.

My biggest help I have found when grieving is to put your hand in God’s and hold tight…

Surround yourself with people with a Love for Jesus.

Positive, loving thoughts will encompass you.

Many touches in the form of hugs and kisses.

People told me to keep busy.

“Busy” became a word I hated.

With “widow” right behind.

Every Holiday was a challenge.

Every “couple” was a curse to me.

I still wanted that.

I wasn’t through being my Bobby’s wife.

I was alone with myself and my old cat of 18 years.

 

So what happens…

I had to have her put down due to cancer related issues.

Grieving another love about got the best of me!

After a month I checked out the Humane Society through a

pet store near me.

“JUST LOOKING” of course.

This little face of 4 months old looked into my eyes.

And I looked back. We needed each other.

So I adopted this little Black Furry Kitty.

 

Decided on a “boy” name of Chase.

He responded immediately to living with me.

They had said, “He’s “busy” and full of energy!”.

Ironic that that word was used.

Just what I needed!

“busy” was a wonderful word now!

I saw God smile at that moment!

And as this little black furry creature climbed into my arms with sandpaper kisses and paw touches on my face,

I knew immediately my prayers were being answered.

A spark was lit inside me.

My heart was trying to heal with God presenting me with my new Love.

A total God Moment as I call it!

Such a loving way that only can come from our Lord.

As I look back since I joined the small church that God lead me to.

I see the wonders of His Touch just like Chase’s with his small furry paws.

Cardinal Hill Baptist Church which is entwined with the most caring people reached their hands out to me with such love..

I have begun to feel Peace.

I am learning more and more of God’s way through His Word and teachings of people with the Healing of Christ in them.

I am healing.

Learning what real “touch” is.

The touch of a loving Father.

The touch of a Given Son.

The touch of a Holy Spirit that I can call on and reach out to when in need.

I try to reach out before I’m in need.

I want the love of God in me as I go through each day.

A preparedness of a Living God residing in me.

Thank you Jesus for my healing progress.

In small baby steps and stages where I can keep the lessons within me.

Both Chase and myself have the beginnings of a new life.

New selves.

I will never be the same person again.

but, a new person with Christ is so wonderful.

Chase feels it too.

 

 

The Meaning of “HOPE”

On Easter Sunday morning I was pressed with what I call…

God Speaking

If you listen carefully He guides you in a perfect direction.

I kept hearing Faith*Hope*Love

At the Women’s Bible Study I lead, we had just finished studying about FAITH.

Coincidence? I don’t think so!

So, I felt that our next lessons would be on HOPE.

We met again at Burger King, where we have a lite breakfast and drink.

We talk awhile as we eat, and then I open with prayer.

HOPE was to be our next topic of study for the next few weeks.

Everyone seemed to think that was good idea.

We were to learn a lot about this word HOPE!

The definition of HOPE is:
An optimistic state of mind that is based on an expectation of positive outcomes with respect to events and circumstances in one’s life or the world at large.

As a noun HOPE means:

A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.

A feeling of trust.

A person or thing that may help or save someone.

Grounds for believing that something good may happen.

As a verb HOPE means:

Wanting something to happen or be the case.

Words that express this type of HOPE:

expect

anticipate

want

look for

hope against hope

plan

aspire

The SPIRITUAL meaning is:

A positive and potent spiritual practice with the power to pull us through difficult times.

EXPECT WITH CONFIDENCE!

These are some “light metaphors” of Hope

a ray

a beam

a glimmer of HOPE

break in the clouds

light at the end of tunnel

We found our worldly meaning of hope is quite different than the HOPE we receive in God.

And so, Lord, Where Do I Put My Hope?

My ONLY HOPE is in YOU!

Psalm 39:7

Now Faith is confidence in what we HOPE for and assurance about what we do not see.

Hebrew 11:1.

May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you , so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT in HIM.

Romans 15:13

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In His great MERCY He has given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

(HOPE IN GOD)

We expect things like Glory and Grace with confidence because the Lord has promised them to us.

Psalm 42

God is our Hope and Strength

We will not FEAR!

*And then today I happened on a book called,

“HOPE for Your HEART” Finding Strength in Life’s Storms

by June Hunt

Coincidence?

I say, listen to the small still voice of God.

He will guide and direct us in all things!

Written by: Marilyn Griffin

Member of Cardinal Hill Baptist Church

Louisville, KY

 

 

Gives and Takes Away

My Bobby will be gone for one year in 21 more days.

This past year I have had a very hard time.

My emotions run rapid.

My insides are in turmoil all of the time.

The tears still flow at the thought of him.

The only Peace I find is in nature, reading God’s word, praying,

Staying busy has become my catch phrase.

It is so hard to just take a step at times.

It is so hard to talk at times.

It is so hard to even breathe, which should come naturally.

Photo by Oleksandr Pidvalnyi on Pexels.com

I am trying to make me whole again. It will take a long time.

I thought the days I spent caring for my Bobby would be the hardest.

No, the hardest is not having him here with me.

You try to substitute others into that role.

Doesn’t work.

They didn’t love me the way he did!

They don’t know me the way he did.

They didn’t take me just as I was like he did.

They didn’t become entwined so tight that when he died my body was left half gone.

My mind aches with memories.

I turned to God.

I knew HE would be the only real help for my suffering.

I surrounded myself with people of like mind.

People who know that Faith, Hope and completeness only comes through God.

So, God…

we have a journey to go through.

How long?

Only YOU know that!

I will try my best to do what I hear whispered in my ear.

I know you will guide me, if I listen.

A lot depends on me!

I write this to let others know that what you are feeling in these circumstances it’s OK.

We are weak.

And the hurt is real.

But, turning to your Savior is your Peace.

HE will lead you in the right direction that HE already sees.

 

Job 1:18-22

Job had faith in the power of God. Job believed in God’s sovereignty, in the fact that God was in control. Thus, he did not view the death of his children as a natural disaster (though, in a sense, it was), but as an act of God. He said, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Walk in Faith, “Be the Best You Can Be”

We are still meeting at Burger King for our Women’s Bible Study.

It’s convenient for most and the croissant breakfast sandwiches are pretty good.

We nibble on our breakfast choices as we wait for all to arrive.

Hot coffee for some of us to get us started for the day.

I was asked, “How are you accepted at the restaurant?”

I do see some interest from other people and only kindness from the employees,

asking us, “Would you like a refill?”, with a genuine smile.

Our small group is growing.

We try to announce the date and time on Sunday mornings and FACEBOOK is our advertisement to reach other women that might like to join.

Word of mouth is usually the best way.

Our busy lives and habits deter us from these type of things.

I am guilty.

But, as I was asked to do this small task for our church, I am enjoying the company of like women talking about our Walk of Faith with our Lord, the topic I chose.

People usually learn by talking to one another.

The conversation and discussing of what material I prepare brings forth good conversation.

We are all on different levels of our Walk in Faith.

Young and older.

All have had different experiences that have definitely brought us closer to our Lord and the scripture.

Things we brought away from our study.

1. Be a good steward of talents given to you, using them in the tasks and circumstances God has given you.
2. Matthew 6:19-20- Store up treasures in Heaven by doing the will of God, rather than fussing over the treasures of Earth.
3. We as Humans want to follow the ways of the world, but to walk by Faith, you need to follow the ways of God.
4. You will receive criticism from those around you making you to want to follow the ways of the World. but, as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 it is explained- “Trust in the Lord with all , and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths”.
5.  The trials we face are there to give your journey strength and meaning.
6. Although we may stumble and give into temptation, God will not abandon you.
7. Prayer is the avenue to our Lord and hope to conquer our fears, needs, trouble and heartache..
8. First Corinthians 10:31 explains, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”      Be the best you can be!

 

 

 

 

Wants (Materialistic) Needs (God Given)

I’ve never been too much on having the “BEST” of everything.

I am actually a Thrift Store, Peddler Mall, Second Hand shop shopper.

Photo by Artem Bali on Pexels.com

This is probably because I like older things if in good shape and usable.

I find that the quality of older things is usually better made than things now.

To bring something from old to new again with a coat of paint or just a good cleaning makes me happy and satisfied.

A saying I have hung in my kitchen is –

“When you LOVE what you have,

Then you have EVERYTHING you need.

Since my husband passed almost 11 months ago I have had to make all the decisions in dealing with the purchase of things.

My car was 5 years old and paid off.

My dilemma was to either keep my older car or to purchase a new one.

Photo by Leo Cardelli on Pexels.com

My mind was in a whirl!

I’m not one to just get rid of things as you can probably tell by my shopping admittance I made, unless unusable, broken or not functional anymore.

I asked a few people I trust for guidance in this decision, where as I usually would have had a partner in advising me.

The pros and cons.

A  list was made.

Photo by Natalie B on Pexels.com

As I drove to the car dealership, I prayed for God to lead me in making the right decision.

Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com

I would know the signs the Lord was giving me if I listened closely.

I had figures, make, model and even color in mind.

I had cleaned my 5-year-old car that we had kept serviced and clean.

I was proud to say it was worth what I wanted.

I didn’t want any more than that.

I was able to be truthful with all answers concerning my trade-in.

The car I got… YES!... I purchased my new car last Saturday.

WHY?

1. The car I wanted was actually sitting right in front of the dealership’s door where I walked in.
2.  The young man I talked to on the phone was right there, even though he had no idea I was coming.
3.  Every aspect of price, trade in value, rate on loan and number of years financed was right on target.
4.  I expressed how I was guided by the One I put my trust in.
5.  I was given the words to say and able to keep a nice verbal conversation throughout the buying process.
6. I drove home knowing I had made a wise decision with the guidance I was given

Before I even got home my interest rate was lowered even more and payment dropped by a few dollars.

The Lord doesn’t want us to put Material Items above Him.

He knows we need things to get along in this world we live in.

Transportation being one of them.

I needed a safe,  reliable car being a woman on my own now.

And He met all of my “needs!

A good car, not the most expensive

A car with the essentials, not all the “bells and whistles” as they say that I needed

A great interest rate and a payment that is definitely manageable for me

Three nice gentleman I dealt with that seemed to have my interest as well as theirs in mind

This is what the Lord can do for you!

1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

1 John 2:16
For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world.

1 Timothy 6:9
But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Strong, Firm and Steadfast!

As I have said earlier, my Bobby passed away 10 months ago.

For those who don’t know, he died 3 years after a diagnosis of colon cancer and 49 years of being my husband. 

I struggle daily with this new way of life.

A widow.

A lonely person living in our home we made together.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Yes, I have children. Two wonderful sons.

Yes, I have family. A close sister and a brother, nieces, nephews, cousins and 3 of the most wonderful Grandchildren.

Yes, I have many friends.

But, with all that, my life is so miserable.

Keep busy they say.

I push hard to do that!

Read.

I do that. Finding it hard to pick up a book. Knowing it will probably have a relationship in it, which I have none now.

Scripture and my Devotional Book is my go to.

Searching for God’s Word to give me comfort

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I prefer gloomy days to sunshine, because I have no sunshine in me right now.

The gloom and cold lets me hibernate in my house.

Lets me alone with my sad thoughts.

NOT GOOD! Even I know that!

My motivation can’t be stirred.

So, this gets me to the subject I wanted to express.

Bobby and I had a cat named Jill.

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I still have her but, being 19 years old,

I fear that she will leave me too.

And to experience any more loss is overwhelming to me.

When Bobby got ill and was told he had terminal cancer, my old girl climbed upon me and never left my side during the whole time.

She lay on me feeling my heart beat.

She patted my face as if to comfort me.

She lay above my head at night.

I knew she felt my heartache.

When Bobby passed we both were surrounded by neighbors, friends and family.

They didn’t let me have a moment to grieve.

Wanting me to stay upbeat and to live.

And I did.

Thinking I was fine.

Thinking I was strong.

I was the One that had it all together.

Until 6 months to the day after my Bobby was gone.

The weather was changing.

The attention was waiving.

And the weight of my whole past life came in on me.

No more Bobby.

No more times together.

No more talking.

No more touch.

No plans to complete.

No joy!

My kitty and I hit rock bottom.

I can honestly say I was NOT mad at God.

I had seen many others suffer loss.

But, YES!

I was angry.

That the weight of loss is so bad!

The emptiness is so bad!

The tightness in my chest never leaves!

The tears come so frequent!\

Photo by Stokpic on Pexels.com

They say, “The loss of true, strong, devotional LOVE will effect us this way”.

and I should be glad I had that.

Oh, I am!

but, the days experiencing this is most unbearable!

I want to be released from this “grieving”.

I want to not hurt so bad anymore.

I want happy again.

I want to function, without having to make myself!

I want Peace.

As I said, My Jill and I was at a very low point.

I began to hibernate in my home.

I said and did foolish things.

My emotions in high gear!

I felt I was justified in doing so.

My cat began to hibernate in an empty box I had gotten something in.

No contact.

No eating.

Habits changed.

and worst of all she didn’t even have it in herself to comfort me!

We were a sad case!

I do believe this is what opened my eyes.

I saw me in her!.

and knew things had to change.

Actually, I know the Lord was listening to my prayers, my petitions, when I got down on my knees.

He was slowly starting to heal me.

I felt a little life regaining its space in me.

My Jill came out of her box.

She started talking like she never had.

She expressed interest in her food.

Old habits of laying on me came back.

Patting my face in care.

Sleeping on a pillow near me.

We weren’t the same…

But, I got the message,  “We’re going to be alright.”

Photo by Bithin raj on Pexels.com

The God of all grace, who called, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:10