Some Will Even Be Kings; The Everlasting Promise

Last evening my son, Ashton, decided to join my husband  and I for dinner. It was a Friday evening and I felt privileged that this 21-year-old young man would want to be out on the town with his parents. Usually he is running around with his friends on weekend nights. As usual I was privy to an intriguing conversation; Ashton always has interesting stories. This one particular story was about a rapper who goes by the name Lil B. I guess Lil B. put a curse on James Harden who plays for the Houston Rockets. I hardly know anything about basketball much less rap; however, the conversation made a lasting impression.

 In order to spare the details about this story I included a web link that goes into detail.

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25195860/qa-lil-b-talks-about-the-basedgods-curse-on-james-harden

With today being Saturday I made myself a cup of coffee and headed for the porch. With this being the end of May, the weather was simply delightful. I began thinking about a dream I had last night. This was one of those spiritual dreams; once awoken, I did some soul searching. I have had a few of them and each one has been rather impacting. As I began reflecting, I started thinking about the story of Joseph and how jealous his brothers were of him. Jealousy can be very destructive and yet it can be very common.  Usually jealousy occurs when someone has something you want such as: possessions, attributes, and connections. The emotion and behavior of jealousy may stem from comparisons, feelings of injustice, or desires. Whatever the case may be; I would venture to say, that everyone has had to deal with jealousy to some degree. 

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Joseph had favor and his brothers despised him for it. They despised him so much that they were seething with jealousy. This jealousy was like a cancer, eating away at their soul, and forcing them to take action. One day, after deliberate consideration, they tossed their brother into a pit. If you would like to read all the details about the life of Joseph you can go to Genesis, chapters 37-50. I think you would really enjoy reading all the details of this story. Joseph was thrown into a pit, falsely accused of sexual immorality, sent to prison,  and later became Egypt's ruler. 

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So how does this tie in with my son's story of the rapper and the curse? It provoked an investigation into this idea of "curses & blessings".  I began thinking about Joseph's favor. Where did it come from? This prompted me to look at Deuteronomy 28. In this portion of the Bible we learn about where Joseph's favor originated. If you continue to read beyond the blessing, you will discover the curses.

Last week I was doing research into different theories concerning intelligence. Throughout my research I discovered some important information concerning the Jews living in America.

 Jews only make up about 2-3% of the American population and yet they make up 50% of the top 200 intellectuals, 40% of the Nobel prize winners in Science and Economics, 20% of the professors at the top universities, 40% of the partners in the top New York and DC law-firms, 59% of the writers, directors, and producers of the 50 top grossing movies, 37% of the winners of the national medal of science, and 50% of the world's chess champions. 

This information was retrieved from a Youtube video at this link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GexZF5VIMU

I began thinking about Joseph's favor, "the blessing" and how you still see the results of "the blessing" operating in Joseph's decedents, the Jews. You know what else I started thinking about? Those who receive "the blessing" which comes by faith, the gentiles. Who are the gentiles? Anyone who isn't Jewish.  The same "spirit of faith" that Abraham had (which resulted in an honorable standing with God, simply by  believing God), has become available to those who put their faith in Jesus's death & resurrection. Those who believe in Jesus as their eternal savior make the same transaction with God that Abraham made. Faith is exchanged for righteousness (right standing with God). Did you know that those gentiles who put their faith in Jesus are actually considered by God to be Abraham's children. That same "spirit of faith" that Abraham had is granted to those who by faith, follow Christ. A new location and exchange takes place. From darkness to light,  unrighteous to righteous, the head and not the tail, at the top rather than bottom. 

Galatians 3:6-9

In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God.

What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.

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Victorian Theme Bridal Shower

                     She said, "Yes". In the spring of 2013

      The man of her dreams,with such sweetness, gentleness,and sincerity. There could be no other.Without hesitation,the wedding plans began.The perfect dress to pursue,with family assisting, but with just a few. Not too little and not too much, just the right fit,style, and touch.When did this little girl arrive at this place?It was just yesterday I first saw her face. So here we are, this big day approaching.The memories made, will keep us a floating. 

    "When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with          somebody, you want the rest of  your life to start as soon as                                      possible." - When Harry Met Sally

                                     

                                                          "Marry Me" by, Neil Diamond

                                              The Bridal Shower

When choosing the place for the shower, I wanted to choose a venue that would compliment the theme of the wedding. My sister and I chose a place called the "Victorian Room". The theme of the wedding is "The Old South". 
All the charms of the
past with

simple elegant touches.
When my daughter was young one of her favorite jobs was at a coffee shop. The atmosphere in that little shop was so cozy and quaint. I knew that my daughter would enjoy something very similar. 

                                http://www.thevictorianroom.com/index2.htm

How To Make Favors That Are Affordable
I purchased gift bags that were on clearance from the Oriental Trading Company. What I loved about these bags, in addition to the sale price, was the picture insert. On the bag was the saying,
 Let Love Bloom. 
This become the theme for the shower. 

The flowers, vases, and burlap ribbon for the favors were purchased at Hobby Lobby when each item was 50% off. I found an item on Etsy that was perfect for the bridal shower theme.

How To Assemble A Simple Flower Arrangement

I happened to find a full stem of flowers featuring the sangria color that the bridesmaids will be wearing. I cut each stem down to fit the vase.  Once this was done,I secured the stem in place with clear tape that florists use. To complete this favor I attached burlap lace ribbon and added the
Victorian Tags.

“You ready?" Evan asks, and he's looking at me, and I love his hair, I love his smile, I lo--"I Love You," I say, and as I watch his smile bloom I finally get how great those three little words are. I finally get what they really mean.” 

― Elizabeth Scott, Bloom





                               Words of Wisdom

My sister had done such a nice job picking out advice cards for the soon-to-be bride.When it comes to marriage, those who have ventured along that path, have many insights to share.We learn from our failures as well as our successes.This is what enables us to pass along life's valuable lessons to others.The Bible instructs the older women to teach the younger women how to love their husbands and children (Titus 2:4).

Keepsake
A way to preserve such special moments.
My sister had picked out a wonderful album for my daughter. This album records the gifts, photos, advice from bride's mother & groom's mother, guest list and so on. 



The Menu
The food consisted of: stuffed chicken breast: a medley of vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots; roasted red skinned potatoes; hot fresh rolls; a peppercorn salad; iced tea & lemonade and let's not forget the coffee.I




   Introduction of the Bridesmaid

This was probably one of the most special moments of the evening, as each of the bridesmaids mentioned their relation to the bride. 


Friend from work, friend from high school, brother's girlfriend, young cousin, older cousin, and a very close aunt.



Alexa, Tia, Kassie, Bridgette, Jessica, Melanie, & Lindsey

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." -Marcel Proust

     

                     A Flash From the Past

              Games are a fun way to entertain your guests. 

Being that this is a time to highlight the bride-to-be, guessing              the ages from childhood, is a good way to take a look back.

 Another really fun game to play is "The Tray Game".

 My sister did such a good job coming up with this game. It is a fun way, for everyone of different ages, to put their memory to the test.When it is all said and done,the bride gets to take home the         tray and it's contents.

                                                  

            

                    The Cake

My sister picked out the cutest bridal shower         cake I have ever seen. Not only did it look         amazing it tasted delicious.The cake was banana flavored.

             

                   The Presents

 Simplicity should be my daughter's middle name. She likes things very tidy and most importantly organized. She loves to bake and make her home cozy. It was so nice seeing all the thoughtful gifts. So many things to make a house a home. Everything from: toasters, a stepladder, griddles, comforter, towels, baking items, things for the bathroom, personal items,       and decorations for the holidays. 

                               

                      Center of Attention


If you are quiet and don't particularly like to be the center of attention, this part of the shower can be somewhat intimidating. What made this a little more relaxing was having the bridesmaids right up front and helping by keeping a record of the gifts, passing of the gifts, and drawing names for prizes. Thanks to the bride-to-be's cousin, there were 16 prize bags. Early into the shower we had every guest write their  name and address on what will be the "thank you" envelopes. This will be a big help when it comes time to write the thank you notes. It was also a    nice way to draw names.

The Broken

Have you ever been hurt by someone?  It may have been a parent, love interest, friend, family member, in-law, mate, co-worker, boss, coach, teacher, pastor, church leader, counselor, and the list could go on and on. Yes, we have all been hurt at one time in our lives. Most of us have been hurt often. When I think of having a broken heart, this caries hurt to a new level. When you love deeply, it can make you vulnerable to experiencing a broken heart.  "You say that love is nonsense. I tell you it is no such thing. For weeks and months it is a steady physical pain, an ache about the heart, never leaving one, by night or by day; a long strain on one's nerves like toothache or rheumatism, not intolerable at any one instant, but exhausting by its steady drain on the strength." -Henry Brooks Adams

                       Our hearts are a vital part of our being and the most crucial part to protect. Help for the broken comes by showing love, compassion, understanding, grace, empathy, and a listening ear. Often we are quick to speak and slow to hear. That is opposite of how we are to be. We are to be swift to hear and slow to speak.


I recently sat in a discussion covering the topic on homophobia. I  had the opportunity of meeting several individuals who have a love interest of the same sex. As I sat in that discussion group, I discovered the internal struggle, heartbreak, rejection, and suicidal thoughts that many who were in that group have had to deal with. It deeply touched me to hear as one individual mentioned having thoughts of suicide for ten years as she tried so hard to fight off her inward desires. Try to wrap your head around the idea of living with so much pain, that daily you would want to end your suffering, by ending your life.

“We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.” -Dietrich Bonhoeffer  

  There was a precious lady in that group who is very spiritual, and it so happened that we were in the same place at the same time after that group discussion. I was struggling with a few thoughts regarding Biblical truths. As I shared them with this wonderful woman, the revelation came: It is not my place or my duty to judge based on what I can see from the outside. God looks at the heart of a man. It is 100% impossible for me to see into another person's heart.  My obligation to others is to love them as I love myself. There was a young lady in that class, much, much, younger than me, and she made a profound statement:  "Are we throwing stones that we were taught not to throw?"

Love Is Kind

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. -Galatians 5:22-23

 

 Think for a moment, who comes to mind when you hear the word "love"? 

I'm sure your someone special is kind, loving, compassionate, gentle, long-suffering, caring, and respectful. Love is very wonderful, fulfilling, enriching, and satisfying. It can make your heart swell to overflowing joy. Love can make you feel as though you're  walking in the clouds.

Little Giants

People may be small on the outside, but mighty on the inside. The same could be said about big people on the outside may be small people on the inside. 

What determines the size of a person is their character. I love people and I am very interested in hearing different individuals tell me their story. Of course I get right in there and ask the questions because I am genuinely curious.

I applied for a seasonal position at a Macy's department store this past Christmas, and just when I thought that season had ended, I received a call asking if I could cover a 9 hr. shift. I struggle with fibromyalgia, so the thought of working a long day was a little concerning; nonetheless, I agreed. The day proved to be very eventful as I got the privilege of meeting a "Little Giant".

While on break I began talking to a lady who had come into the break room minutes after I did. I asked her how she was doing and then I began asking her how long she worked at Macy's. She told me how she began working at Strauss Department Store when it was located in downtown Warren many years ago. Her husband had just lost his job and she picked up a job to help out with the families finances. Shortly thereafter her husband was employed again and  encouraged his wife to quit her job. Just a few days later, he passed away. She suddenly became a widow and consequently had to keep her retail job. She continued to work for Strauss during it's relocation to the Eastwood Mall in Niles, and continued on after Strauss had been replaced by Kaufman's. She continued working through another change as Kaufman's became Macy's, and she has been there ever since. All the years combined, she has worked for over 50 years. She is now in her 80's and still going at it. She does struggle with arthritis but commented, how all the walking that she does, helps to keep the arthritis at bay.  I asked her if she had ever married again of which she replied that to have married again would feel like cheating to her because her husband had been so wonderful. I don't know the specifics because we didn't have a lot of time, but I was amazed by this little sweet lady. 
She may be little on the outside, but  huge on the inside! 


This 80 year old lady  is still having to work a 20 hr. work week in order to keep her benefits. I am not sure why she is still having to work for benefits rather than retire, but I can tell you that she does not have a bitter bone in her body. She did not have a "feel sorry for me" mentality. Not one complaining statement or even a hint of complaining came out of her mouth. Her work ethics are impeccable as she told me how many loyal customer awards she had for the month of December. It had to be a record!! 

I struggled to work the last 3 remaining hours of my shift due to pain in my back, but the whole day had proved to be a day that I would want to carry with me for a long time to come.  
 

Why are Americans celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden?

        The death of Osama bin Laden tugged at the heart strings of the American Patriot. Since September 11, 2001, Americans have had to live with the vivid memory of a terrorist attack, on our very own soil, resulting in the death of 3,000 innocent people.September 11th caused the American people to Rise up; United, with a great aim in sight; Resolve.

Standing upon the ashes of the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Sept. 14, 2001, President Bush pledges that the voices calling for justice from across the country will be heard. Responding to the Presidents' words, rescue workers cheer and chant, "U.S.A, U.S.A.."

            

        For many years our determined soldiers have carried on with the grueling task of fighting the war on terror. Many strides have been made, and victories won, but unfortunately lives lost. Throughout the past ten years,  Memorial Day and September 11th have served to bring  Americans, a great sense of pride, as Firefighters, Policemen, and Servicemen have been recognized and honored. Our eyes swell with tears as our hearts burst with  joy when we witness a soldier returning home to his loved ones. 

And I'm proud to be an American,
where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
who gave that right to me.
~Lee Greenwood

         We did not ask for this war on terror, the terrorists beat down our doors. We do not desire to attack innocent women, children, and men. The United States of America, in response to this war on terror, has relentlessly fought to keep our country safe from acts of terror here as well as abroad. Freedom comes with a price. We enjoy the benefits of living in the land of the free because of the sacrifices that have been made to assure our liberty. As Benjamin Franklin said, "Where liberty dwells, there is my country."  

     As I think back over the past years concerning this war on terror,  I remember a young man by the name of Pat Tillman. You can click on this link and read his story. What courage this young man had as he laid aside his dreams of being a football player with a $9.0 million dollar contract with the Arizona Cardinals, and chose to join the army along side his brother. He had paid the ultimate price for freedom when he was killed in Afghanistan by friendly fire.

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http://www.integriousproject.com/blog/examples-of-integrity-pat-tillman/

     This is just one of  many examples of  sacrifice, courage, dedication, and commitment that our American soldiers face, as they daily lay down their lives to protect our freedoms. Just as policemen are needed to stop crime, so too are our servicemen needed to stop this war on terror. We live in a free country because we have men and women who serve to protect us. If we had no laws there would be no order. What good would laws do if we had no one to enforce them? This same principle can be applied to the rights that we take for granted; "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness"  

Better Than a Hallelujah

Have you ever heard the song by Amy Grant, "Better Than A Hallelujah"? Some of the lyrics go like this:God loves the drunkard's cry,The soldier's plea not to let him die,Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.The tears of shame for what's been done,The silence when the words won't come,Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.The honest cries of breaking hearts,Are better than a Hallelujah,Better than a church bell ringing,Better than a choir singing out. If you have never heard that song you may want to listen to it after reading this blog; you can watch the video on YouTube. 


I went with a friend to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting last night to get a better insight to the world of alcoholism. This young man spoke from his heart as he shared with the group what years of alcoholism had done to him. He was so humble and I am sure he encouraged many people, who like himself, have struggled to stay away from alcohol. This young man had to do a lot of group work along with going through the steps with a mentor; which ultimately helped him to stay sober. He had to do a lot of soul searching  in order to learn how  to deal with hurts in his heart, and by facing those hurts rather then covering them up. You could tell that an all out effort was put forth for his complete recovery, not just on his part, but with the help from his 2 mentors, and  I am sure the AA group was an encouragement as well. I sat there listening with the biggest lump in my throat as he went into details about his home life, his years of crime and later his prison life. I am sure he is glad to be on the other side of the fence (literally). The young man that stood before us speaking was a different person then he was years prior. He had learned from his mistakes, was willing to turn his life around, and now helps others.  I had been to church earlier that day; this was just as moving on a different level. Many people were present at this meeting and I am sure their stories were very similar. I seen several people shaking their heads as if they were  able to relate to what was being said. I noticed early on how supportive this group was, you could sense everyone's willingness to cheer each other on to victory. 


When I think about God and what gets his attention, I am convinced that it is a person's heart. I have been around very judgmental people in the past, and I have personally watched as they would pass judgement on others and never once consider what that person had been through. The saying goes like this: " Don't judge a man unless you have walked a mile in their shoes. " I am not sure who gets the credit for that quote, but it is a good one. You don't know where a person has been or what they have been through. I believe that is why God tells us not to judge or we will be judged (Matthew 7:1). The young man from the meeting may be closer to God then the most, looked-up- to person, in church. The heart is the focus. Jesus was covering the area of adultery and he said that if a man lust after another woman then he as already committed adultery with her in his heart. Matthew 5:28. 



Your secret thoughts and motives may be hidden from man, but they are not hidden from God. You can look one way on the outside and be another way on the inside. Just as this young man had hidden things of the heart to address before he could experience freedom, so too, do we all have areas within our hearts,that need to be worked on. This is enough to keep  our eyes  very busy, too busy to be looking for specks in other peoples eyes.  Matthew 7:3