Posts
to the gym tonight.
Nope.
I don't.
I want to go to the lake, sing hymns, and watch the sun go down.
Feeling a tiny bit sorry for myself today.
Hopefully if I actually GET myself to the gym, my attitude will change.
Trinka
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
beware the wrath of the pool-rope police
Still exercising ... still reading ... just finding it hard to post much this week!
My condo has a lovely pool. It's clean. It's heated.
But it has a secret danger. The pool-rope police.
I must first explain that my condos have many, many rules. I don't mind rules, really. I appreciate an orderly, polite society, and rules are a part of making that happen. Among my condos' many sheets of rules is one solely related to the pool. OK. I can live with that.
(Except for "you must wear shoes when entering and exiting the pool area." Because. Really. Quit being silly. The sidewalk is not going to be damaged by my bare feet.)
Anyhow, all that is to say, there is also an unwritten rule.
I discovered this one day when I (horrors!) removed the rope that divided the shallow from the deep water to swim laps.
I was alone in the water at the time, but two ladies who were sunbathing recoiled in near-panic.
"Oh. No. You must not remove the rope. Children could drown!"
Looking around ...
"but there are no children here. Maybe I could just replace the rope if children come?"
"No. No! We will lose our insurance if you remove the rope. You must never remove the rope!!!!"
Oh dear.
So ... now ... I keep watch from my balcony, until all the people go home, and THEN I practice subversive rope-removal (often under cover of darkness).
I expect eventually I will be caught and imprisoned. :) Please visit me in prison, or at least send me instant coffee.
As much as I laugh at the poor, fearful, pool-rope-police ladies -- don't I do the same thing?
Change is scary. I don't like it!
No one should move away. No one should die. Everything I care about should stay JUST the same. Remember Beth from little women? I'm Beth. :)
The ladies are a good reminder to me that when God throws change my way, I need to take a deep breath, and praise Him for the good in it! It's not bad. It's just different!!
(P.S. pool-rope-police ladies? I also drive my car with bare feet.) :)
My condo has a lovely pool. It's clean. It's heated.
But it has a secret danger. The pool-rope police.
I must first explain that my condos have many, many rules. I don't mind rules, really. I appreciate an orderly, polite society, and rules are a part of making that happen. Among my condos' many sheets of rules is one solely related to the pool. OK. I can live with that.
(Except for "you must wear shoes when entering and exiting the pool area." Because. Really. Quit being silly. The sidewalk is not going to be damaged by my bare feet.)
Anyhow, all that is to say, there is also an unwritten rule.
I discovered this one day when I (horrors!) removed the rope that divided the shallow from the deep water to swim laps.
I was alone in the water at the time, but two ladies who were sunbathing recoiled in near-panic.
"Oh. No. You must not remove the rope. Children could drown!"
Looking around ...
"but there are no children here. Maybe I could just replace the rope if children come?"
"No. No! We will lose our insurance if you remove the rope. You must never remove the rope!!!!"
Oh dear.
So ... now ... I keep watch from my balcony, until all the people go home, and THEN I practice subversive rope-removal (often under cover of darkness).
I expect eventually I will be caught and imprisoned. :) Please visit me in prison, or at least send me instant coffee.
As much as I laugh at the poor, fearful, pool-rope-police ladies -- don't I do the same thing?
Change is scary. I don't like it!
No one should move away. No one should die. Everything I care about should stay JUST the same. Remember Beth from little women? I'm Beth. :)
The ladies are a good reminder to me that when God throws change my way, I need to take a deep breath, and praise Him for the good in it! It's not bad. It's just different!!
(P.S. pool-rope-police ladies? I also drive my car with bare feet.) :)
Monday, June 27, 2005
robbing Egypt
We're having unusually warm temperatures here ... up in the 90's every day lately. I was awake from the heat at 4:00 Sunday morning, and sat on the deck and watched a thunderstorm go past in the far distance. It was quite lovely ... well worth waking up for.
Ex. 3:22 ... obviously in New Testament times, God doesn't automatically pile us with gold & silver when we choose to follow Him. He uses the educations, posessions, talents & relationships that we've brought with us to build His kingdom.
Exercised every day this weekend (and nearly killed myself getting a garage-sale television up on top of a cabinet in my living room ... but I'm not sure if that kind of stupidity counts as "weight lifting"). :)
I tried Carol's vinegar/honey drink, and it's quite tasty (though I'm going to cut down to 2 tsp. of vinegar instead of 2 Tbsp. It was a bit too strong for me.) Give it a try - she posted the recipe in the "comments" section).
Trinka
Ex. 3:22 ... obviously in New Testament times, God doesn't automatically pile us with gold & silver when we choose to follow Him. He uses the educations, posessions, talents & relationships that we've brought with us to build His kingdom.
Exercised every day this weekend (and nearly killed myself getting a garage-sale television up on top of a cabinet in my living room ... but I'm not sure if that kind of stupidity counts as "weight lifting"). :)
I tried Carol's vinegar/honey drink, and it's quite tasty (though I'm going to cut down to 2 tsp. of vinegar instead of 2 Tbsp. It was a bit too strong for me.) Give it a try - she posted the recipe in the "comments" section).
Trinka
Friday, June 24, 2005
speaking of accountability ...
Got to the gym last night, and swam for a bit after the pool emptied.
Sounds very righteous, doesn't it.
However, there's also the entire bag of cookies & two cupcakes I ate.
Not so righteous.
groan. And I don't have the foggiest idea why I did such a ridiculous, self-destructive thing! A good friend who's been through a twelve-step program suggested I write a moral inventory about it (basically, how did you feel before you did it, during doing it, and after doing it), and keep track of the situations that surround odd decisions like this. So I did that last night, and I'm going to see if I can see any patterns in these situations.
As far as reading, I had a good time in Exodus last night & this morning.
I noticed that when Moses killed the Egyptian and was then called on the carpet by the two Jews afterwards, that they said something rather odd ... (Exodus 2:14) "Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and said, "Surely the matter has become known."
Actually, Moses WAS a prince at that point ... or the closest thing to it. No devotional thoughts have occurred to me yet, but it did strike me as an unusual detail.
Found a Kirby vacuum cleaner with all the attachments at a garage sale yesteray for $25. People with long hair are VERY hard on vacuums. It's noisy, so I'm going to take it to my favorite vacuum-repair place (due to the above-mentioned long-hair situation, I'm on very good terms with the vacuum-repair people!). But, good grief, if I can get it fixed cheap, I'm going to be one VERY happy lady! It is a 1979 model (evidenced by the fact that it comes with a super-deluxe shag-carpet-combing attachment) ... but I think that Kirbies last about forever, so I have high hopes.
This is the first vacuum I've ever bought. My mom is on a constant search for the perfect vacuum cleaner, and hence I inherit all of her less-than-perfect ones. She recently bought a (new, snazzy) Kirby for herself, though, so I think that the continual flow of replacement vacuums has come to a close. So it's time for me to get one that I can't kill. :)
Anyhow, have a great weekend everyone.
I'm off to re-wean myself off sugar and hopefully get some shelves put up.
Sounds very righteous, doesn't it.
However, there's also the entire bag of cookies & two cupcakes I ate.
Not so righteous.
groan. And I don't have the foggiest idea why I did such a ridiculous, self-destructive thing! A good friend who's been through a twelve-step program suggested I write a moral inventory about it (basically, how did you feel before you did it, during doing it, and after doing it), and keep track of the situations that surround odd decisions like this. So I did that last night, and I'm going to see if I can see any patterns in these situations.
As far as reading, I had a good time in Exodus last night & this morning.
I noticed that when Moses killed the Egyptian and was then called on the carpet by the two Jews afterwards, that they said something rather odd ... (Exodus 2:14) "Who made you a prince or a judge over us? Are you intending to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?" Then Moses was afraid and said, "Surely the matter has become known."
Actually, Moses WAS a prince at that point ... or the closest thing to it. No devotional thoughts have occurred to me yet, but it did strike me as an unusual detail.
Found a Kirby vacuum cleaner with all the attachments at a garage sale yesteray for $25. People with long hair are VERY hard on vacuums. It's noisy, so I'm going to take it to my favorite vacuum-repair place (due to the above-mentioned long-hair situation, I'm on very good terms with the vacuum-repair people!). But, good grief, if I can get it fixed cheap, I'm going to be one VERY happy lady! It is a 1979 model (evidenced by the fact that it comes with a super-deluxe shag-carpet-combing attachment) ... but I think that Kirbies last about forever, so I have high hopes.
This is the first vacuum I've ever bought. My mom is on a constant search for the perfect vacuum cleaner, and hence I inherit all of her less-than-perfect ones. She recently bought a (new, snazzy) Kirby for herself, though, so I think that the continual flow of replacement vacuums has come to a close. So it's time for me to get one that I can't kill. :)
Anyhow, have a great weekend everyone.
I'm off to re-wean myself off sugar and hopefully get some shelves put up.
Thursday, June 23, 2005
God did it
Got in a walk, and some time at the pool last night.
An actual conversation from yesterday,
I was ordering flowers to be sent to a funeral home, while distracted with another project:
Flower lady: "and the message you'd like on the card?"
Me: "we're praying for your quick recovery,"
loooooong pause ....
Flower lady: "are you sure that's what you want to say?"
Nope.
I was reading in Gen. 50, where Joseph's brothers expressed their concern that, now that their father was dead, Joseph would take vengeance for their betrayal.
Joseph's response:
Genesis 50: 19 & 20: But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
That's exactly the key.
We can try to ascribe the best possible motives to people's nasty actions. And that's a worthwhile thing to do ... "Love thinks no evil" - 1 Cor. 13:5
But in the end, there are times when people are flat-out evil in their intentions and behavior.
When that occurs, we can still "...keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
How? By remembering what Joseph remembered -- that despite people's wrongs, GOD is ultimately the one Who allows things to happen. And He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28).
And we can take comfort that He's not remote from our struggles. When He allows things to happen that wound us, He is wounded also -- "In all their affliction He was afflicted ... " (Isaiah 63:9)
Trinka
An actual conversation from yesterday,
I was ordering flowers to be sent to a funeral home, while distracted with another project:
Flower lady: "and the message you'd like on the card?"
Me: "we're praying for your quick recovery,"
loooooong pause ....
Flower lady: "are you sure that's what you want to say?"
Nope.
I was reading in Gen. 50, where Joseph's brothers expressed their concern that, now that their father was dead, Joseph would take vengeance for their betrayal.
Joseph's response:
Genesis 50: 19 & 20: But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God’s place? "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.
That's exactly the key.
We can try to ascribe the best possible motives to people's nasty actions. And that's a worthwhile thing to do ... "Love thinks no evil" - 1 Cor. 13:5
But in the end, there are times when people are flat-out evil in their intentions and behavior.
When that occurs, we can still "...keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8)
How? By remembering what Joseph remembered -- that despite people's wrongs, GOD is ultimately the one Who allows things to happen. And He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Rom. 8:28).
And we can take comfort that He's not remote from our struggles. When He allows things to happen that wound us, He is wounded also -- "In all their affliction He was afflicted ... " (Isaiah 63:9)
Trinka
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
not much to offer today
Got a good half-hour in the pool last night after work with no interruptions. It was such a treat! Usually the pool is packed, and to really enjoy it peacefully I have to go at night. But yesterday ... I got quiet AND sunshine! Also went back to doing pilates. I'd been forgetting it lately, and could really see the loss of flexibility and tummy-muscles. Gotta stay in that habit!
I did some reading in Genesis, and Song of Songs (for a study I'm starting with some friends.) But nothing jumped out at me today.
I'll leave you with a poem that's a blessing to me:
Peerles Worth(Song 5:9-16)
Hast thou heard Him, seen Him, known Him?
Is not thine a captured heart?
Chief among ten thousand own Him,
Gladly choose the better part.
Idols once they won thee, charmed thee,
Lovely things of time and sense;
Gilded, thus does sin disarm thee,
Honey'd, lest thou turn thee thence.
What has stripped the seeming beauty
From the idols of the earth?
Not the sense of right or duty,
But the sight of peerless worth.
Not the crushing of those idols,
With its bitter void and smart;
But the beaming of His beauty,
The unveiling of His heart.
Who extinguishes his taper
'Till he hails the rising sun?
Who discards the garb of winter
'Till the summer has begun?
'Tis that look that melted Peter,
'Tis that face that Stephen saw,
'Tis that heart that wept with Mary,
Can alone from idols draw.
Draw and win and fill completely,
Till the cup o'erflow the brim:
What have we to do with idols,
Who have companied with Him?
I did some reading in Genesis, and Song of Songs (for a study I'm starting with some friends.) But nothing jumped out at me today.
I'll leave you with a poem that's a blessing to me:
Peerles Worth(Song 5:9-16)
Hast thou heard Him, seen Him, known Him?
Is not thine a captured heart?
Chief among ten thousand own Him,
Gladly choose the better part.
Idols once they won thee, charmed thee,
Lovely things of time and sense;
Gilded, thus does sin disarm thee,
Honey'd, lest thou turn thee thence.
What has stripped the seeming beauty
From the idols of the earth?
Not the sense of right or duty,
But the sight of peerless worth.
Not the crushing of those idols,
With its bitter void and smart;
But the beaming of His beauty,
The unveiling of His heart.
Who extinguishes his taper
'Till he hails the rising sun?
Who discards the garb of winter
'Till the summer has begun?
'Tis that look that melted Peter,
'Tis that face that Stephen saw,
'Tis that heart that wept with Mary,
Can alone from idols draw.
Draw and win and fill completely,
Till the cup o'erflow the brim:
What have we to do with idols,
Who have companied with Him?
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
choosing the "wrong" son
I was reading about the end of Jacob's life, when he blesses Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh. Jacob gave the firstborn's blessing to Ephraim, the youngest son.
Just like Jacob received the firstborn's blessing from HIS father, instead of Esau. (though then it was by deception.)
God does that over and over again ... chooses the son that doesn't seem logical to us. He picks the second-born, the weakest, etc. I want to remember to look at the lineage of Christ ... I'm wondering how many firstborn sons are actually in there.
1 Corinthians 1:27 - "but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong"
Hey, He even picked ME ... who can fathom it?
I added anoither 12 pounds to the weights I'm lifting last night. This morning, my arms don't want to move. Any volunteers to carry my purse? :) I'm so thankful for this little wrist-wrest in front of my computer keyboard!
Trinka
Just like Jacob received the firstborn's blessing from HIS father, instead of Esau. (though then it was by deception.)
God does that over and over again ... chooses the son that doesn't seem logical to us. He picks the second-born, the weakest, etc. I want to remember to look at the lineage of Christ ... I'm wondering how many firstborn sons are actually in there.
1 Corinthians 1:27 - "but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong"
Hey, He even picked ME ... who can fathom it?
I added anoither 12 pounds to the weights I'm lifting last night. This morning, my arms don't want to move. Any volunteers to carry my purse? :) I'm so thankful for this little wrist-wrest in front of my computer keyboard!
Trinka
Monday, June 20, 2005
camping in Egypt
Well ... back from the weekend, and couldn't have gotten any LESS accomplished if I'd planned that way! :) Other than vacuuming, and doing laundry, I didn't get anything productive done. But I'm feeling quite well-rested!
I was reading in Gen. 46 this morning - where Jacob and his family are moving into Egypt to live with Joseph to escape the famine. Egypt is a picture of the world, and the Lord often tells people NOT to move there, not to envy their stuff, etc. Yet here, he sends Jacob there to live. But He does it with a promise that He'll bring them back out again. (46:4)
He calls US to live here, in the midst of the world, and its lures. Yet He will call us to Himself, and out of it one day. The Egyptians weren't going to be fond of the Israelites (46:34). Christians aren't thought too highly of here! (intolerant, don't you know). Yet, they were blessed with the loan of some of Egypt's best land. They didn't own it, but they sure enjoyed the use of it! (47:6).
God blesses me like that sometimes too. How often in my life I've been blessed with seasons of respite in houses, cottages, etc. that I didn't own. He spoils me so often! :)
Got some long walks in Friday & Saturday. Loafed yesterday, and did nothing even remotely resembling exercise.
Trinka
I was reading in Gen. 46 this morning - where Jacob and his family are moving into Egypt to live with Joseph to escape the famine. Egypt is a picture of the world, and the Lord often tells people NOT to move there, not to envy their stuff, etc. Yet here, he sends Jacob there to live. But He does it with a promise that He'll bring them back out again. (46:4)
He calls US to live here, in the midst of the world, and its lures. Yet He will call us to Himself, and out of it one day. The Egyptians weren't going to be fond of the Israelites (46:34). Christians aren't thought too highly of here! (intolerant, don't you know). Yet, they were blessed with the loan of some of Egypt's best land. They didn't own it, but they sure enjoyed the use of it! (47:6).
God blesses me like that sometimes too. How often in my life I've been blessed with seasons of respite in houses, cottages, etc. that I didn't own. He spoils me so often! :)
Got some long walks in Friday & Saturday. Loafed yesterday, and did nothing even remotely resembling exercise.
Trinka
Friday, June 17, 2005
killing your darlings
I had a college writing workshop where the teacher used that phrase often ... "you've got to kill your darlings."
He meant that when we looked at our writing, the things we were most proud of were probably the weakest and most in need of serious revision.
It's like that in our life too! A sermon I heard in 1988 continues to bless me, and it ties in with what I've been reading lately -- particularly Jacob's response when Joseph asked to have Benjamin brought before him to prove the brothers' story.
Jacob wouldn't even consider it. He had lost Joseph, and he was NOT going to lose that other boy.
Yet there was a famine, and the only way they could go back and buy more food from Joseph (who was unknown to them at this point) was if they brought Benjamin along.
"NO," says Jacob, "It will not happen."
But they got more and more hungry.
When we hold onto something tightly, God will bring a hunger into our life and it will grow progressively worse, until we loosen our grip, and give our "darling" to Him.
It was when Jacob finally loosed his grip, and sent Benjamin away, that he had BOTH his sons restored to him ... Benjamin AND Joseph.
God is no man's debtor ... He will more than repay us for whatever "darling" we give to Him. Most of all, He will reward us by satisfying the hunger.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, [and for the Author of it!] for they shall be satisfied." Mt 5:6
Lifted weights last night, and had a walk. Most of all ... I got through VBS without raiding the not-so-good-for-you food. God is good. He provided a multitude of distractions at just the right times.
Looking forward to a relaxing trip to the lake, and a little Bible study over the world's best Mexican food with M.B.
Have a great weekend everyone!
He meant that when we looked at our writing, the things we were most proud of were probably the weakest and most in need of serious revision.
It's like that in our life too! A sermon I heard in 1988 continues to bless me, and it ties in with what I've been reading lately -- particularly Jacob's response when Joseph asked to have Benjamin brought before him to prove the brothers' story.
Jacob wouldn't even consider it. He had lost Joseph, and he was NOT going to lose that other boy.
Yet there was a famine, and the only way they could go back and buy more food from Joseph (who was unknown to them at this point) was if they brought Benjamin along.
"NO," says Jacob, "It will not happen."
But they got more and more hungry.
When we hold onto something tightly, God will bring a hunger into our life and it will grow progressively worse, until we loosen our grip, and give our "darling" to Him.
It was when Jacob finally loosed his grip, and sent Benjamin away, that he had BOTH his sons restored to him ... Benjamin AND Joseph.
God is no man's debtor ... He will more than repay us for whatever "darling" we give to Him. Most of all, He will reward us by satisfying the hunger.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, [and for the Author of it!] for they shall be satisfied." Mt 5:6
Lifted weights last night, and had a walk. Most of all ... I got through VBS without raiding the not-so-good-for-you food. God is good. He provided a multitude of distractions at just the right times.
Looking forward to a relaxing trip to the lake, and a little Bible study over the world's best Mexican food with M.B.
Have a great weekend everyone!
Thursday, June 16, 2005
swallowing poison, hoping someone else will die
I was reading about Joseph last night & this morning, and thinking about just how he'd been wronged. His brothers sold him into slavery; Mrs. Potiphar tried to seduce him, and when she couldn't, she had him imprisoned; the butler forgot him (for TWO YEARS) after being restored to his position with the Pharoah. Really, Joseph was treated just horribly.
He had every reason to be bitter, and to stew in it. Can you imagine sitting in jail for two years, mulling over the wrongs done to you?
But he didn't. When he's finally brought before Pharoah, and later with his brothers, there's no bitterness. It's a good reminder ... refusing to forgive does no harm to the offender, but a terrible harm to the offended!
It also ties in nicely with Not by Chance, a book I've been reading on God's providence. God allows things into our lives for a reason. He's good, and I can trust Him to use what happens ... even if it seems awful.
Had a nice long walk with L. last night ... we were going to a Chinese restaraunt for dinner, but when we got there, it was shut down. So a bit more walking happened while we looked for a place to eat. She was a good sport about it, considering she hadn't slept yet! She's been looking at Joseph's life too, in the context of dealing with authority, so it was a good visit.
Trinka
He had every reason to be bitter, and to stew in it. Can you imagine sitting in jail for two years, mulling over the wrongs done to you?
But he didn't. When he's finally brought before Pharoah, and later with his brothers, there's no bitterness. It's a good reminder ... refusing to forgive does no harm to the offender, but a terrible harm to the offended!
It also ties in nicely with Not by Chance, a book I've been reading on God's providence. God allows things into our lives for a reason. He's good, and I can trust Him to use what happens ... even if it seems awful.
Had a nice long walk with L. last night ... we were going to a Chinese restaraunt for dinner, but when we got there, it was shut down. So a bit more walking happened while we looked for a place to eat. She was a good sport about it, considering she hadn't slept yet! She's been looking at Joseph's life too, in the context of dealing with authority, so it was a good visit.
Trinka
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
how, exactly, did it get there?
VBS ads some interesting variety to the church secretary's day ... a little boy comes to the office, "there's a piece of plastic in my nose."
Oh. OK.
I don't suppose "reboot, and see if it fixes the problem" is a workable solution?
Trinka ... who's not really had any experience in this area ...
Oh. OK.
I don't suppose "reboot, and see if it fixes the problem" is a workable solution?
Trinka ... who's not really had any experience in this area ...
leaving coats behind
woo hoo! Another day of vacation Bible school passed without me checking out the cookies down in the kitchen. This ... a Very Good Thing.
We had more than 240 kids here yesterday, and today is usually the biggest attendance day. (hopefully ... they'll all eat MANY cookies). :)
It's also the day where they have a verse to recite, and for every person they say it to, they get a signature on their paper; for every signature, they get points for their team. I'm getting MANY visitors to my office already.
Lifted weights last night, and swam for a bit. Kept tracking things on the pocket pc. And this morning was a pound less than yesterday!
I was reading in Genesis, about Joseph, and noticed that twice his coat is left behind, and used in a deception ... first his coat of many colors is stained with blood, and used to convince his father he was dead. Then Potiphar's wife keeps the coat Joseph left behind when he fled her seduction and uses it as "proof" he tried to rape her. Haven't come up with any devotional thoughts as a result of these deceptive coats ... but maybe Carol will leave something clever in the "comments" area. :)
Trinka
We had more than 240 kids here yesterday, and today is usually the biggest attendance day. (hopefully ... they'll all eat MANY cookies). :)
It's also the day where they have a verse to recite, and for every person they say it to, they get a signature on their paper; for every signature, they get points for their team. I'm getting MANY visitors to my office already.
Lifted weights last night, and swam for a bit. Kept tracking things on the pocket pc. And this morning was a pound less than yesterday!
I was reading in Genesis, about Joseph, and noticed that twice his coat is left behind, and used in a deception ... first his coat of many colors is stained with blood, and used to convince his father he was dead. Then Potiphar's wife keeps the coat Joseph left behind when he fled her seduction and uses it as "proof" he tried to rape her. Haven't come up with any devotional thoughts as a result of these deceptive coats ... but maybe Carol will leave something clever in the "comments" area. :)
Trinka
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
vacation Bible school ...
is going on this week. Which (among other things) means there is a LOT of I-shouldn't-eat-this food in the building. I had a dentist appointment yesterday, which snatched me away from the cookies in the nick of time ... but today there's a need for a lot of self-discipline!
Walked and swam yesterday, and tracked calories & exercise in the pocket pc.
So there were some victories!
I was reading in Genesis 35:1, where God tells Jacob to go back to Bethel, where He had met with him before, and build an altar. Jacob then gets busy and purges his household of idols that had collected. We need to look back to the places God met with us in the past and remember (and even re-build) those old altars. Other "gods" creep in unawares!
Trinka
Walked and swam yesterday, and tracked calories & exercise in the pocket pc.
So there were some victories!
I was reading in Genesis 35:1, where God tells Jacob to go back to Bethel, where He had met with him before, and build an altar. Jacob then gets busy and purges his household of idols that had collected. We need to look back to the places God met with us in the past and remember (and even re-build) those old altars. Other "gods" creep in unawares!
Trinka
Monday, June 13, 2005
grace for the rapist
Long weekend, this was.
Had a lengthy drive in a rainstorm, and was thinking how hard it was to see. Just then I passed an Amish family in an open buggy. O.K. I don't have it so bad.
Walked and swam Saturday, lifted weights and swam Sunday. It's been one year since I started the weights. I started out lifting 24 pounds with my arms, and 48 with my legs. Now I'm up to 60 and 72. So I suppose some progress has been made. :)
I was reading this morning in Gen. 34 - it's where Jacob's daughter Dinah is raped by Shechem ... who proceeds to come and ask Jacob for her hand in marriage. (I'm thinking, this man was NOT overly bright.)
The story ends, predictably, with a slaughter.
Schechem's words to Jacob in verse 11 struck me: "And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give."
This is exactly the position every sinner stands in, when they come to God.
Our sins are just as vile in God's eyes as rape is in ours.
We stand there, having grossly offended ... and we ask for grace.
and He gives it.
Imagine that! We are forgiven by the Father, and accepted as one of the brethren into His church. It's amazing, really.
Just another reminder that "being a good person" isn't the answer. There aren't any good people. It's all His grace, and our acknowledging our need of it. There's no other way available to us.
Had a lengthy drive in a rainstorm, and was thinking how hard it was to see. Just then I passed an Amish family in an open buggy. O.K. I don't have it so bad.
Walked and swam Saturday, lifted weights and swam Sunday. It's been one year since I started the weights. I started out lifting 24 pounds with my arms, and 48 with my legs. Now I'm up to 60 and 72. So I suppose some progress has been made. :)
I was reading this morning in Gen. 34 - it's where Jacob's daughter Dinah is raped by Shechem ... who proceeds to come and ask Jacob for her hand in marriage. (I'm thinking, this man was NOT overly bright.)
The story ends, predictably, with a slaughter.
Schechem's words to Jacob in verse 11 struck me: "And Shechem said unto her father and unto her brethren, Let me find grace in your eyes, and what ye shall say unto me I will give."
This is exactly the position every sinner stands in, when they come to God.
Our sins are just as vile in God's eyes as rape is in ours.
We stand there, having grossly offended ... and we ask for grace.
and He gives it.
Imagine that! We are forgiven by the Father, and accepted as one of the brethren into His church. It's amazing, really.
Just another reminder that "being a good person" isn't the answer. There aren't any good people. It's all His grace, and our acknowledging our need of it. There's no other way available to us.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Got in a walk, and a trip to the pool yesterday. I hope to get to the gym today. Weight continues to climb ... gotta start tracking what I'm eating in my pocket PC diet program again. I'm obviously miss-judging something!
I was reading in Genesis 31. Jacob had slipped away with his wives & children, without telling his dad-in-law, Laban, what he was doing. Laban caught up with them, and asked Jacob why he hadn't made it known that they were leaving. Jacob replies that, "I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force." (v. 31).
Laban was also angry because, as they were leaving, someone (Rachel) had stolen the idols from his house. Jacob didn't know this, and told Laban that, "The one with whom you find your gods shall not live;" (v. 32).
It's interesting that, in trying to protect the person dearest to him, Jacob actually put her in jeaopardy.
However, Rachel lies, Laban doesn't find the idols, and they continue on their way.
And it doesn't appear that any of them ever realize the danger ... Jacob never knows Rachel took the idols, and Rachel never knows Jacob made the pledge to kill the person who stole them.
So ... with all the effort Jacob made to protect Rachel ... it was really God who was preserving their lives, from dangers they weren't even aware of, and despite her theivery and reliance on other gods!
Kinda like me really ... He takes care of so many things I'm never aware of, even though I so often put my trust in others rather than Him!
Have a good weekend everyone!
Trinka
I was reading in Genesis 31. Jacob had slipped away with his wives & children, without telling his dad-in-law, Laban, what he was doing. Laban caught up with them, and asked Jacob why he hadn't made it known that they were leaving. Jacob replies that, "I was afraid, for I thought that you would take your daughters from me by force." (v. 31).
Laban was also angry because, as they were leaving, someone (Rachel) had stolen the idols from his house. Jacob didn't know this, and told Laban that, "The one with whom you find your gods shall not live;" (v. 32).
It's interesting that, in trying to protect the person dearest to him, Jacob actually put her in jeaopardy.
However, Rachel lies, Laban doesn't find the idols, and they continue on their way.
And it doesn't appear that any of them ever realize the danger ... Jacob never knows Rachel took the idols, and Rachel never knows Jacob made the pledge to kill the person who stole them.
So ... with all the effort Jacob made to protect Rachel ... it was really God who was preserving their lives, from dangers they weren't even aware of, and despite her theivery and reliance on other gods!
Kinda like me really ... He takes care of so many things I'm never aware of, even though I so often put my trust in others rather than Him!
Have a good weekend everyone!
Trinka
Thursday, June 09, 2005
then God steps in
Good morning,
Actually got myself out for a walk after prayer meeting last night. This, my friends, is a small miracle. If I don't do it after work, it rarely gets done. Also had a delightful paddle around the pool. I'm finding that after 9:00, it's usually empty. But it doesn't close until 10:00. So that's the time to sneak down there. I like swimming, but definately prefer it in a non-shrieking atmosphere. :)
C. called while I was walking last night - if there were no other argument for cell phones, the ability to take an evening stroll in Michigan while visiting with a friend in New Brunswick would be a worthwhile reason to have one.
I was reading in Genesis this morning - the story where Jacob gradually became rich as he looked after Laban's flocks. It goes into great detail about how Jacob gained his wealth.
At the end, though, God reminds him of their last meeting together, and the vow Jacob made - In Genesis 31:13, God in a dream says to Jacob, "I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’"
After a meeting with God, we can so easily slip back into our ordinary lives, and re-adopt our selfish priorities. But He'll remind us. He'll draw us out ... Jacob's got another encounter with God on the horizon, but it's not going to happen here with Laban.
Trinka
Actually got myself out for a walk after prayer meeting last night. This, my friends, is a small miracle. If I don't do it after work, it rarely gets done. Also had a delightful paddle around the pool. I'm finding that after 9:00, it's usually empty. But it doesn't close until 10:00. So that's the time to sneak down there. I like swimming, but definately prefer it in a non-shrieking atmosphere. :)
C. called while I was walking last night - if there were no other argument for cell phones, the ability to take an evening stroll in Michigan while visiting with a friend in New Brunswick would be a worthwhile reason to have one.
I was reading in Genesis this morning - the story where Jacob gradually became rich as he looked after Laban's flocks. It goes into great detail about how Jacob gained his wealth.
At the end, though, God reminds him of their last meeting together, and the vow Jacob made - In Genesis 31:13, God in a dream says to Jacob, "I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you made a vow to Me; now arise, leave this land, and return to the land of your birth.’"
After a meeting with God, we can so easily slip back into our ordinary lives, and re-adopt our selfish priorities. But He'll remind us. He'll draw us out ... Jacob's got another encounter with God on the horizon, but it's not going to happen here with Laban.
Trinka
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
a cup of cool water
While I was visiting D. this past weekend, we stopped by a gym where she was considering a membership.
In trying to decide what she wanted to do, she asked about getting some kind of trial membership, so if it didn't work out time-wise, she wouldn't lose the membership fee.
The salesman responded that she was thinking about it wrong ... that she should just plan to stop in every day -- if nothing else, just for a drink of water. It would build the habit that would get her in there.
Later in the weekend, she used it as an illustration of our times in the Scriptures. Even if I can't spend an hour studying. Even if I'm tired, and don't think I'll grasp much. Even if I'm in the pits, and just don't feel like concentrating, I can just open the book and grab a sip of cool water. And who knows, maybe once I'm there, I'll decide to tackle something a bit more meaty. :)
Got myself to the gym last night, and it actually felt kinda good. I think it had been a week (with trying to get ready to go away last weekend, life was a bit hectic.) I was almost looking forward to it yesterday. I like it there in the summer -- most of the college students are away, and it's not very busy. After a day at work, having a quiet, non-social spot to work out is a nice stress reliever!
As far as the "water" I was sipping on last night and this morning ...
I was reading in Genesis 30 -- There are some interesting parallels between Rachel's responses to things here, and her husband Jacob's responses to situations later on:
And they both put the blame with the wrong person for the situation.
In trying to decide what she wanted to do, she asked about getting some kind of trial membership, so if it didn't work out time-wise, she wouldn't lose the membership fee.
The salesman responded that she was thinking about it wrong ... that she should just plan to stop in every day -- if nothing else, just for a drink of water. It would build the habit that would get her in there.
Later in the weekend, she used it as an illustration of our times in the Scriptures. Even if I can't spend an hour studying. Even if I'm tired, and don't think I'll grasp much. Even if I'm in the pits, and just don't feel like concentrating, I can just open the book and grab a sip of cool water. And who knows, maybe once I'm there, I'll decide to tackle something a bit more meaty. :)
Got myself to the gym last night, and it actually felt kinda good. I think it had been a week (with trying to get ready to go away last weekend, life was a bit hectic.) I was almost looking forward to it yesterday. I like it there in the summer -- most of the college students are away, and it's not very busy. After a day at work, having a quiet, non-social spot to work out is a nice stress reliever!
As far as the "water" I was sipping on last night and this morning ...
I was reading in Genesis 30 -- There are some interesting parallels between Rachel's responses to things here, and her husband Jacob's responses to situations later on:
- v. 2- Rachel says almost the same thing that Jacob will say later (in Gen. 42:36-38). "Everything is against me ... without children, I will die!"
And they both put the blame with the wrong person for the situation.
- Rachel appears to blame Jacob that she didn't have children. (Gen. 30:1)
- Jacob blames his boys for telling Joseph that they had another brother (Gen. 43:6).
- In Gen. 30:8, when Rachel's servent had a child that would belong to her, she says that she "wrestled" with her sister Leah, and "prevailed."
- In Gen. 32:24 -- Jacob "wrestled' with an angel, and did NOT "prevail".
It's a tendency to want to make other people the issue because (even if only in my own thinking), I can "prevail" ... I can make them out to be the cause of "injustices" against me.
BUT when I wrestle with GOD, the one Who, in His providence (see yesterday's thoughts!) allows these "injustices" into my life, I can't prevail. I can wrestle as long as I like, but in the end, I'm left with - "He is good. He loves me. He allowed this for a reason."
Trinka
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
plane-related providence
Ahhhh ... nothing like coming back from a relaxing long-weekend away. :)
Let's see ... what am I writing about here?
Oh yes, exercise ...
Got very little. Texas in June feels like Michigan in August. If you're gonna walk, I guess you've got to do it early in the morning ... but there was always the lure of early-morning over-coffee conversation with different ladies at the retreat. And I chose company over calorie-burning. I did get in one nice walk with the retreat center's resident dogs (a couple of sweet basset hounds and a lab). They were also excellent company.
My friend who was speaking did a great job. I do believe she's one of my most favorite preachers. :)
Now ... about the airplane situation.
I've flown a lot. It's always gone smoothly ... any problems were minor and easily managed with a good dose of patience and flexibility.
But this time, for some oddball reason, I was uncommonly anxious about schedules, etc. There was talk early last week about United going on strike, and my layovers were uncomfortably short.
So, I busied myself doing all I could to smooth things out, and circumvent problems. I picked my seats at the far front of the plane, so I could run for my connection. I printed off airport maps, so I could get an idea of which WAY to run before I left the plane. I schemed and planned ...
And then I sat down to worry, with the book I'd brought along.
The book happened to be about the providence of God. The section I was reading was about how God's providence involves His knowing ahead of time what is needed, and orchestrating events in the way that will best suit His purposes in our lives. It talked about His goodness, and His love for His people.
Then it talked about how we so often trust in our OWN providence, rather than God's.
And as the day progressed, all my preparations gradually got reversed. They changed the seat I'd so carefully chosen, and stuck me waaaaaayyy back in the plane. We came into O'Hare at a gate that required a (very leisurely) bus ride to get to the connection. and on and on it went.
But God still blessed. I got there with absolutely no problems, and with an excellent lesson on Who's really in charge. (and if I had NOT gotten there, the same lesson applies -- He knows what's in my best interst, and if it's a weekend in Chicago, then I can trust Him there also.)
Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the "sip of cool water". I've gotta get some bills paid here!
Trinka
Let's see ... what am I writing about here?
Oh yes, exercise ...
Got very little. Texas in June feels like Michigan in August. If you're gonna walk, I guess you've got to do it early in the morning ... but there was always the lure of early-morning over-coffee conversation with different ladies at the retreat. And I chose company over calorie-burning. I did get in one nice walk with the retreat center's resident dogs (a couple of sweet basset hounds and a lab). They were also excellent company.
My friend who was speaking did a great job. I do believe she's one of my most favorite preachers. :)
Now ... about the airplane situation.
I've flown a lot. It's always gone smoothly ... any problems were minor and easily managed with a good dose of patience and flexibility.
But this time, for some oddball reason, I was uncommonly anxious about schedules, etc. There was talk early last week about United going on strike, and my layovers were uncomfortably short.
So, I busied myself doing all I could to smooth things out, and circumvent problems. I picked my seats at the far front of the plane, so I could run for my connection. I printed off airport maps, so I could get an idea of which WAY to run before I left the plane. I schemed and planned ...
And then I sat down to worry, with the book I'd brought along.
The book happened to be about the providence of God. The section I was reading was about how God's providence involves His knowing ahead of time what is needed, and orchestrating events in the way that will best suit His purposes in our lives. It talked about His goodness, and His love for His people.
Then it talked about how we so often trust in our OWN providence, rather than God's.
And as the day progressed, all my preparations gradually got reversed. They changed the seat I'd so carefully chosen, and stuck me waaaaaayyy back in the plane. We came into O'Hare at a gate that required a (very leisurely) bus ride to get to the connection. and on and on it went.
But God still blessed. I got there with absolutely no problems, and with an excellent lesson on Who's really in charge. (and if I had NOT gotten there, the same lesson applies -- He knows what's in my best interst, and if it's a weekend in Chicago, then I can trust Him there also.)
Tomorrow, I'll tell you about the "sip of cool water". I've gotta get some bills paid here!
Trinka
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