Author Archives: Patricia Ann

Some of Life’s Lessons – #1

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While cleaning out old files I came across this internet printout from 2005 called Life’s Lessons. Of course, I’m all about life’s lessons which is probably the reason I printed it and kept it. I’m going to share over the next few days. Here is number one.

Kindness Counts – During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one: “What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?” Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired, and in her 50’s, but how could I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.. Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade. “Absolutely,” said the professor. “In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say ‘hello’. I’ve never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy

Favorite Things

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Everyone has their favorite thing, favorite people, favorite song, favorite season, etc. Last night one of my favorite people sent me one of my favorite quotes. It has been my motto for over forty years; not only my motto but my truth; and here it is:

Image result for salt & mustard faith

Thoughts for a Sunday

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Psalm 37 was brought to my attention on an evening TV program last week but I just got around to reading it yesterday and a few things stood out for me. It seems God’s advice for today’s world and the last two weeks in particular is not unlike that of David’s time. See for yourself:

David writes, Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. (v.1,2)

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. (v.7)

But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace. (v.11)

Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked; (v.16)

The wicked borrow and do not repay…(v.21)

I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil, but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him he could not be found. (v.35,36)

These verses are written in the New International Version (NIV) of the Bible. They are not only thoughts for a Sunday but for any day.

There are some people who think they are ruling the roost but look what Revelation 12:7-9 tells us:

And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.

More food for thought on a Sunday or any day.

 

 

 

How Do I Love Thee?

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Some people will read no further than this title thinking that because of the word “thee” it will be of Biblical content. Not so. It is actually from the poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861)…How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways. However, I am going to put a new spin on it because I am moved to do so.

How do I love you? Let me count the ways.

I love you with compassion in your thoughtless ways.

I love you when your ire is up and when your guard is down.

I love you for infrequent smiles that are your very own.

I love you in the times you let your inner bully win.

I love you more for times when you reign that bully in.

I love you in the many ways that you appear aloof.

I love you when uncalled for, you offer up reproof.

I love you though these things are not the you you’re meant to be.

How do I love you? Unconditionally.

Has the time come for all people to come to the aid of our world? Can we do with unconditional love whatever is in our capacity to do to heal our brokenness? Can we ask with Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fear’s Antidote

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In his book “God’s Psychiatry”, Charles L. Allen writes this:

Possessing God’s power enables us to face life with enthusiasm; it gives us a deep inward peace because we are not afraid of tomorrow. There comes into our lives an inner joy that outward circumstances cannot reach. Because God is within us, and because God is love, there flows out from us a love for others that sweeps away all prejudices, jealousy and hate.

It seems that in today’s world where false power is overriding reason, we need all the antidotes we can get. God’s power is fear’s antidote. Why not draw on it and be part of the antidote that sweeps away all prejudices, jealousy and hate…why not?

Happy Weekend Anyway

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After attending a cousin’s funeral yesterday, I wondered how many of the people who also attended would enjoy a happy weekend. It came to me that because my cousin, until her Alzheimer journey, had been such a happy, upbeat person , no matter what touched her life, she still managed a smile. Was it always a happy smile? Maybe not, but even after attending her funeral, remembering her beautiful smile makes me happy anyway.

☀️Happy Sunday Fellow Pinners ☀️:

 

The Alternative Fact

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The fact is that it is a very gray day, the sky being blanketed by dark clouds. The alternative fact is that above that bank of dark clouds, the sun is shining.

The fact is that when the tide is out, small boats and often deep water vessels are pretty much stranded on an ocean floor or in shallow water. The alternative fact is that the tide will come back and once again these same boats and ships will be buoyed up.

The fact is that Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were one and the same entity. The alternative fact is that this character’s split personality, created by the author, caused the appearance of duplicity.

The fact is that a mirror mirrors the existence of the person it reflects. The alternative fact is that without the mirror the person still exists.

The fact is that John 3:16 is one of the Bible’s most read and quoted verses. The alternative fact is that there are those who have never heard of it.

The fact is that since the beginning of time good and evil have been at war. The alternative fact is that good has always prevailed.

The fact is that none of us knows why evil happens. The alternative fact is it is not ours to know but ours to overcome.

The fact is that there appeared to be fewer crowds to witness the recent inauguration of the U.S. president than some previous inaugurations. The alternative fact is that Mr. President chose to see it differently.

The fact is there are none so blind as those who will not see. The alternative fact is that not everyone has 20/20 vision.