We all see life differently whether from up close or from a distance but I think we all have the same hopes and dreams of peace, love, harmony, hope, health, happiness. Listen to how Bette Midler describes it. Happy Sunday.
A Name in Vain
Have you ever wondered how and why we use names to describe actions and/or feelings? What I mean by names is not only every Tom, Dick, and Harry, but also dogs, cats, and others of the animal kingdom. Taking a name in vain originates with the Ten Commandments, but as you can see many a name besides God’s, can be taken in vain.
Going squirrely…tending to move around a lot. : very odd, silly, or foolish
Cat’s meow…used to say that someone or something is very appealing
Dog’s dinner…something that is messy or bungled
Sounds fishy…To seem suspicious of being improper or untrue
To the John…The first popular indoor toilet was invented by Sir John Harrington, a poet
The real McCoy…the real thing; the genuine article (but who was McCoy in the first place?)
Down Pat…Thoroughly practiced, rehearsed, or understood
The Patsy…a person who is easily taken advantage of
Patty-cake Patty-cake, baker’s man…an old English nursery rhyme
A Pat of butter…now, where did that come from?
These last four are about taking my name in vain.
Happy Saturday.
Promises, Promises, Promises
Hidden promises are the best kind, don’t you think? Yes, because when they are revealed, we are surprised to see that, for the most part, they are the best kept promises in the world, as this hymn beautifully explains. It is so full of promises, promises, promises. Happy listening. Happy Sunday.
Pet Peeves
I have a pet whose name is Peeves. He reminds me of life’s little annoyances:
Fine print…trying to hide the actual facts
False advertising…tell it like it is
Fake news…ditto
Blatant lies…ditto
Telemarketers…terrible timing
Enough said.
Peeves is a figment of my imagination but pet peeves are not, though it would be nice if they were.
Happy Saturday.
Where to Spend a Sunday
Looking forward to the end of Covid and the beginning of renewed Sunday services at church. Online church is a great alternative but does not hold the same ambiance, for sure. I take heart in the following scripture that reminds me where I like to spend a Sunday; at this beautiful old church, 115 St. Andrew’s Road, Scarborough.
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15.
Fear Quotes
Who of us hasn’t known fear at some point in our lives? Some fears can be paralyzing while others can prompt us to take action. Sometimes it’s helpful to know another’s take on fear as we will read in the following quotes on the subject. Happy Saturday.
The only thing we have to fear is…fear itself…Franklin D. Roosevelt
Do the thing you fear, and the death of fear is certain. Mark Twain
He who overcomes his fears will truly be free. Aristotle
Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try. Michael Jordan
He who fears he will suffer, already suffers because he fears. Michel De Montaigne
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me…Job 3:25
Courage is fear that has said its prayers. Dorothy Bernard
Looking Out for Each Other
Should we still be looking out only for number one? Maybe the time has come to give a little thought to our fellow humans, whether they be family, friends, presidents, or the grocery store clerk.
What does it take to look out for others? A simple phone call to see if there is a need to be addressed; a well timed visit, following all health protocols of course; and a heartfelt prayer here and there when all else fails…or even when it doesn’t.
Scripture speaks to this growing concern in our world today. Perhaps we should take its advice to be sure that we are looking out for each other.
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4
Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.1 Corinthians 10:24
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Happy Sunday.
Be Careful What You Wish For
This is a short chapter from my book My Precious Life. It just goes to show how sometimes our wishes do come true, one way or another. Happy Saturday.
Give Me a Break
I was overwhelmed trying to balance home, family, work and extra curricular activities. I prayed night and day to get a break from it all. I needed a rest.
While shopping one evening I spied a book titled Slow Me Down Lord. I promptly bought it, enjoyed reading it and made that my daily prayer.
Not long afterwards I slipped on the lunchroom floor at work and landed flat on my back. The pain! X-rays showed a fractured tailbone. Treatment? Stay off my feet and complete rest for two weeks! Doctor’s orders…or God’s?
As I settled into recuperation, a pile of good books at hand, I chuckled to God, “I asked you to slow me down, Lord, not put me out of commission.”
Two weeks of complete rest and relaxation renewed my spirit but the pain lingered for months.
Be careful what you pray for; God is always ready to answer….His way.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest….”Matthew 11:28
The Upside of Grief
People all over the world die every day. But when it hits close to home death becomes different; personal, sadder, even poignant.
It happened to me this week. Two of my very close friends died within three days. One was a friend of fifty years and the other’s friendship entwined my life for sixty years.
I will miss these ladies and their enduring friendship very much to say the least. But I take comfort in the fact that they are now truly home. Yes, I do believe in life after death.
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25,26
I also take comfort in knowing that my loss is God’s gain. And that’s the upside of grief.
Happy Sunday.
Come Saturday Morning
When you hear the name Sandpiper, do you think of the bird or the singing trio who began their career in the mid-sixties? This morning I am thinking of the the three young men who released this song in 1970. It seems to fit this Saturday morning for me because it brings back a memory of my wedding day, May 8,1954. Even though it may be afternoon in other parts of the world it is still morning here in Canada. Happy Saturday.
My Precious Life 