Tag Archives: patience

Something About Romans

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Do you have a favorite book in the Bible? I have several but today will lean on the book of Romans which has been a blessing to me for many years. Here are a few scriptures from that book.

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Romans 12:2

Love must be sincere. Romans 12:9

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15

Live in harmony with one another. Romans 12:16

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

It would be wonderful to hear about your favorite scriptures. Happy Sunday.

 

Prayers for the People

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Dear God

Help us to overcome the obstacles that prevent us from enjoying a closer relationship with you.

Grant us the patience of Job, the wisdom of Solomon and the faith of Mary.

Help us to remember that the cross is the crux of our Christianity.

When we are unsure, help us to take the action we feel is right for the good of all and rely on Spirit to make any necessary adjustments along the way.

Grant us the courage and boldness to speak the truth of your word to our families and friends and may your Holy Spirit open their hearts and draw them to you. Thank You, Lord.'Praying Hands' by Albrecht Durer Painting Print on Wrapped Canvas

Happy Sunday.

 

 

 

The Waiting Game

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On Monday I had a 12:00 p.m. appointment at a hospital specialty clinic. It was a four week follow-up concerning a broken wrist suffered in a car accident eight weeks ago. It was 3:05 p.m. when I left the clinic. There was one doctor on call to look after thirty or more patients in the time span I was there.

One lady in the waiting room was very vocal about her displeasure regarding the long wait. Her appointment was for 11:40 a.m. and she was seen by the doctor at 2:00 p.m. Others had been waiting since 11:00 a.m.

As for me, I had an agreement with a Senior’s Ride Program that the latest return pick-up would be at 3:00 p.m. I was able to secure my ride home due to the kindness of my driver.

In spite of the inconvenience of such a long wait, and listening to the disparagement of a few disgruntled patients, I couldn’t help wondering about the exhaustion that lone doctor must have been feeling. It occurred to me that because he was so busy he didn’t even know how many people were playing the waiting game.

A Full Crop

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Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…this is the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22

There are days it is evident that this fruit is an integral part of our lives, if not all of it, at least some…other days, not so much. May we experience a full crop today. Happy Sunday.

What Next?

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I needed (or so I thought) a handy dandy repairman to fix a few things gone awry in my humble little abode. A gate was falling apart, a tap was dripping and a doorbell had a hole in it which prevented it from ringing.

Help was elusive so as a last resort I reverted to “the me I used to be”. The old me in my young years could do it all; plastering, plumbing, electrical…you name it, I did it, because it had to be done and there was only me to do it. But I was young and strong back then and unafraid to try anything to save money.

So now, first came the gate…a few hammer whacks on new nails settled that problem. I described my faucet episode on Saturday’s blog.

Yesterday, I tackled the doorbell. Once I got the old one off it was evident that some miniature creature had been building a wee nest with the wire coating, leaving the wires bare. Once that was cleaned up it was a matter of patience working with tiny screws and needle-nose pliers to get the new bell rewired and working again.

And then there was the matter of a door that wouldn’t lock from without or within. I called a locksmith for that.

What next?

 

 

 

It’s Hard To Be Humble

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Just like patience, forgiveness, tolerance, and other virtues, humility needs a lot of work. It’s not always easy to put someone else’s feelings ahead of our own, or to stay quiet when we want to correct someone. It’s definitely difficult for some to acknowledge that the creator of the universe is deserving of a bowed knee, and an outstretched hand.

Here are a few quotes on humility:

True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less. C.S. Lewis Mere Christianity

There is no respect for others without humility in one’s self. Henri Frederic Amie

It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels. Saint Augustine

Self praise is no recommendation.  Romanian (on flattery and praise) 

Be the change you wish to see in the world. Ghandi    

“A man should never be ashamed to own that he has been in the wrong, which is but saying in other words that he is wiser today than he was yesterday.” Alexander Pope

…but with humility comes wisdom. Proverbs 11:2

And now for a little humble humor from Mac Davis and the Muppets

 

 

 

 

Worth the Reflection

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As always, Sunday’s sermon left our congregation with food for thought. Our pastor said he wasn’t sure where he found the following reflection on 1 Corinthians 13, but knew it would fit nicely into a sermon one day…and Sunday was that day.

Love is patient.  True about me, or not so true?

Love is kind.  Is that the way my friends or family would describe me?

Love is not envious.  Does green with envy describe my usual complexion?

Love is not arrogant.  When I look at other people, am I looking up or looking down?

Love is not rude.  Miss Manners or Biker Bar: which describe my vocabulary?

Love does not insist on its own way.  Hmmm…

Love is not irritable.  Am I touchy-feely, or am I just plain touchy?

Love is not resentful.  Am I driving through life with a U-haul full of old baggage? 

Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.  When I think about my life, what causes me to cheer?  The places I’ve stretched the boundaries, or the times I’ve stood for them?

Love bears all things.  Is God growing in me a set of broad shoulders, for myself and for others?

Love believes all things.  Am I someone who sees God’s possibilities?  Do I see them in those around me?

Love hopes all things.  Do God’s promises for my future still excite me?

Love endures all things.  Even when I can’t see those promises, am I still willing to follow?

Love never ends.  Obviously, that’s something that only becomes possible as you and I experience the reality of Christ’s life – of Christ himself living in us.

I, for one, find this truly worth the reflection.

 

Some of Life’s Lessons – #3

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So now you’ve read about the cleaning lady, Mrs. Nat King Cole and today it is about another lesson learned on the internet.

Always Remember Those Who Serve – In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10-year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?” he asked. “Fifty cents,” replied the waitress. The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it. “Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?” he inquired. By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient. “Thirty-five cents,” she brusquely replied. The little boy counted his coins. “I’ll have the plain ice cream,” he said. The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away. The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left. When the waitress came back she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies. You see, he couldn’t have the sundae because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.

Tomorrow: The Obstacle in our Path

Unanswered Questions

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If you hadn’t just recently taken the stairway to heaven I would ask you (over tea at your house) how you became such an interesting conversationalist. You were never at a loss for topics and when you discussed people, nothing was ever gossip, just good informational facts.

I would ask you how you developed your knack for making people feel so comfortable upon first meeting them.

I would ask where you found the patience to knit and crochet all the thousands of things you created over the years; and how fundraising became such an integral part of your talents.

I would ask what was your secret for growing such beautiful orchids and roses, to the delight of neighbors and friends..

There are so many questions left unanswered now that you are no longer here; questions that only you know the answers to.

But since you did recently take the stairway to heaven, Norean, I really have to ask, “What is it like there?” That is really the most unanswered question.