Would You Rather…The Finale

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All these choices I’ve posed this week has gotten me thinking about all sorts of things.  More serious choices where I don’t always get to pick the outcome, things that happen that affect the rest of what happens.  When I was a kid, I had a fairly serious operation on my ankle that left me laid up for a few months and kept me out of exercise for a year or so.  It caused me to have a lot of time on my hands to read and to play the piano, which I think caused me to have a deep deep love for each and affected who I became.  So, in a way, I’m thankful for that injury/surgery, because the pain resulted in a great thing in my life.  (although I wouldn’t have said that at the time)

Would you rather….a)live in an exotic locale with no close ties to family or friends or b)live in a normal (?) environment close to family and friends?

Would you rather….a) have responsibilities  or b) have no responsibilities, ever?

Would you rather….a) have a pain-free, trouble-free life  or b) go through some trials along the way?

Hard choices…praise God, we don’t usually have to pick these outcomes, because I would probably pick all the easy ones and stay immature all my life.  🙂  God in his mercy knows what we need and don’t need in our lives so that we can become more like Him.  We just need to trust, childlike, and try to enjoy the ups and downs.  (easier said than done, for sure)

May your trials and challenges all give you a beautiful ending. Hang in there.   Blessings, Lisa

Kind

I met a wonderful lady yesterday who cheered me immensely.  She is struggling with many physical ailments, yet had a kind word and a smile for me during her day.  We had a great conversation, and I hope that I also brought a little sunshine to her as well.  Kindness is so important…it takes a normal day in, day out existence and turns it into something beautiful.  I’m praying for more kindness, to be able to see the people around me better.

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”  ~Plato
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“Always be a little kinder than necessary.” ~James M. Barrie
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“A kind word is like a Spring day.”  ~Russian Proverb

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“If you haven’t any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.”  ~Bob Hope

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“As God’s people, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”  ~Colossians 3:12a

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Have a wonderful day.  Blessings, Lisa

Lisa’s Top 5 St Patrick’s Day Countdown…Number ONE!

Giant drumroll please……….number one on my top Irish groups/singers is here.  Let’s countdown my favorite 5 so far:

5. The High Kings  4. Muireann Nic Amhlaoibh  3. The Chieftains           2. Cara Dillon

And Number 1 is U2.  They have provided the soundtrack for many moments in my life, and I appreciate their music so much.  Here’s a favorite concert moment, “Where the Streets Have No Name” from Boston 2001.  “What can I give back to God for the blessings He’s poured out on me?  I’ll lift high the cup of salvation; a toast to God.    I’ll pray in the name of God;
I’ll complete what I promised God I’d do…”  (from Psalm 116; The Message) Be blessed today, and have a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!  Slainte, Lisa

The Best Shepherd Ever

Weekends usually hold a lot of expectation for most people.  Time to relax, time to be with family, time to reconnect with friends, time to pursue some grand adventure.  And sometimes the expectation can be rather exhausting.  “What are we going to do this weekend?  I don’t know…what do you want to do?” etc.  Sometimes it’s good just to rest and recharge for the next week, and not have so many plans.  Here’s a great psalm for meditating on contentment and peace.

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want
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He makes me lie down in green pastures

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He leads me beside quiet waters

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He restores my soul.  (Psalm 23:1-3a)

In the midst of your weekend, take a deep breath and just be….just be.  The best Shepherd ever is taking care of us.  Slainte, Lisa

For Those By The Sea

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The waves crash and fill the senses like the voice of God
The sound washes to shore peacefully like the whisper of a breeze

Seagulls dive and call like clarions on the wind

Salt air blows and clears your mind like a good night’s sleep

Soft sand surrounds your feet like the sweetest down

Peace descends on your heart….you are there, you are loved, all is well.

Slainte, Lisa