Precious Gems

Compiled by Lois Breneman

Thanks to all who contribute to Precious Gems!  Anyone is welcome to send kids' quotes to me at jhbreneman@juno.com to be considered for this segment.
 

Amiya (8): What's a mayor?
Dad: It's the person who runs your city.
Malakai (8): I'm confused! Why does a girl horse run a city?!
Dad: What?
Malakai: Isn't a mare a girl horse?

Justin (13) is on a class trip this week and Ryan Elizabeth (8) asked me, "Are you glad you only have one kid to take care of?" Then she adds, "Except you have the wild one!!!" ~ Joy in Georgia

Amiya (8) accommodating a sleeping dog (holding the dog on her lap): "I'm not used to sitting still this long." ~ Danielle in Alabama

Home Sweet Home
Weeds/wildflowers have taken over.
But gotta take a child's perspective.
Kortni (3) says:  Mom, they are so pretty. Thank you for planting the seeds!!! ~ Amanda in Virginia

If you give your kids a laundry basket and ask them to fold their clothes, they might leave some of it inside out.
And if your husband puts the same kids on the bus in the morning, one of them might come home in the afternoon with her shirt still-inside-out.
(And unsnapped in the back.)
And all you can do is thank God for clean laundry. And for the kids who are wearing it and who folded it all by themselves, mostly without complaint. And for a husband who lets you sleep in. ~ Jennifer in Virginia

The Flow

Used with Permission by Michelle Gill

February 6, 2013
 

Lately I have been thinking about the flow of life.  Can you think of times that you pushed and strained to make things happen?  A relationship, a job, a house...  Then there are the times without any effort on your part, the ideas, His voice just flows.  You walk to the sound, the doors open and close, and you end up in the wide open place and you know in your deepest, this is where you are meant to be.

Jesus told Nicodemus in John 3, "The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit."  What if we truly waited on His Spirit and committed to only walk in the flow of it?  I think it would make life a lot more simple, and there would be an ease to it, not easy but an ease.

When I was giving birth to my daughter, I pushed in the contractions.  I wanted her out already, so I pushed when there was no contraction.  The doctor stopped me and told me not to push except in the rhythm of contractions because I would end up injuring myself.  Isn't that the truth in life?  I am realizing now I have pushed most of my life in and out of contractions.  The results weren't always bad either but they trained me to not wait on God.  That life will happen regardless and sometimes something is better than nothing. What a lie and what a disadvantage to the Spirit adventure.

Yesterday in the sermon at church, Matt asked, "Do you have a backup plan for Jesus?"  Selah.  Pause and think about that one!  Why yes, I do, many.  That one question will not leave my head.  In my redesign I am learning to wait on His Spirit; but are you truly waiting if you have a backup plan?  If your faith has a backup plan, is it truly faith?

In the reconstruction of my life, I have been considering what direction to take my life. Maybe it is not about the "shoulds" and more about the "gentle blowing" (I Kings 19). Jesus said that even He does nothing on His own but as the Father instructs Him (Jn. 8:28). Wow, waiting, stepping in the Flow with no backup plan...  Most of the needs I have right now seem so important, so impossible, some even painful, and there is a fear in me that if I wait, He won't show up.  That is what I have to settle in my heart and my mind, He won't "show up" because He is already here.  He will never leave me or forsake me and if He is here, so is all His power and His person.  What more could I need?  So I listen to His gentle blowing, waiting, and waiting... and walking as It flows.

UPDATE:  May 16, 2016

At the time I wrote this, my husband had died two years prior and my daughter was six years old.  I was making decisions on where to live, what to do, money, a daddy for my daughter, a husband or not, so many decisions.  I had always made things happen but this time I actually did what I wrote above.  I waited and His Wind came to me and I walked in the Flow.  My Father did provide and I can state beyond a shadow of a doubt that He is faithful and He takes better care of my life than I ever could.

Can you feel it?  That's the Wind of His Spirit.  "You will hear a Voice behind you saying, 'This is the way, walk in it'"  (Isa. 30:21).

Buoyant Joy

Used with Permission by April White

http://redchairmoments.com/buoyant-joy/

 

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” 

(Hebrews 10:23)

Bass boats skim across the lake, a rooster tail of water rockets into the air. Spring yawns as petioles stretch open uncurling their true purpose. The leaves are on full display today narrowing my view of the main channel. In the center of my view, a “No Wake” buoy bobs as the bass boats disturb its quiet resting place.

This buoyant channel maker captivates my attention. It never sinks. Waves toss the buoy to and fro kissing the water,
always returning to its upright position.

“Joy is not mere happiness. Nor does joy spring from a life of ease, comfort, or peaceful circumstances. Joy is the soul’s buoyant response to a God of promise, presence, and power.”

–Susan Lenzkes

Buoy: noun/  a floating object anchored in water to mark something (as a channel)
Buoy: verb/ to mark by a buoy, to keep afloat, to raise the spirits of
Buoyancy: noun/ the power of a fluid to exert an upward force on a body placed in it, resilience of spirit.

Buoyant joy is a by-product of resilient faith.

It does not guarantee the absence of a storm; rather it guarantees the ability to bounce back.

A buoy is anchored in water with the purpose of marking the main channel. Our faith and joy are anchored to His living water.  We serve as channel markers, guiding those in the midst of the storm to stay on course, encouraging others as we bob along.

Even though thick fog impedes my future, I know the One to whom I’m anchored. Knowing I will bounce back because He is the God over the storm assures me “It is well with my soul.”

~April Dawn White
 

Photos courtesy of author and Pixabay

A Bit of Transparency

by Rosanne Parker - Used by permission

In my youth no one would have tagged me as anything but an extrovert. My sister in love described me as a white tornado when I'd arrive for a visit....I loved life and enjoyed people. In particular, I loved my Campus Life community of friends.

Life has a way of affecting change. The joys and sorrows conform us and teach us some BIG lessons. In my twenties I seemed to have lots of easy answers. My thirties were a blur with kids, a home and amazing relationships. The answers were less than easy but I was growing in grace and compassion. My temper was easily ignited to my shame. Hurt and what I now understand as trauma became an unwelcomed house guest and left messes that stained our lives. Those stains are being used to form an amazing piece of art, our life, to reflect resilience and grace from God alone.

The anger was often a reaction to fear. Fear is debilitating. As a teen I watched my beloved mom struggle through the change of life. For her, crowds and florescent lighting often triggered panic. Dear mom would get red faced on one side and go pale as Casper on the opposite side. People would offer help but that only served to make it harder for her. I recall being in a huge bus terminal in Canada when it once happened. Poor mom. I learned a little about assisting panicked people quietly during those days.

Here I am now, looking in to groups of people with a different lens than when I was in high school or college. Those waves of panic well up sometimes and I just need to pause and get acclimated like you do when you come inside from the sun into a dim room. It takes a few moments to adjust.

Please friends, be patient with those who don't jump into the party with gusto. Please remember, you do not know the history nor the current circumstance. 

Panic is a hard enemy and while it can mask as anger or unfriendliness, it is neither. It just needs a safe place to fall and gentle tenderness to get acclimated.

How can you be a safe place for someone today?

An Encouraging Word for Women of God

by my niece, Diane Fenlason ~ Used by permission

I can't tell you how many times I have thought how, in the struggle of trying to be self-reliant and independent and "strong," many Christian women end up NOT reflecting Christ.

That Proverbs 31 woman was not strong alone. She first of all recognized her strength was sourced from God Himself. She also did not work alone. She delegated and managed well, but had others working along with her. Thirdly, she was motivated by blessing others, especially within her own household.

How often, ladies, are we trying to put forth an image of being tough and strong and self-reliant? How are we encouraging our young girls to be pure if we are overly concerned about who likes us and whether or not we are accepted into certain groups of people?

Let's just encourage each other to lay those down at the feet of Jesus and ask Him to help us draw on Him for strength, but to BE the body of Christ to one another in the way we function and to humbly serve our families and one another better. For that is a truer picture of Christ. 

Life's Puzzle

by Jalisa Wenger A little girl, just five years old, She called and Mama came To fit the pieces that she held Within her puzzle’s frame. But when her Mama tried to help And show her where they go, She fussed and tried to make them fit Her way–not Mama’s–no! "Oh, Mama, let’s do this one now," But Mama thought it best To lay that piece aside awhile; It did not fit the rest. But as they worked together on The puzzle—piece by piece— They found the one they’d laid aside Now fit with perfect ease! This little girl, she is my own. To me, she’s very dear. While watching her, I saw myself— Like looking in the mirror. "But Lord," I whined, "I do not want To put this piece that way. I’d like it better over here. Please tell me that I may!" Or "Father, let’s do this one now," But Father knows it’s best To lay that piece aside awhile Until we’ve pieced the rest. Then one by one, we fit them in According to His choice. I now can see why it was best To heed His gentle voice. He saw the picture of my life, But I saw just a part. He knew the choices that I craved Would draw me from His heart. In tender love He bid me lay The treasured piece aside, That I might learn to yield to Him And in His will abide. As we continue working on Life’s puzzle side by side, My heart is filled with gratitude To God, my faithful Guide! And when we stand on Heaven’s shore And view the scene—complete— With heartfelt praises on my lips, I’ll worship at His feet!

Life with Apraxia

by Elizabeth Tromm - Used by permission
https://wingingthislife.wordpress.com/2016/05/11/life-with-apraxia/

Earlier this year we were told that Carter has Apraxia. While I thought
I was handling it well and dealing with this news, I still struggle with
it at times. Thankfully I have a great support system in my family and
when I called my oldest sister one day to talk to her about it, she said
something that I really try to keep in the forefront of my mind. She
said, “It could have been worse, he could have died. Or, you could
have been dealing with multiple complications or more severe
issues.” You know what? She is right. There is so much for us to be
thankful for in Carter’s life, and counting our blessings is what I try
to do.

But there are some nights I just can’t sleep thinking about ways to
help Carter communicate better, ways that I can be more patient
with him, ways to keep him engaged in wanting to learn during
therapy sessions and when I work with him at home, ways to encourage
him for working so hard on his therapy. Then there are nights where
I just sit and look at his speech cards, his props, the learning apps,
and I wonder, “Is he going to be able to talk clearly?” “Is he going to
have more struggles in life than my girls?” “How is this going to
affect him emotionally?” “What do I tell him when someone teases
him about the way he talks?”

We were out shopping one day last week and Carter saw something
that made him so excited!! When he gets really excited his words
become jumbled terribly and his stutter is more pronounced.
He also talks louder and louder and louder. So he was trying to
tell me something and as he was talking this woman walked by
starring at him and then turned around and continued to stare. In that
moment I felt pain and anger, and I went home and I shed a few tears,
and I squeezed my boy a little tighter. I ache the way a mother might
when we know that inevitably our child is going to be hurt one day.
I can’t protect him from ignorant people all of the time, I can’t protect
him from his peers, but I can teach him how to be confident
and secure in who he is and whose he is. And so, as we navigate
this season of life we laugh, we love, we cry, we become frustrated,
we celebrate victories and success, and we try to encourage each other
every single day.

Fear/Anxiety Scripture Ring

by Shannon Long - Used by permission

http://www.swtblessings.com/2016/05/fearanxiety-scripture-ring.html#.VzM2PuRbf-O

 

I LOVE scripture rings and just about always have some in my purse or on my desk in case I 

(or someone around me) needs the comfort of some Biblical wisdom.  

In fact I gave a set away to a friend today who is having surgery soon 

and dropped another set in the mail for a friend who is going through a difficult time. 

(I even have a few sets in my ETSY store here & here  and here if you'd like to purchase some!)

Based on the feedback from the May Scripture Writing Plan, 

there are LOTS of us that struggle with fear and anxiety! 

So I decided to take one or two verses from each day and turn them 

into some printable scripture cards. 

There is a card for each day of the month 

and there are 8 per page for a total of 31 cards and 1 blank card. 

I just cut mine out, punched a hole in each one, 

and used a binder ring to hook them together. 

I also tied it with a ribbon because it makes it super easy to grab in a purse- 

and it looks cute! 

You can find the PDF of the verse cards HERE.  

Looking for Scripture Writing Plans?

I'm currently working on updating my monthly Scripture Writing Plans and having them translated into Spanish. As I complete each one I'll be adding it to the folder HERE. Thank you!

My Mother

by Barbara Winans Hill - Used by permission

A delicate blossom has passed this way
Given to me for awhile
Now, Lord, as she rests in Your arms of Love
May the seeds she planted continue to grow,
That the beauty of her life in You may be seen
By family, by friends...by those all around.
And when my own bloom is gone, sweet Lord,
May the seeds that I leave be glorious and strong,
To point all my children to Yourself, and to Home.

33 Surprising Baking Soda Uses and Remedies

by Dr. Josh Axe

http://draxe.com/baking-soda-uses/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter

Many of us think of baking soda as an ingredient used for cooking, or even something that helps to keep our refrigerators odor-free, but baking soda is surprisingly good for your health and home, too!
An inexpensive purchase (usually costing about $1), baking soda uses vary from basic daily hygiene, injuries, digestive issues, stomach pain, coughs and sore throats.
Throughout history, baking soda has been used as a rising agent when baking. It’s 100 percent sodium bicarbonate; so when mixed with acid, baking soda makes bubbles and gives off a carbon dioxide gas, causing the dough to rise.
Baking soda is known as nahcolite, which is part of the natural mineral natron. Natron contains large amounts of sodium bicarbonate and has been used since ancient times as a deodorizer, soother and cleanser.

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Baking Soda Uses & Benefits

Baking soda is a great tool for cleaning and removing stains, but there are many health benefits associated with the use of baking soda, too. Some of the most common baking soda benefits include:

• Eases stomach pain
• Helps with digestive issues
• Relieves bloating and gas
• Fights off diseases
• Neutralizes acid
• Kills fungi, mold and parasites
• Minimizes cough and sore throat
• Reduces the duration of cold and flu
• Helps pH balance
• Reduces the symptoms of gout
• Promotes kidney health
• Treats urinary tract infections
• Reduces muscle pain and fatigue
  
  For a comprehensive list, read the rest of the article here.