 |
| Sunrise |
 |
| Sunset |
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Team Teddy Tuesday
Again, I am touched too close to home. A young girl hired is accused of child abuse we found out yesterday. My impression at first was she was flighty, then I watched her settle down and work hard. She seemed drawn to me. Her age is between my daughters.
She told me her daughter died at five weeks old back in February. She hardly looked more than a child, herself. On a national television show yesterday the story came out. She had chosen to be on the show.
I'm sick. Tears swam in my eyes as I watched her on the program. I'm in unbelief. And again, I'm reminded how close child abuse can be.
The proof is inconclusive and not gone to trial. She lost custody of her first child, a three year old girl on the death of the baby. When the aid talked of her daughter, I again thought, immaturity. But it happens all the time. She never showed a mean streak.
I don't want to talk any more about this case, except to say what I have been saying. We don't know sometimes what is going on so close to us. I pray for discerning eyes. I didn't know this girl in February. She moved here in the spring. I listened to her. I wanted her to succeed. She had dreams to be a nurse.
I could go on so many levels here, from birth control to teaching young girls to not have sex. We need a heart change in this country. I love the life in this young lady and I am saddened to see it ruined. So many victims living in our society. I pray for her today.
She told me her daughter died at five weeks old back in February. She hardly looked more than a child, herself. On a national television show yesterday the story came out. She had chosen to be on the show.
I'm sick. Tears swam in my eyes as I watched her on the program. I'm in unbelief. And again, I'm reminded how close child abuse can be.
The proof is inconclusive and not gone to trial. She lost custody of her first child, a three year old girl on the death of the baby. When the aid talked of her daughter, I again thought, immaturity. But it happens all the time. She never showed a mean streak.
I don't want to talk any more about this case, except to say what I have been saying. We don't know sometimes what is going on so close to us. I pray for discerning eyes. I didn't know this girl in February. She moved here in the spring. I listened to her. I wanted her to succeed. She had dreams to be a nurse.
I could go on so many levels here, from birth control to teaching young girls to not have sex. We need a heart change in this country. I love the life in this young lady and I am saddened to see it ruined. So many victims living in our society. I pray for her today.
Sunday, July 26, 2015
Hide It Under a Bushel- NO!
Our community was rocked these last few days by the death of a local pastor. A church grieves. The pastor of a church I attended this morning, informed the congregation, he and a few members attended the five thirty service of the grieving church last evening to pray for them. As Paul said, when a part of the body hurts, we all hurt. He changed his sermon to offer hope and inform his flock how to tend to those they know are stunned.
I'm using what I gleaned from this service this morning. I hope, as always, it helps someone going through a difficult time. Many of my friends have noticed lately, the valley times for Christians seem so much deeper than we ever remember. I often times, half joke, I want to go back to when life was hard, because it seems immensely harder now than those "hard" times.
First, the prayer of confession plucked at my heart:
"Heavenly Father, you have redeemed us by your Son so that we may participate in your mission. We believe O God that it is your will to send out your people into a lost world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. You do this so that many may come to know you. Forgive us when we are silent about your Son. Forgive when we keep our faith to ourselves. Forgive us when we do not live intentionally for the gospel. Remind us of the joy that we have in you so that we will desire to see that joy in others. May we be silent no longer. We pray this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen."
He's excited about missions and what is happening in Sierra Leon. They changed to Evangelical Presbyterian with a strong mission focus. Two leaders believed in Jesus and now they are also telling their people about Jesus. This denomination plants churches in America, too, with a new one in Youngstown, Ohio.
Then this minister changed his message for today for his congregation to help those who mourn. He listens to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has the final Word for depression, "It is finished." He has the last word on all things.
A theme in my life lately is to fix my eyes on Jesus. I hear it over and over, through songs, the Bible and in my head. He brought up Psalm 122:1 and 2, one of my favorite Psalms. Mom would quote it as we drove through the mountains of Pennsylvania. "I look to the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."
His sermon was Four Hopes, we can communicate with Love. Based on John 11: 1-37
1) Hope, Jesus knows us intimately. Jesus counted Lazarus, Martha and Mary as close friends. He enters our world and sits with us.
2) Hope in Jesus' Sovereign plan. He knows what is happening. Nothing catches Him by surprise.
3) Hope in Jesus righteous anger. I had written about this years ago in my journal, when my cat of fifteen years died. When her life breath left her body, even though she looked dead before, she was not the lovely cat, anymore. Death left her ugly. Jesus was emotionally stirred at the death of His friend.
a) Anger with sin, sickness and death that takes over this world. He couldn't wait to fulfill His plan to put an end to this. I thought of how often, the Gospels record: Jesus set His face like flint towards Jerusalem, (and the cross.)
b) Anger with unbelief.
So when Jesus wept, the Greek word is different from the Jews weeping in that chapter. Jesus shuddered.
As I worked on this thought many years ago when Princess died, I also noted Psalm 116:15, The Lord's loved ones are precious to Him; it grieves Him when they die. Death was never what God intended for His creation. It was never in the plan.
4) Hope in Jesus' Glorious Victory. Jesus sings over us. Though Heaven and Earth will pass away, His Word stands. (Makes me want to shout!) The minister then pointed to Revelation 20: 10, 14 and Revelation 21:3-4. The devil loses. As Carmen sang many years ago, when the devil brings up your past, you just remind him of his future. The devil and death are thrown into the lake of fire for all eternity. Also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, the dead in Christ rise first, then we will join them in the air.
With all this hope to remind our grieving friends, we can walk joyfully.
Why do we want to hide this truth? Why would we not want to share this joy? I think of the song of children- This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
There is tragedy in this world, over and over. We can shake our fists or we can think of the four hopes and walk with joy. I chose joy, for these trials are only light and temporary. Take heart in Jesus' words on the cross, "It is finished."
I'm using what I gleaned from this service this morning. I hope, as always, it helps someone going through a difficult time. Many of my friends have noticed lately, the valley times for Christians seem so much deeper than we ever remember. I often times, half joke, I want to go back to when life was hard, because it seems immensely harder now than those "hard" times.
First, the prayer of confession plucked at my heart:
"Heavenly Father, you have redeemed us by your Son so that we may participate in your mission. We believe O God that it is your will to send out your people into a lost world to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. You do this so that many may come to know you. Forgive us when we are silent about your Son. Forgive when we keep our faith to ourselves. Forgive us when we do not live intentionally for the gospel. Remind us of the joy that we have in you so that we will desire to see that joy in others. May we be silent no longer. We pray this in the name of your Son Jesus Christ. Amen."
He's excited about missions and what is happening in Sierra Leon. They changed to Evangelical Presbyterian with a strong mission focus. Two leaders believed in Jesus and now they are also telling their people about Jesus. This denomination plants churches in America, too, with a new one in Youngstown, Ohio.
Then this minister changed his message for today for his congregation to help those who mourn. He listens to the Holy Spirit. Jesus has the final Word for depression, "It is finished." He has the last word on all things.
A theme in my life lately is to fix my eyes on Jesus. I hear it over and over, through songs, the Bible and in my head. He brought up Psalm 122:1 and 2, one of my favorite Psalms. Mom would quote it as we drove through the mountains of Pennsylvania. "I look to the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth."
His sermon was Four Hopes, we can communicate with Love. Based on John 11: 1-37
1) Hope, Jesus knows us intimately. Jesus counted Lazarus, Martha and Mary as close friends. He enters our world and sits with us.
2) Hope in Jesus' Sovereign plan. He knows what is happening. Nothing catches Him by surprise.
3) Hope in Jesus righteous anger. I had written about this years ago in my journal, when my cat of fifteen years died. When her life breath left her body, even though she looked dead before, she was not the lovely cat, anymore. Death left her ugly. Jesus was emotionally stirred at the death of His friend.
a) Anger with sin, sickness and death that takes over this world. He couldn't wait to fulfill His plan to put an end to this. I thought of how often, the Gospels record: Jesus set His face like flint towards Jerusalem, (and the cross.)
b) Anger with unbelief.
So when Jesus wept, the Greek word is different from the Jews weeping in that chapter. Jesus shuddered.
As I worked on this thought many years ago when Princess died, I also noted Psalm 116:15, The Lord's loved ones are precious to Him; it grieves Him when they die. Death was never what God intended for His creation. It was never in the plan.
4) Hope in Jesus' Glorious Victory. Jesus sings over us. Though Heaven and Earth will pass away, His Word stands. (Makes me want to shout!) The minister then pointed to Revelation 20: 10, 14 and Revelation 21:3-4. The devil loses. As Carmen sang many years ago, when the devil brings up your past, you just remind him of his future. The devil and death are thrown into the lake of fire for all eternity. Also 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, the dead in Christ rise first, then we will join them in the air.
With all this hope to remind our grieving friends, we can walk joyfully.
Why do we want to hide this truth? Why would we not want to share this joy? I think of the song of children- This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine.
There is tragedy in this world, over and over. We can shake our fists or we can think of the four hopes and walk with joy. I chose joy, for these trials are only light and temporary. Take heart in Jesus' words on the cross, "It is finished."
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Two Anniversaries
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/58252ffc17ea7b6b?ref_=pe_1771210_134854370#ln-en
Today my dad, if here on earth, would be celebrating his ninety fourth birthday. Main Street, A Gables and Gingerbread Story, has been "live" for one year. I was getting ready for work, when James from Westbow Press called to inform me the book went live on Dad's birthday. I walked on air.
Main Street introduces a character, JT and his family, who are based on my father and his family in my imagination. My dad has been gone for twenty five years. He still influences my life every day.
In honor of these two events, I think constantly of my dad. New Wilmington Mission Conference is in session all this week. I've listened to the speakers on line. Difficult to get down there due to working and some minor health issues. I'd love to go to Pymatuning, also, but time limitations today.
For Main Street, I signed up to give two copies away on Amazon. Be the mystery buyer and you may be the one to win. They started this program last week and I waited till today to participate. Next month, I plan to offer Summer Triangle on its birthday August 24. I also hope to have Outside of Time ready to publish by then.
Exciting times. The weather is perfect. The living is easy in Summer Time.
Today my dad, if here on earth, would be celebrating his ninety fourth birthday. Main Street, A Gables and Gingerbread Story, has been "live" for one year. I was getting ready for work, when James from Westbow Press called to inform me the book went live on Dad's birthday. I walked on air.
Main Street introduces a character, JT and his family, who are based on my father and his family in my imagination. My dad has been gone for twenty five years. He still influences my life every day.
In honor of these two events, I think constantly of my dad. New Wilmington Mission Conference is in session all this week. I've listened to the speakers on line. Difficult to get down there due to working and some minor health issues. I'd love to go to Pymatuning, also, but time limitations today.
For Main Street, I signed up to give two copies away on Amazon. Be the mystery buyer and you may be the one to win. They started this program last week and I waited till today to participate. Next month, I plan to offer Summer Triangle on its birthday August 24. I also hope to have Outside of Time ready to publish by then.
Exciting times. The weather is perfect. The living is easy in Summer Time.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Wordless Wednesday
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Team Teddy Tuesday
A reminder, verbal abuse leaves scars. Scars deeper and harder to erase than a physical beating. I see tears on a woman today recalling the attacks of words from her mother. Verbal abuse is harder to detect from the outside, so I'm not so much asking people to report this but to watch our own words.
Words pack power. A hand smack to the face fades. Broken bones heal eventually. Too often the words go with the physical. Both create horror and fear in a child. I am not suggesting one is worse than the other, really.
Words linger longer than the physical pain at times. They are overlooked by outsiders at times. The woman this morning stated at least a beating can end. Words tumble over a child and live forever in her mind.
Kind words heal. I often think of these verses. Let our words lift up all. Pray over your words. All verses taken from the English Standard Version.
Isaiah 6:5:
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Tones convey a message as well. Sarcasm slimes into a child's talk quickly. Anger carries a heaviness. Check the tone.
Pray for the children. Pray for the adults in contact with them. These could be parents, teachers, coaches, dance instructors, older brothers and sisters, the bus driver, clerks in stores, or waitresses. May we all watch our words, especially when little ears are near.
Words pack power. A hand smack to the face fades. Broken bones heal eventually. Too often the words go with the physical. Both create horror and fear in a child. I am not suggesting one is worse than the other, really.
Words linger longer than the physical pain at times. They are overlooked by outsiders at times. The woman this morning stated at least a beating can end. Words tumble over a child and live forever in her mind.
Kind words heal. I often think of these verses. Let our words lift up all. Pray over your words. All verses taken from the English Standard Version.
Isaiah 6:5:
And I said: “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!”
Matthew 12:36
I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.
Tones convey a message as well. Sarcasm slimes into a child's talk quickly. Anger carries a heaviness. Check the tone.
Monday, July 20, 2015
Two Sites
A new reader asked
me why I don't have my blog on Wordpress. There were several reasons
I returned to Blogspot. One, I understood it better as I set up there
first. I can't remember the other reasons, except one reader at the
time remarked he missed seeing the house. I did, too.
I got to thinking
with the question last week, why can't I do both? Generate a larger
audience could be a benefit. I don't have to give up the old
familiar, but I could reach out to more.
Today, I make the announcement. I will
be on both sites. I hope all enjoy. The regular readers and the
new.
I need something to
jump start my dreams of a career in writing. I have been down this
summer. Easy to succumb with the rainy June, the job to pay the
bills, and general dismay. I chose every day to leap over all those
feelings and keep writing and believing. I admit when I get positive
feedback it bolsters me. I believe in what I am doing.
I listen to my
readers. If you have any thoughts on the two sites, please let me
know. Comments on the blogs themselves, Facebook or Twitter. I
appreciate your readership.
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Repost for Team Teddy Tuesday- The Power of One
I guess as a writer one has to toot their own horn. I feel sad when a post like the one I wrote on Tuesday, with much prayer ahead of it, seems to get little pageviews or even more than one comment. I wonder at my effectiveness, or lack thereof. With a title of Musings, I haven't established my brand. I do enjoy writing what I feel, yet, I think I haven't found much of an audience without declaring a focus.
The articles about Teddy and the one I wrote on cancer are some of the ones I want to create dialog and thought. I desire to be that agent of change, stirring up a bit of controversy. That may be the problem, I'm too kind. I do think of the other side, maybe too much to be of one side, be it popular or not.
I'm crying out for causes, but do I live them? I think Teddy runs deep with me because I did know the mother superficially. I felt my quiet Christian witness while she cared for one of my patients did nothing. I observed her before she met the man who abused her children. Looking back, I see how her work ethic changed by the end of that summer, shaving a half hour off her paid time, but not on paper.
She didn't work for my company and I told the client she needed to tell Shain's supervisor, not me. As so many old people, the client do not want to cause any trouble. But old people sure voice their complaints, just not to the right people.
I want the right people to hear my voice. I don't want to always be the preacher, preaching to the choir. Yet, in person, I shy from the controversy. My work environment involves more personal interaction with co-workers, now. I am new to this work place, exploring the territory. I marvel, how at almost fifty two, I still want to fit in, be liked, but that is not my job. I am to lead a shift. I hope to inspire, but I am not naive to feel I can change years of habits.
I also have a strong faith and as I grow older, I am growing less ashamed of the gospel. As the days grow more chaotic, I grow bolder. I do want to speak the truth in love, but the question is what kind of love? When I did a spiritual gifting test many years ago, I tested to be merciful and an encourager. Those are often seen as weak traits. Is Mollie Lyon a push over? "That is a bad thing. Don't let those kids walk over you. Don't let the staff fool you. Don't let the patient play you," I was instructed at the beginning of the nursing home world journey.
I heard a sermon about the Welsh revival in 1904. Many people were changed to the quick of their hearts. Bars and taverns closed due to lack of business. The donkeys in the mines didn't know how to work when treated with kindness. My question is, "What are your donkeys today?" Who in our lives have not learned to respond to kindness? Is it futile to treat those donkeys with kindness to get any thing done?
I was raised with kindness and respect. I truly will treat you that way at first, until I find you are a donkey that knows no other way.
But how can I make a difference? Pray for readers for my blog? One on one or in a crowd? Or as the day leads me? I must walk and live in the Holy Spirit. I must trust in the Lord's leading. I must hope I'm reaching the people who need these words. Each one reach one.
Monday, July 13, 2015
My Trust
 |
| This popped up on my feed on Facebook today. Two years ago, I hadn't even published yet. The process begun. I published August 24, 2013. |
A final post for today. I found out Friday why my sinus headaches had felt different this winter. They weren't sinus headaches but infected teeth. Cavities in wisdom teeth and some dangerously close to my root canal. I didn't really feel sick, even after seeing the huge gray and white jaw x-rays on the flat screen TV and quoted the price to have some procedures done. Not until the dental hygienist patted me on the back as I stood at the desk writing a check and stated, "You'll feel better Monday morning after starting the antibiotics. You still need to get this done, though."
This morning, I wanted to sleep. My bed is comfortable, the room dark. I don't see the wonderful sunshine and in my dreams I'm somewhere with lots of people swimming in a beautiful indoor pool. My head feels full with a dull pressure. I want it only to go away. I'm cold because I left the air conditioner on. I open windows to let in the morning air.
I'm down. I want to call off and hide. The proclaimed inspectors should be here this week. We have only been waiting for over a month of tension. Change in leadership with no knowledge of the new churns my head. Work as unto the Lord pops up in my fears. Work. The Lord has a purpose, but I want to hide.
David encouraged me in my writing, too, over the weekend. I got my new business cards. He seemed more excited than I was. He is helping me plan with my upcoming book signings.
So yes, today, I woke discouraged. I know though I will not go to sleep that way. As the theme of my work in progress develops, God is there in the future, too. He not only knows, He lives there as well. Heady stuff to wrap my mind around, but I'm feeling it more and more. And I only need to fix my eyes upon Jesus. Look up, oh my soul. Don't be discouraged. Put your trust in God.
But To Add to the Hope
|
| My post on Facebook two years ago. Before Summer Triangle was published. So much hope and that was only two years ago. |
Thursday, July 9, 2015
Summer Mind
Summer Mind
by
Mollie Lyon
Summer,
the mind is
fertile and numb.
Clear and hazy,
mid-morning clouds fading
into the sky,
definition defied.
Growth under the brow,
unseen for now.
Three months, floating,
whimsical. Slumber or none.
Awake all night, sleep
mid-day
Miss the sun,
behind the clouds, it goes
away.
On the horizon far off
a war stirs on the cuff
We learn not from years
gone by
We change as the months
fly.
War without
or war within
Summer's end
brings us to the front
Light increases till its
descent
July nights are not the
same
As August's dying flame.
September leaves the
change to blame
on summer slumber,
to give it a name.
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Team Teddy Tuesday
I don't have any fresh ideas, but I want to remind everyone again to keep watching and praying. Child abuse can be under our noses. Another topic, I plan to introduce is human trafficking. I'm sorry, I haven't had time to research and present stats.
Tuesdays, at present, are packed filled. Seems my life has been packed filled. I also think some of that is going to change.
Tuesdays I promote child abuse awareness in honor of Teddy. I started reading a book written by a woman abused. I downloaded on Kindle last evening. I cry because Teddy didn't have a chance to write a book or survive. We need greatly to be vigilant.
Until laws can be changed, observation is key. Laws can't change hearts, but God can. So pray you will have eyes to see, ears to hear and boldness to report.
Tuesdays, at present, are packed filled. Seems my life has been packed filled. I also think some of that is going to change.
Tuesdays I promote child abuse awareness in honor of Teddy. I started reading a book written by a woman abused. I downloaded on Kindle last evening. I cry because Teddy didn't have a chance to write a book or survive. We need greatly to be vigilant.
Until laws can be changed, observation is key. Laws can't change hearts, but God can. So pray you will have eyes to see, ears to hear and boldness to report.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)