"Friends, if we be honest with ourselves, we shall be honest with each other." ~George MacDonaldI am a gadget gal. I like fast computers, smart phones, kick-butt mixers (I
my Bosch!), cappuccino machines.But among the modern technology in my house you'll find:
**a hand-crank meat grinder that hooks onto the side of the table which my husband's Granny gave me 25 years ago when I fell in love with her "boloney salad" (don't ask--yes, it clogs arteries).
**an apple seive with its wooden press that my grandmother used to make apple jelly (unfortunately I don't have her recipe).
**an 1835 wooden bread bowl that I found on e-bay (I use it to let my bread rise each time I bake).
**and an early 20th century Hoosier cabinet that still has a working flour sifter with cover (I'd use it to store my flour, 'cept for the buggies -ewww).
So who am I: a modern 21st century woman or a do-it-from-scratch throwback to simpler times?
The answer: both.
I can enjoy the intricate designs in a blog's layout language as much as I enjoy the plain language of the Creator when I gather eggs each day and prove the "which came first" question.
For me to be honest with myself, I have to accept who I am.
What does that honesty look like?
The book of James describes me as it describes the tongue:
"Sometimes it praises our Lord and FatherPaul discussed this duality in Romans 7:
~and~
sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God." --3:9 (NLT)
"...the trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin. I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it. Instead, I do what I hate." --verse 14b (NLT)Thankfully, the story doesn't end on that depressing note. There is victory:
"Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God's law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.Today's quote is a great check-point for me:
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death." --7:24-8:2 (NLT)
Am I being honest with myself about who I am and why I do what I do?
If I can answer yes to that, then I am the kind of daughter of the King, wife, mother, friend, I want to be.
If I have to answer no, it's time to put away the pen and keyboard and pick up the Book and bow until I allow God to bring me back in line with the words He gave to James:
"If you are wise and understand God's ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.
But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don't cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness." --3:13-18 (NLT)
My prayer today is:
"Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me. Do not banish me from Your presence, and don't take Your Spirit of holiness from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and make me willing to obey You."--Psalm 51:10-12 (NLT)
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Lynette is hosting In Other Words at her site Lynette Kraft: Dancing Barefoot on Weathered Ground. If you want to participate, write a blog about the quote at the of the page on your site then click on the link to Lynette's blog and leave your URL in the Mr. Linky box. You will also find links for the other participants' blogs.
12 comments:
Oh! I love your blog! Just awesome. Thanks so much for that post. Really great! Thanks for stopping by mine. I will for sure be back to check you out!!
PS...I am typing one handed...=)
Such a great take on this weeks quote sweetie, bless you.
What a great point of view on this week's quote! This is the first time I have been to your blog! I will be back. :)
Patricia....I just love the way you write...I GET it...I love how it reads and I love the transparency!
What a FABULOUS look at this quote today...I get it!:)
Peace to you....
thanks for the blessing!!
lori
Great take on this weeks quote! Beautifully written and chock full of encouragement!
It can't be said enough how important it is to be honest with ourselves. Satan likes to slip those lies into our hearts that we don't need to hear but for the most part it is essential for our spiritual growth.
Kindred spirits, that's what we are! I like gadgets, computers, mixers, cappuccino machines - and simple farm life - good old fashioned books, good old fashioned walking feet, etc. Yes, we are kindred!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this quote. I appreciated the scripture you shared. It's encouraging to know that Paul struggled with his wretched self too. See, just as that encourages me, I can encourage others today by being transparent. As I said in my post, "We're all in this together!" :)
Thanks for sharing Patricia and for always leaving such thoughtful and very sweet comments on others' posts (including mine). You are a sweetie.
Have a great day.
Lynnette
PS I love your new family blog. I had fun going there the other day. Your state is beautiful! (West Virginia?)
Great transparency...the verse from James was right on and the knowledge that even a giant like Paul dealt with conflict in his own spirit is comforting. Praise be to our Lord who knows us - all of it - and loves us anyway! Blessings, Denise
PS: Do you really have a recipe for baloney salad...I remember my aunt making this yummy concoction with a old hand crank grinder and I loved it...my mom remembers it had baloney in it -- I wonder if it is the same thing? Will you share?
Great post! You sound like me! BTW, I LOVE your quote below your header about ideas late at night! I'm a late-night thinker! :)
Amy
Another fabulous post. Thanks for the persective AND the verses. As always, great.
AVA
Wonderful post! We are dichotomies, but God desires us to be honest with Him and with ourselves. This beautifully depicts the struggle...and the solution. Thank you!
I could have written this myself!
"Kindred Spirits as they say..."
The whole "simple life" facinates me, but where would I be without the beloved, useful, valuable, time-saving, much loved GADGET?? My daddy did instill in me the love of the gadget!
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"Create in me a clean heart, O God. ...
This has been the prayer of my heart at many times in my journey. Those steps in the journey have been of the greatest learning and growing.
I see you're there too!
God is GOOD!
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