Month: July 2014

TODAY THE WORDS are FALLING STARS. Most of us have seen a falling star or more in our lifetime and we have made wishes on them. When a falling star shoots across the sky, it is mystifying and we gaze on the star until it disappears. An excerpt from a Yahoo answer forum dated three years ago gave a good scientific explanation of falling (or shooting) stars. Falling stars are generally referred to as meteorites or comets. These are composed of rock and ice and dust. They “shine” (causing the illusion of being a star) through the result of burning through whatever atmosphere they move through (which, itself, is caused by friction between molecules and the high speed).  With the definition in our minds,  do falling stars have a spiritual meaning? In researching, I found several references to falling stars having  a good omen and some not so good. One reference referred to falling or shooting stars as angels descending from Heaven. At my age, this was the first time I had seen or read this spiritual explanation. It sounded wonderful and is probably a basis for the representation of a good omen. I looked at a scripture which seems to reflect a bad omen. Let’s look in Matthew:

Now, for my deeper thought, Stars as well as everything in the Heavens and on Earth are creations of God and will be and are included in The Creator’s Plan and the meaning might be both a good and foreboding omen. We need not be concerned about falling stars but we should be concerned about the state of our “star soul”. God wants us to shine, in a different way from the physical makeup of a falling star as I interpret God’s Word for His desire for us to be Earthly Stars which rise to the Heavens when we die. Remember, God has no desire for His Children to fall but to rise and live among the stars in Heaven. God has inserted in each of us a light as luminous as any star in the heavens and we can glow by loving others, being charitable and thoughtful to those in need, and to worship and praise God for the blessings of life. Live life, love life, and live life to the fullest by being a “Shining Star” to all who see us and may we shine so brightly, someone would stop and gaze at our Godly Love.

TODAY THE WORD is PLEASE! I am known to be straight forward in my mannerisms, but I was brought up with manners. I have said in many posts that our family was certainly not in the upper middle class and were average in a lot of things. What I think we had that I see absent in so many homes now, are manners, southern hospitality, kindness and generosity. Our parents might have had their differences and they divorced, but I felt more unison between them to teach us to be respectful not only to them, but to others. We were taught the words “thank you”; you’re welcome”; and very importantly “please”. How many times do you hear these words in today’s society? Not very many if you have been going to the same places I have been lately. What happened to “please”? Was it an ugly word to ask someone nicely to do something? Did it take anything away from us when we asked someone in a pleasant tone?  I looked up please to see if I could find it as it must have gotten lost. Here is what I found:

please /plēz/

Verb Cause to feel happy and satisfied: “he arranged a fishing trip to please his son”.

Adverb Used in polite requests or questions.

There it is, and now we can use this “pretty” word again and teach our young people to say it too. There is so much violence and anger in this world and we need pretty words again. In other words, we need kind words and we need kindness. We need polite words and we need politeness. We need happy words and we need happiness. We need pleasing words and we need to please others. Children learn from their parents and their friends; therefore, we have a big responsibility. As my parents, and I am sure a lot of my friends are going to agree, we were taught to use these words but we were taught to be respectful. How many of you remember, “Pretty please” when we really asked in earnest? Today, may we please be nicer to each other, pretty please! DAILY FEATURED BIBLE VERSE: Proverbs 31:26           She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (c) copyright 2012 Arline Lott Miller. The material here copyrighted, use only by permission.

TODAY THE WORDS are TOO CLOSE TO TELL. We, on the average, have those stories which never die; they live on even if we die. When we remember them; they either bring tons of laughter or floods of tears each time. Yesterday, while Greg and I had lunch with my Sister and her husband, Juanelle and Troy Fussell, one of those stories popped up so I felt I would share it and as usual it can reflect a lesson in life. It is at my expense so laugh along with us as I recall the “TOO CLOSE TO TELL” story. Many years ago, my sister had a doctor’s appointment in a town close to 90 miles away and we had to leave early. I lived in my hometown of Douglas, GA and my sister lives about 12 miles outside of town so I could pick her up on the way. I had to get up very early and in order to not wake up everyone; I dressed in another room and then went back to the closet to get a pair of heels out of the closet. My shoes were placed side by side in the closet and in those days we wore high heeled shoes mainly for anything in public. You have to remember it was dark and I slipped one foot in one shoe and the other foot in another shoe. I know you are ahead because I find few people this has not happened. Back to the story, I walked out, got in my car and drove those 12 miles, picked up my sister and drove about half way. By this time, the sun had come up and it became lighter in the car. I can’t remember what caused me to look down; but there they were, the right shoe of one pair of shoes and the left of an entirely different shoe; different colors mind you! My sister is still laughing today about this story; but that isn’t the end. We had to stop at a shoe store and I Had To Walk in with those mismatched shoes. The biggest funny is this isn’t the only time I have done this and it leads me to the deeper thought (and here you might have wondered how this ridiculous story could have a deeper thought but it does). Sometimes in life, our choices make a huge difference in the outcome of how it turns out. We make friends; we take jobs; we choose spouses; we choose our faiths; we choose homes; and in all of these decisions life can give us choices that are too close to tell the difference. We have to slow down, turn on the light, and actually take more time to choose more carefully. It helps to see things (or shoes) in a good light so maybe we can tell we have on one navy and one black shoe and make the appropriate changes before we get out in the public and reveal we chose hastily and impulsively. The phrase “If I could do it over again, I would…” comes to mind but what we can concentrate on is taking the proper time to make wise choices and in my case especially take things to God so we can have a better “eye” when we make decisions. The fact I find funny is people are doing it intentionally now wearing different shoes. Did they get tired of doing the same thing as me and made it fashion? At the end of the day, be able to laugh with and at yourself; it is good medicine!

                

TODAY THE WORDS are I’M RUBBER, YOU’RE GLUE. When a person is going along in life and feeling happy, someone can try to throw negative thoughts on them in an attempt to bring the happy person down. This is the subject for today and this phrase is the perfect depiction. The phrase in its totality is “I’m rubber you’re glue, your words bounce off me and stick to you.” 

In an excerpt in Urban Dictionary from by Holly Strop July 17, 2006, she said “A riposte used when someone calls you a name. Indicates that whatever names or words someone uses in an attempt to offend or insult you, those words will bounce off you, and stick to the name-caller, indicating that he or she is actually indicative of the connotation he or she originally wanted to impart upon you.”

Now, we will look at how we can choose to be the rubber and protect ourselves by preventing those negative thoughts from sticking on us and bouncing them off us. This reflects the person, who is projecting those thoughts, is a “bully” throwing their weighted words around. In hindsight, we see the bully as the insecure person, the unstable person, the unloved person, and/or the spiteful one who cannot stand their life and wants company in their world of misery. The best prevention is elimination or separation from these glue-like people. An important factor is to remember, “Just because you say it to me doesn’t make it so!” I saw a television show in which one of the women who was jealous of the other one called her fat. The amusing part was the one who was saying this was so much “fatter” than the one she was calling fat. That summed bullying up in one sentence and this sets a precedence to avoid the glue people or take what they say with a “grain of salt”. Now for the deeper thought…..All of us are unique, with different personalities; some of us are very positive, encouraging souls; some of us are more inclined to see life on a more negative light. Here is my thought, and mine only….As I cannot make a negative person into a positive person; I will not allow a negative person to steal my positive persona. If you are happy being negative (I am not sure you are happy) it is your right but it is my right to try to encourage you; love you; and help you while keeping a positive outlook. For all positive people, you should remember when someone is attempting to bring you down,  “I’m rubber you’re glue, your words bounce off me and stick to you.” 

Ephesians 4:29 ESV 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. 

TODAY THE WORDS are SMALL MOMENTS OF GLORY. Almost all of us, at one time or another. have said “Oh and Awe” after watching the news or looking at a video depicting someone who has stepped out of their seemingly ordinary life and did an amazing good deed or act of heroism for someone else. That someone else is sometimes a total stranger. We cheer and applaud them for their acts of kindness and they have a small moment of glory. As I normally do, I am not writing about those times as they receive recognition, and at times, receive universal recognition. I want to write about small moments of glory in which no one knows about the kind deeds except the person and God. In the midst of life and when an opportunity comes, the best moment of glory in our souls is when we act in kindness or we give in anonymity to another. I recognize those people in the first mentioned reference did not step out for recognition; but the ones who intentionally avoid even the recipients not knowing who or why they were bestowed an act of kindness or help are the subject of this message. How kind and how giving when it is intentional to remain anonymous and the purpose is to help only; to give only; to secure a situation; to see that someone else is taken care; or to share a message of love for the purpose of love only. 

― William W. Purkey

That small moment of glory I am writing about is summed up in this quote. If we give like there’s nobody watching and if we live as if we are in the presence of Our Maker; life will give us a light of glory within our souls and it will outshine even those moments caught on video or cameras which the world views. God is viewing us in those special anonymous moments we give without expecting anything in return. These are truly the “biggest” small moments of glory; they fill us with the kind of love God has for us. If you have experienced this kind of moment; I don’t have to tell you about it; you already have felt it. If you have not; please decide to do something special for someone without an inkling of expectation and you will see but more importantly; you will feel better than you have ever felt.

TODAY THE WORDS are CAN’T PRAY THEM INTO HEAVEN.  This morning the topic I am going to write is probably going to be a touchy and sensitive one. It has been placed on my heart so even if you believe differently; that is your right to do so. So many mothers and fathers pray for their children and this has been the way since the beginning of time. This is a beautiful and loving gesture and many knees have been worn from prayers for our loved ones. I know my Mother prayed many prayers for all of her loved ones and she spoke of others praying for her. Please don’t take my message wrong; I am not discouraging prayers. There is a deeper message here. We need prayers daily; we need to pray daily; and we do need to pray for others. The message is when this life is over; the life has been lived; and our funeral has been preached by us and no words as comforting as they are, can pray us into Heaven. My life is my own funeral service and it is either pleasing to God or else I have to be accountable. This message is not to offend anyone; we have to accept God’s words and promises of what happens if we accept Him as Our God and Savior or the penalties if we don’t. The message was placed to give people the opportunity to know our lives cannot be whitewashed because our families love us; because we are liked by people; because we maybe didn’t have an easy life; or any other reason. People, judgment day is real and God doesn’t want any of us to die without having made peace and received forgiveness. I am not standing in judgment of anyone as I will face the same judgment as everyone else will. I have seen so many people taking this life lightly without taking the full breadth of life and eternity seriously and it is serious. Tomorrow may not come; but I can assure you from my belief and trust in God’s Holy Word; we will face judgment. Before the next cruel words or immoral action occurs; please know God is there waiting for you, as I had to do years ago, to bow humbly before Him and ask for His Love to enter into your heart, forgive your sins, and to be by your side until the end of your life. What you are doing now may seem fun; it may be tempting; it may seem harmless; or it may be you don’t seem to care; but a time will come when your last breath is drawn and you will understand this message. I am not a preacher and am a sinner saved by the Grace of God and not worthy of anything; but made worthy and whole through the same grace I am writing about for you if you are lost today. Powerful and God wanted me to share this with someone and you will know who it is. May God bless you today and always.

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

I think I have felt some sunflower love in my lifetime. There is something wonderful from the large bloom with its radiant yellow, a color we relate to the sun and the darkness of the eye or center of the bloom with a tint of mystery. Love in itself is relative to this combination; love can be so bright it can be blinding to our hearts; love can be mysterious and we don’t understand exactly what causes us to feel so much emotion and attraction to a certain person, faith, interests, and habits. Love is mysterious as how it can endure all of the changes we face in life. It would be easy to love when youth’s beauty is present but even more incredible when two people have lived together for over 50, 60, or even 70 years and seem even more in love than when they first met. A sunflower can lose its petals and still furnish nourishment to its benefactor as true love offers. As we age, we may not be able to maintain the same vigor and stamina we had when all of our petals were still intact, but we offer genuine character, loyalty, friendship, and hopefully wisdom. Yes, sunflower love is to be desired and if we are blessed to have it bestowed on us; shine like we have never shone before; give like we have never given before; and nourish like we have never nourished before. Sunshine; sunflowers and sunflower love; aren’t you feeling the warmth of God’s love He sends through the Sunflower and so many beautiful reminders?

TODAY THE WORDS are FEELING OVERWHELMED BY LIFE? I wake up, get started with my day and today’s duties and tasks start pouring in. As I do the blog, sip on my coffee, and suddenly without warning, the feeling of being overwhelmed can hit me. I would say that I am a true multi-tasker and can juggle with the best of them; but even Ms. Multi-tasker as I am, I can get overwhelmed. So this is why the reason for writing about being overwhelmed in life has been chosen as my topic for today. Christmas presents, birthday parties and gifts, trips, and all other good things used to “overwhelm” me with excitement. That is a good form of being overwhelmed! With all of the uncertainty in the world, we are finding ourselves overwhelmed with elections, news media, international events and tragedies, nature’s fury, and people dying too young from too many accidents, suicides and awful illnesses. What I think we need to do sometimes, is to “underwhelm” ourselves by diffusing our thoughts. Turn off the TV and computers; relax and escape from the “overwhelming hits.” A good read, meditation, prayer, and family bonding without so much technology. Have you worried or become so overwhelmed with worrying and then the very thing which caused the tension disappears or resolves itself, leaving you confused why did you worry so much. This weekend, my husband and I took some time to do much of nothing. We weren’t rushed; took our time and shopped, had a great lunch, did a few household chores, and relaxed. Think of when we were younger and took camping trips, fishing trips, picnics, and adventure trips without all of the multi-tasking we do now. A little “underwhelming” alias enjoyment of nature and God’s beauty that surrounds us is necessary to sustain life. We could use a little baking time, a little cuddling time, a little nurturing time, and a whole lot less “worrying, discussing, arguing, and depressing time”.Sometimes, it pays to do what my employer always tells me when he can hear me tensing, and he says to me, “Take a deep breath.” I cannot tell you how that simple statement gives a calming effect. All of us could use a little monitor built into our minds which tells us to take a deep breath and slow down in our reactions. We have serious tasks ahead in this country and in our lives, but for all of us that believe in a Higher Eternal Power…..Let’s throw it on God’s shoulders and I know He can say, “I’ve got this” if we relax in His Grace. Be a little UNDERWHELMED today and take a deep breath.

TODAY THE WORD is ASPIRATION. Note: I posted this message and now with the posting today, I am happy to say we are well over 54,000 and  on to a goal of 100,000. With this post, Sipping Cups of Inspiration will pass a significant goal of 30,000 page views and with that accomplishment,  I will move the goal post to the 50,000 page view line. Who would have thought it? This note brings me to a thought and I need to go back to my childhood. I may have told this story, but this event in my life was probably what set the course in my life for aspiration so I want to share it with you. So many of you have heard me say I was not birthed into a wealthy home (wealthy in love, but money was not abundant). I had watched the majorettes in the parades and I so wanted to be a majorette. I asked my brother Carlton to cut off a broomstick the same length as a baton which he did and I twirled and twirled. Oh, was I proud to have accomplished my first aspiration; I twirled! At that time in life, you could collect the glass soda bottles, Coca Cola, Pepsi, Orange Crush, and Nehi Grape and other flavors and they would pay 1 cent per bottle. I went out with my wagon all over the neighborhood and looked in ditches and on vacant lots, among the trees, etc. and I found bottles. I took them home, washed them until they were clean, and neatly stacked them under the house in the back. I loyally counted them and kept my “aspiration” in view at all times. I counted, I collected, and I continued to twirl my makeshift baton. Finally one day, I had one hundred three bottles (the price of the wonderful, magnificent, glorious, shiny baton was one dollar and with tax it was my collected treasure of $1.03 so off to the store I went. I turned in my bottles (several trips in my wagon I assure you) and then to purchase my aspired baton. Oh, then I twirled my heart out but as my human nature showed a spirit of aspiring abilities, I picked up my broomstick baton and my newly acquired purchased metal baton and began twirling both batons. Now for the deeper thought…..No, I didn’t become a great majorette like my friend Jan Malphus, Joan Minix or my niece Pam Fussell but I learned how to go after something I wanted and better than that; I learned to work toward my aspirations and to feel inspired to do something more than sit on the sidelines and wait for life to bring me what I desired. Aspire to Inspire is a great reference site and I love to read what others have discovered too. Live life, love life, and live life to the fullest by being full of aspirations!