Karen

Dear Diary … Too Cold

December 9, 2009 Karen

What a freaking cold day. The high only made it to 20 degrees. That’s pretty cold, even for Missouri. And even for December.

I had my weekly lunch date with Kevin – we went to Zios. Kevin has this theory – if he eats pasta, then he won’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night. And yes, he usually wakes me up around 3:00 in the morning to go eat a bowl of cereal or drink a protein drink. I’m getting a little worried about him, he’s hungry all the time.

We were leaving Zios when I noticed that my low-tire light came on. Again. I love my car, and the tires are awesome to drive on? But they are sort of notorious for leaking air. After I dropped Kevin back off at work, I went to the gas station near our house to check it out.

The winds were not only strong, they were biting – as in, single digit biting. I checked all of my tires and three tires were sitting at 25 lbs. They’re supposed to have 32 lbs. So, I set about airing them up. Only, I had to pay 0.75 cents to run the damn thing and then I had to pull and tug the hose out of the box and step on it so it wouldn’t whip back into the box when I wasn’t using it. I got the first tire aired up, finally, when I couldn’t handle the cold anymore and had to sit in my car to warm up.

By the time I was warm enough to air up my other tires, the stupid air had shut off and I had to pay another 0.75 cents to turn it back on again. That’s a $1.50 for AIR.

How stupid.

*****

I think I have the bulk of my Christmas shopping done. I talked to the boys after school today and all three of us put our heads together to try and come up with something for Kevin. I get so impatient with Kev because he won’t TELL me what he wants.

“I just want your love,” he says.

Aargh! He’s GOT that already. I want to give him something fun to open on Christmas morning.

“I gave you a wish list.”

Which consisted of: cords for his guitar, a microphone stand and guitar strings.

YEAH. How exciting!

So, the boys and I brainstormed and we came up with something that I think he’s going to LOVE.

I can not WAIT until Christmas morning just so I can see his face. It should be pretty entertaining. And to top it off? I got the best deal!! I can’t wait to tell you about it because YES, it’s that good.

The boys are done – for the most part. I still need to get some stocking stuffers, but that shouldn’t be too hard. We have gag gifts to buy for the family exchange and I want to buy my mom and dad something.

Other than that? I’m done shopping. Now I’m just waiting on packages to arrive. Don’t you love how you can get all of your shopping done and not even step outside your house?!

*****

We went over to Kevin’s parents’ house tonight to see his uncle. We had some of my MIL’s famous tacos (YUM! I only ate one because they are so greasy!) and then we played a little game where we had to draw a number and pick a gift. The next person could either draw a number and pick out a gift, or steal the gift of the person before them.

It’s all quite fun and all IN good fun. All of the presents were bought at the dollar store, so they weren’t anything big, but I think those are the best kinds of gifts to give because no one truly cares about the gift itself and can just concentrate on having fun.

I didn’t pick a gift, I took the mug that Jazz picked out. He got another gift and got an awesome Coke glass. Dude got a huge candy bar, but traded it for Tootsie Rolls and Kevin got a packet of 100 Grand mini bars.

*****

Two new business opportunities have jumped out at me and if I play my cards right, I might be able to seal the deals.

I’m excited, and yet I’m not. I always get extremely nervous when I start a new project just because I’m so focused on trying to design something that the client both wants and feels proud of. It quite stresses me out, to be honest.

I really need to get back into the business groove. Kevin has officially resigned as CFO and is now just a regular employee of the company. In fact, the company’s assets were sold this past Friday and now it’s all downhill from here.

I wonder what’s at the bottom of this hill?

Only time will tell.

image via mikE~510

Wordless Wednesday

WW: Priceless Observation

December 9, 2009December 8, 2009 Karen

Let’s be fair: maybe the guy was just walking by and saw Mrs. Obama and wanted a picture. Or maybe it’s not really a Blackberry, but some other cheaper version and the monthly plan is not as expensive as indicated. Or maybe the man really IS homeless and needs a cell phone so a temporary help agency can reach him.

Or maybe it’s more important to this man to have a phone than food. That’s his prerogative, his business, right?

Whatever the circumstances, it makes you think about priorities, doesn’t it?

(Welcome to Our World by Amy Grant)

Tuesday Stuff

Random Tuesday: Because My Life Consists of Random Bits of Nothing Right Now

December 8, 2009December 9, 2009 Karen

I’m trying to talk my mother into having Christmas at our house this year.

She’s being stubborn.

I’m offering to do this, because my mom works like a dog and deserves to be able to take it easy, relax and ENJOY the holidays for a change.

I have the perfect plan – Dude and I will drive over the 24th and pick up the gifts and her AWESOME stockings (she fills them each year with tons of useful / fun things and everyone always looks forward to them every year), and the food so then on Christmas day, all mom and dad have to do is get in their car and come over.

No mess. No stress.

I’m thinking this is a good idea. And now that I’ve put it out on the Internet, MOM, you sort of HAVE to do it.

How do you make someone you love slow down and enjoy the holidays and NOT be the hostess for a change?

Kevin compares pot roast and cooked carrots to candy.

Who even does that?!

Such an odd man. It’s a good thing I LIKE odd or we’d be in a pickle.

We have a winter storm coming through tonight (and thank God we’re on the tip of this storm because I hear it’s been dumping A FOOT OF SNOW on some folks! EEK!) and OMG, my head.

I can always tell when the weather is about to change, my sinuses go nuts and I’m like this all day:

But seriously, go away headache. Or I’ll start whimpering like Robert Gibbs when he’s forced to explain the actions of our idiot government..

OH … PWNED!

I witnessed two accidents yesterday. One was while I was waiting for the boys, the other was while Dude and I were out getting the pot roast that we ate tonight.

I was sitting there, waiting for the boys after school, when I noticed this red car, full of kids and none of them wearing their seat belts, drive erratically through the parking lot that I was waiting in. They do this every day. They parallel park on the road and then use the parking lot to turn around. And like every other student driver, they are goofing off and showing off for their peers.

They were trying to turn left. But there were several cars parked alongside the street, so it was hard to see what was coming in both directions.

They pulled out and though the car coming tried to swerve and miss them, the red car, instead of braking, sped up as if to try and make it and they crashed. Head on. Car parts went everywhere and though I don’t think anyone was hurt, I can’t be sure because like I said, none of the kids (and this includes the kid that they hit) were wearing seat belts.

Dude and I ran across the second accident shortly after it happened. It was another T-bone accident right in the middle of a busy intersection and it looked bad.

Oh, I forgot, the kids and I ran across another accident the day before yesterday. We didn’t see it happen, but it must have happened shortly before we got there because there wasn’t a cop car to be seen and smoke was pouring out the guy’s motor.

What do you want to bet that other than the kid accident, the others were on their cell phones when it happened?

Hang up and drive, people.

Did you hear that Global Warming is a hoax? Is anyone surprised by this information? I’m not.

And did you also hear that the EPA has deemed C02 harmful to humans? And does anyone else find this colossal news, that was released shortly before the climate summit in Copenhagen, incredibly stupid?

The media is a bird feeder, we are the birds and we are gorging ourselves on what they want to feed us.

Seriously. It’s time to wake up.

You must, must, MUST, do this. Your children’s eyes will bug out and they will love you forever.

Click on the picture below and follow directions.

You’re welcome.

You have to admit, this guy’s Christmas decoration is hilarious:

But yeah, after more than one person tried to use the ladder to rescue “the man” and other countless cars drove off the road looking at “the man” in horror, the owner had to take it down.

And yes, these are the kinds of things going through my mind at the moment.

What can I say, I’m a deep thinker.

(Winter Wonderland by Tony Bennett)

Prompt Fiction

Fiction: Waiting for Santa

December 8, 2009 Karen

This story was also posted at my fiction blog: Fiction Fix.

“I can’t see anything!” sobbed the figure on the floor.

Daniel rolled his eyes and stuck a foot into his sister’s ribs. “You’re not down all the way.”

“Ow!” Shelly hissed and whipped her head around to glare at her brother. “Do that again and I’ll …” she trailed off.

“Right. I’m so scared,” Daniel stage whispered and nodded back toward the door. “Hurry up and look. He’s going to be here any minute!”

Shelly huffed in irritation, but did as her brother commanded. She laid back down on the floor and tried to look through the crack under the doorway. “This stinks!” She flattened her ear more firmly against the floor as she tried again to see into the room.

“Well?” Daniel snapped.

“I still can’t see anything!” she wailed and Daniel shushed her.

“We’re going to get caught and then he won’t come! I swear Shelly, if you scare Santa off, I’m gonna…” he paused. What was he going to do? What could he threaten his sister with that would show her he meant business? His slow smile indicated that something had indeed occurred to him. “If you don’t keep your voice down, I’ll tear the head off your favorite doll.”

Shelly gasped and rolled onto her back, her eyes wide with terror. “You wouldn’t dare!”

“If you scared Santa away? I totally would. Now shut up and take a look or get out of the way.”

The lump in Shelly’s throat could nearly be seen as she swallowed hard. Daniel smirked. His sister was such a sissy. She twisted back around onto her belly and with a wiggle or two, resumed her position.

Daniel impatiently tapped his foot. He mentally counted the seconds along with the grandfather clock located further down the hallway.

One … two … three … four … five … six …

“I still can’t see anything!” Shelly whined and Daniel balled his hands into small fists. He leaned over to get a look at his sister’s face.

“You have to open your eyes, dummy!”

“I still can’t see!”

“Open the other eye!” Daniel fiercely whispered and he grit his teeth in frustration. Girls were so stupid.

He again distracted himself by counting with the soft pings from the grandfather clock.

One … two … three … four … five

He jumped when the clock began to chime out the hour.

Startled, Shelly squealed and scooted herself away from the door.

“It’s midnight!” Daniel croaked out. It was so much of an effort to keep his voice low that he was giving himself a headache. “Get out of the way! Santa will be here any minute!” He used his foot to nudge his sister along the hardwood floor just a little faster.

“I’m moving! Cut it out!”

He barely waited for her to get out of his way before he dropped to his belly and was comfortably positioned before the door leading to the family room. He ignored the pressure on his ear as he concentrated on making himself as flat as his mother’s pancakes.

“I see the tree!” he whispered in excitement.

“Really? Shelly asked, her voice dipping into a pout. “I saw some pretty colors, but I never saw the tree. Are you sure you can see it?” She lowered herself to her hands and knees and leaned over him. “I think you’re lying. I think you can’t see anything.”

“Gross!” he hissed. “You’re breathing on my neck. Get away, you weirdo!” He reached a hand back to swat her away like a pesky fly. He kept his head in the same position and he could indeed see the bottom of the tree.

Unfortunately, there weren’t any presents under it. But he wasn’t worried just yet, it was still early.

“Do you see anything?” Shelly asked, her voice tinged with excitement.

“Not yet.”

Five seconds later …

“What about now?”

“No.”

Five seconds later …

“Now?”

“No.”

“Anything?”

“No.”

“What about now?”

“No!”

Daniel maintained his position but twisted his head around to look at his sister. She was sitting cross-legged near his legs and bouncing with so much energy he was afraid she was going to bruise her butt cheeks. He’d no doubt be blamed for it.

“Sit still!”

“I can’t!” she wailed in a strangled, whispered voice.

“Then go to your room and jump on your bed or something. Santa’s smart. If he feels the vibration from your butt, he won’t come!”

“Oh,” Shelly said and abruptly ceased her bouncing. “I didn’t think about that.” She lightly chewed on her lip. “Has he come yet?”

Daniel heaved a heavy sigh and with another roll of his eyes, he directed his gaze back under the door. “No, not yet.”

“He’s not coming!” Shelly cried.

“Oh my God!” Daniel growled and twisted his body around to face her.

“Omm, I’m telling mom. You took God’s name in vain.”

Daniel could feel a slow flush enter his cheeks. He was usually pretty careful about not taking God’s name in vain. He didn’t want God mad at him after all. But his sister got on his nerves so bad sometimes, he just wanted to hit something. Why couldn’t she have been a boy, instead? Girls were so stupid.

“Shelly,” he said, working to keep his voice calm. “It’s only a little after midnight. It’s only been Christmas for technically,” he glanced at the grandfather clock. The light from the moon streamed in and lit up the right side of the face. “Fifteen minutes. He’ll come. But if he knows we’re out here…” he left the rest unsaid for truly, the thought of Santa not coming scared him more than he was willing to let his sister see.

“Wow!”

He smiled. He liked impressing her. They were working on telling time at school and even though he wasn’t really sure he got it, he knew more than his sister and for now, that was enough.

“So, you’re gonna have to be patient, Shel,” he said. He felt like a grown up.

“Okay,” she said and to his surprise, she settled down.

Time ticked by slowly. It went even more slowly than school so Daniel felt like he had been waiting and watching for Santa to make an appearance for years when in fact, it had only thirty minutes. His eyes began to droop and he would catch himself nodding off and jerk himself awake.

There was one exciting moment when he thought he caught a shadow in the corner of his eye, but when he blinked the sleepiness away, it was gone.

He yawned. Shelly was already asleep, her head resting on his legs. He could feel his left thigh going numb, but he was afraid that if he moved, he would wake her up.

He had been staring at the snowman tree skirt for so long that he swore he saw the figure moving his hips from side-to-side sometimes.

His vision began to glaze over and he could feel his eyes growing very, very heavy.

“Hurry up, Santa,” he murmured in a sleep-induced daze. He fought to keep his eyes open for several more moments, but at precisely 12:52, they slowly lowered, and then closed.

At precisely 12:54, a pair of black galoshes quietly stepped into view.

This was inspired by:

[Fiction] Friday Challenge for December 4, 2009:

Include this in your story….“I can’t see anything,” sobbed the figure on the floor.

Life

Making Specific Lists for Santa

December 7, 2009December 7, 2009 Karen

Santa has a saying at my house:

“If you don’t give me a wish list, there’s no telling what you might open on Christmas morning!”

Hence the reason I get wish lists from my boys every year. Very specific wish lists, I might add.

They didn’t use to always be this way. When they were little, their lists were long and quite generic. Play-doh. Legos. Hot Wheels. Trains. Etc.

But now?

Their wish lists are short and contain computer specs. Here is Dude’s list:

1. New computer
2. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360)
3. Halo ODST (Xbox 360)
4. New Super Mario Bros. Wii (Wii)
5. Borderlands (Xbox 360)
6. Cranberry “EB Yourself” shirt (www.fangamer.net)
7. Forest “EB’9X” shirt (www.fangamer.net)

Current Computer’s Specs
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.00GHz 3.00 GHz
Memory (RAM): 1.50 GB
System type: 32-bit Operating System
Video Card: Radeon X1300/X1500 Series
Hard Drive Memory: 141 GB

The boy is specific.

Jazz’s list is quite similar – my boys make look different? But they’re carbon copies when it comes to their past times.

Both boys really want new computers. Correction, let’s be specific here: they want gaming computers. Because that’s what they use their computers for – to play games and/or watch YouTube videos. (Out of the one BILLION videos on YouTube? I think Dude has watched 999,999,001.)

But we like to get the best deal. So I told them they needed to find out their computer specs so “Santa” could weigh the option of whether it would be cheaper to replace, say, the video card, as opposed to buying a whole new computer (which could very likely be cheaper because sometimes you can buy a good, refurbished computer for almost cheaper than you can buy a brand new, awesome, video card. Trust me. I’m a geek).

So, after Bible study one Sunday morning, I asked the boys to stick around and present their “we want a new computer and here’s why” case to their father.

In a nutshell? Here’s what they said:

Dude is thinking ahead. He knows that the kind of games he enjoys playing are getting more and more sophisticated and his computer is getting older by the month (because it’s all about months when it comes to computer technology, not years). In addition, his graphics are starting to lag, so he’s pretty sure that he’s at that point where the newer games? Most likely won’t play on his machine.

Now, the boys’ computers are the same, but Jazz’s computer is not quite as good as Dude’s. And that’s mainly because Dude spent his own money and bought himself some more RAM so his processor would run faster thereby making his game play that much smoother. (Still with me?). But Jazz didn’t do that, so his RAM? Is pretty puny. He’s also been having problems with turning his computer on. I can hear him in there mumbling at his “stupid machine” whenever he turns it on, but it won’t boot up and he ends up having to turn it on and off about ten times before it finally works properly. (We bought him a new power supply over the weekend – it works fine now). In addition, his video card is crapping out and because he has less RAM than Dude, his games REALLY lag and just frustrate him to no end.

But overall? They’re pretty good computers. And in fact, they are better than most of the “gaming” machines we’ve looked at. But Kevin wanted to weigh his options, so Kevin and the boys took Jazz’s computer apart to get to the video card and Kevin and Dude drove up the computer store over the weekend to talk to the guy and see what kind of video card they had and how much it would cost to upgrade. (I thought this was really cool for Dude because if he wants to go into computer, this is the sort of stuff he’d be helping people with).

We’ll bypass the gobbedly-gook (because I can see you guys nodding off – sorry, I love computers) and just say? Their cards? Suck. And a really good, top-o-the-line card? A whopping $200 bucks.

Each.

Yeah. We’re still chewing on that one. I’m not sure what Kevin wants to do about that yet, but we’ve already told the boys that if, and that’s a pretty big IF, they get a new video card, they can’t expect much else from Santa and to my utter surprise, they were both pretty cool with that.

I TOLD you my boys are on their way to being UBER-GEEKS/GOOD HACKS.

So, I spent a good portion of my Sunday looking over their lists, strategizing with Kevin and I think we’ve pretty much have them wrapped up, as far as Christmas. And yes, we plan on buying them a nicer video card, only not the top-o-the-line card, but a cheaper compromise.

The disadvantage to having super-geeky children? What they want is EXPENSIVE.

The advantage to having super-geeky children? THAT’S ALL THEY WANT.

So – DONE. Santa is done with the boys, save for a few stocking stuffers.

Christmas shopping has sort of thrown me for a loop this year. I’m usually done with Kevin right about now and just thinking about the boys. But this year, the boys are done and I have NO CLUE what to give Kevin this year. Even though he also gives me a very specific wish list (and he HAS to, because the man is REALLY picky and if I deviate from the list and buy him something unexpected, I have to endure that heart-breaking “I’m not disappointed, but really I am!” look. Do you know the one?), I’m not sure what to buy him.

Kevin’s lists are always very short. Which is fine, but it’s sort of hard to surprise the man when in essence, he knows what he’s getting and where’s the fun in that? I usually try and throw a little something in, just to throw him off track, but his big gifts? He totally asks for.

Now me. *sigh* I hate making wish lists because I don’t know! I don’t think about what I want. I’m always so focused on what everyone else wants that whenever someone asks me what I want? I’m like this:

And I can only shrug people off for so long before they start getting cranky with me and I’m forced to comply.

So after making sure the boys were done for Christmas, I started in on my wish list. …………………….

And couldn’t think of a single thing. Kevin has already told me that he will no longer buy me clothes. He says that he buys them, and then I never wear them. (He’s right). And though I love gift cards, (especially from Amazon – HINTHINT), that’s not exactly fun to open (though fun to use later!!!!)

I’m sitting here, yesterday afternoon, wracking my brain, trying to think of something when I suddenly remember – AMAZON! My Amazon wish list is huge. The only problem is? It’s chock full of books. And Kevin? Doesn’t want to buy me books. (I’ve mentioned I have a whole bookcase and TWO huge plastic containers in the garage that I need to get through, right? Yeah. It’s bad).

So now what? I think to myself. And somehow? Don’t even ask me how, I end up on video games. And I see the EA Sports Active for the Wii and HELLO! Right up my alley. So, that’s on the wish list (and I’ve given it a high priority – HINTHINT). Because even though I’m a couch potato in December? I always get back on the workout wagon in January because from that point on? It’s a countdown to warmer weather and more revealing clothes.

Ladies, you know what I’m talkin’ about, right? (Do I actually have to say it? Swimsuits. Sleeveless shirts. Shorts. Exactly!).

But then, then I ran across this lovely, scrumptious metallic rose-colored DS and COME TO MAMA. I want it. Don’t ask me why, I just do. This, of course, means I have to have games to go along with it. So I start doing a little research on DS games. I like mystery games – where you have to solve puzzles and riddles in order to solve a crime. I dig that stuff, which really makes no sense because I have the intelligence of a flea, but I pay attention and I have a lot of common sense and they’re challenging so, hush.

Only, there are a TON to choose from and I didn’t want to get stuck with a stinker, so I call Dude in to give me some advice. He’s like the GO-TO guy for video games.

He tells me I need to go to IGN and look up the game rating. Most of the games I looked at, were around 6, which Dude has assured me is NOT A GOOD RATING, so I bypassed them. But the games on my Amazon wish list? Are all 8’s or better, so those are the games I’m going with. (They look a little hokey and childish? But honestly, I watched videos on them and they look fun!)

But mostly, I think the reason I really want a DS for Christmas? Is because it gives me something to talk about with my boys. It would establish common ground with them and I have to say:

(I had every intention of making this post short. But as you can see, I failed. I’m beginning to think I’m incapable of writing short posts. It’s quite annoying).

(I’ll Be Home for Christmas by Josh Groban)

random stuff

Joke: Pastor’s Business Card

December 6, 2009December 5, 2009 Karen

I saw this gem over at Birthplace of the Process of the Illogical Logic

______________________

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.

Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote “Revelation 3:20″ on the back of it and stuck it in the door.

When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned. Added to it was this cryptic message, “Genesis 3:10.”

Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins “Behold, I stand at the door and knock.” Genesis 3:10 reads, “I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.”

(Santarrific by Harry Connick Jr.)

Abundant Life

Teaching: The Lord Desires to Give Us Good Things, Just Ask!

December 6, 2009December 5, 2009 Karen

Every Sunday I provide videos and valuable links to the Truth or Tradition teachings. We’ve been following the Truth or Tradition teachings for many years now and they have truly blessed our family. We have found peace and happiness through our beliefs and we walk confidently for God. My hope, by passing on this information to you, is that what you find here, or on the Truth or Tradition website, will guide you to a better, more blessed and abundant life.

If you would like to read my views on religion and how we got started with the ministry, you can read this.

Let’s get started:

If Jesus Christ walked up to you and asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” What would you say? This question, as well as others, came into my mind as I was reading Matthew.

Matthew 20:29-34
(29) As Jesus and his disciples were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed him.
(30) Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
(31) The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but they shouted all the louder, “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!”
(32) Jesus stopped and called them. “What do you want me to do for you?” he asked.
(33) “Lord,” they answered, “We want our sight.”
(34) Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.”

My first questions were: What was up with that crowd? Why would they tell the blind men to shut up? They obviously had their reasons, but were they good reasons? My question to you is: What reasoning tells you to be quiet, to not ask for help?

Maybe you don’t feel you deserve the help, or perhaps you think you can handle the problem on your own. Perhaps it’s the crowd saying the erroneous belief that: “It’s the sovereignty of God, and He has a reason for you being sick, out of work, lonely…” Or possibly you don’t think you can ask for help because you caused your problem. You’ve made mistakes in parenting or perhaps your health is failing because you’ve never eaten properly. I think there are a slew of reasons for not asking; in fact, I’m sure one of the Devil’s major objectives is to keep us from asking.

Instead of listening to the crowd and shutting up, these two men yelled louder! Sometimes we all need to be bolder, firmer and yes, louder against the voices in our heads of condemnation, pride, or public opinion. We need to simply ask with confidence that our Lord hears and cares.

In Matthews 7:7a, Jesus tells us to “Ask and it will be given to you….” Jesus compared our heavenly Father with an earthly father and goes on to say:

Matthew 7:11
“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!”

My next question was: What’s good? James 4:3 says, “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with the wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” “Wrong motives,” that’s not good. James 1:5 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” “Wisdom,” now that’s good! James 5:15 gives us two more “good” things to ask for, healing and forgiveness. A “prayer offered in faith will make a sick person well…If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.”

Hebrews 4:16 tells us to “…approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” It’s not always about our tough circumstances disappearing, but it’s about having divine intervention: strength, patience, peace, and love, to get through them. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, Jesus told Paul “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness….” When we have a need that we by our power can’t control, and we ask for help, that’s when we get to see the power of Christ at work in us. To see our circumstances transformed by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is a good thing!

As I continued reading in Matthew 7:11 about how our “…Father in heaven give[s] good gifts to those who ask him!” I came across the next verse, which disturbed me. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you….” Wait a minute—where do “others” fit in? I thought we were talking about me. In John 15:16 and 17, the same scenario takes place: “…I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. This is my command: Love each other.”

I realized that what our Lord Jesus Christ and our Father in heaven want is for us to bear good fruit. When we’re walking in the strength of our Lord, we can be his resource in taking care of others’ needs. In other words, we could be his answer to their prayers. That’s good fruit! Our giving can help others, our words can encourage others, our light can dispel darkness and help people see and know Christ. In John 15:11 and 12 Jesus explains: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete…Love each other as I have loved you.”

Yes, Jesus cares about our personal needs, but he knows that when we are about loving others we then can experience his joy. I’ve noticed also that when I’m caring for others, I’m not stewing about my problems, which, by the way, doesn’t help matters. I think we all know people who only think about themselves. They focus on their needs and their feelings, and most of the time they are miserable.

I recently was at a memorial service in which the pastor opened up with a humorous quip. “Live your life so that your pastor doesn’t have to lie at your funeral service.” Then he proceeded to share about two kinds of people, givers and takers. The man who passed away was a simple, quiet man who was a giver, and everybody in the room, hundreds of people, had been affected by his encouraging words, caring nature, and generosity.

I realized that to be a giver, a lover of others, you didn’t need to have a special personality, a lot of talent or a lot of money. You just need to care and to decide to give, to decide to listen and decide to ask our Lord for help in caring for others.

So back to where we started: two men answering the simple question that Jesus asked. “What do you want me to do for you?” Their answer: We want our need to be met. “We want our sight.” Jesus touched their eyes and immediately they received their sight, but the best part comes next. “They followed him.” The best part, the most fruitful part of our lives will come when we follow Jesus. Yes, many of our prayers will be, “Help me, Lord.” We need his help so that we can follow in his footsteps and be his source of help for others, bearing fruit that lasts.

So my final question is:

What would you like God & Jesus to do for you?

Go ahead, ask!

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