loving & practicing simple lifestyle
by: Esther
Wow, it is still summer but few more months this year will be over. Many are hoping and so do I not to have the same hot, humid, rainy days as of 2011.
Absolutely true quote, "Behind the clouds the sun is always shinning," for God created our world with beauty and grandeur with the air filled with song as the birds chirp day & night and the loud, whining "chorus" of male Cicadas: click this link as mating begins.
When it is gloomy, many times I like to spend the day sleeping or staying in bed reading & browsing the internet (you are doing it now). Well, we often times do realize that there are balancing factors in our lives... & so with nature.
When the sun explodes its beautiful rays & shed it's light over the trees & gardens, it gladdens the heart. It inspire me to do my morning walks (with a happy & smily face), promoting stronger legs & help defy the early onset of arthritis creeping up with age! With a bottle of water a walk in the neighborhood park sure makes my day another lovely one.
Lately, I have not kept up with the recent news & what's going on around but I thank friends for sharing what they read and hear as well as their own experiences. What caught my attention most and gave me inspiration to express myself again was a note from a student (from the Philippines) wanting to finish college but suddenly, the father died leaving him & his mom with 2 other brothers and 3 sisters. So sad indeed, he can't continue his studies because the source of income is gone. Then, an email from a friend, who was very concerned that her non-profit organization ministry would soon be closed if economic condition would not improve with now fewer people donating to the ministry.
When the sun explodes its beautiful rays & shed it's light over the trees & gardens, it gladdens the heart. It inspire me to do my morning walks (with a happy & smily face), promoting stronger legs & help defy the early onset of arthritis creeping up with age! With a bottle of water a walk in the neighborhood park sure makes my day another lovely one.
Lately, I have not kept up with the recent news & what's going on around but I thank friends for sharing what they read and hear as well as their own experiences. What caught my attention most and gave me inspiration to express myself again was a note from a student (from the Philippines) wanting to finish college but suddenly, the father died leaving him & his mom with 2 other brothers and 3 sisters. So sad indeed, he can't continue his studies because the source of income is gone. Then, an email from a friend, who was very concerned that her non-profit organization ministry would soon be closed if economic condition would not improve with now fewer people donating to the ministry.
Another one this week, quoting that by the end of 2011 our money and all our savings will just be equivalent to a "play money" that one "cart-full of dollars" would pay for a loaf of bread--similar to WWII? (younger ones don't have idea about this). "What do we do now if this is true?" she asked. Should we be concerned?
For me ABSOLUTELY not. It reminds me of my own experience when I was in grade school. A classmate asked me to go with her to the college store to buy candies. After buying, she unwrapped a candy, ate it and then kept the rest. Maybe, I was too young & naive to get offended or felt bad. At recess time, a sweet lady came by and handed me a bag of candies. She was the store clerk who noticed when I was with a classmate, earlier.
We became good friends since, offering me many times goodies which I also shared with my family & friends until I went to high school. Soon she left our beloved country for the United States. I missed her and made me felt so really very sad...not knowing that someday, too, I would do the same coming to this blessed and beloved adopted country.
Recently, I learned that this dear friend has cancer. I do understand how hard one may be going through--for I am still taking care of a dear husband who went through a lot of difficult times, physically and financially. Learning a lot through all these trials and hardships make us realize to depend, and strengthen our faith in God, the source of all LIFE & well-being! Yes, Ben pulled through & by hard work, patience & following the natural remedies, he is still with us 15 years later.
Back to the question, "Should we be concerned?" For me it's a NO. "Let not your (my) heart be troubled" and always being reminded that God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and He will continue providing us too, all our needs. In the book of Matthew, Mark and also John 6: 1-13, we are instructed to prepare the soil and sow the seeds, leaving the rest to God's rain, air and sunshine. What a wonderful PROVIDER.
Happily counting our blessings & joyfully sharing with family, friends & neighbors. Started freezing fresh sweet corn for the winter. Dear God...Thank You!
Painting on the wall by LW 1985: "The Last Supper" adorns our kitchen wall since 1985. A sick "mom" in Marion needed help. It was a surprise when her son handed us this painting that gives us inspiration all these years.
I believe, this was NOT the last supper for the disciples for even after His death, He continued to provide them physical and spiritual needs...even to us who believe these days.
"How do some people always know what's best for me? Most of the time I don't know what's best for me." by Cec Murphey: a friend, writer, author, & speaker.
Recently, I learned that this dear friend has cancer. I do understand how hard one may be going through--for I am still taking care of a dear husband who went through a lot of difficult times, physically and financially. Learning a lot through all these trials and hardships make us realize to depend, and strengthen our faith in God, the source of all LIFE & well-being! Yes, Ben pulled through & by hard work, patience & following the natural remedies, he is still with us 15 years later.
Back to the question, "Should we be concerned?" For me it's a NO. "Let not your (my) heart be troubled" and always being reminded that God provided for Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden and He will continue providing us too, all our needs. In the book of Matthew, Mark and also John 6: 1-13, we are instructed to prepare the soil and sow the seeds, leaving the rest to God's rain, air and sunshine. What a wonderful PROVIDER.
Happily counting our blessings & joyfully sharing with family, friends & neighbors. Started freezing fresh sweet corn for the winter. Dear God...Thank You!
I believe, this was NOT the last supper for the disciples for even after His death, He continued to provide them physical and spiritual needs...even to us who believe these days.
"How do some people always know what's best for me? Most of the time I don't know what's best for me." by Cec Murphey: a friend, writer, author, & speaker.
