Palm Sunday

Been pondering here deep in my lazy-boy for several hours.  I set myself to go image surfing on the topic of what is called “Jesus Triumphal Entry”.  While scrolling around this thought occurred to me-- Why not search  for other images based on recorded scriptures from this historical day?

I hunted for images related to what happened after Jesus came into town that day -  something very unusual is recorded. 

Not the fact that Jesus presence in the city created a public ruckus, that was normal behavior for the crowds around him.  Not that he performed miracles of healing, that was normal behavior for him.  Not that he taught at the temple, that was normal as well.

My pleasurable art hunt resulted depictions of my LORD with a self-made whip of cords driving out the opportunists set up to make a buck, and perhaps even a name for themselves during holy Passover.

Meanwhile my thoughts were pondering: Is it practical thinking that motivates man to tack on “special activities” to what God commands of them, like selling a vat of figs to those who will need to eat for crying out loud?  Or is it more likely self-serving-idolatrous thinking  motivating man to minimize what God views as maximum?

I have recently experienced this Jesus who held a whip with rage in his voice, and in his hand.  I was invited to glimpse his view during such a compassionate rage.  How can rage be compassionate?  Could it be His compassion is for God the Father, His holy rage against replicas man, with ease and justificational thinking, worships. 

During praise and worship time this morning at church I was engulfed with inability to sit--only standing with my hands lifted high felt minuscule-ly appropriate in His presence.  In contrast; I have never, ever, ever, ever felt compulsion, to stand with hands lifted high in honor of my check book or various other facsimiles that my naturally-black-heart has worshiped. 

As for this whip and holy rage - my life has experienced and is settled on the truth that Hebrews 12:11 speaks into my ears concerning discipline given to me by the hand of my God --

12:11 Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful.  But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it. 12:12 Therefore, strengthen  your listless hands and your weak knees, 12:13 and make straight paths for your feet, ¹⁸ so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but be healed.  (New English Translation at net.bible.org)

Full of joy via mercy of a holy whip wielder, and giddy for the commemorative days this week holds for my heart,

Tink

Miss Sami Goes to Omak Saturday

This 6 month old precious puppy saved my heart.  She became part of my life in Feb 2006 thanks to a mid-life crisis of sorts.  Miss Lil Black Sami, with her princess/city-dog personality became my daily routine.  We walked together daily…she softened my hurts and soothed my aching soul.  I have written about her so many times here on Boundaround.  I have documented her four litters and snapped photos of her adorableness. 

It feels strange to type out loud, but tomorrow may be my last full day of joy with her.  Saturday she will move to Omak (the dry side of this beautiful state) and hopefully fall in love with a new family. The plan is a trial—everyone needs to be happy or we will abort the plan.

This good ole girl was an amazing mom with all her litters. The first thee were gone by 6 weeks old, however we chose to keep a pup from her 4th litter -- Miss Millie.

I have found managing two dogs to be more work than I had anticipated.  In addition, I can tell she misses the days of being the only child. Therefore, I decided I would try to adopt Sami out to a family that does not have other dogs and see if she could find a new true love. 

This may be a crazy idea and miserable all around, but I am praying that a sweet family is gifted with the doggie of their dreams. This is for sure - I shall keep you updated!

Tink~

Then I read the word “Beware”

In the parking lot of church today I was smacked in the face (not literally) with what has become a reoccurring frustration of mine.  Ok… “frustration” is not the word I mean…reoccurring blood-boiling is more like it. 

My blood boils in the effort to protect, to guard and to keep at bay those whom, for what ever reason, seem to consistently stir up trouble and division. 

I know that I am powerless to do such a thing but my heart beats with passion for healthy relationships, personal as well as body-of-Christ relationships. 

In the heat of my blood-boiling I decided to go do some research.  I’ll show them…reason number one.  I’ll find a tool that will help train – say a book or an article to “share” that could so perfectly apply to the person situation…reason number two.  

So I clicked on over to the Peacemaker web site.  I love the resources of their ministry!  There were some new resources and some links to blogs—oh how I love blogs. 

As I was clicking away on the blog links I found one of them to be quite humorous.   You see as I was reading it I heard God speak to my heart a shepherding tone--

“ Rhonda, remember that this Peacemaker ministry is needed because conflict always exists, which is not the same as it being needed in order to prevent conflict from existing.” 

Humbled, I again, face my flawed thinking that longs for perfection here on earth.  So I whisper a prayer…..

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr
 

Praying also that I learn more and more how to be part of solutions rather than part of an illusions.

        Tink~

Binding is all that is left

 

This may be the fastest quilt project yet for me. The time line pressure of making a sample for the shop is very motivating.   I started this quilt the first week of Feb and have only a few more inches on the binding.  No…I did not quilt it.    Wanda Rains of Rainy Day Quilts used her long arm to produce an adorable clam shell.  I have always wanted a quilt with this pattern quilted on it!!! 

If you happen to like this sweet quilt I am happy to let you know that it is available as a block of the month in two color ways, by Moda here. 

You are not seeing things in the first shot…I do indeed use my design wall in layers lol.    These shots are pre-border and are minus the adorable quilting, but if you come by the shop you can see it hanging.  I am tickled with it!

Praying creativity abounds for you today~

Tink