Modern Day Samaritan Woman

FIVE MINUTE FRIDAY

BACON

When time permits I join a group of writers for Five Minute Friday, hosted by Kate Motaung. Every week we write for five minutes after receiving a one word prompt. No editing or over thinking involved….Just writing for the love of writing. For more information please visit Kate Motaung at Heading Home. 

 The word for this week is:

START:

Does it really matter in the long run who brings the bacon home? In the flurry of life and work and endless chores, I recently had to stop and consider again what truly matters. 

How easily do I become distracted by the busyness of life? 

Like a crow chasing the shiny and losing track in the process. My brain never resting, plotting, planning, running ahead with my to do lists…stomach churning with anxiety as the day is too short and there are so many things to accomplish.

Yet… in the brighter scheme of things…despite the heartbreak and bottomless grief involved in caring and loving someone with Alzheimer’s there is a small flicker of  a “bright side”, something I am frankly stunned to be writing about…because I never realized it until I said it…

When I attempt to view things from my mother’s perspective…and gaze into her beautiful but vacant eyes (I really want to know what she is thinking) I notice that she no longer has the faintest interest in curious people, places, things, money, or even what’s on television.

She operates solely on human contact, silly smiles, and tiny pats on her hands, small gestures made by her caregivers, parts of songs and scriptures and the treats that are pressed into her hands for her to enjoy.

The simple things in life.

The stuff that truly matters.

The chuckles and giggles from yesterday…the cause no longer remembered, only the warmth and joy they brought.

Her fast paced, active, busy body life is now reduced to hour after hour of staring into space…She no longer frets about “who is bringing the bacon home or whether there is bacon?”…She doesn’t even think about the “bacon” at all. 

She truly, in every respect is resting in Our Fathers care… a living example of His providence and provision of us, His Children.

This thought has reminded me once again that ALL provision comes from our Father in Heaven…He knows our needs and He cares for us in every way. He provides the “bacon” for our daily needs and it really doesn’t matter who is bringing the bacon home because it all originates with Him anyway.

Matthew 6:25-34

The Cure for Anxiety

²⁵ “Therefore I tell you, stop being worried or anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted) about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, as to what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothing? ²⁶ Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow [seed] nor reap [the harvest] nor gather [the crops] into barns, and yet your heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they?²⁷ And who of you by worrying can add one ^[a]hour to [the length of] his life?²⁸ And why are you worried about clothes? See how the lilies and wildflowers of the field grow; they do not labor nor do they spin [wool to make clothing],²⁹ yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory and splendor dressed himself like one of these. ³⁰ But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive and green today and tomorrow is [cut and] thrown [as fuel] into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! ³¹ Therefore do not worry or be anxious (perpetually uneasy, distracted), saying, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’³² For the [pagan] Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; [but do not worry,]for your heavenly Father knows that you need them. ³³ But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.

³⁴ “So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

END

Do you sometimes find yourself fretting about things you cannot change anyhow? Are there challenges in your life that are threatening to overwhelm you? 

Perhaps we should both just spend some time reflecting on the above mentioned versus and find the peace that comes with realization that “He has got the whole World in his Hands”. He will provide the “bacon” in whichever form is required at the right time.

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte

Modern Day Samaritan Woman

It’s OK to “Just be Ok!!!”

Have you ever wished to be more than “ok”…?

Ok is fine; but it’s just …well… it’s just ok….and it seems a bit run-of-the-mill and blah doesn’t it?

I have recently been reflecting and it appears that I have merely been just ok for most of my life.

Alright… for ALL OF MY life…

It’s not what I planned or thought about really. It’s just a fact.

I’ve also realized that I have been so busy trying to be more than ok that I haven’t really been contented and fulfilled with the “ok” that I was.

I have been driven to be smarter…to be prettier…to be more efficient…to do better… always to be more…yet with all that unrelenting persistence,

I have still just been ok…

I have desired to be loved and to love back…like that fairy tale movie princess that everyone desired and wanted to be near…I particularly remember watching Snow White many, many years ago and gee whizz even the birds wanted to be near her…Yes! I am aware that it’s a fairy tale and a cartoon at that yet that knowledge doesn’t prevent me from desiring it.

I have searched for the longest time for the contentment that comes with the assurance of the relentless…and unconditional love and affection… for that someone that is devoted to me completely. Sadly I have never found it…

Perhaps it is more accurate to say that I have never found it in the manner I have wanted to find it.

This has left me analysing myself and concluding…

I am really “just ok”…Nothing special, no one important …

So having concluded that I am just ok…is it ok to be just ok? Can I just lay down the desire to be more or should I press on?

I studied the scriptures to find my answer and the following scriptures have given me permission to be just ok…because in being just ok, I can glorify God in the manner He is supposed to be glorified… Less of me and more of Him…

Ecclesiastes 12: 13 – 14 “When all has been heard, the end of the matter is: fear God [worship Him with awe-filled reverence, knowing that He is almighty God] and keep His commandments, for this applies to every person. ¹⁴ For God will bring every act to judgment, every hidden and secret thing, whether it is good or evil.” (AMP) Emphasis my own

Micah 6:8” He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you Except to be just, and to love [and to diligently practice] kindness (compassion), And to walk humbly with your God [setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness]?” (AMP) Emphasis my own

Isaiah 55:8” “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.” (AMP) Emphasis my own

Psalm 94:19

When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me. (AMP) Emphasis my own 

Having come to the conclusion that it’s ok to be just ok…I find that’s it’s a relief…I don’t have to do better…I don’t have to do more, or to be more…

I can be “Just OK” and permit God to reflect His love and His Glory from within me…

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte

Modern Day Samaritan Woman

Surviving the Endless Pressure while supporting your loved ones overcome the trials that come

Sometimes life seems to be an endless pressure…pressing, pushing and never letting up. Sometimes I feel like shouting to no one in particular

“ENOUGH ALREADY”.

And I know I’m not the only one…so many others feel the same…

As a human being I have experienced this pressure build up from time to time and have felt as if I would explode if it didn’t let up…

We all know what these pressures are, cars that break down, meaning arranging alternative transport to get to work and back and the added pressure to find the finances (never budgeted for) to have these broken cars repaired. Invariably, the bank will be over drawn during these times, and the alternative transport requires that you have to either get up earlier in the morning or stay later at night, bring with them, their own pressures as your normal routine is disrupted.

If you have children and animals you have to make alternative arrangements for their care because, well… too bad… your normal routine is disrupted.

Not to mention, that just listening to the daily news is enough to add to the pressure. As a South African I am sadly quite used to living on the edge of crises and conflict and as a mother I truly want to be able to spare my grown children the reality of these pressures in their lives; however I simply can’t. I can only support them while they pass through the trial to the other side.

Sometimes I imagine …

“If I was richer…I could….”

“If I was older…I could…”

If I was younger… I could…”

If I was smarter… I could…”

If I was _______ (add your own)… I could “

We look at others and imagine that their lives are easier, but in reality we all face trials and tribulations…

Scripture warns that troubles will come…why do we always imagine it means someone else will face the troubles???

2 Timothy 3:1 & 4 [“Difficult Times Will Come” ] But understand this, that in the last days dangerous times [of great stress and trouble] will come [difficult days that will be hard to bear]” “and (many) will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. (AMP)

So what is a mother to do??? Scripture again gives us clear guidelines…

2 Timothy 3:5 ^“But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.” (AMP)

How??? By hanging onto our faith and entrusting all our concerns to God… He knows what we are facing, fearing and experiencing …and He promises that if we hand it all over into His care…

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God [that peace which reassures the heart, that peace] which transcends all understanding, [that peace which] stands guard over your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus [is yours].” (AMP)

The trials we face are not punishment and can’t be avoided by doing well or by living lives as hermits, but good will be the result of our overcoming…Paul said….

James 1:2-4 “[Faith Under Pressure] Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.”(The Message)

My friend, as you and I stand firm in our faith, even if we are standing with tears in our eyes and gritting our teeth…we can agree with the Psalmist that….

Psalm 119:73-80 “With your very own hands you formed me; now breathe your wisdom over me so I can understand you. When they see me waiting, expecting your Word, those who fear you will take heart and be glad. I can see now, God, that your decisions are right; your testing has taught me what’s true and right. Oh, love me—and right now!—hold me tight! just the way you promised. Now comfort me so I can live, really live; your revelation is the tune I dance to. Let the fast-talking tricksters be exposed as frauds; they tried to sell me a bill of goods, but I kept my mind fixed on your counsel. Let those who fear you turn to me for evidence of your wise guidance. And let me live whole and holy, soul and body, so I can always walk with my head held high.” (The Message)

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte

Linking up at :

A Test in Obedience – 31 Days

Head Covering / Prayer Room / Facing Giants

SUPPLIER HEAD COVERINGS

Click here to start at the beginning

Once I had reached the conclusion that I would like to begin wearing head coverings in obedience to scripture, I realised that I needed to find a reliable supplier of head coverings in South Africa and secondly I needed to learn how to fold and wear the scarves and head coverings. I found several but below are my favourites.

My search for a supplier led me Carrie at Jenna Faith Boutique – Like Her Page on Facebook. 

Within half an hour after contacting her, she had organised what I had requested and was ready to assist me. So if you are in South Africa please feel free to contact her for all your head covering needs.

I was looking for something to keep my own hair covered and in control that would also serve as a base colour to compliment to scarf I wanted to wear. Below are some of her suggestions. Beautiful! I want them all!!!

My second problem was I didn’t really have much of an idea how to tie and wear the scarves. Wrapunzel turned out to be an excellent source with actual video tutorials on the how to, (how awesome if that?) and I can testify that Andrea does tie the most spectacular scarves and teaches in a beautiful and humble manner that does not intimidate the newbie in any way. Like Wrapunzel on Face Book.

Enjoy your head coverings. I know I am going to have fun and feel very regal (just like a princess) with my new scarves.

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte

A Test in Obedience – 31 Days

Head Covering / Prayer Room / Facing Giants

Day 31: SUMMARY

Click here to start at the beginning

While writing this last days entry I am very well aware that I have only really touched the tip of the iceberg and that I still have plenty to learn; however I am excited about planning my prayer room, attaching my names cards and charts to the wall and pressing into praying with purpose.

The enemy has been absolutely relentless during the past month. Some of the attacks were devastating, and all of them were threatening and real; however sometimes, when we feel that we can go no further, simply getting up again and standing is sufficient:

The following list is not meant to in anyway glorify the enemy or promote fear; but rather is listed in order to provide an indication some of the tactics that were utilized to prevent me completing this challenge.

·         My marriage fell apart compelling me to move out of the home.

(Restoration is in the process and I will be moving back home within the week, after a three week separation).

·         Major rift (possibly permanent) between my step-daughters and myself.

(Will continue interceding and trusting in restoration).

·         My beloved dog attacked resulting in amputation of front leg.

(Thankfully well adapted to the changes and thriving again).

·         My son’s motorcycle and car breaking down simultaneously.

·         My daughter’s and her boyfriend’s individual cars breaking down and in for repairs for almost three weeks, due to no one being able to determine what was wrong.

·         My step-son becoming mysteriously ill for over a week.

(Thankfully he has overcome and is his usual self again)

·         My husband’s employment unexpectedly threatened to the point of suspension. (Hopefully will be resolved within the week).

·         My sheep (Lamb Chops) dying unexpectedly with no warning or illness.

·         Financial pressures due to all the above unforeseen expenses.

·         The water pipe in my temporary home bursting while I was at work and arriving home to find my entire place under water.

·         Perhaps the greatest indication of attack was when my Christianity was mockingly questioned in the face of blatant lies and false accusations directed at my person, my value system, and my character.

However, despite the above mentioned Jesus was ever near and I can state that despite all of the things that occurred my anchor held… Our Saviour truly does remain close in times of tribulation.

I would like to end this post with a very old, but very true poem, as encouragement.

The Devils' Tactics

I had a battle fierce today within my place of prayer.
I went to meet, and talk with God, but I found Satan there.
He whispered," You can't really pray; you lost out long ago.
You might say words while on your knees, but you can't pray, you know."

So then I pulled my helmet down, way down upon my ears;
And found it helped to still his voice, and helped allay my fears.
I checked my other armour too; my feet in peace were shod.
My loins with truth were girt about. My sword; the Word of God.

My righteous breastplate still was on, my heart's love to protect.
My shield of Faith was still intact; his fiery darts bounced back.
I called on God in Jesus' name; and pled the precious Blood,
As Satan sneaked away in shame, I met and talked with God!
(Author unknown)

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte

A Test in Obedience – 31 Days

Head Covering / Prayer Room / Facing Giants

Day 30: FAMILY MINISTRY/RESTORATION

Click here to start at the beginning

I believe I am now called to begin family ministry with my grown children, step children, siblings, parents etc. and share the knowledge I have gained. We all live dispersed through various different communities around the city and country. Therefore, we do not all fellowship together, but attend various churches within our own communities.

There is nothing inherently wrong with this but I do believe that we as family should specifically be ministering to one another, listening to one another’s concerns and praying for one another in a more purposeful manner for unity.

The enemy of our souls targets families and tears them apart creating feuds and rifts that are largely unnecessary, bringing division because there is great spiritual power to be found in united prayerful families. I can only imagine what a difference it would make if everyone in our family began to pray more purposely and effectively to one another.

I explained all of the above to my husband (when he visited) this evening and we both knelt together and interceded for one another, our marriage and for our extended family as never before. I believe our mutual prayer penetrated every obstacle and problem we have been facing and I am confident that from here on out, we will grow in strength. What the enemy attempted to destroy, our Lord only strengthened and is restoring.

Spiritual Lesson:

Prayer is very much a spiritual discipline; one that anyone  from a child to an adult can master, yet few of us truly press in to understand precisely how to pray; however this does not mean that we cannot press in and grow and utilize practical resources to assist us. My prayer life has advanced in leaps and bounds since I discovered this little truth; however, as with all things worthwhile, I would be remiss if I did not point out that the enemy does not stand idly by when we commit to grow in our personal prayer lives, but throws all types of painful and on occasion quite disruptive fiery darts our way.

Physical Lesson:

My prayer life has now changed irrevocably and I aim to set aside a prayer room in my house, where anyone of us within the home can retreat to and pray uninterrupted.

I also intend to rewrite this challenge in a user friendly book in order to be utilized as a guide for anyone else that would like to follow suit.

The head covering, while praying is a definite must as far as I am concerned.

Prayer:

Our Father, Precious Lord, Thank You for the ability to learn, to stretch and to be tested. Although the experience is not always pleasant, the results are always worth the effort, because You know best. Now that we have scratched the surface, please help us to press in ever deeper, practicing the spiritual discipline of prayer and communion with You, until we perfect it..

In Jesus Name we pray…Amen!!!

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte

A Test in Obedience – 31 Days

Head Covering / Prayer Room / Facing Giants

Day 29: RESOURCES

Click here to start at the beginning

Although this challenge started out as a quest to find out whether there is a difference when praying with a head covering versus without one, it turned out to be so much more.  I have purposely prayed since I was nine years old but this prayer experience has enriched my prayer life in ways that I could never have predicted. 

Likewise, the attacks on my personal character, marriage, pets and loved ones were also quite unforeseeable and unexpected.

However, thankfully these attacks only served to press me deeper into this challenge, rather than to deter me. Once I had committed to the challenge, I was determined to see it through no matter what. After all, how long could thirty-one days really be? Now as I reach the end, I am thankful that I did continue and press in.

While pursuing this challenge and pressing into God, I discovered how to pray individually and purposely for each individual person I had placed on my prayer wall (so far only immediate family members and siblings etc.); but I know that I can add friends, acquaintances and anyone I feel encouraged to pray for. Now that I have name cards for every person, I no longer need to fear forgetting to pray for someone and I can easily add anything to my lists as I go.

I believe that as Nehemiah secured the resources he would need in order to be successful in building the wall around Jerusalem, so too does my wall “chart, name cards and notes provide me with the necessary resources. I have learned a valuable lesson in having practice resources at hand.

Last night while I was praying for the individual people on my name cards, laying my hands on their name cards and interceding for them, the Lord showed me that these people, represented different communities dispersed throughout the country. He impressed on me the need to pray for these specific communities in order to widen the blessing and covering around my loved ones and in this manner spiritually bless and intercede for these communities.

I started out with only a yearly devotional which I carry around with me on a daily basis, and record my prayers for my immediate family.  (For many years I have personalized my devotional, with pictures, prayers and notes). Now I have an entire wall, covered with names and scriptures to assist me in my prayers.

Spiritual Lesson:

Prayer is very much a spiritual discipline; however this does not mean that we cannot use practical resources to assist us. My prayer life has advanced in leaps and bounds since I discovered this little truth.

Physical Lesson:

I have decided that in order to press into this new method of praying and interceding for my family, I will need to create a permanent private space in order to be able to close the door and pray uninterrupted, regardless of the activities around the house. Presently, I am on my own and interruption is not an issue, but when I am reconciled to my family, and the normal household rhythms continue, my prayer life will be interrupted, if I don’t plan ahead and create this space.

Resources:

Bible

Pens / Markers

Yearly Devotional

Wall Charts

Name Cards

Head Scarf

(Prayer can be a lot more than a few minutes of whispered blessings and requests)

 – I usually started on my knees but have found myself kneeling, pacing, raising my hands, touching the name cards, and sometimes even pressing my forehead against the wall when pleading with God for breakthrough for someone or something.

Prayer:

Precious Jesus, thank you for all the blessed gifts of abundance bestowed on us by your grace and mercy towards us. Raise us up as prayer warriors, effective and ready at a moment’s notice to intercede and pray.

In Jesus Name we pray…Amen!!!

*Hugs* till next time.

Ariéte