Aug. 7, 2008 - Thankful Thursday and Trashy Love
I am having some physical problems right now, so will likely be taking a break from blogging so often. I am showing signs of carpal tunnel -- tingling from my wrist to my elbow, swollen fingers in the morning, and the worst symptom of all is the constant twitching in my left index finger. In the interest of trying to stay healthy, I will have to cut back on my computer time. This makes me very 
. Hopefully, it will only be temporary. 
My thankful list:
1. the rain we had earlier in the week
2. the cooler temps
3. work for dh -- he just got back from another out of town trip.
4. how the Lord provides for us -- Our neighbors are without a vehicle right now. I took them to get groceries for two weeks. I didn't see any meat items in her cart. Lots of cheap cereal, mac 'n cheese, peanut butter, and canned veggies. It was quite a humbling and eye-opening experience which made me especially thankful for how the Lord has provided for us even in hard times.
5. wonderful times I've had with the Lord this week
6. this Sunday is the last week to teach at church so that I can have a much-need break
7. my eyesight -- I know someone who is really struggling with her eyesight at the moment and it has made me very thankful for mine.
Trashy Love
One day while running errands with my mother, I mentioned something to her about some girls I knew who dressed so trashy. As Rachel sat in the back seat of the car, listening to our conversation, she said, “Mom, how are you better than them when you talk about them like that?” Busted!
Just as these girls dressed trashy, I was being trashy with my love toward them. How often do we offer trashy love to others?
Instead of patience, we offer impatience.
Rather than being kind, we choose to be rude.
When we should rejoice in God's blessing to someone else, we become envious.
Rather than having a humble attitude, we become puffed up and proud.
It seems that our motives are often self-seeking, instead of seeking the good of others.
While true love isn't supposed to be easily angered, it seems that our temper can flare up in an instant.
We aren't supposed to keep a record of wrongs, but when someone ruffles our feathers, we can quickly recite a list of wrongs done to us by this person.
Love is supposed to protect. Yet, how many times do we hang up the phone, only to call two or three people and share something that was told to us in confidence?
Love is supposed to persevere, yet we live in a society that believes in giving up as soon as some problem arises. People file for divorce. People stop serving in the church when things they get their feelings hurt. We quit attending church because we were offended by someone. We would rather not learn about perseverance.
Excuse me now. I think I need to be washed by the Father for some trashy love that I have offered to others.
© 2006, Stacy R. Miller
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Aug. 6, 2008 - Hi
Posted by joyfulhome
Oh dear, I can relate to your poor arm! Not only do I have tennis elbow from using the computer too much, but I have tingling from my elbow right down to my little finger... is that sort of what you have too? I wondered what it was...
I pray that your arm gets better soon.....
lv,
Joy
http://ajoyfulkeeper.com/my-blog/
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Aug. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by http://shortybearsplace.blogspot.com/
Sorry you are hurting sweetie. I have had carpal tunnel surgery on both of my hands. You will be in my prayers, please take care.
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Aug. 7, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mamasmurf
Such wonderful things for which to be thankful!
I hope your arm/hand problem clears up soon, my dear,
God bless,
~Chrissy
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Aug. 8, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by millie
Enjoy to read your thankful list. May God's love overflows in our heart, so we can offer love to others naturally.
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Aug. 9, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by MayTheyBeMightyMen
Oh, I'm so sorry about the CTS. As a sign language interpreter (full time for four years), I understand what you're going through. Rest is definitely best when the symptoms are so obvious. Be sure to gently stretch for now each day...and always stretch before doing any typing work. It can be a real help. However, the powerful healing from God is best. I'll pray for that.
Thanks for your devotions! They are certainly a blessing.
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