W.O.W.2~4U (Words of Wisdom/Wit for you)

We all know the saying,

‘if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck and sounds like a duck-it’s a duck.’
I would also surmise that we would assume correctly that a woman donning pink clothes and driving a
pink car is more than likely a Mary Kay makeup consultant.
Just as a police officer is known by his uniform and badge.
A soldier recognized by his fatigues and dog tags.
A doctor or nurse by their medical garb.
You get the idea…we are easily identifiable.
How would we be identified?
Does what we wear or how we act or the words we say identify us as Christians, i.e., followers of Jesus Christ?
In the Bible, God’s Word, it says that, ‘Each tree is recognized by its fruit’ (Luke 6:44)
No one would pick an apple off a tree and call it an orange.
Or misidentify a pear for a tomato .(Yes, a tomato is a fruit and not a vegetable!)
If an apple represents a Christian ~would we be identified as apples or orangen’t we sure?
Maybe we would even be considered a kumguat—a fruit with both a sweet and sour taste.
Do we really want to profess that we are an apple when our behaviors and words are characteristic of an orange?
Contemplate this question, ‘if you were arrested for being a Christian would there be enough evidence to convict you?’ Wow?!—the presentation of evidence might include what we read, where we go or what
we watch. Are you ready to take the stand? Could you testify on your own behalf…claiming to tell the whole truth so help you God…that your walk matches your talk? What if the verdict was ‘lack of evidence’?

If you profess that you are a Christian and nothing in your life has changed , orangen’t you concerned?

For God says, that ‘if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation, old things have passed away,
all things are new’ (II Corinthians 5:16) When we ask Jesus Christ into our hearts –we change.
Not by our own doing or by any efforts on our part lest that any of us could boast or pat ourselves on
the back. Salvation is a free gift from God. It cannot be earned or bought. It can only be asked for…from God.
We live in- what is considered – ‘a Christian’ country, therefore, most, Americans profess that they are
Christians. However, if we profess to have a relationship with Jesus Christ there needs to be evidence (fruit) in our lives to validate that claim.
We cannot manufacture ‘evidence’ any more than an orange tree can bear an apple.
We will begin to bear evidence—or fruit---of being followers of Jesus Christ
by -- making positively sure that we are ‘saved’, reading the Bible so that you can learn about God and how to live out your faith and attending a church that preaches the truth found in the infallible Word of God plus surround yourself with others that share your beliefs to encourage one another.
Often times the simplest phrases express the greatest truths for example, “Actions speak louder than words’. When others watch you what do they hear? Contradiction or confirmation?
*Remember, ‘if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck and sounds like a duck—it’s a duck.

Always at 'witz' end!: When life gives you lemons...

Always at 'witz' end!: When life gives you lemons...

Rufus has a best buddy~Mr. Ball

Rufus has a best buddy~Mr. Ball. 

    Mr. Ball is his constant companion.
   
When Rufus gets overheated by playing outside with Mr. Ball—not only does he come in to cool off and get a nice cold drink, he also brings with him, Mr. Ball, and puts him in the water dish so that he can also cool down!

     Rufus is very considerate of Mr. Ball in that way, however, he also throws Mr. Ball under the bus (literally) to get attention.
    
     Among humans this syndrome is medically referred to as
Munchausen by proxy. That is the perpetrator (Rufus) feels satisfied by gaining the attention and sympathy of (his grand-parents, mom, aunt & uncle) by creating scenarios where Mr. Ball is in dire need of help.
    
     Proof of Rufus having Munchausen by proxy syndrome are the following but not exhaustive examples of his MBPS:

After looking around to assure himself that we are not observing him—he will drop Mr. Ball into the fountain and then begins barking loudly and incessantly to alert us that Mr. Ball is drowning and needs rescued!
Or he will maneuver Mr. Ball between the plexi-glass gate and the deck railings and once again demands our attention with earsplitting barks to communicate to us that Mr. Ball has been imprisoned and needs bailed out.

His latest tactic is to drop Mr. Ball off of the deck and then bark
like a siren making a loud prolonged warning sound that Mr. Ball jumped off the deck in an attempt of suicide, when in actuality—Rufus pushed him over the edge…to the rocks below.

Rufus expresses much happiness each time Mr. Ball is rescued…but his euphoria is short lived..in that --as soon as our backs are turned he is planning or executing the next demise for Mr. Ball.

Why is Rufus so desperate for attention….at the expense and harm of his buddy, Mr. Ball?

Is it that his father abandoned him as a pup (while he was deployed to Iraq)?
Or that his mother neglects him by day (while she is at the Dance Studio teaching dance)?

The answer maybe only lies with a dog-whisperer.

So, until we can schedule therapy or an exorcism for Rufus….
we will encourage Mr. Ball to take out a restraining order against Rufus

…and place Mr. Ball into protective custody.

A Daughter's Love for her Mother

Dearest Mom~


     As I have been fondly reminiscing the weekend spent with you & Dad at the end of September--I thought about how I often declare
‘I am a Daddy’s girl’...and I am.
However that is not a slight against you. I love you both equally.
     I just assume that you know that (& have known that throughout the years)--but you know what they say about when you assume…..so I want to remind you of this fact so that there never is a doubt.
     You are my Mom and I love you dearly.

     If you were holding my one hand and Daddy the other and there was a tug of war over who is my most loved parent—well, you would have to pull me in half…

     As a Mom, myself—I know full well that you were the one who primarily cared for me from birth through the adolescent years. You nurtured me, taught me respect towards others and instilled in me manners. You brushed my hair, ironed my clothes ( & sometimes my hair in an attempt to straighten out my curls!) You made our house a home & every evening at 5 PM we gathered as a Family to share a home cooked meal and stories and laughter. I always felt loved and safe in our home, because of you (and Dad).

     The list is endless of all that you have done for me.

     You sacrificed much for me to have more.

      I was not always easy—and I wish I could go back through time and have a ‘do-over’ because I would never want to be disrespectful or hurtful. (I hope you also know that it was more of a maturing process than an attack on you as a parent.)  If God would give me a 'do-over'---and give me a choice in the matter--- I would pick you all over again as my Mom.

     Being a Mother is undeniably the hardest job in the world and a life long vocation that no one is trained for or has earned a degree in...and yet it is also the most rewarding privilege. Children are truly a gift from God...and Mothers are a gift to their children. I know this is not true concerning all mothers...but it is of you!
I admit that --as a mother myself -- my heart desires to please God in all my actions and reactions with my own children--- yet though my spirit is willing, my flesh is weak…and thus I fail—more often than I like.
I so loathe those times---however,  those very times humble me and keep me on my 'heart knees'- before God.
Dependent on His mercy. Relying on His forgiveness.
Embraced by His grace. Lifted by His love.
And I believe that is just where He wants me—not just during those times—but at all times!

     So, yes I am a Daddy‘s girl—of my heavenly father and my earthly father.
However, I am also my Mother’s daughter, your little girl --no matter how many years go by.

     I am a daughter who loves her Mother very much and
I am also immensely grateful to God that you are my Mommy.
This is why I send you flowers on my birthday.
It is my birth day, but more importantly it is a day to show my love & thanks to you for being my Mom.

I love you Mom! Happy Birthday!

May we Sell-ebrate many more this side of Heaven.

Your daughter, ~Wendy Lee

Wendy's Witz-dom: Honoring our Parents is the only commandment accompanied with a promise!

God’s Wisdom: ‘Her children rise up and bless her’ (Proverbs 31:28a)

When life gives you lemons...

When life gives you lemons—make lemonade!

It does sound a little Pollyanna, however it is a zestful way to put a twist on a sour situation especially if life puts the squeeze on you and leaves you with a sour, acidic aftertaste.

Life is not always sweet. Life is not always easy. In fact, life can be hard.

I do love lemons for their tartness.
I enjoy eating lemon slices and lemonade is very refreshing especially on a warm summer’s day.

But--I do not love --or even like-- when life gives me a lemon.
Have you ever had a cut on your hand that you had forgotten about until you sliced a lemon…
and the acidic juice burned your wound?

Sometimes life can be like that. And making lemonade will not make everything better.

Life can be sour and life can be hard, however, God is always good.

Years ago, when Dave & I were on a bus tour in Jamaica the bus driver shouted in a sing song way~
‘God is good!’ and the locals on the bus, responded ‘All the time!’.
Then the bus driver repeated, ‘All the time!’
and Dave & I joined in with the locals in chanting the refrain, ‘God is good!’

This is a true statement. ‘God IS good, ALL the time. And All the time, God IS Good.’

Sour circumstances. Unsweeted situations. Soured relationships.
These events and experiences do not alter the truth by even one drop of lemon juice—that God IS good.

When I first embraced a personal relationship with Jesus Christ,
I’ll admit that I was naïve and thought that my life would be a bowl of cherries.
However, God’s Word never promises that…if anything…quite the opposite.
It wasn’t long before lemon juice was squirted into my naivety. And it stung!

Yet, God remains good.
Even in heartache. God is good.
Loss of a loved one. God is good.
9/11. God is good.
Chronic pain. God is good.
Sour relationships. God is good.
Terminal diagnosis. God is good.
Bad news. God is good.
Broken promises. God is good.
Unfulfilled plans. God is good.
Failing health. God is good.
Hurricanes, earthquakes, tsunamis’. God is good.
(Fill in your own acidic circumstance).  God is good.   All the time.

Believe me I would wish for myself and also for you….a life filled with all sweet and no sour.

Yet life is a mixed bowl of fruit---of sweet and sour.

So, when life gives you lemons ~’taste and see that the Lord is good’ (Psalms 34:8a) ~and savour the sweet truth that ‘…in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him…’ (Romans 8:28)

Wendy’s Witz-dom:

When life gives you lemons don’t let it sour you on the truth about God.
God IS good ALL the time, ALL the time, God IS good!

God’s Wisdom:

‘I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not
to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.’ (Jeremiah 29:11)


©WitzEnd Writings

Labor Day...A Day of Rest!

For over 100 years Labor Day has been a’ workingmen's holiday"


Though the holiday is called Labor Day it is a day to rest, relax, and not work or labor. And since, Labor Day is always observed on the first Monday of the month of September, it affords us a long weekend.

For all --a break between summer and fall. For many-- one last vacation to take before schools begin their fall session. For some—a day to catch up on—what?!—work!

No matter the plans or lack of plans on this day, it has been designated as a day to rest from your labor.

R & R…i.e. rest and relaxation has a variety of manifestations. For some It could be sleeping , or relaxing poolside, For others picnicking, gardening, bike riding, reading , boating, or golfing, etc…………….. Resting includes any activity that does not imply work, but instead leisure.

I don’t know about you but I need breaks throughout my ‘work days’..to refresh…and to refuel. Even, my ‘workaholic- husband eventually reaches a point when he needs to put aside his work and relax, though not as frequently as I do. David loves what he does, so he does what he loves, almost 24/7! However, as much as he works & as hard as he works, he also plays hard. R & R for him is spending time with family or playing with our grand-doggy! Though, his ultimate relaxation is just watching movies, especially with his sons.

‘Rest’ is described in the dictionary as to’ stop working or moving in order to relax or recover strength.’ Therefore, rest is essential for our bodies. And rest does not just imply sleep, though it is recommended that our bodies need at least 8 hours of sleep a day to function at its optimum. Even, our muscles need physical rest between work outs to build strength.

However, we don’t have to be doing physical labor to tire. Our minds also need to relax to be refreshed as situations and circumstances of ‘just living’ life can drain us our energy. In addition, worrying can exhaust us emotionally.

We all just need to take a break. Chill out. Slow down…come to a full stop…let our body’s engine idle.

And what better day to be reminded to enjoy some R & R…than on Labor Day aka a day of relaxation.

We are in great company when we take a rest …’He rested from all the work of creating that He had done.’ (Genesis chapter2:verse3b)

And the same God that rested…encourages us to rest, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Physical rest: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28a)

Emotional Rest: ‘Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you.’(1 Peter 5:7)

Spiritual Rest: ‘Take my yoke upon you…and you will find rest for your souls.’(Matthew 11:29)

Take the time to enjoy your day of non-labor. Rest and relax! Refresh & Refuel!

Wendy’s Witz-dom:

If we do not get the rest we need, we will find ourselves feeling resentment in our work, home life and relationships. So remove the extras and just rest so that resentment doesn’t build up.

                                 RES entmen T.

God’s Wisdom:

‘…I will give you rest.’ (Matthew11:28c)

©WitzendWritings

*All bible verses are from the New International Version of the Bible.

He loves me! He loves me not!

He loves me! He loves me not!   


My favorite flower is a daisy.
Behind my childhood home and beyond the baseball diamond there was an open field~populated by daisies.

Many a sunny afternoon I would wander into the field and sit among the white petal yellow centered flowers. I could not resist picking one and delicately dislocating a petal with the words 'He loves me!'
Subsequently, pulling off the next petal with the words, 'He loves me not!'
Continuing with each one of the white parts of the flower head, alternating between 'He loves me'! and 'He loves me not'!

So, what happened when the final petal ended with the declaration of 'He loves me not'? Well, I didn't let it wilt my spirit~I just would select another daisy from the meadow and begin again.....and if need be, again and again...until the last petal concurred with me...that 'He loves me'!

The 'He' varied over the years. In grade school, it was Benji, then later, Robert, then John and then Timmy...until my collegiate years when I began dating David.

David and I lived a forty five minute drive from one another. Often, he would arrive at my Parent's Home on weekends with a bouquet or two of flowers for me.
Wild daisies~he had stopped and hand picked along the route from his home to my heart.

I never plucked a petal from the plethora of daisies that I received from him~as I did not have to question does 'He love me'? or does, 'He love me not'? His actions (not limited to picking me wild daisies) showed me~ 'He loves me'! Period. No 'love-me-nots' about it!

Moreover, there are no 'love-me-nots' with God. I never have to ponder with each petal of my life if 'He loves me!' or if, 'He loves me not'! God’s love is unconditional, it is not conditional in that:

...if I am good--He loves me!, if I am not--He loves me not!

...if I am nice at all times, to all people--He loves me!, if I am not--He loves me not!

...if I live life successfully by society's standards--He loves me!, if not--He loves me not!

...if I never have a wrong thought or moral failings--He loves me!, if I do--He loves me not!

...if I do enough good works and jump through enough hoops to please man--He loves me!, if not-He loves me not!

These arrays of petals are plentiful...and can plant seeds of doubt of God's love...
based on what I do or don't do, say or don't say, act or react.
However, His love for me....and you..is based on His character.

He loves me. Period. No 'love-me-nots' about it. And...
He loves you. Period. No 'love-me-nots' about it.

His unconditional love for us reminds me of a chorus to a song about God.
'Not because of what we've done, but because of who You are;
not because of who we are, but because of what You've done.'

Wendy's Witz-dom:

Next time you see a daisy~smile :)--knowing that
no 'love-me-nots' about it~God loves you!


God's Wisdom:
    
'We love because He first loved us' (1 John, chapter 4, verse 19)

'This is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us AND sent His only Son
(Jesus Christ) as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. * (1 John 4:10)

*Think about being unable to pay a debt...
not hard to imagine during our current economic times...
and then being informed that your debt has been PAID IN FULL.

Truly, a 'He loves me!' petal~His only kind!!!!