The Unconquered Quest of Obtaining Toilet Paper

Simple, everyday, life brings opportunity to pray.

People are often misled by what it means to pray without ceasing.

It’s easy----it’s about everyday life.

Let me give you an example.

It’s my workday. And I am driving quite a bit today.
And behind schedule.
Often times I think I can squeeze one more thing in
before I head home to pick up our son from school.
As I’m driving, I notice a big billboard sign at one of the local drug stores
displaying their sales for the week.
Do I stop, do I not stop?
Do I really need the good buy on toilet paper-----today?
I mean is anyone ever really out of toilet paper?
I’m always a better shopper than that for essentials--usually.

Anyway, I decide to turn the car around and go in.
Of course I can’t find the end cap that has the item
so I wonder around the store before finally asking where it is.
I get in line-----a long line----the clock is ticking.
Can I make the purchase in time?
Do I want to drive like most everyone else in this city-----
Toooooooo fast?
A lot of others do this very comfortably.
Zooming past me on both sides.
The times I have had to drive faster than I should
I’m sure there’s a neon sign on my car alerting any police around.
But more importantly than that
I’m sure people will notice my Christian Fish symbol
displayed proximately on my car. (I notice others’ don’t you?)

That little reminder is not an excuse for me to do what I want.
It is to remind me of my bad behavior
when it should be good behavior.
And to change it to such.

Back to my little story.

I’m still in line
and I take notice of the very nice clerk behind the counter.
She is friendly, visiting with the customers.
It’s indeed refreshing and I don’t see it often enough.
While I wait, I decide to look for my list of things to do that’s in my purse.
You know----the things that will have to go on tomorrows list
because it ain’t happening today!

The line had not moved up. Still standing and waiting.
I take the opportunity to practice patience.
Funny----there’s always time for that.
I do realize however, that I should not have tried to accomplish
this little task of acquiring the toilet paper on sale.
So---------I step out of line, return the toilet paper
to the end cap where I found it.
Please notice that I did not just put in somewhere random in the store.

I leave the store, get in my car and drive off.
Reflecting briefly on;
“well that stop absolutely served no purpose”.
I have nothing to show for it.

Now get ready, this is where the prayer comes in.

I thought of the nice clerk.
Did she think I left because she was inadequate?
or she wasn’t working fast enough?
or she was spending too much time visiting with
customers?
or she was, do I dare say being “too nice”?

Ridiculous!!

I begin to hope this was not true.
I prayed that she did not feel this way about her service.
She was indeed doing an excellent job.
Many clerks could learn a lot from her.
I prayed that she saw me looking in my purse
or for that matter that others’ in line saw me as well.
I prayed that she thought I left because

I did not have enough money to pay for the item.
Then, if she thought this,
she would not be hurt and feel inadequate by my leaving.
I was not going to allow pride to keep me from this prayer for her.
I wanted her to think it was me,
that I didn’t have enough money.
So that she would not be discouraged nor feel any blame.
So many people are not encouraged in life.

In their jobs.

In their homes.

In schools.

In church.

We don’t know what goes on in the lives of everyday people
in every day life.
I prayed that she would be blessed in her work.
That she would continue being that courteous clerk behind the counter,
taking time to visit with customers. -- Amen

That’s it.
Simple prayer. It took a matter of minutes---if that.
In the simple tasks and events of everyday life we can pray.
Even for the quest of obtaining toilet paper.

Denise
2-23-09

Marriage

Over this past weekend we went to a Jack and Jill Wedding Shower. This is the way to go sometimes for a different twist to a Wedding shower. All friends and families are welcome. And my husband actually won one of the prizes for getting most correct answers!! All the other wives were encouraged!


Anyway, my heart was touched by the disire of young couples who believe in remaining pure before marriage, such as this couple. We have known this family for years and have many wonderful memories of our children and families together. Our son is near 15 and for him to see the steps taken in this couples' courtship have been very encouraging. There is a beautiful countenance they radiate to all around them and -------- innoscence. They have set up boundaries for themselves and the blessings they will have are immeasurable.


It is my hope that other's will take a stand for setting and appreciating boundaries in their lives. I believe there are many that would, but cannot stand against peer pressure. Three simple words about that: YES YOU CAN!!


We as parents should want this for our children. As for me, well I have been praying since my son was a baby for the beautiful bride that God has set aside especially for him.


Many people today are on a wrong course. I believe that to change the direction in America today, we have to strengthen our core family and values.


Bless you today as you walk alongside others in your life and those that walk alongside you.



Denise

Putting Steps to My Faith

I didn't think I was going to write anything this morning. But as soon as I said I wasn't going to pick up a pen, my mind caught sight of what my eyes saw. I picked up a scratch paper and jotted down a few lines quickly and then before I knew it there were a few more lines.



Enjoy your quiet time to start the day. Even if it's just a few minutes.

Putting Steps to My Faith


Lord, when I think of my life,
and all that it is not;
For a brief moment
sadness engulfs me.
…….for a brief moment.
Then…..what captures me
in the solitude of my morning
Is the sight of a photograph of my son,
or my husband or a friend.
I look intently at that “still” moment
The eyes---the smiles---
…….the many expressions.
They are “still” moments you see.
Quiet moments.
I can look freely upon THEM,
to ponder my own thoughts.
To a stranger, they might seem lifeless,
……….unknowns.
But as I do ponder them,
my heart is flooded with memories
of incredible magnitude.
I am then reminded of life.
……MY life
And living.
For you see,……today……
After this brief moment is gone,
I will realize all that my life IS.
My life is living
……and moving
………and changing
………...and growing.
Today, I will again put steps to my faith.
I will create new memories
to tuck away in the locket of my heart.
And I will live with purpose
…….and intent
I will affect the ones nearest
and dearest to me.
Those in my own home and backyard.
I will not forget,
nor limit God;
That beyond the gate of my backyard,
is a whole world and people
of unlimited potential.
To be affected by how I live
my simple life.
It isn’t about what my life is NOT.
It’s about what my life IS.
……Everyday.
…………Putting steps to my faith.

Denise Sherriff
February 6, 2009

Today -------- all is fresh and restored.

I understand the need for people to want to reach out to others these days. The Internet is a good portion of that for sure. The Internet can be a tool for all to use with lots of information. Though this is true, the information available is not always the best. We need to be selective and careful and use it for good purposes.

I don't totally understand why letter writing and phone calling have become a lost art though. You would think with living in such a fast paced world that everyone would have more time. I guess it's how we use our time. Anyway, I will always be the one who writes cards, notes, letters etc. It's something I really enjoy. I still have to pick up my film at the store for most of my pictures. The ones on my digital camera, well, I can't seem to find them without help when they somehow get put on my computer. I am slowly adapting because I understand also that I need to. That doesn't mean for one second I will stop letter and note writing because it is a wonderful quiet time to do so. And......people still enjoy receiving them.

I suppose, for the most part I really want to share simple reads, stories and journal notes that I write so that others might enjoy and be encouraged.

SHIMMERING HOPE

Give me the light of day, Lord.

That which is the radiance of you.

Let the shimmering rays of Hope encompass me.

Infiltrate my heart in such a way

that I see the timeless existence of your very nature.

You are so enthralling my Lord

that I cannot contain my heart.

***********************

Denise 2-4-09


I'm standing in a beautiful field

surrounded by majestic snow capped mountains.

A wisp of white clouds

lingering o'er

My arms held high.

My face pointed upward,

as my feet move me slowly 'round and 'round;

Lifting my very being

to the arms of my embracing God.

....................................Aaah, but alas, I'm just sitting on the living room couch.


As usual, please forgive grammar. It is journalling after all and things get written "as is" a lot of time.

Denise