Thursday, October 27, 2016

Timothy Bookends

 Timothy likes to squeeze in where he can when I'm using my laptop.  He's so warm.  Sometimes knitting is difficult because he's taking up lap space so I have to hold my knitting up (awkward!)  It's okay because he is a very precious little petty pet and I am ever so thankful for him.  

The coleus I planted in the shade garden is still going strong (this isn't it but any coleus photo is lovely) and the nasturtiums are winding around the dirt and roots.  I think it's time to buy indoor plants.  What kind of indoor plants do you prefer?

I'm reading a book about Henrietta Mears.  She was an amazing woman who revamped Sunday school curriculum back in the 1930's.  She had a huge impact on people like Billy Graham and J.B. Phillips.  The book is so inspiring that it makes one want to sign up to teach Sunday school right away.
I had an amazing Sunday school teacher when I was in the fourth grade.  Her name was Mrs. Prahinski and she was IN LOVE with Jesus.  Her enthusiasm was completely captivating.  The Holy Spirit was alive in that little classroom.  Later I went to church camp for the first time and had a counselor named Paula.  She had a soft voice and a big heart.  She really knew Jesus.  I'll never forget her talks with us as we gathered in a circle, on the cement floor of the rustic cabin.
A few years later one of my friends introduced me to The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom.  The film came out later that same year.  I've been smitten with Corrie ten Boom for decades now.  Bill and I went to her house in Holland, remember?  The Beje was where people came to receive love and attention from the ten Booms.  Sitting in her living room was a dream come true.
People who impact our spiritual growth stay tucked into our hearts forever.  In high school a quiet girl named Mary talked to me about her relationship with Jesus. We talked in Spanish class and in history class (I was always a talker and after being a teacher I'm a little embarrassed that I was such a blabber mouth) and I loved listening to Mary's stories. She really had a heart for me.  There were other people at church that impacted me (like my own mom who taught my Sunday school class one year!) and I'm so grateful for strong souls that had the courage to speak passionately.
 I'm going to hunker down and study the book of Romans for a while.  Our son Brad has written a hearty study that I will use AND I ordered Henrietta Mears' book What the Bible is all About so I'll use that, too.

The season has allowed for  more quiet just as I knew it would.  It holds my birthday (one of my favorite days - ha ha ha!) and all the pumpkins and fun and ultimately Thanksgiving.  When I was a little girl I loved to draw pumpkins and I still have this masterpiece!  But even with all the hoopla there are soft quiet days like yesterday when I sipped chicken broth and knitted a sock.  I fed the birds and I did my work for Nexus.  We had stroganoff for dinner (Bill LOVES noodles).  Ordinary days are much appreciated.  For that I'm extremely grateful.
 Today will be busier, but I'm thankful that sometimes I am filled with bliss simply holding Timothy and smooching his sweet little head.
So, yes our election is looming and it seems like so many people are so confused about what they believe in, juggling conflicts and inconsistencies.  God is good.  Jesus came to save us and HAS saved us.  We don't need a president to do so.

God be with you, kind visitor.  
I hope you encounter a soul or two today, people who cross your path and walk in front of your love beam.  It feels good to love.  

28 comments:

Melanie said...

I never had the opportunity to go to Sunday School as a child but I can imagine the impact that those wonderful teachers had. My mentors were in my adult life - wonderful women who loved the Lord and taught me to do the same. I read "A Hiding Place" many years ago. What a lady she was and what an amazing opportunity to visit her home. Have a blessed day.

Henny Penny said...

I enjoyed every word of this post. Every word! Timothy is so sweet. What is it about Tabby cats? Dumperoo is the same way. If I sit, he is immediately in my lap and I have to hold my sewing or book or whatever above his fuzzy head and wet nose. It is a crazy time we are living in now. God is good.

Cat Lover said...

What a beautiful post PomPom! I must look for "The Hiding Place". It sounds like a wonderful book.
Enjoy more snuggling with Timothy!

faith76 said...

Such a lovely blog post. I have fond memories of the sunday school I attended. What a beautiful cat.

Summer said...

Lovely post. I need to hunker down in some Bible Studies too ♥

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

Great post and wishing you a very Happy Birthday.

Kitty is so cute.
Mary

Elderberry-Rob said...

OH I do hope I make people beam! I think some people certainly light up a room, lighting up a life would be even better! Indoor plants: if I was choosing one it would be amaryllis I think and maybe an orchid as you get so much mileage out of them! Your memories of those who have guided you in faith are lovely. I did a little letter writing but it's not finished yet - a neighbour noticed your letter to me on my table and commented on how beautiful your handwriting is! we agreed that writing is creative. Betty x

Kezzie said...

I loved Mrs Reece and Mrs Rew who took my Sunday school when I was young. Sadly, Mrs Price who took the older lit wasn't so nice. I'm very grateful for the other people who have influenced my faith like Jane and Chris, my old vicar and his wife.Xx
Timothy is darling!

Farm Girl said...

All full to the brim with good things! I love your stories of the people who gave of their time and it changed your life. I think those people are very special. That is a great reminder about the election.
I love your dear Timothy, what would life be without kitties to purr and sit in our laps.
Have a lovely afternoon or evening.

Anonymous said...

Amen to Jesus and what He has done for us. We aren't electing a pastor and I'm choosing to trust in God and not in Chariots or Horses. That's a good line about people who cross our paths. Enjoy the rest of your day and week dear one.

Julie said...

A lovely post today dear Pom Pom. I love ordinary quiet days too ... I find I crave them sometimes .. & when I have them I always try to be thankful. Timothy reminds me so much of Miss Pippi .. I found it so hard to do my needlework when she first came into our lives as she thought my rather ample lap was just perfect for her to curl into. Gentle hugs to Timothy x x x

Deb said...

What a calming post to read after a busy day with cat-sitting, grand-sitting and driving home in a snow-storm. I agree to not worry about who your president i; it's all in God's hands. hugs, Deb

happyone said...

I had some wonderful Sunday School teachers and I came to know Jesus as my Savior in Sunday School. : )
Always like stopping by here. You are a joy!!

Granny Marigold said...

Another lovely post. I agree that it's time for a few new houseplants. I just bought a cheery yellow Begonia. They are hard to kill ( always an asset).

NanaDiana said...

A pastor's wife, Thelma Shultz, sticks out as one of the most influential people in my young life. I loved sitting next to her in the pew. She had this wonderful alto voice that sent shivers up my spine when she sang the old hymns. It is amazing how some people impact our lives and leave a footprint on our hearts.

God bless you- and your sweet purrbaby. I loved this post. xo Diana

ps. I like Boston Ivy and Philodendron and quite a few other plants in the house.

Deb said...

You tell lovely stories :)

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Another delightful post, as always! I love dear Timothy, what a sweetie he is! And I have never heard of Henrietta Mears, but it sounds like a wonderful biography to read. I enjoyed hearing about the impact SS teachers had on your life. I was a SS teacher for many years, and what a blessing it was. I agree that quiet times are good times, and pray the Lord blesses your studies in Romans :) Hugs to you today friend!

magsmcc said...

I think this might be my favourite post of yours ever x

TexWisGirl said...

loved your bookends. and love soft, quiet days, too.

Heather LeFebvre said...

Love this post! Love hearing about people that have impacted your faith! Corrie is a hero of mine too! And her dad as well -- a man of prayer!

Amy at love made my home said...

Timothy sounds like a great fellow to have around when you want some snuggling time!

Debbie Harris said...

Good Evening Karen~~
I enjoyed this post greatly, dear lady.
You likely enjoyed drawing pumpkins because you love their color. Ha! :-)
What joy for those of us who were blessed with people in our lives whom cared and shared the love of Jesus. You certainly had many wonderful ladies in your life who have filled your heart with sweet memories.
Corri Ten Boom was a remarkable women, quite an inspiration to us all.
Your study of Romans should be wonderful, enjoy.
When is your birthday? Have a HAPPY one!

Blessings~~

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Thank you for sharing on Sunday School, my mind went down memory lane with my own Sunday School days. This blessed me so much! I will have to check on that book.

Marcie said...

I love when you mention knitting as just an ordinary event in your daily life. I am so excited that a dear friend is going to (re)teach me to knit beginning in November. I have learned before but did not hold on to it. This time it is going to stick! lol

Love your drawing from childhood. It occurs to me that so many of us treasure the art our children make but dismiss our own artful endeavors. I love that you have kept that pumpkin and pull it out in season.

Sending love to you, my friend!

Kit said...

Morning! I just want to reach out and pet your new kitty! He is so cute. I discovered Corrie Ten Boom back when I was a teenager. Her story affected me greatly and I have to give her credit for inspiring me to want to serve people in any way I could. :) Have a lovely Halloween! Kit

M.K. said...

We do love those occasional peaceful days, reflective days. I'm glad your sweet Timothy is there to share them with you, as a pet does so well. Beau does the same. What a lovely time of year!

Lisa Richards said...

So many good and peaceful thoughts are contained here!
I want to read about Henrietta Mears and look into getting a copy of her book.
I'm so glad you're enjoying your little furry friend. He's a keeper!
Love beam...I like that!

Anonymous said...

Enjoyed reading your post. I also have enjoyed well my childhood days. I love to goto Sunday classes and enjoy...

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