Therapeutic Paper...so named back in the 1800s... to us T P is...toilet paper!! I just have to share my love affair with those soft, squishy rolls that have endured heat, water, bleach, pressing, gluing and cutting!!
I like to buy the big packs of T P so we don't run out at the most inappropriate times, especially if company is here! All three bathrooms are stocked with at least 4 rolls at all times. And within easy reach from the commode!
It is a simple proces to remove the empty toilet paper roll and install the new roll. Need I have a special class to teach this technique?? Also, don't forget to throw away the empty roll in the trash can, please! Anyone with two hands can do it! Takes less than a minute.
Can I get paid to be a Toilet Paper Replacement Consultant??? Why is that everywhere I go, I end up being the one who has to change the roll?? Is there a T P invisible ghost who sneaks in with me when I arrive at someone's home? He sneaks in the bathroom and tears off squares of paper, leaving just enough to give me some security. Invariably, I have to change the roll! Even in my own house with 3 bathrooms and 2 adults living here! Granted, my husband will remove the empty roll but leaves it on the floor and nothing gets put on the toilet paper holder!!!
I promise you, I am not a prolific user of said T P when nature calls. After all, I do want to conserve our resources! But this is crazy!
I am thankful for this soft, recycled paper, though. You should have the experience of trying the toilet paper available in Africa!!! More like crepe paper, only harsher. That is why we took our own toilet paper to Africa. Now, just think how fun it was to figure out how many rolls we would need for 6 people for 3 years!!!! Unfortunately, I can't remember how many rolls we took but we did have some left over when we completed our 3 years!
As you ponder on the potty, think about all that recycled paper (notebook paper, McDonald burger wrapper, napkins, greasy paper bags from Five Guys fries, etc.). How far we have come from corn cobs, leaves and Sears catalogs! I do appreciate the velvety softness that is available to us in the 21st century! But next time you find an empty T P holder, think of me and replace the roll before you leave the room! You never know, that invisible ghost may decide to play some interesting pranks on you!
*Go to You Tube, request How Toilet Paper is Made and watch the whole process!! Enlightening to say the least!!
Friday, June 22, 2012
Monday, June 4, 2012
Butterfly
Butterfly... makes you think of a delicate, beautiful, multi-colored insect, doesn't it? But I have something else in mind at the moment. Actually, a moment of memory as I return to Africa!
Abigail always calls me when she is in her car and running errands -- I love our chats whenever and wherever they originate!
Today she was leaving the grocery store so naturally we talked about food! It's on her mind a lot these days as she is eating for two! Somehow, we began talking about butter which led to me sharing our story about butter in Africa. So...I will share it with you all!
We lived out in the bush and our main shopping was done in the capital city, 300 miles away. Whoever made a trip to the capital always had a list of shopping to do for every missionary whose path they would cross on that trip. Once the airplane began to make these trips, guess who got to do all this shopping?? My poor hubby who hates to shop!!!
One take off was executed... he was off to Bangui to shop! I kept in radio contact with him on all his flights and would remind him to get us butter every trip down. Now, there was a canned margarine that most missionaries used daily. It had the most disgusting taste! I never could get used to, even when we used it to do baking. We felt butter was a healthier choice, even if it was more expensive --- especially on freshly baked home made bread!!! Fellow missionaries began to make so many comments about the Reimers and their butter! The airplane was then referred to as the "Butter Fly"!!!! Missionaries could make fun of us all they wanted, we enjoyed our butter! Never could figure out why they carried more weight than us when they ate margarine instead! It would have been interesting to keep track of how much butter we purchased during those 3 years!!!!!
Abigail always calls me when she is in her car and running errands -- I love our chats whenever and wherever they originate!
Today she was leaving the grocery store so naturally we talked about food! It's on her mind a lot these days as she is eating for two! Somehow, we began talking about butter which led to me sharing our story about butter in Africa. So...I will share it with you all!
We lived out in the bush and our main shopping was done in the capital city, 300 miles away. Whoever made a trip to the capital always had a list of shopping to do for every missionary whose path they would cross on that trip. Once the airplane began to make these trips, guess who got to do all this shopping?? My poor hubby who hates to shop!!!
Worry Wart
Worry Wart
Philippians 4:6
Worrying is a sin, I know. But oh so hard to remember when you are a mother! It doesn't matter if they are 5 years old or 40 years old --- I can worry about safety on the road, job security, decision making, spiritual fitness, health, etc. - name it, it has been a blip on the worry radar! Can I just call it "concern", not worry?!
Thoughts began to meander through my head -- does our Heavenly Father "worry" about us? Does He cringe when He sees us stepping in a puddle of sin, splashing those we love with hurt and anxiety? As we shrug off the Spirit's whispered reminder to pray, does the sadness in His eyes pierce through the wall of silence? Does He smile as we hungrily devour His Word? When fear stalks us in the dark, lonely night, does He gently tuck us in with His bold protection? Do tears roll down His cheeks while His heart heaves like a mighty earthquake when His name is tarnished by us submitting to our sin nature?
And now God must be laughing at these thoughts of mine! We know that He is perfect! This "Worry Wart" is looking to the great Physician to eradicate this particular "wart". Soothing, all powerful love of my Heavenly Father will heal this irritating sin. Add to this healing process, gratitude, surrender, obedience and I have accessed the magnificence and mercy of my Lord! Great "cure" but it must be applied daily!
Philippians 4:6
Worrying is a sin, I know. But oh so hard to remember when you are a mother! It doesn't matter if they are 5 years old or 40 years old --- I can worry about safety on the road, job security, decision making, spiritual fitness, health, etc. - name it, it has been a blip on the worry radar! Can I just call it "concern", not worry?!
Thoughts began to meander through my head -- does our Heavenly Father "worry" about us? Does He cringe when He sees us stepping in a puddle of sin, splashing those we love with hurt and anxiety? As we shrug off the Spirit's whispered reminder to pray, does the sadness in His eyes pierce through the wall of silence? Does He smile as we hungrily devour His Word? When fear stalks us in the dark, lonely night, does He gently tuck us in with His bold protection? Do tears roll down His cheeks while His heart heaves like a mighty earthquake when His name is tarnished by us submitting to our sin nature?
And now God must be laughing at these thoughts of mine! We know that He is perfect! This "Worry Wart" is looking to the great Physician to eradicate this particular "wart". Soothing, all powerful love of my Heavenly Father will heal this irritating sin. Add to this healing process, gratitude, surrender, obedience and I have accessed the magnificence and mercy of my Lord! Great "cure" but it must be applied daily!
New Life
This devotional is dedicated to my brother-in-law, Bill Reimer, who entered the gates of heaven on May 4th. I thought of his painful struggle as I wrote these thoughts to share with others.
New Life
Psalms 55:4-6
"Weaning Day" arrived for the four little birds whose mother had built a nest in between the storm window and screen. The mother bird began the ascent up and out of the window, her babies flapping furiously to follow her. Two struggled but to no avail...they could not reach the freedom awaiting them outside the window. Persistence continued, with mother bird flying in to encourage them and bringing them sustenance as she deemed prudent. Finally, another one soared to freedom. And now there was one...exhausted, discouraged and terrified of the future. It was time to set this one free with some gentle help.
How like our struggle when we reach the end of our earthly life. Departure for some is an abrupt and gentle conflict. Other departures are fraught with pain and suffering as bodies fight death's battle. Our Heavenly Father desires us to vacate our "nest" here on earth and soar to Jesus. As the mother bird encouraged and fed her babies to leave the security of their nest, our Father does likewise during this "weaning time". Through His Word, compassionate family, encouraging friends, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, He reminds us that Jesus Christ already won this battle! He knows that this "nest" does not compare with the beauty of the new home He has prepared for us. And so with His gentle help, He sets us free to fly away to rest eternally with Jesus!
New Life
Psalms 55:4-6
"Weaning Day" arrived for the four little birds whose mother had built a nest in between the storm window and screen. The mother bird began the ascent up and out of the window, her babies flapping furiously to follow her. Two struggled but to no avail...they could not reach the freedom awaiting them outside the window. Persistence continued, with mother bird flying in to encourage them and bringing them sustenance as she deemed prudent. Finally, another one soared to freedom. And now there was one...exhausted, discouraged and terrified of the future. It was time to set this one free with some gentle help.
How like our struggle when we reach the end of our earthly life. Departure for some is an abrupt and gentle conflict. Other departures are fraught with pain and suffering as bodies fight death's battle. Our Heavenly Father desires us to vacate our "nest" here on earth and soar to Jesus. As the mother bird encouraged and fed her babies to leave the security of their nest, our Father does likewise during this "weaning time". Through His Word, compassionate family, encouraging friends, and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, He reminds us that Jesus Christ already won this battle! He knows that this "nest" does not compare with the beauty of the new home He has prepared for us. And so with His gentle help, He sets us free to fly away to rest eternally with Jesus!
Decision or Choice?
Decision or Choice?
Philippians 4:8
Have you noticed how easily society adjusts to new fads, new values, new language? It seems that the sensitivity towards all things pure, true, and noble have been siphoned from the soul. Consider how often one hears that one must make a choice -- not a decision, but a choice. Have we not changed the meaning of these words?
Choice is -- do I have chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Do I wear the blue dress or the red dress? Do I have bubble gum or candy? None of these choices will have enduring consequences.
Decision is -- do I lie to my boss? Do I commit myself to serve the Lord full time? Do I keep this baby or abort it? These decisions have long term, life altering consequences.
Yet, today we throw around the word "choice" for many parts of life that should be considered "decisions". Simply stated, a decision requires thoughtful, serious meditation on the consequences of that decision. Whereas a "choice" is simply that, selecting one thing over another resulting in no long term consequences. Would women be aborting babies if it was referred to as a "decision", rather than a "choice"? Woud same-sex marriage be on our ballots throughout the nation if people made decisions, not choices, regarding this life style?
The challenge today is to meditate on these things, committing wholeheartedly to living and professing the absolute truth of God's Word at work in our lives. No more "sanitizing" our language!
Philippians 4:8
Have you noticed how easily society adjusts to new fads, new values, new language? It seems that the sensitivity towards all things pure, true, and noble have been siphoned from the soul. Consider how often one hears that one must make a choice -- not a decision, but a choice. Have we not changed the meaning of these words?
Choice is -- do I have chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Do I wear the blue dress or the red dress? Do I have bubble gum or candy? None of these choices will have enduring consequences.
Decision is -- do I lie to my boss? Do I commit myself to serve the Lord full time? Do I keep this baby or abort it? These decisions have long term, life altering consequences.
Yet, today we throw around the word "choice" for many parts of life that should be considered "decisions". Simply stated, a decision requires thoughtful, serious meditation on the consequences of that decision. Whereas a "choice" is simply that, selecting one thing over another resulting in no long term consequences. Would women be aborting babies if it was referred to as a "decision", rather than a "choice"? Woud same-sex marriage be on our ballots throughout the nation if people made decisions, not choices, regarding this life style?
The challenge today is to meditate on these things, committing wholeheartedly to living and professing the absolute truth of God's Word at work in our lives. No more "sanitizing" our language!
I Am Back!!
I have been remiss in posting! Good reasons (notice I said "reasons", not excuses!) as I had 4 devotionals to write, then a trip to Pennsylvania to help with the 3 grand kids there while their mother visited her sister out West. And I also have been working on Bible lessons for our Vacation Bible School that begins on June 10th. I have the 3rd grade boys and I need to be 5 steps ahead of them if we are going to maintain control of the classroom!!!
For now, here are my devotionals for the month of June. I trust they will be a blessing and encouragement to whoever reads them.
Participant or Audience?
I Thessalonians 5:24
God nudges us through His Holy Spirit to be an active participant in His game plan for our lives. Do we boldly and willingly join with Him as He endeavors to enlist us? The audience is a comfortable place, we reason. And the excuses begin. Complete surrender to Him? Hm..m..m - no!?
As brand new appointees with BMM, we were looking to Alaska as our field of service. God spoke through veteran missionaries to Dale one night and he informed me -- we were going to Africa instead!
The next day, the Lord and I began our debate: Alaska vs. Africa
Me: Lord, I am not smart enough to learn another language.
Lord: May I remind you that you just received a high score on your language aptitude test?
Me: There are too many deadly, venomous snakes in Africa.
Lord: In 65 years, none of my missionaries have been bitten.
Me: Malaria, hepatitis, and many other critical diseases abound in Africa.
Lord: Lynda, what did I just do for you? Your husband and mother were planning your funeral because you were so seriously ill with meningitis.
Me: But, Lord, I will have to leave my family and friends!
Lord: Dear daughter, my Son left all the glory of heaven for YOU...can you not leave your family for Me?
How could I not respond with all my heart when He gave everything for me?? Never fear to be a participant in God's plan for your life! Joy abounds in His will!
**Some side notes to this as I only had 250 words so I could not give all the background!!
My maternal grandmother was the family prayer warrior. When we spent vacation time with her, I always fell asleep with Granny on her knees beside my bed praying for all of us. We attended church with her and it was under her teaching that I accepted Christ as my Savior.
From that time on, Granny would drop this little tidbit...."Some day you may be a missionary in Africa." Now, the picture in my head was of a deep, dark green jungle with snakes abounding! No way was I going there! Missionaries do not help this misconception because they love telling their snake stories -- with some embellishments! Therefore, when Dale said we were going to Africa, I was not a happy camper! The veteran missionaries he had talked to after I had returned to our dorm were from the Central African Republic. That country had recently decided to allow private aircraft to operate within their borders. And here was a pilot ready to begin that ministry!
Surrendering to God's will amazed me...I had a God-given joy from then on to serve in Africa, excited about this new chapter in our lives. More posts will be forth coming on these chapters!
I have been remiss in posting! Good reasons (notice I said "reasons", not excuses!) as I had 4 devotionals to write, then a trip to Pennsylvania to help with the 3 grand kids there while their mother visited her sister out West. And I also have been working on Bible lessons for our Vacation Bible School that begins on June 10th. I have the 3rd grade boys and I need to be 5 steps ahead of them if we are going to maintain control of the classroom!!!
For now, here are my devotionals for the month of June. I trust they will be a blessing and encouragement to whoever reads them.
Participant or Audience?
I Thessalonians 5:24
God nudges us through His Holy Spirit to be an active participant in His game plan for our lives. Do we boldly and willingly join with Him as He endeavors to enlist us? The audience is a comfortable place, we reason. And the excuses begin. Complete surrender to Him? Hm..m..m - no!?
As brand new appointees with BMM, we were looking to Alaska as our field of service. God spoke through veteran missionaries to Dale one night and he informed me -- we were going to Africa instead!
The next day, the Lord and I began our debate: Alaska vs. Africa
Me: Lord, I am not smart enough to learn another language.
Lord: May I remind you that you just received a high score on your language aptitude test?
Me: There are too many deadly, venomous snakes in Africa.
Lord: In 65 years, none of my missionaries have been bitten.
Me: Malaria, hepatitis, and many other critical diseases abound in Africa.
Lord: Lynda, what did I just do for you? Your husband and mother were planning your funeral because you were so seriously ill with meningitis.
Me: But, Lord, I will have to leave my family and friends!
Lord: Dear daughter, my Son left all the glory of heaven for YOU...can you not leave your family for Me?
How could I not respond with all my heart when He gave everything for me?? Never fear to be a participant in God's plan for your life! Joy abounds in His will!
**Some side notes to this as I only had 250 words so I could not give all the background!!
My maternal grandmother was the family prayer warrior. When we spent vacation time with her, I always fell asleep with Granny on her knees beside my bed praying for all of us. We attended church with her and it was under her teaching that I accepted Christ as my Savior.
From that time on, Granny would drop this little tidbit...."Some day you may be a missionary in Africa." Now, the picture in my head was of a deep, dark green jungle with snakes abounding! No way was I going there! Missionaries do not help this misconception because they love telling their snake stories -- with some embellishments! Therefore, when Dale said we were going to Africa, I was not a happy camper! The veteran missionaries he had talked to after I had returned to our dorm were from the Central African Republic. That country had recently decided to allow private aircraft to operate within their borders. And here was a pilot ready to begin that ministry!
Surrendering to God's will amazed me...I had a God-given joy from then on to serve in Africa, excited about this new chapter in our lives. More posts will be forth coming on these chapters!
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