One thing crises teach us is…we’re all in this together. Let’s join forces and restore life!

Hurricane Ian was a good example of this. Over 500 line-men from many states adjusted their schedules, planned and arrived at the gates of Florida ready to restore after the disaster. They were there ready and waiting…in advance to begin the massive project of cleaning up, lighting up… restoring power and light so telephone towers could work again, the lights could turn on, computer service would return and businesses, groceries, gas stations, banks, the post office could operate again to meet citizens’ needs. Just getting the wells and water towers cleaned, and pressure restored has been monumental!

It didn’t matter what nationality, political party, age, family status, whether they wore glasses or contacts, the men and women were there with one goal. “Let’s get together and get this show on the road!!! People are dying, stranded and need our help!” I love to see this type comraderie! Americans are so good at this!! 🙂

” I lost my wrench in the water”, “That’s OK, here use mine.” “I’m out of bottled water!” “That’s OK.  I have extra.” “My boots are all wet, I lost a glove!” “No matter, use mine!”

People sharing at the point of need with no strings attached….true loving humanity at its best!

Oh, that we can remember these times and do the reach-out and love in the good times as well.

I know the linemen are going to bed every night tired and exhausted, but happy. They have their mission before them and are giving themselves to the task. We are thankful. Let’s pray for them today.

Amen ! 🙂

Could part of people’s frustration be they need to be making/creating something, anything???

I believe we’re made to make things! In whatever category you’re interested in…make something. There’s a certain contentment experienced after making something yourself…cooking a new recipe, redesigning your closet or desk space, cleaning the garage, trimming/beautifying the bushes, setting out a few birdfeeders.

But, I’m not creative, I can’t make anything you might say. Creative doesn’t just mean art, paint, drawing. You’ve got a shop and you make your man cave just for you. You like tinkering with cars, tractors, working on old tools. All these things qualify for ‘making something’ unique to you that brings you some happiness. Uh-oh…there’s another questionable word…happiness. Are we allowed to be happy or just have joy? What’s the difference, or is there a difference? Does there need to be one? Maybe it’s ok to feel good about doing things…oh no…another questionable word – ‘feel-good’. Is it wrong to feel good about life, about our accomplishments, our progress, God made us with feelings, dreams, desires, aspirations. We are not robots designed to go through life feeling nothing…just ‘peace’. That’s no fun! I believe God gave us a life to be lived and enjoyed. Religion came and gave us somberness and guilt. No wonder no one is interested in God. He has been misrepresented.

How many of us like to see our kids wandering about unhappy, unsure of themselves, never smiling, having a hard time enjoying life? We like it when they’re laughing, having fun playing and being with us.

We’re God’s kids and He feels the same about us. I believe it makes God happy when he sees his people laughing, creating, making. After all he said to be fruitful and multiply. That’s in all categories of life!

Let’s shake off the guilt and somberness, frustrations and get busy making something! You have something you want/need to make today!

Get started! God is for you!! 🙂

Little kids love color! They choose bright things. Toys and cartoons are filled with color. We thrive on color!

‘Yeah, but that’s too bright for me now. What would people think if I wore my favorite color flamingo pink, or emerald green, or bright turquoise?’ Let them think what they want, it’s your color and if you feel good wearing it — wear it! Really others want to wear it too, but are probably concerned of what ‘others supposedly think’. Be a trend setter! Help them see what freedom to wear your favorite color looks and feels like!

Finnish designer, Marimekko (https://www.marimekko.com/us_en/) began designing bold, brilliant pure color designs back in the 50’s. People said ‘Who would buy/wear/use those bright colors in dark Finland?’ She said that was exactly why she designed with color. Color was needed in dreary Finland. Now her colors and patterns are loved all over!

I have noticed, men tend to like it when women wear bright happy colors and patterns. We’re designed for color!

God didn’t make a black and white world. It isn’t all the same color either. If you need a ‘pick me up’ find something colorful…a flower catalog, bright fabric, look at the birds. Get your old Prang paint set out or 64 color Crayola set and have fun! Go to Hobby Lobby!

Let color do its work on you today!