Tag: no shame

Men!

Jennifred Jones

Today we’re going to talk about the men!

Why? ‘You are a woman!’ (I am, a woman- the writer)

We need men! Men out there, we need you!! Every one of you!!!

Without men, there would be no women. (and without women there would be no men)

But today is about our men! Amen to that!

We are all strong and have good ideas and capabilities, but each of our two genders are unique. Men have a different physique, a different mindset, way of thinking, planning, doing. They have a determination to see things through to the finish at all costs – even their own lives if need be. They are the protectors of their family and community. They know how to lead, guide, fight, hold steady and gently encourage, or stand strong with an iron will. They are good at reasoning together and coming to workable solutions.

‘Lady, I don’t know these men! Do they exist? Could I be one?’ If you’re a man, then yes! And be a good one. No shame in being a man. We need you to stand unashamedly strong!

I said it and I meant it. I am a mature woman and grandmother with lots of brothers, uncles, sons, friends in my life and I happen to like men. They are funny, goofy at times, strong, loving, stern, handsome, direct, caring, sometimes quiet, but they are men! And I thank God for them!

None of us are perfect – men or women. But we are trying to aim at being better!

Let’s not degrade ourselves or others or let them degrade us.

Be the man God made you to be. He will bless you. He will help you. He will strengthen you. He will encourage you and help you move ahead in your life. He is for you!

And so am I!

God bless every one of you men reading this today. Be encouraged!

Riding Another’s Wake

Jennifred Jones1 Comment

Sometimes we all need a little help. We’re tired, lack energy, but still have to keep working, moving ahead, getting done the daily life details.

It’s time to draw strength from another. We can ride behind another who is sailing on ahead going our same direction, let them take the brunt of the wind while we ease up on the pedals (paddles) and let them carry us along until we can fan out again on our own.

Think of the smooth area of water behind a boat the skier stays in…no turbulence…just being pulled along (I know there’s more to the story of the wake/ride thing). It is a temporary place of ‘ease’. The same driving down the highway behind a large truck…they break the wind for you and almost suck you along with them. Again a saving of energy for you…howbeit temporary!

Geese have already figured this out…that’s why they fly in a ‘V’ and take turns who gets to face the headwind alone.

No shame in riding in the wake of another for a season when you’re weary or just learning a new thing. In time you’ll have others riding in your wake.

It’s all part of the learning/leading/following/teaching processes of life.

It is not a sign of weakness. No one can be strong all the time.

Set your course, ease off when you need to, but keep momentum.

You will get to your destination.

The Feel for Your Craft

Jennifred Jones

A rough gouge in the back of the stair bannister needed to be filled; it would splinter your hand going up or down the steps.

It has taken about 4 layers of wood putty smoothed evenly by my fingers, and then sanded multiple times to feel the same as the rest of the beautifully shaped long piece of wood. Having puttied lots of wood projects, plastered many cracks, and frosted countless cakes (frosting cakes was where the skill began :)), I have developed a feel for the craft through a spatula!

So the baker can feel when the pie dough is just right to roll, the bread is smooth enough to rise, the scones are ready to shape…

The blacksmith can feel with his hammer if the metal is soft enough to pound and form, even the asphalt rollers know when the road is firmed and smoothed enough for traffic to flow.

Knitters know by feel the yarn over the needles, as do sewers feeding a garments fabric under the sewing machine’s foot.

We are made to start, learn, understand and develop crafts of all kinds. Everyone develops a feel for the work they do if they keep at it, and they will excel in their crafting!

‘It’s taking too long! It’s not turning our right!! I have to do it all over again!!!’

You are a craftsman learning your trade…whatever it may be, and no trade is beneath a person’s dignity or worth. We need good laborers in every field! (see previous posts on Laborers 1,2,3)

Develop a feel for your craft. There is no shame in the good work you are doing. No need to compare yours with another’s…all are valuable…they all fill a need for someone. There would be a void without your skill. 

Make it good! Yes, you can!!

Jamie Oliver is in today’s showcase! In spite of his renown, many still don’t know his story. He learned his craft alongside his parents in their English Pub…stirring, cooking, baking, concocting with any sort of veg or herb. His presentations are lovely, appetizing and doable! Early in his 20’s, he was on a mission to change the lunch menus of Britain’s schools and raise the standard of healthy thinking/studying, and after success there, came to America to help us. Find the story on uTube Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution. Check out his website and his great cookbooks written with heart and soul and health for any of us! https://www.jamieoliver.com/