What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?

What Do You See Outside YOUR Open Window Today?
Remember: "When God closes a door, He always opens a window!" You never know what might be out there waiting for you!

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Wednesday "Treasures"

Hello friends! Here it is Wednesday already. I missed the Tuesday 4 this week...sorry about that. I haven't even been around to say hello to all my friends out there in Blogland.  I am still adjusting to this new routine/schedule we are on and I don't have as much "free time" as I used to have.
I can't say that I've been just laying around like this lovely mermaid either...isn't she beautiful?


But today I did do something special...it was our church ladies' monthly "United Women in Faith" gathering.  The name of our organization has been recently changed to this new name. I like it a lot.
And here are the lovely ladies of our group:
We also celebrated the birthdays of two of our ladies...one was 93 years young and the other is a new "Medicare Mama", as her hubby lovingly calls her. She's our Pastor's wife and our worship leader as well. We were a lively and happy group today. It was a pleasant change for me after the past couple of weeks of working so hard helping get Dixie Cottage ready for action and then becoming a part of the action, which by the way, continues to be a wonderful new adventure for our family and our community. God is faithful, and we are so thankful!

This evening it was still 95 degrees around 6:00 p.m., so hubby suggested we go to the store and pick up some "Eskimo Pies".  I know, they don't call them that anymore, and I didn't see any anyway, but they did have these delicious Klondike Bars, which suited me just fine:

I never noticed the slogan "Making Squares Cool Since 1922" before. I guess I am now a "cool square". LOL.  

Now I know you want to be a "cool square" too, don't you? LOL.

I hope you enjoyed this refreshing little break. I have a feeling that is is probably hot wherever you are as well.  It is still summertime for sure, even if our kids in this area did start back to school today!

I know this isn't the greatest picture, but this Anhinga bird usually just sits out there in the middle of Still Waters Pond very still, letting his wings dry after he dives down in the water for his supper. But it's so hot he's been actually fanning himself by constantly flapping his wings as he sits there.  At least that's what I think he's doing.  Maybe I should offer him a Klondike Bar so he can "be cool". LOL.

Oh, yesterday, while working at Dixie Cottage, I was there alone for a little while when my hubby went home to get some lunch and take a little break. Wouldn't you know that would be the exact time that a rather unkempt man with a very long scruffy beard, pushing a blue grocery cart from our grocery store down the road a ways, would decide to come inside the store to "look around"?  I was immediately on guard, but I greeted him with my usual friendly "Welcome to Dixie Cottage" and he seemed pleasant enough as he kind of aimlessly wandered around the store looking at this or that and asking some questions about different things.  Thankfully I noticed a car pull up in the parking lot and a friend of mine from our church came into the store. I greeted her very warmly with a prayer of thanks to God for sending her just at that time so that I wouldn't be alone.  Then the man came over to me at the check out desk and asked if we bought used furniture from people, and I told him yes, if it was in good condition, and then he asked me if I would give him $20.00 for a "leatherman tool" that he had with him, as he needed some money to get home.  Well, I told him I was not the owner of the store and would not be authorized to make any purchases, (and of course that wasn't furniture anyway, but I didn't say that).  He still remained respectful but seemed to be a little more persistent in trying to make his case.  About this time I noticed my son and his wife and then my husband all pulling up into the parking lot and coming inside, and I gave my son a quick look that I know he understood meant "help me out here!".  Long story short, my son went outside with the man and talked to him and ended up actually giving the man some money for the tool, and the man thanked him very kindly and took his blue grocery buggy and went on his way across the highway to the McDonald's to get something to eat.  Wow...I was so thankful for God's intervention by sending His helpers at just the right time. Although I did not feel like the man was dangerous, it was still a very uncomfortable situation...but God had it all under control. However, it also made us all aware that we need to be on our toes and have a plan in place for handling such situations, especially if we are alone at the store.

This morning our devotions "just happened" to touch on this very subject. The scripture verses that we read  came from Psalm 112, in particular verses 5-9


1 "Praise the Lord!
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who delights greatly in His commandments.
2 His descendants will be mighty on earth;
The generation of the upright will be blessed.
3 Wealth and riches will be in his house,
And his righteousness endures forever.
4 Unto the upright there arises light in the darkness;
He is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.
5 A good man deals graciously and lends;
He will guide his affairs with discretion.
6 Surely he will never be shaken;
The righteous will be in everlasting remembrance.
7 He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
8 His heart is established;
He will not be afraid,
Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.
9 He has dispersed abroad,
He has given to the poor;
His righteousness endures forever;
His horn will be exalted with honor.
10 The wicked will see it and be grieved;
He will gnash his teeth and melt away;
The desire of the wicked shall perish."

This Psalm helped me to look at yesterday's situation a little differently, and I am thankful for how God brought it all together in a positive way...and also especially thankful for His protection.  For all I know, the man could have been "Jesus in disguise" to give us that opportunity to serve Him in that way. 
It also reminded me of the passage in Matthew 25:31-46, about the sheep and the goats.  I won't quote the whole passage here, but this part in particular stands out:

37 “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? 
38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? 
39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 
40 And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’


This was definitely some "food for thought".  

Well, friends, I need to get to bed. Tomorrow we don't have to spend the day at the store, although my hubby is going to help our son make a delivery of some furniture that was sold, but other than that I think we have a free day...so maybe I can get caught up with you all. Thank you for your patience. 
I pray you are having a blessed and wonderful week. Please take care and keep watching for those "treasures" that are out there where you may least expect them to be.








 

28 comments:

  1. Dear me, I am so glad others popped in with you. I am afraid that as the economy continues on the path we will see more of that. I know your children are happy for your help.

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    1. Thank you, Sandy. Yes, I am thankful for the comfort of friends and family showing up at the right time, but also thankful to know that God took care of the situation and showed me that He is always there so I need not fear. And yes, the kids do appreciate our help, and we are enjoying having something special to do. It's been a blessing in every way!

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  2. Being busy is a good thing, right? Especially in such a sweet place. You'll be shocked, but it was only 69° today...definitely fall-like. Tomorrow will be back to more normal temps. I really like Klondike bars; lately, I am hooked on Outshine popsicles, specifically the grape flavor.

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    1. 69 sounds so lovely! I am ready for some 60's degrees weather again. Fall like weather would be so wonderful. Ours won't get here for a while, but I know it's coming and that helps. I've never heard of Outshine popsicles. I must look them up. But that Klondike Bar was exactly what I needed last night...maybe tonight too. LOL.

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  3. I certainly would be a bit unnerved in that situation, Pamela, but you handled it beautifully, demonstrating that when we trust in God, He enables us to not be fearful.
    I haven't had a Klondike bar in forever, although I did get a chocolate milkshake at Chick-fil-A yesterday after my PT session. So good!
    Please get some rest and enjoy your day off!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. I loved how God demonstrated His watchcare over us in this situation. It helped me to see that He is there with us and we need not be afraid, but be watchful and ready. Oh, I just got up from a nice nap while it was pouring down rain! Praise God for the rain! We need it so much. Thank you for visiting. (((hugs)))

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  4. How my Tom enjoys the Klondike bars! Sometimes a little treat like that can brighten the day! Gosh, I'd have been unnerved by that uninvited visitor to Dixie Cottage; I don' t know that I could have handled it as gracefully. You don't have to share details, but I'm mighty glad to hear there's a plan in place! Isn't it sad how little feels safe anymore? Even our little church has two men stationed by both back doors 'just in case.' Praying!

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    1. Yes, the Klondike bar was a real hit last night. I think I'll have to have another one today... Regarding the man who visited the store, we are all at peace about it and are thankful for God's protection and watch care. We will be on the alert, but not fearful. This is just the way life is these days in these united states. There are a lot of people who are "down on their luck" and having difficult times. I believe God will give us wisdom in each situation for what we should or shouldn't do. It was a good lesson for me to be ready and prepared, but not afraid. God is always there.

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  5. God was with you as you dealt with this man. I am thankful that the outcome went as well as it did. Peace and blessings to you and yours.

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    1. Thank you. I am very very thankful that God was truly there with us. It was a good lesson for all of us in several different ways.

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  6. I'm so glad God sent you help to handle that situation and that your son was able to help the man. I've been eyeing the Klondike bars at the store, but so far have resisted buying them. lol I'm curious about that mermaid. My oldest is definitely a big fan of mermaids (she has been since she was a child). I'm wondering if you ship products like that. I showed my daughter that picture and she really loved it and I was thinking that might make a great birthday or Christmas present for her. If they don't ship, that's okay. I've told her where the store is and she said she knows where your town is. I don't know how far away that is from her, but she can figure it out. Thanks and I hope you don't mind me asking questions here. Have a great day!

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    1. I will send you a private message on Messenger about the mermaid, etc. This is one of our local vendor's items, and she might actually ship it. I will check with her to see. If not, we can work something out I am sure. The lady who creates these stained glass figures donates a large portion of her earnings to charity. She has some beautiful pieces. I will send you more info privately.

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  7. I am so glad the cavalry arrived just in time to help with your questionable visitor and putting a procedure in place in case of something like that happening again is an excellent idea. Scary stuff. I am still so excited for Ben and Rose to have this great opportunity and outlet for their talents (and those of others, too)! Hugs!!

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    1. Thank you, Terri. God had it all under control all the time. I just need to be more aware of what's going on around me at all times, but always remember that God is with me. All's well that ends well. Yes, we are excited also for this opportunity for our kids to use their talents here in our community for good. God is blessing this venture, and we are very very thankful.

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  8. Sounds like a nice get together with the woman from church. I never noticed that saying on the Klondike bars either but it sure looks yummy.

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    1. Thank you, Debby. Yes, the Klondike bars sure were yummy!! It was a refreshing treat that I don't allow myself very often. And yes, our women's group was very special. I'm so glad I was able to go. We women do need our fellowship!

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  9. So glad God's timing works the way that it does. I am glad you are safe. Thank you for sharing these verses with us. I LOVE GODS TIMING. I have some new posts always look forward to your posts

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    1. Thank you, Gina. Yes, God's timing is always perfect, even if we have to squirm a little bit at first...He's always right on time. I will go check out your posts. I am trying to get caught up.

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  10. I am thankful that God sent help to you when you were alone with this man. I know that I would have been uncomfortable in that situation.

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    1. Thank you, Ruth. Thankfully I was never really alone...not only was God with me, but He sent my friend right away almost as soon as that man entered the store, and then my family showed up just in time to take care of the rest of the issue. God had it all under control all the time. I am thankful that He showed me that. Very very thankful.

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  11. Klondike bars are good.

    We have many vagrants in my county and town - they are everywhere. I think we have about 10,000 homeless in our county of only 170,000 people. That's a lot. The big cities bus them up to the rural areas. Almost all of them are druggies and criminals - some are just bums. I don't see any homeless families - mostly single men and women. It's bad. We have to be situationally aware every time we go into town.

    Yep, definitely God's timing on that...although it does sound like he just wanted $20.

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    1. It's a very sad situation, and every community is impacted by this in one way or another. We do have to be aware and careful, but also have compassion within reason.

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  12. Praise the Lord for sending people to be there with you just when you needed them! Sadly, you just never know these days. I love that your son bought the knife. That was a nice thing to do. Your ladies' group get-together looks like it was lots of fun. I had lunch with some ladies from my church. It's a new group of whatever women are free to come each month and since we meet for lunch, the group has been named "At the Table." Lots of fun, laughter, cooing over the twin babies that joined their mama, and planning new ministries. Uh-oh, what would you do for a Klondike bar? LOL

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  13. Oh what an adventure, Pamela! But God is in control of everything. Yes, you are right. It is also very hot here in the Netherlands. 32 degrees Celsius (89.6 F) and it is not clammy but and very very dry heat. Fortunately, the nights are nice and cool. So I keep my bedroom window open at night

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  14. It's hard to find time for everything when you are working and helping family! Enjoy your weekend and get some rest and have fun watching your pond for neat birds!

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  15. I want a Klondike bar. Happy Friday. Regine
    www.rsrue.blogspot.com

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  16. You do look very much like a happy group with all the United in Faith ladies!! What a nice afternoon. And I am glad/thankful that God protected you (in whatever way needed protecting) while you were alone at the store. And I'm also glad that your son was able to help meet the need:) Have a lovely weekend ahead! Blessings to you, friend!

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  17. This is one reason retailers do not usually have one person alone in the store…we owned our own business in a rural area years ago…we learned, even then, it was not always safe…

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