Welcome to my blog: I intend to share heartfelt writing about anything that comes to mind. |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: What is your opinion of America's separation of Church and state? Answer: I think there is a very fine line that separates them. It was originally made to protect the church from the state. However, I think it has also been used to suppress religious expression in public too, not just that of Christians either. Prayer prompt: Pray for other Christians that are members of other churches. Dear God, I pray for my other brothers and sisters in Christ who are members of other churches. May they find satisfaction and love and support in their church. Nay they be an extension of your love towards us. May they grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus' name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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"May and October are the best-smelling months, but I’ll make a case for December; evergreen, frost, wood smoke, cinnamon." — Lisa Kleypas What are your favorite December smells? Why? My favorite smell in December is the apple cinnamon. It reminds me of the smell of baking apple pie. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- On this day in 1982, the first execution by lethal injection took place at the state penitentiary in Huntsville, Texas. Charles Brooks, Jr., convicted of murdering an auto mechanic, received an intravenous injection of sodium pentothal, the barbiturate that is known as a “truth serum” when administered in lesser doses. What are your thoughts on executions? Are you in favor or against and why? Unfortunately, there are some very evil human beings in this world. I have mixed feelings about it personally. I believe the Bible promotes it. On the other hand, the Bible also provides cities of refuge for those who have committed crimes. There has to be consequences to some things to discourage those less admirable human beings from taking innocent lives. However, 2 wrongs don't make a right. I don't wish for anyone to die, but how else do you stop some people? As a victim of being stocked by someone, I know that had I been given the chance, I would have fought back and killed the man if necessary. I hope you don't have to ever face the kind of situation where its kill or be killed. I know someone who lost a son to murder, and until you've been in their shoes, sometimes its hard to know how you would feel or react. Its a horrible thing that us humans have to even think about behaving this way towards one another. |
OCTOBER 2024 PROMPTS: Basic Character Questions: 1. First name? Marvilla 2. Surname? Pickens 3. Middle names? Ruth 4. Nicknames? Marty, Marvie, Marvelous 5. Date of birth? 12/22/1976 6. Age? 47 for now These questions might be a little too personal for some to put out in public view. An identity is too easily stolen these days. I do however think these are great questions to ask about yourself or getting to know close family or friends. But you can't blame people for being to careful. This is why I have not answered these questions until December. Physical / Appearance 1. Height? 5ft 4in 2. Weight? 231 pounds (too much) 3. Build? heavy 4. Hairstyleir colour? strawberry brunette 5. Hairstyle? long 6. Eye colour? hazel 7. Eye Shape? Not sure how to answer. 8. Glasses or contact lenses? glasses 9. Distinguishing facial features? moles and dimples 10. Which facial feature is most prominent? eyes/smile 11. Which bodily feature is most prominent? Boobs 12. Other distinguishing features? flat butt 13. Skin? white 14. Hands? short stubby 15. Makeup? sometimes but rarely 16. Scars? One on back of right shoulder and a few others that aren't that distinguishable 17. Birthmarks? A very light 4 leaf clover on back of right hand 18. Tattoos? not yet, but would love to get one of an eagle or 2 soaring. 19. Physical handicaps? As I get older, I am developing them. 20. Type of clothes? fun/comfortable 21. How do they wear their clothes? comfortably 22. What are their feet like? (type of shoes, state of shoes, socks, feet, pristine, dirty, worn, etc) dry, average, curved toes, hate wearing socks but do as needed, prefer sandals 23. Race / Ethnicity? white 24. Mannerisms? nice 25. Are they in good health? Well, not as good as I'd like. 26. Do they have any disabilities? same as question 19. Personality 1. What words or phrases do they overuse? You know, Know what I mean? 2. Do they have a catchphrase? Whatever works 3. Are they more optimistic or pessimistic? optimistic 4. Are they introverted or extroverted? a little of both 5. Do they ever put on airs? try not to 6. What bad habits do they have? Shhh! We won't discuss those. 7. What makes them laugh out loud? a dry sense of humor 8. How do they display affection? carefully and by caring for others, giving them what they need. 9. Mental handicaps? depression, brain fog 10. How do they want to be seen by others? As a good example to follow, a mentor. 11. How do they see themselves? as a good person 12. How are they seen by others? kind 13. Strongest character trait? not sure 14. Weakest character trait? temper/sarcasm 15. How competitive are they? Just enough 16. Do they make snap judgments or take time to consider? Depends on the situation 17. How do they react to praise? Try to be humble about 18. How do they react to criticism? Depends on how its delivered 19. What is their greatest fear? Being trapped in a bad relationship with no way out. 20. What are their biggest secrets? If I tell, they aren't secrets anymore. 21. What is their philosophy of life? To Try to live by loving others and doing as much good as I can to as many people as I can. 22. When was the last time they cried? a couple of days ago 23. What haunts them? Many tough times 24. What are their political views? Not sure of them myself at this moment. 25. What will they stand up for? What I believe is right and those who are being abused 26. Who do they quote? Dr. Sues and the Bible. LOL 27. Are they indoorsy or outdoorsy? indoorsy, too many allergies, but do love the outdoors 28. What is their sinful little habit? Hmm! I thought this was included in my secrets. Cursing. 29. What sense do they most rely on? touch and sight and hearing 30. How do they treat people better than them? The same as any one 31. How do they treat people worse than them? The same as any one 32. What quality do they most value in a friend? honesty 33. What do they consider an overrated virtue? Is any virtue overrated? I don't know. 34. If they could change one thing about themselves, what would it be? There would be a lot I would change if I knew in my teens and twenties what I know now. 35. What is their obsession? I have OCD. What do I not obsess over? 36. What are their pet peeves? Narcissistic abusers 37. What are their idiosyncrasies? I have quite a few. Friends and Family 1. Is their family big or small? Small Who does it consist of? I was an only child. My parents had big families, but a lot of my family members have died or I don't have much contact with. 2. What is their perception of family? Family should be the people you can rely on most. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. They can also be the ones who hurt you the most and are most likely to betray you because you have higher expectations of them. 3. Do they have siblings? Older or younger? NOPE and N/A 4. Describe their best friend. quiet and polar opposite. 5. Ideal best friend? The one I have 6. Describe their other friends. Most are fun to be around and outgoing. 7. Describe their acquaintances. a variety 8. Do they have any pets? 2 dogs 9. Who are their natural allies? my best friend 10. Who are their surprising allies? a secret friend |
Take UP Your Cross Blog Prompt: What is your favorite way to give God praise? Take a moment to praise him and write about giving him praise. Answer: I love to praise God by prayer and recalling his promises in Scripture. I love to remind myself who he is and what he is capable of. I love to praise him in song. I haven't tried praise dancing, but it is definitely something I am interested in trying. I would also love to lead others in praise of him. I give thanks. Prayer prompt: Pray for your neighbor and family. Dear Heavenly Father, Thanks for all you have provided. Please bless the neighbors and their families. Provide their needs and protect them from illness or injury. In Christ's name, Amen -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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https://www.onthisday.com/articles/st-nicholas-the-man-behind-santa-claus Do you know the Santa Claus's history? Did you read books, watch television or google his background? What stories did you tell your children? I've included a link in case you don't know the story. This discussion could get very interesting. I read the link provided, and it was a good refreshing to the memory. There are many tales about how Santa Claus became who he is known as today. I have watched many documentaries. There are also tales of how he also derived from a pagan tradition as well. Here is a link to some information on that as well. https://historycooperative.org/pagan-origins-of-christmas/ I personally wasn't allowed to believe in Santa as a child. I am not disappointed in that. I knew who he was but wasn't told any lies about him either. I was devastated when I found out the tooth fairy was actually my parents. I felt lied to and betrayed. I also wasn't allowed to believe in the Easter bunny. Saint Nick does have quite the story and legend. I guess it is up to each individual what they choose to believe about him. There are so many stories. Who knows what is to truly believe? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ On this day in 1955, New York psychologist Joyce Brothers wins "$64,000 Question" with topic of boxing. If you were playing the 64,000 game and could choose your category what would you chose? Why? I would choose the Bible category just because I am very knowledgeable in that area. I also enjoy science and medical trivia. Food or animals would also be good. I don't usually keep up with sports or tv. I might be able to answer some music or art questions. |
Take UP Your Cross Prompt:Do you ever experience doubting your faith? If so, how do you deal with it? Answer: I think everyone goes through this at one point or another. I will pray for forgiveness and ask God to help me get back on the right track. Repentance is key at this point. If I am doubting my faith, then there is obviously some sin in my life at that time that I need to deal with. Prayer prompt: Pray for those who are looking for work at this time. Dear God, Please help those who are out of work. Help them to find employment. Help them to do the work to find the work they need. Provide transportation and any other need they may have to find that job. Help them to learn the skills they need to keep it. In Christ's name, amen. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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At 2:10 p.m. on December 5, 1945, five U.S. Navy Avenger torpedo-bombers comprising Flight 19 take off from the Ft. Lauderdale Naval Air Station in Florida on a routine three-hour training mission. After having completed their objective, Flight 19 was scheduled to take them due east for an additional 67 miles, then turn north for 73 miles, and back to the air station after that, totaling a distance of 120 miles. They never returned. What are your thoughts about the Bermuda Triangle? I think it’s intriguing. There have been many stories about the area since the time mentioned above. Some of them are quite wild. Do you watch Christmas TV Shows and movies this time of year? I do sometimes. I don't watch a lot of tv, but every now and then I like to take time out for a good movie or seasonal show. |
Chose a scripture verse to write about. Psalms 1:1 Psalms 1:1 KJV: Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. Why did I choose this verse? It was one of the first to pop into my head. There are so many great verses to write about. I have so many favored verses. I enjoy studying the Bible. You are blessed when you don't act upon the advice of the ungodly. Why? Because it's ungodly and will not please God. You are blessed when you don't stand in the way of sinners. Why? Sin is in their hearts. What is in the heart comes out the mouth and through their actions. I personally don't want to be on the receiving end of that. If actions aren't motivated by love, then the motivations are not good. You are blessed when you don't sit in the scorner's seat. Why? It's not really any fun if you are scorning someone or someone else is scorning you. Where's the blessing in all the negativity? |
Do you have a hard time admitting your wrong doings? To God? To Others? To Yourself? Would there be something you would feel ashamed of if you were to meet Jesus face to face today? Sometimes. It's never easy to admit your wrong doing to others. I desire to be good, and don't always want to admit when I am wrong to myself or anyone else. However, if we are always judging one another so harshly, How can we confess our faults to one another and pray for one another? This is a difficult subject for me. I grew up as a preacher's kid. Everything I did wrong quote unquote reflected on my dad, the preacher. I was a preacher's kid and therefore the expectations were higher. It's kind of not fair when you are in that position. You might be a normal kid, but it's like your wrongs are magnified into something more than they should be. |
Is there someone in your life who doesn’t respect your relationship with God? How do you handle that? There is always someone who doesn't like it. However, respect is a 2-way street. I have to respect other people's right to have relationships with other gods or no god at all. It is possible to care about their soul and not shove my own beliefs down their throat. If someone doesn't respect my relationship with God, then I pray for them and move on. If I have to be around them on a regular basis, I try to stay on mutual ground. If God gives me the opportunity to respectfully share my faith with them, then I will do so. It has to be Spirit led and not forced. I think a lot of people either forget this or they don't realize it at all. |
How would you like to be remembered most in life? What steps do you need to take to get there? I want to be remembered for my love of others. I try to imitate Christ's love for others, but I know I fail often. It isn't always easy to love like Christ. I have to work on this every day. I try not to react out of anger. That's the biggie for me. I try not to wish a curse or any bad upon people who wrong me. I try to forgive as quickly as possible. I try to treat others the way I want to be treated and sometimes even better. |
If you could talk to Jesus face to face today, What would you ask him? How do you think he would answer you? When I think about it, I don't know that it would be any different than it is now. There was a time in my life that i didn't feel that way. Of course communication and perception is clearer than in person than in a mirror. So it makes me understand 1 Cor. 13 a little more where it says I see through a glass darkly but then face to face. . .I will know even as I am known. I listen to the still small voice and we speak back and forth all the time. |