One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure?!?
by Beth Duewel
How does it happen? How does a family of five produce so much trash? It’s embarrassing. We might as well invite BFI to drop off a dumpster in the driveway. I mean, the neighbors don’t seem to have this problem, gloating with their measly two bags of trash a week. Last week I asked my husband to smuggle our six bags down to the end of the drive—in the black of night. He thought I was being silly.
Can you say recycle?
Surely, recycling was the answer to all of our gluttonous problems. Magazines in this bag—glass in that, until we had loads of recyclables piled in the garage. The result you ask—six bags of trash to take to the curb. Sigh.
Next we tried...[read more]
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Forward & Feedback
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Just the Essentials Please!
Dear Friends,
Okay—is it just me or is anyone else perplexed as to why things just up and break with little to no warning. Like the icemaker, for instance. One day we were up to our cup-fulls in crushed ice, the next, the little guy who makes the ice must have felt unappreciated. No more ice.
Another day I sat enjoying foods dipped and lathered in high fats. The next thing I know my gallbladders on the blink refusing to handle any more of the stuff—fat that is. At least that’s what the doctor thinks the pain in my right side is.
When I went in with my complaint the physician looked at me kind of squinty as if ready to solve a perplexing plot. Then he raddled off something about my age and gender and the likelihood that my gallbladder is malfunctioning, followed by the idea of more tests and surgery if the thing is broken for good. The Dr. seems certain my body will figure out what to do with itself if they take it out. Hmmm. I’m not looking forward to a future of warm water and low fat foods.
And isn’t it ironic that God fashioned us with organs that just seem to be on the list of “extras.” Like tonsils, appendix and even gallbladders. I know these additions to the human body have some purpose—but what? Could it be that those “extras” are like having fake nails? Something additional that eases a scratch, generates a nice tapping noise, and makes my three children stand in line for back rubs. But aren’t essential to life and breath. Oh well, maybe I should just relax while I tap my nails and suck on my low fat pretzels.
It’s funny though, I’ve always envisioned God generously creating Adam, and then throwing in a few of those extra organs for perfect measure. And you know what? In a way I think I’ve always thought of woman as an extra in the cosmic plan of creation. After all, Eve was formed using one of Adams ribs (I guess he had one to spare). Admittedly, in the cobwebs of my mind I’ve considered woman to be somewhat superfluous. Being a woman myself, I have the sense words like surplus and excessive might describe me some days. Smile.
And even as far back as Sunday school I got the feeling that Eve was created so poor Adam wouldn’t get too lonely with all those fury animals that couldn’t banter a syllable. Really? How is a man supposed to live without talking? Well…? But seriously, no talking, no conversation to dissect the going on in the garden. How positively desolate!!!
Just lately though, after reading Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge, I have had a change of thinking regarding God’s creating me—a superfluous woman.
In chapter two of Captivating, Eve is cited as “the Master’s finishing touch.” (pg. 25.) God has created a work of art: man and woman. Not an “extra” or additional thought but essential to man’s purpose and being.
Have you ever thought of yourself as essential? Someone who is the finishing touch to a perfect work of art. A period to a sentence that would wonder without the presence of YOU. Or—even more crucial to life and breath—the whip crème on top of a hot-fudge sundae. Yummy!!
If you doubt that you’re indispensable, read through the book of Ezekiel. In it God leaves little question that He longs and desires for His creation to follow him. Word after word he whispers the magnitude of His grace. We as women are part of that complete grace-filled equation.
And in a world of breakable and dispensable, I like to think of myself as valuable to the one who created me.
I want you to know you are valuable and a blessing to me as well. These past few months I have received many kind notes and prayer requests from women all over cyberspace. I don’t take those lightly nor view them as extra—but essential. I am privileged to minister to you and make new friends.
Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. (Genisis2:22 NIV).
Belly laughs and Blessings,
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Life Savors for Women by Jeanette Gardner Littleton.
This book is a must for women on the go providing short devotionals full of God's love and laughter. And I’m in the book. It’s a good one!!!
Click here to Order from Amazon.com |
Life Is Just Better with Jesus by Anne Graham Lotz.
Each devotional reminds of the characteristics of Jesus. And the sweetness of walking with Him.
Click here to order from Amazon.com |
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Friendability -
Recently, I lost a good friend to lung cancer. In addition to grieving the loss of my buddy, I have decided to take a step back and evaluate my friendability (my ability to be another’s pal). Friends—being as rare and precious as a laundry-free day—have found their place and value in my heart. And the older I become, the more I realize: this gal needs pals. How to be a friend, and keep a friend.
For more about this and other popular speaking topics, click here.
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“I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full.”
- John 10:10 NIV
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