Courtesy

Definition of COURTESY as noted by Merriam Webster.com

1

a : behavior marked by polished manners or respect for others : courteous behavior b : a courteous and respectful act or expression

2

a : general allowance despite facts : indulgence <hills called mountains by courtesy only> b : consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing something (as a gift or privilege); also : agency, means —used chiefly in the phrases through the courtesy of or by courtesy of or sometimes simply courtesy of

See courtesy defined for English-language learners »

See courtesy defined for kids »

Examples of COURTESY

1. They treated us with courtesy and kindness.
2. She did it as a courtesy, not because she had to.
3. Everyone knows each other here, so we won't bother with the usual courtesies.
4. They shook hands and exchanged courtesies before beginning their discussion.
5. Civilized life cannot be sustained without hypocrisy. A certain moral code, a degree of courtesy and decorum, are necessary to keep our instincts under a modicum of control. —Ian Buruma, New York Review of Books, 2 Nov. 2006.

I have been giving a lot of thought to this word. I decided to search it on the net. I search often on BibleGateway for word studies in the Bible. In the KJV there is no search results for the word, courtesy. However kindness has 43 references.
Life, here upon this earth offers many challenges, and as we go about our daily walk, we make choices regarding how we face those bumps.

I personally feel as if I have been under trial and protected attack for sometime. I have not made all the right decisions, nor will I always think with a clear mind. But for the precious Love of the Lord, I would not be facing the current tasks with much courage. Thank you Father for going before me and hanging out beside me. All day, every day!

Psalms 31:3  For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name's sake lead me, and guide me.

Praise HIS Holy name!!

It has been a while since I have posted about the ODBD forum (formally Christian Paper Crafts). There are some fun things going on over there. Prayers and sharing. Paper challenges. The new forum is an extension of the Our Daily Bread Designs, a wonderful online (and more) place to find just loads of Christian stamping designs! Head on over to the store and visit the wonderfully talented design team on the blog and tell them you heard about it blogging!
Find support and share in the love of Christ as you visit there and join the sisters there that strive to love the LORD!
 Blessings one and all.

KIAROS

Many of you may be familiar with the Walk to Emmaus. It is a weekend packed with opportunities to share and grow in the love of Christ with others of faith.  In the world of corrections, there is an equivalent walk. It is KIAROS. Prayer is the most important part of this ministry.  I know of one such walk that is taking place in the coming days. Perhaps there are others across the planet that are preparing the way for another to come and meet the Lord, face to face in a spiritual sense.
If the Lord directs your heart to lift the people involved, would you join me?
Specific prayers for leadership, safety, wisdom and discernment. Prayer for softened hearts, with open minds and willingness to listen to the Word. If the Kingdom grows by one, what a day of rejoicing. Thanks for joining me in prayerful support for the door to share Christ's love in the prisons. For, as you have done unto the least of these, you have done unto me. Christ said it, I believe it. When I 'do unto the least of these' it is not judgement, but a willing heart to love as Jesus loved. Fully and unconditionally.
Blessings. 

Today's TBM

Brought to you by the knowledge I obtain in a time of exasperation!! The environment we choose (or end up without much choice) to work in is often not an ideal one. On those days I am so provoked, I want to walk away, the Lord is so good to remind me, He has allowed me to be where I am for such a time as this.

Yes, there are obstacles that grow in our paths. Often times they seam insurmountable. It causes me to anger, judge unjustly, and not want to give an inch.  Yep, that is when I am being Job's wife and not Job!!! He had the strength of faith unmatched by many others.  My revelation arrived today, not a sudden one, but a slow and quiet realization, that when those distractions and discouragements are standing in the way, it is for a reason.  Sometimes the reason is my own stubbornness.  But sometimes it is because the enemy doesn't want the work of the Lord to shine. OH YEAH! Guess I will keep on pressing on for the greater good of the Heavenly cause!

It's not 80 any more!

As I sit on this date beside my now 14 year old son, it is cold outside.  It is April 10, 2012. Fourteen years ago,  my life was forever changed. At 41, I gave birth to a tiny, fuzzy headed blond boy.  He has been a delightful addition to our lives.  At nearly six feet tall, he is a might bigger that the infant the settled into the palms of his daddy's hands.  Healthy, loving, tenderhearted as a teenager, I am thankful each day that the Lord selected me to be the Momma.  I tell Sammy and the Lord thanks every day!
I work a short shift on Tuesday mornings, usually trying to be home by ten fifteen. Last week, I suggested that I take the day off, and my youngest said, I will still be asleep until you get home! And sure enough, I woke him up with a giant apple fritter from the local bakery when I got home this morning.
BTW, it is snowing!!

Planning an unplaned sort of Day!

Twas the night before Friday.  What a long work day this was. Sometimes the scheduled hours feel longer than the clock reads. Did you ever have one of those days? This evening I am looking forward to sleeping as long as I want, (provided the 3 quarts of water I drank after work, does not waken me)!! Spring is a great time to get lots of things done. I am planning to not plan tomorrow. Just let it happen. That builds into the day, the opportunity to be impulsive with fun unscheduled events. You know the ones I refer to.  Really cleaning the corners of the kitchen floor, getting into the craft room and organizing it.  ALL the way, not just one square foot!! I cant wait.

Home schooling a nearly high school is easier, yet tougher than the elementary student. He can do his own thing, but I do miss the crayons and clay days! Love the one on one time we get to spend together.
May the Lord keep you safe this night, and bless your upcoming days!
Resurrection Sunday is on its way!

Toilet Bowl Moments (TBM)

Some months ago, I was cleaning the popular porcelain seating in our master bath. I was allowing some rather, unpleasant thoughts to rumble around in my head. Verging on anger, directed toward the supposed "inability" of others to see the need to do a short cleaning after use. After all, I had in the past made a rather simple request to look and clean after each use. Now I was thinking, ....uhh well unpleasant thoughts.  Suddenly, as only HE can do the Lord reminded me of my attitude.  If I put it into words, it may have sounded like a childish (on my side) conversation. But the AH HA moment was that I realized scrubbing the bathroom, was an opportunity to pray, not condemn those that offered the need to have the seat cleaned!

This morning I was reminded of that once again.  That got me to thinking. I have many TBM's and perhaps, I should write about the moments of revelation. I have often thought about writing, not so much publishing, some musings. That comes from two or three generations back. So in today's world I have this blog. It doesn't matter if anyone ever reads it. I am using it as my personal 'write'  space.
 If you are reading this one, check back, I may have another soon.

Blessings from the bottom of my heart. The Lord tells us, A merry heart doeth good like a medicine. Look in the Proverbs!