Scripture Girl

Numbers 14:8 (New International Version)

8 If the LORD is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. 

Do you ever look at what design is on your paper towels?  Do you buy a certain kind or certain design for your kitchen?  In a recent purchase of paper towels, I hurriedly picked up some cheap ones.  I had sat down at my computer to start writing and I was drawn to the designs on my paper towel in which I had used to for a sandwich.  There are butterflies, dragonflies and honey bees on this particular kind. 

I began to look up each insect to see what I might find on Wikipedia.com and these were interesting facts.  Dragonflies are a symbol of renewal after a great time of hardship, courage, strength, happiness or pure water.  Butterflies attract attention, are the personification of one’s soul, and are symbols of rebirth into a new life.   Honey Bees are a symbol of resurrection and immorality.  Diamond is the hardest known natural material.  How amazing that you could find such information on a paper towel!  I guess when you really look at life, you can begin to see where God can show you many things even in a simple paper towel. 

Did you know that paper towels were invented in 1907 by a school teacher in Philadelphia as a response to so many children having colds, she cut small squares of towels for the children to use and dispose of.  Scott Paper Company found out about it and made the paper towels and toilet paper available.  The diamond design helps to hold the moisture. 

I have always said that I am a butterfly of sorts.  I love to meet new people and I seem to attract all kinds of people, and that I am a free spirit of sorts.  I have been reborn into the kingdom of God and that I don’t necessarily conform to the ways of others.   My birthday is in April, so I have the diamond as a birthstone.  I guess you could categorize me as the following:  A free spirit or a natural gem.  I have never really thought of myself that way but I remembered something that someone had once said to me, “You are such a social butterfly and a diamond of a friend to those who know you.” How funny!  

As much as I love to write, sometimes I have writers block.  There’s nothing to put on the page and then….a simple paper towel can make all the difference in your perspective of the world or certain situations. 

Freedom, that’s what we all long for.  Freedom to be who we are, freedom to be loved and cherished, freedom to be with the person we are called to love, freedom to just step out and do something different and radical in this lifetime.  I have found freedom and am as one person says, “Exciting, Uninhibited, and Fun.”  Well that’s what God made us for, to enjoy life!   

My prayer for you today is that you find time to see something different in your day, to venture out into unknown waters and that you take time to look at the “paper towels” of life. 

Proverbs 31:17 (NIV)

 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 

The Proverbs 31 woman is one who is strong.  She doesn’t give in to the enemy.  Many a day has gone by and I have been tempted to give in to the enemy.  When the Lord knew that I had grown tired of the corporate life, he gave me the much needed rest I so desired.  And in doing so, he has given me a time of replenishing of the spirit and he has also taught me many things in regards to people and a renewed sense of wanting to help people again. 

On my desk calendar for the month of August there is a saying, “Don’t ask for an easier life; ask to be a stronger person.”  I hadn’t really thought much about that until just now.  I considered myself to be a strong person, but when the trials of life come crashing down one day and you realize that you have no more energy or strength to fight, then it’s time for a “makeover.” 

I used to be a person who would never say, “No” to anyone who asked me to do something.  I used to be a person who thought that her occupation or her job title made her the person she was.  I used to think that all I had to offer was a pretty face.  Thanks to nudging of a stronger woman, I have had time to reflect and see where I needed to change and where I needed to find myself and realize exactly who I am and what I have been called to do in this life.

As a princess of Jesus, I don’t have to settle for second best.  I don’t have to think that I don’t measure up.  I don’t have to look at my outer self to know what lies within.  I can make decisions regarding my life with a much clearer perception of where I want to go and who I want to become.  I can pray and wait for a clear sign from God and know that all is well.  I can focus on being the Mother I truly want to be without the outside noise of other people telling me what to do.  Jesus takes perfect care of me.

My dear friend Helen always said, “When Jesus is first in your life, then everything else will fall into place.”  She died last year of a heart attack at the age of 50.  She was a marvelous woman who loved the Lord and had a passion for life like no one else I have ever known.  She wasn’t concerned with what the world thought, she just did what she knew she had been called to do by her God.  In her last hours of her life, I knew that she was ready to go and that she would always be with me in spirit.  She was my inspiration on many days when the clouds seemed the darkest and the hours the longest of a season of disaster called divorce.  She always had a smile and always said, “God will make a way as long as you are faithful to him.”  There are many days that I long to hear her voice and to hear her laughter, but I know that I will see her again some day.  When you saw Helen, you saw Jesus.

My prayer for you today is that you focus on where God wants you to be and how you can serve him in your own way.  He will give you the directions if you’re looking and listening.