Monday Musings

Sometimes, Severing is Survival

/ The WheatandTares

Wow. Came across this song tonight and felt it tug on my soul.

Sometimes, severing a relationship, a friendship, a bond, a soul tie is a must.

If simply for survival…

For a life to once again thrive…

Unless, you’ve been to the point of silent pain, irrevocable destruction, or heart wrenching betrayal, this concept may seem foreign, even ludicrous to your ears.

But if you’ve cried yourself to sleep at night over words that were spoken against you…

If you’ve hidden your face in shame for deeds you never committed…

If you’ve stood in utter shock and amazement as one who promised to defend nonchalantly walked away,

or lied to your face,

or spilled slanderous gossip to cause heads to turn…

Then, you might begin to understand.

Sometimes, severing is simple survival.

And healing brings a heart to thrive again.

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Romans 16:17-18 nkjv

“Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; For their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking.

Proverbs 24:1-2 nkjv

“We sever the tie of constraint; the leash that keeps us cohering to someone else’s plan rather than stepping out and realizing our true potential,” says Anthony of the impetus behind the single. (per ccmagazine.com)

*this song nor the quote, I do not own nor possess. Simple google search.

Monday Musings: Lessons Learned from 2020 and COVID-19

/ The WheatandTares / 1 Comment

This has been quite a year for so many, and some would say this has been the absolute worse year ever, others would just say it stinks. I’m not sure there’s many at all who would say it’s been the best year; yet, maybe a three year old could have this perspective.

I will say it’s not been an amazingly wonderful year; it’s certainly had it’s challenges. However, I’d have to admit, it’s not been the worst year I’ve ever experienced.

Some of the worst years of my life were the year after my grandfather passed away, or the year we lost our first child after trying to conceive for 13 months, or the year I battled depression for a good half of the year… yeah, perspective always brings sunlight into the day.

Yet, there are some things this year of 2020 has taught me, and I thought I’d add it to my previous lists written near the beginning of all this…

1. No matter what comes into my life, with God, I can walk through fire and I can stand in the rain…even if I have to grab the fire extinguisher and maybe a boat paddle!

2. Regardless what the days bring, you still have a choice to take another breath and move forward or clamp down on oxygen and lie down to die…I choose to breathe.

3. Despite the ugly, the tornadic, the chaos or the devastation, there is always hope, you just have to search for it…often times, it will be buried deep within.

4. Although, there may be confusion and uncertainty, if you know the right source from which to draw strength, you will have an endless supply…the Source is your key.

5. Life brings with it all kinds of ups and downs, doubts and fears, turmoil and challenges, questions and very few answers; yet, when you have a firm foundation, those specific answers may not always become easier to find, but the principles to these will be as sure anchor doe your soul.

6. Everyone needs a friend. Choosing to live out your life in isolation and avoidance is just a waste of life! … choose friends carefully, but choose them.

7. Having the courage to call out when you’re in trouble can be scary, and it definitely will make you more vulnerable than many of us like to be, but honestly, having moments of vulnerability brings humility back into our prideful flesh…and the courage it takes to ask makes us all that stronger.

8. Life has been known to bring us lemons, and sometimes, they can be the sourest ever grown, but if you’ll add a little sugar, you’ll find that lemonade to be quite refreshing… mind you, sometimes, you better add a lot!

9. No matter the clouds that brew overhead, always remember, there is a sun still shining. You may not see it today or tomorrow, but keep looking up, and it’s bound to eventually burst forth and warm up your skin.

10. If you believe there is no hope to ever be found, just stop in your tracks, take a deep breath, and place your hand to your heart to feel that beat…if there is still a rhythm, then there is always a glimmer of hope.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23

Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.

1 Peter 1:13

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people…

Ephesians 1:18

Saturday’s Musings of Whimsical Fun Days

/ The WheatandTares / 2 Comments

It’s been a bit since I sat down to write, and my fingers have aches for the pen and paper (or in this case, the keys of the keyboard). It seems life has become a bit of a whirlwind, and other things take priority over the enjoyment of my blogging right now. It kind of makes me sad, but more, I’d have to admit it makes me frustrated.

Writing is when my mind relaxes and my soul pours out to become a settled peace. Taking pen to paper, or even my fingertips to the keys, has a stabilizing, relaxing effect to my mind.

My thoughts can be swirling, tossing and turning, and I will pick up my pen and journal and begin writing until my heart is content. Sometimes, that only needs to be a half hour, yet, at other times, I might linger for hours, but when it has all been spent, my head is clear, and my breathing steady.

I do believer I may have to write for my own sanity, at least, for my own tranquility. Yet, these writings have to mean something as well.

They cannot be frivolous words written in a frantic that have no meaning, no strength. They have to come from deep in the soul, and first and foremost, they must be a nod to my Creator.

For after all, He placed the desire in my heart. He buried the longing deep within the recesses of my mind, and when I start penning, He is always there, as if my writing becomes a one-on-one conversation to His heart.

So today, I say, “Thank You.” Thank you to my Creator for breath, and life and grace. Thank you for joy, and peace and hope. All the things with which You overwhelm my life.

And thank You for this longing, this unquenchable desire to send You a love letter from the depths of my being. For without You, I am nothing.

But with You, I can conquer any fear, I can scale any mountain, I can slay any giant. For You within me are a mighty force with which to be reckoned. Thank You! ❤️

I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan].

Psalm 47:2 (AMP)

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Monday Musings on a Whimsical Wednesday

/ The WheatandTares

What brings you JOY today?

What brings you JOY at Thanksgiving?

What brings you JOY on the “off days” when the holidays are through, and the workweek begins anew?

Can you even describe it?

Is it too lofty to grasp, or do the words overwhelm as your tongue struggles to form a word?

JOY cannot be found in circumstances or possessions.

It cannot be obtained in people or holidays or even in feelings.

It must be held deep within one’s very soul.

It must be allowed to live and breathe, as if it is a living being inside.

JOY can overwhelm and consume…

If you will simply let it.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

You will show me the path of life;

In Your presence is fullness of joy;

At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Psalm 16:11

Monday Musings

/ The WheatandTares / 14 Comments

I know it’s Tuesday… Tuesday night even, but this might just be a good muse; so, bear with me, please… 😉

So, someone was sweet enough to give us a whole bag? bushel? bucket? … bowl full of unshelled pecans…

They sat in the bowl for several days, and I finally had to concede there was no way I’d have time to shell them…

About that same time, that day or the next, a sweet looking, older Hispanic lady walked through our church parking lot and began hunting fallen pecans from the trees that overhang the property…

I thought, “Maybe I should put those pecans back in a bag and bring them with me, in case, I see her again. She might truly appreciate those…”

So, that evening, I poured them all back into a plastic bag and had to double bag because of the weight…

That next day, I purposely peered across the property, never seeing the little lady…

The next day and the next, I watched…

Until, a whole week went by, and I had almost concluded I needed to give them to someone else or simply throw them out…

But, I hesitated as I surely wanted to not waste them…

Two days later, as I was leaving for lunch, I noticed a couple on the little hill, picking up pecans…

I stopped and asked if they’d like some pecans, but our language barriers didn’t allow for communication. He just looked at me while his wife said something from afar…

So, I pulled the big bag out of my back floorboard and handed it over to him…

Oh, how I wish I could’ve captured a snapshot of the joy on his face when he realized what was in the weighted bag!

Honestly, you’d have thought I’d given him a bag full of gold! His wife, realizing what it was as I drove on, called out, “Mucho Gracias!”

…every day is a day for Thanksgiving…

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.

Proverbs 3:27

You may not have much to offer, and your gift may seem insignificant, but for that one who needs it, it will be like liquid gold that will touch their very soul.

MG 11/17/20

Thankful for the opportunity to give when I’ve been more than blessed. ❤️

Monday Musings

/ The WheatandTares / 6 Comments

Well, those that follow the Grizzle Grist Mill frequently may have thought I had fallen off the side of the earth! Lol! So sorry about that!

The last month has been a bit of a whirlwind around here, and I just didn’t take the time to blog; although, I desperately longed to! I guess we all have these ebb and flows in writing, right?

I have to admit, I do not like it. I do not like when I yearn and long for something and am not able to accomplish it because there are hurdles in my way. Those hurdles would be priorities; so yes, the lack thereof is “justified,” I suppose. But it is surely frustrating to me when my “to do” list outweighs my “want to” list.

Yet, I guess that’s just part of living life.

We all have our wants, and often, we have to choose between our wants and our “have to’s.” If we’re living wisely, our wants will mostly take a backseat to our “have-to’s” until there’s space to accommodate them.

If our desires always take precedent, we just become self-serving and self-indulgent. That always leads to self-imposing onto someone else those “have to’s,” which in the end, either causes pain, resentment, anger or a well rounded bundle of all three, or even a bit more.

So, I guess I’ll be thankful I remained diligent this past month in my have-to things, but I’m hoping to get back to some more “want to’s” in this next month! 😉

Blessings!

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men…”

Colossians 3:23

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain,

Overseer or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”

Proverbs 6:6-8

Whimsical Wednesdays in my Musings

/ The WheatandTares / 9 Comments

Since I missed Monday Musings today, I thought I’d add it today’s whimsical thoughts, as I feel a bit melancholy today…

I don’t feel bad, and I’m not necessarily sad. I just feel a bit more somber than most days.

I suppose, it’s mostly because today is my grandfather’s 94th birthday. But he’s not here to celebrate. He’s in heaven.

We said goodbye to him 18 years ago (on Oct. 6); so, today is not a new day or even a surprise from what it has been for many years now.

Yet, I always miss him on these days. My life was changed that day, and as much as I’m so thankful I’ll see him again one day on the other side, it doesn’t change the fact.

I miss him deeply. And today, I’ve had a thought time shaking the invading blues.

The sun is shining brightly, the breeze is blowing slightly, and it’s a warm 79 degrees here in Georgia. My life is blessed, and I really cannot complain.

In fact, I am overly blessed, and he’d never want me to be sad, even in his absence. So, I’ll put a smile on my face until I feel it down deep in my soul.

For he is no longer in pain. He is no longer suffering. He is rejoicing in our eternal home, and I will see him again.

So, as my heart continues to heal, as it does with time, memories and purpose, I will lift my hands today and worship my King.

For He is worthy of that worship, and it changes me in the midst of my obedience.

…And it makes that smile sink a little deeper to the depths of my being to bring sunlight through the rain.

“Why, my soul, are you downcast?

Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God,

for I will yet praise him,

my Savior and my God.”

Psalm 42:11

“The Lord is my strength and my shield;

my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.

My heart leaps for joy,

and with my song I praise him.”

Psalm 28:7

Saturday’s Musings of Treats and Whimsical Fun Days

/ The WheatandTares / 6 Comments

Well, this week was so jam packed, I didn’t even get a chance to sit down and write. The last 10-14 days have kind of been like this, but this week, I didn’t have the extra to add words to the page.

So, today, I thought I might conglomerate them all as one. 😂 I thought the title turned out quite original (lol); now, let’s see how the blog will end up. Maybe great. Maybe a little less than good. But it really doesn’t matter. You can at least say I tried!

A few weeks ago, I threw a little dessert together that I thought I’d share. It’s pretty simple, and you can pick up most items at your local grocery store, and you can adapt it to your personal preferences.

I started with a simple lemon pound cake. I just happened to have Sara Lee’s lemon loaf. I added a couple of scoops of key lime gelato (I love Talenti Gelato!) and dropped a handful of strawberries, raspberries and blueberries on top. And then, I drizzled caramel over all this.

Oh, it was so yummy! Truthfully, because it was a cooler day right at the end of September, I was wishing I’d had this “grand thought” back in the summertime; however, that didn’t hinder my enjoyment one bit!

This one thought, of enjoying a “summertime dessert in the fall,” led me to thinking, sometimes, we can miss celebrating a moment we should be celebrating!

We can get so bogged down with past regrets or future ambitions that we aren’t present in the moment we’re living. Yes, we need to deal with the past at times, but we should be able to put it in it’s proper places. And we should be pushing forward toward those goals and dreams we have ahead, or we’ll never get beyond where we are.

Yet, if we are seeking so hard after those things ahead, or we become overwhelmed by the sorrows OR joys of the past, we will miss what is right before our very eyes!

So, take a moment today.

Breathe I deeply and exhale slowly.

Let your eyes focus and settle in on those things and those people before you.

Cherish the laughter; embrace the tears.

Walk through the days with purpose and diligence.

It’s not always about where you’ve been or even about where you’re headed.

Sometimes, it’s simply about where you are and who is there with you!

Now, go give yourself a treat today and have a whimsical fun day! 😊

Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls & hard work.

Thomas A. Edison

“Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.”

James 4:14

Monday Musings

/ The WheatandTares / 6 Comments

I Loved You From the Start

You were so tiny when into this world you came

My life changed in an instant, never to be the same

You stole the show wherever we’d go

Your laughter was contagious, and you let everybody know

I whispered in your ear, you can reach for the stars

My hopes for you, I never wanted them barred

Your dreams and aspirations were so far apart

I knew I loved you from the very start

You were full of so much love and joy

I was thrill God blessed us with a baby boy

You ran and jumped, climbed and dove

Into every mischief and plaything sent down from above

You grew into a man before my very eyes

As you started stepping out, the devil tried to fill your head with lies

Sometimes you would succumb but other times you would fight

I kept pleading for you to always seek out the Light

I’d sing the song of old, hoping you’d remember

Calling you back home each and every December

Your dreams and aspiration were so far apart

You held them deep within your heart

You reached out strong to find your own way

You always had your own walk, keeping conformity at bay

You’d run headlong until you’d hit a brick wall

We’d be there when you’d ask to help heal from the fall

You’d tumble and struggle, forgetting the One

I’d pray and I’d seek, begging Him to awake my son

You’d come back around, dazed and a bit fogged

Yet,, stand back up, never allowing your soul to get too bogged

I wondered if those prayers ever made a difference

Knowing deep down, He would bring you deliverance

Your dreams and aspirations were so far apart

From them, your demons must depart

One day, it was as if the door opened and swung wide

Not to fame and fortune but to the Father’s side

All the tenacity to succeed changed to purpose and hope

Now His ways are always higher in your vision scope

Look what God has brought within your heart and mind

Your life is full of joy from boyhood not friction from the grind

All your goals and achievements have taken a different road

Now, you’ll reap a harvest for the good that you have sowed

Keep chasing all there is ahead of you

The end is giving glory that He is due

Your dreams and aspiration now aren’t so far apart

And He has so many more for you deep within His heart

Penned – MG – 10/5/20

Monday Musings

/ The WheatandTares

Am I growing old before my time?

I was always told I’m an old soul…

Am I aging with grace and wisdom?

I’ve always been told my heart’s river runs deep…

Am I deepening my knowledge or my love?

I was told to love wisdom is to understand His loving kindness…

We have a choice in life…

We can assemble all those memories, and we can only see the pain and injustice…

Or we can gather the joys one by one, pick out those moments of serene peace, select those tiny miracles that don’t happen every day…

And relish in the here and now while looking forward to that beautiful ever after…

I think I’ll choose the beauty…

I believe I will grasp the sunshine…

I will strive to always opt for the good…

Never ignoring, but rather, discarding the hatred and violence that threatens to distract my journey…

And I’d suggest for you to do the same…

It is possible…

If you will believe…

“Whoever is wise will observe these things,

And they will understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.”

Psalm 107:43

“Get wisdom! Get understanding!

Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.

Do not forsake her, and she will preserve you; Love her, and she will keep you.

Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom.

And in all your getting, get understanding.

Exalt her, and she will promote you;

She will bring you honor, when you embrace her.

She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you.”

Proverbs 4:5-9