Patricia's Principles for Living

All of us have areas in our lives where we are weak. The Book of Proverbs gives us insight on what to do to compensate for our weak areas. Strength and size do not have to doom one to always being in last place. We must learn to compensate for our weaknesses. Proverbs 30:24 There be four things which are little upon the earth, but they are exceeding wise: 1. 25 The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer; If you have been given only a little strength carry a little at a time out of season and start earlier. 2. 26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks; If you are weak without a coat of armor take advantage of the free natural resources around you. 3. 27 The locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; If you don’t have a natural leader, at least agree to march in step with others. 4. 28 The spider taketh hold with her hands, and is in kings' palaces. Work quiet...

Some battles leave no outward marks. Samson fought a lion, but he was not injured or bruised. He was able to go back to his parents without a scratch or anything to identify that he had dueled with the lion and won. This was a private battle between the lion and Samson. There are some things we battle in life and get the victory over that not even the closest to us know anything about. They happen in secret places. When Samson goes back to where he left the lion there was nothing bitter left of the battle. His place of victory in battle became a sweet spot where bees had done their work. You may wonder why this or that teacher or preacher, or sister or brother in the faith is able to bring you that sweet word of God. It’s because they have done battle in those secret places, the times when ordinarily the lions of this world would have rent them to pieces. However the Spirit of God came upon them and they defeated that enemy with time in prayer and God’s help. Don’t despise those t...

It is 7:06 am on an early fall Sunday morning. The sun has not risen and though light is visible no vegetation has dressed in their colors for the day. Nature’s palette is muted in shades of gray and black. There are thousands of people living around the peaceful Lake Washington which spans at this point from Mercer Island to Seattle. My house sits about a quarter mile above the lake. I relish the solitude as the Cascade Mountains begin to peer at me through my window. Quiet and serene the undisturbed mantle of the water bursts with a roar. One lone person in one loud and noisy motorboat shatters the morning’s stillness forcing those in its’ vicinity to stumble from their slumber in an undignified exit from their dreams.

One of the benefits that provided by my employer is health insurance. Once a year they allows us to change our insurance provider from among several different companies. We are given a list that compares what each company provides, and the co-pays. Mostly every plan has a co-pay. Hospitalizations can costs thousands of which some plans pay 100% and others only 80%. I was thinking of Psalms 103. It reminds us to remember the benefits God gives us. In God’s plan there are no co-pays. Jesus paid it all. God’s plan is not just a health plan it is a life plan. God forgives our sins, heals our diseases, gives a wardrobe and provides our attorney’s fees. Now if only I could get my employer to do the same.

Oscar mania has seized the media outlets. Actors, actresses, producers and directors will be waiting breathlessly to see who captures a coveted golden statuette. I think most people like to be recognized for outstanding and positive achievements God knows His children like awards too. Therefore He has provided some awards for His children in this lifetime. I’ve counted up ten crowns that a child of God can have in this life time. Six of these crowns are for everyone and four are optional crowns. The six crowns for everyone are 1. Crown of Loving kindness Psalm 103:4 2. Crown of glory and honor Psalm 8:5 3. Crown of Salvation Psalm 149:4 4. Crown of knowledge Psalm 14:18 5. Crown of Glory Proverbs 4:9 6. Crown of Blessings Proverbs 10:6 The four optional crowns are: 1. Gray hair is a crown Proverbs 16:31 2. Grandchildren are a crown Proverbs 16:6 3. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband Proverbs 12:4 4. The wealth of the wise is a crown Proverbs 14:24 Go ahea...

Christian Louboutin designs women’s shoes that are recognized from afar by their red soles. When one sees the red bottoms one knows immediately that the shoes are outrageously expensive and exquisitely designed. These artfully designed stiletto confections are out of the price range of most average consumers. They are basically set apart for the very wealthy. One expects to see these distinctive shoes on the Parisian fashion runways. Seeing a woman sitting in a hotel lobby with the red bottom of her shoe showing causes one to wonder who is she, because not just anyone wear these shoes. Thinking about the red bottom Louboutin shoes made me think of another person attired in red that made people ask the question of who he was. His feet were also distinctively red. His clothes were dipped in red too. People wanted to know who he was and why were his clothes red. His answer may be shocking to some, especially in this day and age when God is generally portrayed as being this benign and ...

I have to admit it I am a fan, okay I’ll tell the real truth, I’m a fanatic about HGTV. I love practically all of the shows about decorating, buying and selling homes. I sit in rapt attention as the experts tell the homeowners what upgrades they need to do to sell their homes. I am absolutely fascinated with the decorating chops of Candice Olsen, my favorite designer of all times. Before HGTV I used to buy Architectural Digest just to stare and salivate over the beautiful homes showcased in that magazine. When selling one’s home all of the experts agree that it is harder to sell a home that is empty, devoid of all furnishings. If the home is tastefully decorated buyers can come in and imagine how their own family might live there. Empty homes appear cold and uninviting. In order to attract a higher price, especially on very high priced homes, the real estate agent may suggest that the seller engage an expert to stage the home. The transformation of these staged homes is astoundin...