Patricia's Principles for Living

“Solange, Beyonce’s sister captured on elevator camera beating JZ,” screamed the headlines. None of us know what led up to this seemingly outrageous event. However I do know that all of us have a friend or family member who will go gangsta on someone who they think did us wrong. Even Jesus had a "Ride or die buddy" though his ride was pretty short. His name was Peter. Peter went gangsta in the Garden of Gethsemane. Remember Peter took a sword and cut off Malchus’ ear. King David, writer of the Psalms, had two first cousins, Joab and Abishai that he could not control. David said, “These sons of Zeruiah are too violent for me.” They were willing to cut off anyone’s head that they thought threatened David. Also Moses, in Numbers 11, had to quiet down Joshua from going after people who Joshua thought were out of line. Now whether you have a relative or friend like this, or you are the one like this may I offer a word of advice. Well it actually comes from Jesus, not just to...

My childhood home in Philadelphia shared the property line with one of the city’s trolley and bus terminuses. The old mustard yellow and green iron wheeled Route 23 trolley’s last stop was a child’s skip and a jump to our first step. Our miniscule side yard was a few feet from the trolley tracks separated by a sturdy black wrought iron fence. The protective iron vertical bars were less than six inches apart. A tangle of lilac and forsythia bushes completed this urban oasis. I learned that a quick escape from this dead end peninsula could be accomplished by squeezing through the iron bars. The key to this feat was to put my head through first. If my head could go through sideways the rest of my body would follow. First time pursuers were baffled. They thought they had trapped me in the side yard only to find out I had mysteriously escaped. As I ruminated on this long ago pleasant childhood memory I thought isn’t this like life. If I can get my head through a problem or a challenge ...

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...