The Ketchup Bottle Effect

One of the descriptive words for “trouble” is the word pressure.  I am a visual type person and relate easily to illustrations; and I have repeatedly seen or experienced things which perfectly illustrate pressure as it relates to trouble.  Okay, there you have it, the topic, and one with which we are all familiar; I’ll share one hilarious experience that illustrates physical pressure at least.

 

I was among people sitting at a table in a public cafeteria (remember those?) and noticed a group crowd into a booth over against a wall – even three on a side.  After a few minutes I saw a young lady seated in the middle pick up a ketchup bottle to remove the cap.  BAM! Not only did she and the people in the booth get a generous serving of ketchup but as I sat some distance away and on the far side of our table have some to accessorize my outfit!

 

Evidently, as was the custom in many restaurants, the ketchup bottles were heated in cleansing and used for additional ketchup.  I’m speaking of them being over-filled and pressure building from heat.

 

I know - a strange example - but I do have a couple of points to make.  Have you ever experienced problems that stressed you until you said things like, “I feel like I am just going to explode,” or “I just don’t think I can stand the pressure?”  Sure, people make remarks like, “If the heat is too hot get out of the kitchen.”  That usually comes from people who tend to run for escape.  When the heat seems to be turned up and the trouble seems to become too much, something has to give.  Point number 1:  When we don’t deal with trouble properly it not only affects us, but other people such as family members, friends, coworkers.  We either panic and become impulsive and make poor decisions or Point number 2:  we become passive, allowing more pressure to build.   You may think, “Well I have a problem that just can’t be dealt with.” It may be impossible to solve it on your own but there is an answer.  Trouble is becomes more complicated when we neglect the greatest source of help accessible through prayer and praise.  Prayer is the last resort for some people and praise isn’t ever considered unless there is a quick victory and an even briefer praise is given.  Before the problem grows, the pressure builds and desperation overwhelms, set the breakthrough in motion – pray for it and then praise it into manifestation! 

AND THE KEY WORD IS?

JUST AS THERE ARE THREE LETTERS IN THE WORD “KEY” THERE IS A THREE-LETTER WORD THAT IS A KEY.  IT IS LET.   “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”  James 1:4

    It doesn’t mean passivity and it doesn’t mean just biding time in regards to a problem or a situation (or just riding it out).  But it does mean letting a truth be revealed and take root to bring positive and permanent change in the situation and in us.  We have to allow God to cause or make all things work for our good.  We must not let them steal from our lives but force them to contribute the beautiful and the permanent to our lives.  Don’t let the enemy (satan – with a little “s”) accomplish what he intended but give God opportunity to construct something with what the enemy has thrown at us.  And with the tendency for patience newly acquired it will be easier the next time to let God do what He needs to do – for His kind of results – the “better than you could imagine kind” of results.

Update On Upcoming Blogs

Update.  Hey, friends I plan to resume blogging and invite you and hope you will share the link with your friends.  As stated in the beginning it is for the purpose of being a blessing and will offer predominantly teaching but will occasionally offer hints, quotes, illustrations, etc.  It is a matter of working the task into a very busy schedule so I appreciate prayers to the Helper.  The postings may be sporadic but you'll have notice.  Blessings to you and those you love!

A Real Keeper

I’m not suggesting that you might be a hoarder, but do you keep holding on to a few little items for reasons others just don’t seem to understand?  I am always cleaning out and donating but I do have a few such little keepers.  One is in my kitchen.  It is a little insignificant looking funnel.  Now I think the reason I can’t part with it is this:  It just has such character!  Plus, it has become a needed reminder of a spiritual lesson.  Let me give a brief description of my precious little funnel.  At one time its shape was round; ‘not so sure that is exactly accurate now.  It has been dropped, banged and even smashed in the closure of over-crowded drawers, requiring crude and failed attempts at reshaping to its original design – to the point of having cracked edges.  Now that’s besides being crammed in tightly packed boxes for numerous moves.  It’s age?  I couldn’t begin to guess – simply decades!  It has lost its luster due to age, exposure to minerals in various water supplies and extreme temperatures, Poor thing!

                I’m the only person who uses my little funnel and at the risk of sounding really corny, I’m the only one who loves my little funnel.  If I could get $100.00 for it in a garage sale I would not part with it.  I’m just too sentimental about it.  But, as stated before, it is also a reminder of an important principal; therefore I sometimes use it as an illustration visual when teaching.  It has spoken to me many times, or should I say that Holy Spirit has stressed some things?  Mainly, we are to simply make ourselves available as instruments (utensils).  The worth for others is in what God can deliver through us, not us.  It isn’t the shape, the outward luster, young age that makes us valuable.  It doesn’t even depend on whether we have or haven’t been spared injury or abuse.  He can fix us.  He can use us.  And believe it or not - He is quite sentimental about us and would not part with us.  He too tends to be attached that way!

Treasure or Something Else?

I was recently taken back in my mind to pleasurable dining experiences in some fine-dining restaurants.  (I’ll explain later what stimulated the thoughts.)  Larry and I have been to so many places and visited with so many people that I sometimes amaze myself and also rebuke myself because of too many unnecessary details that are stored along with the meaningful treasures in my memories.  I recalled times when we didn’t have valet parking but walked from our vehicle and absorbed the entire atmosphere.  I could visualize things such as rich brick walls, stained wood frames around windows and maybe small window panes through which I could see the glow from candles atop cloth covered tables.  I also remembered the walks along pebble covered or cobblestoned sidewalks amid beautiful blossomed shrubs.  And how could you forget the inviting aromas of the “known-for” dishes on the menu lilting on the soft breezes when you were suddenly SMACKED when the wind shifted and there was no less than a pungent stench which practically knocked you off your feet? At first you ask yourself “Where did that come from?” Then you realized you were downwind of the restaurant dumpster.  You were at the very same business establishment but you were shocked to discover that something so offensive could come forth.

Now, as to what prompted my recall of these experiences.  I was reading a scripture that so convicted my heart.  Luke 6:45 NKJV: “A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil.  For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”  I know that I am not an evil person.  I am the righteousness of God and His child but I do still struggle with my flesh and evil and Holy Spirit has to often speak to me about my speech.  On this occasion the particular reminder and comparison spoke loudly.  To tell you the truth, I am grateful for His rebuke and for His attempt to make me better and stronger; after all He knows my desire and the desire of my Father. 

Come On In



Finally! After much anticipation and procrastination here is my invitation for you to connect with me through my blog - Carlotta's Corner. Many thoughts and ideas are always in my heart but seldom with opportunities to share. Lack of time seems to be the major limitation, but now I am going to venture into sharing devotions, short teachings, testimonies, stories, maybe even an occasional recipe or a household hint. Many of you know my heart for teaching and sharing from God's Word especially. Now, it is my desire that you will enjoy our time together ('just wish it could be face-to-face) and will be encouraged and blessed and that you will be able to pass it on to others who need encouragement. Together we can deliver a very needed word!