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!