http://www.pleonast.com/user/beulah recent pleonast.com entries by user beulah en-us http://www.pleonast.com/user/beulah?l=5&entryID=589097 At our Friday, ladies’ class, we have been studying about wisdom for women through the wise words of Solomon. It was while looking at Prov. 3:18, “She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,…," that I suddenly had a thought. The tree of life was a great blessing which God had given to Adam & Eve, yet they were not content with it. Instead, they ate of the tree from which God told them not to. Because of their sin, they were cast out of the garden so they would not be able to eat from the tree of life and live forever. God made provision for us to return to the tree of life if we overcome. I couldn’t help but think that we are a discontented people and we don’t appreciate what we have until it is gone. Are we taking God’s blessings for granted and not appreciating all with which He blesses us? ~S 2008-10-19 http://www.pleonast.com/user/beulah?l=5&entryID=580904 What do idols have to do with Abraham sacrificing his son? One day while weeding in the garden, I decided to turn on a radio and listen to the local “religious” station. One of the preachers that day was talking of idolatry. It may seem like it doesn’t exist today but it is very prevalent in our society. An idol is anything that we make more important than God. In today’s world of sports, recreation, entertainment, etc. we find much idolatry. After all, a high school graduation only comes once in a lifetime, a wake or funeral, the sports playoffs, etc. Certainly they can’t be considered an idol, can they? If we put those things before coming to worship our God as He has commanded, then we have created an idol. Is it possible that because Abraham had waited so long for a son of his own, that he would make Isaac an idol? It certainly would be possible. God tells us in His word that He was testing Abraham. Testing Him for what? It was to see if He came first in Abrah... 2008-09-28 http://www.pleonast.com/user/beulah?l=5&entryID=564840 While I was preparing dinner and waiting for my husband and daughter to return home from work, I decided to listen to Paul Earnhart when he was in Bangor, ME in 2006. He was talking of God creating the universe. And for what purpose? For us! We are the center of God's universe. It got me thinking of very young children. They think they are the center of our "universe". And what do we teach them? To not be selfish, to think of others, to be patient, to do God's will, etc. Shouldn't we be learning those same things? Just like Ezra, shouldn't we be learning, practicing and teaching? Isn't that the lesson for us? ~S 2008-08-20 http://www.pleonast.com/user/beulah?l=5&entryID=552397 As I worked in my garden early this morning (6:45), I came to really dislike weeds. I had so many because I have been watering but not keeping up with the weeding because of the heat. While angry at the weed situation, I got to thinking that it is only because of our sinful nature that we have the rotten things in the first place. If only we were not so strong willed and weak in flesh. We could have been living in a wonderful garden with lots of fruits and vegetable with virtually no work involved. Some toiling, yes, but not hard work in the heat of the day. Oh well, I am refreshed now due to a shower and my husband taking the family out to dinner so no one would have to suffer in the heat to make it. I thank God that I had the get up and go early this morning to get what I got done before the heat became unbearable. Thank the Lord for the wonderful produce coming from the garden as well. ~S 2008-07-20 http://www.pleonast.com/user/beulah?l=5&entryID=493545 A little over 35 years ago, I met a young man who eventually stole my heart. I married him. Since his dad had passed away before we met, he and my dad became very close. They had so many things in common. I love my dad! He is what he is. I don't know how to describe his character except to say that over the years, he has been one to BUTT into the chef's work. He always told my mom how to cook. After they divorced, he started telling my sister (who he spends much time with) how to cook. He tells me AND my daughter (when he is here) how to cook. Well, today, it just hit me. My wonderful husband was in the kitchen as I was cooking. The cake had just come out of the oven and the manicotta had just gone in. The next thing I hear, as I am putting the glaze on the cake, is "don't you have to take them out of the pan?" The day before he offered some other tidbit of cooking knowledge that he has learned over the years from watching ALL the cooks in his life! What just... 2008-02-16