Wedding Daybreak

Monday, August 30, 2010

The sun stretches her shiny arm-like rays

And rises from her nocturnal divan

behind the eastern hills

Not intense yet as clouds of sleep still shroud

The luster of her arrival to launch another nuptial day

Like a bride she peeks out

from behind a wedding veil

Of foggy lace still dimming the blaze to come

As she slowly opens her amber cyclopean eye.

It is a day for glory this

And nothing will be able to hold her back

As she blesses the waiting world below

Bringing her Master’s warmth and life

Carrying His devotion and protection

For all who wake

To greet her golden glowing arrival.

They bask in the radiance of her wakeup call

But only few can see or even understand

The intensity of protection and provision

The delivery of His gift of affection brings.

Few ponder a sunrise and comprehend

Even fewer still appreciate or recognize

That the incredible splendor of this gift

She delivers for Him each day

Is the radiance of the our Groom’s good morning kiss.

Corinne Mustafa

2/7/06

This and That for 8/23 ~ 8/29

Quote for the week

I know God will not give me anything

I can't handle.

I just wish that He didn't trust me so much.

Mother Teresa

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More signs for the modern woman...

(CONTINUED FROM A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO)

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Book Recommendation

The Bible

The Bible is filled with stories that speak to our heart and lives in amazing ways. It is filled with Gods words for many aspects and teachings fron the story of creation to His revelation about what will happen after Jesus returns.

The stories are emblazed in our minds, and the lessons speak to us. Look at this quilt and let it remind you of those stories.

Find a Bible version that is appropriate to you child's age and ability to understad and share it with her/ him. It will bless you and it wil bless your child. It is never too soon to begin. Here are a couple of Bibles for children. There are many other varieties available. Check it out in your bookstore or research online!

LET THE LEARNING BEGIN!
I recommend the BIBLE and sharing it with your children

Corinne Mustafa

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Joke for the week

Gravestone Epithah

Effie Jean Robinson

1897-1922

Come blooming youths, as you pass by,

And on these lines do cast an eye.

As you are now, so once was I;

As I am now, so must you be;

Prepare for death and follow me.

Which is not funny at all.

But underneath, someone had added:

To follow you

I am not content

How do I know

Which way you went?

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Helpful Household Hints

Grandma's Household Hints And Tips May Be Old-Fashioned,

But They Can Save You Time And Money Today

Remove cup stains


Do you have stained coffee cups? rub some dry salt inside the cup then rinse, voila! Sparkling clean and no residue from commercial cleaners.


Egg tips


Have you ever boiled some eggs only to realise later you have no idea which are the boiled and which are fresh eggs..easy.. just spin them, a fresh egg will not spin! When cracking eggs into a bowl and some shell falls in just use another piece of the egg shell to gently remove it.


Burnt pot stains


To remove burnt on stains from pots and pans. If you have rhubarb growing in your garden this is one of the best ingredients for cleaning burnt pots. Simply cut up 3 stalks of rhubarb, put into burnt pot with enough water to cover, bring to the boil then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Allow to go cold in the pot, stains will be gone. For heavy duty stains a light rub with a scourer may be needed.


Too much salt


I remember the first stew I ever cooked, (bury in backyard material)...it was way too salty. On the phone to mum in tears, her sage advice was, cut in half 2 or 3 peeled potatoes and add them to the stew, cook until tender,remove and discard. Result, an edible stew.


Cleaning the silver


In a large glass dish fill to over halfway with warm water,tear up some alfoil sheets (approx 6 pieces). Put them into the dish with 1 tablespoon of carb soda. Place your knives,forks and spoons into the dish. Leave for at least 5 minutes(longer if very tarnished)remove and dry,silverware will be sparkling.


Cleaning your freezer.

After you have defrosted your freezer. Wipe over every surface inside it with cooking oil. Next time you defrost, the ice will come away easier with little effort.


Grease Spills.


The most effective way to clean up a grease or oil spill. Cover the spill with salt, it will absorb all the moisture. Sweep up the salt and dispose into the bin.


Black Marks


To remove black scuff marks from your kitchen floor. Dab a small amount of toothpaste onto a paper towel. Rub over the mark until it has gone. Toothpaste won't scratch your floor.


Sharpen Waste Disposal Blades.


Blunt Blades? Put some ice blocks into your disposal. Grind up the ice and your blades will be sharpened. Do this a few times if very blunt.


Cleaning the Sink Drain.


Use 3 or 4 Antacid tablets, put them into the sink. Add half a cup of vinegar. Leave for a couple of minutes. Flush away with hot water,your pipes will be cleaned.


Remove Odors


To remove an oder from plastic containers. Crumble some newspaper or kitchen towel. Wet thoroughly. Stuff the wet paper into the container. Put into the freezer for 1 hour. Remove from freezer, take out the paper and the smell is gone.



Lime Deposits From Kettles


To remove lime deposits from a kettle. Fill kettle with water. Place 6 Marbles (kids playthings) into the kettle. Put on the stove and bring to the boil. Boil for approx 10 minutes. Empty the kettle and the lime deposits will be gone

Shared by Corinne Mustafa

A MOMENT BY THE LAKE

This is a beautiful writing by my friend Jody Ward

I step away from the campfire to let my eyes adjust to the darkness. Looking around, the dark shapes of trees emerge against the blackness and boulders begin glowing like shadowy balloons against the dark earth.

Inching my right foot forward, I feel for the edge of the first granite step leading down to the inky blackness of the lake. When my toe finds solid

footing, I transfer my full weight and lift my left foot to explore for the edge of the next step.


After four steps I stop to look around. As my pupils dilate, the distant shoreline becomes visible as a solid row of tree silhouettes above a charcoal band of sand, the sheet of wet, black lake broken only by a sparse scattering of rocks breaking the surface a few feet off the near shore.


With my eyes adjusted, I abandon the toe-touch method and walk forward, more confident of the steps before me. I take the last step and feel the soft sand of the beach give away under my foot. I walk to the edge of the water and stand motionless.


The trees are perfectly still and not even a whisper of breeze gives movement to the water. No ripples lap the shore at waters edge. I close my eyes and taste the fragrant pine needles that were knocked to the ground by this morning’s thundershower. My nose is filled with the strong smell of damp sand and cool, lake water.


I open my eyes to the night. The stillness is overwhelming, the blackness enveloping. My senses become hyper sensitive, believing they are being deprived of any input or stimulation. In my peripheral vision, I see movement in the water and look quickly left, finding myself staring at a pinpoint of light in the middle of the lake.


As I watch the light dance on the dark water, I become aware of more lights appearing all across the surface of the lake. A haze of lights covers an area to my right and even more bright points are flung across the flat blackness to my left.


The lights slip and shimmer before my eyes, forming patterns and shapes. One shape holds my attention, the shape of a giant ladle. I look up quickly and see the seven stars of the Big Dipper hanging low in the sky.


Suddenly, I realize that the mysterious lights on the lake are stars reflected on a mirror of black glass. The first bright light that caught my attention was Polaris, the North Star, and that haze of lights hovering to my right are the millions and billions of stars and planets known as the Milky Way.


The stars spread before my feet and the heavens wrap around the earth overhead. The disorientation of vertigo takes hold as I can no longer differentiate where the starry sky stops and the reflected lights begin. I focus on the dark tree line to reorient myself, but immediately allow the silhouettes of the trees to fade from focus when I decide the optical illusion of earth and sky united is a more thrilling place to be.


How many times have I stood on the shore of this dark lake and never experienced this display? When have I ever seen such complete blackness of the night sky and such absolute stillness of the waters surface? I have never known a time for such perfect conditions to exist or ever imagined that I would be allowed this momentary glimpse through a window of heaven.


And a window of heaven is what it must be. A moment to see something so overwhelming as to cause my eyes to well with tears. An instant to experience something so profound as to make me stop breathing A split second to feel the perceptible weight of the glory of creation around me. To know, without conscious thought, that I am standing with God.


I am unaware of time passing but start to feel the damp chill of the night air setting into my arms and legs. I am reluctant to leave the spectacle of the stars, afraid if I turn from the lake the nearness of God will somehow evaporate behind me. I walk slowly up the beach toward the campfire, turning to take a final look before climbing the granite steps up the shore. I try to etch the amazing scene into my memory and the emotion into my heart, before my vision is corrupted by the brightness of the flames and glowing embers where my family sits roasting marshmallows.


I reclaim my lawn chair at the end of the fire pit and thoughtfully watch the kids ignite their marshmallows into flaming blue torches before blowing them out and slapping their pieces of sugared charcoal into a graham cracker and Hershey bar sandwich.


Staring into the embers, I think how much our lives need a starlit night by the lake. Our bright city nights, when the lights of life obscure our view of the stars, becomes normal. We no longer look for, or miss, the glory of the heavens in our hurried world. The stars are gone from our sight and we adapt to heavens without lights, life without the nearness of God.


But thankfully, just when one starless night runs into another and God seems as far away as a distant galaxy, an astounding heavenly display silently shouts “the stars have not changed, God has not changed, He is here.


Psalm 19:1-4 says:



The heavens proclaim the glory of God.
The skies display his craftsmanship.
Day after day they continue to speak;
night after night they make him known.
They speak without a sound or word;
their voice is never heard.
Yet their message has gone throughout the earth,
and their words to all the world.

How grateful I am to have heard the stars speak. All in a moment by the lake - an unexpected encounter with creation and the God who made it all.

Romans 1:20




For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.

Until the Morning

Sometimes I have found myself in the dark wondering, “What the heck…?” It seems to continue on and on with no change; it is hard to go on with your life in any kind of effective way; it seems as if it will never end.

You ask, “Why?” but no answer comes. After a while you have a hard time remembering that God has a plan and that He has not abandoned you. There is a song sung by Josh Wilson out now that sheds some light on this kind of experience. The lyrics say it all in a perfect way and end on a note of hope…

Do you wonder why you have to

Feel the things that hurt you?

If there's a God who loves you,

Where is He now?

Maybe, there are things you cant see,

And all those things are happening

To bring a better ending.

Some day, some how, you'll see, you'll see.

Would you dare, would you dare to believe

That you still have a reason to sing?

Cause the pain that you've been feeling,

It cant compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light.

Press on, and just fight the good fight.

Cause the pain that you've been feeling,

  It's just the dark before the morning.

My friend, you know how this all ends.

You know where you're going.

You just don't know how you'll get there.

So say a prayer and hold on.

Cause there's good for those who love God.

But life is not a snapshot.

It might take a little time,

but you'll see the bigger picture.

Would you dare, would you dare to believe

That you still have a reason to sing?

Cause the pain that you've been feeling,

It cant compare to the joy that's coming.

So hold on, you gotta wait for the light.

Press on, and just fight the good fight.

Cause the pain that you've been feeling,

It's just the dark before the morning.

Sung by Josh Wilson

If you do hold on eventually you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. You will also see the purpose for what you have gone through. AND you will realize that you have learned and grown. So hold on and wait for the light…press on and just fight the good fight. Your dawn will come and that day will bring the blessings.

Comment on this road we all walk from time to time written by Corinne Mustafa.

 watch the video of Until the Morning on YouTube…here is the link…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZDQzR8LK-c

Yes There Was A Storm

Yes there was a storm

The herons cried through the night

We still continued.

Yes there was a storm

I was tossed around and yet

My boat stayed afloat.

Yes there was a storm

Ended in peaceful silence

As the gusts subside.

Clouds, rain, thunder, wind

You and I by love joined

Yes there was a storm.

Now the gale has stopped

But my Love is still with me

Loving my soul forever.

Now this Love brings joy

Beyond my fanciful dreams

Of all human love.

The peace of my soul

Brings me here to say these words

I belong to You.

Now you are the Storm

That blows me on toward my bliss

 And ne’er will I change.

Yes I belong to You

In ways I never could have dreamed

Close in soul and mind.

Father You draw me

With each wave and lightning flash

That teach me to love.

Each raindrop falling

Cleans my soul of its sin

And brings my mind peace.

Oh never deserved

Your storm is teaching me more

Than human love can.

Thunder of Your voice

Has called me to come to you

Before I even knew.

And before I cared

You blew your mighty currents

Calling me to You.

Why did I deserve

The love and grace You offered

To gather me in?

Your winds beckon home

All lost in their private storms

To bring their boats in.

Finding Your shelter

Security in your port

Safe forever more.

Appreciation

That You have given me storms

To teach me Your truths.

Without all the storms

Could I even comprehend

All You do for me?

Yes we are the storm!

You loving me without end

And I at last hear.

You drawing me in

Finally I come to You

Now a rainbow shines.

Corinne H. Mustafa

September, 2002

Bless Someone With Your Affirmation

August 16, 2010

Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Luke 6:31

I received an email from my friend, Beverley, the other day.  I want to share it here not to blow my own horn, but rather to share the impact on me of reading words like this.

Here is what she wrote....


"I know I've said it before, but you are one of the BEST people I've ever worked with, Corinne. You're ability and desire to encourage me personally in my gift has and continues to mean SO much. You are a leader, and your involvement with those that you have called to participate with you has been an experience for me that has been quite rare. I feel as if you truly care about ME and that you will do your very best in helping, encouraging, uplifting, etc... to see me attain all that I can in reaching my desired place with what God has given me. Sorry for rambling, your "care" has just been a true blessing to me. I pray that you are blessed! !!!             Love Beverley"

Just like every other person in the world I am painfully aware of my own "underbelly" and often think of my shortcomings. So to receive this from her blessed me more than anyone can know. I read it in the morning and the words popped into my mind several times as the day went by. I think God blessed me with another thought at one point. I was thinking about my friend is to me and who I see her to be...which is a person who hears and has insights from God all the time. It popped into my mind that God must have wanted me to hear this in a concrete way and that email was His way of telling me. How cool is that??!!! I wanted Beverley to know that I feel blessed by her as well. She is an extremely talented writer whose insights provide a paradigm when she writes that open a whole world of thought to anyone who reads what she writes. I have always tried to help her see how amazing she is. It is what I believe, and she is very special to me.


It is important to others to hear your thoughs about them. Oftentimes they just do whatever they do without realizing the its impact. It is just something that they do. It is when they receive a word like the one I received from Beverley that they get a glimpse of what just being themselves can do for another person


I was blessed by reading this from Beverley who is someone I admire and truely care about.  I know her to be someone who is sensitive to what God is showing her.  Because of this I knew that God wanted me to hear what I heard.


If you know someone who has made a difference in your life let her know. You may be doing what God wants you to do so that your friend receives an understanding from Him. What a wonderful thing to be doing God's work. I pray that you bless your friend. I pray that you are also blessed. Thank you, Beverley!


Corinne Mustafa

This 'n That

 8/9 ~ 8/15
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Three quotes for this week...

“The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.”
        Ben Stein

“To accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.”
        Anatole France

“One must desire something to be alive.”
        Margaret Deland

DECIDE…DREAM…DESIRE…ACHIEVE
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Book Review

PRAYERS FOR SALE
written by Sandra Dallas

Set in 1936, this story takes place in a small mining town in the Colorado Rockies. It is centered around gold mining and on a dredge boat that searches the Colorado River for gold. The work is dangerous’

The story centers around Hennie Comfort has lived in Middle Swan for most of her life. As a quilter and a storyteller, she's an institution. She meets a new resident who has come to Middle Swan by the name of Nit Spindle. Nit and her husband have come so that he can find a job on the dredge boat. The Spindles, newlyweds, are treated like outsiders.

When Hennie finds Nit pondering a “Prayers for Sale” sign outside Hennie's house, the old woman becomes intrigued. Both woman are originally from the South and form an immediate bond. As they get to know each other, secrets from their respective pasts are shared. Hennie becomes almost a mother figure to Nit as she helps her adjust to life in the West and the high altitude of the Rocky Mountains. Hennie is not actually selling prayers, but you will need to read this wonderful book to find out the relevance of her sign.

"Prayers for Sale" is a finely crafted tale that celebrates women and their resiliency. In addition the author employs the use of stories within stories brings a greater depth and richness to the story line. The story is spiritual without being preachy, and it has a homey feel to it. I found it uplifting and refreshing.

I enthusiastically recommend PRAYERS FOR SALE

Corinne Mustafa
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SIGNS FOR MODERN WOMEN

These pictures are good for a laugh. They kind of make you want to copy and print them
to post them around the house in the appropriate places. Of course any good Christian Woman

would never feel this way would she?

Nope...no way!!!!   

    MWUHAHAHAHAHA!

TOO FUNNY!!!!

Shared by Corinne Mustafa
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Household Hints and Tips

Gum in hair
Use lighter fluid to get gum out of hair works like a charm, wash hair a couple of times after to get rid of smell. Lighter fluid can also be used on other sticky thing such as: paint, glue, price tags, stickers, (Just dont light a match!!)

Chewing gum
If you have gum on a shirt try putting it in the freezer and scrape it off.

Removing gum
Great way to get GUM out is to rub it with PEANUT butter! I think it is the OIL in in, and though I have not tried it, I am sure oil would probably due the same thing, except the peanut butter is GOOEY, and the oil runs!
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RECIPE

Ambrosia...a dessert
Miniature marshmallows….1 bag
       use either white or the pastel colored marshmallows
Crushed Pineapple……….one can…15oz
Cool Whip…………….....large size container
Coconut………………… if desired…1/2 Cup

• In a large bowl soak the marshmallows in the crushed pineapple until the marshmallows become soft and spongy
• Mix in the Cool Whip (and coconut if you desire to use it) and refrigerate for about four hours.
• Stir again before serving.

Easy to make…Delicious…Enjoy


Corinne Mustafa

What is a woman?

EAGLE WHEN SHE FLIES

Please watch this You Tube song by Dolly Parton

If you right click on this link below
 and choose "open in a new window"
you will not be navigated away from the blog.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K1qLP3RrcjM

She's been there, God knows, she's been there

She has seen and done it all

She's a woman, she know how to

Dish it out or take it all

Her heart's as soft as feathers

Still she weathers stormy skies

And she's a sparrow when she's broken

But she's an eagle when she flies

A kaleidoscope of colors

You can toss her around and round

You can keep her in you vision

But you'll never keep her down

She's a lover, she's a mother

She's a friend and she's a wife

And she's a sparrow when she's broken

But she's an eagle when she flies

Gentle as the sweet magnolia
Strong as steel, her faith and pride

She's an everlasting shoulder
She's the leaning post of life

She hurts deep and when she weeps

She's just as fragile as a child
And she's a sparrow when she's broken

But she's an eagle when she flies

She's a sparrow when she's broke
But she's an eagle when she flies

Oh, bless her, Lord

She's an eagle when she flies.

 

Please Read Proverbs 31:10-31

 

No woman can be all of these things all of the time, but any woman can be some of these things some of the time.  Women are made of special God given strengths that are unique, amazing, and praisworthy. When you look at your day do not let self doubt make you see all that you think you should have done. Look at yourself and see the moments when you flew...see the Eagle that you are When you Fly!

 

Thoughts shared by Corinne Mustafa

God’s Makeup Box

My child, as you gaze into the mirror what do you see? Do you see the wonderful person I made or do you see something else? In the morning you apply makeup to cover up the imperfections that you see or enhance features that you like and you become something less than what you could be. I am not speaking of makeup for the outward physical body but of makeup applied to the essence of you, in the inside, deep in you’re your spirit.

It is difficult not to put on the hurts, disappointments, loss, failures, low self esteem, even troubles that you have worn so long that they have become your make-up.

My child, I love you so, and I would like to show you a better way. Here take this alabaster box. It is God’s makeup box. See how it is translucent and it shines as you look upon it. There are no secrets here. Open it and see my makeup.

See there is the potter’s clay. You know I made you. I made you perfect in my sight. I love what I made. In fact I had the blueprints of you long before you were conceived. Sometimes you forget who you are and I would like to remind you that you are my child and I will always love you. There is nothing you can do that will make me love you less.

In my makeup box is a candy heart. Taste and see that I am good and my mercies endure forever. I abide in you. Remember to call on me and I will open up a spirit of revelation and wisdom to you.
I see a artist brush. Each day I paint a new picture of my love for you and It tells of my walk with you each day. I take particular pleasure in each stroke, and variations of color and hue. The shadows cast such depth, I am indeed lost in the beauty of it.

There are eye drops here made from my tears. I feel every heartache and weep with you in your sorrows. But see beyond sadness. May your sight be quickened into the ways I have for you and to see others as I see them.

There is a small cap here. You could call it a thinking cap. I smile when I think of it. Place it on your head to have the mind of the Father, that you can know what is my will for you in your life and for others. I pleasure and delight over this for you.

In my makeup box are many gifts for you. Take time apart with me and we will open them together. Mysteries and lessons I will teach.

Your makeup has been by God designed. You are perfect and well loved. Think on these things.

Written by Susan Bower
8/7/2010

If I Can You Can Too

August 9, 2010

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. "Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened." But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone
who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.

1Peter 3:13-17

If you are like me you feel a bit of apprehension when you think of having to explain yourself to a person who does not know about your faith. I always feel that I am ill equipped to verbalize my reasons for what I believe. Don't get me wrong. I am strong in my faith and praise God for it. I am not bothered by a need to reason everything out and understand it before I believe it. It is enough for me that God said it, so it is true. I feel blessed by this kind of willingness for faith. Many people do not enjoy such a blessing in their faith life, and I do not take it lightly.


I recently heard something that makes it easier for me to explain the reason for my hope. I do have a hope. Jesus has changed my life. I can explain it now without dreading the comments that are meant to make what I believe look ridiculous. No one can argue with what you hold true in your mind and in your heart. There is no need to apologize.


Then there are the people who say that those 1500 writers played around with the words and changed things according to their own whim.


Do not be afraid of that age old argument that the Bible is just a book written by man. In fact all books are written by men. Still I believe the Bible when it says...

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful

for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16

This book was written over a period of 1500 years by people as different from each other as they could be. As different from each other as a tax collector is from a scholar of Jewish law. Still they were all in agreement about every life topic that was included in the Book. Why wouldn't they be in agreement since what they wrote was God breathed into them. It is what it is. If people cannot accept it it is their affair. My job is to just let them know. 


Then there are the people who say that they believe Jesus was a moral teacher, but they cannot hang with the fact that He was God. Well the moral teacher said He was. How can anyone they have defined as a moral teacher be a liar or even worse evil by what He preached. Think about it and never worry about having to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.


Written by Corinne Mustafa

A True Friend

A true friend does not care if you are broke, slightly mental at times, your house is a mess, or your family is filled with crazies. They love you for who you are. True friends go long periods of time without speaking and never question their friendship.

God is a true friend in a perfect way.  He is always there while we are often distracted by life and our chasing stars.  He is the true star...chase Him. He works with the clay that we are to bring us to a better place. 

 Your love, God, is my song, and I'll sing it!

I'm forever telling everyone how faithful you are.

 I'll never quit telling the story of your love—

how you built the cosmos and guaranteed everything in it.

Your love has always been our lives' foundation,

your fidelity has been the roof over our world.

You once said, "I joined forces with my chosen leader,

I pledged my word to my servant, David, saying,

'Everyone descending from you is guaranteed life;

I'll make your rule as solid and lasting as rock.'"

Psalm 89:1

HONESTY

Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

John 17:17

A first glance at this photograph might cause a reader to ask one question, “Why?” These words seem to be so obvious that the very writing of then seems superfluous. Still there they are in bold black on the side of this ramshackle building. Someone went to a lot of trouble. It was not an easy thing to do. The old shack seems to be out in the middle of nowhere. The would-be “billboard” maker would have had to drive to the spot with his paint can and brush. He would have had to bring along a ladder so that he could paint up high beyond his reach.

Why would he paint such an obvious instruction? The answer to this question is that it is often a really obscure understanding or behavior. The fact is that people do not always speak the truth. Why not? They may be afraid to be found out; they may be afraid to be wrong; they may be afraid to hurt feelings, or they may be afraid to lose a friend. All these are real fears that are grounded in factual reality of how people perceive and act. One motivating factor is that they don’t want to be caught in something they should not have done. Another motive that stimulates a person to keep the truth to herself (which results in an untruth in the end) is a fear of not being able to tell a person what you see in a positive way.

Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:23

Have you ever heard of the phrase, “Speak the truth in love”? This is the approach to take that will be helpful to the person you feel moved to talk to. A true friend cares for an acquaintance. It is possible to find ways to share a difficult word that will show empathy and not be worded unkindly. A suffering friend who seems unaware of a destructive belief or behavior needs a loving voice of reason to speak into her life. She may not like it at the onset, but she will receive food for thought that in the end will be helpful. To ignore behavior or issues is like having an elephant in the middle of the room that everyone knows is there but do not talk about. Rather they step around it while it grows and fills the room.


I am adding something Beverley Napier posted in Facebook this morning (8/4) on this very topic...
~When a friendship requires confrontation and speaking the truth in love, many of us would rather let the friendship go rather than to persevere and find out what lesson there is to be learned through these diffucult times. Although the truth can be hard to speak and even harder to hear, IT TRULY IS A GIFT that each of us deserve.~

Hopefully, when you attempt to do this, it will be received with appreciation. Hopefully your friend will see how much you care about her that you are willing to risk telling her what you are observing and thinking. Hopefully! Be ready for rejection and know that it is a cost of being a true friend. If you are brave and caring enough to do this, in the end there will be a good result. If the result you have hoped for does not happen you can still know that you have done the right thing…that you have loved your friend. However it is to be hoped that your friend will be a “Queen” of the type spoken of in Proverbs.

Kings take pleasure in honest lips; they value a man who speaks the truth.

Proverbs 16:13

The other side of this coin is to be truthful in all you do. When I was young my mother told me about “white lies.” She said that they were acceptable. I am not so sure about that anymore either. I have already written about the need for telling the truth in love. What about the idea that something about yourself is not the business of someone else, or that you need to dress it up to make yourself look better. This is also something to be watched and overcome. I have a friend that I know I can trust at all times. She is of great value to me, someone I can rely on. I prize her beyond others because it is comfortable knowing that I do not have to worry about untruths about her life, her thinking, or about her talk to me when I need centering. She is a treasure.

An honest answer is like a warm hug.

Proverbs 24:26

“So speak the truth, even if your voice shakes.”

Give someone a hug…become someone’s treasure!

© Corinne H. Mustafa

August 2, 2010