Can GOD use me if I'm not Sister SUZY-Q Christian Woman ?

Being a good example for Christ, for God...is so hard when you know for a fact you are not Sister Suzy-Q Christian woman..or Mrs. Perfect Happy Churchwoman. I am sure you know who I mean, I am NOT talking about the phony-baloney church women who are not really sweet, but ACT like they are...I am talking about something MUCH WORSE...that is when they ARE that sweet and kind, and show it to the world ...unlike me. As an embarrassing example, let's take a look at me mailing a very large painting, ...and since I sell antique artwork, I ship all the time.  Listen while I explain why I know God is up there wanting to duct tape my mouth and my attitude when I get a bit too sassy-mouthed.

I was shipping a large painting , it was going cross-country and I had spent  a good 2 hours, yes 2 hours, packing it securely. I was not in a super mood when I finished , annoyed it took me so long...still paranoid it would arrive safely...when I came into the UPS store...and unfortunately for this young woman( she was a new employee )...I was one of her first customers . I lift this giant box up on the scale, doesn't fit , and we maneuver it around ...then she asks me all kinds of questions...What's in it ? Did you pack it ? ( duh ), On and on. Now I know she has to do this...but see I am a REGULAR customer there, I ship alot...so I was IMPORTANT  ( not ). I did not say any of this out loud, UNTIL she told me she was going to have to unwrap my box and see if the painting was in good shape before shipping. Then Rambo-Gina emerged. I looked at her and told her , " No you're not." Actually how I really said it was I looked at her pretty assertively, leaned in towards her ..and said " NO YOU ARE NOT. "

I think I scared the weebies out of her, she turned red, got upset...and said she had to go speak to the manager. I told her fine.

Now Gee, wasn't I proud of myself ? Scaring a new employee because I am so darned important ,( NOT), on her first day on the job. I felt God looking down, and wanting to bop me right on top of my head. Which I deserved. Why can't I be like that sweet , really nice Christian woman...all the time...and smile and say , " No honey, no problem." She came back and told me the manager said she did not have to unwrap it, I was a regular. I felt so terrible, I tried to be nice, she was still scared of me , I could tell..and I apologized for  fussing at her..and she looked at my gold cross around my neck while I was talking...I could feel it burning into my skin..  She graciously told me it was no big deal, and completed my transaction. 

I just left there, got in my car to go pick up my son from school...and felt so mad at myself ! How is God going to use me if I treat someone like that ? I am a go-go, gung-ho, take charge kind of woman, I have no problem being assertive. I am not the  super sweet, docile, quiet, submissive woman that God finds beautiful. 

But I am trying, I try to rein myself in more , work on my patience or lack of, apologize as soon as I can, and pray hard for God to change me to be the woman He knows I can be.

I have realized I will never be Miss Perfect Christian woman, but God did make us all very different...and if He could use Peter...Mr. Bold Rush-In disciple in the Bible, and Mary Magdalene , and Paul ...some people who were not " perfect ", then hopefully He can use me for His Glory. Somehow, someway , that is my greatest hope.

I know He can use you too.

Later,

Gina

" Do not let your adornment be merely outward- arranging of the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel-rather let it be the hidden person of the heart , with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit , which is very precious in the sight of God. " 1 Peter 3:3-4

Who STRETCHES You ?

I was on my daily early morning walks a few days ago...moving fast, listening to a very un-hip, but always right on target Christian radio station...this one has sermons from all over the country. While I was coming around a bend, ready to go up some more hills...a new sermon came on...and right in the beginning the minister was doing an interview with someone , and told the guy that someone  had asked him " Who stretches you ? ".  He was referring to spiritual stretching , who makes you want to study more about God, grow more as a Christian, who makes you not want to settle for less than excellence . I turned off the sermon because that question made me really ponder about who in my life has stretched me or is stretching me ? Mentally, physically , emotionally , intellectually,  your work or craft, and most of all as a Christian , spiritually .

I am always striving to grow in each way, and spiritually is without a doubt the hardest. Every time I believe I am making progress as a Christian, I get slammed from out of the blue , with a challenge..a test...a temptation...my flesh wanting to rule in my life again. Who  helps me and stretches me spiritually here are a few great television preachers, ( Joyce Meyers, Charles Stanley ), both are straight-shooters, no sugar-coating Christianity , teachers who show there is no easy way to forge and go higher.

My local pastor is always a stretcher, and some more strong Christians I have met who help ' shake me up ', and not settle for a casual relationship with God. The number one person for me is God , through His Word, prayer, and the quiet conviction of the Holy Spirit.

Still there need to be people in our lives who stretch us to do our very, VERY, best at whatever we are good at. They may be co-workers, bosses, or sometimes it is the small glimpses God allows us in people's lives...a chance look at someone doing an excellent job at waiting tables, a very helpful postal clerk, a mother reading to her children and teaching, a man working hard for his family by picking up our garbage and doing it efficiently and with a wave and a smile. When I notice these and many more examples of doing your very best , no matter what the task...that stretches me.

I believe we all need people in our lives who don't just want to please us or not upset us, but who ' tell it like it is " and help us grow . We need to learn to appreciate the person who does not always approve of everything we do or say...we do not need more  Yes-men or Yes-women in this world. You do not even have to like them  or be friends with them for you to learn something valuable. We need more real, genuine people around us who care more about our character than our comfort.  Because that is how God stretches us.

I enjoy anyone who can ' stretch ' me in any of the above ways, I consider it a joyful challenge.

More later, I hope you have a very blessed day,

Gina

" LORD I have called daily upon YOU ; I have stretched out my hands to YOU. " Psalm 88:9

Subtleties in CHARLESTON, South Carolina ....some Charm

Charleston, South Carolina is such a distinctly historic old city..that I find it quite fun to walk around a discover the smaller, less conspicuous evidences of it's charm. There are of course grand Victorian homes and mansions, the Battery and the slate walk around, the parks and the downtown Market area...but here I will show you some less ' grand ' sights, but these glimpses are what make Charleston so absolutely charming , that you will want to go back time and again...and catch your own glimpses.

Let's get going...

Here is a view of some common side roads in the downtown area, small bricks and large bricks combined.

Everyone's favorite streets, at least for the visitors, is the famous cobblestone streets.

Almost every home and offices in downtown Charleston had these old wood shutters with metal tiebacks, also the glass in the windows is the heavy leaded wavy glass...no storm windows allowed over these because of their historic renovation restrictions.

Here is a common view that I was trying to capture of the extremely unlevel roads and sidewalks. I remember this shot because I had a pair of joggers trying to get past me while I was taking this...and I was going back and forth trying to get the angle I needed to show you...and they were going back and forth trying to get past this woman ( me ) in the road...we all looked like we were dancing!

A gorgeous heavy wrought iron balcony , this home had 2 of these.

See the lab laying on the steps ? I got him to stop barking at me a minute to take his picture ,(dog-babytalking him through the fence ). Charleston is full of dog lovers. I always know when I go through my treks in the city, who lives there as they are always the ones walking their dogs. Dogless people in Charleston are visitors...that is my personal deduction.

I love to get close-ups of the fencing...all over the city you can see beautiful wrought ironwork.

Typical Charleston wrought iron bench , these are made in Charleston on King St. by the Geo. O C & Berlant Co.

Same bench with my youngest lovebug and me goofing around. I told my husband I am getting two of these for my garden one day, and he goes , " Why ? They are so uncomfortable ? ".." I just looked at him and told him that had ' NOTHING to do with it...these are authentic Charleston accents ! Comfort is secondary ."
He just rolled his eyes at me.

Ok , here is one of those sights that I could not even have a large enough camera to take in. A large house off of a side back street in downtown Charleston, near the Battery..that shows a hodge-podge of white woodwork and wrought iron accents...all over.

Another common view of a downtown home, looking through a wrought iron gate...but what I want you to know is these historical markers are allover the city...not just on the huge grand homes...but also lots of smaller side street homes. One day I will make myself slow down enough to read them all. I'm usually moving too fast for my own good.

I remember distinctly taking this shot as all around was large heavy wrought iron fencing, ( I took some photos of that ), and then right if front of two mailmen chatting on the sidewalk...I saw this treasure ! A quaint, simple antique wire fencing . I know I audibly gasped, moved everyone out of my way...as I had to get this fencing in here. I think they thought I was one nutty tourist getting a shot of this simple fencing, ( they were laughing at me ).
But see I know that the simple things in life ARE the grand things of life.
So there.
More later,
Gina

" He who heeds the word wisely will find good, and whoever trusts in the LORD, happy is he. " Proverbs 16:20 

Hair-Flippin' Women in Church Today

 

At the Met in NYC with Cupid & Psyche sculpture

This morning in church, actually even before we got into the sanctuary...the very Imperfect Christian woman in me reared her ugly head. When we were signing in our son for his Sunday School class...Mrs. Do almost EVERYTHING too fast...gets irritated with a very sllloooowww third grader trying to sign herself in. I just waited and waited, we were running late this morning, and this precious little girl could not find her name on the list. I wanted to say " Hey, what's your name ? Let me do this "..to get her out of the way...fast. My husband never hurries, never rushes...he likes to stand there and watch me control my hissy-fits. So anyway, got into church, late, a little flustered...and during the entire sermon a very nice mom and daughter sat in front of us...and let me tell you... they were outright, full-blown hair-flippin' women. 

I sat and tried to listed to the sermon, but I am so visually stimulated, ( that's why I love art so much ), that I could not help but be distracted by the mother first flipping and tossing and stroking her hair. Then the daughter, about 16...tossing, stroking, playing, twisting, caressing, and most definitely flipping her hair....over and over. I wanted to reach over and tell them both to ' Cease and desist with all this flippin." Women do this for attention, and I sat back thinking why do some women need so much attention,( guilty here, but I am NOT a hair flipper ), and what kind of example are we giving our daughters...as this was learned behavior from mother to daughter.

I decided God wanted me to learn a different lesson in church today, I  thought of the example I am living out for my children...especially my daughters. They mimic us, our mannerisms, our beliefs, our words , our values. It is a sobering and scary thought. But as Christians we need to always think about what are actions will do to our children , as they do follow in our footsteps...for better or worse. The attention we need to reach for the most is from God.

So I do thank God for those two hair-flippers in front of me today.

More later, 

Gina

" " Let  no man despise  your youth , but be an example to the believers in word , in conduct , in love , in spirit, in faith, in purity. " 1 Timothy 4:12

 

Doors of Downtown Historic Charleston, South Carolina

In this guide I will show you the front doors of the historic downtown homes of Charleston, South Carolina. I have to tell you though, that every time I took a picture of one of these beautiful old wood doors...it made me think of my husband. That is the  WOOD of the doors made me think of my husband. Stay with me and I will explain. We have been married a looooonnnngggg time, and  he still does this every time we go out to a restaurant. I sit across from him, raise my big brown eyes to him and smile. He in turn, looks at me seriously...then taps the table in between us with his finger and says...." Do you know what kind of wood this is ?" EVERYTIME we go out...for 28+ years ! I have learned to decipher the wood pretty well, he has his Masters in Forestry and is a Master Carpenter...so I have learned to forgo romance when he is around any wood products, including tables. 

Ok, let's go look at these gorgeous antique wooden doors ! 

This was a 1 Meeting St. Built in 1849 by a cotton broker , it has these two large double wooden doors with etched glass.

This was a typical door in Charleston, painted black...and has the original beautiful marble entry steps. See the planters are also painted black beside the door ?

Here is a grand , large door also painted black with large columns that are actually part of the house.

Again, large double doors painted black and wrought iron railings up the sides. These doors are about 15 feet tall.

Some very grand , yet typical for Charleston, large wood doors with etched glass.

 They also have the dark stained wood doors here.

One of my very favorite doors I found in a inner , quieter street. Stained glass transom and door inserts. Plus gorgeous wrought iron all around this home.

Here is a closer look at the door.

So nice ! Large wooden door ( I can just see my husband tapping this and asking me " What kind of wood is this ? " ), and it also has the large sidelights as well. Oh...I would say this is oak.

These were very grand, very tall double wooden doors.

This is a close up of the doorknobs and escutcheon plates...again , very grand on this old Victorian home.

These were some fabulous double wooden doors with elaborate molding and marble steps and entry in the front.

Here was a different door, as most doors were not painted white here. I remember taking this shot as I backed into a car ( it was parked ), tripped backwards on the sidewalk, and then got honked at by a woman wanting me out of her way. This was on a very narrow side street off of Church St.

I keep showing you these doors painted black as it really is so dominant here. Doors painted black, fountains and statues painted black, black wrought iron , planters painted black. I believe I was all in black that day , so I fit right in.

One of my favorite doors , not grand at all like the others...but I'm not really a ' grand'  kind of gal, I appreciate charm more. This was a precious door, I loved the curved top and more than that the 1/2 behind the number. That is a common element you see here, many side addresses of homes with the 1/2 behind the number. Just love that about Charleston !

I hope these inspire you to give your front door a ' Charleston " feel to it.

More later,

Gina

" I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go out and find pasture. " John 10:9

10 Tips for Husbands to Really Show LOVE to Their Wives

 

 Here is a list of some do's and don't s for husbands to show their wives that they love them. My qualifications to come up with this are simply that I have been married for 28+ years...I have seen a lot of men over those years do things, or say things to their wives that I do not believe they understand the impact it causes to their marriages. I do believe men want to be great husbands , but either get too lazy emotionally , or too busy physically , to do their best. This article will definitely have a Christian slant to it , but can be applied to all religions or faiths. I also know that another article could be written about what women can do to show love to their husbands better. This one is strictly for the men though...and I warn you that if you start applying some of these practices in your marriage...don't do it for one day or a week or a month...keep it up...the rewards of your wife loving you more than ever before are limitless and satisfying for you both.

So here goes:

1. Tell your wife EVERYDAY, that she is beautiful. Do not schmooze and be phony, compliment on her eyes, her hair, her smile, the way she dresses ...whatever that day catches your eye. Be genuine with your compliments. Every wife needs to hear this often, that she is beautiful.  
   
2.  Tell your wife EVERYDAY that you love her...I know some couples that never tell each other they love each other. You will not regret this one.
   
3.  Take time to call your wife from work, simply to tell her you love her...again, EVERYDAY is good.
4. Take your wife to lunch once a week or once every two weeks. No kids, just you two. Now if you have young children...then yes, by all means bring the kids too. But if they are in school or out of school...then plan on being by yourselves...and FLIRT with your wife during these lunches. Wives love when their husbands flirt with them. Put your hand at the small of her back when you walk, hold hands , touching is wonderful at any age.
   
5. Ok, here's a big one--Do NOT be nicer to the waitress, the check-out clerk, your secretary, your neighbor,  the baby-sitter, other wives of other men , soccer moms, random strangers...THAN YOU ARE TO YOUR OWN WIFE. I have seen countless men be sugary sweet to a waitress , and then turn to their own wives and be abrupt and rude. The relationship that God watches the most, and expects your best..after your relationship with Him...is your relationship with your spouse. How you treat her behind closed doors and in public is a witness to HER, your CHILDREN, your extended FAMILY...and the community. Show her respect and treat her SUPERIOR to any other woman you have any contact with, anywhere. She will be profoundly grateful..and feel your love.
6. On a lighter note, remember basic hygiene please. You do not have to get slack about showers, brushing your teeth, clipping your nails , shaving , once you are married. Look your BEST for your wife , basic grooming is all that is needed.
7. This may be a hard one for some men...but you need to be able to do this for many reasons. Do NOT leer, take second and third glances, check-out, or comment on other attractive women. This is basically very dis-respectful to your wife, may make her feel inadequate and is very unloving. This applies to wives of ALL ages, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75...but especially a more delicate issue for wives as they get older. Be sensitive and show some class. Not just when you are together somewhere, TRAIN yourself to be able to look at another woman ,( I know you're not all dead out there..so yes, you can see she is attractive )...but then  let your eyes move on. This action alone can make your marriage happier and make your wife feel more beautiful. It also can have a HUGE impact on your children , co-workers...as they can see you display integrity and love...a visible act of love to your wife and family.
   
8. When you get home from work, hug your wife...ask her what she did today ? Do you know how many women I have spoken to that say their husbands NEVER ask them about their day ? Show interest in her, also take some time to ask her what she has dreams about doing...either  an occupation...a trip...a volunteer activity...whatever. Maybe she wants to create a garden , a piece of art, a scrapbook, whatever it is do NOT be demeaning and negative about it. This woman is precious to you, allow her to share with you and encourage her, if it is possible help her make it come true ...if she wants your help...she may just need to know that you care.
9. About gifts, such as flowers, candy , jewelery...yes, women DO love this..but also find the ' thing ' she talks about most...and find that for her. Maybe a book about what she is interested in, or a class she could take , or buy her a gift certificate. You do NOT have to spend a lot of money...just be interested in what she feels passionate about.
10. This one you guys really won't like---as you have heard it before--but it is a problem in marriages. Try NOT to be a total TV Zombie at home, you know the ones with the remote in their hand when they walk through the door, by their side at dinner, and in their lap the rest of the night.  Your wife and also your children need to see that Dad is as interested in them as much as the latest scores, random commercials, 30 year  old action flicks , and especially any shows that may depict sexual or suggestive views of other women..which is rampant on TV these days. This of course also applies to the internet. You think because you are by yourself at work or at home, that you are not hurting your wife looking at either pornography or suggestive sites. You may be alone, but I will let you know that you really are not. God is always there..He judges us all by what we do in private, even more than out in public. He cares deeply about where you put your attention. You hurt your relationship with HIM, your wife ,and your children. Do you think when you are old that you will look back at your life and think , " Gee, wish I had spent more time watching TV or on the internet ?" True character is developed when we chose to do the right thing out of love...not because anyone can see us do it , but when you make the choice on what to look at because of the bond you have with your wife and God.
    

One last thing, remember life is SHORT. Give your best in life, NOT to your co-workers, neighbors, service clerks, waitresses, etc. Give your BEST to the people that will truly mourn you when you are gone, the people that really love you. Be kind and considerate with everyone..but be a witness , a testimony to the love you have for your wife.

Now I will also caution you to tell your wife you read an article about how to show your wife you love her, so she doesn't think something else is going on in your life, or that space aliens have abducted her husband and you have been replaced.

Oh..one last thing...find a church, take your wife to church...every week. Be the spiritual leader in your home. Step up to the plate in this area above all.

My very best to you and I wish you and your wife many blessings ,
Gina

" Husbands, love your wives , as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her. " Ephesians 5:25