Lidia's Tidbits, Part 1: When Less is More

Widow gives all she has

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Felisol sent me the email version of the Tidbit box last week of June, but I didn't get to read it until two weeks later. By then, I was about to leave for a ten day ministry trip to Davao City, and Cathy advised me that I may begin doing my tidbit posts when I return home.

When it comes to tidbit sharing, there are a thousand and one such precious morsels on my heart.

So here I am, dear sisters, with my first of two tidbits.

This may be a little bit more than one tiny bite size piece of my life, but anyway I share it with you wholeheartedly.

When Less is More.

I grew up in a home where love was abundant. My parents were both government employees, and we lived in the city. For the first 11 years of my life, we lived in a duplex -- twin houses that were joined in the middle by one wall. It was owned by my maternal grandfather, and my mother's brother and his family lived next to us. Very happy memorable years of close bonding with my four cousins.

When I was 12 years old, we moved to a brand new house, our very own. It was in another city, with rolling hills and wide open spaces, compared to the noisy and congested neighborhood where the duplex bungalow was located.

I remember the excitement of having a huge and beautiful home to finally call our own. My dad had hired an architect to draw up the plan, and it was built in about four months or so.

The beauty of this home was in its simple elegance. My parents had bought many brand new furniture, but we had also taken with us most of our old things. With his innate creativity, artistic flair, and touch of class, my dad was able to blend the old with the new. The house soon became a warm home, and the garden around it tended by my father also blossomed through the years.

I know now that we were not among the very rich in Philippine society. But as young girls, my sister and I didn't know that. I found out only much later that the school my sister and I attended was a very expensive exclusive school for girls in Manila. My classmates were children of ambassadors, and top politicians in our country. I never thought we were any different from them.

What was the secret? It was the joy of contentment. Papa and Mama made us feel that we always had more than enough, and there was no lack. We didn't have an abundance of things, like toys, dresses, and things around the house. But everything we had was what we needed, and maybe just a little bit more.

Mama bought us only three new dresses a year - for our birthdays, for Easter, and for Christmas. Sometimes more, when there was extra. She also bought us brand new school books and beautiful things to use in the classroom. Therefore, school was something we were always excited about. I found out only later how Mama and Papa endeavored to save from their monthly salary to be able to give us the life we had.

To be honest, it was not a perfect childhood. But there was lots of love. And laughter. And song. That's what I remember the most.

Papa believed in beauty. Beauty that was not ornate or excessive, but simple, and elegant. 

I have no doubt that for me, everything was beautiful because there was contentment. 

Another secret was this: we were not over-indulged. Mama and Papa taught us the value of delayed gratification at an early age. If we wanted something, we knew that we could always save up for it, and eventually we could have it. There was joy in the waiting, joy in the eager expectation, and joy in finally receiving what we wanted.

Some financial principles our parents taught us:

Buy only what you need.

Spend less than what you earn.

Live a debt-free life.

Save for the rainy day.

Be generous to those in need.

Charles Ringma writes that 

the Christian experience is not simply one of green pastures and flowing streams,

it is also the place of emptiness.

We live today in a world that tells us we need so much to be happy, but actually the opposite is true.

A lot of times, it is in experiencing emptiness that true joy comes. There is joy in having, but there is also joy in not having.

Because in the end, it is when our cups are empty, when we are not too full of ourselves, that God can fill our hearts to overflowing.

I end this day's post by a quote from Henri Nouwen, one of my favorite authors.

Less is more when there is contentment and joy.

Less is more when there is a willingness to let go.

As I look back at the legacy my parents left behind, I thank God for what they have taught us. May I, like them, pass these principles on to the generations after me.

Wisdom

The Tidbit box has arrived at my door – filled with fun trinkets and all things “Canada” from dear Terry. Terry was so very thoughtful to include something for Miss O as well. And you may be sure Miss O is quite appreciative of the sparkly, light-up necklace which she plans to wear to our upcoming 4th of July celebration! Thank you sweet Terry, for all the love and gifts!

Truth be known, the Tidbit box arrived several days ago. But honestly, I have not had any time at all to sit and blog. It seems as if some of the things of life have been all-consuming lately.

This afternoon, Brillo Man and Miss O have taken off to waterholes unknown to do some serious fishing. They hope to reel in quite the catch to be enjoyed for a late dinner. Therefore, I thought it a great time to sit and do some serious blogging, (and have taken some chicken out of the freezer to thaw...just in case!)

With all the things that have been going on in my life over the past few months, I have definitely been reminded, time and time again, to take everything to the Lord in prayer. Frankly – things have been completely out of my control – even when I thought I could control them, I soon learned my efforts were futile and the situation was always best left in the Lord’s hands.

I remember my grandmother always told me to be diligent in praying for wisdom. She taught me that God will always grant wisdom if we only ask – and reminded me often when trying to tackle life’s circumstances, we should never do so without a healthy dose of divinely-inspired wisdom.

Therefore, when the times get tough in my life, I have found it best to spend some time on my knees doing nothing but seeking wisdom from the Lord. He is always faithful to grant it – whether it be by divine revelation, wonderful advice from a friend, an article I just happen to come across in the wanderings of my day, or wisdom may even be found in a pile of “junk mail”....such as the piece I read today which claims I will be able to stop our dog’s incessant barking simply with string and Campbell’s beef broth. (wink)...at the moment I’m typing this, Bentley is barking because he heard the ice drop from the automatic ice maker into the bin. Just ten minutes prior, he was barking at the UPS driver who dropped a package near our front door.

...wherever did I put that ball of string, anyway? ...I will let you know how it all turns out....oy vey!

"Wisdom is supreme; therefore, get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have,
get understanding."< br>– Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

"Call to Me and I will answer you.
I'll tell you marvelous and wondrous things
that you could never figure out on your own."
- Jeremiah 33:3 (MSG)

Lidia ..Crown of Beauty..Beautiful Light

while the tidbit package flies to the next sister, i thought i had better post about a few sisters who i have just yesterday noticed that i have neglected...i got a comment from our dear sister from the philippines and suddenly i wondered, "i can't remember what i said about crown of beauty!...alas though! time is so short and so i just thought "i will steal a post from canadian blog and just copy and paste it here"...it goes along very well with what felisol has been posting about..salvation the FREE gift of god...no good works required!

crown of beauty has graciously allowed me to put the story of how she was saved in a post and i will not say anything more, other than that this dear christian lady from philippines is a dear friend to many. her name is lidia and it means, "beautiful light".


 "I was 12 years old, and on the threshold of my thirteenth year in the mid 1960's. I was about to go to bed one night and I heard myself asking God a few questions. These were some of the specific things I asked Him: God, if you really are the God I believe in, I want to know You more. I want You to show me if the things I believe in are true. I ask You to show me the truth. Please, God, somehow I feel that there is something lacking in my understanding, but I don't know where to get the answers...or if there is even someone who knows the answers to my questions. Before I go any further, I have to make some things clear. I was not a heretic, and I certainly was not about to turn my back on my religious upbringing. But even as a young girl, I was hungry for God, and would even go to bed with my Missal, my Book of Prayers, my precious collection of stampitas - lovely gilt edged picture cards of Jesus, Mama Mary, St. Theresa of Avila, St. Peter, St. Christopher, and many other saints - under my pillow. I would often pray, asking Jesus to help me be a good girl, and help me keep my heart pur My frustration was that it always seemed so easy to fall into sin. Nothing major - a cross look, a lie, an unkind thought... nevertheless, I knew it was sin. It seemed like I was never good enough, that my actions were always being weighed, and somehow, they always fell short. If someone asked me what my idea of God was back then, here's my reply: to me He was like a tally-keeper up in heaven...some kind of a heavenly policeman. However, those thoughts did not really bother me so much. As I progressed into my teen years, those questions got pushed underneath. After all I was just so busy with more exciting things, like school, friends, weekend parties and going out on dates... I was enjoying life... the way any normal teenager would enjoy life. And my growing up years were memorable, happy ones. I came from a small family where our parents faithfully looked after me and my sister's well-being; we were loved, we were nurtured, we were valued, and appreciated. Our needs were met. We celebrated birthdays, and anniversaries, graduation days, Christmas, New Year, Easter. I felt secure and confident in my parents' love. It was only when I was a freshman at the University of the Philippines that those questions re-surfaced, and the answers came...in a miraculous way. To be honest, I had actually forgotten those questions. But God did honor my desire, after all, and revealed Himself to me, when I least expected Him to. One day in 1972, when I was a second year university student, a classmate gave a speech to convince in our speech class. It was entitled "The Man You Cannot Ignore." Though she only spoke for a few minutes, her words had a deep impact on me. Much of what she said were answers to many questions in my heart, some dating back to when I was still a child. The next week, I joined a small group that met weekly to study what the Bible had to say. It was a year later, in December 1973 that I came to know Jesus as my true Lord. After taking this step of faith, one of the things that really changed in my life was how I regarded the Bible. From just being another book it became, The Book... and began to hold a very special place not just on my desk, but most importantly, in my heart. There was a growing spiritual hunger to read it; each morning I couldn't wait to discover the gold between its lines and pages. There were days when I'd wake up before dawn, sit at my desk and begin reading. And that was the best thing that ever happened to me - when I began to understand that my going to heaven was not something that I had to work for, or earn. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. - Ephesians 2:8-9 Thus began a long journey of soul searching... studying the Bible, knowing that this Book was written by men under the inspiration of the God the Holy Spirit, and could therefore be trusted. After a long period of evaluating and carefully looking at the evidences of the Scripture, accompanied by much prayer for enlightenment, the day came when I could hold back no longer. I couldn't be a fence sitter, wavering between two opinions. I knew I had to turn the reins of my life over to the One who created me, my God, my King, my Redeemer. As soon as that decision was made, it felt like a heavy burden was lifted off my back. It was the beginning of my spiritual journey, an exciting journey of knowing what God my Father was really like, and a brand new life of freedom and grace! There may have been many rough roads on this journey, but the light of a million mornings has dawned in me... Definitely, there is no turning back!"




and then we travelling sisters had the great hounour to welcome crown of beauty to the sisterhood..."the 24 plus one" group that love each other equally and pray without ceasing for each one! crown of beauty travelled all the way to the united states to meet her new family of sisters and even for the sisters that couldn't attend, she is as close as a tapping of the keyboard to talk to her!

oh my!...now as you know crown of beauty is known for her long posts and here i am with the longest post with the help of our beautiful sister!

God bless you always lydia,- crown of beauty-beautiful light...love terry

God gave the growth

 

I have been allowed to share this picture from the  the blog Sola Scriptura  http://2tim3v16.blogspot.no/

It's Paul summing up what I have tired to share as my tidbit for this week.

God alone, Jesus alone save us. Our acts, our good deeds, our piety and devotion, their may be the fruits of the spirit, or they may be something we use to praise ourselves, -a jewelry around our neck.

Epesians 2:

⁸ For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.
That again leads us back to faith.  Can we boast ourselves of our strong faith or or burning love. My book says we cannot. We are nothing in ourselves, but we can do what the thief on the cross did. Turn to Jesus. The rest is Amazing Grace.
Grace upon Grace. What a huge relief and freedom. The only thing we need to do, is receive. We do not depend or rely on feelings. Feelings are fluctuating. Our belief is founded on a cliff.
                                                       2 Timothy:

¹⁹ Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.

I thank you for walking with me this short week. I let Mrs. Mac pass the torch on, while I leave for Sauda to celebrate with friends from my youth the 50 year anniversary of my confirmation. All these years my testimony is, if I have been unfaithful, He has stood by and never left me. Praying that me all some sunny day may take part in the everlasting reunion in Heaven. Yours Felisol

Who can be saved?

                                               

I've just discussed with a childhood friend for four hours tonight.
She told about her grandchild asking, can a man be cruel even to children, and in the moment of death repent his sins and come to heaven?

She had to think hard about this, because the grandchild thought sins against helpless children were the worst imaginable.
In the end she had to say yes. My Bible says so.
Romans 10:13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

In my youth there were so many things a Christian could not do, wear earrings, nail polish, go to the cinema, you name it, I've heard it. Not from my parents, but from ministers and the elder in the congregation. 
Alcohol and tobacco were the devils sign as well.
People used to quote Christians from the Bible belt, where I was raised. "Yes, we know that Jesus made wine from water, but we don't approve of it.
It offended my common sense.

I had to find my own way. A way where the name of Jesus was the only thing who could save, and where my many shortcomings were not the isue of measurement and weight.

I loved to go to church Maundy Thursday and receive communion, listening to the Lutheran pastor declaring  that Jesus had forgiven all m sins.

How could he say that? He knew nothing about me. Nothing but one thing, I came to the altar to receive, not from him, but from Jesus.

The story about the villain at the cross is so dear to me. He wasn't saved in church, he wasn't baptised,  he had no testimony and great words to tell, he just asked Jesus,
^Luke:42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.
⁴³ And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Remember me, and he was saved for eternity.
We should always remember, this is what it takes.Salvation is for everybody who mention his name.
We are free to gather in the church of our liking, but it doesn't save us.
We are free to get baptised, but it doesn't save us.
If fact, Jesus did it all on the cross, he paid the price, he made up for even the ghastliest sins. all we need is to whisper his name and we are saved for eternity.

My heart sings hallelujah.

In my Father's house are many mansions

This song reminds me of three equal important things.

1. Me buying m first Elvis record, called "His hands in mine" early 1960-ies. I've still got the worn LP.
2. My father talking to me, his the 5 year old daughter. I asked if only members of the Pentecostal Church , to which he belonged, came to heaven.
He answered with an absolutely no. Then he took me o his lap and read from his Bible:

1. John 14:2
   "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you."
   
   3. We, the sisters come from a range of churches. It's not important. Jesus doesn't care, so why should we?
   I don't know how much you know of church history. When I grew up it was a subject for 12 years in Norwegian schools. Not anymore.
   The biggest church in Norway is the Lutheran. This year 75 % of the population belong to this Church of Norway. Strong forces are working to abolish the church and diminish it's power and influence. That's why I chose to join it. Some must go the other way around. The former Catholic munch Martin Luther had one important devise, "Grace alone". Nothing else can save us or is of any importance. Then he of course was dragged into political conspiracies, and he organized his church with Christening, sacraments, the whole shebang.
   But the scripture stands for us all to embrace, 
   Ephesians 2:8
   

   "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."

   We may be organized in different ways, that's alright. However there is no sole right way, except receive by Grace alone.

Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow

Well the travelling tidbit has been ordered to be sent along to the next sister...BUMP! i must say that i have had a good time with it and i thought i would put this 24 plus one picture in of some pretty sweet timbits!...hi amy!

as you know we travelling scarf sisters are an international affair and i have put the flags here....hope that i got the right flag and name!

and THIS is the flag of my beloved manitoba!...ha!

and so goodbye so long for now and i love you all...god's blessings...love terry oops! i almost forgot...here is a verse that i so do love and it will be my tidbit for for all of you dear sisters of mine “The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him; and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders.”