OPEN MY EYES

A FAVORITE PRAYER OF HELEN STEINER RICE

God, open my eyes so I may see
And feel Your presence close to me.
Give me strength for my stumbling feet
As I battle the crowd on life's busy street.
And widen the vision of my unseeing eyes,
So in passing faces I'll recognize
Not just a stranger, unloved and unknown.
But a friend with a heart that is much like my own.
Give me perception to make me aware
That scattered profusely on life's thoroughfare
Are the best gifts of God that we daily pass by
As we look at the world with an unseeing eye.

I pray God will open the eyes of my heart to see others as He sees them. Even more important is to have eyes that see Him. This is also my prayer and I think the video expresses it very well.


To everyone who came here from Spiritual Sundays you have my heartfelt thanks. If not, I hope you will visit Spiritual Sundays. I promise you that you will be blessed.

IN HIS FOOTSTEPS

Following In His Footsteps

When someone does a kindness

it always seems to me

That's the way God up in heaven

would like us all to be.

For when we bring some pleasure

to another human heart

We have followed in His footsteps

and we've had a little part

In serving Him who loves us . . .

for I'm very sure it's true

That in serving those around us

we serve and please Him too.

- Helen Steiner Rice

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer up somebody else.

- Mark Twain

Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 
Matthew 25:39-41 (in Context) Matthew 25 (Whole Chapter)

Today is the first time I've hosted Spiritual Sundays by myself. I'll have to admit it feels a little lonely. But all the encouraging comments from so many has really helped. I know Ginger appreciates all the encouragement she has received also. You have blessed both of our lives so much.

TRANSITIONS

Life consists of many transitions. I'll be 75 years old next month so I have witnessed many many transitions. Some have been good. Some have been not so good, but transition is just a certainty of life. Words from an old hymn just came to my mind. I'm not sure of the exact wording, but it is something like this. "Time is filled with swift transition. Naught of earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal. Hold to God's unchanging hand." I haven't sung that song in many years but I think it has a great message. That is the key. Hold to God's unchanging hand. What a blessed assurance―God doesn't change.

If you read Ginger's introduction to Spiritual Sundays for this week you know that she will not be co-hosting that blog with me. At least not for now. I have mixed emotions about it. I totally understand her situation and I think she made the right decision. But I almost feel like I've lost a good friend. Of course I have not lost Ginger. She is still my niece and she is still my friend. But it will just not be the same with her not sharing the hosting on that blog.

We who share on Spiritual Sundays owe so much to Ginger. If not for her influence I doubt I would even be blogging today. Clif had been blogging for a couple of years and had encouraged me to at least write a post on his blog once in a while. I really wasn't at all interested until one day Ginger was at our house and she showed me her blog on my computer. She was so enthusiastic about it and seemed to enjoy it so much that I thought I would give it a try. Until then I had thought that blogging was more of a guy thing. So I started a blog and that led to another one, and another one, and . . . . Then one day Ginger suggested we start a blog that others could link there and share spiritual posts. So we worked on it together, and came up with Spiritual Sundays. That was over three years ago. In that time it has grown from about 20 links to between 70 and 80 each week and sometimes more. When we started it I had no idea what a great blessing it would be for me. I thank each one of you who share there for that.

Thinking of "friends", I decided to look the word up in Bible Gateways. There were 423 references in The Message. I want to share some of them with you here.

James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
James 2:22-24 (in Context) James 2 (Whole Chapter)

James 4:4
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:3-5 (in Context) James 4 (Whole Chapter)

1 John 4:7
[ God’s Love and Ours ] Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.
1 John 4:6-8 (in Context) 1 John 4 (Whole Chapter)

1 John 4:11
Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.
1 John 4:10-12 (in Context) 1 John 4 (Whole Chapter)

Psalm 34:15

God keeps an eye on his friends, his ears pick up every moan and groan,

Psalm 34:14-16 (in Context) Psalm 34 (Whole Chapter)

We see that friendship is very important to God. I thank Him so much for all of my friends, but most of all I want to be counted among God's friends. 

BLOG CHANGES

I've decided to change the name of this blog to Charlotte's Weblog. I hope it won't be too confusing. Right now I'm planning to primarily post here instead of the WordPress Charlotte's Weblog. I think jumping back and forth in posting on the two blogs is also confusing. I may do it differently at some time in the future, but for now this is my plan. I appreciate all my blogging friends who are so loyal to visit and comment on all my blogs.

I hope everyone is having a good holiday weekend.

LOVING AND CARING

Are you familiar with the little book entitled A Touch of Wonder by Arthur Gordon? It contains a collection of heart warming experiences. It is a little paper back book that we have had at our house for years but I just recently discovered it. 

In Arthur Gordon's book he recalls an occasion when he and his siblings were going through the attic of the home where his family had lived for generations. They were to clean it out and get rid of a lot of stuff that had collected there through the years. He thought there might be some treasures there that were very valuable but it turned out to be a lot of junk. He did, however, find value in some old letters he found there. That value was value of the heart which is the best kind. He describes so much better than I ever could, so I'll use his words here.

Speaking of value, he says, "I found it in the letters, a whole trunkful of them. Most of them were written in faded ink and grimy with the dust of decades. . . .  It was like listening to voices, faint and far away, echoing down the corridor of time. The letters were never about great historical events. They weren't passionate love letters either. They simply chronicled the lives of ordinary people. . . . The people of those generations cared about one another, enormously and intimately. . . . In a hundred different ways they spoke of their love and admiration for one another, and you could feel their sincerity warm on the brittle paper:

You don't know how much your visit meant to each of us! When you left I felt as if the sun had stopped shining.

The courage with which you are facing your difficulties is an inspiration to all of us. We haven't the slightest doubt that in the end you will triumph over all of them.

Have I told you lately what a wonderful person you are? Never forget how much your friends and family admire you.

 I'm afraid that in our hurry up, hustle bustle, TV, internet, etc. etc. etc. world today that we have lost some of the "caring" that former generations demonstrated. I'm happy to find that a lot of that warmth and caring is demonstrated here in blogland. This was especially evident in the interest that was shown in Charlie and the Miracle Makeover blog party. I was really touched by all the wonderful comments that were made.
We know how important love is to God. These are just a few of the scriptures pointing out that fact.

1. John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
   John 13:33-35 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)
2. John 13:35
   By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
   John 13:34-36 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)
3. Romans 12:10
   Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
   Romans 12:9-11 (in Context) Romans 12 (Whole Chapter)
4. Romans 13:8
   [ Love Fulfills the Law ] Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
   Romans 13:7-9 (in Context) Romans 13 (Whole Chapter)

Please click HERE to go to the Spiritual Sundays blog. It continues to be a blessing to many. I'm happy that so many are sharing there.

BLOG ENHANCEMENT

I'm sure some if not most of you know about Shabby Blogs where you can go to get cool backgrounds for your blogs. Did you know you can also find tutorials there for how to customize your headers, add page dividers, and more. I customize my headers a different way, but if I didn't, I'd definitely do it the way she suggests. I did follow her instructions for adding my post dividers which I've been trying to figure out for months.

When I figure out how to make my blogs better, I like to share it with my friends, so that's why I'm posting this info. I hope it will be helpful to someone. (You can click on the Tutorials graphic to go there.)

Happy Blogging.

MIRACLE MAKEOVER UPDATE ! ! !

A note from Kelee Katillac:

Comments Closed: WE ARE THERE!

Thank-you to each and every one of you that commented, posted on Facebook, wrote a blog story or added a link. Maybe you clicked "like", emailed a friend, or embedded the video. We thank-you for helping with this heart-felt effort. It is because of these kindnesses that we can report that we received over 5,450 responses to Charlie's MiracleMakeovertm video and story, in just a few days time. Isn't that fantastic?! See what you accomplished! (Cue jumping-up and down! Go ahead and whoo-hoo!) Congratulations and thank-you, thank-you! Team Design Gives Back has triumphed and each of you played a valuable role.

A few interesting facts: That total included 150-plus blog stories averaging 20-60 comments each. Each blogger also earned a $5 donation (5 comment equivalent) for creating the post. There were over 550 Facebook page posts and"likes", over 200 side comments, other assorted responses we are still counting. The DGB team will have a final total next week on Friday, August 26; and, also announce our giveaway winners in that same post. You will want to stop by and pick-up your blog badge signifying your participation in this great event.

Our four MiracleMakeovertm blog hosts pulled in hundreds of comments each. They averaged 200-400 comments and some went way beyond. They were tireless! Be sure and thank them, too. One passionate and big hearted blogger, Marydon of the Blushing Rose Blog brought in nearly 700 comments! Bless you Marydon. I know how hard you worked for this. Thank-you.

Because Design Gives Back committed to donate $1  per comment from you, Friends of Kids with Cancer will be receiving a check to help serve families with seriously ill kids.  Also, another Miracle Makeover for someone in-need now has the wings to take flight. 

Thank-you to all of our sponsors. Most of which we have featured previously. Especially, though, thank-you to Guideposts Magazine that brought Charlie's story  to eight million readers in the August issue. For the past 50 years Guideposts has been committed to publishing  true stories of hope and inspiration. At www.guideposts.org you can now see inspirational video stories, as well.  

                                        Approximately 5,450!

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I want to add my "Thank You" to all who participated. You're the greatest! And thank you Kelee for initiating this wonderful occasion and for all your encouragement.

P.S. I'm sharing this for Pink Saturday. I changed my blog to feature even more pink. I do love that color you know. I want to also acknowledge Beverly and the wonderful job she did encouraging and commenting on the Miracle Makeover. Beverly is such a blessing to so many who share on Pink Saturday and also Spiritual Sundays. 

MIRACLE MAKEOVER FOR CHARLIE

The big day we've been waiting for has arrived!!! We can now share the wonderful makeover video featuring Charlie Grady. Please take a few moments to view it here if you haven't seen it elsewhere. It will make your day.

Please click HERE to go to Design Gives Back  to learn more about the makeover and find out how you can earn money for the next makeover just by commenting.

 Design Gives Back will donate $1.00 for each comment on the following blogs between August 12 - 18. 

Pink Saturday @ at How Sweet the Sound/ Beverly 

         Spiritual Sunday  @ Spiritual Sunday /Charlotte & Ginger

      Country Wings in Phoenix @ Country Wings in Phoenix/Sherry

   Metamorphosis Monday  comments on Monday Only   

If you are a blogger, find out how you can make extra money for the next project by posting about this on your own blog. Design Gives Back will give you the information .

As Christians we are told to love your neighbor as yourself. I believe Design Gives Back is doing a very good job of doing just that. 

Miracle Makeover

I posted about the Miracle Makeover for Charlie Grady on my other blog and wrote about it on the Spiritual Sundays blog. The makeover is featured in this month's issue of Guidepost Magazine. Click HERE to see that article.

We're trying to get the word out to all of blogland to participate in the Miracle Makeover party the week of August 12-18. And --- that is coming up in just a few days. Be sure to visit the Spiritual Sundays blog and make a comment that weekend. Each comment will be worth $1.00 toward the next makeover. Kelee is making such a difference in many lives with the makeovers she does. Her website is called Design Gives Back. Her latest post tells how you can contribute up to $5.00 for the next makeover and it won't cost you a penny. Plus, you will be entered in a fantastic giveaway and who knows, you may be a winner.  Read all about it at Design Gives Back. Ginger and I are featured on the latest post along with others who are participating in this wonderful event. Be sure to check it out.

HEAVEN

I've seen lots of pictures of what some have thought heaven looks like. I know that none of them can adequately depict how wonderful it is.  So, this picture may be a little silly frivolous but it did put a smile on my face.

Here is how the Bible describes heaven:

1Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

This verse indicates that there will be a new heaven and a new earth because the first the first ones have passed away. I have to admit that my finite mind cannot really comprehend all of this. In fact, I think it is beyond our comprehension. I do know one thing. I want to be there.

Children try to understand it and I think it's interesting to note some of the things they come up with. It also puts a smile on my face. Here are some samples taken from Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins' book Are We Living in the End Times.

The best part of heaven is the party Jesus is going to give us. Lots of babies will be in heaven. If we need our dolls in heaven, Jesus will have them there. Micah Leake, age 3

There are roads of gold, gates of pearl, and after you have walked through the gates of pearl, I think you might see a humongous throne. I think the throne is made out of bricks of gold and outlined with pearls, decorated with emeralds―maybe even rubies! I don't know if I'm right, but I do know you will have to have bare feet. Emily Edwards, age 7.

I think heaven would have fences in it with strawberries. David who fighted Goliath would be there too. I think heaven would have blueberries and gold in it. Old people will be there and God's angels. There also will be a big, big feast that keeps everybody full. Andrew Edwards, age 3.

Heaven will be like living in the clouds with Christ and you can roller-blade on streets of gold. Peter will give you fishing lessons. We'll all be able to fly. We'll play tag in the sky. The trees will be made of gold and the leaves of silver. My point is, heaven is going to be wonderful!  Isaac Allen Jones, age 11.

Don't forget the Miracle Makeover Blog party coming up next month. You can read about it on Spiritual Sundays and there are links there to find out more about it. I will be posting more details soon. I have had the privilege of previewing a video telling about the latest makeover. It will be available for everyone to view soon. Be looking forward to that also.

ROSES

I don't know about you, but I'm glad God created roses. And for me, it is especially pink roses.

I like this poem by Helen Steiner Rice.

Roses Always Make a

Garden a Bit More Lovely

Like roses in a garden,

kindness fills the air

With a certain bit of sweetness

as it touches everywhere.

For kindness is a circle 

that never, never ends

But just keeps ever-widening

in the circle of our friends.

For happiness is only found

in bringing it to others

And thinking of the folks next door

as sisters and as brothers.

For the more you give, the more you get

is proven every day.

And so to get the most from life

you must give yourself away.

And if this greedy world today

would only start to give

Life everywhere for everyone

would be more sweet to live.

Luke 10:27
He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ”
Luke 10:26-28 (in Context) Luke 10 (Whole Chapter)


John 13:35
By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-36 (in Context) John 13 (Whole Chapter)

Each week as I read what others have shared on Spiritual Sundays I am reminded of the love that is shown. Thank you to all who share there each week. Be sure to go to that blog to find out how we can show our love for others by being a part of the Miracle Makeover that is coming up next month.

Help Us To See and Understand

In trying to decide what to share this week for Spiritual Sundays, I ran across a little book that was given to me many years ago by a secret sister. Through the years, off and on, at the different churches we've been with, there has been a "secret sister" program. The little book is called Blossoms of Friendship, a collection of poems by Helen Steiner Rice. Inside the book was a cute little card revealing who that secret sister was. Her name is Jane Jones. I haven't seen Jane in several years and it was nice to recall our relationship of the past. The poem I chose was one called

Help Us To See and Understand.

God, give us wider vision

to see and understand

That both the sun and showers

are gifts from Thy great hand.

And when our lives are overcast

with trouble and with care,

Give us the faith to see beyond

the dark clouds of despair.

Teach us that it takes the showers

to make the flowers grow

And only in the storms of life

when the winds of trouble blow

Can man, too, reach maturity

and grow in faith and grace

And gain the strength and courage

to enable him to face

Sunny days as well as rain,

high peaks as well as low,

Knowing that the April showers

will make the May flowers grow.

And then at last may we accept

the sunshine and the showers,

Confident it takes them both

to make salvation ours!

As I stated at the beginning of this post, I'm sharing this on Spiritual Sundays. I hope you will go there and be blessed by reading what so many others have shared.