Ruth Marlene Friesen
The Responsible One
Have you seen my novel?
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I've been beavering away at rebuilding the pages of the Sharing Library of my website for my novel. Guess what - I've had some marvelous surprises at the articles I found and wrote back in the years from 2001 to about 2005. In the Inspirational folder, where I am currently working there are 68, and in the book review section there are no less than 85 book reviews! I'm truly blessed as I reread articles that I'd completely forgotten, and though that section will keep me busy for many weeks yet, if you are curious go have a look; Sharing Library/Articles
Here's one just to whet your appetite.
Do you have a friend who tends to well up with tears very easily? That tender one who won't hurt a flea, and whom you sometimes accuse of going overboard with generosity?
Or do you steer clear of them because their tears make you uncomfortable? I know, I know. I've got some friends who avoid me and are embarrassed to death if they see me tear up, and my face gets sort of scrunchy and red. And wet. Mine's awash in tears so quickly. Would I embarrass you?
Let's look at the ones who always have their emotions in check and never blush or shed a tear. Somewhere, somehow, those people have learned to cover up and hide their feelings. However, with that, given the right circumstances and temptations, comes the ability to be deceptive. Such a friend can fake a friendly enthusiasm, but be plotting a revenge on a lower floor in their soul. I used to admire them; now I stop and listen for my intuition to reveal their true motives.
I suggest that you deliberately choose us easy-weepy tender-hearted ones as your best friends. I'll tell you why.
The ones that cry may embarrass you in public, but only as long as you allow yourself to feel marked out. You will always know what they are thinking and feeling, and generally it will be in your favour, rather than their own. These tender ones empathize with and cheer the loser, and sometimes you feel like a loser, right?
People with a tender conscience are able to hear the voice of God, and are the most likely to experience His angels carrying and protecting them. You're safer in their presence than on your own.
Those with a clear conscience before God will be happier and content with little things, and not so likely to be demanding of you. It also means you'll seldom find them bitter and thus withering in their bones, and drying you up with them.
Be unashamed when your friends cry... it's a good sign they are not afraid to be vulnerable, for only the vulnerable allows themselves the luxury of loving and being loved. They also know intuitively that if you want to handle roses you'll have to accept some thorn scratches.
Smile, don't fight the tear trembling in your own eye, and join in the anguish or joys of the moment.
If you're shopping around for new friends because one has wounded or disappointed you, go among the kind, gentle people, and watch for one who weeps or laughs easily, is open and vulnerable, and with a clear, tender conscience. Now show that one the same kind of loyal care, openness, and identify with this friend's pain or joy.
Blessings on your new friendship!
P.S. Now I know where to go when I'm stuck for an idea for the RoseBouquet. :)
I found a very old, yellowed booklet among my cookbooks, with recipes, kitchen hints and subtle ads for Alpenkrauter. (No publication date). Some of the notes in the back look like my Dad's handwriting. Here are a few you may find useful.
If a handful of shot is kept in the pantry it wil be found quite a help to use when cleaning the inside of bottles and jars. Use them with warm water and shake well.
When separating the whites from the yokes of eggs, break them into a funnel. The whites will pass through, leaving the yokes in the funnel.
When mason jar tops become dull from use, place them in sour milk, let set over night, and wash in hot suds and scald. They will look like new.
When butter is too hard to spread easily, heat a bowl by placing it in the oven a few minutes or running hot water in it and then inverting it over the dish of butter. It will soon soften but not melt the butter.
Eggs will not crack when boiling if you prick the shell with a pin.
A slice of raw potato will remove dirty marks from a raincoat and mud stains from dress skirts, children's coats, and men's trousers.
It is an excellent idea to carry a small tube of shaving cream in one's handbag. In an emergency it comes in very handy if the rest room has no soap, for it makes a wonderful lather.
It is hard to stop, but this is a good sampling. I think I'll type up all the ones I might use, and make a poster of them for my kitchen wall, or inside a cabinet door.
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Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada