Me, the Dog, and Jesus

The shelter dog experience requires a great deal of patience (at least two I know of, do). Sometimes I look at this beautiful dog with some of the most aggravating quirks I have seen, and I think how I am also a mongrel. I do not fit the average design, but God chose me, just as He did you, to be who exactly we are. He has a purpose for every sort of difficulty I present to Him. Usually, I think He wants me to learn on Him to depend, instead of any faith I might place in me.

I do not run straight to Jesus as often as I should. My dog does not run to me, she creeps, or sometimes she has that sad, sad face that will break me open because, despite her craziness, I love her. She hurts me, I have scars, I had to wear a brace, she runs off where I have to go into strange territory miles away searching for her, and she does not always answer when I call. I am like this with my sweet Jesus too. He died on the cross because of me, that is some incredible injury. How much a disappointment it must be to Him, when He is certain He made it perfectly clear what is expected, and I go my own way, then creep to touch His hand, hoping He will fight my battles. Thankfully, He does not scream at me, as I sometimes do with the dog. He remembers that I am living a broken, sinful life, in a shattered sin-filled world and over and again He has mercy on me. My mercifulness leaves much to be desired with the dog, but we are working on it, and it improves in spurts and starts.

I do not recommend the shelter dog experience, but should you wish an object lesson on who our Father is, try it. As Alex told me, “Get a big dog, it’ll be fun, Mom.”

I do not know how my analogy stands up, and really I just wrote this off the cuff. Jesus knows I try to explain who He is to me, so maybe you will find a life with Him. It is the only life worth living and has a single promise of eternity.

The Wookie is the big dog, the tiny tot is Mom’s dog (mine now), Tribble. We might explore another story another day.

Site Blunders, Mistaken Communication

I was checking in on the tablet because I turned the computer off. Scrolling through themes, I found one more attractive to my sensitivities. So, sorry, but we are now revamped. This theme is Publication 2. It has my sidebars and widgets, which were sadly missing in SAGA. I am old school, having blogged since 2005. (See Chronicles should you be interested in that history. It has lots on it.) I like as much detail on pages as artificial intelligence can afford me. I am still not paying for the website, though I did keep my domain. (It will happen, just at the appropriate time.)

School has begun in a lot of places. Those of you with kids, (and our crowd of creatives), I recommend you institute a period of gratitude each day. I find this gives a perspective that sometimes slips into the busy oblivion of day following day. Just have a few minutes to write or simply verbally share some things that went well during your limit of hours.

I am thankful:

The Wookie (Marbles) did not injure me while we walked. This being an ongoing problem I am praying about, I would much appreciate an improvement.
My stomach seems to be recovering, I, unfortunately, forgot I cannot eat foods with heavy concentrations of MSG. Mongolian Chicken should be prohibited.
I found a much more appropriate and loveable theme.
I completed reading Ink and Bone by Lisa Unger. An excellent book with some paranormal emphasis and well-developed characters. Missing it. Somewhat adrift trying to find something new. Oh, it was 5 stars, highly recommend it.
Music; brings me through the days when I am straying and finding the way hard to navigate. (We Believe – Newsboys) (Time Waits For Noone – Freddie Mercury) (Anything by the most esteemed Dr. Brian May) (Gangsters Are Running the World – Roger Taylor) ( Hide Away – What can I say, Mick Jagger)

If you can, pull your youngsters (and yourselves) away from screens long enough to do a minimum of ten minutes of creative work, whether art, writing, photography or whatever the penchant. These things will enrich your days and add joy to your lives.

I know many of you are more successful social media mavens than I am. Should you feel inclined and you find my communications of efficacy, please share as you may. I thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative today. I hope you will explore and wander about a bit. There is a follow button, or you may simply return as appeals to you. I think my links are now available again without having to search as much.

As a prompt, if you have a blog or site, which you have not refreshed in some time. Consider what a change might do. I know it takes some investment of time and effort, but the payoffs are sometimes higher than we expect.

Had to share the Tribble, just for the cuteness factor. My buddy.

Love, it may come late, but when it shows up, the world rocks…

Hands touching across
A divide longstanding wide,
Could grow side by side.

Dogs, on Fairness…

In the animal kingdom, (observing dogs), fair, is not a known concept. If one is stronger, one wins; without human interference. Fair is an artificial human construct where we attempt to apply the idea of equality in interactions between beings of widely varied attributes. It is a linchpin of civilization.

For successful human relationships, there must be an agreement between those of every station and situation to abide by rules that do not necessarily benefit all involved in the process. Our baser impulses, like those of the animals, resent and reject being fair. An individual must, in every moment choose to conquer or acquiesce to the grandeur of personal restraint.

We often say life is not fair. It is somewhat true, but the world would not run within any structure of goodness did we not primarily abide within reasonable limits of justice.

Blame it on the dogs. Tribble being smaller always eats her treats slower, and I have to restrict Marbles, who scarfs everything down in, like, one quick swallow, from stealing from Tribble.

So philosophy, my dears. You will recall I wanted to be a lawyer. I AM A POET, who better to comment on the state of living. There are precedents. LOL!

Some jottings, yesterday and today:

If you hope to accomplish something, get busy. You cannot dance if you do not put your feet on the floor.

Toes, nose, against the wall; back up, reconsider, change direction. Reversal can relieve misconceptions immobilizing you. Go forward with new momentum. You are in charge, do not stop, never give up, tell quit to go to the abyss. There is greatness within you, let the star shine.

If you are holding your breath, expecting your dreams to come true, remember energy follows the breath & no breakthroughs occur without the expenditure of energy. Inflate your hopes with passionate activity, & challenge yourself to thrive. You are capable of miraculous things.

A tempest of enthusiasm, hyper and excitable, with energy enough to entomb the dark threads of pain. What is hidden is inadmissible. The stars remain within reach. Smile and lean into happiness. Nurture hope and grasp the dream.

Take the shot and capture the image of the moment. The chance comes once, miss it and you must chase another opportunity. Life is here, live every moment and create an outstanding existence. You are an original, magnify the unique.

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As a prompt, explore something you believe is a human artificial construct. Any way you wish, create something about it.

If you do not follow me on Twitter and Facebook, an inordinate amount of stuff goes to those. I just started Twitter again, but you know, all the people are doing it.

I hope you enjoyed your visit to Haphazard Creative. Follow the site if you like, or I hope you will find your way back here.

Always,
Jo Ann

So, about the lost Fitbit…

God and I, we are close. So I reminded Him who I know He is, and who I sometimes realize I am. I told Him I believed in miracles because I have seen the work of His hands, and I asked Him to show me again. I took that praying walk alone. Covered a lot of ground to no good result.

Then since my Marbles is supposed to be part the breed of the very best scent hounds, I took the dogs out.

It is extremely tough to see a rose gold bangle among leaves. The dog did not find it. There was a sparkle, just a glimmer, I uncovered it. Fitbit found, God with me again, as always, though I do not always know, and doubt.

Oh, yeah, I believe in little everyday miracles, and I believe nothing is too unimportant to pray about, God is never too busy to help us. He loves for us to call out to Him. He loves us as His children, and a good father always listens. The best, help any way they can. Trust God, He is for you, forever.

Friday, May 17, 2019

As a prompt, use creativity to explore something that unexpectedly turned out to your advantage, possibly by the influence of the Divine, or synchronicity, or coincidence. Make it any type of composition you like. If you want, drop a link in the comments so I might see your work.

Gratitude List
I am thankful:

Marbles is behaving much better.
I have read some books on Kindle recently, since reading print seems a challenge to maintain interest.
Have been writing a lot on social media.
Have been studying some craft books.
Took care of a problematic situation.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative, if you like follow the site, or simply return as you may. I hope you are prospering and experiencing enjoyment in your days. Remember, time is limited, and relationships are precious. Invest in what most fulfills you even if it is not popular with the crowd. You only lead your life and therefore, should secure your happiness.

Rallying

This poem is written in the first person, but I assure you if you need to take its message to heart, it can apply as a rallying cry for more than only me. In fact, that is the only reason I shared. This was journaling work. A suggestion, if you are struggling with any sort of problem, try using a journal or even “Scraps Of Paper,” that is an old poem of mine, but a valid recommendation.

If fear is haunting you, look up, do not give in, do not give up. We can overcome fear, resistance, negativity, but it has always been, presently is, forever will be, a choice. The war is one of continual battles, but if we do not make an attempt so much will go undone, and the world will not become what it could be.

Choosing Freedom

Where I am right now,

Where I want to be today,

Kept apart by me.

I am the factor

Who must make many changes

To realize dreams.

No one else can do

Whatever it is I must;

The power is mine.

Christ gave me these gifts,

But He will not force my work;

I must create it.

Giftedness is not

Placed within to be wasted,

It has a purpose.

Procrastination,

My inadequate feelings,

I must overcome.

I have studied, learned,

Still, I lack enough belief

To discard my fear.

It, False Evidence

Appearing Real, I leave now

Outside, behind me.

I take confidence

As an armor, wrapped in faith,

And banish my doubt.

These abilities

Were put in me to help those

In need, set me free.

My aspirations

I must craft until they can

Join reality.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

If you need a prompt, consider creating something to rally yourself, which you can also share with others. All of us are consistently in need of positive influence and encouragement. There is a heaviness of unrealized hopes and dreams in our world today. Many are discouraged and barely keeping themselves alive. We need to help one another. Far too many are lost upon giving up.

I am grateful:

1. The positive influence of music has been helping me so much. I highly recommend YouTube music or if you have Amazon Prime, Prime Music. Both these can be streamed without commercials.

2. My dogs, Marbles, and Tribble, who challenge me to develop a greater degree of patience while providing companionship.

3. I am experiencing a rather extensively creative period.

4. Friends, who back me up when I get down into my soles.

5. Queen, The Rolling Stones, and a wide variety of Contemporary Christian Artists. Newsboys, “Crazy,” is a grand favorite.

All Right!

Everyone has problems
We all carry our deep scars,
But there is still hope;
All the things we have misplaced,
Innocence taken away,
Trust broken apart,
Truth found foul fabrication –
Healing still exists;
No matter our trials, troubles,
Love is real, we belong, hold on.
Life is a treasure –
Holy, precious, rare, unique,
Ultimately given
To bring us all transcendent
Blessings, love, peace, eternity.

Thank you for visiting Haphazard Creative. I most sincerely hope you found something edifying and encouraging here. My purpose as I share is to arouse the creative genius in others and set other flames to dispelling the sadness I feel is so much a loose in our world currently. If you enjoyed the things in this posting, please check out other entries. If you like, follow this website, or come back when you have time.

Much love to you all, always,
Jo Ann