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gifts
Dec 9, 2014 21:52:50 GMT -5
Mary likes this
Post by bitterbetty on Dec 9, 2014 21:52:50 GMT -5
Tis the season of gift giving.
We can get quite caught up in figuring out what to give to that certain someone that is on our gift giving list.
To be totally honest, I just now went out and BEGAN the very fist Christmas shopping of the season. Yeah, I know. Should've started it earlier and got in the spirit and with the groove sooner. But, this year, as I (finally) started my shopping, I did with something in mind: buying gifts that will somehow pull out the gifts of whoever is receiving a gift from me. I thought about the person I am shopping for and what came to my mind is that gift(s) they have....so I shopped accordingly. My daughter is really good at painting and using acrylic or oil paints to paint in colors. My son is gifted at sketching in black and white. Each of them are gifted in art; albeit in different ways...my daughter uses color with flare, my son sketches in precise definition.
So. We all have different gifts. I know I have gifts. And, as such, I get frustrated from time to time at not being able to use those gifts to the fullest.
We went to see a concert the other night; a group of three women. Each has her own special gift she brings to the group. Each was highlighted throughout the show. And then, there were three BLENDING into ONE. That is when the miracle seemed to take place: the BLENDING of gifts.
It's my personal belief that God created each of us as unique individuals; no two exactly alike. Even identical twins have their variations. I dated a twin once. We broke it off, (so to speak), then his twin brother started to pursue me. I wasn't the least bit attracted to the twin brother and could always 'tell' the two apart, even though they looked exactly the same. { Sorry, second twin brother. } He tried. It just didn't jive. I guess I felt like only having my heart broke once by the first twin, I didn't want to chance it again with the second twin. (And, if that last sentence makes a lick of sense, it would be a miracle.)
Back to gifts. I wonder sometimes how I could be part of the 2x2's, as they are commonly referred to on this site. Afterall, I'm a bit too expressive; a bit too charismatic, in some ways. It's not unlike me to pronounce, "Hallelujah!" or "Praise the Lord." Well---what's wrong with saying those things; especially if those things just seem to slip from your lips so natural as if God Him/Herself gave utterance.
We all have different gifts. Maybe I should say: We are all BLESSED with different gifts. Are those gifts something to be ashamed of or hidden under a bushel? Or-are those gifts something that God has simply blessed us with that should be shared with others?
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 0:55:31 GMT -5
Post by Mary on Dec 10, 2014 0:55:31 GMT -5
Thanks for sharing bitterbelly. Nice collection of thoughts.
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Post by rational on Dec 10, 2014 15:59:29 GMT -5
Tis the season of gift giving. We can get quite caught up in figuring out what to give to that certain someone that is on our gift giving list. To be totally honest, I just now went out and BEGAN the very fist Christmas shopping of the season. Did you find an appropriate fist? Were there not enough gifts to go around? Fists and Xmas shopping - I like to shop online!
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 16:14:00 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 16:14:00 GMT -5
Ah! Bless you bitterbetty, you surely got the gift of the gab.
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 17:21:01 GMT -5
Post by bitterbetty on Dec 10, 2014 17:21:01 GMT -5
Ah! Bless you bitterbetty, you surely got the gift of the gab. Thanks partaker. I've written several songs. The first song I ever wrote, I was even sober when I wrote it. Actually, I was sober when I wrote most of my songs.... Someone asked me the other night whether the words or the tune comes first. I said sometimes they come at the same time! And sometimes they come while you are driving down the road...I can see it now, getting stopped by a cop for weaving around the road. { "Sorry, officer, this song came to me just now while I was driving and I just had to pull over. Surely you understand, don't you officer? You're not going to give me a ticket are you? Look, I haven't been drinking and driving, I just got this tune in my head and didn't want to lose it." } Anyways, I've been stopped too much lately. Okay, so that one incident, I KNEW I was speeding...I must be losing my touch. I used to be able to talk my way out of tickets.
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 18:02:29 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 18:02:29 GMT -5
I know what you mean , bitterbetty, I Used to be able to talk my way out of tickets too, but these days I talk my way into tickets, the wretched cops tell me " I'm gonna make you pay for your mouth," and write me a ticket. I know that in some countries you have to pay a head tax, but a mouth tax!!! Then people boast about freedom of speech, naaa, cops make you pay mouth taxes, judges also make you pay mouth taxes for what they call slandering someone.
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 18:16:48 GMT -5
Post by snow on Dec 10, 2014 18:16:48 GMT -5
I used to get my dad out of tickets when I was quite little. If a cop pulled my dad over I guess it scared me. Anyway, I would start to cry. The cop always would be nice and not give my daddy a ticket. Doubt that would happen these days lol.
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 19:35:43 GMT -5
Post by bitterbetty on Dec 10, 2014 19:35:43 GMT -5
I know what you mean , bitterbetty, I Used to be able to talk my way out of tickets too, but these days I talk my way into tickets, the wretched cops tell me " I'm gonna make you pay for your mouth," and write me a ticket. I know that in some countries you have to pay a head tax, but a mouth tax!!! Then people boast about freedom of speech, naaa, cops make you pay mouth taxes, judges also make you pay mouth taxes for what they call slandering someone. *Sigh* Yes, sometimes they'll really make you pay. I'm a bit naive sometimes and I realize I've gotten off lightly a time or two or three. Actually, I got stopped twice last week. I hadn't been stopped in a while. Both officers were very professional and polite, so I can't complain too much. They both had good reason to stop me; one for speeding and the other for a tail light being out. Of course, then they take your license back to their car and checked it out; see if there is anything wrong. The one officer even asked, "Do you mind if I take your license back to my car and make sure everything is alright with it?" Well, what could be wrong with it aside from the fact that it gives out more details about you. I wasn't bothered. So, he was polite and sent me on my way.... Once I argued with the judge about jury duty. I didn't want to do it; just didn't feel like it, so came up with an excuse about why I should be excused from jury duty. The judge asked why and I told him honestly that I felt the defendant was guilty just by looking at him, so I didn't think he would get a fair trial...The judge argued and I argued right back. But, he let me go and I almost pranced out of the court room. This was after I had FAILED to show once already. No, I think I might need to be a bit more careful. Some judges would not take to kindly to arguing with them. Depends on the judge. The judge I argued with, well, just so happened that his daughter had babysat for us, so I felt that was a slight conflict of interest, but I could be wrong. It's a small world, eh? Seriously, I think being a cop would be one of the toughest jobs to do, so I am always very polite and respectful of them. I couldn't do what they do....
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 19:40:12 GMT -5
snow likes this
Post by bitterbetty on Dec 10, 2014 19:40:12 GMT -5
I used to get my dad out of tickets when I was quite little. If a cop pulled my dad over I guess it scared me. Anyway, I would start to cry. The cop always would be nice and not give my daddy a ticket. Doubt that would happen these days lol. Actually, I wonder how many folks get off for crying and saying they're sorry and stuff like that? I've been sniveling a bit myself today because I have a bad cold. I should probably take it easy and just stay home the rest of the evening. But, I'm frustrated because there is a lot I want to get done and just don't feel so good today.....I'm not getting much done around my house, but it's a good time to catch up on the board. I've been away for awhile....
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 19:44:05 GMT -5
Post by bitterbetty on Dec 10, 2014 19:44:05 GMT -5
Tis the season of gift giving. We can get quite caught up in figuring out what to give to that certain someone that is on our gift giving list. To be totally honest, I just now went out and BEGAN the very fist Christmas shopping of the season. Did you find an appropriate fist? Were there not enough gifts to go around? Fists and Xmas shopping - I like to shop online! Hahaha. You caught my mis-spell. Well, at least I know you read what I wrote and can always count on you to correct something. Tell us, are you really a cop in plainclothes? No, no fists out for me and the people and traffic didn't even bother me too bad like they usually do.
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 20:10:12 GMT -5
Post by bitterbetty on Dec 10, 2014 20:10:12 GMT -5
Speaking of the song-writing gift: Here is one that was performed the other night; the opening number. I don't know who wrote it, but it has a cool tune with an amazing chord progression. search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?p=+asleep+at+last+wailin+jennys&ei=UTF-8&hspart=mozilla&hsimp=yhs-001Asleep At Last
Be my asleep at last, Kiss me slow and hold me fast. Be my sail and be my mast, In the blue forever cast Your love far from pain and past, Be my this one's meant to last.
Be my I want nothing more, Pull the blinds and lock the door. Be my calm after the storm, In the winter wind my warm. Be my anchor be my moor, Pull my heart onto your shore.
And I could be the one to make you see That you could be the one for me, If you could be the one to tell me true That I could be the one for you.
Be my uncovering, Every colour opening. Be my gills and be my wings, I'll be queen to your king, And I will show you everything, A vow that doesn't need a ring.
And I could be the one to make you see That love is all we'll ever need, If you could be the one to see it through, See that I'm the one for you.Read more: Wailin' Jennys - Asleep At Last Lyrics | MetroLyrics
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gifts
Dec 10, 2014 21:57:51 GMT -5
Post by sharingtheriches on Dec 10, 2014 21:57:51 GMT -5
Christmas and birthdays require gifts or some such acknowledgements of beloved one's Christmas's and Birthdays! Most folks I buy for are 60 plus, of course,,,,,grandchildren always get money or money cards they like it that way! But my elderly friends get strange gifts like house cleaning supplies, such as Windex, Oven-Off, Comet and even the cheapy sponges that take the most streaks off the wall and bathtub. OR this time of year they get home baked sweets and even home baked dishes that normally are not seen during the year and other edibles to fluff out the gift bag! My girlfriend said some time ago that we sure didn't need any more whatnots, did me? Sue's given me money most times and it wasn't a slouchy or pinched amount either! Bless her heart!
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gifts
Dec 11, 2014 0:08:28 GMT -5
Post by rational on Dec 11, 2014 0:08:28 GMT -5
Did you find an appropriate fist? Were there not enough gifts to go around? Fists and Xmas shopping - I like to shop online! Hahaha. You caught my mis-spell. Well, at least I know you read what I wrote and can always count on you to correct something. Tell us, are you really a cop in plainclothes? ;) Not a cop! But I do read what people write. As someone who probably makes more spelling mistakes, typos, and grammatical errors than most posters it is dangerous to throw stones! But I do find some of the typos humorous and the world can always use more humor. I had visions of you shopping either for fists or with raised fists!
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gifts
Dec 11, 2014 4:30:03 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 11, 2014 4:30:03 GMT -5
I know what you mean , bitterbetty, I Used to be able to talk my way out of tickets too, but these days I talk my way into tickets, the wretched cops tell me " I'm gonna make you pay for your mouth," and write me a ticket. I know that in some countries you have to pay a head tax, but a mouth tax!!! Then people boast about freedom of speech, naaa, cops make you pay mouth taxes, judges also make you pay mouth taxes for what they call slandering someone. *Sigh* Yes, sometimes they'll really make you pay. I'm a bit naive sometimes and I realize I've gotten off lightly a time or two or three. Actually, I got stopped twice last week. I hadn't been stopped in a while. Both officers were very professional and polite, so I can't complain too much. They both had good reason to stop me; one for speeding and the other for a tail light being out. Of course, then they take your license back to their car and checked it out; see if there is anything wrong. The one officer even asked, "Do you mind if I take your license back to my car and make sure everything is alright with it?" Well, what could be wrong with it aside from the fact that it gives out more details about you. I wasn't bothered. So, he was polite and sent me on my way.... Once I argued with the judge about jury duty. I didn't want to do it; just didn't feel like it, so came up with an excuse about why I should be excused from jury duty. The judge asked why and I told him honestly that I felt the defendant was guilty just by looking at him, so I didn't think he would get a fair trial...The judge argued and I argued right back. But, he let me go and I almost pranced out of the court room. This was after I had FAILED to show once already. No, I think I might need to be a bit more careful. Some judges would not take to kindly to arguing with them. Depends on the judge. The judge I argued with, well, just so happened that his daughter had babysat for us, so I felt that was a slight conflict of interest, but I could be wrong. It's a small world, eh? Seriously, I think being a cop would be one of the toughest jobs to do, so I am always very polite and respectful of them. I couldn't do what they do.... Yes you are right about that, I do appreciate them and give support to them because my elder son is a cop and he tries his best to be fair when he does his duties. He also give me some good advice as to how to keep on the right side of the law.
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gifts
Dec 15, 2014 4:41:08 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Dec 15, 2014 4:41:08 GMT -5
Christmas and birthdays require gifts or some such acknowledgements of beloved one's Christmas's and Birthdays! Most folks I buy for are 60 plus, of course,,,,,grandchildren always get money or money cards they like it that way! But my elderly friends get strange gifts like house cleaning supplies, such as Windex, Oven-Off, Comet and even the cheapy sponges that take the most streaks off the wall and bathtub. OR this time of year they get home baked sweets and even home baked dishes that normally are not seen during the year and other edibles to fluff out the gift bag! My girlfriend said some time ago that we sure didn't need any more whatnots, did me? Sue's given me money most times and it wasn't a slouchy or pinched amount either! Bless her heart! Well I have a big family and it is sometimes very difficult choosing gifts, but I have learnt from very young that you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, so I avoid giving any horses at all, not even a toy horse.
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gifts
Dec 15, 2014 18:39:14 GMT -5
Post by sharingtheriches on Dec 15, 2014 18:39:14 GMT -5
Christmas and birthdays require gifts or some such acknowledgements of beloved one's Christmas's and Birthdays! Most folks I buy for are 60 plus, of course,,,,,grandchildren always get money or money cards they like it that way! But my elderly friends get strange gifts like house cleaning supplies, such as Windex, Oven-Off, Comet and even the cheapy sponges that take the most streaks off the wall and bathtub. OR this time of year they get home baked sweets and even home baked dishes that normally are not seen during the year and other edibles to fluff out the gift bag! My girlfriend said some time ago that we sure didn't need any more whatnots, did me? Sue's given me money most times and it wasn't a slouchy or pinched amount either! Bless her heart! Well I have a big family and it is sometimes very difficult choosing gifts, but I have learnt from very young that you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, so I avoid giving any horses at all, not even a toy horse. The advantage of looking any horse in the mouth is to guess his age! tee hee! That perhaps works with gifts as well?
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gifts
Jan 5, 2015 20:44:45 GMT -5
Post by bitterbetty on Jan 5, 2015 20:44:45 GMT -5
Ahh.
Gifts.
Think about it: As a believer I believe that gifts come from God and they are not meant to be hid under a bushel, but used and/or expressed. In some cases, it is how we carry off the EXPRESSION that can tip us over from just letting our light shine into an area pride. And so...when you have a gift and people let you know about that gift, it can be an OPPORTUNITY to learn how to be gracious.
A lot of folks don't really like a cocky, prideful show-off. But, if you have a gift and the chance to share it and let it show, what is the KEY in allowing the gift to speak for itself; just letting it shine vs. shoving it down someone's throat, (so to speak)
Let it shine. Key word: LET. Maybe that is where the gracious part of it comes in: being able to know the difference between letting vs. forcing.
You know, there is a lot to the word "let". Let it be. Let it be this and let it be that. We seem to live in an age in which people are less and less letting and more and more forcing. Parents force their kids-well, I guess that's always been around. My niece picked up the fiddle one day and just started to play it spontaneous by ear. Her father became forceful with it, rather than just letting her play how she felt moved to play. She never picked up the fiddle again. These types of scenarios grieve me....
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Post by bitterbetty on Jan 5, 2015 21:03:14 GMT -5
Well I have a big family and it is sometimes very difficult choosing gifts, but I have learnt from very young that you should never look a gift horse in the mouth, so I avoid giving any horses at all, not even a toy horse. The advantage of looking any horse in the mouth is to guess his age! tee hee! That perhaps works with gifts as well? Ahh yes, STR...the truth comes out in the mouth. We can color our hair, we can get plastic surgery, we can do all sorts of things to our outward appearance to make us appear a certain way, but our dentist and hygienist know the TRUTH! (by looking in our mouth.) As we age, the natural thing is that our teeth start to ROT. That's of course why you are advised to always look at a horse's teeth before making a decision on whether or not you will buy that horse. The mouth reveals the TRUTH! I once heard a former hygienist say that "The eyes are the window to the soul, but the MOUTH is a mirror of HEALTH."
I went to a dentist once when I was about 31 years old...(my how the YEARS have gone by!!) He assessed my mouth and then told me I have a very nice mouth! Well, as a patient, how am I supposed to take a comment like that? Then, he said, "Let me show you my mouth." And, he opened up his mouth and showed me all the (gold and otherwise) work that had been done on his mouth. I was not impressed to say the least. I mean, what on God's green earth good does it do for a dentist to show his patient his own mouth. That may seem like a bizarre story, but it really happened. I didn't know what to think of that. Part of me just wanted to say, "I'm not interested in YOUR mouth. I'm here because I need to be seen by a dentist." I just shake my head at that one, even today....what the HECK?! People are interesting creatures....
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