Merge???

There is a dear elderly gentleman who summers on our road...a lover of signs.

It is always a treat to take my walk in the morning...for I never know when one of these new signs will "pop" up.

Almost always, these signs are instruments in conversation starters amongst the residents of our point...and many are cause for a little chuckle or two.



Like the day the "Dirt Road" sign went up...not at the beginning of our road, mind you,...but about a mile in...as if you hadn't caught on yet that you were driving on a dirt road!






Or the day that the "Children" sign lovingly was placed near the edge of our property. A gesture of caring, for sure. Many folks laughed...for our youngest was already in his teens...but in the eyes of an old man...my boys were still "children".




For a short time we had a "Lobster Crossing" sign placed near a flooded portion of our road...where the culvert washed out after a severe rainstorm. This sign caused a few giggles...since the flood water was from a frog pond.

As I said...many of the signs are cause for a little chuckle or two.



Until the "Merge" sign...



Everyone is puzzled about this sign...



First of all, because nobody seems to know just who put it there. Our elderly neighbor claims that this was not his handiwork this time. Of course, everyone is convinced that it must have been him.

Secondly, there is no cause for or possibility of "merging" at this point on our road. It is simply nailed to a tree by a little winding curve.

And so I ponder as I walk...

Webster's Dictionary gives the following as definitions of the word "merge".

to plunge or engulf in something : immerse, to cause to combine, unite, or coalesce, to blend gradually by stages that blur distinctions, to become combined into one, to blend or come together without abrupt change

And I am reminded...isn't this what our Lord is calling us to do??? To "merge" into becoming Christlike...day by day? For we are called to "plunge into" and "immerse" ourselves in the Word...which will cause us to "blend gradually by stages that blur distinctions" as we grow to be more and more like Him... as we "unite" and "coalesce" (grow together) with our brothers and sisters in Christ. For most of us,this "blending or coming together" will not be an "abrupt change"...but a continuous flowing process...just like "merging".

Perhaps it wasn't my elderly friend who placed this sign here after all...

"But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit"
1 Corinthians 6:17

"Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ...But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ" Ephesians 4:13,15

Wash Me Clean...

"And the Lord said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes..." Exodus 19:10

It has been over five years now since I have purchased laundry detergent...

Now, before you all begin to think that I am neglecting my family...let me clarify that statement. About 5 years ago I stumbled across a recipe for making my own liquid laundry detergent...I know that many of you use the same recipe. It makes a five gallon batch...and lasts a long time! This turned out to be a wonderful blessing for me...especially with three very active boys and a very hardworking husband!

I shared the recipe with all my friends and family...I even made up some "homemade laundry detergent" kits to give away as bridal shower gifts.

My mom began using the recipe...but found that it took her a really long time to use up that much laundry detergent. It was also difficult for her to lift the 5 gallon container when she first made it. And then there was the issue of taking it "on the road" when they traveled...she didn't like having to transfer it to another smaller container...anyway, she asked me if I had ever thought about a "dry" version.

And so, I came up with a new "powdered" recipe version of my laundry detergent!It works just as well, is easy to transport, and one of the greatest advantages is that you can make different "flavors" and have them on hand for your different laundry needs!

Here's what you need...


Homemade Powdered Laundry Detergent
Ingredients:
1 bar of soap (homemade or store bought)
1 cup arm and hammer washing soda (not baking soda)
1 cup borax


Take your bar of soap (my dad likes Irish Spring) and using your cheese grater, grate the soap into a container. Combine the cup of washing soda and the cup of borax with the grated soap. I then pour it all into a zip-lock bag and mix it together. You can leave it stored this way or transfer it to another container with a lid. It's so easy!


All it takes is one tablespoon for most regular loads. If I have a really dirty load...I might use two tablespoons. This dry mixture is good for about 20 loads or so...which makes it very economical .You can make up several versions to have on hand depending on your laundry needs...for instance...make a mixture with ivory soap to wash baby clothes...or perhaps lava soap to wash dirty work or athletic clothes. If you have a special fragrance of soap that you like to bathe with...well, why not make a laundry detergent of the same scent! It stores so easily...and is great to take with you "on the road".



I've even made up several batches using different soaps, placed them in cute little plastic containers with labels, and then put them in a basket lined with a handmade clothes bag...as a shower gift! Don't forget to include the recipe on a cute little recipe card and to tie a plastic tablespoon to the handle of the basket with some ribbon!

I enjoy sharing these types of gifts with young brides-to-be because I feel it is another concrete way that we "older" women "may teach the younger women to be...keepers at home...that the word of God be not blasphemed." Titus 2:4-5

The Family of God

I'm so glad I'm a part...of the family of God;
I've been washed in the fountain,
Cleansed by His blood!
Joint heirs with Jesus as we travel this sod,

For I'm part of the family...The family of God.


My oldest son and I had the sweet privilege of spending this past weekend with a wonderful "family of God". Though we were, for the most part, strangers, from the moment we arrived we were made to feel at home. The food was incredible...the fellowship was uplifting. It was truly inspiring to be with a family where the parents lived God's Word as Truth. The evidence was overwhelming...in the upbringing of their children, in their conversation, in their worship. The blessings we received from our brief time with these very special folks...will remain with us throughout eternity.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17