The Chronicles of Janie

I have had some of the greatest nicknames ever. Calamity Jane Canary Janie Janie Bop Indiana Jane ('cause I have an Indiana Jones-style hat) And then the many variations of 'Janie' (which is also my nickname, but not very exciting). Why didn't any of them stick? I'd love to have a great nickname.

I'd rather have good water pressure, or no running water at all. I'd rather have dependable, speedy internet, or no internet at all. I'd rather have well-brewed, nice-tasting tea, or no tea at all. And the list goes on and on...I've known this about myself for awhile, but I never really thought about the why of it 'til this evening. Then it struck me that this is probably a result of my somewhat perfectionistic mindset of 'if it can't be perfect, I'd really rather not even try. If the things I have aren't what I consider to be good enough, than I'd rather not bother with them at all'. I could see this being a real problem if I lose the easy-going flexibility that leavens my perfectionism out. It could become an even bigger problem if I start taking myself, my abilities, and disabilities, more seriously. If I can't have my druthers, you probably won't catch me whining about it (okay, well, maybe a wee bit of whining), I'll ju...

'When they came to Capernaum, those who collected the double-drachma tax approached Peter and said, "Doesn't your Teacher pay the double-drachma tax?" "Yes", he said. When he went into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, "What do you think, Simon? Who do earthly kings collect tariffs or taxes from? From their sons, or from strangers?" "From strangers," he said. "Then the sons are free," Jesus told him. "But, so we won't offend them, go to the sea, cast in a fishhook, and take the first fish you catch. When you open the mouth you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to them for Me and you." At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then He called a child to Him and had him stand among them. "I assure you," He said, "unless you are converted and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore...

I tend to accumulate piles of things around my favorite sitting places. One of my favorite places to sit is on my bedroom floor, with my back against the hide-a-bed, so there's an almost-permanent collection of frequently used possessions scattered around the area. One night, as I was trying (unsuccessfully) to sleep, I started wondering how much that pile says about me. Just by looking at that pile, how much could a person tell about my personality and habits? One inescapable conclusion would be that I love tea and candles. Even when my bedroom is squeaky-clean,  there are a coaster, candle, teabag holder, and lighter sitting out on the little white table in front of the hide-a-bed. Usually, there's also at least one my favorite teacups in the area. Other almost-permanent features are my Bible and whatever Bible study guide I'm currently ignoring. These two books spend far more time in my 'floor spot' than they do in their official 'put away' place. Wh...

Pardon me for a moment while I bask in a warm glow of thrifty, distinctive Janie-glam. Behold, two unadorned hats, which, to my eyes, hold vast amounts of potential.. Now, behold finished product #1 Hat - $5 (I think) at an antique store Feathers - free! (from our now-deceased chickens) Knight pen - $3 at another antique store (yeah, now you know where I do my shopping). ;-)  Finished product #2  Hat - free! (thanks, Miss Carol)! Feathers - free! (picked up in various locations). Pin - $1 from a second-hand store A few minutes spent arranging, cutting, gluing, and sewing, and viola! I've got two more pieces of headgear. I think I'll need a hatpin for the black one. That big brim is liable to catch the wind and send the whole thing sailing away. Long story short, I love thrifty crafting, especially when it turns out nicely. Frequently, my projects end up looking like something the cat drug in, and I have to banish them to dark corners. So, whe...

'You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt should lose its taste, how can it be made salty? It's no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled on by men. You are the light of the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket, but rather on a lampstand, and it gives light for all who are in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.' Matt. 5: 13-16 I recently re-read those verses, and I felt (as always) greatly challenged, and deeply inspired. But this time, I also felt perplexed. I've gotten out in the world a lot more. I've met a lot of non-Christians. They're not big bad wolves. They're generally pretty decent people. I've discovered that a lot of them are, in fact, extremely nice people. Sometimes, they're even kinder, more patient, and more generous than I am. How am I sup...