Friday, August 19, 2011

When Life Gives You Lemons...

make lemonade!
Don't you hate it when you are distressed and some perky, positive person comes along to make light of things?
If you agree with this statement you may want to stop reading now.
When I began this blog I vowed I would not discuss anything depressing.
 My vision for the Victorian Parlor II was to be a place of respite where people could go to forget about the worries of life and just enjoy a small bit of joy no matter how insiginificant or unimportant the subject might be.
Lately all we hear about is the economy, the terrible state of the country, and other unsettling things.
Right now life is full of lemons.
But even with the landslide of lemons many have made lemonade.
Despite the daily worries and fears some good is taking place around us.
In times such as these people are having to cut back on the luxuries or 'unnecessaries' of life.
Families that once spent their time sitting in front of the TV watching cable shows are now having to cut off the cable and spend time talking, reading, or playing games together. 
Instead of reaching for a credit card to buy something that we want but don't need we have to step back and ask ouselves, "Do we really need it?"
Saving for the things we want is back in style, just like our grandparents used to do
 (for those of us in the forty-something age group :).
Our country has suffered through a great deal in the past but that's not what makes us great.
Our survival of these things is what makes us great!
We are banding together to help our neighbors and friends who are in need.
We're growing our own vegetables in the garden
 (a wonderful thing for children of this technologcial generation to  learn:).
We're reading, we're praying, we are finding other things to occupy our time besides TV, shopping, and 'keeping up with the Joneses.'
We have learned that we really are all created equal no matter what your income-everyone is subject to the same unsettling changes taking place.
And it seems it is bringing us closer together.
We will survive this ecomomic and financial famine!
We just have to be willing to make some lemonade instead of staring hopelessly at the lemons.
In the history of this world famines have reeked havoc and distress.
But God who is faithful always sees us through.
We were sailing along believing ourselves invinceable but we have hit rough seas and now know that we are all vulnerable.
Don't let the bad news of the day worry and destroy you.
Turn off the bad news, pick up a book and read.
Or even better, talk to a lonely older neighbor or fix a casserole for a a family in need.
We have become complacent these past years of abundance merely opening a can of powder and mixing it with water instead of using a little effort to squeeze several lemons to make a pitcher of lemonade.
Have you made lemonade lately?

Philippians 4:12-13

12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.



10 comments:

  1. We all have to buckle down, learn to do more, have less and appreciate what we have. We still have a better life than any other country. We just got greety. Sometimes we need a slap in the face to get us back to reality. We will survive, all is well. Thanks, Richard at My Old Historic House.

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  2. Amen to that ! We may all find that we become our best by seeing with our HEARTS and not our eyes. These times are a BLESSING in disguise...Thank GOD in all things...

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  3. Oh Kim dearest, YOU ARE RIGHT! YES!!!! Instead of keeping up with other, help others. Instead of watching TV, READ OR TALK OR CREATE SOMETHING MEMORABLE! HERE HERE!!!!!!

    And yes dearest, WE can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!!! MERCI and good to see you! Let us make a difference and create LOVE, FRIENDSHIPS, ART, BEAUTY....LEMONDADE!!!!!!!ooops, is should learn to spell it first!!!! HUGS! Anita

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  4. Yes!!! Wonderful perspective here! I think a lot of people need to learn this lesson and also live it! I know that I do. Great post!

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  5. hi Kim.
    Making some lemon-ade these days and finding it to be mighty tasty!
    Praying a great deal and enjoying life.

    Enjoyed visiting your Parlor today and chatting with you.
    Sweet blessings 2 u.
    d

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  6. Amen.
    It is unfair to be classified as consumers all the time and how our lesser or limited purchasing has such a devastating effect on the economy. Are we not living, breathing people first.
    I'm an old school gal... grow a vegetable garden, can the bounty that Nature provides and oh yes try to resist temptation from buying more fabric and yarn.
    I make lemonade everyday and its even pink.
    Have a great weekend Hun and thank you for letting me see I'm not the only one that feels the same way...
    Susan x

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  7. VERY well said and VERY true! Romeo and I give you two paws up for this post!!!!

    Have a wonderful weekend Kim!

    "Her" and Romeo

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  8. I've always loved the Lemon Tree song , sung by Trini Lopez... I agree you can succumb to all the sour tastes of life or enjoy the growth and beauty of life....I read the paper once a week and then shelf the doom and gloom of the world news casts..... " Life is only what you make it "

    One of my true joys in life is smelling the sweet blossoms of my lemon tree and then picking my own beautiful lemons to make fresh lemonade.... mmmm GOOD .... " The best things in life are free" ...ENJOY your week-end Kim. Keep the magic in your heart !!!...HUGS

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  9. Kim this post is amazing. I have always felt blessed to live where I live and be able to feel a sense of peace and a little sheltered from the world. Our life here is simple, and we do much of the same things we have always done. Making lemonade from the lemons that come into our lives is vital to our happiness for sure, and you have written it so beautifully.
    You are a treasure for writing such an awesome post
    sending hugs....

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  10. Kim,
    I loved this post!!
    Several years ago , due to numerous health issues, I learned to place my life in God's hands and I truly believe that what is meant to be, will be. I have gone through some very rough times and through some very prosperous times but none of it means anything if you do not have your health.
    What a great post!!
    Please stop by if you have a minute to read about our stay at the Stegmaier mansion....

    Hugs,
    Deb

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