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Trapping the Right Enemy




The ugly fly swatter and the hanging fly tape is now gone from my kitchen.  I found a prettier way to trap those pesky insects.


The clue that summer is winding down is when I’m inundated with flies here in the country where there are as many horses as people.  However, when people enter in through my back door, I no longer have to whisk them in real fast so the enemy can’t get in.  The kids helped me solve my problem a new way; they bought me a pretty plant.


The Venus Fly Trap will trap any bug that wanders into its clutches.


Here’s How it Works
The plant has little hairs around the perimeter of its mouth that snap shut when it’s stimulated by some insect nearby.  It’s not fussy about its menu; it will trap a bee, wasp, fly or beetle.  The plant’s fluid dissolves and digests the captured insects.  We’ve been watering it with distilled water or rainwater devoid of minerals to harm it.


I have not seen an annoying fly in my home…anywhere.  This pleasant plant trap works! 


The Bad Trap
There is a trap, however, that I want to stay far away from, the trap of offense.


Jesus said in Luke 17:1:  “It is impossible that offenses will not come, but woe unto the one through whom they come!”  Like me, you’ve probably learned that when Jesus says “woe” you need to be alert!


The word “offend” comes from a Greek word, SkandalonIt means “trap to which bait is attached.”  As in the enemy of our souls trying to bait us with offense so that we’ll fall into his traps where he can swallow us up and steal our victory.

…And then we look and feel miserable…because we’re offended and hurt.


Jesus tells us that offenses will come, but we can be victorious so that we are not devoured by the enemy’s trap. 

It’s funny how you write a message like this and umpteen offenses come out of nowhere to trap you.  I don’t want to bite that apple, become bitter and friendless and too unhappy to be around.  Plus it doesn’t make a woman look pretty or a man look handsome when they're offended.


That’s your beauty tip today from Pile of Smiles.

Comments

  1. I appreciate this beauty tip sweet friend, love your header.

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    1. Well, that explains why you're so beautiful.
      Love,
      Mary

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  2. What a gorgeous horse! Is he/she yours?

    These days when practically every other John or Jane Doe finds reason to take offense (and no, I'm not immune!) yours is a timely message.

    I hope you had as much fun writing this as I did reading it!

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    1. Glad you liked my story, Myra! I am smitten with this horse! Her name is Sweetie Pie and she was rescued by Grace Falls Farm, a place of healing for wounded horses. She belongs here on my website.

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  3. Your header is beautiful, and I agree with your post.

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    1. Hi, Linda!
      Isn't she a lovely horse? My girlfriend, Peggy, photographed her and I use with permission.

      Bless you, my upbeat friend!
      Mary

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  4. Love your new header; great looking horse! How cool that the plant actually works to catch those pesky flies! So true when Jesus uses the word "woe". I definitely don't want him to use the word in reference to anything I might be doing!

    Forgive me, I was going to email you that we should get together the next time we were driving through the area rather than this time due to potential time constraints and then I totally forgot to do so until we were heading to Sedona today. Hopefully we'll get together sooner than later! We did make it on the right road to Sedona, but not exactly to Sedona, but that's my next blog post in a day or two :)

    betty

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    1. Hey, Betty, nothing to forgive! I understand that meeting up isn't always easy to fit in. I'm glad you felt free enough to follow your heart. Can't wait to read about your latest road trip!

      Love,
      Mary

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  5. Ooh. It's my first time to actually know someone have this plant in their kitchen. That's genius.

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    1. My first time! I've read about them and now I have one!

      Blessings, Lux!
      Mary

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  6. Hi Mary! So those Venus Flytraps really work? I remember being afraid of them when I was a child. A bug-eating plant...like something out of a horror movie! I'm so glad that your fly problem is a thing of the past. Loved the lesson about how they work too.

    You're so right about not wanting to get around that trap of offense. So clever to think of that in relation to the plant, and to our personal inner beauty. You don't have to worry about that my friend. Your beauty shines so bright!
    Happy Labor Day!
    Ceil

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    1. Happy Labor Day, Ceil, haha...a horror movie. You are such a blessing, beautiful lady!

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  7. Offense is a sticky wicket isn't it? It's always so easy to see it in someone else but we often try to justify it in ourselves! Great post, Mary!
    PS I'm off to get me a venus fly trap. ;-)

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    1. Hi, Lisa:
      Sticky wicket....is that a southern phrase? Ha. Love it. Here, I thought you might end with ...off to go get the Pioneer Woman's new cookware...

      in a fun mood,
      Love, Mary

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  8. Interesting info about the Venus Fly Trap! Wonder if it traps dust bunnies - I have a house full of those!!

    And, I have to agree - the enemy does indeed set the most enticing traps. But, I'm with you...I don't ever want to get trapped in bitterness. That is a trap that doesn't just injure on the surface - it also starts a burrowing infection that can poison your very soul.

    And no, bitter people are not attractive...

    GOD BLESS!

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    1. Bitterness is poison; the Bible says it defiles others. Hope you have a great week!

      Big Blessings,
      Mary

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  9. I wonder if Abraham took offence when Lot chose the better grazing place for his flocks? I am thinking of a time when I could have been offended, but actually took it as a sign from God to change directions. If a person keeps the offence and nurtures it into bitterness that is not so good. When offence comes, our attitude must be right so we can use it as a teaching tool. A well meaning lady once told me my dress had too much neck showing at the back. Rather than take offence, I told myself she was right and got rid of the dress. In today's world the dress would have been modest compared to some I view lately even in church. I loved your story about the fly trap. What a nice thing your children did for you. Thanks for sharing at Tell me a Story.

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    1. Offense can be a teaching tool for the mature one who can get past their pride of being exposed. Your dress is a great example; the enemy didn't trap you! A very good word for us, Hazel.

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  10. That's a great analogy. The trap that we can't see is exactly like that deadly plant trap. Thanks for the beauty tip! I can use all the help I can get.

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    1. Floyd, when I saw how this plant opens its jaws quickly to trap, I couldn’t help but think of our spiritual enemy and my post was born. How do you get inspired to write?

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  11. Love this. Sadly so many people are becoming offended lately by everything! It is hard to stay out of the trap and not be offended when you offend someone! lol thank you for your words of wisdom. I also love your horse photo!

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    1. I agree with you; way too many trapped in offense and causing offense. The church as some work to do. It is very hard to submit! I appreciate your thoughts!

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  12. Oh my friend....you have no clue at what this post means to me this morning as I read it.How I wish I could go into details on this post but for the sake of not giving the enemy nothing else (in this area) to feed upon I will remain silent. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing! Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. I'm so glad this message fed your spirit the way it did, Cindy. You minister beautifully to me with your shares, too. So glad you're in my life.

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  13. I'm like..."whoa!" when I clicked on your post! Those penetrating eyes from that beautiful horse...but in a good way... It's like warning me to "truly digest from what I'd read from your heart..."

    I knew I was mesmerized when I first saw those plants one time I was in line at Walmart...I love the way you led it into those spiritual traps that are always harmful for our spirits! So easy to fall into those traps especially when thrown subtly in front of us. May I be reminded always of His love....love that covers all offenses...It's hard...but only by His grace....Hugs to you this morning precious sister and thank you for reminding me how easily I can destroy my beauty and my day if I succumb to such an ugly plan! I'd rather be beautiful especially on the inside :)

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    1. You make a good point, Rosel, about the subtle ways of the enemy's trap. I know you are sincere about your faith and take the words of Jesus very seriously. I learn so much from the way He speaks to your beautiful soul.

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  14. As usual, you shared and spread around. BTW, my dementia is increasing and my body is struggling more each day... on our earth... and I can't read or write nearly as well. You are a blessing for me and many, so I appreciate how well you're doing. Thank you. Bless you!!

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    1. I am so sorry to read about your struggles, Joanne. You are in my prayers, dear one. I totally understand if you find it just too hard to post on some days.

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  15. Something about the Venus Fly Trap is extremely creepy. I never knew how they worked, so this is very enlightening.

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    1. I read the plant imparts a nectar that attracts the insect and gets it aligned just right to trap it and devour it just like the enemy of our souls. I appreciate your visit and comment!

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  16. Hello Mary, I certainly don't want to go around trapped in offenses. Neither do I want to be a bitter and friendless woman.
    God Bless Mary and thanks

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  17. It shows up on the face right away! Woe. Woah. Indeed.

    A good message. Thank you.

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