My reason for blogging was brought about by a change in circumstances relating to health and finances. I was seventy-nine and I had worked for years in ministry to older people or to children. I do not believe one retires from the Lord’s work. What to do when I can no longer walk across parking lots and down nursing home halls? What to do when I can no longer pick up a child? What to do with no income to support my taking someone to dinner, or providing transportation to hospital? What to do?
These scripture phrases were important to me: “What’s that in your hand?” “She has done what she could” “Whatever your hand finds to do?” So. what could I do?
The associate pastor with whom I had worked for several years often urged us older folks to begin a blogging ministry. I decided to give it a try. So my venture into WordPress began.
First off I had to have a name. Oneta Hayes was not sufficient. I knew I wanted a name that gave me a wide range of subjects and I wanted them all to be something I could offer to God to give him pleasure as he gives me and my readers pleasure. I guess at that point he directed me to “Our lives are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God…2 Corinthians 2:15.” A Christ-like fragrance! That is what I want, so began “sweetaroma.”
Some might inquire about how I can also get on a rant, write humor, make up stories, accept challenges of all sorts as a sweet fragrance to God. Well, I even tell God funny jokes sometimes! Jesus was Master Teacher as he used common objects to teach a moral lesson. Most of my blogs have a moral lesson of some kind – even if it is a lesson like “that was a dumb thing to do.” I value the time my readers give to me, so I try to hit with a punch and get out fast, hopefully leaving you with a pay off for your time with me.
So I’ll use this post to check myself. Can I offer it to God? Will He like it? Is it short and worth my readers time? Did I teach any kind of lesson? My answers are (hopefully) Yes, Yes, and I think so. My lesson is: God has a reason for you being on earth. His reason does not end until he takes you home. Everyone must be willing to let go of past achievements and try out new glories. Yes, he moves us from glory to glory.
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Written for a challenge by VJ
https://onewomansquest.org/2019/03/04/v-j-s-weekly-challenge-38-whats-in-a-name/
Thank you for this, Oneta. “Sweet aroma” is an apt name for your vision. Isn’t it wonderful that when our bodies failed us, we still had a forum for connecting.
Yes, it is. I feel like I would be so bored if I had no opportunity to meet people, receive from their talents, and give back in return. Thank you.
Agreed and you are welcome.
“can I offer it to God?”
That is it, in a nutshell, is it not?
I always give thanks for your guidance Oneta…thank you
Yes. A good test of what we do? Can I offer myself to him? With all my faults I can, if I have done my best with my faults and trust him to prune me – even when it hurts.
My mother is 78 years old and doesn’t even know how to turn on a computer. Literally. So amazing that you just decided to start blogging at 79 years old. I’m going to tell her about you!! Bless you, Oneta. 🙂
By the way, your blog is such a blessing to me. Your ministry goes on!
A principal once asked me how I was with a computer. I told him I could recognize one. 😀
But I did start to use a computer quite a bit when I worked on my Doctor of Min. degree – online research and Word. Then I learned about and used Publisher on my last paid job. so I knew some about computers as long as they behaved as I expected them to. So I did have “something” in my hand. Blogging I knew nothing about.
Well, I’m glad you decided to start blogging. 🙂
How can I not think life is wonderful with friends like you. See what I would miss without blogging. Thanks.
Aww.. thank you. ❤️
Great piece Oneta. I love to learn the history about you blogging and how you continue God’s ministry throughout your life and in the blogging community. It’s wondetful that you Feel purpose and are driven to share the gospel. My own Grandma, a pastors wife for many years, is almost 90 in a seniors residence for Alzheimer’s. She’s stable and confuses things, loses her train of thought, before picking it up again. But, she is always clear on her message about Jesus and witnessing. So, when I read this post it made me think I’d get too. That even I her sickness & often inability to find the right words or a train of thought, God is still using her.
Thanks for sharing 🤗.
It is sad to say but sometimes healthy people can only learn by seeing the struggles of suffering people. One might say that’s not fair for people to suffer just to help others in their spiritual walk (like the things you do because of your G’s suffering). I agree it is not fair, but is what Jesus did for us. My goodness, the things I learn when I see a child who is disabled but has a smile a mile wide, or a man who house has just been torn apart by a tornado, but he still says he is so thankful that his wife wasn’t killed and they can begin again. Such gallant people (sufferers) in the world. Most trouble makers it seems to me would be better off with a whopping dose of scrounging for their food for a few days. I learned much about being bold and gracious in the clutches of death by watching my mother die. Thanks for the comment, Mandibelle.
You’re welcome.
It is a special name and I liked it since the first time I came across your blog Oneta😊
What a beautiful post, indeed, our mission on earth is to obey God in all his commands and submit to Him and that is real and eternal love❤
Wise and encouraging words, Nassima. Thank you.
I’d say you nail it on all points.
Thank you, Sweet Roo.
You have a wonderful ministry, Oneta. ❤
I know I have some wonderful friends I would never have known without a “reach into space.” You are one such friend. Thank you.
Thank you for this inspiring post, Oneta. I needed to read this.
You write some lovely things that bless me. Thanks.
I’d say the name you chose is just right: fitting and proper, as the saying goes. And you do have wonderful stories to tell, both about your life and the lives of others. Obviously, it’s never too late to begin a new venture!
Thank you, Linda. ‘Bout time for you up again. Tomorrow, right? I just telling you folks over and over, life is good – even after eighty. Thank you, dear Linda. I bet you are much like my Linda I wrote about yesterday. A generous giver and helper blessing those who know you.
I would definitely say yes. Just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed your blog and getting to know you and letting you get to know us over this time. Thank you dear friend and God Bless you as you continue to write the words put upon your heart.
Wow, what a surprise to receive this comment from you. I do almost feel like a part of your family struggles and victories. My heart hurts when I know you are alone and hurting. I’m amazed at the progress you have made in you poetry writing. Thanks, Soldier.
Thank you so much Oneta, yes Michelle and I have been through our struggles and friends like you have helped a lot during those times. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Blessings to you. 😀
Thank you for posting this! It was wonderful to learn more about you and the goals for your blog. Thanks for doing what you do, too!
Thanks, I enjoy your articles very much. Sometimes “laugh out loud” even; that’s not easy to make me do. I smile easily, however, so here’s smiling at you. 😀
I always enjoy visiting and seeing what you have written lately. Every ministry does not need to have the Lord’s name plastered all over it or need to quote Bible verses in every paragraph. Your humor and creativity is a wonderful blessing–thank you for sharing it. J.
Oh, thank you. I love that you sometimes come to see – “what you have written lately.” To be checked out because of curiosity pleases me! I learn when I come to your place – that pleases me. Let’s keep it up. 😀
The Pen has always and is still MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD. To all people irrespective of age or physical abilities the power of your pen can be an influence your whole life long. Ensure that what you write is ‘Higher’ than the level of the societal attitudes of your day and you will be wielding a mighty sword. Blessings and Grace!
Thank you, Faye, for the encouraging words.
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Thank you.
This blesses me so very much. You have such a beautiful, joyful heart, my dear sister. I love you! Your writing is shining a beautiful light in this world 😊