Start by doing what's necessary, then what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
Francis of Assissi
More to come soon......
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 26, 2010
Impossible
The only way of finding the limits of the possible is by going beyond them into the impossible.
Arthur C. Clarke
Today's questions: Does truth exist apart from Christianity - meaning do we own the market on truth? Is there really such a thing as the secular world? Don't we all have areas of our life we try to keep God from? When it comes to the worlds assumptions and views of life somehow our faith still comes into play. We may temporarily adopt views of the world that are not Biblical. We often know when something doesn't seem right, we just don't have the answer as to what it could be. Somehow our faith is still there - working it out - trying to wrestle with it. Sometimes we try to ignore the answer when we realize it probably isn't what we want to hear. But God says we all have the truth made known to us.
All of us humans were created in His image. In some way we reflect a part of Him. So no, we don't have to be a Christian to be able to recognize and speak truth, even if we don't recognize it as HIS truth. Think about this quote above. Arthur Clarke is famous for his sci fi stories. Most sci fi writers aren't known for great faith. Wikipedia attributes his view on religion (ANY religion) as not favorable.
Yet his quote is true (mostly - not sure if I would say only). We push our bodies and minds to the limits - and once we achieve them we realize what we thought was impossible was not. Technology and other modern inventions, scientific breakthroughs, human feats of extreme endurance...all these things happen because someone somewhere thought something was impossible and decided to try anyways. We know from countless stories from others - and some of our own lives too - that even failure doesn't mean something is impossible. Failure turns to triumph through perseverance.
Matthew 19:24-26
| And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. |
| When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? |
| But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. |
Truth can come from unlikely places. God designed us to show it to each other. We need to take the time to evaluate what we see and hear so we can recognize the truth. And when we see truth we should take it to heart and rejoice in it. God gave us a desire to continually grow and learn and have truth revealed to us in new ways. One of those ways is by attempting the impossible and overcoming it. We should be careful to realize that He is the one who gave us those desires and grants us the successes or not. Though we are able to learn and attempt new things, they do not come ultimately from us.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Break....
Taking a break for a couple days. Just need some time to pray about specific situations instead of spending time blogging about quotes. Back soon.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Power
What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote is a classic reminder to the Christian that GOD is the one who accomplishes all things. It is somewhat a mystery. God loves us despite us being selfish, unworthy people. God saves us so we will be with Him forever. While we wait for that day, God brings us through life in such a way that we are constantly making choices for or against Him. Those choices affect our day to day life.
The past does have influence over us - power to hurt and power to keep us locked up in prisons...but not really. We get stuck there because we overlook the truth. We don't see or believe or focus on the fact that WE choose to dwell on things that have hurt. There is a FINE line between dealing with pain from past events without unhealthily (is that a word?) crossing over into nursing grudges, pity parties and other unforgiving behavior. Getting stuck in WHY did this happen only prolongs the pain and makes it grow
The future also has influence over us - yet in theory if anything was going to have power over us the future should have much less power then the past. These are things that haven't happened yet. (So why are we worrying about it?) One of my closest non-Christian friends in college stated it this way - It all comes to a lack of trust that whatever is out there providing good things for us will run out of good things to provide - or that we will fall out of favor so not deserve those good things anymore. We are a skeptical people! That's just those who've had fairly good experiences in life...Then think of those who have had an overwhelming amount of negative past experiences - to them the future seems bleak and hopeless - filled with doubt that there will ever be positive events and relationships that could heal the wounds, meet needs and provide any amount of security. None of us are immune to doubt or worry. Fear takes hold and grows and changes the way people relate to each other. The ability to easily trust is cast aside because we are so certain the future will be filled with hurt and pain that we can't see how we should respond or are so paralyzed we can't motivate ourselves to accomplish it.
That is where the power within can break through.
If pain and fear were people they would be twins, both apprearing with a towering, muscular physique. They dwarf everything around him. Their strength and power is harmful and frightening. A scowl on their face lets you know there is no mercy to be found.
How do we escape their grasp?
We are called to move forward - keeping our eyes on Jesus - not always looking behind at the events that have transpired or dwelling on uncertain things of the future. Such a perspective seems impossible to do.
Both the past and the future are tiny matters when viewed with the knowledge that God holds all things in his hands. He shaped us lovingly. He keeps death from us as long as he wishes. He provides blessings for us. And when those rough times come He is still there for us and still loves us and continues working in our lives. When we look to Him the giants become smaller. We are better able to relate to each other in positive ways. We can more easily forgive others when they have hurt us. Life is less scary when we don't allow those things to weigh us down. When we feel pain or fear creep up and realize we are looking ahead or behind we need to stop and reorient ourselves to looking up to God. When we ask for His help getting through the rough times His power and strength is able to work through us the things we wouldn't normally be able to do on our own. The knowledge of His power is a comforting thing.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This quote is a classic reminder to the Christian that GOD is the one who accomplishes all things. It is somewhat a mystery. God loves us despite us being selfish, unworthy people. God saves us so we will be with Him forever. While we wait for that day, God brings us through life in such a way that we are constantly making choices for or against Him. Those choices affect our day to day life.
The past does have influence over us - power to hurt and power to keep us locked up in prisons...but not really. We get stuck there because we overlook the truth. We don't see or believe or focus on the fact that WE choose to dwell on things that have hurt. There is a FINE line between dealing with pain from past events without unhealthily (is that a word?) crossing over into nursing grudges, pity parties and other unforgiving behavior. Getting stuck in WHY did this happen only prolongs the pain and makes it grow
The future also has influence over us - yet in theory if anything was going to have power over us the future should have much less power then the past. These are things that haven't happened yet. (So why are we worrying about it?) One of my closest non-Christian friends in college stated it this way - It all comes to a lack of trust that whatever is out there providing good things for us will run out of good things to provide - or that we will fall out of favor so not deserve those good things anymore. We are a skeptical people! That's just those who've had fairly good experiences in life...Then think of those who have had an overwhelming amount of negative past experiences - to them the future seems bleak and hopeless - filled with doubt that there will ever be positive events and relationships that could heal the wounds, meet needs and provide any amount of security. None of us are immune to doubt or worry. Fear takes hold and grows and changes the way people relate to each other. The ability to easily trust is cast aside because we are so certain the future will be filled with hurt and pain that we can't see how we should respond or are so paralyzed we can't motivate ourselves to accomplish it.
That is where the power within can break through.
If pain and fear were people they would be twins, both apprearing with a towering, muscular physique. They dwarf everything around him. Their strength and power is harmful and frightening. A scowl on their face lets you know there is no mercy to be found.
How do we escape their grasp?
We are called to move forward - keeping our eyes on Jesus - not always looking behind at the events that have transpired or dwelling on uncertain things of the future. Such a perspective seems impossible to do.
Both the past and the future are tiny matters when viewed with the knowledge that God holds all things in his hands. He shaped us lovingly. He keeps death from us as long as he wishes. He provides blessings for us. And when those rough times come He is still there for us and still loves us and continues working in our lives. When we look to Him the giants become smaller. We are better able to relate to each other in positive ways. We can more easily forgive others when they have hurt us. Life is less scary when we don't allow those things to weigh us down. When we feel pain or fear creep up and realize we are looking ahead or behind we need to stop and reorient ourselves to looking up to God. When we ask for His help getting through the rough times His power and strength is able to work through us the things we wouldn't normally be able to do on our own. The knowledge of His power is a comforting thing.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Influences
Life is full of people who will make you laugh, cry, smile until your face hurts, and so happy that you think you'll burst. But the ones who leave their footprints on your soul are the ones who keep your life going.
Natalie Bernot
Google only came up with pages and pages of quotes by this lady with no mention of information about her...the other references were to a high school athlete. So no background here to help me understand this lady's life. But with this quote the context probably doesn't matte all that much....
This quote really strikes me. It sends me back down memory lane - thinking of those times in my life when I'm genuinely laughed or smiled until my face hurt (those times are few and far between - usually just faint glimmers of hope in a sea of pain and difficulty. There is an exception of a couple ladies who have had this gift of being able to always relate to me in the way I needed at any given moment. It was truly amazing to experience that and I hope I will again in the future.)
I can definitely recall countless people who've brought tears to my eyes and times when I've thought those tears would never stop and I'd drown in them.
There have been those hopeful moments like graduation, marriage and my children's birth when I could literally feel my heart swell with joy.
I am sure we all could look back and see the peaks and valleys, highs and lows, triumphs and struggles. Our experiences are filled with love and hate, joy and loss, trust and fear. Those struggles are affected by the people in our lives, both uplifting influences and detrimental at times. People come and go in our lives like actors on a stage. We see them for a time and then they are gone. Sometimes they reappear, sometimes they are lost forever. Moving around from place to place - changes for various reasons. It is sad to see some strong friendships fade due to time and distance - even more so if sad circumstances pull friends apart. Regardless of the reason, letting go of something special is hard to do when it's meant so much to us. We want to hold on and cling to not just the memories, but the people.
Because we know to the core of our soul that we need companionship. We need love and hope and acceptance. We need those kind words when the walls are caving in and we are struggling to breathe. We need to know when we mess up we are still loved and not alone.
I have been blessed to have known a few people in my life who have left their footprints on me. One unlikely person taught me at a young age that anyone can be that person in your life. A couple others have reinforced many of the things that man taught me. In my life, the ones who left a mark where the ones that not only said but acted in a way to dispel any doubt that I am ok just the way I am...there is nothing that could make them not love me. They supported me with kindness and gentleness when I was afraid. They sometimes firmly but tenderly pushed a little when I needed it...all while still communicating unconditional love and confident patience that in times of conflict I would eventually reach that better place we hoped for. Those are the ones that didn't just make me feel like I was a better person, they made me BE a better person. In the moments when doubt was seeking total control, fear was overwhelming and pain was closer than my shadow, they communicated the very heart of God Himself to me and helped give me more courage, strength and will to fight.
We could surely make a difference in many lives dealing with all the pain going on in the world if we committed ourselves to do the hard and unselfish things - even when it hurts us. A willingness to die to self out of love for another who's struggling, hurting, crying out is the heart of what God did for us - the heart of what He wants us to do for others. We come in contact with many hurting people each day. May we all open our eyes to those around us and put aside our desires to be the one in their lives to leave a footprint on their soul.
Natalie Bernot
Google only came up with pages and pages of quotes by this lady with no mention of information about her...the other references were to a high school athlete. So no background here to help me understand this lady's life. But with this quote the context probably doesn't matte all that much....
This quote really strikes me. It sends me back down memory lane - thinking of those times in my life when I'm genuinely laughed or smiled until my face hurt (those times are few and far between - usually just faint glimmers of hope in a sea of pain and difficulty. There is an exception of a couple ladies who have had this gift of being able to always relate to me in the way I needed at any given moment. It was truly amazing to experience that and I hope I will again in the future.)
I can definitely recall countless people who've brought tears to my eyes and times when I've thought those tears would never stop and I'd drown in them.
There have been those hopeful moments like graduation, marriage and my children's birth when I could literally feel my heart swell with joy.
I am sure we all could look back and see the peaks and valleys, highs and lows, triumphs and struggles. Our experiences are filled with love and hate, joy and loss, trust and fear. Those struggles are affected by the people in our lives, both uplifting influences and detrimental at times. People come and go in our lives like actors on a stage. We see them for a time and then they are gone. Sometimes they reappear, sometimes they are lost forever. Moving around from place to place - changes for various reasons. It is sad to see some strong friendships fade due to time and distance - even more so if sad circumstances pull friends apart. Regardless of the reason, letting go of something special is hard to do when it's meant so much to us. We want to hold on and cling to not just the memories, but the people.
Because we know to the core of our soul that we need companionship. We need love and hope and acceptance. We need those kind words when the walls are caving in and we are struggling to breathe. We need to know when we mess up we are still loved and not alone.
I have been blessed to have known a few people in my life who have left their footprints on me. One unlikely person taught me at a young age that anyone can be that person in your life. A couple others have reinforced many of the things that man taught me. In my life, the ones who left a mark where the ones that not only said but acted in a way to dispel any doubt that I am ok just the way I am...there is nothing that could make them not love me. They supported me with kindness and gentleness when I was afraid. They sometimes firmly but tenderly pushed a little when I needed it...all while still communicating unconditional love and confident patience that in times of conflict I would eventually reach that better place we hoped for. Those are the ones that didn't just make me feel like I was a better person, they made me BE a better person. In the moments when doubt was seeking total control, fear was overwhelming and pain was closer than my shadow, they communicated the very heart of God Himself to me and helped give me more courage, strength and will to fight.
We could surely make a difference in many lives dealing with all the pain going on in the world if we committed ourselves to do the hard and unselfish things - even when it hurts us. A willingness to die to self out of love for another who's struggling, hurting, crying out is the heart of what God did for us - the heart of what He wants us to do for others. We come in contact with many hurting people each day. May we all open our eyes to those around us and put aside our desires to be the one in their lives to leave a footprint on their soul.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Freedom
When we move as God's hand guides us, safely under His wings, we will soar to new places and heights.
Sheryl Lynn Hill
(I discovered she is an author of a book celebrating the relationship between a mother and daughter and is currently working on another book.)
How else can it be stated but that trusting in God is an exercise of faith. There are countless times and ways God blesses His people. Is it dependent on our actions and trust in Him? Nope. In some ways that is a comfort - we don't have to DO things to earn blessings from Him...Yet it can also be a source of frustration - at times we may wonder if He REALLY loves us then why did the thing we most not want to happen still occur? Life is a journey - a roller coaster of ups and downs. We can't figure out the mind of God - why He decides to provide what we desire OR why He decides not to.
I'm sure I'm not alone in having times when I think I know what He wants from me but I don't understand WHY. Is it true that if we follow His guidance we are safe? Exactly what type of safety?
The quick answer to this is in some way when we follow God we are safe from discipline and from some types of pain. But not in all ways across the board. We live in a world of sin and are affected by others actions, not just our own. We may do everything right in a situation but due to others can be deeply wounded...and sometimes even be in a position of insecurity. Yet as God's children we do have a promise of future safety. Jesus lived a perfect life out of love and obedience to the Father. He endured great pain, shame (in the eyes of others) and felt the separation / alienation of the most important relationship to Him. His safety was taken away from HIM - so that WE can be forgiven our sins, be restored to companionship and grasp assurance of eternal safety. Do we always feel safe? Nope...Does it change the fact that God is powerful and as I said before holds onto us even when we can't hold onto Him? Nope. Nothing gets in His way!
So......How do we view the minor things / the major things that happen each day? The strong feelings they stir in us?
Yes, there is a real sense in when we are truly trusting in God - that those minor and major events don't harm us as much. There is a protection around us. Like the Psalmist says - Thou O Lord are a shield about me, you're my glory, the lifter of my head.
HE gets us through the rough days. He gives us courage and strength to keep going. Knowing that God loves us enough to move us beyond our fears, pain and confusion does show us new discoveries about ourselves, about others, about Him...We do reach new heights and places.
Sheryl's reference to wings and soaring in the quote reminds me of the Bible passage in Isaiah (Ch 40:30-31) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We all have times we are discouraged, tired, even about to give up. God presence is a comfort in those times. We wait for Him to guide us. We speak when we need to, be silent when we need to, stop or move when we need to. Is it always going to happen that we feel safe or know what we should do? No - sometimes there is so much in the way it's hard to discern truth. Is it still there? Yes. Eventually if we keep looking and waiting - We'll find it. Waiting is hard - but the blessings that come from it teach us, grow us and indeed give us strength. Imagine such a trust and faith and hope that all trouble seem to fade away - they become so light that you can fly and leave them behind! It is a beautiful picture of freedom....one that we only know in part here, but one day will know the full effect of what we've been granted. It's almost exciting enough to make it hard to wait :) - I BET it will be worth it!
(Back later to edit)
Sheryl Lynn Hill
(I discovered she is an author of a book celebrating the relationship between a mother and daughter and is currently working on another book.)
How else can it be stated but that trusting in God is an exercise of faith. There are countless times and ways God blesses His people. Is it dependent on our actions and trust in Him? Nope. In some ways that is a comfort - we don't have to DO things to earn blessings from Him...Yet it can also be a source of frustration - at times we may wonder if He REALLY loves us then why did the thing we most not want to happen still occur? Life is a journey - a roller coaster of ups and downs. We can't figure out the mind of God - why He decides to provide what we desire OR why He decides not to.
I'm sure I'm not alone in having times when I think I know what He wants from me but I don't understand WHY. Is it true that if we follow His guidance we are safe? Exactly what type of safety?
The quick answer to this is in some way when we follow God we are safe from discipline and from some types of pain. But not in all ways across the board. We live in a world of sin and are affected by others actions, not just our own. We may do everything right in a situation but due to others can be deeply wounded...and sometimes even be in a position of insecurity. Yet as God's children we do have a promise of future safety. Jesus lived a perfect life out of love and obedience to the Father. He endured great pain, shame (in the eyes of others) and felt the separation / alienation of the most important relationship to Him. His safety was taken away from HIM - so that WE can be forgiven our sins, be restored to companionship and grasp assurance of eternal safety. Do we always feel safe? Nope...Does it change the fact that God is powerful and as I said before holds onto us even when we can't hold onto Him? Nope. Nothing gets in His way!
So......How do we view the minor things / the major things that happen each day? The strong feelings they stir in us?
Yes, there is a real sense in when we are truly trusting in God - that those minor and major events don't harm us as much. There is a protection around us. Like the Psalmist says - Thou O Lord are a shield about me, you're my glory, the lifter of my head.
HE gets us through the rough days. He gives us courage and strength to keep going. Knowing that God loves us enough to move us beyond our fears, pain and confusion does show us new discoveries about ourselves, about others, about Him...We do reach new heights and places.
Sheryl's reference to wings and soaring in the quote reminds me of the Bible passage in Isaiah (Ch 40:30-31) Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
We all have times we are discouraged, tired, even about to give up. God presence is a comfort in those times. We wait for Him to guide us. We speak when we need to, be silent when we need to, stop or move when we need to. Is it always going to happen that we feel safe or know what we should do? No - sometimes there is so much in the way it's hard to discern truth. Is it still there? Yes. Eventually if we keep looking and waiting - We'll find it. Waiting is hard - but the blessings that come from it teach us, grow us and indeed give us strength. Imagine such a trust and faith and hope that all trouble seem to fade away - they become so light that you can fly and leave them behind! It is a beautiful picture of freedom....one that we only know in part here, but one day will know the full effect of what we've been granted. It's almost exciting enough to make it hard to wait :) - I BET it will be worth it!
(Back later to edit)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Simplicity is Rarely Achievable
While our hearts are pure, our lives are happy and our peace is sure.
William Winter
I'm totally drawing a blank on thoughts for this one. I googled this guy and don't know who he is - he could be a 16th century naval officer, 20th century writer or currently living lawyer or football player.
So in trying to guess the intent of his thoughts he seems to be saying that if we are without sin we will be happy and peaceful. Maybe I'm currently too pessimistic but that doesn't seem possible for more then a few minutes to hours (to be pure - not the happy peaceful part). Seriously, I can't get through one day without sinning in thought word or deed. I assume I'm not the only one.
Can we be happy and peaceful when we aren't pure? Well, that's an interesting spiritual struggle. God has saved us from our sins so I think it is possible to be relieved that we won't have eternal consequences for our bad decisions and to experience some level of peace and even happiness. Yet as His children we should also be discontent to continue in inappropriate behavior, so we should still feel dissatisfaction with our sin when we know we aren't pure of heart.
What about when our hearts are pure in a circumstance and others have been the ones to hurt us - can we still be happy and peaceful? (Thinking of Job in the Bible and other experiences friends and I have been through) I think it IS possible, though it's very hard. It takes a lot of work to maintain an attitude of peace and happiness during difficulties. When others let us down or treat us in ways we believe God doesn't want us to be treated there is a tension between how to view the events and how to respond (whether to be silent or not).
So in general I'm not too fond of this guys quote. We should be striving to have a pure heart. We should be asking God to give us peace and happiness but it isn't as simple as this guy makes it out to be...and it sorta seems like trying to work ourselves to the security that only God grants - and that security doesn't depend on whether we are pure or not. If that was the case none of us would EVER know happiness or peace. Anyone else have thoughts on this quote?
William Winter
I'm totally drawing a blank on thoughts for this one. I googled this guy and don't know who he is - he could be a 16th century naval officer, 20th century writer or currently living lawyer or football player.
So in trying to guess the intent of his thoughts he seems to be saying that if we are without sin we will be happy and peaceful. Maybe I'm currently too pessimistic but that doesn't seem possible for more then a few minutes to hours (to be pure - not the happy peaceful part). Seriously, I can't get through one day without sinning in thought word or deed. I assume I'm not the only one.
Can we be happy and peaceful when we aren't pure? Well, that's an interesting spiritual struggle. God has saved us from our sins so I think it is possible to be relieved that we won't have eternal consequences for our bad decisions and to experience some level of peace and even happiness. Yet as His children we should also be discontent to continue in inappropriate behavior, so we should still feel dissatisfaction with our sin when we know we aren't pure of heart.
What about when our hearts are pure in a circumstance and others have been the ones to hurt us - can we still be happy and peaceful? (Thinking of Job in the Bible and other experiences friends and I have been through) I think it IS possible, though it's very hard. It takes a lot of work to maintain an attitude of peace and happiness during difficulties. When others let us down or treat us in ways we believe God doesn't want us to be treated there is a tension between how to view the events and how to respond (whether to be silent or not).
So in general I'm not too fond of this guys quote. We should be striving to have a pure heart. We should be asking God to give us peace and happiness but it isn't as simple as this guy makes it out to be...and it sorta seems like trying to work ourselves to the security that only God grants - and that security doesn't depend on whether we are pure or not. If that was the case none of us would EVER know happiness or peace. Anyone else have thoughts on this quote?
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Calm me, O Lord, as You stilled the storm.
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord in Your peace. Celtic Traditional
Wow - this is a timely quote! I am sure not just for me either. I know not many people are reading my posts - but if there were I bet we could list all the struggles everyone goes through at some time in their life and may be going through right now! (relationship issues with extended family, spouses, friends, co-workers, kids; finance issues like jobs, debt, medical bills; kid issues like their health, schooling, spiritual life; health issues we face or close family of friends; tensions in community groups like sport clubs, homeschool / PTA groups, churches, neighborhood watch and the list could go on. That doesn't even include each individiuals personal struggles with faith, sin and how to just get through monotonous days/ emotional days, etc.)
So many things cause stress, upset emotions and worries or fears. We are ALL tempted to look to those people and things that mean a lot to us to be a comfort and a rock in hard times. My favorite example of a strong, dependable one - and yet still gentle - is Samwise Gamgee in the LOTR trilogy. But in real life no one is so noble. Everyone lets us down. And it HURTS. It can take a wonderful day and ruin it. It can take a bad day and make it unbearable. Everything gets all jumbled up when we don't understand others actions. God created us to be relational. Because of sin ALL our relationships with others will be difficult and painful at times. The wounds from those encounters can run deep and shake us to the core at times. Yet while those relationships are fractured, our relationship with God was perfectly restored through Jesus. He IS always there and dependable with an unrelenting love - that completely touches our hearts where it needs to be.
How I wish I could crawl up on God's lap right now and cry while He holds me. How I've longed for a safe place during my life. Even when we don't feel it, when we can't see through our tears to cling to God - He is clinging to us. His power can calm us, protect us and reach through the hurt, the fears, the worries and bring us peace that somehow, someway, it will be ok. And one day - a day of indescribable joy - we'll meet Him
And the pain we've endured will fade away. We'll know peace and comfort and love for eternity! I can't even imagine what it will be like when our limited understanding of the peace of God turns into a greater knowledge and experience of His peace. It almost is enough to make one completely forget the current trials pressing in on all sides! Maybe it's time to go sit and think a little more about the joy that awaits ME in the future!
Still me, O Lord, keep me from harm.
Let all the tumult within me cease.
Enfold me, Lord in Your peace. Celtic Traditional
Wow - this is a timely quote! I am sure not just for me either. I know not many people are reading my posts - but if there were I bet we could list all the struggles everyone goes through at some time in their life and may be going through right now! (relationship issues with extended family, spouses, friends, co-workers, kids; finance issues like jobs, debt, medical bills; kid issues like their health, schooling, spiritual life; health issues we face or close family of friends; tensions in community groups like sport clubs, homeschool / PTA groups, churches, neighborhood watch and the list could go on. That doesn't even include each individiuals personal struggles with faith, sin and how to just get through monotonous days/ emotional days, etc.)
So many things cause stress, upset emotions and worries or fears. We are ALL tempted to look to those people and things that mean a lot to us to be a comfort and a rock in hard times. My favorite example of a strong, dependable one - and yet still gentle - is Samwise Gamgee in the LOTR trilogy. But in real life no one is so noble. Everyone lets us down. And it HURTS. It can take a wonderful day and ruin it. It can take a bad day and make it unbearable. Everything gets all jumbled up when we don't understand others actions. God created us to be relational. Because of sin ALL our relationships with others will be difficult and painful at times. The wounds from those encounters can run deep and shake us to the core at times. Yet while those relationships are fractured, our relationship with God was perfectly restored through Jesus. He IS always there and dependable with an unrelenting love - that completely touches our hearts where it needs to be.
How I wish I could crawl up on God's lap right now and cry while He holds me. How I've longed for a safe place during my life. Even when we don't feel it, when we can't see through our tears to cling to God - He is clinging to us. His power can calm us, protect us and reach through the hurt, the fears, the worries and bring us peace that somehow, someway, it will be ok. And one day - a day of indescribable joy - we'll meet Him
And the pain we've endured will fade away. We'll know peace and comfort and love for eternity! I can't even imagine what it will be like when our limited understanding of the peace of God turns into a greater knowledge and experience of His peace. It almost is enough to make one completely forget the current trials pressing in on all sides! Maybe it's time to go sit and think a little more about the joy that awaits ME in the future!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Happy Trails (and sometimes not so happy)
Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.
Ralph Waldo Emerson...
This quote brings several thoughts to my mind immediately:
1 - trail - trial - same letters - different order
2 - The Bible verse mentioning broad is the way that leads to destruction - enter the narrow gate...
3 - The danger of doing your own thing without guidance in being prepared....
I'll try to tackle these in this post unless it gets too long. I won't be able to write this in my journal because I took the page to write the 2 prayers on that page I listed in the first 2 posts.
1. I heard it pointed out somewhere before that trail and trial have the same letters just in a different order. In viewing any trial we may go through as a trail to something different it can help encourage us to keep a different perspective / mindset in order...instead of only focusing on the present difficulties we will be considering the potential results. This could help us weigh more carefully how our actions, thoughts and attitudes behind them can influence the outcome.
2 - Matthew 7:13-14 says that broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to life and few are those that find it. It is important to not just follow the crowd becase most of them will not be pursuing God's design. To be on the narrow does mean to be in a smaller group of people off the main path.
3 - But I was a bit surprised to find this quote in the journal because in Biblical terms I disagree with Mr Emerson - straying off a path is generally not the safest route and can lead to ending up where God doesn't want us to go just as well as staying on the broad way. The Bible states there are 2 courses - the broad way and the narrow way - most likely if you leave the path you will still be on the broad way (just with less people and comforts) and have a more difficult time finding the narrow way . You don't just walk off the path and find the narrow way. You do have to be prepared and be looking for it to enter at the narrow gate. It is protected and maintained and still visible. His encouragement to not blindly follow one direction is appropriate. It is a choice which way to go...and at that point following the narrow way brings blessings and a safety that the other way can't - even when we are going through trials on our trail!
We aren't called to start our own trail - but to look for the one God wants us to follow. The trail has been followed by others before us and will be followed again by people after us. A comforting thing while following a trail going through a land is that we know we aren't alone. The smaller path gives an even more intimate connection to those who are on it and to the one who maintains the trail. We are even forced to go slower, look around and observe everything around us. We become more focused and grounded. This opportunity for a closer community and deeper reflection keeps us understanding what things are important and brings more life to us and those around us.
Maybe I'll have some more thoughts on trails after I go trail running soon. I recently bought some special trail shoes and want to go with a friend to run some local trails. It's supposed to be more intense but calming then traditional running on the road! That's all for now!
Ralph Waldo Emerson...
This quote brings several thoughts to my mind immediately:
1 - trail - trial - same letters - different order
2 - The Bible verse mentioning broad is the way that leads to destruction - enter the narrow gate...
3 - The danger of doing your own thing without guidance in being prepared....
I'll try to tackle these in this post unless it gets too long. I won't be able to write this in my journal because I took the page to write the 2 prayers on that page I listed in the first 2 posts.
1. I heard it pointed out somewhere before that trail and trial have the same letters just in a different order. In viewing any trial we may go through as a trail to something different it can help encourage us to keep a different perspective / mindset in order...instead of only focusing on the present difficulties we will be considering the potential results. This could help us weigh more carefully how our actions, thoughts and attitudes behind them can influence the outcome.
2 - Matthew 7:13-14 says that broad is the way that leads to destruction and narrow is the way that leads to life and few are those that find it. It is important to not just follow the crowd becase most of them will not be pursuing God's design. To be on the narrow does mean to be in a smaller group of people off the main path.
3 - But I was a bit surprised to find this quote in the journal because in Biblical terms I disagree with Mr Emerson - straying off a path is generally not the safest route and can lead to ending up where God doesn't want us to go just as well as staying on the broad way. The Bible states there are 2 courses - the broad way and the narrow way - most likely if you leave the path you will still be on the broad way (just with less people and comforts) and have a more difficult time finding the narrow way . You don't just walk off the path and find the narrow way. You do have to be prepared and be looking for it to enter at the narrow gate. It is protected and maintained and still visible. His encouragement to not blindly follow one direction is appropriate. It is a choice which way to go...and at that point following the narrow way brings blessings and a safety that the other way can't - even when we are going through trials on our trail!
We aren't called to start our own trail - but to look for the one God wants us to follow. The trail has been followed by others before us and will be followed again by people after us. A comforting thing while following a trail going through a land is that we know we aren't alone. The smaller path gives an even more intimate connection to those who are on it and to the one who maintains the trail. We are even forced to go slower, look around and observe everything around us. We become more focused and grounded. This opportunity for a closer community and deeper reflection keeps us understanding what things are important and brings more life to us and those around us.
Maybe I'll have some more thoughts on trails after I go trail running soon. I recently bought some special trail shoes and want to go with a friend to run some local trails. It's supposed to be more intense but calming then traditional running on the road! That's all for now!
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Yesterday's Prayer
(Not just yesterday's prayer - I just wrote it in the journal yesterday. It is a good summary of all the hopes I pray from God when I can find the words and courage to pray them.)
God, heal my hurts - those wounds that go deep. The things that keep me from giving to others, letting them into my life and coming alongside me. Take away those fears that want to control me and keep me in chains. Lift up my soul in joy for the gifts you've blessed me with. Provide the courage I need.
God, heal my hurts - those wounds that go deep. The things that keep me from giving to others, letting them into my life and coming alongside me. Take away those fears that want to control me and keep me in chains. Lift up my soul in joy for the gifts you've blessed me with. Provide the courage I need.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Thoughts on Life - (About This blog)
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart. Helen Keller
---------------------------------
Life at times is challenging -
Difficult even.
Sometimes the good moments aren't enough to bring a desire to push through the bad moments. So what happens at that point? Many people turn to other things they possess to try and be happy (some good, some bad and some depending on what you do with it) or some people turn to other people to make them feel good about themselves. Some people just give up. There have been moments in my life I've been stuck in all those places temporarily. Along most of my journey through life I've turned to my faith in God during difficult times - of which there have been many - and have wrestled with some deep issues.
Yet, sometimes - even my faith doesn't seem to be enough. So I struggle through trying to understand why the trials come, what happened that made me deserve trials and how to get out of them (preferably the quickest way)...BUT God has taught me that sometimes the quickest way isn't the best way out.
(Because my journey isn't about me.)
Many good character traits are developed when the journey drags ON and ON for what seems like forever. Every bad thing in our lives can produce beautiful results if we let them. We aren't isolated individuals that go about our days not affecting others. For one thing that should encourage us to help others along. It should also caution us to be careful how we treat each other. We have a lot of power to harm or heal hurting people.
The journey is about going through life in a messed up world and trusting that God is directing our steps - somehow always knowing how much we can handle - protecting us even when we are doubting His existence, His understanding of our pain and His capability to help us.
This blog is a reminder to me (and maybe you too?) to turn my attention upwards and let His love guide me through, over and around all the obstacles that make life difficult.
In my most recent trial (that has been going on for years) I came to a point of desperation. In January I wrote this prayer to God:
O God, I am a broken, worthless, useless, unloved person. I don't know where to begin. Help me to know and understand and accept (not just accept but embrace) the path you have for me.
I was too overwhelmed to be able to write anything else. I love poetry and often write when I am discouraged. Recently when I sit down to write I can't seem to find words strong enough to encompass the emotions and fears I've been facing.
Yet my thoughts have wondered down a lot of paths...so I bought a journal from a local Christian bookstore and I realized the uplifting quotes and Bible verses written on the pages could be my inspiration. I will write on them. Take the quote at the beginning of this post. It stirred something in me as soon as I read it and I knew out of all the journals it would be leaving the store with me.
Because Helen Keller was blind I understand her quote is deeper then just outward appearances and experiences of things. It is all about the inside - the journey - both the trials and triumphs - and how they touch our hearts.
At this time I don't plan to post any personal struggles involving people I know out there for the whole world to see...My goal here is to write about how the heart views and experiences faith and hope. In reading, reflecting and writing on quotes from famous people and Bible verses maybe I - and some of you out there - may think through difficulties differently...
More hopeful -
resulting in less imprisonment by the pain we know and develop an ability to make the world around us brighter with our influence.
---------------------------------
Life at times is challenging -
Difficult even.
Sometimes the good moments aren't enough to bring a desire to push through the bad moments. So what happens at that point? Many people turn to other things they possess to try and be happy (some good, some bad and some depending on what you do with it) or some people turn to other people to make them feel good about themselves. Some people just give up. There have been moments in my life I've been stuck in all those places temporarily. Along most of my journey through life I've turned to my faith in God during difficult times - of which there have been many - and have wrestled with some deep issues.
Yet, sometimes - even my faith doesn't seem to be enough. So I struggle through trying to understand why the trials come, what happened that made me deserve trials and how to get out of them (preferably the quickest way)...BUT God has taught me that sometimes the quickest way isn't the best way out.
(Because my journey isn't about me.)
Many good character traits are developed when the journey drags ON and ON for what seems like forever. Every bad thing in our lives can produce beautiful results if we let them. We aren't isolated individuals that go about our days not affecting others. For one thing that should encourage us to help others along. It should also caution us to be careful how we treat each other. We have a lot of power to harm or heal hurting people.
The journey is about going through life in a messed up world and trusting that God is directing our steps - somehow always knowing how much we can handle - protecting us even when we are doubting His existence, His understanding of our pain and His capability to help us.
This blog is a reminder to me (and maybe you too?) to turn my attention upwards and let His love guide me through, over and around all the obstacles that make life difficult.
In my most recent trial (that has been going on for years) I came to a point of desperation. In January I wrote this prayer to God:
O God, I am a broken, worthless, useless, unloved person. I don't know where to begin. Help me to know and understand and accept (not just accept but embrace) the path you have for me.
I was too overwhelmed to be able to write anything else. I love poetry and often write when I am discouraged. Recently when I sit down to write I can't seem to find words strong enough to encompass the emotions and fears I've been facing.
Yet my thoughts have wondered down a lot of paths...so I bought a journal from a local Christian bookstore and I realized the uplifting quotes and Bible verses written on the pages could be my inspiration. I will write on them. Take the quote at the beginning of this post. It stirred something in me as soon as I read it and I knew out of all the journals it would be leaving the store with me.
Because Helen Keller was blind I understand her quote is deeper then just outward appearances and experiences of things. It is all about the inside - the journey - both the trials and triumphs - and how they touch our hearts.
At this time I don't plan to post any personal struggles involving people I know out there for the whole world to see...My goal here is to write about how the heart views and experiences faith and hope. In reading, reflecting and writing on quotes from famous people and Bible verses maybe I - and some of you out there - may think through difficulties differently...
More hopeful -
resulting in less imprisonment by the pain we know and develop an ability to make the world around us brighter with our influence.
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