Admittedly, I'm an unabashed anti-noise person. Even as a child I have always intensely disliked noise - I think because it's so jarring. However, simply because you don't like noise does not, ipso facto, make you a silence adherent. In my case it does.
I do enjoy the quiet because of all the things you can hear in it. (And that is not an oxymoron.) Sometimes it's only in the quiet that you can hear all the sounds around you - leaves fluttering, birds chirping, squirrels discussing something or other, dogs carrying on a conversation, etc. It's nature talking. You can even hear some of the man-made sounds - children laughing, people talking.
Question: is silence and quiet the same thing. Could be. Not necessarily. Webster's definitions don't give much further understanding. Quiet, according to Webster is: not noisy, silent, peaceful and relaxing. Silent is: still, noiseless, not active. The subtly of the definitions would reclassify me as a 'quiet' adherent. Not active doesn't catch the nuances that quiet does. Noise, on the other hand, is defined as: din, a loud disagreeable sound. And this is where noise and quiet diverge and where individual definition prevails.
One's preferences on this scale does dictate actions as well, at least those choices you have control over. And you have those muffling opportunities - perhaps a baroque composition playing in the background that masks the noise that is attempting to seep into your space. It's interesting that we have the phrase... peace and quiet. We equate peace with quiet thus something to be cultivated and prized. However, there are many people who seem to need what I would consider noise. But to them the 'sounds' may be 'music to their ears'.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Monday, July 25, 2011
Multiple Persona's?
Do you believe in the multiple persona approach? Another way of asking this question is: do you have a work face, a home face, a friend face, a play face, etc.? To be honest, I've never seen the need for or relevance of this approach though I know many people do. However, I don't know or understand the 'why' of having multiple persona's. Doesn't it get dreadfully confusing as to who you're suppose to be? And I am not talking about being one-dimensional - you aren't but you can be a unified whole.
I may be multi-faceted and I may be a walking conundrum and/or an oxymoron of the highest degree but essentially - what you see... is, regardless of the setting. I may not be a 'pun' as much as I am puzzling, sometimes even to myself. (Pun and puzzle are two of the definitions of conundrum.) I don't remember consciously trying to be consistent but that is an admirable accomplishment. But if you follow the multiple persona's approach, you must have a reason to do this... yes? But how can you possibly be consistent?
So what's the purpose, the benefit for this 'behavior'? Compartmentalizing? And the purpose for this is...? To me it smacks of a juggling act where you are trying to keep those relevant parts of you working together but related to only one aspect of who you are and what you are involved with - but what do you do with all the rest? I always return to the 'why' of the questions. Since it would be my contention that you are a multi-faceted composition, why try to keep them separate?
To me it would seem that the depth and breadth of who you are is refined, enhanced when there is an integration of all of you. You are far more than simply the sum of your parts and when you attempt to keep the different 'parts' separate you aren't allowing for the full expression. Each brings something unique to every decision, every interaction.
I may be multi-faceted and I may be a walking conundrum and/or an oxymoron of the highest degree but essentially - what you see... is, regardless of the setting. I may not be a 'pun' as much as I am puzzling, sometimes even to myself. (Pun and puzzle are two of the definitions of conundrum.) I don't remember consciously trying to be consistent but that is an admirable accomplishment. But if you follow the multiple persona's approach, you must have a reason to do this... yes? But how can you possibly be consistent?
So what's the purpose, the benefit for this 'behavior'? Compartmentalizing? And the purpose for this is...? To me it smacks of a juggling act where you are trying to keep those relevant parts of you working together but related to only one aspect of who you are and what you are involved with - but what do you do with all the rest? I always return to the 'why' of the questions. Since it would be my contention that you are a multi-faceted composition, why try to keep them separate?
To me it would seem that the depth and breadth of who you are is refined, enhanced when there is an integration of all of you. You are far more than simply the sum of your parts and when you attempt to keep the different 'parts' separate you aren't allowing for the full expression. Each brings something unique to every decision, every interaction.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Free Will
What do you believe? Do we have free will or not? This debate has raged for eons and when you add the concept of predestination to the mix, there are passionate adherents for both, then we are faced with an apparent contradiction. (Clue: they really aren't necessarily mutually exclusive concepts.) Free will is many things depending on what we do with it, how we handle it. So back to the original question, do we have free will or not? If not then nothing you do has much meaning because you are only tangentially involved. If we do...free will requires a high level of responsibility.
Personally I believe we do have free will. It is a gift. But it is not a license. We can't use our will to control others or dictate what they should believe, how and why. I don't believe you can use your free will to subjugate another's. Free will is meant to allow us to make our decisions - right or wrong, good or bad. The caveat in this is that my decisions inevitably do affect others. Thus a new dilemma.
What's the answer to this conundrum - who takes precedence: me or someone else who may be affected? Paul provides us his response to this situation and it's related to causing another's stumbling. 1 Corinthians 8 talks about when/if your liberty (based in your understanding and knowledge) leads you to cause another to stumble, then your choice(s) needs to be tempered.
I said that if we didn't have free will, nothing has any meaning. But we aren't robots, we aren't puppets. We have the power to make our decisions. But we also have to realize that we also bear the consequences for those decisions - we are responsible. Fortunately, we aren't left alone to our own devices. This means that we can choose to follow a standard or not. We choose what standard to follow. So... the end is, free will is a gift. What we do with it is our gift.
Personally I believe we do have free will. It is a gift. But it is not a license. We can't use our will to control others or dictate what they should believe, how and why. I don't believe you can use your free will to subjugate another's. Free will is meant to allow us to make our decisions - right or wrong, good or bad. The caveat in this is that my decisions inevitably do affect others. Thus a new dilemma.
What's the answer to this conundrum - who takes precedence: me or someone else who may be affected? Paul provides us his response to this situation and it's related to causing another's stumbling. 1 Corinthians 8 talks about when/if your liberty (based in your understanding and knowledge) leads you to cause another to stumble, then your choice(s) needs to be tempered.
I said that if we didn't have free will, nothing has any meaning. But we aren't robots, we aren't puppets. We have the power to make our decisions. But we also have to realize that we also bear the consequences for those decisions - we are responsible. Fortunately, we aren't left alone to our own devices. This means that we can choose to follow a standard or not. We choose what standard to follow. So... the end is, free will is a gift. What we do with it is our gift.
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Dynamic Living
Do you live a dynamic life? A 'Dynamic Life' is defined by what populates your world, and what doesn't. It's not a state that once you've 'arrived' you can simply settle into it. And, not every component needs to be operating at 100%. But, though the components don't need to be in cement, you do need to know what they are and if they change. The point is 'dynamic'... not static.
It's a bit difficult to define 'dynamic' because each person, based on their own preferences, would put a slightly different spin on the definition. Example: for me, dynamic would be opportunities to have a creative outlet such as writing, for others, creative may be painting or music. Another part of dynamic would be opportunities to continue learning: about nature, philosophy, and other subjects that might inhabit new learnings. Mobility may or may not be a criterion that defines your dynamic.
I would suggest, though, that many of the components are the same: clothing, shelter, food, and especially health; but even these differ for each person. A certain level of financial independence is also included in the common components, however each person's minimum undoubtedly varies. One of the major components is other people. Who they are, what you do together is involved in this determination.
Another major component is one's spiritual life - how you define this will be the foundation on which all the other components will stand, whether or not you wish to acknowledge this. Probably more than any other, this component begins to define what happens in your life and how fulfilling it is.
Lastly... one can have a dynamic life at any point in your life. If you don't have to have everything perfect you can enjoy a dynamic life now as you include more and more of your components on your journey. Dynamic Living is as much a mindset as it is a 'place'. It's a style...
It's a bit difficult to define 'dynamic' because each person, based on their own preferences, would put a slightly different spin on the definition. Example: for me, dynamic would be opportunities to have a creative outlet such as writing, for others, creative may be painting or music. Another part of dynamic would be opportunities to continue learning: about nature, philosophy, and other subjects that might inhabit new learnings. Mobility may or may not be a criterion that defines your dynamic.
I would suggest, though, that many of the components are the same: clothing, shelter, food, and especially health; but even these differ for each person. A certain level of financial independence is also included in the common components, however each person's minimum undoubtedly varies. One of the major components is other people. Who they are, what you do together is involved in this determination.
Another major component is one's spiritual life - how you define this will be the foundation on which all the other components will stand, whether or not you wish to acknowledge this. Probably more than any other, this component begins to define what happens in your life and how fulfilling it is.
Lastly... one can have a dynamic life at any point in your life. If you don't have to have everything perfect you can enjoy a dynamic life now as you include more and more of your components on your journey. Dynamic Living is as much a mindset as it is a 'place'. It's a style...
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Chastening
What is chastening? First: chastening is not the same as punishment. Webster defines punish as: to cause to undergo pain, loss...to impose a penalty. However, chasten, according to Webster, means to punish so as to correct. These are two different approaches, purposes. However I will admit that they may feel the same. Hebrews 12:11 tells us: "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
Chasten is typically a term that's found in scripture. According to one source, "...chastening is generally considered painful and unpleasant, intended as a 'rebuke or reprimand' to change one’s behavior..." It's important to consider the underlying reason for the chastening. Again, "...the purpose of chastising is not to destroy, but to lead to repentance, and to restore God’s blessing." Hebrews 12:7 teaches us that: "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?"
I suspect that none of us likes punishment or chastening, I certainly don't. We all have some definite opinions when it comes to punishment, especially as it relates to ourselves. For example: I'd much prefer mercy than justice. My question for me though is - do I react to others mercifully or wanting justice? Does a double standard operate? And equally important - would I want God to treat that other person with punishment or chastening?
There is nothing pleasant about chastening... at the moment. However, is God someone you trust? Because I believe that's the bottom line. If you surrender your life to God then He wants you to be the best you you can be. Since none of us is perfect, chastening is inevitable to assist us in becoming who we are designed to be. Chastening can be a learning tool... if we approach correction in this way.
Chasten is typically a term that's found in scripture. According to one source, "...chastening is generally considered painful and unpleasant, intended as a 'rebuke or reprimand' to change one’s behavior..." It's important to consider the underlying reason for the chastening. Again, "...the purpose of chastising is not to destroy, but to lead to repentance, and to restore God’s blessing." Hebrews 12:7 teaches us that: "If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?"
I suspect that none of us likes punishment or chastening, I certainly don't. We all have some definite opinions when it comes to punishment, especially as it relates to ourselves. For example: I'd much prefer mercy than justice. My question for me though is - do I react to others mercifully or wanting justice? Does a double standard operate? And equally important - would I want God to treat that other person with punishment or chastening?
There is nothing pleasant about chastening... at the moment. However, is God someone you trust? Because I believe that's the bottom line. If you surrender your life to God then He wants you to be the best you you can be. Since none of us is perfect, chastening is inevitable to assist us in becoming who we are designed to be. Chastening can be a learning tool... if we approach correction in this way.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
(...made me feel) guilty
Feel may be the operative word but fact also needs to play a role. Was he/she/it right - did you do or not do something you should/shouldn't? Were you 'guilty'? I'm sure we all have used this phrase before however the word, feel, is the critical consideration. Feel does not necessarily mean fact. You do need to look at fact to see if guilty is the proper designation. Do you ever ask yourself if you should feel guilty?
Feeling guilty is a great controller and we tend to accept the guilt without analysis because it often is used, knowingly or not, by someone we allow in to our lives. For years mothers have been accused of using this tactic - rather successfully. If it wasn't someone in your inner circle then it's unlikely, guilty or not, that someone else could effect this feeling. Yes? And, let's face it, we, knowingly or not, also do this to others.
It's important to recognize the fact that if we're feeling guilty there might be a reason - somewhat like the 'smoking gun' theory. Then we have the problem of the expression of guilty feelings. So what's your reaction to feeling guilty? Anger? Chagrin? Contrition? Desire to make restitution? And, was this the purpose in the first place - to evoke a reaction?
Bottom line is... no one can make you feel guilty. No one can make you feel anything. Feelings are your choices, and you choose how you react to your feelings, how to express them. Feelings also give us a plethora of information on ourselves.... if we choose to learn about us. And, I believe, this is one of the primary reasons for learning about feelings - understanding ourselves.
Feeling guilty is a great controller and we tend to accept the guilt without analysis because it often is used, knowingly or not, by someone we allow in to our lives. For years mothers have been accused of using this tactic - rather successfully. If it wasn't someone in your inner circle then it's unlikely, guilty or not, that someone else could effect this feeling. Yes? And, let's face it, we, knowingly or not, also do this to others.
It's important to recognize the fact that if we're feeling guilty there might be a reason - somewhat like the 'smoking gun' theory. Then we have the problem of the expression of guilty feelings. So what's your reaction to feeling guilty? Anger? Chagrin? Contrition? Desire to make restitution? And, was this the purpose in the first place - to evoke a reaction?
Bottom line is... no one can make you feel guilty. No one can make you feel anything. Feelings are your choices, and you choose how you react to your feelings, how to express them. Feelings also give us a plethora of information on ourselves.... if we choose to learn about us. And, I believe, this is one of the primary reasons for learning about feelings - understanding ourselves.
Monday, July 18, 2011
Emotions!
You can't ignore your emotions.Why would you want to? Oh, you may try but it won't work - emotions will express themselves. Control them? Difficult. Understand them? Maybe. But you must realize that they are and they will attempt to control you. This is where problems arise. Bottom line is that it's natural to have emotions, it's what you do with them, or allow them to do through you, that's the issue.
First: remember that emotions add spice to life. You really wouldn't want to live without them. They add the punctuation mark to what you are saying. They express what you are feeling. And in some fashion, they will be expressed. What I've discovered for myself is that if I try to deny them or push them down, they explode at some place/time and if the emotion is anger, typically at someone who is not the source of the anger.
Emotions can be a positive influence. They can 'lead' you to express your true feelings about someone or something. They do force you to be honest with how you actually think, even when you don't allow the expression. And in considering your own expression, they can direct you to why you may feel or think in a particular way.
So what do you/should you do with your emotions? You need to discover your best way of expressing them, because I think the lack of expression always causes problems. Plus... you do feel the way you feel and denying it accomplishes nothing. But most important... you need not be controlled by them. It really is your choice. However, if you do 'strike out' then simply apologize don't try to 'justify' - learn from this situation.
First: remember that emotions add spice to life. You really wouldn't want to live without them. They add the punctuation mark to what you are saying. They express what you are feeling. And in some fashion, they will be expressed. What I've discovered for myself is that if I try to deny them or push them down, they explode at some place/time and if the emotion is anger, typically at someone who is not the source of the anger.
Emotions can be a positive influence. They can 'lead' you to express your true feelings about someone or something. They do force you to be honest with how you actually think, even when you don't allow the expression. And in considering your own expression, they can direct you to why you may feel or think in a particular way.
So what do you/should you do with your emotions? You need to discover your best way of expressing them, because I think the lack of expression always causes problems. Plus... you do feel the way you feel and denying it accomplishes nothing. But most important... you need not be controlled by them. It really is your choice. However, if you do 'strike out' then simply apologize don't try to 'justify' - learn from this situation.
Sunday, July 17, 2011
WHO is your God?
The reason I said 'your' is because we all seem to interpret God slightly differently - according to our experience. I suspect I should also be asking "...what does He do?" It is vitally important that we know Who God is and what He does. I'm not asking a rhetorical question but I am defining God as the only God - the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, of the Old and New Testaments. However, how we understand Him varies from person to person based on our experiences and what we've been told or learned. One clue: sometimes our 'experiences' aren't interpreted correctly.
For some people God is an austere, disciplinarian figure who is always saying 'no' to our needs and responding to us harshly and unforgiving, especially when we make 'wrong' decisions. For others, He is a talisman to ward off problems. For others, He is the source as a gooey, 'sugar daddy' who is suppose to give us all that we want - name it and claim it. None of these persona's is correct. God is a holy God who is also Father, and who has chosen to make us sons and daughters of inheritance and inhabitants of heaven. Plus He has not left us alone, He has chosen to partner with us during our time. And He is love.
Who God is for each of us is partially based on how much time we spend with Him. Do you enjoy an intimate relationship or do you keep God at arms length? Do you take the time to learn more about Him or do you think you know Him? I have always found it incredible that He allows us to determine the closeness of the relationship. But the only way to develop a relationship is to spend time with them. Talking with Him as you go through your day is one way. It may seem strange but as you take the time to talk you'll also discover you begin listening too.
Obviously there are other ways to discover who God is. Reading His word shows the breadth and depth of how God interacts in people's lives. He still does. He is not a 'there and then' but He is a 'here and now' God. Praying also is another form of communicating with Him. He really isn't into the Thee's and Thou's, praying is basically simple conversation, letting God know what it is you need and want but letting Him know you trust Him to be your provider, your healer - He is more than enough.
For some people God is an austere, disciplinarian figure who is always saying 'no' to our needs and responding to us harshly and unforgiving, especially when we make 'wrong' decisions. For others, He is a talisman to ward off problems. For others, He is the source as a gooey, 'sugar daddy' who is suppose to give us all that we want - name it and claim it. None of these persona's is correct. God is a holy God who is also Father, and who has chosen to make us sons and daughters of inheritance and inhabitants of heaven. Plus He has not left us alone, He has chosen to partner with us during our time. And He is love.
Who God is for each of us is partially based on how much time we spend with Him. Do you enjoy an intimate relationship or do you keep God at arms length? Do you take the time to learn more about Him or do you think you know Him? I have always found it incredible that He allows us to determine the closeness of the relationship. But the only way to develop a relationship is to spend time with them. Talking with Him as you go through your day is one way. It may seem strange but as you take the time to talk you'll also discover you begin listening too.
Obviously there are other ways to discover who God is. Reading His word shows the breadth and depth of how God interacts in people's lives. He still does. He is not a 'there and then' but He is a 'here and now' God. Praying also is another form of communicating with Him. He really isn't into the Thee's and Thou's, praying is basically simple conversation, letting God know what it is you need and want but letting Him know you trust Him to be your provider, your healer - He is more than enough.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Memories
Memories are always personal 'invasions' into our now. They are sometimes fun, sometimes painful, sometimes they are reminders of how you handled a similar situation in the past. Actually you don't necessarily control the emergence of memories - they can come unbidden. The aspect we control is what we do once the memory emerges. How do you handle your memories? Are they old friends? Are they enemies?
Some people remember only the good things while others don't remember anything but the bad and then there are others who remember both but choose to focus. I'm in the latter category, which is a conscious decision, and tend to focus on the pleasant, uplifting memories. It's not that I don't remember the negative, I just choose to think on the positive. However, I do try to learn from the negative - the operative word is, 'try'.
Memories can be aides in our decision making process. Remembering how we handled a 'similar' situation can give us information about options we can consider in the current one... even, or perhaps especially, when the previous decision was 'unsuccessful'. But don't make this your sole basis for decisions making because no two situations are precisely the same. There is a caveat - memories can also be slightly faulty. Even within a memory we sometimes remember what we want (need?) to remember. In the process of remembering we really need to stop long enough to make certain of the 'facts'.
The point is that each day we build memories. As I think about them, I don't think I've ever had a boring memory.
Some people remember only the good things while others don't remember anything but the bad and then there are others who remember both but choose to focus. I'm in the latter category, which is a conscious decision, and tend to focus on the pleasant, uplifting memories. It's not that I don't remember the negative, I just choose to think on the positive. However, I do try to learn from the negative - the operative word is, 'try'.
Memories can be aides in our decision making process. Remembering how we handled a 'similar' situation can give us information about options we can consider in the current one... even, or perhaps especially, when the previous decision was 'unsuccessful'. But don't make this your sole basis for decisions making because no two situations are precisely the same. There is a caveat - memories can also be slightly faulty. Even within a memory we sometimes remember what we want (need?) to remember. In the process of remembering we really need to stop long enough to make certain of the 'facts'.
The point is that each day we build memories. As I think about them, I don't think I've ever had a boring memory.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Warfare!!!
"For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds..." (1Corinthians 10:4) Since you are in a war, and you are whether or not you have engaged yourself, then you need to know what is available to you to win your war.
Actually we really are quite well equipped. Our equipment is outlined in Ephesians 6 (13-18). We are instructed to, "...take up the whole armor of God." If no other point is made, understand that it is an act that we do. The armor is there but it is up to us to put it on. Another aspect to be aware of is that it is God's armor - He is equipping us. That suggests that it is both extremely strong and extremely effective. And the purpose is so that we, "...may be able to withstand in the evil day."
Verse 14 begins to delineate the pieces of the armor: girded with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword which is the word, and prayer. Your entire body is encompassed plus you have offensive weapons. The armor is all inclusive - nothing is missed. With the armor we have both protection and preservation.
Actually there are two ways of looking at the armor: one is the actual pieces of breastplate, shield, etc. and the other is what the pieces represent - righteousness, faith, salvation ,etc. This should give us a glimpse into the expansiveness of what has been given to us. And if that weren't sufficient, in so many places in scripture He tells us that - the battle belongs to the Lord.
Does this mean that all we have to do is loll on the sidelines? Hardly. Our best and most effective weapon is the one that is offensive - The Word. When we pray and use His Word then it becomes apparent that we are well equipped for warfare.
Actually we really are quite well equipped. Our equipment is outlined in Ephesians 6 (13-18). We are instructed to, "...take up the whole armor of God." If no other point is made, understand that it is an act that we do. The armor is there but it is up to us to put it on. Another aspect to be aware of is that it is God's armor - He is equipping us. That suggests that it is both extremely strong and extremely effective. And the purpose is so that we, "...may be able to withstand in the evil day."
Verse 14 begins to delineate the pieces of the armor: girded with truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel, shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, the sword which is the word, and prayer. Your entire body is encompassed plus you have offensive weapons. The armor is all inclusive - nothing is missed. With the armor we have both protection and preservation.
Actually there are two ways of looking at the armor: one is the actual pieces of breastplate, shield, etc. and the other is what the pieces represent - righteousness, faith, salvation ,etc. This should give us a glimpse into the expansiveness of what has been given to us. And if that weren't sufficient, in so many places in scripture He tells us that - the battle belongs to the Lord.
Does this mean that all we have to do is loll on the sidelines? Hardly. Our best and most effective weapon is the one that is offensive - The Word. When we pray and use His Word then it becomes apparent that we are well equipped for warfare.
Monday, July 11, 2011
SIN
I deliberately put the word in caps because it is so serious that it needs emphasis. I know that there are many in the church world who would like to mitigate the word to make Christianity more 'popular', but you really can't. Sin is devastating. The current popular definition of sin is 'missing the mark'. Yes... it is. But it is also far more serious than that. If sin was as simple as missing the mark then why is it so difficult to admit it, and correct it?
God never puts anything between us and Him - we're the ones that do that. Sin is the creation of separation. And this is accomplished through our willful decision to go opposite of His commands. And actually... there aren't that many don'ts, there are far more do's.
Don'ts are those things that either harm us or harm others. If you look closely and consider them, they aren't impingement's on our 'rights' or 'privileges' they more often speak to that part of us that wants to do what we want to do when we want to do it - and without reaping any negative consequences. We are typically quick to demand our rights, even if it becomes a denial of others' rights. Conversely, the do's are an extension of the personality of God - kindness, gentleness, consideration, etc. We all want to experience these though we don't always want to share or express them with others.
It's not always easy to be vigilant against sin because sin is so insidious. What may sound harmless or start out relatively benign can quickly turn to sin. And sin is never harmless. If we find that a change has occurred in what we are doing/saying, we need to change immediately and warn others of the problem. That's what repenting is...simply changing your mind, changing your direction, and seeking forgiveness. The only positive aspect about sin that I can see is that you can easily change.
God never puts anything between us and Him - we're the ones that do that. Sin is the creation of separation. And this is accomplished through our willful decision to go opposite of His commands. And actually... there aren't that many don'ts, there are far more do's.
Don'ts are those things that either harm us or harm others. If you look closely and consider them, they aren't impingement's on our 'rights' or 'privileges' they more often speak to that part of us that wants to do what we want to do when we want to do it - and without reaping any negative consequences. We are typically quick to demand our rights, even if it becomes a denial of others' rights. Conversely, the do's are an extension of the personality of God - kindness, gentleness, consideration, etc. We all want to experience these though we don't always want to share or express them with others.
It's not always easy to be vigilant against sin because sin is so insidious. What may sound harmless or start out relatively benign can quickly turn to sin. And sin is never harmless. If we find that a change has occurred in what we are doing/saying, we need to change immediately and warn others of the problem. That's what repenting is...simply changing your mind, changing your direction, and seeking forgiveness. The only positive aspect about sin that I can see is that you can easily change.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Your Enemy
You were aware that you have an enemy, yes? I don't care how nice you are, you have an enemy who is actively involved and will use whatever devise is effective in order to see you destroyed. Actually if you are 'nice' you probably are a target. Your enemy doesn't like you, never has and never will. To be frank - he hates you. To be unaware of his desire is to court disaster.
Your enemy goes by a number of names: Satan, the deceiver, the thief, lucifer, the devourer, etc. And yes, he does exist. And yes, he is as vile as scripture portrays him. John 10:10 says: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." Steal, kill, destroy are violent attempts to make who we are totally ineffective. Nothing would please him more than to incapacitate us so that our testimony becomes of no report. That's why we need to be on our guard so that we aren't blindsided or succumb to his temptations.
I would suggest that part of the problem we face is that our enemy never plays 'fair' and we aren't always wise to his machinations. One of the advantages we have though is that he isn't particularly creative and will use previous used tactics that worked. As a result, if we are more conscious of our own Achilles heels we have a greater chance to head off disasters.
Never become lulled into the thinking that Satan is just a weird cartoon figure with no power. And never think that he isn't planning for your destruction. Your testimony is powerful and he doesn't want it producing good fruit. As powerful as Satan is, we have One who has gone before us who will see him under His foot. We really are... more than conquerors.
Your enemy goes by a number of names: Satan, the deceiver, the thief, lucifer, the devourer, etc. And yes, he does exist. And yes, he is as vile as scripture portrays him. John 10:10 says: "The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy." Steal, kill, destroy are violent attempts to make who we are totally ineffective. Nothing would please him more than to incapacitate us so that our testimony becomes of no report. That's why we need to be on our guard so that we aren't blindsided or succumb to his temptations.
I would suggest that part of the problem we face is that our enemy never plays 'fair' and we aren't always wise to his machinations. One of the advantages we have though is that he isn't particularly creative and will use previous used tactics that worked. As a result, if we are more conscious of our own Achilles heels we have a greater chance to head off disasters.
Never become lulled into the thinking that Satan is just a weird cartoon figure with no power. And never think that he isn't planning for your destruction. Your testimony is powerful and he doesn't want it producing good fruit. As powerful as Satan is, we have One who has gone before us who will see him under His foot. We really are... more than conquerors.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Epitaph
If you were to write your own epitaph right now... what would you say? Would you be happy with what you've accomplished? Would you be pleased with who you've become? If someone else wrote it - how would it mesh with what you would say? Would you emphasize the same 'things' that someone else would?
Perhaps those were a lot of questions, but the point is - rather than focusing on 'what' you've done, have you become the person you want to be? Is the person you see as you the same person that others see as you? Obviously my contention is that the 'who' of you is far more important than the 'what' of you. And, how close is your view of you to others view of you?
If could be argued that the 'what' points to the 'who', and yes... and also, not completely. One sees the public face of people in the what but of paramount concern and interest should be the underlying 'who'. A different way of looking at this is... do you walk your talk?
We are all in a state of constantly 'becoming' and this is good because this means we're growing and learning and experiencing. It allows us the opportunity to refine. But this is also based on an under girding foundation - the 'place' from which growing and refining takes place. It really is quite important for us to be on intimate terms with this.
We need to know and accept the who that is presented now because without this understanding our 'what' has no substance. And, more important, our 'who' has no depth from which to change and grow. How do you want your epitaph to read? You are the only one that can write your story.
Perhaps those were a lot of questions, but the point is - rather than focusing on 'what' you've done, have you become the person you want to be? Is the person you see as you the same person that others see as you? Obviously my contention is that the 'who' of you is far more important than the 'what' of you. And, how close is your view of you to others view of you?
If could be argued that the 'what' points to the 'who', and yes... and also, not completely. One sees the public face of people in the what but of paramount concern and interest should be the underlying 'who'. A different way of looking at this is... do you walk your talk?
We are all in a state of constantly 'becoming' and this is good because this means we're growing and learning and experiencing. It allows us the opportunity to refine. But this is also based on an under girding foundation - the 'place' from which growing and refining takes place. It really is quite important for us to be on intimate terms with this.
We need to know and accept the who that is presented now because without this understanding our 'what' has no substance. And, more important, our 'who' has no depth from which to change and grow. How do you want your epitaph to read? You are the only one that can write your story.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Death….. loss or homegoing celebration?
Death is difficult to deal with. Perhaps it's the finality that makes it so difficult or the sense of loss, the pain of separation. There also always seems to be the accompanying emotion of guilt. regardless of what you have or have not done for the person who died, you always feel you haven't done enough.
And, the emotions that accompany death... your feelings are the key. At some point our focus shifts from the deceased person to ourselves. WE feel robbed, threatened, guilty, wishing we could have one last moment to say something or do something with/for that person. But at this moment the focus really is us, not the other person.
Typically one of two emotions prevail. Either we become stoic or we are heartbroken to the point of sobbing uncontrollably. I tend to be of the stoic type but breakdown later when I'm by myself. Not sure why I take this approach, but I do. There's no good, better, best approach - but it is helpful when we know what it is that we do.
As painful as funerals can be, for the Christian they should be a time of celebration. The loved one has gone home to be with the Lord and the other friends and family who have chosen to make Jesus Lord. Homegoing should be joyful, the funeral 'service' should be joyful.... however, they rarely are. We should be celebrating the person's life and the fact that they chose to make Jesus Lord. We should be happy knowing we will see that person again. Intellectually - I suspect we do. Emotionally.... maybe not. Then again....... funerals really are for those left behind, not the person going home.
And, the emotions that accompany death... your feelings are the key. At some point our focus shifts from the deceased person to ourselves. WE feel robbed, threatened, guilty, wishing we could have one last moment to say something or do something with/for that person. But at this moment the focus really is us, not the other person.
Typically one of two emotions prevail. Either we become stoic or we are heartbroken to the point of sobbing uncontrollably. I tend to be of the stoic type but breakdown later when I'm by myself. Not sure why I take this approach, but I do. There's no good, better, best approach - but it is helpful when we know what it is that we do.
As painful as funerals can be, for the Christian they should be a time of celebration. The loved one has gone home to be with the Lord and the other friends and family who have chosen to make Jesus Lord. Homegoing should be joyful, the funeral 'service' should be joyful.... however, they rarely are. We should be celebrating the person's life and the fact that they chose to make Jesus Lord. We should be happy knowing we will see that person again. Intellectually - I suspect we do. Emotionally.... maybe not. Then again....... funerals really are for those left behind, not the person going home.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
A Brush With Death
Have you ever had a brush with death? However, the larger question is... did it change your life? Did you make some lifestyle changes as a result of the experience? Or... after a few day, weeks, months did life revert back to what it was prior to the experience? Maybe you made some promises to yourself to change certain aspects of your life, to 'improve'. And now that time has passed, where are those promises, changes now?
Typically we all make changes based on any life changing events that affect our lives. For example, with a heart attack we make dietary changes but over time these changes typically slip considerably. When some of the same symptoms emerge they remind us of those changes and the positive impact they made. However, now... it's time to not give just lip service to them but to let them take root and effect a permanent change
As important as the dietary changes are, the more important ones are the philosophical and spiritual changes. In many respects this can be a time of refinement of what you believe and a strengthening of why you believe what you believe. It can develop in you a greater sense of appreciation of what and who populate your world. It can also lead you to rethink what is important and is crucial and what really isn't all that necessary. Some thing will fade and some will intensify.
If you are the introspective type, it will be natural to do some reassessing, at least it was for me. However, as important as reassessing is, the more critical point is - how did/does the reassessing translate into changed behavior? Do you walk the talk? It really doesn't need to be a life threatening situation for you to reconsider what and who you are becoming.... and what's important.
Typically we all make changes based on any life changing events that affect our lives. For example, with a heart attack we make dietary changes but over time these changes typically slip considerably. When some of the same symptoms emerge they remind us of those changes and the positive impact they made. However, now... it's time to not give just lip service to them but to let them take root and effect a permanent change
As important as the dietary changes are, the more important ones are the philosophical and spiritual changes. In many respects this can be a time of refinement of what you believe and a strengthening of why you believe what you believe. It can develop in you a greater sense of appreciation of what and who populate your world. It can also lead you to rethink what is important and is crucial and what really isn't all that necessary. Some thing will fade and some will intensify.
If you are the introspective type, it will be natural to do some reassessing, at least it was for me. However, as important as reassessing is, the more critical point is - how did/does the reassessing translate into changed behavior? Do you walk the talk? It really doesn't need to be a life threatening situation for you to reconsider what and who you are becoming.... and what's important.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Quality of Life
How do you define 'quality of life'? You do need a definition, a description or how else will you know you are or are not experiencing it? Additionally, your definition may not be similar to anyone else - we all have our own definitions. Regardless, what are you doing right now to attain your quality of life? What are your basic needs that comprise your components and which ones are in the 'it would be nice' category? Are you willing to settle for less than what you want or will you continue to work to complete your roster?
I suspect there are certain basic components we all share such as shelter, food, safety. However, then we get into the 'refinement' stage on these because what may be satisfactory for one may not meet the minimum standard for another. There may be agreement on the components that make up our quality of life but how this gets defined may differ significantly. And... these components may not be ordered in the same way. What may be critically important to me may be only slightly important for you.
If you aren't working toward he accomplishment of your goal then you are in a survival mode... or you are in the immediate gratification mode. There is nothing 'wrong' with enjoying the fruits of your labors now but it is self defeating to use up all your resources. The 'eat, drink and be merry' philosophy shouldn't be the guide but neither should you overly sacrifice. You can strike a balance.
Whatever age you are, it isn't too early to consider this question for yourself. The obvious reason is that you want to be able to experience and enjoy your quality of life regardless of your age. There is no reason to work to be able to experiences this 'when you retire'. It isn't totally for then and there, it is also a here and now. As you are on your journey to be able to experience the fullness of what quality of life is for you, enjoy the 'level' you have already attained.
I suspect there are certain basic components we all share such as shelter, food, safety. However, then we get into the 'refinement' stage on these because what may be satisfactory for one may not meet the minimum standard for another. There may be agreement on the components that make up our quality of life but how this gets defined may differ significantly. And... these components may not be ordered in the same way. What may be critically important to me may be only slightly important for you.
If you aren't working toward he accomplishment of your goal then you are in a survival mode... or you are in the immediate gratification mode. There is nothing 'wrong' with enjoying the fruits of your labors now but it is self defeating to use up all your resources. The 'eat, drink and be merry' philosophy shouldn't be the guide but neither should you overly sacrifice. You can strike a balance.
Whatever age you are, it isn't too early to consider this question for yourself. The obvious reason is that you want to be able to experience and enjoy your quality of life regardless of your age. There is no reason to work to be able to experiences this 'when you retire'. It isn't totally for then and there, it is also a here and now. As you are on your journey to be able to experience the fullness of what quality of life is for you, enjoy the 'level' you have already attained.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Freedom
I wonder if we think about the cost of freedom. I know I rarely do and, like so many, take the freedoms I have for granted. There's a kind of invincibility about us when it comes to freedom - it's our right, it's our heritage. No one can or ever will take it from us! However... I wonder if we really appreciate our freedoms and the price that was paid to get and maintain them?
Since the founding of our country men and women have given their lives to protect our freedoms. Freedom to assemble, freedom to bear arms, freedom to worship as we please, and all the other freedoms our Constitution guarantees us. Through the years we've seen our freedoms redefined, we've seen some taken away, but for the most part we still maintain them. And we've seen our young people go off to war to preserve and protect these freedoms.
We sometimes forget or refuse to acknowledge a different kind of freedom that has been granted us through the death and resurrection over 2000 years ago of a savior - one man, Jesus. He also gave His life for our freedom. The freedoms Jesus bought for us include: adoption as a son/daughter of God (Galatians 4:6-7), triumph over death (Romans 6:10), abundant life (John 10:10). And these are only some of the freedoms we have received when we make Jesus Lord.
Freedom is a precious gift and one that always costs a great deal. We should revere our freedom more often than just on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Thanksgiving. And we should honor those who are vigilant to maintain these freedoms. But how much more precious are the freedoms Jesus provides to us daily. How much more should we honor and acknowledge His sacrifice. Our lives should reflect the honor as recipients of freedom.
Since the founding of our country men and women have given their lives to protect our freedoms. Freedom to assemble, freedom to bear arms, freedom to worship as we please, and all the other freedoms our Constitution guarantees us. Through the years we've seen our freedoms redefined, we've seen some taken away, but for the most part we still maintain them. And we've seen our young people go off to war to preserve and protect these freedoms.
We sometimes forget or refuse to acknowledge a different kind of freedom that has been granted us through the death and resurrection over 2000 years ago of a savior - one man, Jesus. He also gave His life for our freedom. The freedoms Jesus bought for us include: adoption as a son/daughter of God (Galatians 4:6-7), triumph over death (Romans 6:10), abundant life (John 10:10). And these are only some of the freedoms we have received when we make Jesus Lord.
Freedom is a precious gift and one that always costs a great deal. We should revere our freedom more often than just on Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Thanksgiving. And we should honor those who are vigilant to maintain these freedoms. But how much more precious are the freedoms Jesus provides to us daily. How much more should we honor and acknowledge His sacrifice. Our lives should reflect the honor as recipients of freedom.
Sunday, July 3, 2011
A quiet place
We all need our own quiet place. Actually this is a physical place, a place where you can go to be by yourself and regroup, refresh, reflect or do whatever you need to do for yourself to catch your breath in order to continue. It can be a time for long-term planning and/or decision making or it can be a time and place to do nothing.You may not 'visit' your quiet place daily, though I would recommend doing so, but you need to visit it at least weekly.
Every person's quiet place looks slightly different dependent upon the personality and preferences of the person. The size and content of the place also differs individually - your quiet place has to be 'inhabited' with those things that foster your preferences because your quiet place has to be your place of comfort as well. As you can see, a quiet place is a refuge from all that is occurring, a place of peace.
Why the quiet place is necessary is also so that you can gain perspective. Sometimes we get so immersed in our life that we are in danger of not living our life. We become involved in the process, in the mechanics without giving thought to the process and learnings of what we are experiencing. Though it may sound egocentric, but it's important that we be the star of our own lives - second banana is really not the most beneficial in this situation.
The length of time you spend in your quiet place will undoubtedly vary dependent upon the amount of time you have available in your 'schedule'. Sometimes it isn't so much the amount of time you have as much as it is how you use the time you have. While having some quiet time in your quiet place may sound selfish, it can be the most important act you can do. Doing something for yourself may be the best way of doing for others.
Every person's quiet place looks slightly different dependent upon the personality and preferences of the person. The size and content of the place also differs individually - your quiet place has to be 'inhabited' with those things that foster your preferences because your quiet place has to be your place of comfort as well. As you can see, a quiet place is a refuge from all that is occurring, a place of peace.
Why the quiet place is necessary is also so that you can gain perspective. Sometimes we get so immersed in our life that we are in danger of not living our life. We become involved in the process, in the mechanics without giving thought to the process and learnings of what we are experiencing. Though it may sound egocentric, but it's important that we be the star of our own lives - second banana is really not the most beneficial in this situation.
The length of time you spend in your quiet place will undoubtedly vary dependent upon the amount of time you have available in your 'schedule'. Sometimes it isn't so much the amount of time you have as much as it is how you use the time you have. While having some quiet time in your quiet place may sound selfish, it can be the most important act you can do. Doing something for yourself may be the best way of doing for others.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Doubt
I'm not certain there is anything more detrimental than doubt. Once it is part of the fabric of your thinking it seeps into everything and sullies all in the process. Doubt can be invasive and undermine your way of reacting and interacting. If you doubt, you rarely can look at the person/idea in the same way again - at least until the doubt is substantiated or eliminated. Doubt will occupy your thinking until you do resolve it.
Doubt is crippling and it can easily destroy - trust, belief - which in turn destroys other values. And it will touch everything even tangentially related to the main issue.When/if doubt is accompanied by betrayal then this double edged sword is devastating. While emotions are definitely affected by doubt so are thoughts. It is impossible to avoid doubt, the vagaries of life seem to cause doubt to arise, often unbidden and typically not desired.
The issue is what to do with doubt, how to handle it once it is in the forefront of your thoughts. I would suggest that the worst thing you can do with doubt is to try and ignore it. One: it will not go away, two: it will emerge in your words and actions, and three: you can't deal with something you don't acknowledge.
One of the first things you need to do is to determine the origin of your doubt. That is crucial for the resolution, because doubt can arise from inaccurate as well as substantiated information. The answer to how you 'know' for certain that the information is accurate and can be trusted is the beginning of understanding. Never lightly dismiss doubts because this can be your 'inner voice' warning of impending danger or it can be the voice of someone else which may or may not be trustworthy. Regardless, when doubt emerges - deal with it immediately.
Doubt is crippling and it can easily destroy - trust, belief - which in turn destroys other values. And it will touch everything even tangentially related to the main issue.When/if doubt is accompanied by betrayal then this double edged sword is devastating. While emotions are definitely affected by doubt so are thoughts. It is impossible to avoid doubt, the vagaries of life seem to cause doubt to arise, often unbidden and typically not desired.
The issue is what to do with doubt, how to handle it once it is in the forefront of your thoughts. I would suggest that the worst thing you can do with doubt is to try and ignore it. One: it will not go away, two: it will emerge in your words and actions, and three: you can't deal with something you don't acknowledge.
One of the first things you need to do is to determine the origin of your doubt. That is crucial for the resolution, because doubt can arise from inaccurate as well as substantiated information. The answer to how you 'know' for certain that the information is accurate and can be trusted is the beginning of understanding. Never lightly dismiss doubts because this can be your 'inner voice' warning of impending danger or it can be the voice of someone else which may or may not be trustworthy. Regardless, when doubt emerges - deal with it immediately.
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