I have been struck, more than one time during my present study of the Old Testament books, by how God's commands to the Israelites are often aggressive toward those who stand in the way of His intentions for His people.
As I read the language and attitude toward these "others", it's easy for me to understand how racists, who hold up their Christianity while being so...well, RACIST, could misinterpret God's ultimate attitude. Without moving past the Old Testament into the New Testament, one remains ignorant to the "rest of the story" where God's wrath and vengeance is turned to unconditional love through the sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Loose Ends
Stove off, lights out, doors locked...and we're out the door and on our way. Not only a childhood recollection, but a scene my own family has played out many times over the years. These are the verbal assurances spoken out loud just before we lock the front door to our home and get in the car to embark on our journey.
Most consciously related to "big trips" I realize, as I actually give it more thought, that this is routine any time I leave my home. Whether it be a trip to do time consuming weekly errands or a quick run to pick up the grand kids from daycare, I need the mental (and emotional) assurance that I've tied up the loose ends before I leave.
And so it is before I begin this new journey that I've committed to. To ease my mind and move forward there are certain things which I must accomplish before proceeding. Possibly meaningless or unimportant to another, these are my own personal "loose ends" to which I must attend to proceed with a light heart and mind.
So, for one more day I'll double check the security of my preparations before this long awaited journey; a journey which has for too long been part of only my imaginings. The time has come to take my imaginings and turn them from thoughts into deeds.
Most consciously related to "big trips" I realize, as I actually give it more thought, that this is routine any time I leave my home. Whether it be a trip to do time consuming weekly errands or a quick run to pick up the grand kids from daycare, I need the mental (and emotional) assurance that I've tied up the loose ends before I leave.
And so it is before I begin this new journey that I've committed to. To ease my mind and move forward there are certain things which I must accomplish before proceeding. Possibly meaningless or unimportant to another, these are my own personal "loose ends" to which I must attend to proceed with a light heart and mind.
So, for one more day I'll double check the security of my preparations before this long awaited journey; a journey which has for too long been part of only my imaginings. The time has come to take my imaginings and turn them from thoughts into deeds.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Icing My Cake Before the Party
The tools are gathered; at least the ones I've painstakingly researched and honed over several months. No doubt that there may be "adjustments" and possibly even new tools along the way. But the "road map, manuals and implements" that I've found to aide me on my journey give me confidence that I can go forward with assurance that I will, ultimately, reach my destination.
Preparation for this life-changing journey has at times been slow, tedious, frustrating and (yes) even discouraging. But I trust that the return for my time investment will be priceless as I go forward.
Bearing witness to the importance of deliberate and patient exploration in preparing for my "trip of a lifetime" is my most recent and inspiring acquisition. Attesting to "blessings from above" I came upon this manual quite by accident.
Being an avid gift-giver and bargain shopper, I contribute regularly to the success of Amazon.com. (especially in their Book Shop). Admittedly a recipient of the mixed-blessing of ADD, it's not unusual to be surprised when I open a package (often weeks after receiving it, I must confess) to find unremembered treasures. So it was, as I looked for a book I had ordered for my oldest daughter, that I was delighted to find The Disorganized Mind by Nancy J Ratey. I was excited, but had no clue that I was holding what I would soon come to consider one of, if not the, most important tools for my journey. This tool, it turns out, has been instrumental in giving me the courage to strike out, not just in theory but in forward motion, on my long awaited journey.
Affirming what I already knew within myself, Nancy Ratey confirmed and informed my understanding of a small handicap (although simultaneously a blessing) with which I deal on a daily basis. Awareness of this manageable condition is essential for a successful journey. With the wisdom and guidance that Nancy offers (along with my Life Coach, Debbie Hurson and the support of my patiently committed and supportive husband, Mike {Thank you, Sweetheart!} ), my journey is sure to be one punctuated with more victories than failures. Understanding "the disorganized mind", I believe, will be the difference between success and failure (due to the frustrations which accompany living daily with this challenge).
So, The Disorganized Mind is the "icing on my cake" and I can't wait to dig in!
Preparation for this life-changing journey has at times been slow, tedious, frustrating and (yes) even discouraging. But I trust that the return for my time investment will be priceless as I go forward.
Bearing witness to the importance of deliberate and patient exploration in preparing for my "trip of a lifetime" is my most recent and inspiring acquisition. Attesting to "blessings from above" I came upon this manual quite by accident.
Being an avid gift-giver and bargain shopper, I contribute regularly to the success of Amazon.com. (especially in their Book Shop). Admittedly a recipient of the mixed-blessing of ADD, it's not unusual to be surprised when I open a package (often weeks after receiving it, I must confess) to find unremembered treasures. So it was, as I looked for a book I had ordered for my oldest daughter, that I was delighted to find The Disorganized Mind by Nancy J Ratey. I was excited, but had no clue that I was holding what I would soon come to consider one of, if not the, most important tools for my journey. This tool, it turns out, has been instrumental in giving me the courage to strike out, not just in theory but in forward motion, on my long awaited journey.
Affirming what I already knew within myself, Nancy Ratey confirmed and informed my understanding of a small handicap (although simultaneously a blessing) with which I deal on a daily basis. Awareness of this manageable condition is essential for a successful journey. With the wisdom and guidance that Nancy offers (along with my Life Coach, Debbie Hurson and the support of my patiently committed and supportive husband, Mike {Thank you, Sweetheart!} ), my journey is sure to be one punctuated with more victories than failures. Understanding "the disorganized mind", I believe, will be the difference between success and failure (due to the frustrations which accompany living daily with this challenge).
So, The Disorganized Mind is the "icing on my cake" and I can't wait to dig in!
Monday, July 4, 2011
In the beginning...
I don't consider myself a prime candidate for "Hoarders" but perspective would have my family challenging my assessment. There was a time...
As a young wife and mother it seemed to me that I managed my duties as a "homemaker" sufficiently enough. But it was never long after making new acquaintances that they would soon hear my confession of my lack of skill in the homemaking department. Being honest up front assured that there were no false expectations on their part and no obligation on my part to appear to be what I knew I wasn't. The underlying message was, "If you come to our home and get invited in, don't say I didn't warn you!"
I've always held the strong belief that should an unexpected visitor appear on my doorstep, I would rather invite them in and risk some embarrassment than to be deemed discourteous. That wouldn't be a reflection of God's love which was of much more import than my false pride (Be aware that there may be angels at your door). So the early years were manageable, even with the cluttered spaces which were always a part of the landscape in our home.
But as anyone who has many years "in the business" knows, as the family grows so grows the stuff. How I wish I had taken to heart the wisdom of a young woman I met who shared a lesson she had learned from her mother: "A place for everything and everything in it's place." Little did I know that this little phrase would come back to haunt me years later as I would consider what I wish I had done as the keeper of our home.
As a young wife and mother it seemed to me that I managed my duties as a "homemaker" sufficiently enough. But it was never long after making new acquaintances that they would soon hear my confession of my lack of skill in the homemaking department. Being honest up front assured that there were no false expectations on their part and no obligation on my part to appear to be what I knew I wasn't. The underlying message was, "If you come to our home and get invited in, don't say I didn't warn you!"
I've always held the strong belief that should an unexpected visitor appear on my doorstep, I would rather invite them in and risk some embarrassment than to be deemed discourteous. That wouldn't be a reflection of God's love which was of much more import than my false pride (Be aware that there may be angels at your door). So the early years were manageable, even with the cluttered spaces which were always a part of the landscape in our home.
But as anyone who has many years "in the business" knows, as the family grows so grows the stuff. How I wish I had taken to heart the wisdom of a young woman I met who shared a lesson she had learned from her mother: "A place for everything and everything in it's place." Little did I know that this little phrase would come back to haunt me years later as I would consider what I wish I had done as the keeper of our home.
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