I just got lovingly yelled at today because I haven't been posting anything (Thanks Marty!). And here I thought no one was reading this stuff.
Part of my problem is I never know what to post on this thing. I was hit with the idea this morning that perhaps I should just go thru my journals. I have a bazillion notebooks laying around with various thoughts and ideas in them. So here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to pick up a notebook and go thru it page by page, re-reading what's been written. As I do so, I will share with you some of those thoughts.
In this, I promise to be random, not chronological and not cohesive. If you choose to keep up with my ramblings I would appreciate any (constructive) comments you may have. Share your own related thoughts with me. Let me know you are there, otherwise I think I'm just talking to myself and things could get really weird!
Thanks for stopping by. I'll put up a post soon....really....I will!
Sunday, February 11, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
I was just reading...
a friend's blog and realized that it has been quite some time since I've been on my own. So, here I am.
It's been a busy day at our house. Artwork encompassed the entire morning, leaving just enough time for math & reading this afternoon. We made clay and formed images from it to bake and, later, paint.
Have you ever known a child who did not like to create? I think it must be some innate trait we have. A result of being created in the image of God, who is the ultimate artist. Creativity is in our genes, you might say. The next time you feel like being creative, go for it. Enjoy the moment, the process, the result. It's in your blood!
Until next time....
It's been a busy day at our house. Artwork encompassed the entire morning, leaving just enough time for math & reading this afternoon. We made clay and formed images from it to bake and, later, paint.
Have you ever known a child who did not like to create? I think it must be some innate trait we have. A result of being created in the image of God, who is the ultimate artist. Creativity is in our genes, you might say. The next time you feel like being creative, go for it. Enjoy the moment, the process, the result. It's in your blood!
Until next time....
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Tantrums
My son got mad at me tonight. I went back to tuck him in bed. He was listening to stories on his CD player. It was really late so after the current story finished I turned it off. He has school tomorrow and I didn't want him to be tired and have a miserable day. I turned off the stories because I love him and I want what's best for him. He was mad and fussed. I told him I love him and wanted him to have plenty of rest for tomorrow. He told me he didn't want me to tuck him in. So, reluctantly, I left.
Why am I sharing this with you? Because I think I see a correlation between this occurrence and how we often respond to God. We want what we want and when God says "no", we get mad and send Him away. But why did God say "no"? Because He knows and wants what is best for us. When we send Him away, He goes. But He is always listening for you to call Him back. He loves you.
I was really sad when my son sent me away tonight. I wonder how much worse God must feel, knowing how much He loves us.
Something to think about....
Why am I sharing this with you? Because I think I see a correlation between this occurrence and how we often respond to God. We want what we want and when God says "no", we get mad and send Him away. But why did God say "no"? Because He knows and wants what is best for us. When we send Him away, He goes. But He is always listening for you to call Him back. He loves you.
I was really sad when my son sent me away tonight. I wonder how much worse God must feel, knowing how much He loves us.
Something to think about....
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
The Quest
In case you were wondering...
The Quest
...is a journey, but it is a journey with purpose.
...is a searching, a grasping for that which seems just out of reach.
...is a soul's yearning, a parched desert longing to be flooded in life-giving rain.
...is the path I walk in this journey of life.
I invite you to join me on The Quest.
Through this site I will share my life and discoveries with you in various forms- short stories, poems, ponderings, experiences. Always, you are welcome to read, contemplate, respond. I only ask that you do so with kindness and respect- just as you would enjoy.
I look forward to spending time with you.
The Quest
...is a journey, but it is a journey with purpose.
...is a searching, a grasping for that which seems just out of reach.
...is a soul's yearning, a parched desert longing to be flooded in life-giving rain.
...is the path I walk in this journey of life.
I invite you to join me on The Quest.
Through this site I will share my life and discoveries with you in various forms- short stories, poems, ponderings, experiences. Always, you are welcome to read, contemplate, respond. I only ask that you do so with kindness and respect- just as you would enjoy.
I look forward to spending time with you.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
So, what is art?
This is quite a debate among a certain circle of artists I know. I am curious as to what the rest of you think. I am still struggling to come up with my own definition. Here's what I've got so far:
Art = intentional, creative expression toward the artist's purpose
That purpose may simply be the desire to create, or it may have an agenda such as expressing a belief or thought. It may be the artist's attempt to share him/her self or view point with those interested enough to contemplate. It may be a way to connect with others. The purpose may vary from piece to piece as well as from artist to artist.
Not much of a definition yet, but I'm working on it. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the topic. In the meantime, keep working on whatever art is yours to accomplish. We are, after all, created in the image of the Creator.
Art = intentional, creative expression toward the artist's purpose
That purpose may simply be the desire to create, or it may have an agenda such as expressing a belief or thought. It may be the artist's attempt to share him/her self or view point with those interested enough to contemplate. It may be a way to connect with others. The purpose may vary from piece to piece as well as from artist to artist.
Not much of a definition yet, but I'm working on it. Feel free to chime in with your thoughts on the topic. In the meantime, keep working on whatever art is yours to accomplish. We are, after all, created in the image of the Creator.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Happy Day After!
My eyes are still bleary this morning at nearly 10am. We had a wonderful day yesterday. Thankfully, our son is not an early riser so we were able to sleep in a bit before being dragged out of bed to the happy cries of "Get up! It's Christmas!" There were many fun moments as the wrapping paper slowly (or not so slowly) buried the floor, leaving Zak amid the pile of new loot. Nutcrackers (he collects them), Legos, books, action figures... the promise of excitement to come as he puts each new item to use. (We got some great stuff, too!)
Then it was off to friends for food, fun, food, fellowship, food... By the end of the day, I understood why gluttony is a sin. But as I sit back and consider the joyous events of yesterday, I am reminded that not everyone's Christmas was fun. There is still war and many families are separated this year, some will never be reunited. There are still children going hungry and being orphaned at an alarming rate - it doesn't stop just because the calendar says "December 25". Closer to home, I received an email that a childhood friend's dad had a heart attack last night.
It was for reasons like this that Jesus came into the world. He came to "seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick..." (Ezekiel 34:16). He came to make his love for you known. He came to give us hope.
So, as we enjoy the bounty of this year's harvest and begin the process of annual reflection, take a moment to inventory all that you really have been blessed with. Then use it joyfully, thankfully, and bless others.
Here's to another New Year!
Then it was off to friends for food, fun, food, fellowship, food... By the end of the day, I understood why gluttony is a sin. But as I sit back and consider the joyous events of yesterday, I am reminded that not everyone's Christmas was fun. There is still war and many families are separated this year, some will never be reunited. There are still children going hungry and being orphaned at an alarming rate - it doesn't stop just because the calendar says "December 25". Closer to home, I received an email that a childhood friend's dad had a heart attack last night.
It was for reasons like this that Jesus came into the world. He came to "seek the lost, bring back the scattered, bind up the broken and strengthen the sick..." (Ezekiel 34:16). He came to make his love for you known. He came to give us hope.
So, as we enjoy the bounty of this year's harvest and begin the process of annual reflection, take a moment to inventory all that you really have been blessed with. Then use it joyfully, thankfully, and bless others.
Here's to another New Year!
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Merry Christmas!!
Trying this blog-thing again! Obviously, it's been a couple years since my last post. Much has happened over that time, but I don't think I'll start with that. Let me just wish everyone a wonderful holiday season, a Merry Christmas and a fresh start for the New Year. May you recognize all the blessings in your life, especially the important ones (God, family, friends). May you be blessed even more in the coming year. May you share those blessings with others.
Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks for stopping by!
Saturday, November 13, 2004
I'm Back!
Wow! Has it really been that long since my last (and first) entry? Where has the time gone?
As a homeschooling mom of one (a four yr. old boy), much of my time has been spent in rousing games of Go Fish and Higglytown Heroes. I have also spent a good deal of time printing out lessons and activities centered around the Thanksgiving and Advent seasons. Hence, my thoughts of late are also centered around such concepts as giving thanks, being thankful, the whole giving vs. receiving battle that circulates every year about this time....
Even as adults, we so often look to what we don't have, forgetting all too easily how much it is we do have. And if that's not a problem there's also the "What do I get for [so-n-so] for Christmas?" Our gifts and measurements so often seem to center around "things". Now, I like a good gift just as much as the next person, but I'm beginning to realize that the reality of having things is not all that it's cracked up to be.
My family and I live in a two bedroom apt. approximately 900 some-odd squ ft. Many people look at us and think, "Boy, they need a house! More room, bigger kitchen, fenced yard...." Granted, it would be nice to have those things- maybe (bigger means more upkeep and more expense)- but I have a slightly different take on "things". We go to Mexico every summer to build houses for families of 3-8 people (give or take) who live in make-shift shacks (gargage doors, tarps, odd plyboard, dirt floors). The spaces they live in are, at the biggest, the size of my bedroom. Even the places we build for them are smaller than our apt. So I look at my own place and now I don't think I need more space. I realize that, truly, we need less stuff!
So my challenge to you as we approach this holiday season, is to take a good long look at your life and be thankful, rejoice at what you do have. And maybe, rather than giving more things this year to people, find ways to bless them with yourself. Offer to help your neighbor/friend with a project. Buy the kids a zoo pass and then go with them. Give your wife the day off (a favorite of mine!) away from the kids and housework. Fix your husband his favorite meal, or give him coupons redeemable for a foot massage. You get the idea.
Who needs more stuff? We need each other!
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. "(John 15:13)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
"In every thing give thanks...." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
As a homeschooling mom of one (a four yr. old boy), much of my time has been spent in rousing games of Go Fish and Higglytown Heroes. I have also spent a good deal of time printing out lessons and activities centered around the Thanksgiving and Advent seasons. Hence, my thoughts of late are also centered around such concepts as giving thanks, being thankful, the whole giving vs. receiving battle that circulates every year about this time....
Even as adults, we so often look to what we don't have, forgetting all too easily how much it is we do have. And if that's not a problem there's also the "What do I get for [so-n-so] for Christmas?" Our gifts and measurements so often seem to center around "things". Now, I like a good gift just as much as the next person, but I'm beginning to realize that the reality of having things is not all that it's cracked up to be.
My family and I live in a two bedroom apt. approximately 900 some-odd squ ft. Many people look at us and think, "Boy, they need a house! More room, bigger kitchen, fenced yard...." Granted, it would be nice to have those things- maybe (bigger means more upkeep and more expense)- but I have a slightly different take on "things". We go to Mexico every summer to build houses for families of 3-8 people (give or take) who live in make-shift shacks (gargage doors, tarps, odd plyboard, dirt floors). The spaces they live in are, at the biggest, the size of my bedroom. Even the places we build for them are smaller than our apt. So I look at my own place and now I don't think I need more space. I realize that, truly, we need less stuff!
So my challenge to you as we approach this holiday season, is to take a good long look at your life and be thankful, rejoice at what you do have. And maybe, rather than giving more things this year to people, find ways to bless them with yourself. Offer to help your neighbor/friend with a project. Buy the kids a zoo pass and then go with them. Give your wife the day off (a favorite of mine!) away from the kids and housework. Fix your husband his favorite meal, or give him coupons redeemable for a foot massage. You get the idea.
Who needs more stuff? We need each other!
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. "(John 15:13)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
"In every thing give thanks...." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Identity Crisis
Here's something for us all to chew on.
In Robert S. McGee's book, The Search for Significance, he states the following:
"The fear of rejection is rampant, and loneliness is one of the most dangerous and widespread problems in America today. Some estimate that loneliness has already reached epidemic proportions and say that if it continues to spread, it could seriously erode the emotional strength of our country. Loneliness is not relegated only to unbelievers. Ninety-two percent of the Christians attending a recent Bible conference admitted in a survey that feelings of loneliness are a major problem in their lives. All shared a basic symptom: a sense of despair at feeling unloved and a fear of being unwanted or unaccepted. This is a tragic commentary on the people about whom Christ said: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35)."
Ninety-two percent of Christians? That is a staggering number and evidence to me of an identity crisis among our people. I believe that if we truly understand who we are in Christ, and truly understand the nature of God, the feeling of being unloved, the fear of being unwanted, unaccepted would dissipate like the morning dew. If we are to take God at His word then several things must be true.
"When God considers you, does He deceive Himself in some way or does He know who you truly are?
If He knows who we truly are, then why do we preface His understanding of us with phrases such as "in God's eyes we are righteous" or "forgiven" or "loved" or "pleasing" and so on? Are we trying to say that God is not living in reality? That He is somehow involved in self-deception? Is He just some old grandparent type who wants to overlook the faults of His grandchildren? Either He really knows who you are or He doesn't. Playing with words this way keeps us from experiencing the reality of who we are. It also dishonors who God is.
The second question is, If you think of yourself differently than God thinks of you, who is mistaken, you or God? How often do we allow our minds to overrule what God says is true? Keep in mind, you were made by and for God. He has placed within you needs that only He can meet. If we try to have these needs met by another person or persons, we will end up frustrated, angry, and unfulfilled."
Until next time....
In Robert S. McGee's book, The Search for Significance, he states the following:
"The fear of rejection is rampant, and loneliness is one of the most dangerous and widespread problems in America today. Some estimate that loneliness has already reached epidemic proportions and say that if it continues to spread, it could seriously erode the emotional strength of our country. Loneliness is not relegated only to unbelievers. Ninety-two percent of the Christians attending a recent Bible conference admitted in a survey that feelings of loneliness are a major problem in their lives. All shared a basic symptom: a sense of despair at feeling unloved and a fear of being unwanted or unaccepted. This is a tragic commentary on the people about whom Christ said: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35)."
Ninety-two percent of Christians? That is a staggering number and evidence to me of an identity crisis among our people. I believe that if we truly understand who we are in Christ, and truly understand the nature of God, the feeling of being unloved, the fear of being unwanted, unaccepted would dissipate like the morning dew. If we are to take God at His word then several things must be true.
1) I am wonderful (this means you). "...I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:14) The problem is, our soul seems to have forgotten...or else we're not listening.
2) I am forgiven. Have you ever known God to do anything half-way? I am reminded of the illustration that God has taken our sins, thrown them into the deepest ocean and has put up a "no fishing" sign. "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness....And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins..." (1 John 1:9, 2:1-2). "Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
3) I am royalty. "...you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, "Abba! Father!" The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ..." (Romans 8:15-17)
4) I am chosen. "...He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him...(it was His unchanging plan to adopt us) as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will..." (Ephesians 1:4-6, NAS, NLT)
I could go on, and probably will as I journey to discover my own identity, for I am not without the same struggles listed in McGee's book. I will close this one entry for now, however, and I leave you with one more quote from The Search for Significance (chp. 4, God's Answer: Justification)."When God considers you, does He deceive Himself in some way or does He know who you truly are?
If He knows who we truly are, then why do we preface His understanding of us with phrases such as "in God's eyes we are righteous" or "forgiven" or "loved" or "pleasing" and so on? Are we trying to say that God is not living in reality? That He is somehow involved in self-deception? Is He just some old grandparent type who wants to overlook the faults of His grandchildren? Either He really knows who you are or He doesn't. Playing with words this way keeps us from experiencing the reality of who we are. It also dishonors who God is.
The second question is, If you think of yourself differently than God thinks of you, who is mistaken, you or God? How often do we allow our minds to overrule what God says is true? Keep in mind, you were made by and for God. He has placed within you needs that only He can meet. If we try to have these needs met by another person or persons, we will end up frustrated, angry, and unfulfilled."
Until next time....
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Welcome to My Blog
Hi! Welcome to my page of ramblings. This blog is my attempt at several things, one of which is to oil my rusty writing hinges. I am also on a journey of discovery, and I invite you to come along for the ride. Perhaps amid my ventures, you too, may discover some things about yourself, about the world around, about the world to come. I welcome your comments along the way. I welcome you.
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