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| Photograph taken by Bethany Williams | Copyrighted 2010 |
Monday
Feeling Springy
Spring is here ! A wonderful time of year to begin anew. Get rid of all the junk! The clutter around the house, office, locker, and internally. Out with the junk and make room for more opportunities. If those opportunities don't come along, create your own.
Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing in order to make your opportunity:
1. You know that thing you wanted to try when you were younger, or that thing you wanted to do when you finally grew up? Well, as long as it does not hurt you or others (even the people who will be part of your future), and honors God, get to it!!
2. If you are anything like me, you collected a whole bunch of art supplies because you were going to learn more about...art. So here's the dilemma: should you take some classes and use those art supplies, donate those art supplies to a children's art program, and/or have a garage sale or put it all on eBay? Whatever you do, do something.
3. If you didn't purchase all those art supplies, BUT you did make plans for learning about something else, you should still do something.
4. So you do not want to try anything new, you already visited every corner of the world you wanted to see, you have tried every recipe in that cook book, you took all the classes you want to take, etc., you may consider sharing your expertise with someone seeking out that very thing. For instance, become a tour guide in that place you once loved, give a class to some kids who need something to do, etc.
5. Start, or renew, your relationship with The Creator of everything. Seek out the beauty of that relationship and get to know Him more. Study everything you can about who He is and who He says you are. Learn about what He says love is and how much He adores you. Let Him woo you. Or just let Him speak to you, and pray pray pray. Don't forget to listen...it requires a stillness, a quietness, a peace that surpasses all understanding, which only He can give. This will be one I will be working on myself.
Paul says in Romans 12:2,
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Jesus says in John 15:9 - 14
"9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command."
To me, this is what life is about - loving God and others. Being a friend to Jesus the Christ.
With the renewing of life in nature, the renewing of my resolve to love always requires action. Without love, there is no light, no life, nothing. Is love as precious as the air we breathe? We all crave it. I had a record when I was little and there was a song on it saying that in regard to joy, "...lots of folks don't even know it was made to give away-ay-ay." I think that giving away extends to love...gotta give it!!
Just as most children thrive in a loving home, so too does mankind, and we all make a difference in deciding to give love, or not. Now that opens up quite an opportunity!!
What do you do to celebrate Spring in your life?
Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing in order to make your opportunity:
1. You know that thing you wanted to try when you were younger, or that thing you wanted to do when you finally grew up? Well, as long as it does not hurt you or others (even the people who will be part of your future), and honors God, get to it!!
2. If you are anything like me, you collected a whole bunch of art supplies because you were going to learn more about...art. So here's the dilemma: should you take some classes and use those art supplies, donate those art supplies to a children's art program, and/or have a garage sale or put it all on eBay? Whatever you do, do something.
3. If you didn't purchase all those art supplies, BUT you did make plans for learning about something else, you should still do something.
4. So you do not want to try anything new, you already visited every corner of the world you wanted to see, you have tried every recipe in that cook book, you took all the classes you want to take, etc., you may consider sharing your expertise with someone seeking out that very thing. For instance, become a tour guide in that place you once loved, give a class to some kids who need something to do, etc.
5. Start, or renew, your relationship with The Creator of everything. Seek out the beauty of that relationship and get to know Him more. Study everything you can about who He is and who He says you are. Learn about what He says love is and how much He adores you. Let Him woo you. Or just let Him speak to you, and pray pray pray. Don't forget to listen...it requires a stillness, a quietness, a peace that surpasses all understanding, which only He can give. This will be one I will be working on myself.
Paul says in Romans 12:2,
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will."
Jesus says in John 15:9 - 14
"9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. 10 If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 12 My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I command."
To me, this is what life is about - loving God and others. Being a friend to Jesus the Christ.
With the renewing of life in nature, the renewing of my resolve to love always requires action. Without love, there is no light, no life, nothing. Is love as precious as the air we breathe? We all crave it. I had a record when I was little and there was a song on it saying that in regard to joy, "...lots of folks don't even know it was made to give away-ay-ay." I think that giving away extends to love...gotta give it!!
Just as most children thrive in a loving home, so too does mankind, and we all make a difference in deciding to give love, or not. Now that opens up quite an opportunity!!
What do you do to celebrate Spring in your life?
Friday
Happy Valentine's Day, you mushy people!
Thoughts have been rushing through my mind today (nothing new). Lots of funny 1-liners, or so I thought. Some traits and situations to attribute to characters in my fiction. Remember, as a kid, putting Elmer’s glue on your hand, letting it dry, then peeling it off? Would that have any age-defying affects if I used it on my face? I kept thinking that I should write them down, but none of them stuck for me to splat them on paper. The illusion of my cleverness is unproven at this time. But just you wait, you will be convinced someday.
While watching “Going the Distance,” I was so inspired to get back to my writing. Not that I would recommend it - I don't recall the rating, but I would rate it "R" due to all the premarital copulation, and use of swear words. However, one line from the movie was, “Just because I can hear you through the wall, does not mean I get to participate.” I giggled at hearing it, though the context was a little shady (the context made it even funnier, in a totally fictitious since).
Don’t we all observe? Do you ever actually observe something, then out of no where, engage yourself into another person’s life because of that observation? For example, you see someone is unaware that their shirt tag is out, and you tell them so. Or, toilet paper trails behind the shoe of some man in a suit, so you feel sorry for him and let him know about this possibly embarrassing predicament. I thought that line from “Going the Distance” was so funny and genius. Whenever I watch these romantic comedies, I feel like I am a voyeur, watching all these fictitious romances play out on a screen, almost convincing me that true love feeds the romantic system (which is almost as vital to life as the circulatory system).
What is it about romance? I try not to get my hopes up about Valentine’s Day, and being swept off my feet. But sometimes, I just cannot help myself. I had a boyfriend once who broke up with me on Valentine’s Day. Ouch!! And yet, I am still optimistic about that horrific day every year, carefully keeping my hopes in check.
“Julie and Julia” almost got me in tears. I watched it again, and felt this inadequate sensation throughout my being. I could barely walk, and wanted so badly to do as Julie did. Not the profanity part, just the part of finding something that would be a great goal, documenting the progress and going for it. The journey between the present and the point of reaching the goal would be what inspires, as well as entertains fellow humans. Uniting us. Encouraging us. Lifting us all onto some common higher level of being. Connecting us.
With all the social networks online, it is almost impossible to feel alone. I guess, if you do not take the laptop into the bathroom with you, you could possibly feel alone for a few minutes. But who does that? Actually, I guess with technological advances, a cell phone can do the trick anywhere.
This brings me to a thought I just remembered I had yesterday. The Body of Christ needs every member to engage. Facebook and Twitter, etc. do not count. Facebook, Twitter, etc., all are just tools in keeping us connected on a superficial level. Keeping us updated , praying, crying, and laughing. Actually, spending time together, authentically sharing the true details of our lives, comforting and loving one another with our presence, growing up in the Lord together, holding each other accountable, learning together, showing affection for one another, etc. are also important to our unification.
Ephesians 4:2 - 6
“2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” NIV
While watching “Going the Distance,” I was so inspired to get back to my writing. Not that I would recommend it - I don't recall the rating, but I would rate it "R" due to all the premarital copulation, and use of swear words. However, one line from the movie was, “Just because I can hear you through the wall, does not mean I get to participate.” I giggled at hearing it, though the context was a little shady (the context made it even funnier, in a totally fictitious since).
Don’t we all observe? Do you ever actually observe something, then out of no where, engage yourself into another person’s life because of that observation? For example, you see someone is unaware that their shirt tag is out, and you tell them so. Or, toilet paper trails behind the shoe of some man in a suit, so you feel sorry for him and let him know about this possibly embarrassing predicament. I thought that line from “Going the Distance” was so funny and genius. Whenever I watch these romantic comedies, I feel like I am a voyeur, watching all these fictitious romances play out on a screen, almost convincing me that true love feeds the romantic system (which is almost as vital to life as the circulatory system).
What is it about romance? I try not to get my hopes up about Valentine’s Day, and being swept off my feet. But sometimes, I just cannot help myself. I had a boyfriend once who broke up with me on Valentine’s Day. Ouch!! And yet, I am still optimistic about that horrific day every year, carefully keeping my hopes in check.
“Julie and Julia” almost got me in tears. I watched it again, and felt this inadequate sensation throughout my being. I could barely walk, and wanted so badly to do as Julie did. Not the profanity part, just the part of finding something that would be a great goal, documenting the progress and going for it. The journey between the present and the point of reaching the goal would be what inspires, as well as entertains fellow humans. Uniting us. Encouraging us. Lifting us all onto some common higher level of being. Connecting us.
With all the social networks online, it is almost impossible to feel alone. I guess, if you do not take the laptop into the bathroom with you, you could possibly feel alone for a few minutes. But who does that? Actually, I guess with technological advances, a cell phone can do the trick anywhere.
This brings me to a thought I just remembered I had yesterday. The Body of Christ needs every member to engage. Facebook and Twitter, etc. do not count. Facebook, Twitter, etc., all are just tools in keeping us connected on a superficial level. Keeping us updated , praying, crying, and laughing. Actually, spending time together, authentically sharing the true details of our lives, comforting and loving one another with our presence, growing up in the Lord together, holding each other accountable, learning together, showing affection for one another, etc. are also important to our unification.
Ephesians 4:2 - 6
“2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit - just as you were called to one hope when you were called - 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” NIV
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