tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41892945407598025312024-02-19T06:42:01.529-08:00The QuestOne girl's search for truth.The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-74426891528714881062013-04-17T07:54:00.001-07:002013-04-17T07:54:16.997-07:00I've Moved!Hey everyone! You've probably been wondering why this blog has been so silent for the past months. Well, it's because I've gone back to posting at my OTHER three blogs. This one will be dormant for a while, so for those who so sweetly followed me here, would you mind heading on over to the other places I write? Here are the options, in the order of posting frequency:<br />
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<a href="http://playguitar4him.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Playing Life's Guitar</a>, where I blog about life, family, questions, online stuff I find interesting, and philosophical musings.<br />
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<a href="http://lifeistheteacher.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Life is the Teacher</a>, where I blog about educational topics and beginning my journey as a home-schooling/unschooling mother.<br />
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<a href="http://giftsofgodsmercy.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Unwrapping Love</a>, where my friend Heather and I blog about blessings galore; after reading Ann Voskamp's book, we are keeping our own lists of 1,000 gifts!<br />
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Come on over and join me!The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-78669344061495836192012-03-24T08:16:00.000-07:002012-03-24T08:16:26.336-07:00The Beginning of the End; Glimpsing the Beginning<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px;">What a journey this has been. Six months of watching my stomach grow larger. Of feeling the first tiny flutters grow into strong kicks. Learning to get by on five hours of sleep. Hungry, hungry, hungry all the time. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is so much bewildering information available. Give birth like this! Raise your child this way! Educate your child that way! THIS is the right way, and if you don't follow these directions then your child will be RUINED FOR LIFE! At least that's the way it seems. Yet no baby, toddler, kid, or teenager ever came with an instruction manual. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today marks the beginning of the third trimester. The end goal is in sight. It feels like rounding the final bend in the 400 yard dash; you're already running out of breath, but the sight of the finish line just a hundred yards away is enough to give an extra burst of "YES! almost there!" so you can keep going. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In some cases, it may seem like I'm unprepared. We don't know the baby's gender. This is completely by choice, though some people think we're a bit crazy for not mentally preparing ourselves for either a son or a daughter. Will gender make that much of a difference in the way we raise our child? We don't have a nursery, because the only room available for the tiny newcomer also serves as a storage room, music room, and spare bedroom. That's what happens when you live in a small apartment. A crib and a few bins of baby items will have to suffice. Also, I'm deathly afraid of bathing a newborn. They're so slippery!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have serious doubts as to whether the baby will take naps or not. With so much movement going on right now before he/she is even born, there's a good chance of having an extremely awake, interactive child who has boundless amounts of energy. A baby strong enough to kick the heart monitor away from my stomach as the midwife attempts to hear its heartbeat is probably going to be a handful to raise. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet in many ways I feel hopefully, cautiously confident that everything will work out for the best. Preparing myself to receive the newborn has been the most exciting part. Feeling like my world is prepared for him/her is more difficult, but still on the right track. Friends and family are so supportive! Even my music students and their families are gracious and ready to help in any way they can, with quite a few giving up their children's old car seats, furniture, and toys to bless our family. Many of our major expenses have already been provided for in this way, and due to the generosity of both my family and Chris's family, who are anticipating the arrival of the first grandchild.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The natural decrease in energy over the last few months has allowed me less time to give to others. Late night movies and dinners are rapidly becoming a thing of the past. After I finish teaching, there is rarely anything left in the reserve tank for hanging out with friends. Weekends are used for catching up on chores and errands that didn't make the cut earlier in the week. Even making dinner or doing laundry can be exhausting. It feels like a sort of cocoon is forming around me; I spend so much more time at home, often by myself when Chris is at work, because being out and about is tiring. It's like a safe haven is being formed for me and the little one. I still love seeing my friends, but the shift in focus from outward activity to inward preparation is clearly evident. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A safe haven. That's what I want for the baby, in every way possible. So I am working on making myself feel safe, physically, mentally, emotionally. Enjoying our wonderful community. Focusing on the love and care of those close to me. Working to improve the areas where I need to grow. Hoping to change for the better in many ways so that I will be a strong, peaceful, nurturing mother. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Praying for wisdom. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Treasuring these final weeks before the baby arrives.</span></div>
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<br /></div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-56686655074870015692012-03-23T18:15:00.002-07:002012-03-23T18:16:02.752-07:00You Tell Me I'm Stubborn<br />
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You tell me I'm stubborn. I can almost imagine that I hear frustration in your voice. Yet it is loving frustration, and I have no doubt that you do still love me in spite of my faults (which are many). Stubbornness just happens to be the one that rears its head most often to those who know me best. You say, "Maybe if you weren't so stubborn..."</div>
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So I think about it. What if I wasn't so stubborn? I wouldn't be so prideful. I wouldn't always think that I knew what to do in every situation. I wouldn't have an explanation for everything. I wouldn't see the world from the confines of my little box. I would be much more humble.</div>
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The worst part of my stubbornness is when it refuses to let go of fear. </div>
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This shows lack of trust. </div>
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Trust in God that He knows what is best for me. Trust in myself that I need to follow my conscience to do what is right even when it's hard or it might hurt. </div>
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No matter how logical or wise you are as you bring different ideas to the table, to help me dispel my fears, the stubborn part of me still can't let go. "Get out there and DO something about it!" you say. "But... but... but...." whispers my stubbornness, and then a thousand explanations and reasons follow. </div>
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I am afraid. </div>
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Yet I am not alone.</div>
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This is where trust comes in. If anything can dispel fear, it is love, and with love comes trust, and humility, and peace.</div>
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Trust in God that He knows what is best for me. </div>
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And I am so very loved by so many dear friends. </div>
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If I wasn't stubborn, I would have floundered at age fifteen, age seventeen, eighteen, twenty, twenty-three... when my life's course seemed to falter, when I didn't know if I was on the right path. If I wasn't stubborn, I would have fallen prey to doubt when my beliefs were questioned over and over. If I wasn't stubborn, I would have been taken advantage of in many ways. If I wasn't stubborn, I wouldn't have the determination to be different: to not go to school, to become a musician, to become a teacher, to take good advice against the wishes of my heart because I knew it WAS good advice, to love without the assurance of being loved back. I've followed my dreams despite the odds. I am a stronger person for the obstacles I've overcome. So stubbornness can be a blessing, too, when it is used in the right way. </div>
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How about I strive for stubborn love? For stubborn trust? For stubborn strength in living according to what is right, not according to what I want? For stubborn humbleness in seeing others as more important than myself? For stubborn compassion even when I'm pushed away?</div>
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It's time for peace as I enter this new stage of life. If I do not have peace in myself, then how can I bring peace to my new child?</div>
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Thanks for being a friend enough to tell me, lovingly, that I need to change, and that change is possible.</div>
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And thanks for not giving up on me, even when I'm stubborn. </div>
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<br /></div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-20476365541706715502011-12-28T07:42:00.000-08:002011-12-30T18:28:21.441-08:00Instead of New Year's Resolutions...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There have been years where I made resolutions meant to begin on January 1st. The root of a personal goal should be to transform part of one's self into something more positive. Sometimes the intent is to bring good change into the world or another's life. Sometimes a personal goal may only involve yourself, which can entail changing a habit, forming a habit, etc. Everyone who makes New Year's resolutions has the intent of following through. But how many of us mere mortals are able to stick with ALL our goals and stay on track the entire year? The more dedicated may doggedly cling to them for a few months, or with a feat of super-human strength, pursue one particular objective until finished. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not one of those people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The best way for me to accomplish a goal is to have it be long-term, not very specific, and have many different strategies of achieving it. I've had the goal of studying children's education for over four years, which led to taking college classes on related subjects, teaching children as my job, investing in young people's lives and listening to their thoughts, visiting schools, and writing in the blog "Life Is the Teacher". There is no exact end to this goal. It seems like educational methods will be a never-ending study for me, especially since my own child will be born next year, Lord willing. And that's the joy of it: I don't HAVE to have an end to this quest. It can go on for as long as I am interested, willing to learn, and wish to bring information to others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In that light, I won't be making any New Year's resolutions. My history has proved me too lazy, too forgetful, too hasty, and/or too impatient for them. It's a bit disappointing, really. There's something so invigorating about establishing new dreams, committing to new aspirations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What I will be doing instead is choosing a word for 2012.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Within the past few weeks, a theme has begun to emerge. In my conversations, the books I read, the thoughts I ponder, the motif of TRUST has shyly crept forth. It's become obvious to me that I am sadly lacking in this area. This is partially due to past events that made it difficult for me to trust others easily (which is fear), but it is also because pride stands in the way of putting my trust in anything except myself. This has been a big hindrance in my relationship with God. And there are other places in my life where I can see that lack of trust has had a negative impact. That is the ugly side; the opposite of trust is doubt. With doubt comes skepticism, disbelief, confusion, chaos.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bright future is this: I want to bring TRUST into my life in whatever ways will positively change me. This is my long-term goal for 2012, which is perfect since there are endless ways that the message of trust can effect me. I will be searching for it...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">... as I meditate on Bible passages.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I talk with friends and family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I write in my blogs or journal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I walk through the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I create art.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I approach new experiences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I listen.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I deal with old pain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I learn how to walk with God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I read books.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I admire beauty.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">...as I let hindrances go. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This theme of TRUST may speak loudly sometimes. Other times it may whisper. There is already some art forming in my mind that I'd like to bring into physical being, so that it can be a reminder around my home of the search for trust this year. I want to live with this word, hugging it so closely to myself that it becomes imprinted on my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Care to join? Is there a word that you want to explore?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you want more ideas of what this is about, visit these articles:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.messycanvas.com/2011/12/what-do-i-do-with-my-word/">http://www.messycanvas.com/2011/12/what-do-i-do-with-my-word/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://aliedwards.com/2007/01/one-little-word-3.html">http://aliedwards.com/2007/01/one-little-word-3.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/choosing-your-word/">http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2011/12/08/choosing-your-word/</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://bohemianbowmans.com/our-purposeful-word-for-2011/#comments">http://bohemianbowmans.com/our-purposeful-word-for-2011/</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://moonsilk-stitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/intention-for-2012.html">http://moonsilk-stitches.blogspot.com/2011/12/intention-for-2012.html</a><br />
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<a href="http://bluetwigstudio.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/a-word-for-the-new-year/">http://bluetwigstudio.wordpress.com/2011/12/19/a-word-for-the-new-year/</a><br />
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<br /></div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-78665037508358562252011-12-02T03:37:00.001-08:002011-12-02T03:51:04.614-08:00TiredSometimes the upstairs neighbors sound like elephants, stomping around with trumpeting sounds of laughter and noise until three thirty in the morning, completely ruining any chance of sleeping for more than five minutes.<br />
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Sometimes you wake up hungry at four a.m. because pregnancy cravings for something to eat RIGHT NOW were too powerful for sleep.<br />
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Sometimes your partner has to wake up at five to be at work by six, even though you were both up with runny noses for most of the night.<br />
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Sometimes the mind runs at such a breakneck speed that it is impossible to turn off, like a t.v. endlessly running through channels with a broken remote, so you lie awake until dawn light begins seeping through the windows.<br />
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But then your shyest student breaks out of his shell to play an amazing new guitar composition he's been working on all week.<br />
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And then you come home after a long evening of teaching to the love of your life preparing a delicious cooked chicken and mashed potatoes for a cozy dinner.<br />
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And then you catch a much-needed nap with your love on a peaceful afternoon.<br />
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And then you get the Christmas tree, the tiny evergreen small enough to fit into an apartment, and it reminds you that the best part about December is Christ's coming.<br />
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Then you're not so tired.<br />
<br />The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-22359748551972298222011-09-19T11:08:00.000-07:002011-09-19T11:10:39.740-07:00The Philosophy of the Dandelion, the God of the Future, the Treasures Hidden Inside<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"When first it was even hinted that the universe may not be a great design, but only a blind and indifferent growth, it ought to have been perceived instantly that this must for ever forbid any poet to retire to the green fields as to his home, or to look at the blue sky for his inspiration. There would be no more of any such traditional truth associated with green grass than with green rot or green rust; no more to be recalled by blue skies than by blue noses amputated in a freezing world of death. Poets, even Pagans, can only directly believe in Nature if they indirectly believe in God; if the second idea should really fade, the first is bound to follow sooner or later; and, merely out of a sad respect for human logic, I wish it had been sooner. Of course a man might have an almost animal appreciation of certain accidents of form or colour in a rock or a pool, as in a rag-bag or a dustbin; but that is not what the great poets or the great pagans meant by mysteries of Nature or the inspiration of the elemental powers. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;">When there is no longer even a vague idea of purposes or presences, then the many-coloured forest really is a rag-bag and all the pageant of the dust only a dustbin. We can see this realisation creeping like a slow paralysis over all those of the newest poets who have not reacted towards religion. Their philosophy of the dandelion is not that all weeds are flowers; but rather that all flowers are weeds. Indeed it reaches to something like nightmare; as if Nature itself were unnatural. Perhaps that is why so many of them try desperately to write about machinery; touching which nobody has yet disputed the Argument from Design. No Darwin has yet maintained that motors began as scraps of metal, of which most happened to be scrapped; or that only those cars, which had grown a carburettor by accident, survived the struggle for life in Piccadilly. But whatever the reason, I have read modern poems obviously meant to make grass seem something merely scrubby and prickly and repugnant, like an unshaven chin." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~</span><a href="http://www.chesterton.org/wordpress/2011/09/the-god-with-the-golden-key/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> G.K. Chesterton</span></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IF thou wouldst live unruffled by care,<br />Let not the past torment thee e'er;<br />As little as possible be thou annoy'd,<br />And let the present be ever enjoy'd;<br />Ne'er let thy breast with hate be supplied,<br />And to God the future confide.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; color: #333333; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ </span><a href="http://www.everypoet.com/archive/poetry/Goethe/goethe_the_rule_of_life.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Goethe</span></a></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"As I sat there, I began thinking about the heart, the center of the person, the 'who' we are. I thought about how often I miss the heart of the person and instead focus on their behavior. How often have I looked at someone and made an immediate judgment? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have seen the cut of their hair, the clothes they wore, the language they used, tatoos or not and I made judgments. I have seen those who are overweight, the 'wrong' color, living in the wrong part of town and I have made judgments. I have looked at my own children and family focusing on behavior and never really reaching their heart. It is easy to judge. It is hard to lean in, to listen, to look past the behavior and seek understanding. To seek the heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was reminded of the following:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The heart is desparately wicked</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- I will give you a new heart</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- Out of the heart the mouth speaks</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">- The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I considered how God seeks our hearts. He is after us. He desires intimacy and the knowing of our true self. He, like the Prodigal's Father, looks past behavior and longingly looks down the road for his lost son. His heart breaks as he searches for the hearts he loves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am asking God to help me see the hearts of my wife, my children, my friends, my co-workers. I want to discover the richness and treasures hidden inside."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">~ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/notes/dwight-pond/pond-ering-my-faith-getting-to-the-heart-of-the-matter/10150316741818473">Dwight Pond </a></span></div>
The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-4112271192947013482011-09-14T12:04:00.000-07:002011-09-14T12:06:53.891-07:00The Other Side of the Season's Change<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">More and more I find that connections are everywhere. All things are linked. All people are just a thought away from each other. How marvelous to be able to step into someone else's mind, to peer into the corners and examine the cupboards. It leads to understanding, or compassion, or further confusion, or revulsion. But what is so different about them from our own selves? The same reactions arise when we peruse the halls of our own minds. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On this rainy day with autumn leaves falling, there is the reminder that we are all traveling on the same River. Although everyone has their own stops to make as the current carries them along, we all have the same final destination at the Sea. Life is too short to row with an oar marred by bitterness. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is so much joy in reconciliation. After a week, a year, or five years, standing face to face with mutual forgiveness, receiving a letter of kindness, hearing the words "let's try again", knowing that your past wrongs are not held against you: how much healing can take place when two people are willing to hold grace higher than themselves. Love triumphs over our own fallen natures when we look through Another's eyes.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Seeing the connections brings meaning. It might take a long time, maybe not even occur in my own life, but the meaning will eventually be known. We are all meaning-makers. We are all a created work. We are all in the process of creating. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, there is hardship, and times when we just don't understand why or what. I've often compared myself to a miniscule ant in the vast universe trying to lift a heavy crumb. But sometimes in the midst of my efforts a fresh breath of hope sweeps in to bring new life. This ant is going to keep pushing at crumbs.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">LOOKING IN</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue eyes are beautiful, as are brown; however,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">your eyes reflect more deeply the colors of a storm at sea</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">in winter, which contains mud, kelp, swimming things, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">swirled wind of December.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue eyes are beautiful, as are brown; however,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">your slate-grey glance is veiled; the weather</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of emotions are only let loose purposefully.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Blue eyes are beautiful, as are brown; however,</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">your eyes reflect more deeply the colors of a storm at sea.</span></span></div>
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The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-32776953976165121202011-09-14T10:40:00.000-07:002011-09-14T10:40:46.305-07:00The Changing of the SeasonsThere is time.<br />
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For everything there is a season.<br />
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My time was born. When will my time come to an end?<br />
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There is a time to plant seeds, and a time to admire the beautiful life that grew from them.<br />
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There are times of pain, and times of healing.<br />
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There is a time to bring an ending, and a time to begin afresh once more.<br />
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There is a time to weep for what was lost, and a time to sing in thankfulness for many blessings.<br />
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There is a time to sit in sorrow when the night is dark, and a time to dance again with the coming of the morning light.<br />
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There is a time to scatter the foundations, and a time to build the foundations back up.<br />
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There is a time to gather the ones you love close to you, and a time to sit alone.<br />
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There is a time to search with all your heart, and a time to realize that your seeking was in vain.<br />
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There is a time to keep what is dear close, and a time to relinquish that closeness.<br />
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There is a time to rip apart, and a time to repair.<br />
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There is a time to keep one's thoughts secret, and a time to finally step forward and speak boldly.<br />
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There is a time for loving, for love to overflow, and a time to cut off love.<br />
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There is a time for facing a battle bravely, and a time for peaceful reconciliation.<br />
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In the best intentions, there is selfishness. In the most upright of humankind, there is hidden sin. One may hold out mercy and kindness with their right hand while concealing injustice in their left. No good can come of expecting perfection in anything, whether fallen being or fallen world. Once more the golden calf comes crashing down.<br />
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I know that God has made everything according to his plan, which I cannot even begin to fathom, but I am still a frustrated tiny ant who does not understand why the crumb I want to carry will not budge.<br />
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There is a <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/Ecclesiastes+3/">time for everything</a>.<br />
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The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-52351801785211713562011-09-07T06:06:00.000-07:002011-09-07T06:22:15.278-07:00Numbering Our Days, Finding Our Wisdom: Part ITeach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Psalm+90%3A10-17/">Psalm 90:12</a><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Orchard Church <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;">©</span></b></span></td></tr>
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Christ Jesus came into the world to save not the righteous, but sinners. He opposes himself to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. ~ Message of <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/Mark+2%3A1-17/">Mark 2</a></div>
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But we have turned away. Our race has become corrupt, and we have turned away from the glory of God.<br />
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What does the Lord require of his people?<br />
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Pure hearts... cravings to see righteousness- in ourselves, in the believing community, and in the world.<br />
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Compassion and real deeds of mercy toward the poor and the desperate.<br />
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Minds willing to go to their limits in thinking out the truth.<br />
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Love when it is hard and unrewarding.<br />
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Patience in the face of my weaknesses, my sins, and my limitations.<br />
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Patience in the face of the weakness of others.<br />
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Trust, gentleness, and self-sacrifice in our marriages and friendships.<br />
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The Lord asks of us that we give ourselves to him, in every single area of our life; that we trust him to change us, and not be overwhelmed by how far we have to go; that we live day by day in the joy of the Lord, and not in complaining...<br />
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The Lord requires of us that we believe what is true, and speak for it...<br />
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But we have failed much and often in these things.<br />
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Let God humiliate us then, by the power and purity of his righteousness, so that we might fly to Christ for safety; for his righteousness has become our own, through his suffering.<br />
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Mercy triumphs over judgement. ~ <a href="http://www.esvbible.org/search/James+2/">Mark 2:13b</a><br />
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<b>Christ Jesus came into the world to save not the righteous, but sinners.</b><br />
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~ Excerpts from anonymous litany<br />
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<br />The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-58156351094417188032011-08-01T12:20:00.000-07:002011-08-01T19:20:47.404-07:00On My Birthday...<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">What an amazing month July was. The highlights were spending the 4th of July with amazing friends, teaching at guitar camp, and hosting my friends Eliot and Tyler and my sister Emily for almost a week. The celebration of my and Emily's birthdays this weekend with my family and friends was a lovely way to wrap up July. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Over the past few weeks I've seen more and more how wonderfully (and strangely) surprising human nature can be. New revelations and old truths relearned have been collecting in my mind. Here are the ones that I've written down in order to remember better:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>People do not have to be related by blood in order to be considered family.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Sometimes there is no apparent rhyme or reason for one person to become attached to another, but it happens anyway.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Just because a person can ignore their conscience doesn't mean that they should. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>The heart will bloom in a parched desert of affection, even without the nourishment of mutual love, for much longer than we think possible. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Confidence can take you a long, long way.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Arrogance is confidence which has grown too big for its britches. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>If you can't speak honestly, keep your mouth shut. Try to speak kindly as much as possible also.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Just because you don't like something doesn't mean it's not true.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Sometimes people just need a compassionate friend to listen.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>There's nothing more reassuring than a friend at your side who believes in you to give the extra boost of confidence needed to accomplish something difficult. </i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Nature and music are two of the most powerful forces that can unite people together.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>There is absolutely no need to be rude to anybody.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Even when people live far away from each other, they can still be close in heart.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Speak the truth, with love, as often as you can.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>Everybody just wants to be spoken to in the Language of the Moon.</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Anyway.... there we go. Life is full of interesting happenings. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">As August arrives, I begin planning for the upcoming autumn and winter months, with teaching lessons, ensemble, Bible study, music performances, and travel expeditions in the works. There are some exciting events in store for this year... but I'll write more about those as they come up.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">There were so many happy moments this month. Most of them are too private to share, but one that I am joyful to announce is that I obtained a mandolin for my birthday! I was so elated that I ended up writing a story-poem about it. Here it is.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At guitar camp in the hundred degree heat</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Paul carried his family's mandolin</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to composition class along with his guitar.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I picked it up on a whim of the moment.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It felt like magic.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The strings were the lower four of the guitar</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">upside down, so it meant thinking backwards,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">like seeing star constellations from a universe</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the mirror opposite of our own.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I quickly learned</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that you have to use a pick if you don't</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">want to destroy your nails.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a brief half hour my mind</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">was struck dumb by the way</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">the smooth notes flowed out of the beautiful instrument.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I must get a mandolin someday."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Standing in the shop,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">teenagers excitedly discussing swords and movies</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">around me, the world slowed to a standstill</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">as the mandolin for sale was placed on the counter.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Taking it into my hands</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">brought back the feel of magic.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But this one was different... it was strung</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for a left-handed musician. The strings were</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">switched, pick-guard on the wrong side.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No wonder it was priced so low.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It has hung on the wall</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for a long time, we were told.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Poor mandolin, nobody wanted you.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Still.... too much for me to pay.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With aching musician's heart</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I gave it back.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"How can I possibly get a mandolin?"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chris takes me back to the shop.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"It's my gift to you, dear.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Happy birthday."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Suddenly the mandolin is back in my arms.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It comes with a case too.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Walking in a dream, I choose three picks from a bin:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">green, purple, and white.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The salesman jokingly says, "Don't forget us</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">when you're famous and all that."</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I smile. No fame, please.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All I want is beautiful music.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"This is my mandolin now!"</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During the drive to the music store</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">my fingers can't leave the instrument alone.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The body is shiny. The frets are small.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Its voice is shy, as if aware</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">that nobody wanted it</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for so long.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The repairman tells me that it will take</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">several days</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to make minor changes. Then</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">it will be right-handed again.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just a waiting game now...</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">playing with the picks, learning the notes</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">in my head, envisioning</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">melody lines and chord voicings</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">across the fretboard.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not long until the music</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">is back in my hands.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Just waiting for my mandolin..."</span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Today is my birthday. I want one of the themes for my new year to be "living and loving, while waiting and hoping". Too often people spend their time wishing for things to be different instead of enjoying who and where they currently are in their lives. Or they only focus on living in the moment, neglecting future thoughts, and hindering their possible options later on down the road. It is possible to live my life joyfully, loving those I am with and loving everything I do, while at the same time waiting patiently for difficult or trying circumstances to change and hoping to become a better person every day. </div><div><br />
</div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-72219777874235466852011-05-20T13:15:00.000-07:002011-05-20T13:16:23.991-07:00The Tiny Spark and the Weak TreeMy energy is slowly coming back. With its return is the renewed realization of the passions that make me who I am. I do not do well with half-heartedness. I want to be a beacon of truth, of kindness, of compassion. A help to those who are sorrowful or searching. How <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matthew+5%3A14-16">I want to be a fire</a>.<br />
<div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo98YxFHen7_YPLkYAz5ZD7z5DX_yzF0qwnCbCAZIDNfddSMh3BJfvsij1KfNPNZeKBID7R9IZjqA57xNLCPNquE-sRWVWwMhuretxvbwSEM7x60I4A1_eH2QxGlCgqEs9dciiQLUCzog/s1600/05BFRL002_FireWhirl_HR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo98YxFHen7_YPLkYAz5ZD7z5DX_yzF0qwnCbCAZIDNfddSMh3BJfvsij1KfNPNZeKBID7R9IZjqA57xNLCPNquE-sRWVWwMhuretxvbwSEM7x60I4A1_eH2QxGlCgqEs9dciiQLUCzog/s320/05BFRL002_FireWhirl_HR.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>But it seems that most of the time I am closer to being a tiny little flame almost ready to go out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsUH1Axb0_WKwzIp-WyMecxpDpm6khyphenhyphenkd8eLi6vKi2XoRednuSI3VYKyAKWhGQtiPeZsQTuLhfd383R1JT0-aW_2sHSFsUWbI-1FQhkq5SHf4ARoXwDWOVVjLKZMgfBcjvJRp0tnT1TA/s1600/tealight2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsUH1Axb0_WKwzIp-WyMecxpDpm6khyphenhyphenkd8eLi6vKi2XoRednuSI3VYKyAKWhGQtiPeZsQTuLhfd383R1JT0-aW_2sHSFsUWbI-1FQhkq5SHf4ARoXwDWOVVjLKZMgfBcjvJRp0tnT1TA/s1600/tealight2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Sometimes it feels like I have gone out. Wrong behaviors are the winds that threaten to extinguish the flame. When my past is laid bare, I don't know how anyone, especially God, could possibly consider me a light of truth. I am, at best, a flickering spark.<br />
<br />
When I think about <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Galatians+5%3A22-23">the kind of fruit I'd like to show from my life's work</a>, I feel ashamed, because only the opposite sort of fruit, the kind that might taste good at first but later prove to be deadly, seems to show in my life. Selfishness, fear, worry, bitterness, disdain for others, hypocrisy, self-righteousness, insecurity, lack of self-control... these Poison Fruit bring despair, and ultimately, death of self, in a physical, spiritual, and mental way. </div><div><br />
</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tfPIYKaxjjHW2z2GsyqCoX8cPjI5AvSj7rbPKvIeJhgrbASiy_w8qEBW3rmPjgbGy8-PH9gy1lJUIPV6HVRqfSwRUhExc1rRFavXtbCaE_YFJH8MMZ-_PNnj8qEwquhiNVoW9C7iGIU/s1600/23763966_52c16bec65.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tfPIYKaxjjHW2z2GsyqCoX8cPjI5AvSj7rbPKvIeJhgrbASiy_w8qEBW3rmPjgbGy8-PH9gy1lJUIPV6HVRqfSwRUhExc1rRFavXtbCaE_YFJH8MMZ-_PNnj8qEwquhiNVoW9C7iGIU/s320/23763966_52c16bec65.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jisou/with/23763966/">estacey at Flikr</a></span></i></div></div><div><br />
</div><div>Yet when I stop trying on my own to fix everyone and everything, then I begin to understand where true strength comes from. A tree that bears good fruit is planted in <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Psalm+1">a safe place, near the water of wisdom, away from things that will corrupt its fruit.</a> Fortunately I know a Gardener who watches over his plants very carefully, not letting them be destroyed in spite of their own shortcomings. He provides supports for my frail limbs. The fruit I am able to bear is only due to <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?passage=Luke+1%3A76-79">his gentle tending</a>.<br />
<br />
So for now I am the Weak Tree and the Tiny Spark. Yet I am NOT content to stay this way.... I am always seeking to grow more branches, to add more fuel to the fire. Maybe my little flame will help ignite others to become light as well. Perhaps someone will taste a fruit from my work which will benefit them. Thanks be to God that I am not alone in these endeavors!</div><div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQeK0riTUB-KbMOH488Avtw8U7zPWnCyMzWihHMnupjtIqUOEAp_VevbUYwDSxwsdg6vYJYpJxif018z5usAV-Gg11ktCBNuaFEtayXPeZ3JrvdQ632jUaDZVLItU4ud30pHSmL5huao/s1600/about_sparks.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimQeK0riTUB-KbMOH488Avtw8U7zPWnCyMzWihHMnupjtIqUOEAp_VevbUYwDSxwsdg6vYJYpJxif018z5usAV-Gg11ktCBNuaFEtayXPeZ3JrvdQ632jUaDZVLItU4ud30pHSmL5huao/s320/about_sparks.gif" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-61432300580653380692011-05-20T09:05:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:06:48.718-07:00When Seasons Change<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tuvBmUjB3whit2KM1KEoFTqRzFr5CEwxPac-6dZkYLiyQ0Of0kImX_ASQRt4lJpLDgHdeaAGdKlVq6juEpfrT4hzsAZ04kPcC3U4ljCQ1nviIKuyNYTELsyGFdU8zGd0j08jQtYa9JU/s1600/P6170283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tuvBmUjB3whit2KM1KEoFTqRzFr5CEwxPac-6dZkYLiyQ0Of0kImX_ASQRt4lJpLDgHdeaAGdKlVq6juEpfrT4hzsAZ04kPcC3U4ljCQ1nviIKuyNYTELsyGFdU8zGd0j08jQtYa9JU/s320/P6170283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
GO.<br />
<br />
Allergies. They are often the first sign that winter is melting into spring. But as much as possible, I try to ignore the pollen stuffing my head full of itchiness so that I can run outside to welcome the green. Tiny buds, little violet flowers poking up through the dry winter grass. And rain... lots of rain. Then the flip-flop of cold weather-hot weather-cold-weather-hot weather. The temperature changes more than a kid's mind in a candy shop.<br />
<br />
Through the blooming of nature's green comes the renewal of my own inner self. More energy! More excitement! More hours of light! Time to dig out the tulip bulbs of projects left since the ending of the warm months of autumn last year. The outdoors calls. The sap of spring runs warm through my veins and the trees around me.<br />
<br />
Time to plant herbs. Time to open the windows. Time to cook with fresh vegetables. Time to eat the gorgeous new berries available from the farmer's market. Time to listen to the birds singing their hearts out. Time for Easter, with its beautiful reminder of the ultimate renewal of spirit and creation.<br />
<br />
STOP.<br />
<br />
<i>This post is part of </i><a href="http://thegypsymama.com/2011/05/five-minute-friday-when-seasons-change/"><i>Five Minute Friday.</i></a>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-66402274918051428642011-05-19T07:22:00.000-07:002011-05-19T07:22:49.776-07:00Turning Mourning into DancingI fully admit to being impatient. I will agree with anyone who says that I am too quick to speak without thinking. Everyone has faults, and it seems that mine show themselves often enough that they must be fairly obvious to me and everyone else!<br />
<br />
But when I was confronted with the possibility that I might be suffering from ungratefulness, my first thought was, "Surely not! I always remember to say thank you to people!"<br />
<br />
Then I was called to look deeper than outward expressions of thanks. What was the state of my heart?<br />
<br />
I was not content with my circumstances. I was frustrated with my sickness (Lyme disease, fortunately being treated) and lack of energy. I was complaining a lot.<br />
<br />
<i>When confusion dims my sight</i><br />
<i>Let your joy come in the morning</i><br />
<i>Drive the darkness from the night</i><br />
<i>Turn my mourning into dancing</i><br />
<br />
Yet I have a wonderful husband who has been diligently running the household, doing dishes, laundry, cooking, taking care of me, etc. My ongoing healing process is aided by my doctor, antibiotics, healthy food, lots of sleep, a comfortable bed, clean environment, safe water to drink, supportive family and friends, and many other good things.<br />
<br />
How could I have all those benefits and still be ungrateful for what I'd been given?<br />
<br />
So for the past few days, I've been trying to cultivate gratefulness in my heart in place of dissatisfaction.<br />
<br />
<i>Encircle me, O Trinity</i><br />
<i>Let your joy come in the morning</i><br />
<i>Lord your joy my strength will be</i><br />
<i>Turn my mourning into dancing</i><br />
<br />
Focusing on my blessings.<br />
<br />
Meditating on the Psalms.<br />
<br />
Deliberately choosing to smile instead of frown.<br />
<br />
Being content with where I am and the body that I have.<br />
<br />
Loving those around me even when I'm tired.<br />
<br />
Not complaining.<br />
<br />
Finding hope.<br />
<br />
<i>When anger to the wind is cast</i><br />
<i>Let your joy come in the morning</i><br />
<i>Weave your peace around me fast</i><br />
<i>Turn my mourning into dancing</i><br />
<br />
I want to dance!The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-5680212162594542011-05-16T20:42:00.000-07:002011-05-16T20:42:50.874-07:00Can I Have Peace?Today I've been pondering the meaning of the word "peace".<br />
<br />
So many of my dear friends, and a few close family members, are experiencing extreme hardships right now, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pain is being felt in many homes tonight. My heart aches for them, even as my own body aches from the infection I'm currently fighting. Trouble on the outside... sorrow on the inside.<br />
<br />
There have been a few verses floating around in my head as I try to process everything.<br />
<br />
"The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" ~ Psalm 27:1<br />
<br />
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea." ~ Psalm 46:1-2<br />
<br />
And especially this one...<br />
<br />
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." ~ John 14:27<br />
<br />
It seems that if we are able to have peace, then it means we are able to weather any storm of life without being knocked off our feet, because our strength is found in something so strong that nothing can shake it. Does this mean that our emotions are unworthy? No. Grief, anger, hurt are important expressions of our hearts; we are not machines. If we have peace, though, then we do not need to have despair. Should we become disinterested or fatalistic about our futures? Not one bit. We possess value in and of ourselves as individual, unique humans who can have a positive impact on the world and people around us, if we care to develop our potential gifts.<br />
<br />
Peace comes from knowing that no matter what, we will be "okay". Even deeper than that, peace comes from knowing that no matter what happens in our outward lives, to our physical bodies or physical environment, our inner self will be safe. The flesh may be chained yet the heart still flies free. As another way of putting it, earthly possessions return to dust, but the soul has a haven impervious to destruction.The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-4751890948094006592011-05-15T09:03:00.000-07:002011-05-15T09:03:29.292-07:00Through Hard TimesFamilies are broken. Friends walk away from the light to pursue darkness. Health fails. Lives change. The world aches. Yet through all things I wish for the strength and conviction to speak these words along with David:<br />
<br />
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.<br />
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.<br />
For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.<br />
<br />
And they say, "How can God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"<br />
Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.<br />
All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.<br />
For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning.<br />
<br />
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task,<br />
until I went into the sanctuary of God;<br />
then I discerned their end.<br />
<br />
Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.<br />
Like a dream when one awakes, O Lord, when you rouse yourself,<br />
you despise them as phantoms.<br />
<br />
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,<br />
I was brutish and arrogant;<br />
I was like a beast toward you.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I am continually with you;<br />
you hold my right hand.<br />
You guide me with your counsel,<br />
and afterward you will receive me to glory.<br />
<br />
<i>Whom have I in heaven but you?</i><br />
<i>And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.</i><br />
<i>My flesh and my heart may fail,</i><br />
<i>but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.</i><br />
<br />
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish;<br />
you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.<br />
But for me it is good to be near God...<br />
<br />
~ Psalm 73, excerptsThe Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-14011564501273335912011-05-13T13:15:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:15:41.980-07:00Deliberately Creative<div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">When I look at the world around me, I am inspired. There is so much beauty everywhere. The patterns and shapes and symmetry of the universe are astounding! Especially in the springtime, as nature renews its colors, the amazingness of being alive continuously surprises me. Yes, I just wrote "amazingness". As the world shows evidence of being created, so I feel encouraged to create, whether I sit at my desk or go outside.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 19.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVi5Bu9ZcoE6tRyD3deWYyZOb-hB15dVAaBbI5W-QlEh_O4Zt-03FhFbxDAUIR7cKk0OfYOKF8xhZFmZKKN0cokwnaNKOVeMd_2PC_OfGtZEZpbsBbINyOIX_wMuzluB_02pGhVysHkg/s1600/P5130007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVi5Bu9ZcoE6tRyD3deWYyZOb-hB15dVAaBbI5W-QlEh_O4Zt-03FhFbxDAUIR7cKk0OfYOKF8xhZFmZKKN0cokwnaNKOVeMd_2PC_OfGtZEZpbsBbINyOIX_wMuzluB_02pGhVysHkg/s320/P5130007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Creating also feels like a kind of nurturing. When someone else acknowledges our creations, it brings attention to ourselves, even to our inner thoughts. The creator nurtures its creation... the creation brings nurture to its creator through its flourishing and through the recognition of others. </div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfed852OWS8ppxbelOOfneq9bRBBCAwuhIMG7FoJKRSszoTa0drslMgEbpyZPJaM45R-bxHpLV9JOEk8Ze62ZLlvM4Vr3BXOiUP_StFRg5d2VspvilF1xuQfddXvk5GXlmbZpNxMzJdFs/s1600/P5130010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfed852OWS8ppxbelOOfneq9bRBBCAwuhIMG7FoJKRSszoTa0drslMgEbpyZPJaM45R-bxHpLV9JOEk8Ze62ZLlvM4Vr3BXOiUP_StFRg5d2VspvilF1xuQfddXvk5GXlmbZpNxMzJdFs/s320/P5130010.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjFA0DmAY5kebjXa8IwUrA4Nr_vE-O9Mt0y5_Qcn08Dl-fTniVl-oPZkExUavllg8S_5j9TNWQDLUYoSPlS2TUV7N_cjWPL_9OWtNwhlE_g_WGdlPjEUYcOiY3J7fD-wGpj9euiVdTEQ/s1600/P5130017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyjFA0DmAY5kebjXa8IwUrA4Nr_vE-O9Mt0y5_Qcn08Dl-fTniVl-oPZkExUavllg8S_5j9TNWQDLUYoSPlS2TUV7N_cjWPL_9OWtNwhlE_g_WGdlPjEUYcOiY3J7fD-wGpj9euiVdTEQ/s320/P5130017.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxSRpJl3nPlqeeH7DuM-7tzBH2cAth_dRzfkHwa_2ANOwN0NsJf82WU7CKvbE8zXGMZzL-5xr5hhH3d7SAJP7YDJHbNYJLEr31HiIT_7GaIX8mBb7X4WvbMiCzqiLqk5BXucP0xoLWrk/s1600/P5130023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxSRpJl3nPlqeeH7DuM-7tzBH2cAth_dRzfkHwa_2ANOwN0NsJf82WU7CKvbE8zXGMZzL-5xr5hhH3d7SAJP7YDJHbNYJLEr31HiIT_7GaIX8mBb7X4WvbMiCzqiLqk5BXucP0xoLWrk/s320/P5130023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wxLz0mwMbSa53QA6w2-CZ85wA6efSJRJrPjopE0suSNcwN7icYecJGLmtErRK2ybBjJRp9HneyNGPXoOb22dE2EExmgk7dld9-CZMf4xgWLzsfAWrV74KbuynN_ZYSt7ro1JHx3YInQ/s1600/P5130028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8wxLz0mwMbSa53QA6w2-CZ85wA6efSJRJrPjopE0suSNcwN7icYecJGLmtErRK2ybBjJRp9HneyNGPXoOb22dE2EExmgk7dld9-CZMf4xgWLzsfAWrV74KbuynN_ZYSt7ro1JHx3YInQ/s320/P5130028.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Take some time to create today. Look around you. Only your eyes need to see what you make. Or you can bless others by sharing your creation. Be grateful for the opportunity to become an apprentice to the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1%3A31&version=NIV">Master Creator</a>.</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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</div><div style="font: 16.0px Times; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i>This post is part of <a href="http://thegypsymama.com/2011/05/five-minute-friday-deep-breath/">Five-Minute Fridays.</a></i></div><br />
<div><br />
</div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-51143549426949989912011-05-04T12:57:00.000-07:002011-05-04T12:57:36.134-07:00Thoughts on Ayn Rand, rational theism, and Christianity<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">Lately I've been thinking a lot about what it means to use both reason and faith in my beliefs as a Christian. So with all the news about the new movie featuring Ayn Rand's theories, my curiosity was piqued. Several of my friends consider themselves objectivists or rational theists. After some research into both philosophies I must say that in my opinion they take the color out of life while turning the universe into a purely mathematical, unwelcoming place. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Rational theism appears to accept many of Christianity's tenets, yet it goes about explaining them in such a way that turns the organic, creative, ever-changing human being into something barely more than a machine. Mankind is a thinking AND feeling form of life; how can it be right to completely dismiss the emotional/relational side of ourselves? Rational theism may be a way of thought that appeals to those who are extremely logical or scientifically minded; however, I don't find any place for a personal, spiritual relationship with an ever-living God in its theories. Belief in reason is given precedence over belief in God. Yes, God has given us a mind, which we are meant to use wisely, but the mind is not <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10%3A9-10&version=NIV">what ultimately saves us. </a></div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">When I visited the Ayn Rand Institute's website to explore the values of Objectivism, I found several things that contradicted basic Christian beliefs. Under Metaphysics was the sentence "objectivism rejects any belief in the supernatural". Another phrase under Epistemology states that "objectivism rejects mysticism (any acceptance of faith or feeling as a means of knowledge)"; also, under Ethics: "objectivism rejects any form of altruism- the claim that morality consists in living for others or for society". These statements contradict the Biblical teachings about the <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+6%3A12&version=NIV">validity of a spiritual realm</a>, the<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11&version=NIV"> importance of faith</a>, and <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20%3A25-28&version=NIV">the core message of Christianity.</a> Man should not be worshiped; the creature is not greater than the Creator.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Logic on its own comes to a conclusion that self-interest is, at its foundation, the best choice for mankind. However, when faith is the only advisor, the issues of narrow-mindedness, or "blind faith", and a disregard for rational thought emerge. At its root any religious belief must be taken on faith, but I think that there is cause for a healthy balance of reason that should go along with it. As Christians we are <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17%3A10-11&version=NIV">encouraged to think clearly without merely accepting the words of any teacher</a>. Trust in God needs to be matched with wisdom and the search for knowledge.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">As a final note, here is a quote I read on Sunday (apologies for not knowing who the author is). It is a reminder that despite the pain of this reality, there is a deeper meaning to our existence:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">"As [psychologist] William James pointed out, if we are indeed part and parcel of a meaningless universe, the kind in which Jesus could be murdered on a cross with no resurrection, then being depressed only makes good sense. Under these conditions the sensitive and sensible person will be depressed. I have discovered only one event in history that redeemed all this evil for me and gave me hope: the resurrection of Jesus. Allowing the resurrected One to be constantly present, I can deal with all the evil suffered by Jesus, by my friends and by me. I can face all the rape, pillage, war and hatred that I hear about daily, and still have hope. The resurrection reveals the ultimate nature of the universe, and the risen Christ continues to victory over the power of evil." </div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-40773277576386223282011-05-03T13:00:00.000-07:002011-05-03T18:59:07.157-07:00Celebrating an AnniversaryWhen arriving at something as important as a thirty year anniversary of a church, you'd think that a good theme to commemorate the event would be something uplifting, a positive phrase that would rejoice at the past time and look forward to a strong future.<br />
<br />
So you can imagine my surprise when I heard that the theme of my church's anniversary was going to be taken from <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Psalm+90">Psalm 90. </a> Not exactly what I'd call uplifting! The Psalm starts out with a comforting reminder of God's might and care for His people, but it quickly heads into what might appear to be a depressing account of man's frailty. The brevity of our human lives is contrasted with the eternal timelessness of God; "the years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty, yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away".<br />
<br />
Yet this is a fitting thing to ponder even on the happy anniversary of our church's founding. Why? Because life is about time.<br />
<br />
In the sermon on Sunday, our pastor outlined three things that Psalm 90 teaches. First, life is short compared to God's eternal glory. We come from dust and to dust we return. That fact alone is sobering enough. Nobody can argue with it. Secondly, our lives are marked by pain and sorrow. Think of the turmoil and poverty in other countries, or the natural disasters that have been devastating cities all over the world. There are troubles for all people, even those who have a relatively easy existence as middle class residents of the United States. Third, these troubles are due to a fallen world full of sin. Nature is imperfect. Our minds are corrupted. As a culture and an individual, we have defied God by following our own warped morals, meaning that we can never meet up to His holy, pure standard.<br />
<br />
Does all this sadness mean that we should just live however we please and then die, because there is no hope? No! Foremost in this life we have the hope of being able to trust in the holiness of God. His character never changes. While He is the epitome of justice, He is also the heart of mercy. I don't understand fully how God can be both the righteous Judge and the Lover of my soul, but I am able to trust in God's divine plan.<br />
<br />
The contemplation of death can clarify what is truly important for us. Knowing that God is in control is one step towards hope in life. Verse 12 of Psalm 90 gives us the next reason for living mindfully: "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom". If our time is limited, then we must use the minutes, hours, days, and years carefully. You've often heard people say "don't waste your time". This is a wake-up call to prioritize your existence!<br />
<br />
So what does it mean to gain a heart of wisdom? Why would the Bible say that this is the most important thing a person can do in their short lifetime? Proverbs 9:10 holds the basic answer: "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom". This is not the kind of fear that translates into terror, but the type of fear that inspires awe of the utter holiness of the living God. Awe is meant to lead us to wonder, which leads into searching out knowledge of God's character, that we might know Him better. We can be free in the wisdom of God to be who we are really meant to be, to serve our communities with our gifts, to change the cycle of selfishness, and to glorify God by enjoying Him forever.<br />
<br />
God is our true refuge in a world full of sorrow. The greatest mystery is that God somehow came down from His great height to provide us with a way off this merry-go-round of birth-pain-death. I am thankful for the time I have been given.<br />
<br />
"Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days."<br />
<br />
"Let the favor of our Lord God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!"The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-90564807530256830932011-04-23T00:45:00.000-07:002011-04-23T08:28:10.446-07:00A Look into Journaling<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do you journal?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whether online as a blog, on a computer, in a little black book that you carry everywhere, in a secret notebook hidden from everyone, many people seem to partake in some way in the art of journaling. From what I've read, journaling is not exactly the same as keeping a diary. Writing in a diary seems to be completely about the day-to-day events of ME, only me, like a personal newspaper; it sounds dry and unappetizing. Journaling encompasses not only one's own tiny world but also expands to become ideas, questions, exclamations, meditations, expressions, scenes, and images of the greater universe all around us. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Artists and writers alike can benefit from journaling. Or, if you're a particularly absent-minded person like me, it's almost necessary to carry a notebook wherever you go, so that everything and anything can be written down at a moment's notice without being lost in transient memory! Here are some reasons in favor of journaling listed by <a href="http://amberskyline.com/treasuremaps/journal-diary/inspiration-for-you-to-keep-a-personal-journal.html">a woman who has been doing so for over thirty years</a>:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></span></div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A [journal is a] record of stories for all kinds or experiences. - It is very healthy to “get it out” and put in a book.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For taking notes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Journals are a great referral system. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In the front or back of a book, Deborah reserves a few pages for quotes or even recipes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can press a flower in the journal.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Notes when traveling (she uses a small book as a travel journal).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Write down a poem that impressed her or a poem she wrote.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">To write down things that she was grateful for. Gratitude lists.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Notes from a book she is reading.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She is a writer. She will use her journals to write stories and to use in talks.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We all go through different phases and changes in our lives. “A new phase in my life is a new journal.”</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your journals will be a treasure </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">for your family when you are gone. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The journal will be a great help for you now as you record the things that are important in your life.</span></li>
</ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Frida Kahlo, a famous artist, kept a journal. It's fascinating to look through the pages she wrote and sketched to see who she was. The real her was colorful, deeply fascinating, and strange. What would people think of you if they saw what your journal looked like, many years after you were gone?</span><br />
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Some people use mixed media in their journals, a conglomeration of a craft project, freestyle writing, variations of art mediums, or pictures taken from other sources.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUbX_p-4neCyAIxx6jKbqHFodk-Pejoj0RnGAB0MAXs7yvN6yGKV315wRg_JJSSLliptATG9bmrN9ZhtWEPTSfiYh0OzqIg1Z947Eea3FuDWLUU1MquJ8G8CfLHEeEPOjocnuSNEtysM/s1600/1234476034183295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUbX_p-4neCyAIxx6jKbqHFodk-Pejoj0RnGAB0MAXs7yvN6yGKV315wRg_JJSSLliptATG9bmrN9ZhtWEPTSfiYh0OzqIg1Z947Eea3FuDWLUU1MquJ8G8CfLHEeEPOjocnuSNEtysM/s320/1234476034183295.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It can be as plain or as elegant as you want. And who says the writing has to be legible to anyone except you? As long as you can read it, that's all that matters.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf4iDpHj94xw9GO-C1F8PZX-Y7o7HQF_NFj60ZSqcbR0TUqoD1lZl7-6NzdPeADp-h8biZu2ejJQsc5iZ9D8AieZICvBNNb1nItsJLcaLDp5GxsxURVHhFCMdntYqZMzWtV_vagjyJms/s1600/ACgM7aJkOpreflo7HkiZeg0Ho1_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSf4iDpHj94xw9GO-C1F8PZX-Y7o7HQF_NFj60ZSqcbR0TUqoD1lZl7-6NzdPeADp-h8biZu2ejJQsc5iZ9D8AieZICvBNNb1nItsJLcaLDp5GxsxURVHhFCMdntYqZMzWtV_vagjyJms/s320/ACgM7aJkOpreflo7HkiZeg0Ho1_400.jpg" width="237" /></a></div><br />
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Maybe you just have random thoughts to jot down. Lots of people doodle on the back of receipts, calenders, or any spare paper lying about. A journal allows you to keep these seemingly random "doodles" in one spot. Maybe looking back at what you wrote/drew later will bring some insight or a new thought!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi-5VA58eIEYqGuxiQmYd7HJ_TYMz5bc4iwXtIYnIpn93zZ-9DuSPqWzoGnlRksETkHnH-S4BGf4u1cpiqJqc0u-Ni9Cd2uwzg6X5B_QnEiBpfFDzyP7nAP0lydwzrOnuv10cSWDPE_I/s1600/detail275vj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNi-5VA58eIEYqGuxiQmYd7HJ_TYMz5bc4iwXtIYnIpn93zZ-9DuSPqWzoGnlRksETkHnH-S4BGf4u1cpiqJqc0u-Ni9Cd2uwzg6X5B_QnEiBpfFDzyP7nAP0lydwzrOnuv10cSWDPE_I/s320/detail275vj.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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It doesn't always have to be cheerful or uplifting. Here is another page from Frida Kahlo's journal. I don't know the translation of her words, but from the look of the accompanying art they don't appear to be positive. A journal may be the one place you don't feel like you have to lie. Hopefully you have friends who provide listening ears no matter what your mood, but a journal is another quiet friend whose pages wait to hear and see through your eyes.<br />
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You don't have to be an amazing artist or a talented writer, either. If it makes you happy, if it accomplishes the purpose you intend, then nobody can call your journaling method "wrong". Any age, any level of ability can start a journal.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYkUbwbXZjPxVYK4MGaSVK8fS23DXwgNy_OZKorT3SGwH7xaC_8WRCj9eGE2Z-JOIys2djAiqGZc7CJHyIgl9GY3D0UEOVkZJQRvr16b4wWNne0qbfMroBIGqhQ0nmQEnN_7XZhJk5lI/s1600/radish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCYkUbwbXZjPxVYK4MGaSVK8fS23DXwgNy_OZKorT3SGwH7xaC_8WRCj9eGE2Z-JOIys2djAiqGZc7CJHyIgl9GY3D0UEOVkZJQRvr16b4wWNne0qbfMroBIGqhQ0nmQEnN_7XZhJk5lI/s320/radish.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><br />
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I would encourage you to use both art and words in keeping a journal. This is far more possible if your journal is a physical book that you can take everywhere; computers are very handy in this age, but they are still very limiting. For more reasons as to why visual art is just as important as writing (even for those people who say that they are not artists, myself included!), check out <a href="http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2008/03/26/why-keep-a-visual-journal/">this article about visual journals</a>.<br />
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While I was researching journaling, I came across two websites that had fun ideas for journal art. <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/index.php">Zentangle</a> and <a href="http://sketchbookchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/01/doodle-game.html">The Doodle Game</a> are creative ways to explore sketching for those who feel hesitant about leaping into the artistic circles or for people who like their hands moving while they think!<br />
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So what do you think? Interested in beginning a journal?<br />
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Edit: If you are wondering how to start a journal, check out <a href="http://www.chookooloonks.com/the-beauty-of-different/2010/12/29/journaling-101-a-primer-for-those-whod-like-to-start-a-pract.html">this Journaling 101 article</a>, which was recommended to me by a friend!The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-88602882535816661782011-04-21T07:56:00.001-07:002011-04-21T07:56:27.072-07:00Owl and Tree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUgMt72FA42yWKgg26yxs6BqrsCdhCau6qHms7GHzvpg7X3YWYwpkn6cVDHgFhLO5HJoG0BJhaH26W1F1IDH9sw1ftbj7fgQFDgr5myzO3NLt4rocTNlAA2x9heggWJBV1GGnRHwc_XU/s1600/P4210007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUgMt72FA42yWKgg26yxs6BqrsCdhCau6qHms7GHzvpg7X3YWYwpkn6cVDHgFhLO5HJoG0BJhaH26W1F1IDH9sw1ftbj7fgQFDgr5myzO3NLt4rocTNlAA2x9heggWJBV1GGnRHwc_XU/s320/P4210007.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-4679291332838062582011-04-10T13:05:00.000-07:002011-04-10T13:07:50.715-07:00Being Humbly ConfidentOnce again, I am in the position where I have a million thoughts buzzing around my head, but not enough time to write them all down so that I can "process" them! I am the sort of person who gains better understanding and works through things by either speaking them out loud or writing them down. Even still, if I am trying to figure something out, talking out loud often doesn't cut it, because there are so many pauses as I attempt to think through every little detail. Writing is the best way for me to "think" about things... something about my keeping fingers moving and the speed I can type/write is just right for my train of thought.<br />
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Life is beautiful right now. My husband and I, together, have thirty rehearsals and performances during the month of April. So we've been quite busy! Today we both have concerts. He just left, looking spiffy and handsome in his black dress clothes, and soon I'll be attiring myself the same way to head out the door.<br />
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Four things I have continued to keep up on this month: my quest for truth (reading, praying, studying the Bible, discussions), a few little creative art projects, musical journeys (learning music, listening to music, growing as a music teacher, etc.), and some personal writing. As you have probably figured out by now from this blog, I like trying to explain things by using lists. My lists are not the sort that I feel encompass every single area of the current topic, because I use lists to help my mind understand a topic, not to search out and define the ends of it. I hate putting anything into a little box. It feels so absolutely restrictive. And it makes me feel like a know-it-all. Which I don't want to be.<br />
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One list I have been continuing for a few months is my Life Lessons list which I mentioned in my last blog entry. This list is going to be never-ending, of course, but I thought it would be interesting to at least record my findings so far. My first place for wisdom is the Word of God. After that, the wisdom of the ages, and that of the mentors around me. Yet it's been interesting to compile the wisdom that I believe I have learned from experience (or at least seen!) so far in my short life. As far as criteria for a Lesson to be put on the list: it must be true for almost every single circumstance I am in (not every Lesson is true for every circumstance, I'm sure, but it must apply to the vast majority), and the Lesson must be something that I believe would be true for others in normal circumstances, not just myself only.<br />
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That being said, I don't want this to become a list of rules that seems to tell everyone else what to do. So don't take it that way : ) These are just bits of knowledge that I have come across personally and found to be helpful in living my life. Some Lessons are very practical, some are spiritual, others emotional or relational... they cover the whole span of my existence! Following my own advice, I want to be "humbly confident" that I am exploring the life I have been given and searching for truth and wisdom in all things.<br />
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And please, if you have some Life Lessons that you would like to share, let me know!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></i></span></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No matter how much great</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> potential I see in a person, there is no use in wishing for them to change if they themselves do not also desire to change for the better.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span><br />
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When you practice the Art of Happy Moments, also called Little Joys of Life, also called Gratefulness, then existence is much sweeter.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A community of people who support you and whom you also can support in their endeavors is essential to being well-balanced and happy.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are seasons of people who come and go in your life. It is okay to call them friends during that season.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Some people will stay in your life much longer than a season. They are forever friends. Cherish them.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Being yourself is important, but it's very important to also discern which parts of yourself are flawed. </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A discussion is impossible with someone who just wants to argue or tell you how stupid you are.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you want something badly enough then you will have to work for it.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't be a music snob (publicly, at least). Nobody likes you better for it.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">No matter how "different" you are, there is always someone similar to you in the world.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't take life for granted. </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't take love for granted.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't do stupid things when you're young just because you think it won't have an affect on your later life.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The vast majority of people are content to be average but that doesn't mean you have to be.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't beat yourself up continuously for making mistakes. Learn from them, ask forgiveness, and move on.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reading books and talking to people are two of the best ways to educate yourself.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you become sick, there is a reason. Find that reason so you can apply the remedy.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Money is not worth as much as you think it is, both literally and figuratively.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Use the money you do have wisely.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every single thing you do, say, think, hear, and see matters.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There is always someone who is better at something than you are. So don't be prideful.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What you eat matters. Be careful about what you allow into your body.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eat more vegetables and fruit every day.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You'll never be great if you are content to stay the way you are now.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You probably don't need fifty separate outfits of clothes for each season. Maybe you don't even need thirty. Who knows?</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Practice lucid dreaming. It makes sleep a lot more fun.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Then w</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">rite down your dreams.</span></span></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you call a place home, even a temporary home, keep live plants. It does wonders for the atmosphere.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">People will tell you that they know what is right and not right. The foundation of right and wrong is knowable, so k</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">now where to go for the real answers.</span></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's okay to not like something that everyone else likes.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Think twice before saying a thought. Think three times before saying it if you are talking with someone you don't like. </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Climb trees whenever you get the chance.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Don't make excuses. </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Only do things that are worthwhile.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get out into nature way more than you do now.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are afraid of something, figure out why so that you can understand or conquer that fear.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Seek advice from people older and wiser than you are. Emphasis on older. That's why it's important to have mentors.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Either be honest in what you say or keep your mouth shut. Don't lie.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Go barefoot whenever you can. Or at least go without shoes. Feel what and where you are walking.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Use the library as the amazing free resource it is.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Draw, paint, dance, sing, and make music even if you think have no talent for it. Express yourself through the arts. Expression is one of the gifts of life!</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Try to look at things from a different perspective.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Treat children like the real people they are.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">98% of movies aren't worth seeing in the theater.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">99% of movies aren't worth seeing at all. Unless you're a film critic : )</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Expect the unexpected to happen. Interruptions of your planned schedule are a part of your life, not a detraction from it.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Giving your friends unexpected joys also brings you joy.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When someone accuses you of wrongdoing, think very carefully about your response.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do what you love. Sometimes money will follow. Sometimes it won't.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Send hand-written letters and hand-made things to those you love, because a little bit of you is put into what you make.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Try new things.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sit and stare out the window occasionally. </span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Find enjoyment in all kinds of weather. That way, no matter what the weather, you'll always find something to like about it!</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Care for and about others, but don't worry over them; that doesn't do anyone any good.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most people would love a listening ear. Is it really so much to ask that you give a little of your time to their stories?</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stories are what life is all about. The Universe is one great Story.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are lonely, DO something about it.</span></span></i></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span> </i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Never compromise your morals in an attempt to make someone notice you.</span></span></i></span><br />
<ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"></ol></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #111111;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be humbly confident in all that you set out to accomplish while always keeping an open ear to those who would give you good advice.</span></span></i></span></div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-78203110535571615002011-03-25T16:05:00.001-07:002011-03-25T16:05:45.725-07:00I'm Back! Now onto Lessons about Life...<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">You know, I'm always happy to take periodical breaks from writing, because my mind truly feels like a recharging battery. Instead of putting all my energy into thoughts that I spread out to the world, instead I bring new life and thoughts back into myself, by reading, spending time in nature, listening to good music, and talking with wonderful friends. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">One of the topics on my mind recently has been lessons. School tries to teach formal lessons, with a specific skill in a subject area for the students to acquire, but the institution of school often fails to adequately instruct its pupils in the most important lessons: the lessons of life. Children often learn such basic principles as It's Important to Share with the Other Children, Don't Get Caught Daydreaming, Don't Make a Mess, and Ask Permission for Everything, but what about the lessons of How to Be a Good Person, or Why You Should Love Your Neighbor? </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Churches or other religious institutions work on instilling these sorts of moral lessons for life in their attendees. People find guidance in books, music, great leaders, and many other areas. Yet each person takes the myriad of information presented to them in the world and shapes it to make their own set of rules to live by. In other words, each person has their own guidelines to life, or Life Lessons as I like to call them. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">People come by these Life Lessons through personal experience, filtered by the lens of the rules taught or imposed upon them by family and society, and confirmed by outside sources such as history, science, or logic. A person may not even know that they follow some of their own Life Lessons if they've never thought about why they are doing/believing something. That is a dangerous place to be. I think it is important to know how and why we do or believe everything. If we don't know, then now is a good time to begin thinking about it. Life Lessons can certainly change over time, as our understanding matures, so it is always appropriate to explore our beliefs as we deepen our knowledge of the world around us. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">This is not to say that I do not believe in absolute truth or the infallible Word of God that will stay true no matter how much I deviate from it. Being a flawed human, my free will allows me to follow what is Right or walk away from it, to a certain extent. But I never want to assume anything. It takes faith to have hope in God, yet this does not have to be blind faith. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">So... Life Lessons. Since I wondered how many I have, I decided to write them down as I think of them. Often this week as I have been going about my daily schedule a situation will pop up and I'll think, "ah-ha, I am reacting this way/doing this/saying this because of THIS principle that my self believes in! And this is why I believe in it." This has been a good time to ponder the things I believe in, the Life Lessons that I have learned so far. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Here are the first five Life Lessons that I follow.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><ol style="list-style-type: decimal;"><li style="color: #111111; font: 12.0px Verdana; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">God is there, and He is Good.</li>
<li style="color: #111111; font: 12.0px Verdana; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Always ask, "why am I doing this?" If you don't know, then don't do it. Then think very hard about it to find the answer.</li>
<li style="color: #111111; font: 12.0px Verdana; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Also ask yourself, "what can I learn from this (whatever it is), right now?"</li>
<li style="color: #111111; font: 12.0px Verdana; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">And also ask, "what can I do to make this world (wherever you are) a better place, right now?"</li>
<li style="color: #111111; font: 12.0px Verdana; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">Just because people, cultures, and technology change does not mean that there are not eternal truths.</li>
</ol><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">What are your Life Lessons?</div><div style="color: #111111; font: 12.0px Verdana; line-height: 20.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 15.0px;"><br />
</div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-90857337493077168002011-02-27T18:13:00.000-08:002011-02-27T18:29:31.965-08:00Early Inspiration MondayOccasionally I feel like going into hibernation. There is so much creative output, writing, expression, and conversation happening every day in my life that every once in a long while I become empty. Not empty of thoughts, but empty of the desire to distribute them out to the world. I need a recharging time. So you probably won't see much here for a little while. Don't worry, though, I always come back, revitalized and ready to go again!<br />
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Here are my interesting links for the week (and most likely for the next few weeks as well). Have fun thinking through them.<br />
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Most teachers are forced to focus on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/timothy-d-slekar/good-teacher-gone-bad_b_825444.html">preparing their students for "achievement tests"</a>, and not preparing them for life or developing their talents. This is one of the sad failures of today's modern public school system.<br />
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These <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-leahy-phd/why-men-dont-listen-to-wo_b_808187.html">bad communication habits</a> are common. Not to say that women don't also contribute just as equally to miscommunication, but this article focuses on areas where men can improve, without disparaging the male population (which I do appreciate).<br />
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This is a great <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laura-silverman/to-meat-or-not-to-meat_b_816285.html">outlook on the controversial topic of eating meat</a>. I used to want to be vegetarian, because I didn't like the cruelty behind the meat industry and I just didn't like the taste of animal products; my two long periods of vegetarianism ended due to increasing bouts of illness, unhealthy weight loss, and the realization that my husband (then beloved boyfriend) absolutely loved meat dishes. All around, it's better for me to consume meat in small quantities a few times a week.<br />
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After I read about the <a href="http://www.city-journal.org/2011/21_1_snd-american-english.html">Language of Vagueness</a>, I haven't been able to stop hearing it spoken wherever I enter the public environment! It's beginning to drive me a little nuts...<br />
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One of the questions running through my head recently has been <a href="http://sparkysworld.blogspot.com/2011/02/are-you-grown-up.html">this</a>. I'd like to think that I'm mature, but how do I know? I believe Heather has addressed the topic successfully.<br />
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And last but not least, third graders can be totally <a href="http://www.aolnews.com/2011/02/15/oklahoma-third-grader-delivers-baby-brother-with-help-from-grea/">awesome</a>.The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-35091718341784089622011-02-21T10:37:00.000-08:002011-02-21T10:37:58.448-08:00Inspiration MondayRather than posting tons of links on Facebook, I'm going to put all the articles, videos, and thoughts that I find online throughout the week in one blog post here. Many other blogs do this and call it Inspiration Monday. I think the idea is that the links will give you positive inspiration to head into your week with joyfully renewed vigor, but my inspiration is a little different. I can't promise that everything here will always be happy-rainbows-puppies-love-filled, but my links will hopefully cause you to think deeply, become more aware of different subjects, question the meaning of things, and perhaps even be willing to try something new. By the way, don't be surprised if you see a link here that you, the reader, either sent to me to read or posted on your own Facebook wall. I will unashamedly use your links for redistribution. In the interests of society, of course : )<div><br />
</div><div>Who knew that<a href="http://www.chesterton.org/wordpress/?p=2397"> this rising band</a> which I enjoy was a huge fan of G.K. Chesterton? I'm imagining a Chesterton-inspired CD in the future...</div><div><br />
</div><div>Women complain about men's immaturity, but maybe <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704409004576146321725889448.html?mod=WSJ_article_MoreIn_Life%26Culture">the real problem</a> is that men have been robbed of the means to find their identity and become mature adults. </div><div><br />
</div><div>On the other hand, here's one country where the the priorities of women are vastly different than in America. Who knew that <a href="http://www.slate.com/id/2274736">this</a> would make women happy? <--- me being sarcastic</div><div><br />
</div><div>Do you think <a href="http://www.mamamia.com.au/weblog/2011/02/the-best-parenting-book-you-will-ever-read.html">this legendary character</a> was the greatest father ever, or a total parent-failure?</div><div><br />
</div><div>My favorite quote from <a href="http://southtownstar.suntimes.com/opinions/3777350-474/homeschoolers-not-the-problem.html">this article</a> was, "Across the state, thousands of families are quietly pursuing their own path. Not burdening the system, not asking for a handout, not sucking up tax dollars, not filling up the youth prisons or wreaking havoc on the streets. (No, we don't have numbers on this. But do you know anybody mugged by a homeschooler?)" </div><div><br />
</div><div>What a difference it would make in so many peoples' lives if their views of life and God were centered on <a href="http://www.chesterton.org/wordpress/?p=2625">this</a>. It inspires me to do the same. </div><div><br />
</div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4189294540759802531.post-4747642723419902992011-02-19T10:15:00.000-08:002011-02-19T10:40:55.098-08:00If You Don't Feel At Home In Your House, You Might Be One Too<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My family moved a lot when I was a kid. I lived in eight different places before my eighteenth birthday. Since then, I've moved six more times in five years. Rather than disliking the constant change, I've always loved it, welcoming new environments, neighborhoods, and friends. However, one of the results of frequent change in living situations has been that no physical place feels like "home" anymore.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">People are always telling me that they experience a special relief, a sort of comfort or safe feeling, when they arrive "home" after a time of being away. Home for them means the building where they grew up, or at least where they lived for a long period of consecutive years. There are particular smells, sights, sounds of home. The room layout is familiar. The yard hosts a map of well-known bushes and trees. Sometimes even the surrounding area will evoke the same feeling of "home", such as a particular nearby park, favorite walk, or community. Most memories are made and remembered in the house, though. And for good reason... their loved ones, possessions, milestones, and growing experiences are associated with the house. For most people their house is their home because in it are found the things that make them happy. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">But when you move constantly, maybe your mind learns to stop attaching to a physical place. I suppose some people have the opposite reaction where they become overly attached to a place because they are afraid of losing it. At least for me, the feeling of "home" is no longer found in a location. Instead, I experience a sense of home from my family and certain possessions. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">My family is the constant in my life. Anywhere they are gives me the feeling that most people have for "home". Whether I am at their current residence, or mine, or out on the road, or anywhere, if my family is present then I am home.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">A more curious realization has been that there are special objects that also give me a small sense of security usually evoked by "home". They seem to be things that have been with me a long time, travel with me no matter where I move, and are a part of good memories. Here's a list of some of these things:</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- A pair of black Converse shoes (currently falling apart).</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- A leather journal I've had since I was fourteen.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- A small leather-bound Bible, given at high-school graduation.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- Some of my sister's artwork that she framed for me.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- My two guitars.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- Certain articles of clothing, mostly seasonal, like favorite t-shirts, a skirt, a scarf, a hat, or a coat.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- A thick plaid blanket given by a neighbor when I was ten.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- The Celtic necklace I always wear.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">- My wedding ring and claddagh ring.</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">You could probably take most of my possessions away, as long as I had the things on this list and a few essentials (like hygiene and cooking necessaries). Yeah, I'd really miss my book collection, and the accumulation of yarn that provides hours of knitting, but the main items above are the important ones. I'm not so attached to them that I would be devastated if they were gone but it would definitely be a blow to my sense of stability. I think that this is a downfall. I don't want to be so clingy to "things". As these possessions wear out, it will be good for me to see them go, because nothing is permanent here on this earth. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">In one sense, I feel free. I'm not tied down to any particular place because of attachment there. My family is all I need to be "home", and the few special possessions help create that sense of home wherever I am. However, I'm not going to move about constantly because I do have a stable job (the vocation of my dreams), so that is a good reason to stay in one area! It feels good to move every few years, though, to experience the thrill of change. Every once in a while I'll feel The Itch that means it's time to go somewhere new; if I don't move to a new residence, I try to travel. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">There is continuity in my life right now more than ever. A stable church, a stable family, a wonderful husband, a secure source of income, and a network of friends keep me occupied and down to earth. When I ask myself what will be important to me on my deathbed, then answer is always that memories and people will be vastly superior to places and things. But there is always The Itch inside that simmers gently. When it rises up, I know that the side of me that yearns for the new ways of seeing, the unexplored, the vast world, will enter the scene again. </div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;"><br />
</div><div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">I am a <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=Matthew+6%3A20-21">Traveler.</a></div>The Searcherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13117539219727706285noreply@blogger.com0