Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas!
Hope
I have been thinking about religion a lot lately and how it affects our outlook on life. Does someone with strong religious background endure hardships better than those who do not believe in God? It probably has something to do with the Christmas season. Most likely it is because I’m reading “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption” by Laura Hillenbrand.
In this true story, Three men are in the middle of the ocean. They are in a rubber raft with very little to keep them alive. They were in this raft for 46 days before being captured by the Japanese. The names of the three men were Phil, Mac, and Louie. Phil and Louie survived the time in the raft but Mac did not.
Phil relied on his religious background that was taught to him by his parents. Louie was rebellious as a child and though out his teen years. He relied on his determination and wits and during the ordeal starts to pray to God. Mac just saw the situation as hopeless.
“Though they both knew that they were in an extremely serious situation, both had the ability to warn fear away from their thoughts, focusing instead on how to survive and reassuring themselves that things would work out. It remains a mystery why these three young men, veterans of the same training and the same crash, differed so radically in their perceptions of their plight……Though all three men faced the same hardships, their differing perceptions of it appeared to be shaping their fates. Louie and Phil’s hope displaced their fear and inspired them to work toward their survival and each success renewed their physical and emotional vigor. Macy’s resignation seemed to paralyze him.”
These men were in a terrible situation. It is amazing to me how the one taught religion was hopeful. It is even more amazing how the one who relied on himself started praying to God and even believed that God sent angels singing beautiful music developed a faith and hope.
Romans 5:3-5 “….but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us,”
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Book Club – December 2012
The book for December is “The Christmas Sweater” by Glenn Beck.
The book has 273 pages and was published by Thresholds Editions.
This is a story about a 12 year old boy named Eddie who desperately wants a new bike for Christmas. Times are hard in his family. His father has passed away. The family bakery had to be sold. Money was tight. Eddie was positive that if he was “good” that his mom would find a way to buy the bike for Christmas. However, when Christmas arrived the only thing under the Christmas tree was a sweater that his mom lovingly made for him. Eddie was extremely disappointed and this story tells how Eddie dealt with the disappointment and finally, how his heart changes to understand that gifts are not what Christmas is about–but that Christmas is about love and a second chance.
This is a quote from the book that touched my heart.
“I know that things have been hard since Dad died. But it’s been hard for both of us. At some point you have to realize that everything happens for a reason. It is up to you to decide the reason, learn from it, and let it take you to the place you’re suppose to be–not just where you have ended up.” Mom spoke slowly. “You can either complain about how hard your life is, or you can realize that only you are responsible for it. You get to choose. Am I going to be happy or miserable? And nothing–not a sweater, and certainly not a bike–will ever change that.”
This book club meeting was also our annual Christmas luncheon and gift exchange. The gift was to be a handmade gift. All I can say is – “Thank God for Pinterest!” I decided to put together a holiday spa basket. The basket contained a homemade sugar scrub, homemade bath fizz balls, a homemade CD with holiday songs. I did purchase the basket and some small votive candles. Here some pictures of my gift.
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I received the cutest wreath….
The get together was a lot of fun….time to get started on January’s book – “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand.
Tagged book, Christmas, Glen Beck, homemade gifts, sweater
Gratitude
Wow! November is flying by. December is around the corner. Last year’s resolutions fell by the wayside once again. I have not lost the weight I wanted to lose; I have not cleaned up the dungeon closet; I have not learned how to play the guitar; I have not learned how to take pictures very well either; I have not posted on this blog regularly…in my mind, I was going to post at least once a week and hopefully, daily….WHAT HAPPENED!!! Just thinking about this makes my head hurt.
Today I’m catching up on my magazine pile….I really need to not subscribe to so many. I know that I am suppose to just through them away but I am thinking…what a waste of money to not look at them.
I do like to read the article series “Good Housekeeping” is running about being happy. The articles are written by Gretchen Rubin who writes books and blogs about being happy. I could subscribe to her blog but then I would have one more thing that I would be obligated to read….or rather feel obligated to read.
In the November issue Gretchen talks about the “Lost Wallet Syndrome”. This is when you lose your wallet and think that you will happy forever if only you could find your wallet. Of course, you are happy when you find your wallet but this happiness only lasts for a few minutes….not forever. “Far too often, it takes a catastrophe to make us appreciate what we had.” One of the central aims of the “happiness project” is to appreciate what you have, now, while you still have it.
The way to do this is to have gratitude. I agree. It is very easy take our blessings for granted. The article suggests some ways to cultivate gratefulness such as sitting down at your computer and being thankful that your computer works.
Lately, I have been trying to be more mindful. For example, when I am exercising instead of wishing that the exercise class was over…..I think about my legs getting stronger….how I have legs that can pedal a bicycle. When I do the dishes I think about how fortunate I am to have an automatic dishwasher. The list could go on and on. I have to constantly remind myself about being mindful…which I believe is another was of being grateful….so life does not pass me by.
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Taking Up Meditation
I have been thinking about taking up a Minimalist lifestyle. It is appealing to me to think about simplifying – getting rid of those things that weigh me down.
As I have been researching this lifestyle, I have come across this word – meditation. I know what is means but I do not think I have really ever put it into practice. Is it something a Christian can do? I think so since we are to meditate on scriptures. I am digressing….
I think the concept is to “empty” your mind and concentrate on your breathing. I know many people will not like the idea do “emptying your mind. But after trying this for only five minutes I noticed how easy it was for my mind to think about my “to-do list, breakfast, my kids”.
Today I decided after exercising I would just sit and try to concentrate on my breathing. It was hard but finally I became aware of…..
…..the sweat rolling down my face and how it kind of felt like my body was crying.
…..the breeze created by the fan and how it felt cool on my skin.
…..how after a few minutes the sweat began to dry and my skin felt slightly itchy. It was hard not to itch.
I feel calmer….able to go to work….able to handle all those tax returns.
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Pride or Humility
I have been thinking about the reasons that I blog. I am not consistent in writing. I have not set any goals or any particular topic to write about. I even wonder if the things I write about are really worth reading. I have been told the things I write might be thought of as depressing. (Yikes!!! I did not see myself as depressed.) Anyway, I wonder if I have a story to tell or worthwhile thoughts to share…..
I used to think my self-doubt and insecurity about writing were signs of my profound humility. It felt noble and heroic to be this full of agonizing self-doubt…….
But that’s the thing about pride. It hides itself.
The more I go on, the more I realize, it’s entirely the other way round. Our self-doubt and insecurity don’t reveal our humility; they mask our pride.
When you’re doubting whether you can do it, whether you’re a good writer, you’re looking to yourself, what you can do, what resources you have. You’re focused entirely inwardly, on yourself.
It’s pride because it means you think it’s all about you.
But if you realize it’s not about you — that whatever you have is a gift from God — if, in other words, you get out of the way — then you can be fearless. There is no vision too great, nothing too outrageous to dream, nothing too impossible to dare.
If you believe, as Madeleine L’Engle believed, that your writing is not so much about control as it is about trust, you will be bolder, braver, more able to take risks — and your writing will become more like faith.
It’s no longer about you and what you can do. You do the hard work of writing, you practice your craft, you show up. But you become servant to the story. And the story is cleverer and bigger than you are. Your job is to get out of the way and let the story through. Sally Lloyd-Jones
My job is to “get out of the way”…..Keep on trying and keep on blogging.
Posted in From Blogs I read, Opinions, Quotes, Reflections
Tagged gift from god, Humility, insecurity, literature, madeleine l engle, Pride, Quotes, sally lloyd jones, self doubt, story telling, writing
Am I Resentful?
……. whether it’s the annoying fly interrupting my needed nap, the thoughtless words spoken by a trusted friend, the new ding in my twelve-year-old car, or the old hurt that generates fresh pain, resentment never helps the situation—never serves a redemptive purpose. Like the devil, it only steals, kills and destroys. Scotty Smith
Am I a resentful person? To be honest I would have to answer that question with a “yes”. Things happen every day that I do not think should be happening to me. I become resentful and angry. But the real question is what do I do with that resentment. Do I let it harbor in my heart taking it out on others? Do I carry it around with negative words and thoughts? It is true all this resentment only leads to killing and destruction….killing and destroying relationship with God and others.
My prayer today is to be kind, compassionate and forgiving of others. Can I do it? Yes, I can with God’s help.
The godless in heart harbor resentment.Job 36:13
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Eph. 4:31-32
Posted in Quotes, Reflections, Thought for the Day
Tagged God, Prayers, resentment, spirituality
Can We Change Anyone?
Relationships sometime seems so difficult. I do not know why the people I love and care about can not see and do things the way I do…. No matter how much I try to change them it only brings me anger, resentment and overall unhappiness. What to do about this….deep in my heart I have known the answer and like always it is hard to put in practice.
We can’t change the person we are married to—even when we want to; we can only work on becoming the person God has called us to become. –Sarah Flashing
I noticed that this is a work in progress. So today and everyday I am going to try to work on “becoming the person God has called me to become…..
Posted in Opinions, Quotes, Reflections, Spiritual, Thought for the Day
Tagged anger resentment, love, spirituality
How Do Others Experience Me?
The other day my dear sweet husband asked me to move my daughter’s car. I will admit that I was a little irritated….I was in the middle of drinking my morning coffee and reading the newspaper. As I was getting into my daughter’s car, he asked me if I was mad at him. (I was not really mad….just irritated that I had to leave my morning coffee and paper.) So, I said, “No, why do you ask?” Well, his response is that I looked mad.
I hate to think that I wear my emotions and thoughts so easily on my face. I do not want to be thought of as a grouchy, irritated, mad person.
This morning I came across this prayer.
Lord Jesus, as someone chosen in you before the world began, holy in you, and dearly loved by you, help me stay aware of how others experience me. Convict me when I come across as a minefield of irritability, a self-righteous porcupine, or a rigid control-meister. I don’t want to be the kind of person who makes others feel the need to tiptoe around or avoid me. Through the resources of the gospel, help me to see, own, and deal with the ways I love poorly. Scotty Smith
Much to think upon today…….
Posted in From Blogs I read, Quotes, Reflections, Spiritual, Thought for the Day
Tagged God, Prayers, Quotes, Random Thoughts
Am I too Easily Pleased?
Spring has come and gone…. I am still trying to read the book “It’s All Too Much” by Peter Walsh. My plan was to get everything organized in my house. I have renewed this book three times from the library. I was hoping that I would be inspired and motivated to get rid of a lot of stuff and it is not happening. After living over 20 years in the same house it is amazing how much stuff is accumulated. This is what I have managed to do…just make more piles of stuff but instead of being hidden in spaces the stuff is in the middle of the empty rooms. So I have been wondering if I ……..
….. routinely fall into the lie that the secret to a fulfilled life is the possession of more belongings and the achievement of personal gain. Joshua Becker
And if I my …..
“….. desires are not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C. S. Lewis
….That the reason I can not get rid of stuff is that I am too easily pleased with my possessions., that I am focusing on the wrong stuff, and worst of all that I am living a selfish life instead of a fulfilled life ….. much to ponder today.
Posted in Opinions, Quotes, Reflections
Tagged c s lewis, mud pies, vacation, wrong stuff
Reflections 