I had a customer at work today who, at first glance, would appear to most people as dirty, boorish, and ignorant white trash. Those thoughts did flash into my mind, but I squashed them as fast as they entered, as I truly want to treat this gentleman as well as I would like to be treated. After speaking with him for a few minutes, I found him to be pleasant, well-mannered, and quite bright. His appearance belies his demeanor and character. The cover of his book didn't match the story. Or did it?
This apparent oxymoron got me to thinking about stereotypes. Stereotyping is one of the ways we prejudge people. Stereotyping is not bad in and of itself, as it is just a shorthand way for our minds to sort and compartmentalize the almost seven billion other people on this planet. It is how far people take the stereotypes of others that causes all of the problems. Stereotypes, as offensive as some may find this, are always based in reality, although how much ranges from anecdotal observations to actually being present in a large majority of the population in question.
Keep in mind that it is natural to judge people by appearances, as it helps us to determine threat level, for instance. And although it is much quicker and takes less focus to just stereotype everybody, you disrespect the God-given beauty of each individual person when you do. Just remember, although the book's cover may look disease-ridden and be falling apart, the story could be sublime.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Prayers for Others
There was wonderful news from the medical consult my bff had today: he's going to be fine! I am thrilled, although I kinda knew he would be.
I speak to God often, and sometimes God responds quite clearly. I had been praying and deeply concerned (aka worried) for my friend's worst case scenarios. Each time I would get into deep fret, even in tears, God would snap me back to attention: he's going to be fine. The message was clear. But I would fall back into fretting and carrying on in concern for my friend when I would let myself slip into doubt that what God shared with me was true. Worry is essentially weakness of faith. No not ever doubt the power of prayer, or in God.
When we pray for others, God listens acutely. God loves the attention and concern for others. And those prayers for others, God takes them on as God's own positive affirmations. Prayers out of love and concern for others are deeply embraced by God. And although our wishes may not fit into the grand scheme, God loves the intent nonetheless.
Be sure to thank God when the outcome you prayed for happens. God may have been directly responsible, but even if not, what does it hurt? Thanking God only re-enforces your trust in God, as well as strengthens your relationship with God.
My friend is going to be fine, thanks to the prayers of all who love him. And all thanks to God.
I speak to God often, and sometimes God responds quite clearly. I had been praying and deeply concerned (aka worried) for my friend's worst case scenarios. Each time I would get into deep fret, even in tears, God would snap me back to attention: he's going to be fine. The message was clear. But I would fall back into fretting and carrying on in concern for my friend when I would let myself slip into doubt that what God shared with me was true. Worry is essentially weakness of faith. No not ever doubt the power of prayer, or in God.
When we pray for others, God listens acutely. God loves the attention and concern for others. And those prayers for others, God takes them on as God's own positive affirmations. Prayers out of love and concern for others are deeply embraced by God. And although our wishes may not fit into the grand scheme, God loves the intent nonetheless.
Be sure to thank God when the outcome you prayed for happens. God may have been directly responsible, but even if not, what does it hurt? Thanking God only re-enforces your trust in God, as well as strengthens your relationship with God.
My friend is going to be fine, thanks to the prayers of all who love him. And all thanks to God.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Baby Steps to Success
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. -- Lao-tsu
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I'm trying to learn Spanish. I took some in high school and in college, but never even approached fluency. Now, with my relatively recent spiritual awakening, I know that, with God, all things are possible.
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I have Spanish textbooks that I have been studying, but the most useful materials have been the Pimsleur series on CD. I listen to it in my car whenever I drive anywhere alone and have so far been able to get through 40 of the 90 total Spanish lessons, each being 20-30 minutes long. I have had to listen to some of the lessons 3 or 4 times (or more) to make sure I was ready for the next lesson, which builds on the prior. Each lesson only covers a couple new concepts and introduces only a few new words and phrases. But they add up. One by one. Until one day...blammo, I'm fluent.
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Today, as I was commuting home, I has rambling off a response to one of the questions in Spanish and started to laugh to myself at how complex the ideas were that I could say and understand. Granted, I'm still far from fluent, but I couldn't have imagined a few months ago how much Spanish I can speak and understand now. The idea of possibly being fluent in Spanish wasn't even on my radar, even when I started back to studying the language. It was only today that I now know that I have it in me to be fluent. I have no doubt that I will be fluent in Spanish soon(ish). Weird. But wonderful. And it all started with simply trying. It began with finding the materials, opening my ears and mind, and beginning with lesson one.
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Any goal you can possibly imagine truly is attainable, but you can't finish a race you don't enter. Just remember: even the longest journey must being where you stand. Just picture your goal, and take the tiniest step in getting it accomplished. And then another...
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Godspeed.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Everything Happens for a Reason
All thinking folk struggle with the meaning to life. And when things happen, especially undesirable things, we seek to know why. Many of us turn to God and ask why such things have to happen. Occasionally, the silence some encounter when turning to God frustrates us into giving up, either on life, on God, or both. But there is an answer: it's all about the right perspective.
One of my co-workers was commenting in recent weeks about how frustrated she was that homeowners' association where she lives decided to cut down the tree right next to her condo. The tree was a comfort to her, providing wonderful shade and additional privacy for the windows on that side of her home. It was a real source of frustration for her that the tree was removed.
But, with time, her perspective changed. She now finds the sunshine wonderfully uplifting. She greatly enjoys looking outside the windows, where she now sees the lovely blue skies that were previously hidden by the tree. It turns out, she is pleased as punch that the tree was removed. Once her perspective turned toward finding the positive in the situation, she found her attitude about the situation change entirely, for the better.
Although I know God puts into motion many of our lessons, sometimes part of the lesson is that it is left to us to find the reason something happens. And there is almost always something significantly good that comes from anything. With enough focus, you can study any situation and find something good and useful that comes of it, even if it's in the form of valuable education, personal growth, or simply life experience, remembering that experience is the incubator of wisdom. Everything really does have reason, although you may have to find that reason for yourself. Reflect until you find what you seek. The answer is there.
One of my co-workers was commenting in recent weeks about how frustrated she was that homeowners' association where she lives decided to cut down the tree right next to her condo. The tree was a comfort to her, providing wonderful shade and additional privacy for the windows on that side of her home. It was a real source of frustration for her that the tree was removed.
But, with time, her perspective changed. She now finds the sunshine wonderfully uplifting. She greatly enjoys looking outside the windows, where she now sees the lovely blue skies that were previously hidden by the tree. It turns out, she is pleased as punch that the tree was removed. Once her perspective turned toward finding the positive in the situation, she found her attitude about the situation change entirely, for the better.
Although I know God puts into motion many of our lessons, sometimes part of the lesson is that it is left to us to find the reason something happens. And there is almost always something significantly good that comes from anything. With enough focus, you can study any situation and find something good and useful that comes of it, even if it's in the form of valuable education, personal growth, or simply life experience, remembering that experience is the incubator of wisdom. Everything really does have reason, although you may have to find that reason for yourself. Reflect until you find what you seek. The answer is there.
Monday, October 26, 2009
How to Deal with Crazy People
The recent activities of my sister's ex-husband got me to thinking about 'crazy,' and how to deal with it. By 'crazy' I mean someone who is unpredictable, unreasonable, illogical, distressed, and potentially dangerous, to themselves or others. So I came up with these ideas, for what they're worth:
1. Protect yourself first - be sure all are out of the way of any physical threat.
2. Avoid contact as much as possible - think of ways to limit or avoid time you may have to see each other in person. Protect the innocent by isolating them from the crazy person as much as legally possible. When being barraged by crazy e-mails: send a final e-mail telling that person any and all further e-mails from them will just go in the garbage and then follow through on this by sending their e-mails directly to the junk mail folder. Screen all phone calls and do not let the innocent talk to the crazy person for longer than is absolutely and really necessary.
3. Set boundaries - this means defining in both time and space what is acceptable from the crazy person. No interactions outside your comfortable boundaries will be tolerated. And mean it.
4. Do not entertain the crazy - when you do have to interact with a crazy person, do not give any credence at all to what they are telling you. Assume every word is a lie. Cut the interaction off as soon as possible. Say with the tone of your voice that you are not going to take crap. And do not internalize what the crazy person says, no matter how close to the bone it cuts. Crazy people need to be neutralized, then pitied. Maintain reality and give yourself occasional reality checks to make sure you're not being colored by the crazy person. Run your thoughts by someone you trust, if needed.
5. Stall - put off the crazy person as much as possible. Some honest false hope (I love oxymorons!) can go a long way in buying yourself time.
6. Minimize casualties and damages - this is the mop up. Tend to the needs of the victims and repair any immediate damages. Then, when you have more time, work on longer term fixes. Make it your mission to eliminate any and all impact the crazy person has on your life. Talk through the issues with those affected, as well as those close to you, and trying to understand why the crazy person is doing what he or she is doing. Explore ideas on how to best neutralize, and then counteract, the crazy. Sometimes, you must be proactive and explore ways to thwart the crazy person in order to prevent future interaction and damage.
7. Pray and reflect - dig deep with God and you will find all of the strength and courage you need to do what you need to do. God is the ultimate resource.
I'm no psychiatrist, but this seems like a good approach in dealing with crazy people. If you have more ideas on dealing with crazy people, please post them here:
1. Protect yourself first - be sure all are out of the way of any physical threat.
2. Avoid contact as much as possible - think of ways to limit or avoid time you may have to see each other in person. Protect the innocent by isolating them from the crazy person as much as legally possible. When being barraged by crazy e-mails: send a final e-mail telling that person any and all further e-mails from them will just go in the garbage and then follow through on this by sending their e-mails directly to the junk mail folder. Screen all phone calls and do not let the innocent talk to the crazy person for longer than is absolutely and really necessary.
3. Set boundaries - this means defining in both time and space what is acceptable from the crazy person. No interactions outside your comfortable boundaries will be tolerated. And mean it.
4. Do not entertain the crazy - when you do have to interact with a crazy person, do not give any credence at all to what they are telling you. Assume every word is a lie. Cut the interaction off as soon as possible. Say with the tone of your voice that you are not going to take crap. And do not internalize what the crazy person says, no matter how close to the bone it cuts. Crazy people need to be neutralized, then pitied. Maintain reality and give yourself occasional reality checks to make sure you're not being colored by the crazy person. Run your thoughts by someone you trust, if needed.
5. Stall - put off the crazy person as much as possible. Some honest false hope (I love oxymorons!) can go a long way in buying yourself time.
6. Minimize casualties and damages - this is the mop up. Tend to the needs of the victims and repair any immediate damages. Then, when you have more time, work on longer term fixes. Make it your mission to eliminate any and all impact the crazy person has on your life. Talk through the issues with those affected, as well as those close to you, and trying to understand why the crazy person is doing what he or she is doing. Explore ideas on how to best neutralize, and then counteract, the crazy. Sometimes, you must be proactive and explore ways to thwart the crazy person in order to prevent future interaction and damage.
7. Pray and reflect - dig deep with God and you will find all of the strength and courage you need to do what you need to do. God is the ultimate resource.
I'm no psychiatrist, but this seems like a good approach in dealing with crazy people. If you have more ideas on dealing with crazy people, please post them here:
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Focus on the Seasons
Another blog about focus? Yep, it's that important. But this time I'm going to just share with you my recent focus and appreciation of the seasons.
I was standing in my back yard this morning looking around at the vivid blue sky and the trees of different varieties. I was focused on nature and my surroundings. I could see how wet the ground still was from rain we received last week. The water is not evaporating because the sun's energy just isn't heating up the ground enough for that to happen. The sun itself felt weaker than it did in the recent Summer months. I noticed the difference. I noticed how much lower in the sky the sun is. I noticed different trees lose their leaves in different patterns. I noticed my roses stay alive longer in the Autumn than they did in the hot Summer months. I noticed some plants thrive in the mild temperatures of this time of year and are just now starting to bloom.
For me, experiencing the seasons is one of the best things about being alive. Each season has a different feel, different weather and temperatures, different possible activities, different holidays and get-togethers, different look, and different options for growth. The seasons are wonderful. The fact that our planet experiences the seasons as it does is one of the things I use to re-affirm my knowledge that God is real. Seasonality is just a beautifully nuanced gift from God. Thank you, God.
I was standing in my back yard this morning looking around at the vivid blue sky and the trees of different varieties. I was focused on nature and my surroundings. I could see how wet the ground still was from rain we received last week. The water is not evaporating because the sun's energy just isn't heating up the ground enough for that to happen. The sun itself felt weaker than it did in the recent Summer months. I noticed the difference. I noticed how much lower in the sky the sun is. I noticed different trees lose their leaves in different patterns. I noticed my roses stay alive longer in the Autumn than they did in the hot Summer months. I noticed some plants thrive in the mild temperatures of this time of year and are just now starting to bloom.
For me, experiencing the seasons is one of the best things about being alive. Each season has a different feel, different weather and temperatures, different possible activities, different holidays and get-togethers, different look, and different options for growth. The seasons are wonderful. The fact that our planet experiences the seasons as it does is one of the things I use to re-affirm my knowledge that God is real. Seasonality is just a beautifully nuanced gift from God. Thank you, God.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
The Reasons for Growing Out My Hair
I have a long history of control issues. Anyone who knows me knows how I have been. I am really striving nowadays, however, to let things go and just accept when things are different from the way I want them or expect them to be.
This is part of the reason I am growing out my hair: to allow for things to be out of my control and for that to be okay. When I was a teenager, I had to have every hair in place and actually used a lot of hair spray, as embarrassing as that is to admit. So now, being in my mid- to late-thirties, I have pushed outside of my comfort zone and decided to let my hair grow. I have not brushed or combed my hair in months. And there are days when I feel like a vagabond, but that discomfort is a lesson in acceptance for me and is important for my personal growth.
I used to be so judgemental and critical of guys with long hair, especially my nephew. Several years ago, I cut his hair because his mother told me that she was going to make sure he had a haircut before he went back to school. And because he was rebellious and seemed to be out of control for my sister, I decided to "help" her deal with the situation and cut it for him. Of course, in retrospect, I know it was wrong and I am deeply ashamed to have crossed the line like that. It still bugs me, even though my nephew has long since forgiven me and his hair is even longer now than it was back then. So the other main reason for growing my hair out is my own personal penance. I need to put myself in the place that will help me relate and understand what it means and feels like to have long, crazy hair, something I have disliked most of my life. It is therapy for the critical nature I used to have.
The third, and least important, reason for growing out my hair is that I am going to Ireland next year. I want to have Irish hair, with its natural curls and waves, in Ireland. I want to stand on the Cliffs of Moher and feel the Irish wind blow through my Irish hair. I'm aware this is as trivial as it gets, but in a small way, it's a nod to my roots and ancestry. That and the tattoo I plan to get while I'm there of the word "Ireland" across my entire back. I kid, of course. Although I'm actually thinking a reasonable tattoo might also be a lesson in the same way growing my hair out is, since I've also had a thing against tattoos, too. Ah, still so many lessons to learn...
This is part of the reason I am growing out my hair: to allow for things to be out of my control and for that to be okay. When I was a teenager, I had to have every hair in place and actually used a lot of hair spray, as embarrassing as that is to admit. So now, being in my mid- to late-thirties, I have pushed outside of my comfort zone and decided to let my hair grow. I have not brushed or combed my hair in months. And there are days when I feel like a vagabond, but that discomfort is a lesson in acceptance for me and is important for my personal growth.
I used to be so judgemental and critical of guys with long hair, especially my nephew. Several years ago, I cut his hair because his mother told me that she was going to make sure he had a haircut before he went back to school. And because he was rebellious and seemed to be out of control for my sister, I decided to "help" her deal with the situation and cut it for him. Of course, in retrospect, I know it was wrong and I am deeply ashamed to have crossed the line like that. It still bugs me, even though my nephew has long since forgiven me and his hair is even longer now than it was back then. So the other main reason for growing my hair out is my own personal penance. I need to put myself in the place that will help me relate and understand what it means and feels like to have long, crazy hair, something I have disliked most of my life. It is therapy for the critical nature I used to have.
The third, and least important, reason for growing out my hair is that I am going to Ireland next year. I want to have Irish hair, with its natural curls and waves, in Ireland. I want to stand on the Cliffs of Moher and feel the Irish wind blow through my Irish hair. I'm aware this is as trivial as it gets, but in a small way, it's a nod to my roots and ancestry. That and the tattoo I plan to get while I'm there of the word "Ireland" across my entire back. I kid, of course. Although I'm actually thinking a reasonable tattoo might also be a lesson in the same way growing my hair out is, since I've also had a thing against tattoos, too. Ah, still so many lessons to learn...
Friday, October 23, 2009
The 'Why' to Life Lies in Rainbows and Roses
I saw a beautiful rainbow this week. It was full, and actually almost a full double bow, which are pretty rare. It was wonderfully uplifting, simply joyous. When I saw it, the puzzle came together. Or at least I found another piece to explain the 'why' of it all.
I have a great appreciation for the process and the lengths God went to in order to create us. God made sure Earth was the right size and around the right size star, and orbiting at a safe distance at a safe speed. God made sure our planet was tilted at the right angle and has a moon, which along with affecting our tides keeps us tilted on our axis, which is what gives us our seasons. God made sure we had the right combination of all of the elements to create and sustain life and a thriving global ecosystem.
God then, once we finally evolved into upright and thinking beasts, split us off toward different areas of the globe, to evolve our own languages and cultures, as well as variations in our physical appearances. Our history leads us to where we are today. And where exactly is that?
The pinnacle of creation. God created the universe and the elements it contains so that they could be combined in such a way as to create life. And as life evolves, it has become sentient. It has the ability to reflect, to philosophize, and to be aware of where all of the raw materials of which we are made come from: God. We are where it begins. God created life for where it goes from here. And although we have been around for eons, evolving, humanity has just now come to a place where we know and appreciate concepts like conscience, kindness, art, tenderness, laughter, community, appreciation, family, beauty, joy, and love. These are the things that connect the created to the creator. These are the providence of the divine, of God. And these are the things that God is looking through to connect with us. God is reaching out...every time you find deep appreciation of the fresh perfumes and beauty of a vibrant rose.
I have a great appreciation for the process and the lengths God went to in order to create us. God made sure Earth was the right size and around the right size star, and orbiting at a safe distance at a safe speed. God made sure our planet was tilted at the right angle and has a moon, which along with affecting our tides keeps us tilted on our axis, which is what gives us our seasons. God made sure we had the right combination of all of the elements to create and sustain life and a thriving global ecosystem.
God then, once we finally evolved into upright and thinking beasts, split us off toward different areas of the globe, to evolve our own languages and cultures, as well as variations in our physical appearances. Our history leads us to where we are today. And where exactly is that?
The pinnacle of creation. God created the universe and the elements it contains so that they could be combined in such a way as to create life. And as life evolves, it has become sentient. It has the ability to reflect, to philosophize, and to be aware of where all of the raw materials of which we are made come from: God. We are where it begins. God created life for where it goes from here. And although we have been around for eons, evolving, humanity has just now come to a place where we know and appreciate concepts like conscience, kindness, art, tenderness, laughter, community, appreciation, family, beauty, joy, and love. These are the things that connect the created to the creator. These are the providence of the divine, of God. And these are the things that God is looking through to connect with us. God is reaching out...every time you find deep appreciation of the fresh perfumes and beauty of a vibrant rose.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
For Some, Ignorance Really is Bliss
My vocation is to love God and philosophize. Those are the things that drive me. I want knowledge, I want answers, and I want to understand God and the universe as fully as possible. I enjoy learning and get excited about knowing the previously unknown.
But for some, thinking is hard. Thinking takes time, and energy. Thinking is best done as little as possible, as too much of it could...well, it's best not even to think about it. Some people, even some who are bright, willfully choose to stay ignorant and reside in a bubble, because bubbles are comfortable and safe.
But when a thinking person interacts with a willfully ignorant one...well, the potential for frustration on both sides is tremendous. One of the people I work with is rather bright, but willfully and blissfully ignorant. I see the intelligence in her, spark up conversations, but then the conversation curtails as the subject matter gets too deep or too real. There are times I just want to shake her so she'll snap out of it, but of course, that's not nice. Instead, I turn to God's calming wisdom: love and respect her as she is, she's not harming anyone. Sage advice, indeed.
Sometimes I get so wrapped up and excited about different ideas about life, the universe, and everything (the answer: 42) that I think others would be excited about them, or at least find them mildly interesting. But willfully ignorant people shun being sparked by information or new ideas. And that's...okay. I must respect that choice and just appreciate everything else they have to offer. With proper focus, you can love anybody. And who am I, anyways, to deny anyone their bliss? Bliss is wonderful. God is wonderful.
But for some, thinking is hard. Thinking takes time, and energy. Thinking is best done as little as possible, as too much of it could...well, it's best not even to think about it. Some people, even some who are bright, willfully choose to stay ignorant and reside in a bubble, because bubbles are comfortable and safe.
But when a thinking person interacts with a willfully ignorant one...well, the potential for frustration on both sides is tremendous. One of the people I work with is rather bright, but willfully and blissfully ignorant. I see the intelligence in her, spark up conversations, but then the conversation curtails as the subject matter gets too deep or too real. There are times I just want to shake her so she'll snap out of it, but of course, that's not nice. Instead, I turn to God's calming wisdom: love and respect her as she is, she's not harming anyone. Sage advice, indeed.
Sometimes I get so wrapped up and excited about different ideas about life, the universe, and everything (the answer: 42) that I think others would be excited about them, or at least find them mildly interesting. But willfully ignorant people shun being sparked by information or new ideas. And that's...okay. I must respect that choice and just appreciate everything else they have to offer. With proper focus, you can love anybody. And who am I, anyways, to deny anyone their bliss? Bliss is wonderful. God is wonderful.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
The Joyous Umbrella of Denial
I have been asking God lately why I've been in this funk. Not depression, but not clarity. Kinda like being lost at the mall, but where you can only get so lost, ya know?
Today, at work, God pulled me out of my train of thought to listen to what I was thinking. And it was all negative, all down on myself, all reinforcing hopelessness...oy vey! I saw with this fresh perspective that I was feeding the negative wolf inside me with each thought. And I was entertaining the hopeless feelings as if they were reality. God showed me that the only time there is no hope left in this life is when it is over. I have been subject to the rain of negativity because I totally forgot my Joyous Umbrella of Denial, or JUD, if you will.
One of the simplest ways to avoid things you don't want bugging your brain is to brush any and all hints of that thought coming to mind before it sets roost. So to practice this, I imagine myself holding a strong and trusty umbrella--of joy--and just watch the negative thoughts bounce off the umbrella and away from me. It's just a visualization to help me in my quest to stay more positive. I also use affirmations like, "I'm done with negativity," or "I'm better than this," or "I got this," or "Hi, God." This last one reminds me to stay focused on good and positive things because I know God is watching. It also sparks dialogue with God, when I seek guidance.
The affirmations greatly fortifies the JUD and defends against any onslaught of negative thoughts, when I remember to use it. But the underlying important thing is to not entertain negative thoughts for even a split second. Because once they get settled...
Today, at work, God pulled me out of my train of thought to listen to what I was thinking. And it was all negative, all down on myself, all reinforcing hopelessness...oy vey! I saw with this fresh perspective that I was feeding the negative wolf inside me with each thought. And I was entertaining the hopeless feelings as if they were reality. God showed me that the only time there is no hope left in this life is when it is over. I have been subject to the rain of negativity because I totally forgot my Joyous Umbrella of Denial, or JUD, if you will.
One of the simplest ways to avoid things you don't want bugging your brain is to brush any and all hints of that thought coming to mind before it sets roost. So to practice this, I imagine myself holding a strong and trusty umbrella--of joy--and just watch the negative thoughts bounce off the umbrella and away from me. It's just a visualization to help me in my quest to stay more positive. I also use affirmations like, "I'm done with negativity," or "I'm better than this," or "I got this," or "Hi, God." This last one reminds me to stay focused on good and positive things because I know God is watching. It also sparks dialogue with God, when I seek guidance.
The affirmations greatly fortifies the JUD and defends against any onslaught of negative thoughts, when I remember to use it. But the underlying important thing is to not entertain negative thoughts for even a split second. Because once they get settled...
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fasting and Sacrifice
The concept is common amongst the world's religions: give of yourself until you feel it. Fasting and other forms of sacrifice and self-deprivation are universally acknowledged sources of penance, but are also opportunities of prayer, meditation, and appreciation through focus.
When you deprive yourself of something, say food, for example, you become much more focused on it. You dwell on the need for it and build on your appreciation for it, including being thankful to God that you are blessed to have perpetual access to it and for all of the wonderful flavors. When you fast, you build up anticipation, too, for when you do finally eat. Fasting is also a great time to pray. For starters, it gets you focused on something other than hunger :). But really, it's a prime time to get in tune with God. When you are fasting, hunger ends up getting your full attention. Turn that full attention toward communication with God.
Sacrifice, even in the short term, like going around your house for 30 minutes with your eyes fully closed to appreciate your sight, helps build your ability to focus and appreciate on the gifts God has given you. Sacrifice, in all its meaningful expressions, also shows God that you mean business, that you set out to remind yourself, e.g. through fasting, that you truly appreciate and focus on your blessings.
I do know that God accepts fasting and sacrifice as penance for sins, but any and all details of that are completely left to God. But regardless, what does it hurt if it gets you to focus and appreciate things in your life?
Fasting and sacrifice are also great ways to increase the joy in your life. Stop watching television for a week. Fast for 24 hours. Don't use the computer for two days. Go without coffee for 6 hours. Okay, I've gone too far, but you get the idea. And after you go some time without something that may have been omnipresent in your life, you will find great joy when it is back in your life. And a new level of appreciation.
Try this. You'll be better for it.
When you deprive yourself of something, say food, for example, you become much more focused on it. You dwell on the need for it and build on your appreciation for it, including being thankful to God that you are blessed to have perpetual access to it and for all of the wonderful flavors. When you fast, you build up anticipation, too, for when you do finally eat. Fasting is also a great time to pray. For starters, it gets you focused on something other than hunger :). But really, it's a prime time to get in tune with God. When you are fasting, hunger ends up getting your full attention. Turn that full attention toward communication with God.
Sacrifice, even in the short term, like going around your house for 30 minutes with your eyes fully closed to appreciate your sight, helps build your ability to focus and appreciate on the gifts God has given you. Sacrifice, in all its meaningful expressions, also shows God that you mean business, that you set out to remind yourself, e.g. through fasting, that you truly appreciate and focus on your blessings.
I do know that God accepts fasting and sacrifice as penance for sins, but any and all details of that are completely left to God. But regardless, what does it hurt if it gets you to focus and appreciate things in your life?
Fasting and sacrifice are also great ways to increase the joy in your life. Stop watching television for a week. Fast for 24 hours. Don't use the computer for two days. Go without coffee for 6 hours. Okay, I've gone too far, but you get the idea. And after you go some time without something that may have been omnipresent in your life, you will find great joy when it is back in your life. And a new level of appreciation.
Try this. You'll be better for it.
Monday, October 19, 2009
What You Don't Take Care of...
...you lose.
My Grandma used to say this to me, and my five siblings, quite often growing up. When I was young, however, all I attached to that saying was that she was going to take something away from me. But nowadays, as I spend more time philosophizing and reflecting, and living, I am actually beginning to understand what she meant by that.
A most recent case in point: my teeth. I haven't been the most avid of flossers over the last six months. And my dentist knew this. It was evident in the exam results, and, also, because I told him. I had three--yes, three!--cavities in my mouth. And where were those teeth decaying? All three of my cavities were located between my teeth. Odd parallel between the frequency of my not flossing and the increase in cavities. I rarely get cavities, so to have three in one visit means I've been an especially vigilant non-flosser. My lesson learned will include a penance of gum injections, drilling, and a sore and numb mouth. Perhaps I will have learned my lesson this time and will begin flossing once a day, like the dentist suggested. Perhaps.
So to bring it full circle, I didn't take care of my teeth, partially, and so I lost them partially. My Grandma's theorem holds up. (She was a wise and beautiful soul, and I miss her dearly.) Now the converse of this equation also holds true: what you do take care of, you keep. Keep this in mind especially in dealing with relationships. Give focus and attention to those people and things you admit are important in your life. Don't risk losing them, give them your love.
My Grandma used to say this to me, and my five siblings, quite often growing up. When I was young, however, all I attached to that saying was that she was going to take something away from me. But nowadays, as I spend more time philosophizing and reflecting, and living, I am actually beginning to understand what she meant by that.
A most recent case in point: my teeth. I haven't been the most avid of flossers over the last six months. And my dentist knew this. It was evident in the exam results, and, also, because I told him. I had three--yes, three!--cavities in my mouth. And where were those teeth decaying? All three of my cavities were located between my teeth. Odd parallel between the frequency of my not flossing and the increase in cavities. I rarely get cavities, so to have three in one visit means I've been an especially vigilant non-flosser. My lesson learned will include a penance of gum injections, drilling, and a sore and numb mouth. Perhaps I will have learned my lesson this time and will begin flossing once a day, like the dentist suggested. Perhaps.
So to bring it full circle, I didn't take care of my teeth, partially, and so I lost them partially. My Grandma's theorem holds up. (She was a wise and beautiful soul, and I miss her dearly.) Now the converse of this equation also holds true: what you do take care of, you keep. Keep this in mind especially in dealing with relationships. Give focus and attention to those people and things you admit are important in your life. Don't risk losing them, give them your love.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
The Snap of God's Proverbial Fingers
Every time my focus strays in making good choices and I disconnect from God, God is always there to snap me back into line. Although I haven't been disconnected from God lately, I certainly wasn't putting my all into feeling the closeness. Which is why God gave me a sign. A sign that said not to worry. A sign that said trust that God will see to it that good things happen. A sign that said God is still with me and loves me plenty. A sign that said to stay on track, as God has a plan. The sign: the solution to my electrical problem.
This morning, I set out to see if I could fix the electrical issue we have been having in the house the last few months before I had to break down and call a professional. After finding which jumper in the fuse box went to the rooms that were having the electrical problem, I took it off to find it burnt out a little, like it had malfunctioned and sparked or something. I'm not an electrician, obviously. The funny thing is that directly above the one I took off, which was at the very bottom and most easily accessible, was a jumper that the electrician I hired last Fall had labeled "Spare." When I saw that before, I just thought for some reason that it meant spare bedroom. But then I noticed it didn't have any wires attached to it; it was a spare, a spare jumper. Could it be that easy? I thought about that for a minute. Could it really be that easy? I thought about it and accepted that, yes, it could be. I plugged in the wire from the bad jumper I had removed, turned back on the power, and shazam, we have steady and non-flickering power. Success!
When I started reflecting on how easy the solution to this long-standing problem was, how it was literally the easiest--and cheapest--solution there possibly was for the problem, I knew God was trying to tell me something. And as soon as I re-focused on trying to listen to God, I was back in communication with God. It was the snap back to attention that I needed.
I share with you: if you are looking for a sign from God, just open your heart and increase your focus. When you are truly open to God, you will see signs, the signs you need, all around you.
This morning, I set out to see if I could fix the electrical issue we have been having in the house the last few months before I had to break down and call a professional. After finding which jumper in the fuse box went to the rooms that were having the electrical problem, I took it off to find it burnt out a little, like it had malfunctioned and sparked or something. I'm not an electrician, obviously. The funny thing is that directly above the one I took off, which was at the very bottom and most easily accessible, was a jumper that the electrician I hired last Fall had labeled "Spare." When I saw that before, I just thought for some reason that it meant spare bedroom. But then I noticed it didn't have any wires attached to it; it was a spare, a spare jumper. Could it be that easy? I thought about that for a minute. Could it really be that easy? I thought about it and accepted that, yes, it could be. I plugged in the wire from the bad jumper I had removed, turned back on the power, and shazam, we have steady and non-flickering power. Success!
When I started reflecting on how easy the solution to this long-standing problem was, how it was literally the easiest--and cheapest--solution there possibly was for the problem, I knew God was trying to tell me something. And as soon as I re-focused on trying to listen to God, I was back in communication with God. It was the snap back to attention that I needed.
I share with you: if you are looking for a sign from God, just open your heart and increase your focus. When you are truly open to God, you will see signs, the signs you need, all around you.
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Dawn of Civilization
Some scholars hypothesize that the dawn of the civilization of humans began around 10,000 years ago, in the Fertile Crescent in the Middle East. That is when people began settling, developing agriculture, domesticating animals, and creating communities. While those steps forward for humanity were crucial in getting us to where we are currently, those times were far from civilized. There were no laws, no protection, and people were still rather feral. What humans had back then was not civilization.
But people grew, developed, and changed. They created things, first out of necessity, then out of ability. Education and art came along, and inventions--first a trickle, then a flood--as people began learning from one another. Our current society is built on millions of inventions because people learned from each other and/or worked together.
Mass media and the current communication options has united this planet. We no longer have to wait for 6 months or more for news to circle the globe, as we have in our past. With the internet, webcams, video cameras, cell phones, satellites, thousands of television channels, radio, newspapers, etc. we are connected and can literally see what's going on at this very moment in many different places around the globe. We have been permanently united as one people, thanks to technology and ingenuity.
Because of this unity, humankind is just now really starting figure out who we are as a species. The culmination of our communication advances in conjunction with the overall advances in human rights, education, general health, medicine, and social and political tolerances is bringing on a new, world-wide culture. One that will eventually have a common language (I vote for English), although it might take centuries. Or maybe as soon as two generations. Who knows.
The point is, our world is united, and there is a swelling of consciousness out there that sees that we all need to get along, help each other when we can, and strive to preserve our planet. There is a common knowledge, I think, that this in indeed the dawning of a whole new era for humanity. There is a sense, too, that spirituality is getting its own new dawn, one that embraces the sciences, instead of battles with them. God is truth, and people are waking up to this fact and embracing that God plays a big role (not roll--hi elod) in our goings on.
So my hypothesis is that the dawn of civilization is now. And I see the signs that we are actually ready to be civilized, as one people. Hold onto your hats, because now that we are worldwide, technology and other advances are going to increase exponentially at a pace that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The future is going to be wild.
But people grew, developed, and changed. They created things, first out of necessity, then out of ability. Education and art came along, and inventions--first a trickle, then a flood--as people began learning from one another. Our current society is built on millions of inventions because people learned from each other and/or worked together.
Mass media and the current communication options has united this planet. We no longer have to wait for 6 months or more for news to circle the globe, as we have in our past. With the internet, webcams, video cameras, cell phones, satellites, thousands of television channels, radio, newspapers, etc. we are connected and can literally see what's going on at this very moment in many different places around the globe. We have been permanently united as one people, thanks to technology and ingenuity.
Because of this unity, humankind is just now really starting figure out who we are as a species. The culmination of our communication advances in conjunction with the overall advances in human rights, education, general health, medicine, and social and political tolerances is bringing on a new, world-wide culture. One that will eventually have a common language (I vote for English), although it might take centuries. Or maybe as soon as two generations. Who knows.
The point is, our world is united, and there is a swelling of consciousness out there that sees that we all need to get along, help each other when we can, and strive to preserve our planet. There is a common knowledge, I think, that this in indeed the dawning of a whole new era for humanity. There is a sense, too, that spirituality is getting its own new dawn, one that embraces the sciences, instead of battles with them. God is truth, and people are waking up to this fact and embracing that God plays a big role (not roll--hi elod) in our goings on.
So my hypothesis is that the dawn of civilization is now. And I see the signs that we are actually ready to be civilized, as one people. Hold onto your hats, because now that we are worldwide, technology and other advances are going to increase exponentially at a pace that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The future is going to be wild.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Newsflash: Communication is Good
Sometimes I get too far into my brain. I get a little too wrapped up in my thoughts and sometimes just expect people to know exactly what I'm thinking. Absurd, I know, but nonetheless, there seems to come a point when I just stop talking and assume everything is just commonly understood. Don't laugh, it seems logical at the time. This approach to communication will be fine in the future, if we ever evolve into mind readers, but until that happens, all it can do is cause problems.
And that it has. My roommate has been telling me of a certain electrical problem for months. I waited a long time to call the electric company because I knew it would be expensive. When I finally did, the repairman pointed to a possible problem in the fuse box, which I tried to partially fix, yet the part I replaced didn't solve the problem. But instead of letting my roommate know of my intention to take another stab at the fuse box before having to scrape together funds for an actual electrician, I simply said nothing. I guess I just assumed she knew, from conversations and from being here through all of the other expensive repairs, that I was pretty strapped for more repair money.
But that was my error. The electrical problem is a real concern, and a particular nuisance for my roommate, as the problem is on her side of the house. In addition to seeming like a callous jerk, I was wrong to not share with her my issues surrounding the problem.
And tonight, she got a little sarcastic with me to vent her frustration about my inaction. And it was well deserved, although hindsight is 20/20. At the time, however, I got grumpy and snippy at her, not because of her or what she was saying, but because I was feeling the frustration of the expensive repair bill to come, and took that frustration out on her.
While separately cooling down, she was also reflecting on what she said and how she could have dealt with the conversation better. When she came back into the room to clear the air, we were both open, reasonable, and accepted each our own fault in the conflict. She made nice for the sarcasm, but I fully acknowledge that it was my poor communication that was the source of the problem between us.
So...the lessons I've learned: 1.) don't lose focus on sharing with others, even when it's about something that makes me uncomfortable and grumpy, 2.) try much harder to not be a callous jerk, 3.) don't procrastinate, especially when people are counting on me, 4.) grumpiness never makes anything better, so stop, and 5.) communication is good, so do it often, and openly. With focus.
And that it has. My roommate has been telling me of a certain electrical problem for months. I waited a long time to call the electric company because I knew it would be expensive. When I finally did, the repairman pointed to a possible problem in the fuse box, which I tried to partially fix, yet the part I replaced didn't solve the problem. But instead of letting my roommate know of my intention to take another stab at the fuse box before having to scrape together funds for an actual electrician, I simply said nothing. I guess I just assumed she knew, from conversations and from being here through all of the other expensive repairs, that I was pretty strapped for more repair money.
But that was my error. The electrical problem is a real concern, and a particular nuisance for my roommate, as the problem is on her side of the house. In addition to seeming like a callous jerk, I was wrong to not share with her my issues surrounding the problem.
And tonight, she got a little sarcastic with me to vent her frustration about my inaction. And it was well deserved, although hindsight is 20/20. At the time, however, I got grumpy and snippy at her, not because of her or what she was saying, but because I was feeling the frustration of the expensive repair bill to come, and took that frustration out on her.
While separately cooling down, she was also reflecting on what she said and how she could have dealt with the conversation better. When she came back into the room to clear the air, we were both open, reasonable, and accepted each our own fault in the conflict. She made nice for the sarcasm, but I fully acknowledge that it was my poor communication that was the source of the problem between us.
So...the lessons I've learned: 1.) don't lose focus on sharing with others, even when it's about something that makes me uncomfortable and grumpy, 2.) try much harder to not be a callous jerk, 3.) don't procrastinate, especially when people are counting on me, 4.) grumpiness never makes anything better, so stop, and 5.) communication is good, so do it often, and openly. With focus.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
The Recession Result of Moral Decay
Regardless of what you may think of the sociocultural issues of the time, the one thing that the people in the 1950's had going for themselves was integrity. Everybody had it, and it was displayed proudly by openly discussing church attendance, by displaying patriotism, by being a great neighbor, and by giving your word via a handshake. It was simply understood back then that being honorable and honest was the norm. It was the selfish jerk who was the oddity, and the outcast.
Nowadays, however, the tables have turned. Those of true honor are of fewer numbers. The number of selfish jerks has increased, which is why we have road rage, frivolous lawsuits, tons of graffiti, etc. and why we feel the need to perpetually lock our doors.
Perhaps it started in the "me" generation of the 80's and snowballed from there, but it was during that era that people began to take pride in being selfish and all about themselves. It was during that time, too, that vanity soared to new heights. It was perfectly acceptable to be self-obsessed.
So now, in the 00's, with church attendance still sliding and courtesy becoming far from common, selfishness found a healthy roosting place, particularly in the industries with the most potential money in them: real estate and home financing. There was no concern in the slightest by those profiting that what they were doing was contributing to a universally-acknowledged inflated real estate market. They all knew it was happening, they all knew it was potentially devastating, yet they could not stop because they were making just too much money to bother with a conscience. Our economy took an enormous tumble and many, many lives were totally ruined by their greed.
Yes, it was a lack of morally-sound decisions that caused our current recession. Selfishness, plain and simple. Selfishness is always our human downfall, both individually and collectively. And until we get back to having honesty and integrity be the norm, we will face further economic and social crises for certain. God help us, every one.
Nowadays, however, the tables have turned. Those of true honor are of fewer numbers. The number of selfish jerks has increased, which is why we have road rage, frivolous lawsuits, tons of graffiti, etc. and why we feel the need to perpetually lock our doors.
Perhaps it started in the "me" generation of the 80's and snowballed from there, but it was during that era that people began to take pride in being selfish and all about themselves. It was during that time, too, that vanity soared to new heights. It was perfectly acceptable to be self-obsessed.
So now, in the 00's, with church attendance still sliding and courtesy becoming far from common, selfishness found a healthy roosting place, particularly in the industries with the most potential money in them: real estate and home financing. There was no concern in the slightest by those profiting that what they were doing was contributing to a universally-acknowledged inflated real estate market. They all knew it was happening, they all knew it was potentially devastating, yet they could not stop because they were making just too much money to bother with a conscience. Our economy took an enormous tumble and many, many lives were totally ruined by their greed.
Yes, it was a lack of morally-sound decisions that caused our current recession. Selfishness, plain and simple. Selfishness is always our human downfall, both individually and collectively. And until we get back to having honesty and integrity be the norm, we will face further economic and social crises for certain. God help us, every one.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Your Vocation of Service
For my day job, I interact with customers all day long. And I strive, with every resource available, to be extremely pleasant and be as helpful as I can be. To really treat them as I would like to be treated.
While faxing some documents for a customer today, I had some time to reflect with God on my devotion to helping others. I acknowledged to God that I knew of my vocation of service to others just about my entire life. I've always heard God's calling in my heart, even during those times in my life when I pretended not to hear it. Yes, the vocation of service was always present. And I've always thought that those called to a vocation of service held a special place with God (fingers crossed!). God let me know that it is true: those of service do hold special favor with God.
But then God let me know the punchline: we are ALL, each and every single one of us, called to a vocation of service. To have a vocation of service means you spend your life dedicated to making things better for someone other than yourself. And that call to your vocation has been in your heart and mind your entire life.
You were born into your calling, your vocation. Your vocation is an intrinsic part of every part of who you are. And God has gifted you with the vocation of service. But that service varies wildly from person to person, as humans have a multitude of problems and needs. Some people will be called to full time service in medicine. Some will be called to charities. Some to the care and teaching of children. Others to public safety careers. Others to garbage clean up. And so on.
Your vocation is real. God has put it in all of our spirits to be of service to others. So no matter how you make your living, do not forget your vocation of service and strive to make every person with whom you interact feel special and important. You will find joy in doing so.
While faxing some documents for a customer today, I had some time to reflect with God on my devotion to helping others. I acknowledged to God that I knew of my vocation of service to others just about my entire life. I've always heard God's calling in my heart, even during those times in my life when I pretended not to hear it. Yes, the vocation of service was always present. And I've always thought that those called to a vocation of service held a special place with God (fingers crossed!). God let me know that it is true: those of service do hold special favor with God.
But then God let me know the punchline: we are ALL, each and every single one of us, called to a vocation of service. To have a vocation of service means you spend your life dedicated to making things better for someone other than yourself. And that call to your vocation has been in your heart and mind your entire life.
You were born into your calling, your vocation. Your vocation is an intrinsic part of every part of who you are. And God has gifted you with the vocation of service. But that service varies wildly from person to person, as humans have a multitude of problems and needs. Some people will be called to full time service in medicine. Some will be called to charities. Some to the care and teaching of children. Others to public safety careers. Others to garbage clean up. And so on.
Your vocation is real. God has put it in all of our spirits to be of service to others. So no matter how you make your living, do not forget your vocation of service and strive to make every person with whom you interact feel special and important. You will find joy in doing so.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Have a Sanctuary
Today was a nice day. It was a calm day. It was a day of reflection. It was a day off of work. And while my roommate worked today, I had the house to myself. It got me thinking of my home as a place of restful solitude, a sanctuary, and how important it is to have a sanctuary you can count on to retreat to when things feel overwhelming or upsetting.
My home is my sanctuary. It is a place where I feel comfortable, safe, and totally at ease. It is a place where I can be my full dorky self in full effect without needing to restrain my zeal. It is a place where I can be alone as long as I want to in order to sort things out in my head or with God, or both. My sanctuary contains things that make me happy and give me good memories to reflect on.
Sometimes, when my roommate is in the living room watching television, my sanctuary gets smaller. I am comfortable and at ease with my roommate and hanging out with her, but if I want solitude, I will just go into my bedroom. My bedroom is my chamber of solitude, in which I can always find a quiet space to pray and think.
I've not always been so blessed as to have a home with sanctuaries of differing levels. There have been points while I was sharing single rooms with several people or while I was couch surfing through college that I would have the bathroom be my sanctuary; it was a quiet place where I could lock the door to guarantee solitude. I remember spending many hours sitting in empty tubs just thinking and savoring the peace.
So if you don't have the luxury of a room of your own, there is always a bathroom to step away to for some quiet time, or a corner of the yard, or the garage, or in the car, or even on a walk. Everyone needs a place for themselves, where they feel save, comfortable, and have as much time to reflect and pray as you need. And where you can decompress and de-stress from the chaos in your life. Find your sanctuary and use it as often as you need. You'll be very glad you do.
My home is my sanctuary. It is a place where I feel comfortable, safe, and totally at ease. It is a place where I can be my full dorky self in full effect without needing to restrain my zeal. It is a place where I can be alone as long as I want to in order to sort things out in my head or with God, or both. My sanctuary contains things that make me happy and give me good memories to reflect on.
Sometimes, when my roommate is in the living room watching television, my sanctuary gets smaller. I am comfortable and at ease with my roommate and hanging out with her, but if I want solitude, I will just go into my bedroom. My bedroom is my chamber of solitude, in which I can always find a quiet space to pray and think.
I've not always been so blessed as to have a home with sanctuaries of differing levels. There have been points while I was sharing single rooms with several people or while I was couch surfing through college that I would have the bathroom be my sanctuary; it was a quiet place where I could lock the door to guarantee solitude. I remember spending many hours sitting in empty tubs just thinking and savoring the peace.
So if you don't have the luxury of a room of your own, there is always a bathroom to step away to for some quiet time, or a corner of the yard, or the garage, or in the car, or even on a walk. Everyone needs a place for themselves, where they feel save, comfortable, and have as much time to reflect and pray as you need. And where you can decompress and de-stress from the chaos in your life. Find your sanctuary and use it as often as you need. You'll be very glad you do.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Thriving on the Mundane
Sometimes, either by choice or obligation, we get stuck in ruts, doing the same exact things day in and day out, week in and week out, month in and month out...
Without some perspective, focus, and control, dealing with the mundane can be maddening. Truly. But it really does not need to be.
One of my co-workers told me this week that she was extremely bored, which is understandable, as we have stretches of time that are absolutely non-taxing. When I told her that I don't get bored, she look at me as if I were fibbing, but it is true.
For me, there is no "down time," as there is always, at the very least, something to think about. When activities are repetitive and don't require much of me mentally, I let my brain explore. I explore the things I need or want to get done. I make plans and think about all of the wonderful things I am looking forward to, both in the short and long term. I think about my blessings, especially my family and I pray for their needs. I think about nature and the universe a lot, especially the origin of things and how absolutely fascinating God's accomplishments are. I think about puzzles, games, new things to do, new ways to liven up the activities that are no longer engaging my brain very much. I think about funny things, jokes, movie clips, little kids doing silly things, anything over-the-top, etc. Sometimes, this line of thinking makes me actually laugh out loud.
I also think about focusing my appreciation and enjoyment of the little things. If the weather is lovely, that's a mood brightener for sure. I focus on my health and how blessed I am, especially considering how many others deal with serious and life-altering medical issues. I think about how blessed I am to have a home, a car, a job, and always enough food to eat and clothes on my back...my blessings are numerous, that's for certain.
No, I do not get bored. Amongst the mundane is a plethora of blessings, fascinating discoveries, and simple pleasures. And any free time is time to think, reflect, plan, and pray. Besides, any time things seem mundane just means you are blessed to not have bad or tragic things happening to you. And that is plenty good enough. So, honestly try to bask in the monotony of the daily grind. This is your life, you might as well embrace it as fully as possible and get as much joy out of it as you can. Every day is truly a gift from God.
Without some perspective, focus, and control, dealing with the mundane can be maddening. Truly. But it really does not need to be.
One of my co-workers told me this week that she was extremely bored, which is understandable, as we have stretches of time that are absolutely non-taxing. When I told her that I don't get bored, she look at me as if I were fibbing, but it is true.
For me, there is no "down time," as there is always, at the very least, something to think about. When activities are repetitive and don't require much of me mentally, I let my brain explore. I explore the things I need or want to get done. I make plans and think about all of the wonderful things I am looking forward to, both in the short and long term. I think about my blessings, especially my family and I pray for their needs. I think about nature and the universe a lot, especially the origin of things and how absolutely fascinating God's accomplishments are. I think about puzzles, games, new things to do, new ways to liven up the activities that are no longer engaging my brain very much. I think about funny things, jokes, movie clips, little kids doing silly things, anything over-the-top, etc. Sometimes, this line of thinking makes me actually laugh out loud.
I also think about focusing my appreciation and enjoyment of the little things. If the weather is lovely, that's a mood brightener for sure. I focus on my health and how blessed I am, especially considering how many others deal with serious and life-altering medical issues. I think about how blessed I am to have a home, a car, a job, and always enough food to eat and clothes on my back...my blessings are numerous, that's for certain.
No, I do not get bored. Amongst the mundane is a plethora of blessings, fascinating discoveries, and simple pleasures. And any free time is time to think, reflect, plan, and pray. Besides, any time things seem mundane just means you are blessed to not have bad or tragic things happening to you. And that is plenty good enough. So, honestly try to bask in the monotony of the daily grind. This is your life, you might as well embrace it as fully as possible and get as much joy out of it as you can. Every day is truly a gift from God.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Our Human Family
I watched the documentary The Human Family Tree on the National Geographic channel. It explained about the Genographic Project, which is trying to map lineages and migrations of everyone back to our common mother and father in Africa. All evidence is showing that we all genetically have a common father, or "scientific Adam," who lived some 60,000 years ago. Our common mother with whom we all link genetically, or "scientific Eve," dates back even farther, beyond 100,000 years ago.
Pondering this gives me chills. In a good way. Every person alive today is genetically related to each of us; we are all connected, in a very real and very tangible and scientifically-verifiable way. We are all brothers and sisters. Or actually very, very distant cousins, but still...
God most definitely did this on purpose. Perhaps now that we truly know this for certain, thanks to science, we will embrace the knowledge that we all have an actual vested interest in one another and, perhaps, actually act like it.
But God's designs always provide a multitude of positive blessings: as our ancestors traveled to different continents tens of thousands of years ago, they began to change and adapt to their environments, even physically, and were able to develop culture and language in unique ways due to isolation. It was through these ancient migrations that we developed race, ethnicity, language, culture, art, and technologies of varying levels. It is through these migrations which created fascinating and beautiful differences among people. And as we merge back together, as a united human family, all of the best that we each contribute will come to the fore. In breaking us up, God is perfecting us.
It is only now, through the modern age of technology and communication, and the ability of world-wide immediate migration, that we are all reunited. And we have some catching up to do, which is going to be fun. In dealing with people who look, speak, and act different than you, try to appreciate where they come from. Try to see the beauty in the different, because it is there. And remember that, literally, the path their ancestors took meets up at some point with your ancestor's path. I reckon we is all kinfolk. Time for a global hootenanny, y'all.
Pondering this gives me chills. In a good way. Every person alive today is genetically related to each of us; we are all connected, in a very real and very tangible and scientifically-verifiable way. We are all brothers and sisters. Or actually very, very distant cousins, but still...
God most definitely did this on purpose. Perhaps now that we truly know this for certain, thanks to science, we will embrace the knowledge that we all have an actual vested interest in one another and, perhaps, actually act like it.
But God's designs always provide a multitude of positive blessings: as our ancestors traveled to different continents tens of thousands of years ago, they began to change and adapt to their environments, even physically, and were able to develop culture and language in unique ways due to isolation. It was through these ancient migrations that we developed race, ethnicity, language, culture, art, and technologies of varying levels. It is through these migrations which created fascinating and beautiful differences among people. And as we merge back together, as a united human family, all of the best that we each contribute will come to the fore. In breaking us up, God is perfecting us.
It is only now, through the modern age of technology and communication, and the ability of world-wide immediate migration, that we are all reunited. And we have some catching up to do, which is going to be fun. In dealing with people who look, speak, and act different than you, try to appreciate where they come from. Try to see the beauty in the different, because it is there. And remember that, literally, the path their ancestors took meets up at some point with your ancestor's path. I reckon we is all kinfolk. Time for a global hootenanny, y'all.
Friday, October 9, 2009
What Exactly is God's Will?
In this blog, as well as in the Revelation from God, the term "God's will" gets used quite a bit. It occurred to me that perhaps this idea could use some clarity...so, what exactly is God's will?
Your will. They are one in the same, provided you use your free will positively and constructively. God wants you to live your life, enjoy it as fully as possible, and for you to contribute yourself into making things as wonderful as you can for others, yourself, and all of creation. God's will is your will, as God has given you dominion over your body, your life, and co-dominion over the rest of creation. God's full intention, or will, was to give you free will. You honor God by using this incredibly important gift to the best of your ability.
If you are wondering if the choices you are making in your life are in line with God's will, just know that if they are constructive and positive for yourself and/or others, God is pleased and appreciates the good use of your will. You may also asking: doesn't God have a plan for me, and won't a plan negate my freel will?
God most certainly has a plan for you: to live beautifully and wholly; to make good, kind, and generous choices with your free will. As far as specific lessons? God has your lessons embedded into your choices. You see, as hard as it is for us to understand, God is outside of time. God sees our entire lifetime at once and knows our choices and adjusts everything we need to learn and feel and experience into it. And as far as tasks God wants out of you specifically? Take it from me, you will know, no doubt at all.
On a personal note, when I am using my free will positively and constructively, I feel wonderful about myself, about others, and about life in general. At those times, I feel my will is in line with God's, and it gives me peace, confidence, ecstatic joy, and a near-tangible connection to God. You may want to try to embrace these feelings and ideas when you are doing good and positive things with your free will. It might add richness and much joy to your life.
Your will. They are one in the same, provided you use your free will positively and constructively. God wants you to live your life, enjoy it as fully as possible, and for you to contribute yourself into making things as wonderful as you can for others, yourself, and all of creation. God's will is your will, as God has given you dominion over your body, your life, and co-dominion over the rest of creation. God's full intention, or will, was to give you free will. You honor God by using this incredibly important gift to the best of your ability.
If you are wondering if the choices you are making in your life are in line with God's will, just know that if they are constructive and positive for yourself and/or others, God is pleased and appreciates the good use of your will. You may also asking: doesn't God have a plan for me, and won't a plan negate my freel will?
God most certainly has a plan for you: to live beautifully and wholly; to make good, kind, and generous choices with your free will. As far as specific lessons? God has your lessons embedded into your choices. You see, as hard as it is for us to understand, God is outside of time. God sees our entire lifetime at once and knows our choices and adjusts everything we need to learn and feel and experience into it. And as far as tasks God wants out of you specifically? Take it from me, you will know, no doubt at all.
On a personal note, when I am using my free will positively and constructively, I feel wonderful about myself, about others, and about life in general. At those times, I feel my will is in line with God's, and it gives me peace, confidence, ecstatic joy, and a near-tangible connection to God. You may want to try to embrace these feelings and ideas when you are doing good and positive things with your free will. It might add richness and much joy to your life.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
How to Stop a Bad Habit
Do you smoke? Do you drink? Do you bite your fingernails? Do you drive aggressively? Is there some habit that you would really like to break? Here's how...
1.) If you are doing your bad habit right now, stop. That was easy, right?
2.) Continue not doing it.
3.) If you do your bad habit again, return to 1.)
Easy as that. Really.
But now the rubber meets the road and you are faced with a friend offering you a cigarette or perhaps an extra piece of pie or some crack (whatever your habit). Sure, it's easy in theory, but how do you say 'no' in practice? Sure, stopping temporarily is easy, but how do you deal with the desire to do that habit day in and day out? How does one actually do it?
A.) You really need to want to stop, and that desire needs to consume your dreams. You need to see yourself in a future where you are not doing that bad habit. Visualize what that really entails, down to noticing the pack of cigarettes missing from that pocket in your coat where you used to keep them. Pay attention to how you are feeling without your bad habit. Focus on the really good, positive energy you get from being free from your bad habit. Notice in your visualization, too, what other things you will be doing instead of your bad habit. Embrace those things and find joy in doing them. Yes, I'm aware visualization sounds kinda new-agey, but it's really just getting your mind set for something better to come. That's all.
B.) If you don't truly want to stop your bad habit, you won't. But the moment you actually set your mind to wanting to quit, you will be successful. You will fail if you do not first have in place the will to truly stop. Really.
C.) Re-enforce your accomplishments. If you only had two glasses of wine this evening instead of the usual four, slap yourself on the back. Well done! Each step in the right direction needs to be celebrated, no matter how small the accomplishment. Tell yourself good and positive things around your ability to swap your bad habit for a good one. Do this as frequently as possible.
D.) Keep yourself busy and active. Spend time doing things with others, as having other people around helps keeps one on track. But doing anything at all--like traveling, charity work, artistic endeavors, or even sleeping--helps keep your mind off of your bad habit. This might sound taxing (except the sleeping, of course), but all you need to do is find things to do that you enjoy that aren't your bad habit.
E.) Find your motivation. Will your stopping your bad habit benefit others, like your spouse or children? Will stopping benefit your health and allow you to live a fuller and longer life? Will stopping save you money that you could save for something wonderful? Focus on what good will come of your stopping and all of the people who would benefit, no matter how indirectly. Always keep in focus your motivation, especially at those times when you are faced with a bad habit opportunity.
F.) It never hurts to pray. Ask God for the strength you need to get over your bad habit. With God, anything is possible. Truly. Keep God in focus as much as possible, and if you happen to falter, share with God your weak moments and God will share with you insight on how do deal with them. Have some faith in God that God will help guide you to better behaviors.
Still impossible? Too addicted to your habit? Really? If someone offered you a million dollars if you could refrain from your bad habit for one day, could you? Yeah, me too. Even if I was addicted to PCP, I'd find a way. The point is that it is possible. No matter what you say, no matter how hard you think it will be, no matter how ingrained your bad habit is, if you really set your mind to quit, then you are already more than halfway there. All of your power to be successful in stopping your bad habit comes from within. It's all about using your free will correctly. Best of luck to you. And to me.
1.) If you are doing your bad habit right now, stop. That was easy, right?
2.) Continue not doing it.
3.) If you do your bad habit again, return to 1.)
Easy as that. Really.
But now the rubber meets the road and you are faced with a friend offering you a cigarette or perhaps an extra piece of pie or some crack (whatever your habit). Sure, it's easy in theory, but how do you say 'no' in practice? Sure, stopping temporarily is easy, but how do you deal with the desire to do that habit day in and day out? How does one actually do it?
A.) You really need to want to stop, and that desire needs to consume your dreams. You need to see yourself in a future where you are not doing that bad habit. Visualize what that really entails, down to noticing the pack of cigarettes missing from that pocket in your coat where you used to keep them. Pay attention to how you are feeling without your bad habit. Focus on the really good, positive energy you get from being free from your bad habit. Notice in your visualization, too, what other things you will be doing instead of your bad habit. Embrace those things and find joy in doing them. Yes, I'm aware visualization sounds kinda new-agey, but it's really just getting your mind set for something better to come. That's all.
B.) If you don't truly want to stop your bad habit, you won't. But the moment you actually set your mind to wanting to quit, you will be successful. You will fail if you do not first have in place the will to truly stop. Really.
C.) Re-enforce your accomplishments. If you only had two glasses of wine this evening instead of the usual four, slap yourself on the back. Well done! Each step in the right direction needs to be celebrated, no matter how small the accomplishment. Tell yourself good and positive things around your ability to swap your bad habit for a good one. Do this as frequently as possible.
D.) Keep yourself busy and active. Spend time doing things with others, as having other people around helps keeps one on track. But doing anything at all--like traveling, charity work, artistic endeavors, or even sleeping--helps keep your mind off of your bad habit. This might sound taxing (except the sleeping, of course), but all you need to do is find things to do that you enjoy that aren't your bad habit.
E.) Find your motivation. Will your stopping your bad habit benefit others, like your spouse or children? Will stopping benefit your health and allow you to live a fuller and longer life? Will stopping save you money that you could save for something wonderful? Focus on what good will come of your stopping and all of the people who would benefit, no matter how indirectly. Always keep in focus your motivation, especially at those times when you are faced with a bad habit opportunity.
F.) It never hurts to pray. Ask God for the strength you need to get over your bad habit. With God, anything is possible. Truly. Keep God in focus as much as possible, and if you happen to falter, share with God your weak moments and God will share with you insight on how do deal with them. Have some faith in God that God will help guide you to better behaviors.
Still impossible? Too addicted to your habit? Really? If someone offered you a million dollars if you could refrain from your bad habit for one day, could you? Yeah, me too. Even if I was addicted to PCP, I'd find a way. The point is that it is possible. No matter what you say, no matter how hard you think it will be, no matter how ingrained your bad habit is, if you really set your mind to quit, then you are already more than halfway there. All of your power to be successful in stopping your bad habit comes from within. It's all about using your free will correctly. Best of luck to you. And to me.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
The Joy of Silliness
I like Disneyland. A lot. And the reason that I like it so much is that it actually strives to be the "happiest place on Earth" by being clean, friendly, and full of wonder and whimsy. Disneyland fully understands how much joy there is in silliness. And how much is there exactly?
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Limitless. When you find joy in the silly, goofy, nonsensical things in life, you embrace the part of you that can be tickled, the part of you that lets go and emotionally actually feels intense glee, the part of you connected directly to God. God loves all that is good and positive, including humor, jokes, riddles, funny dances, etc. God adores silliness, most definitely.
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So I try to be silly often. Sometimes it falls flat, but there is no harm in trying to spread some happiness around. Sure, silliness can seem dumb or immature, but dang if it isn't joyful. I don't mind comments like "childish" or "dorky" or "lame-o," in fact, I embrace these monikers. It means someone gets what I'm trying to do, anyways. Right?
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You may have your reservations about breaking out into a silly song and dance in a board meeting, but let go and just make some effort to be silly when you can. Silliness brings joy, to you, to others, and brightens your spirit. Give it a whirl.
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I found a joke for you:
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I bought a box of animal crackers and it said on it, "Do not eat if seal is broken." So I opened the box, and sure enough... (Brian Kiley)
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Have a joke or something silly to share? Please post here:
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Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Finding the State of Grace
I had a God-given epiphany: to enjoy a legitimate connection with God while you are still alive, i.e. to be in communion with God, one must be in the state of grace. 'State of grace' (which I made up on my own. ;o) Read: found rightness in a Catholic idea and borrowed it.) simply means to have a clear conscience, to be right with God. God is pure, honorable, and good always, so in order to properly connect with God, one must fully adopt these qualities.
In order to be in a state of grace, or right with God, one must forgive themselves and all others and harbor no ill toward either. One must have full intent to be good and maintain good and constructive behaviors. One must renounce their sins, and with 100% conviction strive not to sin again. One must always be of aid to others. One must be open to God's presence in all parts of one's life. And be open to the joy God is sharing with you.
Sounds easy, right? lol, I know. It's a tall order, but it is in the striving to be in a state of grace that God appreciates our efforts, struggles, slip ups, and our trying again. It's through our struggle to get there that God sees our dedication to God. It is in the effort that we win favor with God. Always be striving to be right with God. If you want to, and try, you will find your state of grace. And once you find it, hold onto it as long as you possibly can. Duh, right?
p.s. Shout out to God for the encouraging news in my bff's diagnosis situ. God is buck.
In order to be in a state of grace, or right with God, one must forgive themselves and all others and harbor no ill toward either. One must have full intent to be good and maintain good and constructive behaviors. One must renounce their sins, and with 100% conviction strive not to sin again. One must always be of aid to others. One must be open to God's presence in all parts of one's life. And be open to the joy God is sharing with you.
Sounds easy, right? lol, I know. It's a tall order, but it is in the striving to be in a state of grace that God appreciates our efforts, struggles, slip ups, and our trying again. It's through our struggle to get there that God sees our dedication to God. It is in the effort that we win favor with God. Always be striving to be right with God. If you want to, and try, you will find your state of grace. And once you find it, hold onto it as long as you possibly can. Duh, right?
p.s. Shout out to God for the encouraging news in my bff's diagnosis situ. God is buck.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Allow Others to Change
A few months ago, I went through the Investment in Excellence seminar they were offering at work. In discussing setting goals to make positive changes in your life, Lou Tice points out the need to watch out for people in your life who do not want you to change because it upsets their comfort zone in which you behave in predictable ways, even when those ways are negative or unproductive. In striving to make changes in your life, you must not only change your comfort zone to allow for the positive goal, but help others around you understand the changes you are trying to make so they don't try to put you back in your old comfort zone.
I had an incident at work recently in which my supervisor called me into her office to commend me for my good work, attendance, and positive and constructive attitude. She has been very pleased with me lately (although it was the complete opposite a few months ago), so much so, that after our unit's lead worker retires in the Spring, she was going to recommend that I get that position. She even mentioned it in a meeting with our department's assistant director. However, he did not see me the same way she did. Not to get into stuff I would rather forget, but he and I had a disagreement (or two) in years past. His opinion of me has been and continues to be low. He doesn't see the improvements in my attitude like my supervisor does, who sees how I interact with others all day long. He told her that he was yet to be convinced and that he would hold onto his reservations about promoting me.
Fair enough. I deserve to have his doubt, as badly as I have behaved in the past. (For example, I am known throughout the department for my history of forked e-mails, unfortunately.) But in wanting to change, improve, stay positive, and be constructive, I find any kind of doubt in me undeserved for my earnest efforts and incongruent to my growth. I reflected with God on how I deserved his reservations about my improvement and how I avow the changes I've made are permanent. I also accepted that it's just going to take time for him to see I have changed for good.
This got me to realize that I have been doing the same thing to someone else. I have been keeping my roommate pigeon-holed based on all of her old, predictable patterns. I've only really allowed myself to notice her good and positive changes in the last few days, but her good works must have been going on for weeks, at the very least, when I think about it.
For most of our relationship, I took it for granted that she would just take me for granted. I saw her as a pretty self-centered person, mostly. And I don't think she would disagree with me that she was (as was I). In the past. Lately, though, I've seen many examples of her kindness, generosity, consideration, tenderness, and positivity. She's been going out of her way for others like crazy; she has taken initiative often to save others work or hassle. She's been such a good and wonderful person, and I've really noticed. And I truly appreciate it.
But most importantly, I need to focus on embracing it. I must allow her to grow, develop, and change in the same way she has allowed me to. She's better at that than I am. But I am focused on letting go of any emotional attachment I have to memories of any of her bad behavior and am going to embrace her positivity. And I'm going to encourage her in any way I can think to, which will help reinforce what she is trying to do. I knew she was a good person deep down to her soul and I want to encourage her progress.
It is most certain that God allows people to change by forgiving past mistakes and bad choices and encouraging growth and positive use of your free will. I find it often useful to think about how God deals with things and emulate that behavior. If God forgives the past and embraces good changes, then I must, too. I must allow and encourage others to change in the same way I would want them to do to me. Boiled down: Do unto others... Simple, yet so deeply profound.
I had an incident at work recently in which my supervisor called me into her office to commend me for my good work, attendance, and positive and constructive attitude. She has been very pleased with me lately (although it was the complete opposite a few months ago), so much so, that after our unit's lead worker retires in the Spring, she was going to recommend that I get that position. She even mentioned it in a meeting with our department's assistant director. However, he did not see me the same way she did. Not to get into stuff I would rather forget, but he and I had a disagreement (or two) in years past. His opinion of me has been and continues to be low. He doesn't see the improvements in my attitude like my supervisor does, who sees how I interact with others all day long. He told her that he was yet to be convinced and that he would hold onto his reservations about promoting me.
Fair enough. I deserve to have his doubt, as badly as I have behaved in the past. (For example, I am known throughout the department for my history of forked e-mails, unfortunately.) But in wanting to change, improve, stay positive, and be constructive, I find any kind of doubt in me undeserved for my earnest efforts and incongruent to my growth. I reflected with God on how I deserved his reservations about my improvement and how I avow the changes I've made are permanent. I also accepted that it's just going to take time for him to see I have changed for good.
This got me to realize that I have been doing the same thing to someone else. I have been keeping my roommate pigeon-holed based on all of her old, predictable patterns. I've only really allowed myself to notice her good and positive changes in the last few days, but her good works must have been going on for weeks, at the very least, when I think about it.
For most of our relationship, I took it for granted that she would just take me for granted. I saw her as a pretty self-centered person, mostly. And I don't think she would disagree with me that she was (as was I). In the past. Lately, though, I've seen many examples of her kindness, generosity, consideration, tenderness, and positivity. She's been going out of her way for others like crazy; she has taken initiative often to save others work or hassle. She's been such a good and wonderful person, and I've really noticed. And I truly appreciate it.
But most importantly, I need to focus on embracing it. I must allow her to grow, develop, and change in the same way she has allowed me to. She's better at that than I am. But I am focused on letting go of any emotional attachment I have to memories of any of her bad behavior and am going to embrace her positivity. And I'm going to encourage her in any way I can think to, which will help reinforce what she is trying to do. I knew she was a good person deep down to her soul and I want to encourage her progress.
It is most certain that God allows people to change by forgiving past mistakes and bad choices and encouraging growth and positive use of your free will. I find it often useful to think about how God deals with things and emulate that behavior. If God forgives the past and embraces good changes, then I must, too. I must allow and encourage others to change in the same way I would want them to do to me. Boiled down: Do unto others... Simple, yet so deeply profound.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
More on Focus
In trying to build a strong and intimate relationship with God, one must try to stay in frequent direct communication with God. In addition to talking to God and letting God know one's needs, fears, joys, blessings, and hopes, one must also set one's mind and heart to receive feedback. God is speaking to you at all times, pointing things out, giving you warnings, giving you helpful hints, helping you make good morally-sound decisions, and giving you solace, strength, compassion, and hope any time you need to draw on this support from God.
In my listening more and more to God's words, I am finding that 'focus' plays a huge part, not just of building a deep and meaningful relationship with God, but of literally everything. Focus means to put all of your mind, heart, emotions, and attention into something specific, either mentally or via any of the five senses. Focus is required to have relationships, to find joy, to properly care about other people, to learn anything, to find answers and solutions to any problem, to properly appreciate the beautiful and wondrous gifts from God, to get what you need or want, and especially to love. And the more I've been thinking and philosophising over 'focus,' the more its importance has become more obvious in my life.
Here are some specific personal examples: first, the other day I was in the back yard and I was pondering over why the cantaloupe and the yellow zucchini were dying, but the green zucchini (which is planted in the same hole as the yellow) was thriving and growing like crazy. At first I thought it was just getting late in the year and those varieties were just done for the season. But as I was just standing there looking over the whole yard in focus, I noticed that the shade line from the fence had moved further up the yard, putting the yellow zucchini and cantaloupe fully in the shade, while the green zucchini was still getting full daytime sun. So totally and completely obvious, once I actually noticed it. Focus is a beautiful thing.
Back to my other examples: second, I was in downtown Sacramento this morning with an incredible bunch of friends and family for a walk for the cure to juvenile diabetes that started at the State Capitol and went round-trip through Old Sacramento. It was a gorgeous Autumn day and a tremendously fun time. In focusing more, I enjoyed the people I was with more, although that's quite easy, as they are all wonderful and good people. I also focused on the journey, and never enjoyed being in downtown Sacramento as much before. The air was a little brisk at first, but it was refreshing and nice. The sky was a clean and vibrant blue. The trees and the plants and flowers all had more vividness and splendor. Even the buildings were beautiful and architecturally interesting. I asked my friends several times about different buildings being new, as I had never really seen them before. Spending time really focusing on life is a beautiful and enriching experience.
And third, granted this is as trivial as they come, but it's still a recent example of how focus helps: I figured out yesterday by focusing on a specific problem that my curly hair in front and on top of my head was flat because I throw a towel on my head in the morning and lightly pat my hair dry after my shower. This, apparently, causes the flatness. Again, obvious to me now, and most likely to everyone else, but it took focus for me. Focus is a multi-useful gift from God, and is the essence of our free will.
Really and truly, my advice for the day is to really develop your focus to the fullest of your abilities. Dig deep. And throw some of it God's way as often as your can. I am sure you will be glad you did.
In my listening more and more to God's words, I am finding that 'focus' plays a huge part, not just of building a deep and meaningful relationship with God, but of literally everything. Focus means to put all of your mind, heart, emotions, and attention into something specific, either mentally or via any of the five senses. Focus is required to have relationships, to find joy, to properly care about other people, to learn anything, to find answers and solutions to any problem, to properly appreciate the beautiful and wondrous gifts from God, to get what you need or want, and especially to love. And the more I've been thinking and philosophising over 'focus,' the more its importance has become more obvious in my life.
Here are some specific personal examples: first, the other day I was in the back yard and I was pondering over why the cantaloupe and the yellow zucchini were dying, but the green zucchini (which is planted in the same hole as the yellow) was thriving and growing like crazy. At first I thought it was just getting late in the year and those varieties were just done for the season. But as I was just standing there looking over the whole yard in focus, I noticed that the shade line from the fence had moved further up the yard, putting the yellow zucchini and cantaloupe fully in the shade, while the green zucchini was still getting full daytime sun. So totally and completely obvious, once I actually noticed it. Focus is a beautiful thing.
Back to my other examples: second, I was in downtown Sacramento this morning with an incredible bunch of friends and family for a walk for the cure to juvenile diabetes that started at the State Capitol and went round-trip through Old Sacramento. It was a gorgeous Autumn day and a tremendously fun time. In focusing more, I enjoyed the people I was with more, although that's quite easy, as they are all wonderful and good people. I also focused on the journey, and never enjoyed being in downtown Sacramento as much before. The air was a little brisk at first, but it was refreshing and nice. The sky was a clean and vibrant blue. The trees and the plants and flowers all had more vividness and splendor. Even the buildings were beautiful and architecturally interesting. I asked my friends several times about different buildings being new, as I had never really seen them before. Spending time really focusing on life is a beautiful and enriching experience.
And third, granted this is as trivial as they come, but it's still a recent example of how focus helps: I figured out yesterday by focusing on a specific problem that my curly hair in front and on top of my head was flat because I throw a towel on my head in the morning and lightly pat my hair dry after my shower. This, apparently, causes the flatness. Again, obvious to me now, and most likely to everyone else, but it took focus for me. Focus is a multi-useful gift from God, and is the essence of our free will.
Really and truly, my advice for the day is to really develop your focus to the fullest of your abilities. Dig deep. And throw some of it God's way as often as your can. I am sure you will be glad you did.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Return of the Wayward Hamster
The dwarf hamster, Cher, who disappeared on Tuesday has returned! After looking for her all over the house many times the last three days, she popped up earlier today in the kitchen. She was very hungry and thirsty, but otherwise in good shape.
Yesterday, I had given up hope; I cleaned out her cage and put it in the garage. I assumed that she found her way outside, as my roommate had left the front door open most of the last few days because the weather has been so mild. And considering she is a house pet, I figured that if she got outside, she wouldn't last terribly long. I didn't dwell on the horrible things that could have happened to her, although they certainly crossed my mind. All I could do in giving up searching is just pray to God that she be okay and have a happy little critter life where ever she ended up going. Of course, when she first went missing, I prayed quite a bit for her safe return, but after I didn't see that happening, I just prayed for her well being. But, alas, God is always keeping me on my toes by this type of unexpected blessing. God is kind and wonderful.
So what lesson can be learned from Cher's return? Several, when I think about it. First, never give up hope, even when it's pretty clear you probably should. Second, embrace the unexpected. Third, God is sweet on the cute little critters. Sure, the hamsters return isn't necessarily a life-changing miracle, but it was a happy and wonderful blessing from God, nonetheless, and a much welcomed pick-me-up. I appreciate God's hand in the little things, no matter how tiny. God is tender.
Yesterday, I had given up hope; I cleaned out her cage and put it in the garage. I assumed that she found her way outside, as my roommate had left the front door open most of the last few days because the weather has been so mild. And considering she is a house pet, I figured that if she got outside, she wouldn't last terribly long. I didn't dwell on the horrible things that could have happened to her, although they certainly crossed my mind. All I could do in giving up searching is just pray to God that she be okay and have a happy little critter life where ever she ended up going. Of course, when she first went missing, I prayed quite a bit for her safe return, but after I didn't see that happening, I just prayed for her well being. But, alas, God is always keeping me on my toes by this type of unexpected blessing. God is kind and wonderful.
So what lesson can be learned from Cher's return? Several, when I think about it. First, never give up hope, even when it's pretty clear you probably should. Second, embrace the unexpected. Third, God is sweet on the cute little critters. Sure, the hamsters return isn't necessarily a life-changing miracle, but it was a happy and wonderful blessing from God, nonetheless, and a much welcomed pick-me-up. I appreciate God's hand in the little things, no matter how tiny. God is tender.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Maintaining Optimism in a Society Tainted with Evil
I don't usually blog about front-page news, but this whole thing with Roman Polanski has got me really frustrated. And deeply saddened...
Roman Polanski, film director of such movies as "Chinatown," fled the United States in 1978 to escape jail time, after he plead down his drugging and raping of a 13-year-old girl to "unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor." According to his own plea, he was guilty. More concrete evidence of his guilt is in the publicly-accessible court record, in which the 13-year-old child recounts being given liquor, quaaludes, and being sexually violated in several ways. He was arrested in Switzerland on Saturday and brought back to the U.S.
His sin was vile and lecherous, that is for certain. Whether or not he has changed his ways and his heart only God knows for sure. But what gets my goat is that this child rapist is celebrated like a hero in Hollywood, just because he made some noteworthy films. It is heartbreaking that Hollywood has embraced him as a tortured hero, even signing petitions to get him released. But then again, Hollywood is its own world, and seems to have created a community where anything goes and there truly is no right or wrong, as long as you have notoriety. Who needs morals or any decency at all when you have money and fame?
Despicable, that is for sure. And it hurts my heart that so many celebrities that I used to admire have backed Polanski, including Martin Scorcese, David Lynch, Jonathan Demme (director, "Silence of the Lambs"), and the most heartbreaking of all, Whoopi Goldberg, among many others. Hollywood has gone past the line of 'amoral,' into a dark and vile area of embracing evil. And that is sickening.
But alas, reflecting on the path of our society with God is always enlightening and uplifting: one must keep in mind that just because morally-bankrupt hedonists showing their support for truly evil acts tend to get a significant amount of time in front of the cameras, and hence find their ways into our living rooms, does not mean they speak for the majority. If my calculations are correct, and I'm sure they are, most people are actually good. Technically, 60% of people are actually and really oriented toward good. Of the 40% left, 35% of people are morally neutral and often act selfishly, but rarely out of spite or evil. The last 5% actually enjoy being as evil as they need to be to get what they want. Sure, these numbers are made up, but you get the idea.
My point (finally!) is that just because we see people doing vile and evil things in our world, and that they even have supporters (as hard as that is to wrap one's brain around), does not mean that society is collapsing and that goodness is losing. It just means that those espousing evil are getting air time. That's it.
Most people truly are good. And that is really comforting. So is the fact that God will see to it that goodness wins out and all people get their due justice. And God absolutely will. God rules all.
Roman Polanski, film director of such movies as "Chinatown," fled the United States in 1978 to escape jail time, after he plead down his drugging and raping of a 13-year-old girl to "unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor." According to his own plea, he was guilty. More concrete evidence of his guilt is in the publicly-accessible court record, in which the 13-year-old child recounts being given liquor, quaaludes, and being sexually violated in several ways. He was arrested in Switzerland on Saturday and brought back to the U.S.
His sin was vile and lecherous, that is for certain. Whether or not he has changed his ways and his heart only God knows for sure. But what gets my goat is that this child rapist is celebrated like a hero in Hollywood, just because he made some noteworthy films. It is heartbreaking that Hollywood has embraced him as a tortured hero, even signing petitions to get him released. But then again, Hollywood is its own world, and seems to have created a community where anything goes and there truly is no right or wrong, as long as you have notoriety. Who needs morals or any decency at all when you have money and fame?
Despicable, that is for sure. And it hurts my heart that so many celebrities that I used to admire have backed Polanski, including Martin Scorcese, David Lynch, Jonathan Demme (director, "Silence of the Lambs"), and the most heartbreaking of all, Whoopi Goldberg, among many others. Hollywood has gone past the line of 'amoral,' into a dark and vile area of embracing evil. And that is sickening.
But alas, reflecting on the path of our society with God is always enlightening and uplifting: one must keep in mind that just because morally-bankrupt hedonists showing their support for truly evil acts tend to get a significant amount of time in front of the cameras, and hence find their ways into our living rooms, does not mean they speak for the majority. If my calculations are correct, and I'm sure they are, most people are actually good. Technically, 60% of people are actually and really oriented toward good. Of the 40% left, 35% of people are morally neutral and often act selfishly, but rarely out of spite or evil. The last 5% actually enjoy being as evil as they need to be to get what they want. Sure, these numbers are made up, but you get the idea.
My point (finally!) is that just because we see people doing vile and evil things in our world, and that they even have supporters (as hard as that is to wrap one's brain around), does not mean that society is collapsing and that goodness is losing. It just means that those espousing evil are getting air time. That's it.
Most people truly are good. And that is really comforting. So is the fact that God will see to it that goodness wins out and all people get their due justice. And God absolutely will. God rules all.
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