The TRUTH is that there is nothing in this world that we can hold onto! There is absolutely nothing we can trust in on this earth!!!!!! NOTHING!!!!
That is pretty obvious economically since the stock market just dropped 777 points (the most in history!)
We hold tightly to this world thinking that somehow it will stay together if we keep a tight enough grip.
I still try to hold onto things here. We all do. It's in our nature to hang onto what matters to us whether that might be people or things or our own beliefs.
What we believe is what can get us through all of this. Our beliefs should be able to withstand any trial or question that confronts them. Our beliefs should be our foundation of who we are. Our beliefs are our greatest treasure!
We should be open to questioning them and examining them often. We should be willing to look at them objectively. We should know what we believe and those beliefs should be based on TRUTH--- not on what we WANT to be true.
Truth will remain truth no matter what happens on this earth. It will remain when everything else leaves. SO, be sure you have IT. Search for IT if you don't.
You won't find it in the midst of all our human wisdom.There are bits and pieces here and there but no one here has found it ALL. Look around if you don't believe that. Even if we elect the right person to be President and even if we have found the Party that we think will solve all the ills of the United States, we will be disappointed. They may have more answers than the other Party but neither has it all.
Maybe you have noticed that the world seems to be unraveling. It is not as secure as we once thought. The weather is warming up-- according to some. The water is rising and the polar ice caps are melting. There are a lot of people who want to kill us and destroy our wealth and way of life.
It seems to me, as I watch the news, that just about everything could be swept away right from under us. That's not a pleasant thought!
My point is--there is nothing in this world that you can put your hope into. It is going to end and we never know when.That can be pretty depressing if you don't have any hope of something better.
But I do. That's the point of all the blogs I have written.
The TRUTH is: There is hope! There is something beyond all of this chaos. There is something beyond this life. (if you read any of my previous blogs then you read about that).
We are not only physical beings but spiritual ones. And we didn't evolve into spiritual beings after the Big Bang. (If anyone can explain how the spiritual entered into the primordial soup--I would love to hear it!) We were created spiritual beings by a Spiritual Being. There is really no other explanation that makes sense. If you have one, I honestly am open to hearing it.
I am a Seeker of the Truth~
So if it is really TRUE that there is a GOD WHO made all of this and created us to have a relationship with HIM, don't you think it might be a good idea to start having one? Don't you think it might be wise to trust HIM? Wouldn't you rather trust in a BEING WHO says HE loves you instead of these politicians and economic geniuses who think they know what's best for you? I personally don't think any of them have a clue!
And I have a feeling that very soon, there will be a whole lot more people crying out to The God they usually ignore, because everything they have trusted in might be falling to pieces.
Would love to hear from you: carolrtexas2@aol.com
Monday, September 29, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Scientists are Searching for the Truth
The news yesterday (September 10th, 2008) said that some scientists in another part of the world are building the largest and most expensive science experiment ever! It's called the Large Hadron Collider, also known as the Huge Particle Smashing machine, and the purpose of it is to try and recreate the Big Bang!
They want to simulate the gases and particles and such that produced the big explosion back in the day--15 million years ago--give or take a million.
They are hoping this experiment will answer a lot of unanswered questions. They are seekers of the Truth! I admire people who are willing to look for answers even if it costs billions of dollars to do it!
I do think it's interesting that the article said they want to "recreate" the conditions that they assume were in place back then. It was an interesting way to put it. In order for something to be "recreated" it has to be CREATED first, does it not?
So some questions formed in my mind as I thought about that. I actually woke up this morning thinking about it!
One of the first questions that I thought of was:
Where did the gases and particles come from that created this Big Bang?
I have always wondered about that when the scientists talk about the beginning of our universe.
And where did the surroundings of the universe come from???
There had to be a space where the explosion occurred, if I'm not mistaken?
How did that already exist?
Another question I have is, how did two amoebas form from that blast? I guess you would need two, right, in order for them to multiply?
Or, I guess you would need only one if that particular amoeba is unisexed....?
I think, like Obama, this is above my pay grade so I'll stop talking about something I know nothing about!
I am blown away by things like this experiment! Did you know that there are people who are actually afraid that this might create black holes that will suck the earth in?! Amazing! Frightening....but amazing!
The scientists do think there is actually a possibility that it might create little black holes but pooh pooed the idea of the earth being sucked into one! Not reassuring, in my opinion.
But what if the little black hole just sucks in a person or a house or a little dog? Could that happen?
The little black hole thing is a little scary if you ask me.
A lot to think about. I can't wait to hear about what they discover!
If you want to read more about this very unusual experiment, one of the links is: Click here: CERN - The Large Hadron Collider
And I would love to know how you think the universe began.
email me at: carolrtexas2@aol.com
They want to simulate the gases and particles and such that produced the big explosion back in the day--15 million years ago--give or take a million.
They are hoping this experiment will answer a lot of unanswered questions. They are seekers of the Truth! I admire people who are willing to look for answers even if it costs billions of dollars to do it!
I do think it's interesting that the article said they want to "recreate" the conditions that they assume were in place back then. It was an interesting way to put it. In order for something to be "recreated" it has to be CREATED first, does it not?
So some questions formed in my mind as I thought about that. I actually woke up this morning thinking about it!
One of the first questions that I thought of was:
Where did the gases and particles come from that created this Big Bang?
I have always wondered about that when the scientists talk about the beginning of our universe.
And where did the surroundings of the universe come from???
There had to be a space where the explosion occurred, if I'm not mistaken?
How did that already exist?
Another question I have is, how did two amoebas form from that blast? I guess you would need two, right, in order for them to multiply?
Or, I guess you would need only one if that particular amoeba is unisexed....?
I think, like Obama, this is above my pay grade so I'll stop talking about something I know nothing about!
I am blown away by things like this experiment! Did you know that there are people who are actually afraid that this might create black holes that will suck the earth in?! Amazing! Frightening....but amazing!
The scientists do think there is actually a possibility that it might create little black holes but pooh pooed the idea of the earth being sucked into one! Not reassuring, in my opinion.
But what if the little black hole just sucks in a person or a house or a little dog? Could that happen?
The little black hole thing is a little scary if you ask me.
A lot to think about. I can't wait to hear about what they discover!
If you want to read more about this very unusual experiment, one of the links is: Click here: CERN - The Large Hadron Collider
And I would love to know how you think the universe began.
email me at: carolrtexas2@aol.com
Friday, September 5, 2008
I'm Dying
Hopefully not any time soon! But, as you know, I'm on this quest for Truth and that is one of the more unfortunate truths--I am going to die. And... so are you.
I think most of us do anything to NOT think about that fact. We distract ourselves with whatever works in a desperate attempt to avoid the inevitable truth--- we are all going to die. But the fact is, it's coming for us whether we are ready or not.
I believe we would be better off to just face it head on and quit pretending it's not going to happen. If we kept it before us (in a healthy way), it might just enrich our lives and give us the perspective we need to make the most of our time.
Many years ago, I was in a terrible car wreck. I was living in Bryan/College Station going to school at Texas A & M. I went with some friends to Austin and on the way home, we had a one car accident . The girl in the back seat, Lorena, died soon after. I didn't know her very well but she was a very kind, young woman. She had a love for God and others. She had just gotten engaged AND-- she had just entered her twenties.
As an ambulance (that just happened to be coming down the road) whisked us back to Austin, life became crystal clear. EVERYTHING was suddenly put into perspective for me. I knew at that moment what was really important and what was not. It didn't take long though for life to shroud that clarity. And, as I lost my perspective, I lost my way and became very depressed.
I was reeling from that tragedy as were many others. I could not figure out why it was her and not me? For months, I felt guilty that I was alive and she wasn't. I did everything I could to kill the pain.
It didn't work.
The only thing that really helped me during that time was, strangely enough, a dream I had. Like I said before I didn't know Lorena that well, but because I was in the wreck with her, she came to visit me one night in a dream. It was as real to me then as this blog is to me now.
She came back to tell me that she was FINE! She was glowing-- literally! She kept saying, "There is so much love here! I can't describe it!" She seemed to be in a place of such unimaginable love that apparently it was indescribable. She was very happy!
I was, too, after I woke up! I still remember the joy I felt after waking from that dream. I have never experienced anything like it again. Several other people she knew had a similar dream but we didn't realize that until later. Now how do you explain something like that?
I also knew of a man back then, who was very sick and he was in the hospital. He was "deathly" afraid of dying. And then his fear came true and he did die--but they were able to revive him. He returned a different man! He had an experience while he was dead that caused him to no longer be afraid of dying! He was very happy even though he was still in the hospital and still facing death! He was a changed man!
Now I realize that these experiences do not necessarily constitute TRUTH. There is no way I can prove that the dream was real or that the man really had a happy experience while he was dead. All I know for sure is, that I had a dream and it changed my perspective! It helped me to realize that life is a gift and I needed to quit wasting it feeling guilty. And it made me realize, too, that just possibly, death is a gift that we should not fear! It might just be a better place than we ever imagined. It might even be better than the life we know so well here!
We have all heard of those who died and were revived and they experienced something like this, too. Were they imagining it? Perhaps, but some were able to tell the doctors and nurses things they saw them doing and things they said as they hovered above their own body! I don't think that is imagination.
And there are a few I have heard of who died and did not have such a great experience. They went to a place of darkness and it was not a place they wanted to stay. That is not comforting but apparently a true experience for some.
Sometimes Truth comes to us through experience. Sometimes it comes as a revelation and sometimes it comes as a fact.
Death is a truth we know for a Fact. It is not our favorite fact but still looms over us, nevertheless. There is no way to escape it. Some may think that people created an afterlife to cushion the pain of death and the thought of losing someone we love forever. And let me assure you, it certainly does help since I have lost a good part of my family to death. I do believe I will see them again!
But I think there is evidence that supports that belief and it's not just wishful thinking.
It comes from those who have experienced it and have been able to come back and tell us about it. Think about it-- we are quick to believe people when they return from a trip and they see something amazing! We don't question their experience. So why do we do it when people return from death?
And if we believe the Bible is true, IT states that there is life after death. And there are other religions who also embrace an afterlife experience. I guess we won't know for sure until we get there. But I'm betting my life that there is "something" beyond what we know here. And I am believing it is called Heaven.
If you have not seen the movie, "The Lord of the Rings", I would strongly suggest you do. There are three different movies in the series and in the one called, "The Return of the King", there is a scene that explains death in such a beautiful way.
In the scene, there is an intense battle raging and one of the characters in the story, named Pippen (not sure if that is the right spelling), is lamenting that his death is near. The battle is not going well and the enemy is about to knock down the gate. Pippen is waiting for the inevitable outcome with his wise friend, Gandalf, who has been to death and back.
Pippen is looking at Gandalf and says, " I didn't think it would end this way."
Gandalf replies, "End? No... No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take.... The gray rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass......Then you see it."
Gandalf pauses and has a far away look in his eyes. Pippen prods him to continue and hopes he is quick since the enemy has now breached their army's defense.
Gandalf continues: "White shores.... and beyond. A far green country under a swift sunrise."
Pippen smiles and says, "Well....that isn't so bad."
Gandalf smiles back: "No... No it isn't."
It's really more beautiful to hear than to read so I hope you will get a chance to see it. But more importantly, I hope you and I are ready for those shores when they come. And that we live our lives to the full in the meantime.
Any thoughts or comments? Please email Carol at carolrtexas2@aol.com
I think most of us do anything to NOT think about that fact. We distract ourselves with whatever works in a desperate attempt to avoid the inevitable truth--- we are all going to die. But the fact is, it's coming for us whether we are ready or not.
I believe we would be better off to just face it head on and quit pretending it's not going to happen. If we kept it before us (in a healthy way), it might just enrich our lives and give us the perspective we need to make the most of our time.
Many years ago, I was in a terrible car wreck. I was living in Bryan/College Station going to school at Texas A & M. I went with some friends to Austin and on the way home, we had a one car accident . The girl in the back seat, Lorena, died soon after. I didn't know her very well but she was a very kind, young woman. She had a love for God and others. She had just gotten engaged AND-- she had just entered her twenties.
As an ambulance (that just happened to be coming down the road) whisked us back to Austin, life became crystal clear. EVERYTHING was suddenly put into perspective for me. I knew at that moment what was really important and what was not. It didn't take long though for life to shroud that clarity. And, as I lost my perspective, I lost my way and became very depressed.
I was reeling from that tragedy as were many others. I could not figure out why it was her and not me? For months, I felt guilty that I was alive and she wasn't. I did everything I could to kill the pain.
It didn't work.
The only thing that really helped me during that time was, strangely enough, a dream I had. Like I said before I didn't know Lorena that well, but because I was in the wreck with her, she came to visit me one night in a dream. It was as real to me then as this blog is to me now.
She came back to tell me that she was FINE! She was glowing-- literally! She kept saying, "There is so much love here! I can't describe it!" She seemed to be in a place of such unimaginable love that apparently it was indescribable. She was very happy!
I was, too, after I woke up! I still remember the joy I felt after waking from that dream. I have never experienced anything like it again. Several other people she knew had a similar dream but we didn't realize that until later. Now how do you explain something like that?
I also knew of a man back then, who was very sick and he was in the hospital. He was "deathly" afraid of dying. And then his fear came true and he did die--but they were able to revive him. He returned a different man! He had an experience while he was dead that caused him to no longer be afraid of dying! He was very happy even though he was still in the hospital and still facing death! He was a changed man!
Now I realize that these experiences do not necessarily constitute TRUTH. There is no way I can prove that the dream was real or that the man really had a happy experience while he was dead. All I know for sure is, that I had a dream and it changed my perspective! It helped me to realize that life is a gift and I needed to quit wasting it feeling guilty. And it made me realize, too, that just possibly, death is a gift that we should not fear! It might just be a better place than we ever imagined. It might even be better than the life we know so well here!
We have all heard of those who died and were revived and they experienced something like this, too. Were they imagining it? Perhaps, but some were able to tell the doctors and nurses things they saw them doing and things they said as they hovered above their own body! I don't think that is imagination.
And there are a few I have heard of who died and did not have such a great experience. They went to a place of darkness and it was not a place they wanted to stay. That is not comforting but apparently a true experience for some.
Sometimes Truth comes to us through experience. Sometimes it comes as a revelation and sometimes it comes as a fact.
Death is a truth we know for a Fact. It is not our favorite fact but still looms over us, nevertheless. There is no way to escape it. Some may think that people created an afterlife to cushion the pain of death and the thought of losing someone we love forever. And let me assure you, it certainly does help since I have lost a good part of my family to death. I do believe I will see them again!
But I think there is evidence that supports that belief and it's not just wishful thinking.
It comes from those who have experienced it and have been able to come back and tell us about it. Think about it-- we are quick to believe people when they return from a trip and they see something amazing! We don't question their experience. So why do we do it when people return from death?
And if we believe the Bible is true, IT states that there is life after death. And there are other religions who also embrace an afterlife experience. I guess we won't know for sure until we get there. But I'm betting my life that there is "something" beyond what we know here. And I am believing it is called Heaven.
If you have not seen the movie, "The Lord of the Rings", I would strongly suggest you do. There are three different movies in the series and in the one called, "The Return of the King", there is a scene that explains death in such a beautiful way.
In the scene, there is an intense battle raging and one of the characters in the story, named Pippen (not sure if that is the right spelling), is lamenting that his death is near. The battle is not going well and the enemy is about to knock down the gate. Pippen is waiting for the inevitable outcome with his wise friend, Gandalf, who has been to death and back.
Pippen is looking at Gandalf and says, " I didn't think it would end this way."
Gandalf replies, "End? No... No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path. One that we all must take.... The gray rain curtain of this world rolls back and all turns to silver glass......Then you see it."
Gandalf pauses and has a far away look in his eyes. Pippen prods him to continue and hopes he is quick since the enemy has now breached their army's defense.
Gandalf continues: "White shores.... and beyond. A far green country under a swift sunrise."
Pippen smiles and says, "Well....that isn't so bad."
Gandalf smiles back: "No... No it isn't."
It's really more beautiful to hear than to read so I hope you will get a chance to see it. But more importantly, I hope you and I are ready for those shores when they come. And that we live our lives to the full in the meantime.
Any thoughts or comments? Please email Carol at carolrtexas2@aol.com
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
A Seeker of Truth
What if I told you I would believe anything if you could prove it to me? Would you be surprised? I think I have come to that place in my life where I want the Truth and nothing but the Truth! I don't want to believe ANYTHING just because I have all my life or because my parents did or because it's the popular thought of the day.
Now you may ask, why am I saying this at this stage of the game?
This new openness and desire kind of "evolved" over the past few weeks as I have had some quality time to spend at my favorite reflection pool-- the ocean. And I am not sure what prompted me to start thinking this way at my age but I'm glad it happened. It could be this book I just finished, Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller.
Or it could be that I don't want to reach the end of my life and find out-- "oh no, I was wrong all along!"
I want to know Truth. I thirst for it. And I want to live my life in the light of that Truth.
Now, can I ask you something? Do you ever question what you believe?
I have off and on through the years but never with as much open mindedness as I have now.
I kind of like this label I have given myself--"Seeker of the Truth". Feels kind of cool to say it and really mean it. OK, I'm sure that I still have thoughts buried in my subconscious that are not easily uncovered and analyzed, so I can't say I'm not influenced by my past. As a matter of fact, I'm thankful for the things I learned as a child because I think they greatly impacted my life for the good.
But what about those who have not been brought up with positive ideas. What about those that are taught to hate like it is the most fundamental truth there is? What about those who have been brought up to believe in different gods? What does their truth look like? Is Truth relative according to your environment, your culture, your world view? Is Truth found in one "special" place or book or is IT spread out everywhere? Is there just ONE Truth or is there many truths? Is Truth what you think it is or what your neighbor thinks it is??? Am I so naive to think that my truth is right and yours isn't?
I used to be.
I am on a journey to discover THE Truth from my new "enlightenment". If that offends you then I ask you--WHY? How do you know you have the ONLY Truth? I REALLY do want to know WHY you think that if you do? And hopefully, I will be able to show you, from the most objective form of discovery I can muster, what I now believe.
I dare you! I dare you to know what you believe-- And to be able to defend it!
And don't believe what you believe just because you have always believed it. Believe it because you KNOW it's true and you are willing to live IT--or die for IT.
I urge you to not go through life believing something because you always have.
There are those who wear a smug cloak of "I found it and you haven't" attitude. They then shut their doors to any other possibilities and refuse to embrace those who come from a different angle. I know none of you are so "intolerant" as that but I have known many who were. I myself have been guilty of slamming the door on others who believed differently from me. And now, to my dismay, I now believe what they were trying to tell me was TRUE! I shut out the Truth because I thought I had already found it. I guarantee you that there is ALWAYS more Truth to be known. None of us have arrived yet!
So I'm going to write about what I find on this journey. A diary, if you will, from the things I discover to be True along the Way. I hope you'll join me. And I hope you'll start your own.
Carol
carolrtexas2@aol.com
Now you may ask, why am I saying this at this stage of the game?
This new openness and desire kind of "evolved" over the past few weeks as I have had some quality time to spend at my favorite reflection pool-- the ocean. And I am not sure what prompted me to start thinking this way at my age but I'm glad it happened. It could be this book I just finished, Blue Like Jazz, by Donald Miller.
Or it could be that I don't want to reach the end of my life and find out-- "oh no, I was wrong all along!"
I want to know Truth. I thirst for it. And I want to live my life in the light of that Truth.
Now, can I ask you something? Do you ever question what you believe?
I have off and on through the years but never with as much open mindedness as I have now.
I kind of like this label I have given myself--"Seeker of the Truth". Feels kind of cool to say it and really mean it. OK, I'm sure that I still have thoughts buried in my subconscious that are not easily uncovered and analyzed, so I can't say I'm not influenced by my past. As a matter of fact, I'm thankful for the things I learned as a child because I think they greatly impacted my life for the good.
But what about those who have not been brought up with positive ideas. What about those that are taught to hate like it is the most fundamental truth there is? What about those who have been brought up to believe in different gods? What does their truth look like? Is Truth relative according to your environment, your culture, your world view? Is Truth found in one "special" place or book or is IT spread out everywhere? Is there just ONE Truth or is there many truths? Is Truth what you think it is or what your neighbor thinks it is??? Am I so naive to think that my truth is right and yours isn't?
I used to be.
I am on a journey to discover THE Truth from my new "enlightenment". If that offends you then I ask you--WHY? How do you know you have the ONLY Truth? I REALLY do want to know WHY you think that if you do? And hopefully, I will be able to show you, from the most objective form of discovery I can muster, what I now believe.
I dare you! I dare you to know what you believe-- And to be able to defend it!
And don't believe what you believe just because you have always believed it. Believe it because you KNOW it's true and you are willing to live IT--or die for IT.
I urge you to not go through life believing something because you always have.
There are those who wear a smug cloak of "I found it and you haven't" attitude. They then shut their doors to any other possibilities and refuse to embrace those who come from a different angle. I know none of you are so "intolerant" as that but I have known many who were. I myself have been guilty of slamming the door on others who believed differently from me. And now, to my dismay, I now believe what they were trying to tell me was TRUE! I shut out the Truth because I thought I had already found it. I guarantee you that there is ALWAYS more Truth to be known. None of us have arrived yet!
So I'm going to write about what I find on this journey. A diary, if you will, from the things I discover to be True along the Way. I hope you'll join me. And I hope you'll start your own.
Carol
carolrtexas2@aol.com
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Being Limited
I walk nearly every day and I love it! It's my time to pray and be with God. And for the past few months, this time has been a refuge for me as it has been a difficult period for me and my family. That is one reason I haven't written in a while. I just haven't felt inspired. But recently, I realized that it's times like these that I should be writing because it is therapeutic. And tragic times call for creativity to get us through.
It was during one of these walks, that I was inspired to write this blog because I met a most unusual person. I think I had seen him before but I didn't pay much attention to him. His name is, Shawn, and he had something to teach me.
Shawn is probably in his 20's and is, what some would term-- mentally challenged, retarded or limited. He was standing on the corner of a street close to my house and he said hello to me which I responded with a hello back. He then said the most amazing thing, "you look pretty today"! At first, I chalked this up to the fact that, he is, after all, limited in his perceptions of things. And he probably said that to every woman who walked by so it didn't mean that much to me. I just thought it was cute.
But the next day, he said it again. And I thought that this is just something he has learned to say because it brings a good response from those he says it to.
The next day, I filed his compliment in the learning theory of behavior modification and thanked him and went on my way.
Another day, another walk, another compliment.-- I don't think I even heard it because I knew he was going to say it.
The next day, I turned the corner and he wasn't there. I didn't see him anywhere. I looked around for him. Where was he??? I then realized-- I missed him---A LOT!
I continued my walk reluctantly, and it occured to me that I had grown accustomed to being complimented every day and told I was pretty. And --I liked it! It was surprising to me how much his "compliments on cue" had each day become a lift in my step and a smile on my "pretty" face!
This sweet, "limited" boy had found his way into my limited heart.
I had tried every way I could to discount his compliments because I felt they were not grounded in reality. After all, I have a mirror. But who am I to question his motives and even his perception of things? If he thinks I'm pretty, then so be it! I'll accept that at "face" value.
How often do I limit the joy I could feel by explaining it away or thinking it comes from a source that I don't value. So often I limit my relationships by not opening my mind (and heart) to the blessing right in front of me.
Shawn is free of all the complicated ways I try to construct my perceptions of other people and what they say to me. I size up the person based on appearance, clothes, personality, environment, race and my own perception of myself. And in the midst of doing all of that, maybe I heard a little of what they actually said. Why can't I just accept people the way they are and take what they say without analyzing it to pieces? I miss so many blessings by not really believing what people say to me. Even if what they say is hurtful. Sometimes it holds a truth I need to hear.
Life is complicated enough. I need to simplify my communication and start really listening to people and take what they say with a simple "thank you".
I've concluded that Shawn says what he means and I'm the one who is limited.
It was during one of these walks, that I was inspired to write this blog because I met a most unusual person. I think I had seen him before but I didn't pay much attention to him. His name is, Shawn, and he had something to teach me.
Shawn is probably in his 20's and is, what some would term-- mentally challenged, retarded or limited. He was standing on the corner of a street close to my house and he said hello to me which I responded with a hello back. He then said the most amazing thing, "you look pretty today"! At first, I chalked this up to the fact that, he is, after all, limited in his perceptions of things. And he probably said that to every woman who walked by so it didn't mean that much to me. I just thought it was cute.
But the next day, he said it again. And I thought that this is just something he has learned to say because it brings a good response from those he says it to.
The next day, I filed his compliment in the learning theory of behavior modification and thanked him and went on my way.
Another day, another walk, another compliment.-- I don't think I even heard it because I knew he was going to say it.
The next day, I turned the corner and he wasn't there. I didn't see him anywhere. I looked around for him. Where was he??? I then realized-- I missed him---A LOT!
I continued my walk reluctantly, and it occured to me that I had grown accustomed to being complimented every day and told I was pretty. And --I liked it! It was surprising to me how much his "compliments on cue" had each day become a lift in my step and a smile on my "pretty" face!
This sweet, "limited" boy had found his way into my limited heart.
I had tried every way I could to discount his compliments because I felt they were not grounded in reality. After all, I have a mirror. But who am I to question his motives and even his perception of things? If he thinks I'm pretty, then so be it! I'll accept that at "face" value.
How often do I limit the joy I could feel by explaining it away or thinking it comes from a source that I don't value. So often I limit my relationships by not opening my mind (and heart) to the blessing right in front of me.
Shawn is free of all the complicated ways I try to construct my perceptions of other people and what they say to me. I size up the person based on appearance, clothes, personality, environment, race and my own perception of myself. And in the midst of doing all of that, maybe I heard a little of what they actually said. Why can't I just accept people the way they are and take what they say without analyzing it to pieces? I miss so many blessings by not really believing what people say to me. Even if what they say is hurtful. Sometimes it holds a truth I need to hear.
Life is complicated enough. I need to simplify my communication and start really listening to people and take what they say with a simple "thank you".
I've concluded that Shawn says what he means and I'm the one who is limited.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Gifts I Received Today!
I'm at West Lido beach as I write this. I'm "taking in" the ocean. Tim and Luke are at a youth conference in Baltimore and so I have all this "free" time to do some things. The "things" I should do can wait because the beach is calling my name.
I love to go to the beach and just totally be there. I love to walk by the waves and look at every little shell that catches my eye and not feel rushed to leave. Well, there is no one rushing me today! And I'm loving every minute of it! It is incredibly magnificent! There are no words to describe how beautiful the weather is right now!
The beach is beautiful and the waves are crashing and the sky is blue and the breeze is perfect! I am relishing it all! And then I realize that being here is a beautiful gift to me. The ONE WHO made it all is enjoying it right along with me! HE is aware that I am delighting in all HE has made! And I know that pleases HIM!
God is here. I see HIS hand everywhere~~~The waves are dancing in delight as if they are raising their white caps to worship HIM! The blue sky backs them up with clarity and hue. The sea gulls join in with their song as they sail in the sky~~ The Sandpipers rush to and fro excited to be there~~~Just like me~!
After walking a while, I lay down on the sand and bask in the sun while the breezes flow over me. I listen to the beautiful rhythm of the waves as they hit the shore with a melodic beat. They lull me to a peace that is rare on this earth.I am aware how precious this time is. It is a sweet gift from my Holy Father. HE is always near but HE seems much closer when I come to the shore. It is a reflection of HIS power and how awesome HE is~~!
I think that God is a lot like the ocean. HE is powerful and majestic! HE is deep and beautiful! We cannot fathom HIM like we cannot fathom the deeps of the ocean. We try to fit God into our finite brains but we cannot do that any more than we can fit the ocean into a swimming pool! We try to understand HIM but we simply cannot. HE is too awesome to comprehend just as the ocean is too vast to contain.
I leave my bag and towel and take my phone and keys and set out to enjoy the shore. I walk for an hour and love every second of it. I see something in the distance and as I came closer to it, I realize that the large clump is a large group of Sandpipers just hanging out together. I have never seen anything like this before! There are about a hundred of them and they seem to be standing in lines.
There are some who are going in and out of the group but they do it in a very organized way. There seems to be a method to their madness~!
The ones coming in from the ocean go to the back of the group and the rest stay in place. The group grows bigger in the back. There are some who actually seem to be patrolling the group to be sure they are staying in line! It is awesome! I walk as close as I can to them without disturbing them and watch them for a long time! It is very entertaining because they are so cute!
Another gift!
I walk back enjoying the sun shining on my face and I feel like I am in my twenties again. I feel strong and thin and a little darker! This is a definite GIFT! I feel so good that I almost can't contain it.
As I drive home, I just can't believe the beauty of the weather! I walk my dog, Sugar, down the streets around my neighborhood and every tree is budding with beautiful flowers and the birds are singing in every bird language! I want to wrap my arms around the day and just hug it!
This is another gift!
God has just blessed my day so much. All HE has created HE wants me to enjoy. HE made everything for HIS pleasure-- and ours! HE delights in our delight. HE is the Giver of good gifts! And he certainly gave me some wonderful gifts today! I just want to hug HIM!
Thank YOU, FATHER!
carolrtexas2@aol.com
I love to go to the beach and just totally be there. I love to walk by the waves and look at every little shell that catches my eye and not feel rushed to leave. Well, there is no one rushing me today! And I'm loving every minute of it! It is incredibly magnificent! There are no words to describe how beautiful the weather is right now!
The beach is beautiful and the waves are crashing and the sky is blue and the breeze is perfect! I am relishing it all! And then I realize that being here is a beautiful gift to me. The ONE WHO made it all is enjoying it right along with me! HE is aware that I am delighting in all HE has made! And I know that pleases HIM!
God is here. I see HIS hand everywhere~~~The waves are dancing in delight as if they are raising their white caps to worship HIM! The blue sky backs them up with clarity and hue. The sea gulls join in with their song as they sail in the sky~~ The Sandpipers rush to and fro excited to be there~~~Just like me~!
After walking a while, I lay down on the sand and bask in the sun while the breezes flow over me. I listen to the beautiful rhythm of the waves as they hit the shore with a melodic beat. They lull me to a peace that is rare on this earth.I am aware how precious this time is. It is a sweet gift from my Holy Father. HE is always near but HE seems much closer when I come to the shore. It is a reflection of HIS power and how awesome HE is~~!
I think that God is a lot like the ocean. HE is powerful and majestic! HE is deep and beautiful! We cannot fathom HIM like we cannot fathom the deeps of the ocean. We try to fit God into our finite brains but we cannot do that any more than we can fit the ocean into a swimming pool! We try to understand HIM but we simply cannot. HE is too awesome to comprehend just as the ocean is too vast to contain.
I leave my bag and towel and take my phone and keys and set out to enjoy the shore. I walk for an hour and love every second of it. I see something in the distance and as I came closer to it, I realize that the large clump is a large group of Sandpipers just hanging out together. I have never seen anything like this before! There are about a hundred of them and they seem to be standing in lines.
There are some who are going in and out of the group but they do it in a very organized way. There seems to be a method to their madness~!
The ones coming in from the ocean go to the back of the group and the rest stay in place. The group grows bigger in the back. There are some who actually seem to be patrolling the group to be sure they are staying in line! It is awesome! I walk as close as I can to them without disturbing them and watch them for a long time! It is very entertaining because they are so cute!
Another gift!
I walk back enjoying the sun shining on my face and I feel like I am in my twenties again. I feel strong and thin and a little darker! This is a definite GIFT! I feel so good that I almost can't contain it.
As I drive home, I just can't believe the beauty of the weather! I walk my dog, Sugar, down the streets around my neighborhood and every tree is budding with beautiful flowers and the birds are singing in every bird language! I want to wrap my arms around the day and just hug it!
This is another gift!
God has just blessed my day so much. All HE has created HE wants me to enjoy. HE made everything for HIS pleasure-- and ours! HE delights in our delight. HE is the Giver of good gifts! And he certainly gave me some wonderful gifts today! I just want to hug HIM!
Thank YOU, FATHER!
carolrtexas2@aol.com
Monday, March 10, 2008
IF You're not Sure You Believe in God
If you are struggling with your faith or if you don't believe in God, for whatever reason, read this blog. I don't know if it will make a difference but I know that it helped me. So let me know if it makes a difference to you. This blog is partly about my journey and partly something I discovered on the "road".
I was thinking about my life one night as I was sitting in the church I now go to. I started going to it about a year ago and it kind of hit me that my life journey had brought me to this little church where I never expected to end up. The church is very close to my home and I have driven past it a million times and know people who go there. But I just always thought I'd stay in the church I had been going to for the past 9 years.
We all make a journey through this life (as corny as that may sound). And mine brought me to this little church after all my years of walking as a Christian. And in this church, through God using certain people, I have found amazing freedom and healing in my life that I had never found before!
Over the years I have gone to many different churches. When I was growing up in TX, I went to a huge Church! It was immense--especially in my small eyes. But I DIDN'T find God there. And I was hungry for HIM-- even then.
Of course, I heard a lot about HIM and learned many facts and stories and rules--but not HIM. HE may have been there-- but I didn't see HIM.
I often think that people give up on God because we ( people, Christians, churches) get in the way.
Some of you may have once believed in God but not so much anymore. You went to church for a while but it didn't really do anything for you so you just quit going. Or maybe someone (or a group of people) really hurt you there. And you thought, "if this is Christianity---forget about it!"
But I'm here to tell you ----DON'T STOP LOOKING!
HE is REAL! HE says if you seek HIM diligently, you WILL find HIM!
I guarantee you will-- if you really want to!
I would venture to say that nearly everyone believes there is a spiritual world out there. They may not call it God. Some may call it enlightenment or a Higher Power or just plain "energy". But most realize there is "something" out there that is not of this world--it's spiritual.
So if you are not really sure there is a God:
..... then you probably believe that we just came into being after a big explosion. And that explosion somehow created life-- something like an amoeba. And that amoeba became all the different life forms we have today.
But if that's true, then how did the spiritual world develop from that amoeba?
Now you may be one of the few people who doesn't even believe in spiritual things. But most people do believe in spirituality in some form. They have seen things they cannot explain and they knew they were from a spiritual realm. I have experienced the supernatural--both Good and bad--so I know it exists.
(I would be glad to tell you more about that if you are interested.)
Where did that spiritual element come from if we were all blown into existence?
And if there is a spiritual force in this world, what is its source?
I personally believe there is a "veil" that covers our physical eyes which keeps us from seeing the spiritual world. But just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. It is.
Just like the wind-- we can't see it but we know it exists~
In my life journey I have come to believe that there is a spiritual world. And that world has to have a source.... I believe it comes from a Spiritual Being. We are not able to comprehend this BEING-- just like it's pretty hard to comprehend how an explosion created life.
And it's also hard to comprehend and fathom the millions of galaxies that go on and on without end in this universe. But just because it's mind boggling to try and fathom a universe that seems to be endless., doesn't mean that it's not true. Our most powerful telescopes in space just find more and more galaxies as they float deeper and deeper into our solar system.
And just because it's hard to fathom an Almighty, Spiritual BEING, does not mean HE is not there!
Perhaps you have talked yourself out of believing because it is such a stretch to believe in HIM?
But what is the alternative?
Is it any easier to believe that an asteroid created all of it??? And that life somehow formed from this major explosion and then evolved into all the different life forms we have today on earth?? And one of those forms became apes and the other humans? And the humans have a greater intelligence and a spiritual part to them-- but the apes weren't so fortunate?
(People who believe this are considered the intellectuals.)
It doesn't make any more sense to believe that than it does in an Almighty God. But perhaps it's easier to believe in the "big bang" because there is no responsibility to then have to deal with the reality of a Holy God.
But if it does happen to be true that there is a God, what does that mean to you?
It means you are loved by an amazing Being! It means you get to have a relationship with the ONE WHO made you! It means you get to live forever with HIM if you accept the gift HIS Son gave you--forgiveness for your sins. And we ALL need that forgiveness!
HE also said there is a very real and present enemy that lives and moves on this earth. And he is out to destroy all that is good in this world and he means business. That is why there is so much sadness and pain in this world.
You cannot live passively in this life. You have to serve somebody-- just like the song says.
God doesn't want anyone to end up without HIM. That is why HE made a way for us so we don't have to. But it is our choice.
So if you still doubt HE exists, then find out for yourself whether HE is real or not. Ask HIM to show you HIMSELF. And if you are really looking--HE will!
Then ask HIM into your heart. This Amazing BEING wants a relationship with you! That's why HE created us in the first place--like a Father who wants to have a child---HE wants You. HE doesn't just want you to know about HIM-- HE wants you to know HIM! And that will take you a lifetime--an eternity.
Have a Glorious Easter!
Carol
carolrtexas2@aol.com
I was thinking about my life one night as I was sitting in the church I now go to. I started going to it about a year ago and it kind of hit me that my life journey had brought me to this little church where I never expected to end up. The church is very close to my home and I have driven past it a million times and know people who go there. But I just always thought I'd stay in the church I had been going to for the past 9 years.
We all make a journey through this life (as corny as that may sound). And mine brought me to this little church after all my years of walking as a Christian. And in this church, through God using certain people, I have found amazing freedom and healing in my life that I had never found before!
Over the years I have gone to many different churches. When I was growing up in TX, I went to a huge Church! It was immense--especially in my small eyes. But I DIDN'T find God there. And I was hungry for HIM-- even then.
Of course, I heard a lot about HIM and learned many facts and stories and rules--but not HIM. HE may have been there-- but I didn't see HIM.
I often think that people give up on God because we ( people, Christians, churches) get in the way.
Some of you may have once believed in God but not so much anymore. You went to church for a while but it didn't really do anything for you so you just quit going. Or maybe someone (or a group of people) really hurt you there. And you thought, "if this is Christianity---forget about it!"
But I'm here to tell you ----DON'T STOP LOOKING!
HE is REAL! HE says if you seek HIM diligently, you WILL find HIM!
I guarantee you will-- if you really want to!
I would venture to say that nearly everyone believes there is a spiritual world out there. They may not call it God. Some may call it enlightenment or a Higher Power or just plain "energy". But most realize there is "something" out there that is not of this world--it's spiritual.
So if you are not really sure there is a God:
..... then you probably believe that we just came into being after a big explosion. And that explosion somehow created life-- something like an amoeba. And that amoeba became all the different life forms we have today.
But if that's true, then how did the spiritual world develop from that amoeba?
Now you may be one of the few people who doesn't even believe in spiritual things. But most people do believe in spirituality in some form. They have seen things they cannot explain and they knew they were from a spiritual realm. I have experienced the supernatural--both Good and bad--so I know it exists.
(I would be glad to tell you more about that if you are interested.)
Where did that spiritual element come from if we were all blown into existence?
And if there is a spiritual force in this world, what is its source?
I personally believe there is a "veil" that covers our physical eyes which keeps us from seeing the spiritual world. But just because we can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. It is.
Just like the wind-- we can't see it but we know it exists~
In my life journey I have come to believe that there is a spiritual world. And that world has to have a source.... I believe it comes from a Spiritual Being. We are not able to comprehend this BEING-- just like it's pretty hard to comprehend how an explosion created life.
And it's also hard to comprehend and fathom the millions of galaxies that go on and on without end in this universe. But just because it's mind boggling to try and fathom a universe that seems to be endless., doesn't mean that it's not true. Our most powerful telescopes in space just find more and more galaxies as they float deeper and deeper into our solar system.
And just because it's hard to fathom an Almighty, Spiritual BEING, does not mean HE is not there!
Perhaps you have talked yourself out of believing because it is such a stretch to believe in HIM?
But what is the alternative?
Is it any easier to believe that an asteroid created all of it??? And that life somehow formed from this major explosion and then evolved into all the different life forms we have today on earth?? And one of those forms became apes and the other humans? And the humans have a greater intelligence and a spiritual part to them-- but the apes weren't so fortunate?
(People who believe this are considered the intellectuals.)
It doesn't make any more sense to believe that than it does in an Almighty God. But perhaps it's easier to believe in the "big bang" because there is no responsibility to then have to deal with the reality of a Holy God.
But if it does happen to be true that there is a God, what does that mean to you?
It means you are loved by an amazing Being! It means you get to have a relationship with the ONE WHO made you! It means you get to live forever with HIM if you accept the gift HIS Son gave you--forgiveness for your sins. And we ALL need that forgiveness!
HE also said there is a very real and present enemy that lives and moves on this earth. And he is out to destroy all that is good in this world and he means business. That is why there is so much sadness and pain in this world.
You cannot live passively in this life. You have to serve somebody-- just like the song says.
God doesn't want anyone to end up without HIM. That is why HE made a way for us so we don't have to. But it is our choice.
So if you still doubt HE exists, then find out for yourself whether HE is real or not. Ask HIM to show you HIMSELF. And if you are really looking--HE will!
Then ask HIM into your heart. This Amazing BEING wants a relationship with you! That's why HE created us in the first place--like a Father who wants to have a child---HE wants You. HE doesn't just want you to know about HIM-- HE wants you to know HIM! And that will take you a lifetime--an eternity.
Have a Glorious Easter!
Carol
carolrtexas2@aol.com
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