This year has been a good year for me to reassess where I'm going with the society. I have had some rough patches to go through and times when I felt that it wasn't worth it. Yet I am counting my blessings for quite a number of things.
1) I've been relatively healthy this year with no major health issues. My family also has remained relatively healthy as well. Yes we all have some health issues, but they are manageable.
2) Even though the events that I took on myself turned out to be flops, I learned something from them. I learned that I shouldn't go "full speed ahead" without some support. I also learned that I needed to tweak the events a little more and not expect the moon....:-)
3) The society I founded is still viable even with the defection of two key people. I realize that it is still needed and that I need to be persistant and not give in to those who want to see me fail.
4) I have a job.....Yes, it's very limited part time work...but I'm feeling challenged as I haven't been before now. I have a feeling that something is going to break soon, and I will have that revenue stream I need to keep functioning.
5) My niece is expecting a baby in March...Wow!....I'm still getting used to the idea that I'll be a Great Aunt.
6) I still have a home, I still have food on the table and this Internet connection. So many struggle with these now that sometimes I have to step back and thank God these aren't issues for me as yet.
7) My family and friends.....They put up with so much from me. I know I could be better at opening up about what's happening...but that's difficult. I praise God for their understanding as I work through the changes and upsets with being a contractor instead of an employee.
8) The groups I belong to....the historical societies and other groups that promote local history. I do want to help them more.
The most important blessing is knowing that God is there for me....and that he will never leave me. I am extremely grateful that he continues to provide for me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
The Mystery of The Greatest Gift of All Time
Maybe you're wondering what I mean when I say the mystery of the greatest gift of all time. Today it seems that we have it all. We've become jaded. We forgotten too much. I know that I've disillusioned a time or two. I longed for something more than the stuff that I get under the tree at Christmas. I heard the story of Jesus' birth a million times but haven't fathomed the real mystery behind it.
Only recently have I realized that his coming was the greatest gift of all time. Yet I believed that there was no mystery behind it...that everything was pretty straightforward. I was wrong. Reading and studying the scriptures revealed that the mystery of God's word. Some will still be blind to it, not accepting the Light that has come into the world to displace the darkness. They will want to see some physical proof, not realizing that God came as a man and offered himself as a sacrifice for us. It still blows my mind that God would wrap himself up as a human and die for our sins.
It is equally mind blowing that most blow off that sacrifice. Really....they and I have to admit that I forget too easily that God came in the form of a baby so he could feel what we feel, so he could give us a way out of the darkness and bring us back to himself.
The more I see how jaded society is becoming and how willing they are to put this amazing sacrifice in a box somewhere, the more I long to be free. The message of Christmas is being suppressed everywhere...in our schools, in the military, in the workplace and even in the church. Yet, I see the hope that shines in faces who have heard the message of Jesus Christ and are willing to die rather than recant it. May we too embrace this greatest gift of all time.
Only recently have I realized that his coming was the greatest gift of all time. Yet I believed that there was no mystery behind it...that everything was pretty straightforward. I was wrong. Reading and studying the scriptures revealed that the mystery of God's word. Some will still be blind to it, not accepting the Light that has come into the world to displace the darkness. They will want to see some physical proof, not realizing that God came as a man and offered himself as a sacrifice for us. It still blows my mind that God would wrap himself up as a human and die for our sins.
It is equally mind blowing that most blow off that sacrifice. Really....they and I have to admit that I forget too easily that God came in the form of a baby so he could feel what we feel, so he could give us a way out of the darkness and bring us back to himself.
The more I see how jaded society is becoming and how willing they are to put this amazing sacrifice in a box somewhere, the more I long to be free. The message of Christmas is being suppressed everywhere...in our schools, in the military, in the workplace and even in the church. Yet, I see the hope that shines in faces who have heard the message of Jesus Christ and are willing to die rather than recant it. May we too embrace this greatest gift of all time.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Blown Away By God's Love
It's been a rough couple of years for me. I freely admit that. I've focused too much on my own problems that I haven't realized that there are many others struggling just as hard as I am. I committed myself to stop whining and complaining about stuff I have no control over, such as my current financial situation. I know that God is in control. I am blown away when I realize that he's been with me through it all.
During this time of year it is especially hard not to focus on broken dreams and wish for something better to happen. Believe me, I do know. I often wish for things I know are not possible for me to have. I reflect on all the broken dreams I've had and wonder if God is really out there for me. It's foolish. I know that....and more than that its crazy. He shows himself daily to me, if I'm open to his leading and his words. It is his words that resonate this time of year.
I marvel with the angels that he could sacrifice himself for me. It still blows me away that he could love me as he does. Seeing the children re-enact the birth of Jesus Christ sends shivers of joy and sadness through me. The joy is knowing that they are receiving the word. The sadness comes when I realize that some will forget and turn away from the message of hope and light.
We all need reminders of God's love for us. We need to be courageous enough to take a stand and talk to others about the light of the world. We can't be cowards and shrink from our mission here on Earth. Some of us will be persecuted for our beliefs. God is not mocked. His light does burn in the Darkness even now. Praise be to him who brings the Light!
During this time of year it is especially hard not to focus on broken dreams and wish for something better to happen. Believe me, I do know. I often wish for things I know are not possible for me to have. I reflect on all the broken dreams I've had and wonder if God is really out there for me. It's foolish. I know that....and more than that its crazy. He shows himself daily to me, if I'm open to his leading and his words. It is his words that resonate this time of year.
I marvel with the angels that he could sacrifice himself for me. It still blows me away that he could love me as he does. Seeing the children re-enact the birth of Jesus Christ sends shivers of joy and sadness through me. The joy is knowing that they are receiving the word. The sadness comes when I realize that some will forget and turn away from the message of hope and light.
We all need reminders of God's love for us. We need to be courageous enough to take a stand and talk to others about the light of the world. We can't be cowards and shrink from our mission here on Earth. Some of us will be persecuted for our beliefs. God is not mocked. His light does burn in the Darkness even now. Praise be to him who brings the Light!
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Going through the motions-Holiday Time
Lately I have been feeling like I'm going through the motions of being in control. I know that I can't always be "on" but sometimes it's very hard not to give in to that pressure of always being "on" for others. I do struggle greatly with health issues, both mental and physical. I know my family and friends mean well. I just sometimes feel wrung out. I can't continue to pretend that everything is okay. I realize it isn't.
Some things will change in the coming year. I know this too. Maybe I will have to hurt someone's feelings in order to help them grow. Maybe someone will have to hurt my feelings in order for me to grow. I can't let others push me around though. I have to remain focused.
When I think about this time of year I think about what I've tried to accomplish in the past year. My plans have gone "south" for a time. Yet I do have people behind me that are willing to help. My greatest challenge will be to let them. I know that I can be a bit opinionated at times. I know I've got things wrong many times. I know that sometimes going through the motions is the only way I can function without stressing out.
I can do this. I know I can. Holidays are stressful when your mindset is that you have to get something for someone "just because." I need to change my mindset. What can I do to help others succeed? What can my organization do to revitalize and restore our communities to their former glory? Maybe nothing....
Some things will change in the coming year. I know this too. Maybe I will have to hurt someone's feelings in order to help them grow. Maybe someone will have to hurt my feelings in order for me to grow. I can't let others push me around though. I have to remain focused.
When I think about this time of year I think about what I've tried to accomplish in the past year. My plans have gone "south" for a time. Yet I do have people behind me that are willing to help. My greatest challenge will be to let them. I know that I can be a bit opinionated at times. I know I've got things wrong many times. I know that sometimes going through the motions is the only way I can function without stressing out.
I can do this. I know I can. Holidays are stressful when your mindset is that you have to get something for someone "just because." I need to change my mindset. What can I do to help others succeed? What can my organization do to revitalize and restore our communities to their former glory? Maybe nothing....
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
The Most Wonderful Time of The Year
That song has been in my head lately. I know I do have a lot to be thankful for in regards to any number of things. It has not been easy however to keep sane when fears have a grip on your soul. I have been following with some anxiety the Ebola epidemic that is still spiralling out of control in Africa. For them, this hasn't been the most wonderful time of the year. In fact, whole families have been ravaged by this horrendous disease. I continue to pray for healing and a cure.
Then there's the fact that I'm being pressured to do something that I can't in good conscience do. It is hard not to bow under that pressure. This time of year that pressure can seem enormous. You want to do right by your family and friends, but you have to count the cost. If the cost is too high, then you have to hold on and not give in.
This could be the most wonderful time of the year for you. You have to choose for yourself to follow the Lord's leading. He sacrificed for you. It is only right that you don't give in to all the pressure to conform to what everyone is telling you to do.
I remember the Lord's mercy toward me. I remember that he is always with me. I remember that he has always provided for me. I can lean on him. I can follow his word and be open to his direction. I will leave a good legacy for my family and friends by not giving in to the pressure and standing up for my beliefs even when threatened with bodily harm. Yes, it is scary to think of ISIS and what they are planning to do. My God is bigger than their god. He is in control and I can move forward with him or buckle under the pressure to conform. I won't do it.
Then there's the fact that I'm being pressured to do something that I can't in good conscience do. It is hard not to bow under that pressure. This time of year that pressure can seem enormous. You want to do right by your family and friends, but you have to count the cost. If the cost is too high, then you have to hold on and not give in.
This could be the most wonderful time of the year for you. You have to choose for yourself to follow the Lord's leading. He sacrificed for you. It is only right that you don't give in to all the pressure to conform to what everyone is telling you to do.
I remember the Lord's mercy toward me. I remember that he is always with me. I remember that he has always provided for me. I can lean on him. I can follow his word and be open to his direction. I will leave a good legacy for my family and friends by not giving in to the pressure and standing up for my beliefs even when threatened with bodily harm. Yes, it is scary to think of ISIS and what they are planning to do. My God is bigger than their god. He is in control and I can move forward with him or buckle under the pressure to conform. I won't do it.
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