I have been thinking a lot about the concept of thankfulness. It is a word that comes up during this time of year when we sit down to eat a Thanksgiving dinner. In some cases thankfulness is a state of mind. We do tend to practice being thankful more when we start reflecting on all we have. It is good to reflect on the blessings God bestows on us every day. Sometimes it is hard to be thankful. We forget ourselves.
The world can be ungrateful and greedy. The words that are flung at you can sting. Yet when you practice thankfulness you can have a different perspective. You see the world in a new light. You understand that circumstances don't have to define you. You can rise above them.
I have been thinking about how blessed I am. I do have freedom to write and speak the words God gives me. I have the ability to see all the good in the people around me. I can choose to rise against the hate that builds near me.
The world doesn't have a hold on me. I depend on God through his son Jesus Christ. The world can't take that away from me. I am thankful for his provision in my life. The world is not my home. I wait eagerly for my home on high. One day I'll go there to be with him. There will then be a new heaven and a new earth.
An ungrateful world can only wallow in the darkness. I thank God for his light that cuts through the darkness. When I practice thankfulness, I leave the world behind in the darkness. I pray that his light shines through me so that others may see it.
The world is waiting for the second coming of the Lord. The time is drawing near. Will you be ready when he comes? That question resonates with me daily. The signs of his coming are all around me. Can you see them? I thank God for his promises. He is that shining light that will pierce the dark. The dark will cower in his presence. They won't be able to stand.
I see those promises and rejoice. I am his child. I practice thankfulness in every thing I do. Yes, sometimes I do falter when I let myself wallow in despair. Despair saps my strength, but God lifts me out. I can be thankful for all the blessings he bestowed on me. I don't have to wallow and embrace the darkness. Yes the world is ungrateful for the many blessings the Lord has given them.
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Trials and Tribulations-Riding A Huge Shift in Local History
It has been a very tumultuous two weeks. I've had a lot to process with the election on November 5th that changed my local hometown's history forever. It was a huge shift that some weren't expecting when the electorate selected a black female to run my local hometown. She is going to have some trials and tribulations when she takes office in January. Her problems have already started with the abuse she received from those who disagreed with her selection. Some of her friends say she is a strong woman. She will have to be to bring this community together.
The local organization that ran out of the borough building took the selection hard. They cleared out their rooms, almost destroying their history in the process. It was fortunate that a member of the society was there to witness it personally. He successfully put a stop to it. The impression that the dissolution of their rooms remains. It is much the same as the impressions being left by those in the federal government at the present time.
This is a huge shift. No one is denying this. Unfortunately the impression that the new administration will "wreck" the rooms and steal the artifacts is a false one. The society has stepped in to offer our help. We're not sure what they will do. I will send out a proposal in January once I make a connection with the new administration.
The local VFW has been more than generous. I do hope that this organization will not abuse the privilege that has been granted to them. I am glad to hear that the organization will be meeting there. I was reminded of the success of the event we had on Veterans Day. I'm thinking that we were able to connect them with that space. I am blessed to know the commander there. It was his willingness to allow us to meet there that facilitated this.
Yes, this huge shift in local history will be felt for years to come. Some will say that change is unavoidable. I do pray that it will turn out to be a good change, and not the bad change that created the reaction of the organization when they dissolved their rooms.
It is interesting as we ride this huge shift that our small town in its own way reflects the whole country's attitude. I can see it so clearly as I pray through the hearings that are literally tearing this country apart at the seams. There are questions about whether or not we'll even have a viable country when everything is said and done. There are forces that threaten to destroy any vestige of humanity from us. They pull us in and goad us on. They love to fuel the hatred and anger that simmers on the surface. They embrace the dark, and hate the light. Yet there is still an undeniable light in the darkness. I can see it. Jesus is that light. In him is no darkness at all.
The local organization that ran out of the borough building took the selection hard. They cleared out their rooms, almost destroying their history in the process. It was fortunate that a member of the society was there to witness it personally. He successfully put a stop to it. The impression that the dissolution of their rooms remains. It is much the same as the impressions being left by those in the federal government at the present time.
This is a huge shift. No one is denying this. Unfortunately the impression that the new administration will "wreck" the rooms and steal the artifacts is a false one. The society has stepped in to offer our help. We're not sure what they will do. I will send out a proposal in January once I make a connection with the new administration.
The local VFW has been more than generous. I do hope that this organization will not abuse the privilege that has been granted to them. I am glad to hear that the organization will be meeting there. I was reminded of the success of the event we had on Veterans Day. I'm thinking that we were able to connect them with that space. I am blessed to know the commander there. It was his willingness to allow us to meet there that facilitated this.
Yes, this huge shift in local history will be felt for years to come. Some will say that change is unavoidable. I do pray that it will turn out to be a good change, and not the bad change that created the reaction of the organization when they dissolved their rooms.
It is interesting as we ride this huge shift that our small town in its own way reflects the whole country's attitude. I can see it so clearly as I pray through the hearings that are literally tearing this country apart at the seams. There are questions about whether or not we'll even have a viable country when everything is said and done. There are forces that threaten to destroy any vestige of humanity from us. They pull us in and goad us on. They love to fuel the hatred and anger that simmers on the surface. They embrace the dark, and hate the light. Yet there is still an undeniable light in the darkness. I can see it. Jesus is that light. In him is no darkness at all.
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
Finding Stability in an Unstable World
This title is the title for many sermons. It is appropriate because so many of us are feeling unstable. We no longer have the anchors we depended on for so long. It wasn't that long ago that most of us could depend on the news media for accurate and timely news. It hasn't been that long that we depended on our government officials to do the right thing. I can remember when the world went a lot slower and honored those who stuck with an organization. I can also still remember when you had a job for life.
Now we do struggle. There are no solid positions, at least I haven't found any. Everyone is being pushed into the gig economy where you contract out jobs and people. We have reached the point where machines can do all the mundane work. Even our money is transitory. One minute it is there and the next it is gone.
This is an unstable world. It is difficult to find stability when everything moves at lighting speed. You have stop but are not sure how. Finding stability in an unstable world is impossible without God. He is outside time and space. He is all-knowing and all-powerful.
We don't have to struggle once we realize that God is in control. He is our stable core and the answer to the "six blind men and the elephant" puzzle. Only God can bring all the perceptions together as a whole. I admit that I have been struggling with this puzzle for awhile now. I wondered how all the perceptions of one animal could be brought together.
It shouldn't surprise me that the "six blind men and elephant" puzzle stumped me. I was looking at it all wrong. I thought wrongly that because everyone perceived things differently that there could be no consensus. Solving this puzzle though is a key element to finding stability. Right now the world is unstable because no one is willing to attach themselves to the one stable element in the universe. That stable element is God. He is the answer to that puzzle.
With God in the picture things definitely become clear. The perceptions of men that design to lead people away from God have no power. It is only through God that we can find stability in an unstable world.
I know now that I need to rely more of God than on my own devices. Thank you, Lord for stability.
Now we do struggle. There are no solid positions, at least I haven't found any. Everyone is being pushed into the gig economy where you contract out jobs and people. We have reached the point where machines can do all the mundane work. Even our money is transitory. One minute it is there and the next it is gone.
This is an unstable world. It is difficult to find stability when everything moves at lighting speed. You have stop but are not sure how. Finding stability in an unstable world is impossible without God. He is outside time and space. He is all-knowing and all-powerful.
We don't have to struggle once we realize that God is in control. He is our stable core and the answer to the "six blind men and the elephant" puzzle. Only God can bring all the perceptions together as a whole. I admit that I have been struggling with this puzzle for awhile now. I wondered how all the perceptions of one animal could be brought together.
It shouldn't surprise me that the "six blind men and elephant" puzzle stumped me. I was looking at it all wrong. I thought wrongly that because everyone perceived things differently that there could be no consensus. Solving this puzzle though is a key element to finding stability. Right now the world is unstable because no one is willing to attach themselves to the one stable element in the universe. That stable element is God. He is the answer to that puzzle.
With God in the picture things definitely become clear. The perceptions of men that design to lead people away from God have no power. It is only through God that we can find stability in an unstable world.
I know now that I need to rely more of God than on my own devices. Thank you, Lord for stability.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Riding The Waves of Change
You might be thinking right about now why I titled this blog post "Riding The Waves of Change." This week I've really felt that I have been literally riding the waves. One day would be great. The next day I'd feel as if the bottom dropped out. It hasn't been easy adjusting to the life I now have. Some very wise people tell you that you really can't predict how grief will affect you. No one has the guidebook on how you're supposed to live after this type of loss.
There are still some things I can't get past. I do want to get past them at times. Other times I just want to cling to stuff I probably should be letting go. I am slowly learning to let go and not rally against the changes that are taking place. I do want to ride those waves of change knowing that God is unchangeable. I sometimes doubt that. I reason that God has changed because he can't remain static. I don't grasp then that God has to remain stable.
There is something deep inside me that yearns for that stability. In this ever changing world where everything seems unstable, it is good to know that God remains stable. He is the one unchangeable focus in the universe. It is because God is always there and constant that I can confidentially ride the waves of change. I know that I can depend on him to see me through and bring me home.
Some of you reading this now can probably relate to the feeling of being tossed to and fro by the waves of change. You can't understand all that is happening around you. You want to. It seems impossible and a bit overwhelming. I can definitely relate to feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in our country. I admittedly hate change, even when it's a good change. It has been a struggle for me to accept the changes and move on. I am not the type of person who readily embraces change. I guess it is in my makeup to question the changes, balk a little and then test the waters. I like having a solid base in which to lean on when these changes occur.
I am not someone who changes "just because" someone says that the change will be good for me. I like to take my time and analyze the change first. Some people hate that I just don't jump when opportunity shows itself. I am a steady and dependable person even when I'm riding the waves of change. I thank the Lord that he is my rock and fortress in the storms of life.
There are still some things I can't get past. I do want to get past them at times. Other times I just want to cling to stuff I probably should be letting go. I am slowly learning to let go and not rally against the changes that are taking place. I do want to ride those waves of change knowing that God is unchangeable. I sometimes doubt that. I reason that God has changed because he can't remain static. I don't grasp then that God has to remain stable.
There is something deep inside me that yearns for that stability. In this ever changing world where everything seems unstable, it is good to know that God remains stable. He is the one unchangeable focus in the universe. It is because God is always there and constant that I can confidentially ride the waves of change. I know that I can depend on him to see me through and bring me home.
Some of you reading this now can probably relate to the feeling of being tossed to and fro by the waves of change. You can't understand all that is happening around you. You want to. It seems impossible and a bit overwhelming. I can definitely relate to feel overwhelmed by all that is happening in our country. I admittedly hate change, even when it's a good change. It has been a struggle for me to accept the changes and move on. I am not the type of person who readily embraces change. I guess it is in my makeup to question the changes, balk a little and then test the waters. I like having a solid base in which to lean on when these changes occur.
I am not someone who changes "just because" someone says that the change will be good for me. I like to take my time and analyze the change first. Some people hate that I just don't jump when opportunity shows itself. I am a steady and dependable person even when I'm riding the waves of change. I thank the Lord that he is my rock and fortress in the storms of life.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Finding New Life in a Hostile World
These past two weeks have been eye opening to say the least. My mind is still processing things. I am realizing that things that I thought were pretty stable aren't really that stable. It happened like most things happen. I wasn't prepared for it. I don't think anyone can prepare. The world of my youth and those shadows of the past that frightened me then are a reality now. Yet surprisingly the fear that I felt then doesn't effect me the same way. It is hard to describe.
It is funny how things that happen outside your own little world can affect you so much. I had to admit that I didn't have a clue on how to move forward. The information I received disturbed me. I had to process it, analyze it and make some sense of it. It wouldn't be easy. I had to trust that God knew this was happening and had orchestrated it from the beginning.
I am grateful that God is in control. With him I do have new life in this hostile world. Without him I am nothing. It is a lesson that I need to learn over and over again. I can't let frustration and anger get the best of me. I have to allow God to do his perfect work. I have to be his willing servant and heir.
Yes, when I think about all the deception in the world, I cringe. In my own strength I am no match for Satan's schemes. He loves to throw the doubt and despair card at me. He loves to distort words to rile up enemies. He is the Father of Lies. I know that I have no power on my own. I crumble and flail when I'm left to my own devices. Yet I also know that I'm never alone. I can find new life in this hostile world. I can rise above those who would pull me down into the pit of despair and desperation. I'm not going there anymore. I am embracing the new life God has given me through his son's sacrifice.
I can't ever forget that sacrifice. Jesus took my place. It is because of him that I can live in this hostile world. It is because he lives that I live in him. That concept sometimes still blows me away. I struggle to comprehend his great love for me. I do long for others to know this love. My words felt inadequate to express it properly. (John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that we may have eternal life. Pondering those words again makes my heart soar.
It is funny how things that happen outside your own little world can affect you so much. I had to admit that I didn't have a clue on how to move forward. The information I received disturbed me. I had to process it, analyze it and make some sense of it. It wouldn't be easy. I had to trust that God knew this was happening and had orchestrated it from the beginning.
I am grateful that God is in control. With him I do have new life in this hostile world. Without him I am nothing. It is a lesson that I need to learn over and over again. I can't let frustration and anger get the best of me. I have to allow God to do his perfect work. I have to be his willing servant and heir.
Yes, when I think about all the deception in the world, I cringe. In my own strength I am no match for Satan's schemes. He loves to throw the doubt and despair card at me. He loves to distort words to rile up enemies. He is the Father of Lies. I know that I have no power on my own. I crumble and flail when I'm left to my own devices. Yet I also know that I'm never alone. I can find new life in this hostile world. I can rise above those who would pull me down into the pit of despair and desperation. I'm not going there anymore. I am embracing the new life God has given me through his son's sacrifice.
I can't ever forget that sacrifice. Jesus took my place. It is because of him that I can live in this hostile world. It is because he lives that I live in him. That concept sometimes still blows me away. I struggle to comprehend his great love for me. I do long for others to know this love. My words felt inadequate to express it properly. (John 3:16) For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that we may have eternal life. Pondering those words again makes my heart soar.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Persecution in A Modern Society: Technological Outcasts
Last week I realized something important about myself. I realized that the technical elites that are so dependent on social media and other electronic means condemn technological outcasts. I've been living between two different worlds. The world that I grew up in and the world that is rapidly taken over with its blinding speed. No one really understands why there is so great a push to ensure that technological outcasts are blocked from contributing to society.
This is persecution in a modern society. When society gets to the point where technological outcasts are demonized and ridiculed for wanting the technological advances to slow down and cease, then this is a big problem. I have struggled with this persecution of those who refuse to embrace the technological revolution. I don't want everything about me controlled by some unknown and cold entity. I like having control. Technological outcasts are sometimes known as Neo-Luddites, which means that they strongly object to any technological advancement.
I heard something that twists my stomach to think about in the last week. If I let myself dwell too much on it, I just may be sick. The technological elites mean to control the population by withholding food from those who don't do their bidding. The manipulation of data streams with the technological elites demanding more and more sickens me to the core. This is persecution in a modern society. When someone can lock someone else out of essential services just by making it very difficult for that person to access them, that is a huge problem. I'm actually glad to know that my parents won't have to suffer this persecution.
I have to ask myself why this is happening. There has been some "push back" from all the technological advances. There are some people that aren't willing to sacrifice themselves to the technological gods of this world. It is becoming harder and harder though to stay away from the technology. It seemingly runs everything and reminds me of a movie I watched in class when I was a young child. I was frightened by the images of robots literally taking over the world. I admittedly am still frightened as I see the images I once saw in the movie becoming our reality.
How can we stop this? I don't know. Some days I do pray that the Lord will intervene soon. Other days I look at my nieces, nephews, grand niece and grand nephew and know that they live with the technological advances and think nothing of it. They may never know the world as we knew it. Hopefully they will remember the technological outcasts and help us.
This is persecution in a modern society. When society gets to the point where technological outcasts are demonized and ridiculed for wanting the technological advances to slow down and cease, then this is a big problem. I have struggled with this persecution of those who refuse to embrace the technological revolution. I don't want everything about me controlled by some unknown and cold entity. I like having control. Technological outcasts are sometimes known as Neo-Luddites, which means that they strongly object to any technological advancement.
I heard something that twists my stomach to think about in the last week. If I let myself dwell too much on it, I just may be sick. The technological elites mean to control the population by withholding food from those who don't do their bidding. The manipulation of data streams with the technological elites demanding more and more sickens me to the core. This is persecution in a modern society. When someone can lock someone else out of essential services just by making it very difficult for that person to access them, that is a huge problem. I'm actually glad to know that my parents won't have to suffer this persecution.
I have to ask myself why this is happening. There has been some "push back" from all the technological advances. There are some people that aren't willing to sacrifice themselves to the technological gods of this world. It is becoming harder and harder though to stay away from the technology. It seemingly runs everything and reminds me of a movie I watched in class when I was a young child. I was frightened by the images of robots literally taking over the world. I admittedly am still frightened as I see the images I once saw in the movie becoming our reality.
How can we stop this? I don't know. Some days I do pray that the Lord will intervene soon. Other days I look at my nieces, nephews, grand niece and grand nephew and know that they live with the technological advances and think nothing of it. They may never know the world as we knew it. Hopefully they will remember the technological outcasts and help us.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Stepping Forward in Faith
This week has been a little overwhelming. You all know my struggles, at least those that I've made public...that is. I have learned that I really need to step forward in faith. It is scary. I don't have the support system I had before. I do have friends and family that have really stepped up. Yet I still struggle. I know I should trust God and I do. Sometimes life gets overwhelming as I try to process everything.
I am learning to focus on what matters to me. I am learning to lean on God, knowing that he loves me. I am learning to let go and dream. It has been difficult to remain positive and step forward in faith. It's not impossible. I have been thinking about my dream job lately, trying to visualize what it would entail. I think I'd like to be archivist, but it seems like an impossible goal. I like what the archivist does in researching and documenting history.
History is so important. Our history is what defines us. It gives us our identity. As I step forward in faith and wait on the Lord's leading, I am reminded that he has the perfect plan and purpose for me. I don't feel selfish to wish for his plan to move forward. There is so much that I have learned and that I am still learning.
People talk about history disappearing. I've also heard that history is often rewritten to reflect distorted images of truth. I believe that truth always pushes through. It is never hidden. When I feel stuck and overwhelmed by the tasks that need to be done, I pray for calmness and release. I know that I'm not alone. I do thank God that he holds me in his hands so that I can step forward in faith knowing that he will hold me up.
I am learning to focus on what matters to me. I am learning to lean on God, knowing that he loves me. I am learning to let go and dream. It has been difficult to remain positive and step forward in faith. It's not impossible. I have been thinking about my dream job lately, trying to visualize what it would entail. I think I'd like to be archivist, but it seems like an impossible goal. I like what the archivist does in researching and documenting history.
History is so important. Our history is what defines us. It gives us our identity. As I step forward in faith and wait on the Lord's leading, I am reminded that he has the perfect plan and purpose for me. I don't feel selfish to wish for his plan to move forward. There is so much that I have learned and that I am still learning.
People talk about history disappearing. I've also heard that history is often rewritten to reflect distorted images of truth. I believe that truth always pushes through. It is never hidden. When I feel stuck and overwhelmed by the tasks that need to be done, I pray for calmness and release. I know that I'm not alone. I do thank God that he holds me in his hands so that I can step forward in faith knowing that he will hold me up.
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