This is an awkward phase of life. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 25 can most likely attest to the fact that the most consistent thing in our lives at this point is how often we are asked the questions: "How's life, what are you doing right now? What are your plans for the near/far future? What's your main goal?"
These aren't bad questions, and it's not a problem at all to be asked them--people care and just want to know. I know I ask people these questions all the time too because it's a life phase that I'm currently sharing with them.
But it can be oh so overwhelming sometimes. My un-spontaneous, rarely(if ever)-fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants personality..longs for consistency and and some long-term plans. I would love to know if I will get into grad school for next year. And if so, will it be here in Sacramento, or will i be moving yet again? Can I fully settle-in, or should I avoid putting down deep roots knowing they'll have to be pulled up in a year? I would so love to see what the next 5 years hold career/family/faith-wise. The list goes on....
And I know I'm not alone in this. I talk to people all the time who are headed one direction, and then realize that it's not really for them, so then it's back to the drawing board. At home we have some younger employees who are currently dealing with the same thing--should I leave home for school and try something new? Or is it best to utilize my time here and go to school and work a while longer?
It's tough. And it seems like such a huge decision that we have to make right the first time--one shot to decide "What do I want to do with my life?"
At church these last 2 weeks we've been blessed to have pastor Andrew McCourt from Northern Ireland staying and speaking with us. At the college group on Thursday he said one of the most encouraging and reassuring things a group of college/20-somethings could hear:
"You may not know what you're going to do in life, and that's ok--
but you can know who you are going to be."
Sitting there, I could almost feel the pressure lift off the shoulders of everyone in there. A sigh of relief as we quickly jotted down this little golden nugget he had given us; something to hold onto as we continue to journey through this awkward transition, not-sure-what-I'm-doing phase in our lives.
And the more I've thought about it, and the more I've experienced and looked back on my own decisions and journey, I've realized--life isn't a bunch of individual moments and decisions that lead us the right or the wrong way, making up sections of our lives....it's a continual spectrum of intertwining threads that all make up one beautiful life that's in constant motion.
We may have to cut some threads shorter than we had planned, some will be longer than maybe we hoped, some may pull us in a direction we didn't think we would ever go in, and others may show up that we never thought would exist, but end up being the most pleasant surprise. And all of these together make up us, each created by our most wonderful Savior with a divine purpose. And in that, even though we may not be sure of what we will be doing in life, we always have the ability and I believe, a responsibility, to know and choose who we are going to be, and how we will glorify God through it all.
♥ C
Monday, July 22, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
stained glass mosaic.
We live in a world continually telling us to keep it together. Don't just let go and let yourself fall apart--if you have to cry, do it alone...keep your sins, fears, struggles, and frustrations to yourself...don't share your pain with others...save face...smile and keep on going. We maintain a smooth surface, even though it's wearing thin with rough waters raging beneath, just waiting for a that last shred of pressure to break through and it all come gushing out.
But what's so wrong with falling apart?? Why do we run from vulnerability and letting ourselves really feel. We tell ourselves that it's just easier to push it aside and keep moving forward--that exposing the dark crevasses in our minds will only create more problems and burden others.
What lies the devil has caused us to believe...and how readily we do so.
One of my current favorite songs is "We Fall Apart" by We As Human. Every time it comes up on my playlist, I'm reminded of the beauty in the messiness of life. Like a stained glass mosaic--the broken pieces together make something far more unique and beautiful than if the glass was never broken at all.
A girl in my small group recently had a breaking moment and shared her longing for a fresh start; these last couple weeks as I've thought about her and have listened to that song, I've been reminded of some of the tangible reminders God has given us...the strength and beauty that can come from allowing ourselves to breakdown and ultimately breakthrough. Is a remodeled house that's gutted down to the studs not built back up to be a more beautiful, stronger and sturdier home? Does a broken bone not heal to be stronger and healthier than before it was broke? Does a rose bush not need to be trimmed back after each spring to continue flourishing? These processes can be (and usually are) messy, painful, arduous, lengthy, and will require help and care above that which we alone can provide. Amen?
But we are exorbitantly resilient. And the end result is magnificent.
It gives life substance and meaning. It brings us closer to others and our Savior. And we find that these pieces of our soul are our most powerful connection to one another.
It's magical and tragic, all the ways we fall apart...
♥ C
But what's so wrong with falling apart?? Why do we run from vulnerability and letting ourselves really feel. We tell ourselves that it's just easier to push it aside and keep moving forward--that exposing the dark crevasses in our minds will only create more problems and burden others.
What lies the devil has caused us to believe...and how readily we do so.
One of my current favorite songs is "We Fall Apart" by We As Human. Every time it comes up on my playlist, I'm reminded of the beauty in the messiness of life. Like a stained glass mosaic--the broken pieces together make something far more unique and beautiful than if the glass was never broken at all.
A girl in my small group recently had a breaking moment and shared her longing for a fresh start; these last couple weeks as I've thought about her and have listened to that song, I've been reminded of some of the tangible reminders God has given us...the strength and beauty that can come from allowing ourselves to breakdown and ultimately breakthrough. Is a remodeled house that's gutted down to the studs not built back up to be a more beautiful, stronger and sturdier home? Does a broken bone not heal to be stronger and healthier than before it was broke? Does a rose bush not need to be trimmed back after each spring to continue flourishing? These processes can be (and usually are) messy, painful, arduous, lengthy, and will require help and care above that which we alone can provide. Amen?
But we are exorbitantly resilient. And the end result is magnificent.
It gives life substance and meaning. It brings us closer to others and our Savior. And we find that these pieces of our soul are our most powerful connection to one another.
It's magical and tragic, all the ways we fall apart...
♥ C
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
"22 Things Happy People Do Differently"
Great article :) Looking at myself, the people I know, and the people/situations I've experienced in life--there's a whole lot of truth to this. Especially when you add a relationship with Christ. We're going to go through some dark times and deep valleys in life, but our joy is a choice, and can never be taken away. Our value of life is so deeply rooted in perspective.
"22 Things Happy People do Differently"
♥ C
"22 Things Happy People do Differently"
♥ C
Monday, May 6, 2013
100 Wisest Words.
Bite-sized wisdoms. Definitely worth the read :)
I love all of these. Except maybe #94...sometimes those babies just need to come off. Haha.
So many good things to remember!--so many significant things we often forget the value of.
♥ C
I love all of these. Except maybe #94...sometimes those babies just need to come off. Haha.
So many good things to remember!--so many significant things we often forget the value of.
♥ C
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
my hands are empty, but my heart is full.
You know those songs, that when you hear them for the first time, they just hit you right where you're at??
Your fears.
Your prayers.
Your struggles.
Your hopes.
The other morning I was driving to class, bright and early, and a song--"Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets--came on the radio.
And life was still for a moment--I can't remember the last time life was that still. It didn't last long, but as I listened to the lyrics, I became overwhelmed by its message. I couldn't help but think, this song was written for me. To me.
It summed up exactly where my heart has been the last few months. Good, but consumed. Consumed with school and work. Consumed by the desire to be home with my family because that's where I feel at peace. Consumed by thoughts of uncertainty as to what my living situation transition will look like in the next couple months. Consumed with some serious and scary life happenings--the kind that make you want to never again forget to tell someone how much you love and appreciate them.
And when all of this is going on, I forget to be consumed by the most important thing of all--my Lord and Savior. Consumed with His peace, His grace, His love, His mercy.
I go through days sometimes, where I let the busy circumstances get the best of me, and when I stop to catch my breath...I feel lonely. And kind of like, welp, not too sure what step to take next. Do you know the feeling??
And for a brief moment within my own life, I'm paralyzed.
It's been is perplexing for me, because it's seemingly different than anything I've worked through before. When people ask how I'm doing, I say "I'm busy but doing well!" Which I am. But part of me feels conflicted because that's not entirely true. But how do I try and express something that I myself and not even sure of?? And something that feels like I'm just complaining and ungrateful? When it seems I should be completely happy and excited about life right now and where it's going.
I just don't know. But what I need to continually remind myself of, is that I am the furthest thing from alone. I have to stop fighting against this emotion. God (and a whole lot of people I love so much) are there with me in the journey.
My hands are empty, but my heart is full.
♥ C
Your fears.
Your prayers.
Your struggles.
Your hopes.
The other morning I was driving to class, bright and early, and a song--"Help Me Find It" by Sidewalk Prophets--came on the radio.
And life was still for a moment--I can't remember the last time life was that still. It didn't last long, but as I listened to the lyrics, I became overwhelmed by its message. I couldn't help but think, this song was written for me. To me.
It summed up exactly where my heart has been the last few months. Good, but consumed. Consumed with school and work. Consumed by the desire to be home with my family because that's where I feel at peace. Consumed by thoughts of uncertainty as to what my living situation transition will look like in the next couple months. Consumed with some serious and scary life happenings--the kind that make you want to never again forget to tell someone how much you love and appreciate them.
And when all of this is going on, I forget to be consumed by the most important thing of all--my Lord and Savior. Consumed with His peace, His grace, His love, His mercy.
I go through days sometimes, where I let the busy circumstances get the best of me, and when I stop to catch my breath...I feel lonely. And kind of like, welp, not too sure what step to take next. Do you know the feeling??
And for a brief moment within my own life, I'm paralyzed.
It's been is perplexing for me, because it's seemingly different than anything I've worked through before. When people ask how I'm doing, I say "I'm busy but doing well!" Which I am. But part of me feels conflicted because that's not entirely true. But how do I try and express something that I myself and not even sure of?? And something that feels like I'm just complaining and ungrateful? When it seems I should be completely happy and excited about life right now and where it's going.
I just don't know. But what I need to continually remind myself of, is that I am the furthest thing from alone. I have to stop fighting against this emotion. God (and a whole lot of people I love so much) are there with me in the journey.
I will trust in you. You've never failed me before. I will wait for you. Whichever road to take, peace whenever I need to be still, whatever Your will....help me find it.
My hands are empty, but my heart is full.
♥ C
Sunday, March 31, 2013
i forget...
I need this reminder. Especially right now, when it is so easy for me to let life's challenges pull me under--I need to remember that, in my life, I have been nothing short of inexplicably blessed.
♥ C
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
collaboration.
Love her!...There is so much truth in this. God didn't intend for us to be "ridin' solo"....he created us to be in relationship and fellowship--using our gifts and talents and different life experiences to collaborate and do life together.
♥ c
Wednesday, March 20, 2013
After Steubenville...
This blog post was SO good. And not just for sons or parents of them--it was all around, for anyone, good. Still absorbing it, but I wanted to share...
♥ C
♥ C
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
"Maggie's Poem"
They read this poem in church this past weekend. So beautiful, and such a great reminder that we truly are the body of Christ, and people notice how we live this out in the world....
Maggie's Poem
Do you know,
do you understand
that you represent
Jesus to me?
Do you know,
do you understand
that when you
treat me with gentleness,
it raises the question in my mind
that maybe he is gentle, too?
Maybe he isn't someone
who laughs when I am hurt.
Do you know,
do you understand
that when you listen to my questions
and you don't laugh,
I think,
"What if Jesus is interested in me, too?"
Do you know,
do you understand
that when I hear you talk about arguments
and conflict and scars from your past
that I think, "Maybe I am just a regular person
instead of a bad, no-good, little girl who deserves abuse?"
If you care,
I think maybe he cares --
and then there's this flame of hope
that burns inside of me,
and for a while,
I am afraid to breathe
because it might go out.
Do you know,
do you understand
that your words are his words?
Your face,
his face
to someone like me?
Please be who you say you are.
Please, God, don't let this be another trick.
Please let this be real.
Please.
Do you know,
do you understand
that you represent
Jesus to me?
do you understand
that you represent
Jesus to me?
Do you know,
do you understand
that when you
treat me with gentleness,
it raises the question in my mind
that maybe he is gentle, too?
Maybe he isn't someone
who laughs when I am hurt.
Do you know,
do you understand
that when you listen to my questions
and you don't laugh,
I think,
"What if Jesus is interested in me, too?"
Do you know,
do you understand
that when I hear you talk about arguments
and conflict and scars from your past
that I think, "Maybe I am just a regular person
instead of a bad, no-good, little girl who deserves abuse?"
If you care,
I think maybe he cares --
and then there's this flame of hope
that burns inside of me,
and for a while,
I am afraid to breathe
because it might go out.
Do you know,
do you understand
that your words are his words?
Your face,
his face
to someone like me?
Please be who you say you are.
Please, God, don't let this be another trick.
Please let this be real.
Please.
Do you know,
do you understand
that you represent
Jesus to me?
Monday, February 4, 2013
"The Super Bowl Gospel"
Yesterday was the Super Bowl....and as per usual, I half-heartedly watched and halfway understood the game, and really didn't care who won (although, based soley on geographical location, I rooted for the San Francisco 49ers :) ). Before the game, I had heard a little bit about Ray Lewis and his story and knew that he was a Christian who spoke openly about his faith. At the end of the game though, he made the comment, "If God is for us, then who can be against us?" Great verse....entirely out of context. The mixing of religion and sports is something that's always kind-of irked me, but I could never really pinpoint why, much less put it into words.
An article was written by CJ Stephens in Relevant Magazine just a few days ago about this very topic, and I thought it was so good (and put together far more eloquently than I ever could have) http://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/nation/super-bowl-gospel
I loved this quote: "The problem here isn’t that faith and sports can't coexist. The problem is that too often faith is used to justify sports accomplishments rather than faith transforming the way that sports are played." It's not that faith and sports don't belong together at all...it's how they come together that we need to be aware of.
And beyond the arena of sports, I felt that there was so much that was applicable to just every day life. Just as in our lives, our faith isn't a means to justify when we are successful--what happens then when we fail??
Our faith is to transform us. As human beings on this earth, our faith should transform how we live and how we approach life's situations and circumstances--regardless of of whether it goes down as a Win or a Loss in the record books.
An article was written by CJ Stephens in Relevant Magazine just a few days ago about this very topic, and I thought it was so good (and put together far more eloquently than I ever could have) http://www.relevantmagazine.com/current/nation/super-bowl-gospel
I loved this quote: "The problem here isn’t that faith and sports can't coexist. The problem is that too often faith is used to justify sports accomplishments rather than faith transforming the way that sports are played." It's not that faith and sports don't belong together at all...it's how they come together that we need to be aware of.
And beyond the arena of sports, I felt that there was so much that was applicable to just every day life. Just as in our lives, our faith isn't a means to justify when we are successful--what happens then when we fail??
Our faith is to transform us. As human beings on this earth, our faith should transform how we live and how we approach life's situations and circumstances--regardless of of whether it goes down as a Win or a Loss in the record books.
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Words.
Let this be my prayer....that my words would not be destructive to the hearts and souls of others. But instead, that my words would be life, that my words would be truth, and that everything I say could only point others straight to You. Start a fire in my heart, Lord.
♥ c
Sunday, January 27, 2013
20 seconds
a great reminder in those times when we feel overcome by anxiety and fear of the unknown.
"...something great will come of it."
♥ C
Friday, January 25, 2013
ponderings of a grateful soul.
A new year has recently begun. I like New Year's. Even though life and time are still continuous, simply flowing from minute 23:59:59 in 2012, to minute 01:00:00 in 2013, and somewhere in there we draw a line. As in a book, one chapter ends and a new one begins, but the previous chapters all the while still remaining relevant and influencing the one to come.
People are generally happier at the beginning of the year (at least the first couple days), which I LOVE :) We reflect on what's passed, and have hope for what this year may hold in store for us.
I've never really been one to make resolutions, but God's been tugging on my heart to make some changes in my life--a renewal of heart and mind. In Romans we're reminded, "No longer conform to the patterns of this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."
So I've been praying for God to reveal the areas in which He sees that these transformations need to take place in me. Starting now, with this new year, what do I need to be doing to be continually moving toward the woman God is molding and shaping me to be? In the last week or so, in the midst of my regular every day life, I've heard His still, small voice. There's been two major areas that have repeatedly been brought to the forefront of my heart and mind--love and intentionality.
Love--
I have some amazing examples of this in my life. People who've shown me what it looks like to love purely, genuinely, and unconditionally. I want to be better at this. I am so quick to judge people and feel that, somehow, I am above them. I need to get into the Word and first understand God's love for me, before I will truly be able to love others. But I can start by simply opening myself up to people. By being willing to meet people wherever they're at. To listen to their story, to lift them up, to encourage them; even when it feels uncomfortable--even if it's not a convenient time for me--even if I know I won't be getting anything from them in return. Because that's at the root of what love is...it's putting someone else's well-being above my own. And that's what I need to be better at.
Intentionality--
Just this morning I started a new Jillian Michaels workout dvd (which kicked my butt), and she said something really good--"Transformation isn't a future event...it is a present action." And while, yes, she was talking about a change in physical health, I thought it was so appropriate and such an awesome motivator for these changes I've had on my heart to make. Especially intentionality, which is 100% self-driven action....intentionality is acting with purpose. Even if my purpose is to relax, it's doing things in a way in which my heart, mind, soul are a part of the process.
I want greater intentionality in:
...my relationship with Christ...
Right now my goal is simply to spend some deliberate quiet time with God each day, to fill more of my average days throughout the week with Him. I've been starting my mornings reading a couple short daily devotionals, which direct my reading and focus (they're ordered by date making it easy to stay on track). I've also been filling my day with more Christian music and less mainstream. It's AMAZING what a difference this makes. We think that it doesn't effect us, that we're just listening to the beat, blah blah blah....that's bologna. It effects the way we think, the things we say, how we look at others, etc. Even though not every Christian song is my favorite (I'm all for skipping to the next one on Pandora), it's important that we realize and take responsibility for the fact that what we watch and listen to truly effects the condition of our hearts. And even the simple adjustment of switching to the Christian station more often throughout the day, has made a great difference.
...my relationships with others...
As I've shared before, making new friends isn't the easiest thing in the world for me; but that aside, I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friends, and a better family than I could have ever dreamed up. I already have these relationships, and I felt God asking "what are you doing to maintain these?" Because relationships are work, they take deliberate action, and have to be maintained from both sides. But they are 100% worth it. And they add such beauty and joy to our lives. It's always so disheartening when I hear about someone who's had a friend who kind of just fell off the grid. A friendship that goes from 60 to 0 in no time at all. But I can't overlook the fact that this could just as easily be one of my relationships. I need to be willing to be the one who makes the first move, who calls someone up, who takes the initiative. Because if we were all waiting for someone else, it would all just dissolve right before our eyes. And what a tragedy it is to see the most beautiful gifts God's given us as people--the ability to be in relation with others--disappear from our lives simply because we didn't take the time to be intentional about it.
...my time...
This is not very easy for me. And the more things I have going and the more disciplined I need to be with my time, the harder it is for me to do. I need to find a healthy balance between school, my job, church, small group, etc. I need to be sure that my daily time with God doesn't get cut out, and that my relationships don't begin to suffer. I need to utilize my love for to-do lists and schedules, tone down my love for social networking and Pinterest :), and use everyday moments for something purposeful. And even on those days when it seems like there is just too much to do and not enough time, I will be comforted by the fact that like everything piece of history, this too shall pass. I'll get through it regardless, but how I do so is the question.
My overall goal: to do it all these things with a little grace and a lot of integrity; with an ability to laugh and to not take myself or life too seriously; and for the condition of my heart to be pleasing to the Lord.
♥ C
People are generally happier at the beginning of the year (at least the first couple days), which I LOVE :) We reflect on what's passed, and have hope for what this year may hold in store for us.
I've never really been one to make resolutions, but God's been tugging on my heart to make some changes in my life--a renewal of heart and mind. In Romans we're reminded, "No longer conform to the patterns of this world; but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will."
So I've been praying for God to reveal the areas in which He sees that these transformations need to take place in me. Starting now, with this new year, what do I need to be doing to be continually moving toward the woman God is molding and shaping me to be? In the last week or so, in the midst of my regular every day life, I've heard His still, small voice. There's been two major areas that have repeatedly been brought to the forefront of my heart and mind--love and intentionality.
Love--
I have some amazing examples of this in my life. People who've shown me what it looks like to love purely, genuinely, and unconditionally. I want to be better at this. I am so quick to judge people and feel that, somehow, I am above them. I need to get into the Word and first understand God's love for me, before I will truly be able to love others. But I can start by simply opening myself up to people. By being willing to meet people wherever they're at. To listen to their story, to lift them up, to encourage them; even when it feels uncomfortable--even if it's not a convenient time for me--even if I know I won't be getting anything from them in return. Because that's at the root of what love is...it's putting someone else's well-being above my own. And that's what I need to be better at.
Intentionality--
Just this morning I started a new Jillian Michaels workout dvd (which kicked my butt), and she said something really good--"Transformation isn't a future event...it is a present action." And while, yes, she was talking about a change in physical health, I thought it was so appropriate and such an awesome motivator for these changes I've had on my heart to make. Especially intentionality, which is 100% self-driven action....intentionality is acting with purpose. Even if my purpose is to relax, it's doing things in a way in which my heart, mind, soul are a part of the process.
I want greater intentionality in:
...my relationship with Christ...
Right now my goal is simply to spend some deliberate quiet time with God each day, to fill more of my average days throughout the week with Him. I've been starting my mornings reading a couple short daily devotionals, which direct my reading and focus (they're ordered by date making it easy to stay on track). I've also been filling my day with more Christian music and less mainstream. It's AMAZING what a difference this makes. We think that it doesn't effect us, that we're just listening to the beat, blah blah blah....that's bologna. It effects the way we think, the things we say, how we look at others, etc. Even though not every Christian song is my favorite (I'm all for skipping to the next one on Pandora), it's important that we realize and take responsibility for the fact that what we watch and listen to truly effects the condition of our hearts. And even the simple adjustment of switching to the Christian station more often throughout the day, has made a great difference.
...my relationships with others...
As I've shared before, making new friends isn't the easiest thing in the world for me; but that aside, I have been blessed with some of the most amazing friends, and a better family than I could have ever dreamed up. I already have these relationships, and I felt God asking "what are you doing to maintain these?" Because relationships are work, they take deliberate action, and have to be maintained from both sides. But they are 100% worth it. And they add such beauty and joy to our lives. It's always so disheartening when I hear about someone who's had a friend who kind of just fell off the grid. A friendship that goes from 60 to 0 in no time at all. But I can't overlook the fact that this could just as easily be one of my relationships. I need to be willing to be the one who makes the first move, who calls someone up, who takes the initiative. Because if we were all waiting for someone else, it would all just dissolve right before our eyes. And what a tragedy it is to see the most beautiful gifts God's given us as people--the ability to be in relation with others--disappear from our lives simply because we didn't take the time to be intentional about it.
...my time...
This is not very easy for me. And the more things I have going and the more disciplined I need to be with my time, the harder it is for me to do. I need to find a healthy balance between school, my job, church, small group, etc. I need to be sure that my daily time with God doesn't get cut out, and that my relationships don't begin to suffer. I need to utilize my love for to-do lists and schedules, tone down my love for social networking and Pinterest :), and use everyday moments for something purposeful. And even on those days when it seems like there is just too much to do and not enough time, I will be comforted by the fact that like everything piece of history, this too shall pass. I'll get through it regardless, but how I do so is the question.
My overall goal: to do it all these things with a little grace and a lot of integrity; with an ability to laugh and to not take myself or life too seriously; and for the condition of my heart to be pleasing to the Lord.
♥ C
Saturday, January 19, 2013
"10 Ways a Lie Grows"
"10 Ways a Lie Grows" -- daviddrury.com
A friend posted this article on Facebook. It has to do with Lance Armstrong and his recent confession to the accusations of taking performance-enhancing drugs (which everyone has seen and heard about through every form of media).
This article was refreshing though because it hit on a point that wasn't just relevant to Armstrong--it hits a tender spot everyone can identify with at some point or another in their lives.
Deception is a part of our human nature. We want to shelter our pride and avoid exposing ourselves to vulnerability. We think that the deceiving of others puts us in the driver's seat, calling the shots and getting ahead--and in the short term, that's often what happens.
But lying and cheating are never events that leave us unscathed--even if externally it goes unnoticed, inside the darkness grows and soon becomes all-consuming. It slowly devours the "life" out of life.
Deception--the prior device of choice for freedom from a situation, has now become the sole thing to hold us captive in a deeper way than we could have ever imagined. And more lies and stories won't free us (we've all tried)---it's only the truth, and taking responsibility, and allowing oneself to become vulnerable to those we've deceived---only that will allow us to be freed of its chains.
I still not even sure how I feel about the whole "Lance Armstrong" situation. I do know though, that his choices to get ahead and take the easy way came back to bite him in the butt--like they always do--and that's going to drastically effect his life from now forward, especially being in such a high-profile position. However, part of me is happy for him. At least glad that he shared the truth; I also imagine that he feels some sort of relief and freedom.
The truth, as painful as it may be, has a way of doing that.
Whatever the outcome may be for him though, overall this is an excellent reminder as we go through our daily walk, especially as a follower of Christ. God called us to a higher standard of living. One filled, not with the lies and temptations of the world, but with truth and freedom in Him and His promises.
♥ C
Monday, January 14, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
"Man's Search for Meaning"
theatlantic.com - "There's More to Life than Being Happy"
A friend of mine sent me ^this^ article yesterday. I've read it over several times, and am finding myself fascinated, intrigued, and most definitely challenged.
I found it especially interesting what Frankl had to say about the European's viewpoint--that American's are continually ordered to be happy. But happiness isn't something to be pursued. It's something we obtain once we uncover the things that give our life a meaning and purpose. The things that push us each day to somehow make ourselves better than the day before.
The question we need to ask ourselves is not, "What can life contribute and give to me so that I will be happy?" but instead, "What can I give and contribute to life and others so that I will find meaning and purpose?"
Happiness and true joy are the result when this comes to fruition in our minds.
A friend of mine sent me ^this^ article yesterday. I've read it over several times, and am finding myself fascinated, intrigued, and most definitely challenged.
I found it especially interesting what Frankl had to say about the European's viewpoint--that American's are continually ordered to be happy. But happiness isn't something to be pursued. It's something we obtain once we uncover the things that give our life a meaning and purpose. The things that push us each day to somehow make ourselves better than the day before.
The question we need to ask ourselves is not, "What can life contribute and give to me so that I will be happy?" but instead, "What can I give and contribute to life and others so that I will find meaning and purpose?"
Happiness and true joy are the result when this comes to fruition in our minds.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
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