I love a good fight. I like to see my team win. Contests where two equals duke it out until the strongest wins gets my adrenaline rushing and my entire being is consumed in that moment. If the winner is the team or person I'm rooting for, what extreme joy explodes thru me and I love to dance around and shout. It's even more fun if I am taking the side of the underdog against all my family. If my side wins in that situation, PRICELESS!! lol
Imagine being on the Moses team. Millions of people moving through the land based on the cloud by day and the fire by night. You wake up in the morning and the cloud is not over the Tabernacle, it's moving toward the east side of camp. Do you excitedly get everyone up and packing, overjoyed because you are moving today? You're eating bread that no one can bake; it's just there every morning for you to pick up and eat. At least you don't have to try and make breakfast. It's sort of what we do on a busy day; get breakfast from McDonald's on the way out of town in the morning. (well sort of)
So you're on the Moses team. The contest is against those people on the other side of the Jordan river. You have no idea what their strengths or weaknesses are. So being a great coach, Moses chooses scouts from the 12 offensive and defensive teams under his leadership. The objective is to go into their territory and check it all out. Are they strong or weak; are they fortified and dug in, or are they in temporary housing? Is the turf good or bad; rich or poor. You get the picture. They leave and are gone for 40 days.
As they arrive, you see the bounty they are bringing back from their scouting trip. I mean how can you not. Two men are carrying grapes so large they're hanging on poles and carried on the shoulders of two men. Excitement and adrenaline rushes through your body as you anticipate this contest. Just imagine being able to live in a land where grapes are that big, not to mention all that other stuff the other scouts are carrying.
Moses calls a pre-game planning session and everyone attend. Spirits are high, anticipation of the game day is pumping through you and you can't wait to hear the plan. The men are sharing what they saw. When we win this game guys, we are going to live on honey and milk; it flows in that place. I mean just look at this fruit, that's what the land produces over there. BUT there are giants there. They are huge and their cities are fortified like strongholds.
Snap, Crackle, POP! Is that what your dreams would have done? Or would you have been like Caleb? Let's go Team Moses, Let's go!!
Caleb could not convince the people. Matter of fact, the other men's report ended like this. "There we saw the giants (the descendants of Anak came from the giants); and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight." (Numbers 13:33)
What I find interesting is that they saw themselves as grasshoppers and small. Because of this, they assumed that the giants saw them in the same way. They projected in their attitude and their words so much negativity that the entire team, all 12 defensive and offensive teams, except two people, were consumed and defeated with their attitude before the game even began.
As I ponder on this I remember the past history of this Moses team. Before they began this hike in the outdoors, they lived in Egypt. Their ancestors knew about grasshoppers. Oh yes they did! God sent grasshoppers and locusts to terrorize and consume every living plant on the face of the land when Pharaoh, the great king of Egypt, refused to let them go on the hike.
Isn't that how we are sometimes. There's a big bully in our path. We know we are smaller, under weight, not as smart perhaps. So we assume that bully sees us in that way too. Our own negativity and limited insight projects defeat before we even give it our best effort.
Imagine if they would have seen it differently. Grasshoppers consume! They may be small but they can do a lot of damage together! Remember what happened when God sent them into the land in a great swarm? We can do this! Let's go.
What would have happened was just as Caleb said. They could have overcome the giants. They could have swarmed through the camp, consumed the enemy, and taken possession of the land. They were on the winning team, but they could not see themselves that way.
There is one difference between being consumed and being the consumer. One letter; D and R. It's an attitude. You can be a D and be Defeated and negative and never get anywhere in your life. Keep doing the same thing you always do and keep getting what you always get. OR you can be an R. An R is a Realizer. A Realizer is someone who can take something and make a profit out of it. Someone who clearly understands the value of something and is able to convert that into profit.
The result of the Moses teams first response to the game was defeat without fighting. They roamed in the desert until all the men who did not believe died. The victory that was eventually realized was minus several team members. The enemy didn't change; the team changed.
How do you see your situation? Does it defeat you; are you consumed by the overwhelming odds that you see against you? Or are you a realizer? Is there something inside you that sees those same things but the outcome is that you win? The difference is one letter!
Don't waste your past experiences. Negative or positive. Learn from them. Look to realize great things in your future because of what your past has been. You can be consumed or you can be the consumer. Which will it be for you?
As for me, I will possess my dreams!! I will become what I was truly meant to be!! Let's go team, let's go!! We will, we will, rock you!! Sing it together now!! We will, we will, rock you!!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Can you see in the dark?
I can see in the dark. Well, that is when my eyes adjust. I know some people can't do that very well. My husband gets a little aggravated with me at times over that. I'm really not sure why; it's a puzzle. lol He says I have cat eyes. Can cats truly see in the dark? Why cats? Can dogs see in the dark? I don't know. I guess I'll have to look into that later as I digress....
We are so drawn by the obvious; what we see with our eyes. The beautiful compels us. The ugly repels us. We are quick to judge. First impressions are lasting, don't you know.
We are going through the hiring process again and now that I am located several states away from our corporate office, I participate by phone. It's amazing what you see when you're actively listening. One of the best resources I ever hired I never met face-to-face until after he was on our staff for a couple weeks. You truly don't have to meet someone face-to-face in order to get to know them.
We are warned, encouraged and taught to be careful to make a good first impression. Make sure we are dressed appropriately for the occasion, make sure we demonstrate good personal hygiene and comportment.
We are also warned not to judge others just by what we see. Give people a second chance, we are told. The cold fact of the matter is that's a lot easier said than done. We must be constantly vigilant and work hard at leaving the measuring stick in the closet.
CeeLo Green made a statement I heard that I can't get away from and it's so true. He said, "Everyone is the same color when the lights are out." Think about that for a while. If I was writing in Biblical times, I'd say, 'Selah'.
The Bible tells us that God looks on the heart. He is concerned more with our heart because from there the true motivation of a person will eventually be seen or will become evident in actions. If we can get our heart right, the other things will fall into place.
As I ponder today, I close my eyes and think about the people I admire most. Is it because of what I see with my physical eyes, or am I attracted to the condition of their heart. To be fair, there are people I really don't like. I'm pondering those too. Am I being unfair and judgmental because of what I see with my eyes or is it because of what I see in the dark?
We are so drawn by the obvious; what we see with our eyes. The beautiful compels us. The ugly repels us. We are quick to judge. First impressions are lasting, don't you know.
We are going through the hiring process again and now that I am located several states away from our corporate office, I participate by phone. It's amazing what you see when you're actively listening. One of the best resources I ever hired I never met face-to-face until after he was on our staff for a couple weeks. You truly don't have to meet someone face-to-face in order to get to know them.
We are warned, encouraged and taught to be careful to make a good first impression. Make sure we are dressed appropriately for the occasion, make sure we demonstrate good personal hygiene and comportment.
We are also warned not to judge others just by what we see. Give people a second chance, we are told. The cold fact of the matter is that's a lot easier said than done. We must be constantly vigilant and work hard at leaving the measuring stick in the closet.
CeeLo Green made a statement I heard that I can't get away from and it's so true. He said, "Everyone is the same color when the lights are out." Think about that for a while. If I was writing in Biblical times, I'd say, 'Selah'.
The Bible tells us that God looks on the heart. He is concerned more with our heart because from there the true motivation of a person will eventually be seen or will become evident in actions. If we can get our heart right, the other things will fall into place.
As I ponder today, I close my eyes and think about the people I admire most. Is it because of what I see with my physical eyes, or am I attracted to the condition of their heart. To be fair, there are people I really don't like. I'm pondering those too. Am I being unfair and judgmental because of what I see with my eyes or is it because of what I see in the dark?
Monday, January 16, 2012
Don't Drink The Water From The Faucet
Isn't it truly amazing how many water products are now on the market? Honestly! You can find water with electrolytes, vitamins, energy boosters, etc. There's spring water, mountain water, rain water, and on and on they go. Just don't drink the water from the faucet; it's contaminated with all sorts of things you don't want to know about. That's the message, right? As I sit here pondering on my need to drink more water and all the benefits I've been ignoring, I'm reminded about the water story in the Bible.
It's about Jesus' trip through Samaria. He found himself thirsty and sat by the well waiting for someone to come who could give him a drink. It's found in the book of John, chapter 4. The two verses that I will refer to here are verses 13 and 14; from The Message version it reads like this, "Jesus said, everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst --- not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."
You know Jesus was the Master Storyteller. His stories intrigue me because they can usually be tied back to the things he created. He uses so many analogies and allegories to engage our minds so that we can apply them to our lives and understand their importance. So I decide to look at the known facts about water and see how much they can be applied to spiritual need.
• A person can live for up to one month without food, but only about one week without water.
• By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over 1 percent of its total water amount.
• Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
• Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.
• Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.
• Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
• Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.
I think there are many applications that can be made from these. Pastor Kenneth Haney preached a powerful message at Firstborn Ministries about the importance of renewing our minds daily which comes to mind as I write this note. He challenged us to be diligent in the renewing of our minds daily. He quoted this passage:
“I beseech you there, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12: 1-2
Get rid of the stinkin’ thinkin’ that’s between your ears! The only way we can be healthy Christians is to flush out all the waste and bacteria of the world through the infilling of the Holy Ghost on a daily basis. The headache, sickness and disease of the world prevent a healthy glow of the spirit. But proper daily cleansing with nourishment from the Word and spirit of God will transport nutrients into your mind and body that are essential to your personal health and the proper circulation and spreading of revival to the world.
From this point on, my water of choice is Spirit water. The Message version of this same scripture puts it like this and sums up my choice pretty well:
“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:1-2)
It's about Jesus' trip through Samaria. He found himself thirsty and sat by the well waiting for someone to come who could give him a drink. It's found in the book of John, chapter 4. The two verses that I will refer to here are verses 13 and 14; from The Message version it reads like this, "Jesus said, everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again and again. Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst --- not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life."
You know Jesus was the Master Storyteller. His stories intrigue me because they can usually be tied back to the things he created. He uses so many analogies and allegories to engage our minds so that we can apply them to our lives and understand their importance. So I decide to look at the known facts about water and see how much they can be applied to spiritual need.
• A person can live for up to one month without food, but only about one week without water.
• By the time a person feels thirsty, his or her body has lost over 1 percent of its total water amount.
• Water leads to overall greater health by flushing out wastes and bacteria that can cause disease.
• Water can prevent and alleviate headaches.
• Water naturally moisturizes skin and ensures proper cellular formation underneath layers of skin to give it a healthy, glowing appearance.
• Water aids in the digestion process and prevents constipation.
• Water is the primary mode of transportation for all nutrients in the body and is essential for proper circulation.
I think there are many applications that can be made from these. Pastor Kenneth Haney preached a powerful message at Firstborn Ministries about the importance of renewing our minds daily which comes to mind as I write this note. He challenged us to be diligent in the renewing of our minds daily. He quoted this passage:
“I beseech you there, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12: 1-2
Get rid of the stinkin’ thinkin’ that’s between your ears! The only way we can be healthy Christians is to flush out all the waste and bacteria of the world through the infilling of the Holy Ghost on a daily basis. The headache, sickness and disease of the world prevent a healthy glow of the spirit. But proper daily cleansing with nourishment from the Word and spirit of God will transport nutrients into your mind and body that are essential to your personal health and the proper circulation and spreading of revival to the world.
From this point on, my water of choice is Spirit water. The Message version of this same scripture puts it like this and sums up my choice pretty well:
“So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.” (Romans 12:1-2)
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Do you have room for one more?
I wonder how long Joseph had to search for a place before the innkeeper offered his stable? Were people rude and too busy because of all the hustle and bustle of Christmas? Did the people take time to sincerely help Joseph? As he waited for the innkeepers, were there line crashers and impatient people behind him saying rude things about a man who would take his very pregnant wife out during such a busy time?
Just like that Christmas so long ago, I am finding people who don't have room in their lives for others. They are so busy with creating the most perfectly decorated home, or buying the perfect gift that they don't truly "see" others. Worse, they may even be searching for a gift for someone who they really don't care for and wish that they didn't feel the pressure to buy "something" for them. Some are checking their notes from last year and "re-gifting" that dumb gift from Auntie Sallie's second cousin who felt obligated to bring the hostess a gift, hoping that no one realizes what they did.
A room? Are you kidding? You want to bring a guest? But we didn't buy them a gift? How will they feel not getting a gift? Really? Is that what this precious time of celebrating Christ's birth means to you?
At least, 2000+ years ago, the true state of affairs was that there truly wasn't one more place to put someone in the inn. It's a sad tale. No woman in her right mind can fathom what that must have really been like. But today, it's appalling that we can't seat one more person at the already overflowing table. It's appalling that we don't want to take the time to share our blessings with just one more person. It's appalling to think that we may have truly lost the real meaning of Christmas.
I remember times when my dad would call and tell my mom unexpected guests would be coming. Oh, yes, she wasn't perfect. (sorry mom) She would sometimes complain. Our house wasn't clean enough. We didn't have enough food. She was too tired. BUT, she would make the room. She would improvise and create a wonderful meal that stretched. And surprisingly enough, those were great and memorable times. We had great fun and we gained insight and friends by sharing what we did have.
So I ponder today. Am I rushing around and ignoring people and being too busy to see needs in others? Am I truly forgetting the true reason for this wonderful season? Am I shutting out others just so I have a "perfect" holiday? Am I being rude and unkind to the shoppers around me?
What about you? Do you have room for one more?
Just like that Christmas so long ago, I am finding people who don't have room in their lives for others. They are so busy with creating the most perfectly decorated home, or buying the perfect gift that they don't truly "see" others. Worse, they may even be searching for a gift for someone who they really don't care for and wish that they didn't feel the pressure to buy "something" for them. Some are checking their notes from last year and "re-gifting" that dumb gift from Auntie Sallie's second cousin who felt obligated to bring the hostess a gift, hoping that no one realizes what they did.
A room? Are you kidding? You want to bring a guest? But we didn't buy them a gift? How will they feel not getting a gift? Really? Is that what this precious time of celebrating Christ's birth means to you?
At least, 2000+ years ago, the true state of affairs was that there truly wasn't one more place to put someone in the inn. It's a sad tale. No woman in her right mind can fathom what that must have really been like. But today, it's appalling that we can't seat one more person at the already overflowing table. It's appalling that we don't want to take the time to share our blessings with just one more person. It's appalling to think that we may have truly lost the real meaning of Christmas.
I remember times when my dad would call and tell my mom unexpected guests would be coming. Oh, yes, she wasn't perfect. (sorry mom) She would sometimes complain. Our house wasn't clean enough. We didn't have enough food. She was too tired. BUT, she would make the room. She would improvise and create a wonderful meal that stretched. And surprisingly enough, those were great and memorable times. We had great fun and we gained insight and friends by sharing what we did have.
So I ponder today. Am I rushing around and ignoring people and being too busy to see needs in others? Am I truly forgetting the true reason for this wonderful season? Am I shutting out others just so I have a "perfect" holiday? Am I being rude and unkind to the shoppers around me?
What about you? Do you have room for one more?
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Love is All You Need
To a stable long ago he came
A place where you and I would be ashamed
To make our entrance into the world
No trumpets, flags left unfurled.
How could the Savior, the king
Come to earth where only angels sing
The tidings of comfort and joy
A humble place with no ploy
This is not what we’d expect
Yet even now with great effect
We try to impress others
With gifts for sister and brothers
When the only thing that truly matters
Is the selfless love that shatters
Even the coziest of places
And the hardest of faces
Because our Savior our King did come
From Heaven above with angelic anthem
To share the knowledge and truth
With men, women child and youth
Do what is just and right
Love mercy with all your might
Walk humbly with your God
And one day you will be awed
When you find yourself at His feet
30 seconds of silence when you meet
Because the love of this great man
Over the world did span
Brought life and love to you
Your sisters and brothers too
Be happy and love without malice
Drink deep from life’s chalice
Share what has been given to you
From the babe in a stable, not a statue
The greatest of gifts, one that is rife
With Love and Everlasting Life!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Nearsighted People Are Better Friends
I wear glasses; well, I do when I have to. Actually, I'm supposed to wear them all the time. But I am able to see what I need to get by in my home. When someone is curious about my eyesight, they often ask, "Are you near or farsighted? I always have to pause for a minute and think about that....let's see, it's opposite of the words. I can see clearly when things are near so, then I can answer, "I'm farsighted."
These past few weeks have been troublesome to me. The earpiece on my glasses came apart. The soldering failed to hold it together. Now I didn't purchase these locally, so it has been a service nightmare. We'll save that story for another time, perhaps. I could not drive since I can't see far away and I have depth perception issues. I finally found that jewelers actually can fix these things. I got them fixed and returned to a normal lifestyle this week. :-)
This along with my devotions in Ephesians got me to pondering this morning and I've decided that nearsighted people are better friends.
If you can see far away, you can go places alone or bring someone with you. If you can't see far away, you have to get a nearsighted friend to help you. If your friend is farsighted and has the same deficiencies that you do with eyesight, then you'll not be able to venture very far from where you are, unless of course, they have eyeglasses.
While I had this issue with my glasses, I complained a lot. Yes, I did. I had to ask people to come closer. I couldn't drive and had to wait for someone to take me places. I had to move the computer closer to me so I could work. My eyes got tired more easily and I was irritable more often. The immediate things overshadowed and drowned opportunities that I might have had.
I find that's true in my spiritual life as well. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we need to put on the armor of God daily. Why? Because if we don't we're farsighted and not a very good friend to have. We lack the things that would give us power, strength, peace and faith. Without these things, we will not be able to stand strong. We'll be complainers and doubters. We won't be able to do anything on our own. We'll need others to prop us up and drive us places. We might even have unintentional failures where we could have succeeded if we'd only put on our glasses, our spiritual armor.
Nearsighted people are more like Christ. They don't ignore the immediate, but they balance it by what they see in the future. They see the opportunities in things, not the overwhelming hard work that must be done today to get there. They see the good in the person that's currently contentious because they don't understand; they see this persons need for knowledge and they take the time to instruct them knowing that they will become the next Sunday School teacher with enthusiasm and impact.
You see, nearsighted people are better friends. They put their glasses on daily. They might have to take them off for a moment and clean them from all the mud that was kicked up in their face, but when they put those glasses back on, they keep looking ahead and pursuing the prize that is set before them. Why? Because they put on their armor every day.
I'll let the Word of God have the last say. Ephesians 6:10-18 in The Message Version:
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
These past few weeks have been troublesome to me. The earpiece on my glasses came apart. The soldering failed to hold it together. Now I didn't purchase these locally, so it has been a service nightmare. We'll save that story for another time, perhaps. I could not drive since I can't see far away and I have depth perception issues. I finally found that jewelers actually can fix these things. I got them fixed and returned to a normal lifestyle this week. :-)
This along with my devotions in Ephesians got me to pondering this morning and I've decided that nearsighted people are better friends.
If you can see far away, you can go places alone or bring someone with you. If you can't see far away, you have to get a nearsighted friend to help you. If your friend is farsighted and has the same deficiencies that you do with eyesight, then you'll not be able to venture very far from where you are, unless of course, they have eyeglasses.
While I had this issue with my glasses, I complained a lot. Yes, I did. I had to ask people to come closer. I couldn't drive and had to wait for someone to take me places. I had to move the computer closer to me so I could work. My eyes got tired more easily and I was irritable more often. The immediate things overshadowed and drowned opportunities that I might have had.
I find that's true in my spiritual life as well. Paul tells us in Ephesians that we need to put on the armor of God daily. Why? Because if we don't we're farsighted and not a very good friend to have. We lack the things that would give us power, strength, peace and faith. Without these things, we will not be able to stand strong. We'll be complainers and doubters. We won't be able to do anything on our own. We'll need others to prop us up and drive us places. We might even have unintentional failures where we could have succeeded if we'd only put on our glasses, our spiritual armor.
Nearsighted people are more like Christ. They don't ignore the immediate, but they balance it by what they see in the future. They see the opportunities in things, not the overwhelming hard work that must be done today to get there. They see the good in the person that's currently contentious because they don't understand; they see this persons need for knowledge and they take the time to instruct them knowing that they will become the next Sunday School teacher with enthusiasm and impact.
You see, nearsighted people are better friends. They put their glasses on daily. They might have to take them off for a moment and clean them from all the mud that was kicked up in their face, but when they put those glasses back on, they keep looking ahead and pursuing the prize that is set before them. Why? Because they put on their armor every day.
I'll let the Word of God have the last say. Ephesians 6:10-18 in The Message Version:
"And that about wraps it up. God is strong, and he wants you strong. So take everything the Master has set out for you, well-made weapons of the best materials. And put them to use so you will be able to stand up to everything the Devil throws your way. This is no afternoon athletic contest that we'll walk away from and forget about in a couple of hours. This is for keeps, a life-or-death fight to the finish against the Devil and all his angels.
Be prepared. You're up against far more than you can handle on your own. Take all the help you can get, every weapon God has issued, so that when it's all over but the shouting you'll still be on your feet. Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation are more than words. Learn how to apply them. You'll need them throughout your life. God's Word is an indispensable weapon. In the same way, prayer is essential in this ongoing warfare. Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each others spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out."
I don't know about you, but I'm putting my glasses on this morning. I want to be a nearsighted friend of God today!Friday, August 12, 2011
Leave me alone! I like being Blind, ok?
I have the day off so I take my cup of coffee and my book out to the deck to enjoy the morning. It's 72 degrees, partly cloudy and a great morning to relax on the deck. This is something very rare and precious to me. Great laziness overcomes me and I lay my book aside, adjust the deck chair to the recline position, lay back and close my eyes.
What a joy to hear the sounds that surround me; lawns being mowed, the birds are chirping away and the dog is in the deck chair beside me enjoying the day. I smell the broasted chicken being cooked at the deli of the store just a few houses away and my mouth is watering. Wind begins to blow through the leaves and it's like music to my ears. Relaxation is about to totally overcome me and the pondering begins.
Blindness. What a terrible handicap. As I lie here identifying all the things I hear, I can also see it in my mind. What if I had never seen a lawn being mowed, would I recognize the sound? If I'd never ate broasted chicken from the deli, would I recognize the smell; would my mouth water at the thought of it? No. Someone would have to describe them as best they could so that I would know what they were. Better yet, I'd have to experience them myself to get the fullest understanding so I'd recognize them the next time.
Over the years my eyesight has deteriorated. I've had to purchase eyeglasses with progressive lenses to see more clearly. I really don't like glasses. However the alternative is not acceptable either. Sometimes I'll delay putting on my glasses for a while. It's fine while I am working around the house. But when I try to look across the street or I have to drive to the store, the glasses have to be put on in order to see more clearly and eliminate the distortion. As much as I hate them, they are essential to my ability to see more than a few feet around me.
My heart asks me a question....what about spiritual blindness? As I think of this question I am struck by the thoughts that rush through me. Do I see the things I should? Can I identify the sounds I hear around me? Have I experienced the things that I should so I can identify them when my eyes are closed? Do I hear the wind blowing through my world? Do I hear the beautiful sounds of birds chirping and smell the things God is preparing for us? Does my mouth water in anticipation of the next service I will participate in or the next message that will be served up in my hearing? Do I need eyeglasses? If so, have I gone for that examination to see exactly what it is I need? Have I asked the right questions of the Savior so that I understand what my needs are?
Honestly, I want to balk at these thoughts. I even want to say leave me alone! I like being blind, ok? I know what to expect of myself and my environment just the way it is. I know where the furniture is and I know what's expected of me in my current environment. I have disappointments and there are things that I wish were different, but hey, I'm good! Leave me alone! At least I know what to expect, right? Some things will never change. Acceptance is my friend, right? Better to just leave things alone as they are. Like I said, I like being blind!
But there are two songs that just play over and over in my mind and I can't get block them out. Open the Eyes of my Heart and If We are the Body. As I let myself hear these songs clearly in my mind, my throat is constricting with the unspoken longing from deep inside. I know that if I give into this and talk to the Master optometrist of the soul, I'll have to submit to the examination of my eyes and he'll examine my heart and point out the things that I need to work on.
What will it cost me to remain as I am? Who will be impacted by my blindness? Why am I even questioning these things? There are two spirits raging inside me. Which one will win?
Someone once said, the winner is the one you feed.....................pondering continues...............
What a joy to hear the sounds that surround me; lawns being mowed, the birds are chirping away and the dog is in the deck chair beside me enjoying the day. I smell the broasted chicken being cooked at the deli of the store just a few houses away and my mouth is watering. Wind begins to blow through the leaves and it's like music to my ears. Relaxation is about to totally overcome me and the pondering begins.
Blindness. What a terrible handicap. As I lie here identifying all the things I hear, I can also see it in my mind. What if I had never seen a lawn being mowed, would I recognize the sound? If I'd never ate broasted chicken from the deli, would I recognize the smell; would my mouth water at the thought of it? No. Someone would have to describe them as best they could so that I would know what they were. Better yet, I'd have to experience them myself to get the fullest understanding so I'd recognize them the next time.
Over the years my eyesight has deteriorated. I've had to purchase eyeglasses with progressive lenses to see more clearly. I really don't like glasses. However the alternative is not acceptable either. Sometimes I'll delay putting on my glasses for a while. It's fine while I am working around the house. But when I try to look across the street or I have to drive to the store, the glasses have to be put on in order to see more clearly and eliminate the distortion. As much as I hate them, they are essential to my ability to see more than a few feet around me.
My heart asks me a question....what about spiritual blindness? As I think of this question I am struck by the thoughts that rush through me. Do I see the things I should? Can I identify the sounds I hear around me? Have I experienced the things that I should so I can identify them when my eyes are closed? Do I hear the wind blowing through my world? Do I hear the beautiful sounds of birds chirping and smell the things God is preparing for us? Does my mouth water in anticipation of the next service I will participate in or the next message that will be served up in my hearing? Do I need eyeglasses? If so, have I gone for that examination to see exactly what it is I need? Have I asked the right questions of the Savior so that I understand what my needs are?
Honestly, I want to balk at these thoughts. I even want to say leave me alone! I like being blind, ok? I know what to expect of myself and my environment just the way it is. I know where the furniture is and I know what's expected of me in my current environment. I have disappointments and there are things that I wish were different, but hey, I'm good! Leave me alone! At least I know what to expect, right? Some things will never change. Acceptance is my friend, right? Better to just leave things alone as they are. Like I said, I like being blind!
But there are two songs that just play over and over in my mind and I can't get block them out. Open the Eyes of my Heart and If We are the Body. As I let myself hear these songs clearly in my mind, my throat is constricting with the unspoken longing from deep inside. I know that if I give into this and talk to the Master optometrist of the soul, I'll have to submit to the examination of my eyes and he'll examine my heart and point out the things that I need to work on.
What will it cost me to remain as I am? Who will be impacted by my blindness? Why am I even questioning these things? There are two spirits raging inside me. Which one will win?
Someone once said, the winner is the one you feed.....................pondering continues...............
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