Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Wordless Wednesday

God's artwork in the sky has truly been beautiful in the last couple of weeks!  Hope you're all enjoying the nightly (and morning) views:-)


Monday, September 17, 2012

Irritation and Irrigation

I'm in a new Bible self-study and a section of it discusses letting go of things that irritate you and letting your heart be "irrigated" by God's word so that you are a the person God meant you to be.  Good analagy - irritation versus irrigation. 

Irritation - the state of feeling, impatient or angry.  Irrigation - the activity of supplying or providing something (usually water but not always, as in this blog).

We all have situations and things that "get our goat".  The situtations that bug me usually involve certain people or things people do.  As I've gotten older, I've lost patience with stupidity, dishonesty, and people who are underhanded, hurtful or lazy.  I can now easily recognize when someone purposefully behaves a certain way so as to leave one impression with a certain set of people but then behave a completely different way with others.  It is called personality dishonesty.  I've learned that if someone gossips to you about others, that person is gossiping about you to those same others.  I've learned that getting angry with other drivers only makes the drive seem longer - if they want the entire road, I'll slow down and let them have it.  After all, I want to live and I may be late, but I will get there.  I'm learning to step away and step back.

BTW - it is believed that "get my goat" stems from the word goad - people goad you and "get your goat" (or your gander) up.  Just a little trivia there.  Allow is the key word in this process too.  Do you allow certain things and people to make you irritated?  If you do, it's partially your own fault for allowing them to make you feel that way.  Begin the steps to freedom by first recognizing what or who test your religion.  Sometimes the irritation is very purposeful because they know they can make you feel that way.  Sometimes they don't realize that they are doing it but to them life is a constant contest - one they have to win.  You have to decide for yourself whether or not you want to bring it up for discussion - which can sometimes clear the air - or just learn to let go and move on.

If you choose not to discuss it ( and sometimes it's a situation where you just can't) - what do you do?  Do you drive a different way to work?  Do you hang out with other friends?  Do you speak to them but make no future effort to be closer friends?  Do you let them win the contest or stay in constant unspoken battle with them?  My personal opinion?  Some people will always think that they are right and you are wrong (or that you're crazy, paranoid, etc).  Just move on - let them win.  It's okay - I promise!

As you strive to become the man or woman God meant for you to be, it is necessary to let go even though doing so is sometimes painful.  Read God's word daily and let his word "irrigate" your heart.  It will heal your heart and soul.  It will render your hurt and disappointments useless.  They will be forgotten and you will be free.  Your heart will be open for new friendships, new ideas, new things to enjoy!  Your soul will know no boundaries.  Your heart and soul will SING!

Guy Finley stated - "You don't need strength to let go of something.  What you really need is understanding."

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Decisions............

Everything we do in life basically narrows down to decisions.  Not just huge life-changing decisions but also the tiny, boring, insignificant day-to-day, moment-to-moment kind of decisions we make without any forethought.  Do I choose to drink soda all day or drink water which is healthier?  Do I eat a candy bar or do I eat fruit?  Do I drive the speed limit or do I go over the speed limit and risk a ticket or worse, a wreck? 

We have choices every day, all day, about everything.  How many times do we really stop and think before making them?  How many times do we pray and ask for guidance before making them?  I have a couple of decisions to make within the next month - I am praying every day for a "sign" - for guidance that what I'm leaning towards is the right choice :-)

Here are a few quotes to ponder.  I especially love that there are two that emphasize that NOT making a decision actually becomes your decision!
  
In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.  ~Theodore Roosevelt

When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.  ~William James

It's not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.  ~Roy Disney

Indecision becomes decision with time.  ~Author Unknown

Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.  ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

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I am a mother who works full-time but who is also a chauffer, chef, seamstress, fitness instructor, teacher, maid, gardener, runner, organization expert, salesperson, secretary and wife. I love my family and life is always busy but fun! Come along with me for the ride:-)

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