I can't sleep,
for once I know why,
A lot of you know that some of my inspiration for my blogs come from a certain friend I have on face book with some very very extreme and different beliefs then mine. (This is putting it nicely) Even when we have made each other mad, or have completely and utterly ignored or disagreed with the other we have maintained a certain degree of respect if for nothing more then the debate and the fact that we have known each other since 1st grade. For me the chance to defend my faith and opinions and in so doing learn just a little more about my apologetic abilities. It's also kept me aware of the arguments against "Christianity" that are out there because it never hurts to know the criticism of your faith. These reasons often out weighed the sometimes absurd and insensitive things he could come up with. Or the rather hateful things he would say toward "Christians"
I say that to say this
This will more then likely be my last blog inspired by (lets just call him Chad). I always thought it would be out of anger that I would delete him as a friend. That one of these days I would just read one of his intolerant and ill thought out status or comment on my status and delete him. I always thought about it and decided I didn't want to be one of those "Christians" that hes already said have done that to him because they didn't like what he had to say.Because their Holier then thouness kept them from seeing the truth about their faith.
Holier-than-thou a label I DO NOT want to have...or bible thumping...The idea is pure but the methods are lacking... both those titles require judging and hell fire and a I'm better then you attitude...that's not exactly what God had in mind when he said to go and make disciples....
However, the reason for walking away from this friendship (if you can call it that) is to me 100 times sadder then anger at a stupid status. It's the blackness of a heart. A heart that is so full of righteous hate it can't find sympathy for the hurting at least not.if the hurting is "Christian." A person that honestly believes that Christians deserve to be persecuted because of the deeds done by sinful people in the name of God in the past I really don't need in my life.
I know I'm a very calm, and loving person who sometimes sees the brokenness of the world and cry's real big tears...I mean I can't hardly watch violent TV shows and movies...Actually I really can't at all. They make my stomach upset and my head hurt. So for me it's really really REALLY hard to even wrap my mind around anyone even thinking that persecuting (I'm talking all kinds, extreme and not extreme Violent and nonviolent) is in some way justified or deserved or okay...EVER.
Today and really gradually lately conversations with (Chad) have left me feeling sad, they make my heart hurt. I mean how can anyone stand up to such blind and certain hatred? Our discussions have escalated quicker and quicker and the people he has in his court seem to be getting more and more extreme as well, So.much.anger.
The fun of the debate is no longer outweighing the negativity....and I don't need it in my life. Like my Pastor in Milwaukee said be careful that your faith is not hurt.
So. Much. Anger.....Anger at "Christians" because they make mistakes because some people that call themselves Christian are not in fact Christian at all. That we are all lumped together as pushy judgmental, gay hating, close minded people. The anger at my God because hes' not ALL LOVE like so many religions want you to embrace nowadays. Law and Gospel....Balance...Sins and Forgiveness for Sins...
I'm no better then he.
My faith is not something to be trifled with, nor is it something I will tolerate being mocked. My faith and hope in God is single handedly the ONLY thing that gets me out of bed in the morning. If I didn't have that hope that hope in a future that promise of heaven....I would be angry too. I've been there with out hope, without faith and it almost destroyed me...
All my life I've seen a world, that hates evil more then it loves good. This is how a heart breaks...turn on the News.
My heart breaks daily....how do you think God feels? Sometimes I wonder if he ever regrets promising to not flood the world again and start over. I can tell you this current world is lucky I'm not God....
Me I'm thankful for my rainbows, and even the rain, I'm thankful for sharing his word with children I'm thankful for the rewards in having 4 year old tell me the bible story at the end of the week. I'm thankful for hope...Though I deserve nothing, though I am no better then Chad I am ahead simply because I chose faith. Do not you dare suggest my faith is not tested, or understood because I have searched the other side.. the side without faith and found it black and fathomless....
He has just a little more time to clarify his statement....but God is preparing for me for the fact that he won't He seriously means that what ISIS is doing right now is okay because it's simply making the "Christian" less dominate in the world. He really is okay with that fact that if we ever got tot he point here in America where Christians could be killed here for their belief in God that I Leah could go up there and die....because as he put it "It's your turn to be on the other end of the Woomping Stick."
So.Much.Anger.
and my heart breaks. for a dear friend that has a "Spirit" come to him while meditating years ago...and ask if he could enter him and give him knowledge...for a friend so lost and ensnared in the world of sin and Satan that he is but an empty shell of the friend I have known for over 20 years. I am sad for the fact that each day that "Spirit" or demon has just a little more of (Chad) that the rest of the world will be missing out on. Yet at the same time it's time, it's time for me to walk away. All I can do is pray....Maybe someday...
This is how a heart breaks.... watching friends walk down roads you can not, dare not go, and you can do absolutely nothing to stop it.
Pray.
Friday, September 12, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
The Easy Way/ Rage and War
This past spring I ran into a family that did not much care for my teaching, abilities, methods, or for me in general. It's been a struggle ever since inside myself, to forgive the nasty letter, the lack of communication and the basically not fair opinions they still harbor toward me. It's been a struggle and honestly I did not ever actually DEAL with these issues. The anger, the hurt, and the general dislike for said family. I just told myself (a few more weeks and it will be over) they even flat out said If I don't go they will go. Well I didn't go..
Summer started I was blessed to work with the school age children and that included their other child. So I dealt with the rudeness and unfriendliness near everyday. But that's okay it's just for summer it's not the same as school...the anger, the hurt, the general dislike for fellow man lingered.
Now summer is passing and with no other options my class turned out to be the lesser of evils...
I cried, I cried from frustration and not understanding just what I did to make this family dislike me so much, I cried for the fact that they don't like me and that bothers me, because God forbid someone not like me. I cried and all the joy and excitement of starting out this new year was gone in the simple words "they enrolled"
Yet that voice in my heart behind my eyes whispers "This is the day the Lord has made"
I was so counting on just letting it be, just trying to move on and do my job as best I can. So counting on the problem just going away. But that's rarely how life works, and certainly God isn't going to let bitterness dwell in my heart chocking out his word.
7X70
Somewhere in the midst of my tantrum today over the whole unfairness of it all, it dawned on me, God didn't let them find a better option, God didn't remove them from my life. That maybe their is a reason for this. For me and for them. They had to swallow a lot of pride, and a lot of very unfeeling and hurtful words to come back. We all lose...yet I fear they feel I have won.
Maybe the problem all along is that I have done nothing NOTHING but regard this family as simply a "problem" and not individuals, hurting, lost, in need of God's word and doing the best they can for their children. Does this realization make this situation any less awkward no. But maybe just maybe it can make it less upsetting. Does this realization make me want to forgive them and oh my...LOVE THEM as God demands? No. But I bet it will help me get their a whole lot faster.
So forgive me for my melt-down, for my lack of faith that God's got this,that hes up to something bigger then me, them, and this. I wanted to quit and probably if I could find another job I might have but that solves nothing. I'm scared yes, could they make my job a lot harder, yes...but that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. I always do this, get upset but in the end, through all the stuff I have gone through in my profession the past 9 years. Despite my gripping and complaining and belly aching...I've ALWAYS done my job to the GLORY of God and to the best of my ability. Every situation that has felt like the end of the world has worked out just fine in the end...I'm glad to have that knowledge to cling to now... No matter how unfair whatever it is I'm dealing with is(or seems to be). I'm.not.about.to.stop.now.
"Whatever you do, do for the Glory of God"
In all things God works for the glory of those who love them ~Romans 8~
I could pray that God takes this cup from me, that they move to something else, and I'll most likely get a solid no. Or I could pray as I ask you to pray, that God can use all of this to his glory, that I can do what I"m on earth to do. I'm upset don't get me wrong still very upset...this won't be easy and I'm human I'll go down kicking and screaming...and God will still do as he will.
I.am.believing.God. Abba Father...
I go months with out writing and now I've so much I want to write about. Feast of famine I suppose.
Summer started I was blessed to work with the school age children and that included their other child. So I dealt with the rudeness and unfriendliness near everyday. But that's okay it's just for summer it's not the same as school...the anger, the hurt, the general dislike for fellow man lingered.
Now summer is passing and with no other options my class turned out to be the lesser of evils...
I cried, I cried from frustration and not understanding just what I did to make this family dislike me so much, I cried for the fact that they don't like me and that bothers me, because God forbid someone not like me. I cried and all the joy and excitement of starting out this new year was gone in the simple words "they enrolled"
Yet that voice in my heart behind my eyes whispers "This is the day the Lord has made"
I was so counting on just letting it be, just trying to move on and do my job as best I can. So counting on the problem just going away. But that's rarely how life works, and certainly God isn't going to let bitterness dwell in my heart chocking out his word.
7X70
Somewhere in the midst of my tantrum today over the whole unfairness of it all, it dawned on me, God didn't let them find a better option, God didn't remove them from my life. That maybe their is a reason for this. For me and for them. They had to swallow a lot of pride, and a lot of very unfeeling and hurtful words to come back. We all lose...yet I fear they feel I have won.
Maybe the problem all along is that I have done nothing NOTHING but regard this family as simply a "problem" and not individuals, hurting, lost, in need of God's word and doing the best they can for their children. Does this realization make this situation any less awkward no. But maybe just maybe it can make it less upsetting. Does this realization make me want to forgive them and oh my...LOVE THEM as God demands? No. But I bet it will help me get their a whole lot faster.
So forgive me for my melt-down, for my lack of faith that God's got this,that hes up to something bigger then me, them, and this. I wanted to quit and probably if I could find another job I might have but that solves nothing. I'm scared yes, could they make my job a lot harder, yes...but that doesn't necessarily have to be a bad thing. I always do this, get upset but in the end, through all the stuff I have gone through in my profession the past 9 years. Despite my gripping and complaining and belly aching...I've ALWAYS done my job to the GLORY of God and to the best of my ability. Every situation that has felt like the end of the world has worked out just fine in the end...I'm glad to have that knowledge to cling to now... No matter how unfair whatever it is I'm dealing with is(or seems to be). I'm.not.about.to.stop.now.
"Whatever you do, do for the Glory of God"
In all things God works for the glory of those who love them ~Romans 8~
I could pray that God takes this cup from me, that they move to something else, and I'll most likely get a solid no. Or I could pray as I ask you to pray, that God can use all of this to his glory, that I can do what I"m on earth to do. I'm upset don't get me wrong still very upset...this won't be easy and I'm human I'll go down kicking and screaming...and God will still do as he will.
I.am.believing.God. Abba Father...
I go months with out writing and now I've so much I want to write about. Feast of famine I suppose.
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Money...Love
I almost wrote a blog, a blog full of judgmental, opinionated, feelings. This is a blog written with a specific family in mind, a personal struggle that has been ongoing in my life for almost half a year now....
I almost wrote it justifying it as truth, with out one though of the unforgivness in me, the selfishness in me to hold a families wealth against them, simply because I don't know what it's like. I mean come on I know this family, they don't like me, they never gave me a chance they didn't need too... and they obviously have money plenty of it, and they like that fact.
Some people you meet can have all the money they need and then some and be kind, giving, and respectful but more often then not when the average individual looks at the rich (define rich anyway you want it's not hard to be richer then me) they think
Wealthy = Greed
When the wealthy (wealthy for Dowagiac Area) look at the average individual they think
Poor = Scorn
Ah, stereotypes such an easy way for sin to slip in and say, ah, it's the truth everyone says it.
I struggle with equating rich people with meanness, rudeness, and obnoxiousness. Even though I have encountered many many well off people that were just the opposite. To often in this world the negative overshadows the good. Even in your life experiences. I've had many negative experience with people that have more money then me and think because they have that money they are entitled (there's that word again) to treat me like crap or really ANYONE they meet because they have the money to do it. If they don't like something they can afford to go somewhere else no skin of their back, they can step on scoff at and bad talk anyone because they have the money and lets get real here in this world "Money talks"
Sure dirt poor people can be just as mean and ornery but they can't do much about it, they cant just buy something new because they don't like what they have, they can't just find a new place to send their children because they don't like a change at the current daycare. Poor people just don't have so many options and therefor thier mean is often different then someone who can afford to be mean.
So lets break this down, I'm kind of all scrambled here because I'm dealing with my own anger toward a family that just happens to have the money to be mean.
Wealth doesn't necessarily equal mean. Just as being poor doesn't necessarily mean being nice. Nor does being Christian mean you will be a super amazing person anymore then not being a "Christian" mean being a terrible example of a human being.
However I think that meanness isn't made by wealth, wealth just magnifies a persons soul good or bad. Often in this world since it takes being thick skinned to progress up the money chain more mean spirited people tend to get there then the kind hearted. Because that's what the American Dream is now, something only for someone willing to step on everyone else to get it.
It's not a far stretch from being spoiled and being rich. Their is also a difference between being born into a wealthy family and making a wealthy family. A different sort of entitlement goes with each scenario, and since I am neither I'll leave it alone my struggles currently are with the born wealthy. The I don't have to work if I don't want to ever and I can spend all that I want to and still be living well. The obnoxious in your face look at my vanity plate on my over sized vehicles that roar when you drive them loud enough to make that person i the mini-van jump when they pass them on the road.
As I started to write a blog titled "what's that like" I realized that it's got nothing to do with money. It's got everything to do with where you are at with God. It's got everything to do with my own personal opinion on people blessed with money by God. In that breath of look how much better I am, I'm poor and I don't treat others like crap... that I realized right then I was. I was being just as judgmental as they are. Maybe more so because I can't afford it.
It's always going to be a struggle to show Jesus when I'm being looked down on because of my economic standing in this world. Because I'm not so consumed with the need for money and stuff that i can't focus on anything else. Ah, but Jesus loves the spoiled rich kid in class just as much as he loves the average nice kid in class.
"He did not come for the saints but the sinners."
I've no right to hold against anyone their treatment of me that I judge to be wrong, when really they were raised in such a way that they don't know any better. They.need.Jesus.
It's not a novel idea the whole realization that the rich need Jesus too, it's hard when you live pay check to pay check to think of the rich needing anything ever. But really more then the nice house, the vanity plate, the extended vacation, and the flashy expensive clothes. Some lack the most important thing in the universe.
Faith.in.the Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Hope in a future...in heaven.
They lack the skills to treat others with love. (I'm talking the superficial rich) I'll say it again I know many wealthy wealthy people that are the best examples of Jesus ever and I'm sure there are even some wealthy that don't have God that are amazing (I have never personally met them)
There is something to be said for the person who went without at some point in their life...a different understanding, an ability to relate to someone else without. When you don't experience that as a child or adult how are you expected to understand or know. Who am I to hold a lack of knowledge either because they never had to learn, or can't afford to better themselves against anyone? In my anger where is my Christian love.
Yes, they have more money, yes, they flaunt their money.
What's it matter?
My treasure is in heaven.
without love I go nowhere.
I almost wrote it justifying it as truth, with out one though of the unforgivness in me, the selfishness in me to hold a families wealth against them, simply because I don't know what it's like. I mean come on I know this family, they don't like me, they never gave me a chance they didn't need too... and they obviously have money plenty of it, and they like that fact.
Some people you meet can have all the money they need and then some and be kind, giving, and respectful but more often then not when the average individual looks at the rich (define rich anyway you want it's not hard to be richer then me) they think
Wealthy = Greed
When the wealthy (wealthy for Dowagiac Area) look at the average individual they think
Poor = Scorn
Ah, stereotypes such an easy way for sin to slip in and say, ah, it's the truth everyone says it.
I struggle with equating rich people with meanness, rudeness, and obnoxiousness. Even though I have encountered many many well off people that were just the opposite. To often in this world the negative overshadows the good. Even in your life experiences. I've had many negative experience with people that have more money then me and think because they have that money they are entitled (there's that word again) to treat me like crap or really ANYONE they meet because they have the money to do it. If they don't like something they can afford to go somewhere else no skin of their back, they can step on scoff at and bad talk anyone because they have the money and lets get real here in this world "Money talks"
Sure dirt poor people can be just as mean and ornery but they can't do much about it, they cant just buy something new because they don't like what they have, they can't just find a new place to send their children because they don't like a change at the current daycare. Poor people just don't have so many options and therefor thier mean is often different then someone who can afford to be mean.
So lets break this down, I'm kind of all scrambled here because I'm dealing with my own anger toward a family that just happens to have the money to be mean.
Wealth doesn't necessarily equal mean. Just as being poor doesn't necessarily mean being nice. Nor does being Christian mean you will be a super amazing person anymore then not being a "Christian" mean being a terrible example of a human being.
However I think that meanness isn't made by wealth, wealth just magnifies a persons soul good or bad. Often in this world since it takes being thick skinned to progress up the money chain more mean spirited people tend to get there then the kind hearted. Because that's what the American Dream is now, something only for someone willing to step on everyone else to get it.
It's not a far stretch from being spoiled and being rich. Their is also a difference between being born into a wealthy family and making a wealthy family. A different sort of entitlement goes with each scenario, and since I am neither I'll leave it alone my struggles currently are with the born wealthy. The I don't have to work if I don't want to ever and I can spend all that I want to and still be living well. The obnoxious in your face look at my vanity plate on my over sized vehicles that roar when you drive them loud enough to make that person i the mini-van jump when they pass them on the road.
As I started to write a blog titled "what's that like" I realized that it's got nothing to do with money. It's got everything to do with where you are at with God. It's got everything to do with my own personal opinion on people blessed with money by God. In that breath of look how much better I am, I'm poor and I don't treat others like crap... that I realized right then I was. I was being just as judgmental as they are. Maybe more so because I can't afford it.
It's always going to be a struggle to show Jesus when I'm being looked down on because of my economic standing in this world. Because I'm not so consumed with the need for money and stuff that i can't focus on anything else. Ah, but Jesus loves the spoiled rich kid in class just as much as he loves the average nice kid in class.
"He did not come for the saints but the sinners."
I've no right to hold against anyone their treatment of me that I judge to be wrong, when really they were raised in such a way that they don't know any better. They.need.Jesus.
It's not a novel idea the whole realization that the rich need Jesus too, it's hard when you live pay check to pay check to think of the rich needing anything ever. But really more then the nice house, the vanity plate, the extended vacation, and the flashy expensive clothes. Some lack the most important thing in the universe.
Faith.in.the Father Son and Holy Spirit.
Hope in a future...in heaven.
They lack the skills to treat others with love. (I'm talking the superficial rich) I'll say it again I know many wealthy wealthy people that are the best examples of Jesus ever and I'm sure there are even some wealthy that don't have God that are amazing (I have never personally met them)
There is something to be said for the person who went without at some point in their life...a different understanding, an ability to relate to someone else without. When you don't experience that as a child or adult how are you expected to understand or know. Who am I to hold a lack of knowledge either because they never had to learn, or can't afford to better themselves against anyone? In my anger where is my Christian love.
Yes, they have more money, yes, they flaunt their money.
What's it matter?
My treasure is in heaven.
without love I go nowhere.
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Entitlement.
Entitlement.
nt] Show IPA
“Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think that we are automatically entitled to something, that is when we start walking all over others to get it.”
― Criss Jami, Diotima, Battery, Electric Personality
“Beware: It is a quick transition from a nourishing sense of gratitude to a poisonous sense of entitlement.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
God's grace is the undoing of entitlement. Really we all have sinned and we all are saved and no one deserves anything good but for the Grace of God.
Working with children, it never stops amazing me how a child can demand something NOW and if they don't get how they can just shut down. They don't care if they don't participate their minds can not move beyond the fact that they didn't get what they want the way they want it. Most when allowed to sulk for a bit give in and join but more and more now I have kids that are just done for the rest of the day. THAT is a normal child development thing.
If a child never learns to deal with the fact that it's not going to always be their way they will be less apt to deal with life in general. When we are old and need taking care of ourselves the younger generation will be so involved with entitling themselves to be happy and feel good they won't care. If they don't sacrifice some happiness as children they will not sacrifice it for others later on. We will see a world so entitled that the greater good and even the common good will be the individual good, that caring for others will be the stupidest most inconvenient thing ever thought off.
As a child in my class sits under the table and sulks or sits on bench and screams I can't stop from thinking that this is a learned and more often then not groomed behavior by well meaning and loving parents who honestly don't know or realize what they are doing to their child. If you raise your child as the center of your world they are going to expect you to entertain them every second. They are going to expect you to drop EVERYTHING and pay attention to THEM. They are going to be little kids who through tantrums beyond the normal, they are going to be little kids who can't self entertain, problem solve, or self sooth. They are going to be teenagers that insult someone who doesn't get something fast (Iv'e seen it even in my 4 year olds) You are going to have teens, who break a rule and expect you to make it all better. You are going to have a young adult who has never experienced a let down, a failure (some of my let downs and failures were the greatest turning points in my life). You are going to have an adult who thinks they are entitle to have opinions and voice them regardless of how crass or rude or hurtful they are. Who think they are atomatically deserving of the highest pay and the best hours their first day... and you dear parent.... You are going to be a parent who complains, is always tired, and can't seem to get anything done EVER.
I'm in the lump of the entitlement generation 1986...I'm at the begging but I can look back and think where I have had thoughts reflecting entitlement. Starting out at a new job and having to work at year before any time off how outrageous that was to me. How upset I can get when I lock my keys in a car and get mad because all my carefully laid plans are ruined and it's not fair but never then was it my fault.
My husband and I waited for marriage and are there for entitled to a baby... it's not fair, but really...it's life and I thank God I grew up dealing with life. My parents couldn't hand me everything I wanted, my parents could not focus all their attention on me. This does not mean they didn't love me and want the best for me..never once have i doubted the love of my family and I don't need "things" to know it. My dad had a farm to run my mom and the neighbor hood to watch and a job. I know the world was different and it was safer for a child to play out of their parents sight. The fact is that I could self-entertain with out internet, T.V. or even friends close by. Sometimes I look at myself now, always on line or playing a game on my ipad, with the T.V. on and I think...there is no way I could do it anymore and sometimes I hate myself for that fact. No way I could be a teenager again with dial up internet...on a farm...without a car. I'm entitled to be entertained every moment of everyday.
I am so thankful for my parents and my childhood as hard as it sometimes was.
My heart is sad. Sad for kids who will never experience such bitter disappointment that they get so angry they work harder before they give up. My heart is sad for me, my friends, and the people younger then me who will not be able to let their kids run all over the woods, and fields and neighbor hoods for hours. Because of a fear of someone who feels entitled to the right to be happy and take them or hurt them or even report you as being a neglectful parent. My heart is sad when I announce we are going outside and a 6 year old girl asks if she can bring her tablet outside and play with it. Sad for kids who won't ever go a day with out touching an electronic or watching less then 30 minutes of T.V. . For the kids and even some adults who think food comes from the store. Who doesn't know that carrots, and potatoes were covered with dirt.
My heart breaks when a kid misses out on a great teaching moment because a parent can't bare to see them cry. My heart breaks for kids going to school at barely 3 years old and will be in school for the next 16 years not counting college. When parents can't see the need for a child to play ALL DAY if they want and learn the whole time, through trail and error, observation, and exploration. In a classroom setting.
“Instead of communicating "I love you, so let me make life easy for you," I decided that my message needed to be something more along these lines: "I love you. I believe in you. I know what you're capable of. So I'm going to make you work.”
― Kay Wills Wyma, Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement
No one is entitled to anything, especially if you hurt others to get it, or hurt others by saying it. We are blessed to have what we have, and to be able to do what we can do. Never do you feel better then after working so hard, pouring your heart and soul into a project or activity and coming to the end of it successful. When you rob your child, or teen of that experience by giving everyone a ribbon or a spot on a team...or not letting them try something because you don't want to see them hurt. They will never know what working for something feels like. They will think they are entitled to it without blood sweat or tears.
Entitlement like Tolerance is a learned behavior. Yes early childhood teachers are part of training a child in the way he should go. But if it's not reinforced at home, our work does little but teach a child the way we act in the classroom is not required for the rest of the world.
There are so many things entitlement touches that I would love to get into. I know I pick on parents a lot, I know I don't have kids, I think as a parent I would struggle with watching my child experience a let down, a heart ache. I imagen parenting to be one of the hardest things to do these days. So many people are such amazing parents and if God ever blesses me with a child I hope to be half the parent they are... This has been a very heavy pregnant belly, birth announcement, face book month...and honestly it's been rough. Because of the entitlement in me it's not always easy to be happy for my friends. Yet its not about me..I might not be a parent but I work with your kids...and my heart breaks.
Life isn't all love and sunshine, it's full of sinners, and storms. Don't lie to your child...help them learn the skills to cope, give them the tools to deal, and show compassion. Give them a faith to praise God in the valleys as well as the on the mountains. Because if we can teach our children compassion and humility...we could change the world.
But for the Grace of God.
“When we replace a sense of service and gratitude with a sense of entitlement and expectation, we quickly see the demise of our relationships, society, and economy.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ~Philippians 2-4~
http://aspeneducation.crchealth.com/articles/article-entitlement/
an read on the entitlement generation.
en·ti·tle·ment
[en-tahy-tl-muhnt] Show IPA
noun
3.
the right to guaranteed benefits under a government program, as Social Security or unemploymentcompensation.
| Main Entry: | Entitlement Generation |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | the group born between 1979 and 1994 who believe they are owed certain rights andbenefits without further justification |
| Example: | The entitlement generation expects higher salaries, flexible work hours, and ample timeoff. |
| Usage: | slang |
“Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think that we are automatically entitled to something, that is when we start walking all over others to get it.”
― Criss Jami, Diotima, Battery, Electric Personality
“Beware: It is a quick transition from a nourishing sense of gratitude to a poisonous sense of entitlement.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
God's grace is the undoing of entitlement. Really we all have sinned and we all are saved and no one deserves anything good but for the Grace of God.
Working with children, it never stops amazing me how a child can demand something NOW and if they don't get how they can just shut down. They don't care if they don't participate their minds can not move beyond the fact that they didn't get what they want the way they want it. Most when allowed to sulk for a bit give in and join but more and more now I have kids that are just done for the rest of the day. THAT is a normal child development thing.
If a child never learns to deal with the fact that it's not going to always be their way they will be less apt to deal with life in general. When we are old and need taking care of ourselves the younger generation will be so involved with entitling themselves to be happy and feel good they won't care. If they don't sacrifice some happiness as children they will not sacrifice it for others later on. We will see a world so entitled that the greater good and even the common good will be the individual good, that caring for others will be the stupidest most inconvenient thing ever thought off.
As a child in my class sits under the table and sulks or sits on bench and screams I can't stop from thinking that this is a learned and more often then not groomed behavior by well meaning and loving parents who honestly don't know or realize what they are doing to their child. If you raise your child as the center of your world they are going to expect you to entertain them every second. They are going to expect you to drop EVERYTHING and pay attention to THEM. They are going to be little kids who through tantrums beyond the normal, they are going to be little kids who can't self entertain, problem solve, or self sooth. They are going to be teenagers that insult someone who doesn't get something fast (Iv'e seen it even in my 4 year olds) You are going to have teens, who break a rule and expect you to make it all better. You are going to have a young adult who has never experienced a let down, a failure (some of my let downs and failures were the greatest turning points in my life). You are going to have an adult who thinks they are entitle to have opinions and voice them regardless of how crass or rude or hurtful they are. Who think they are atomatically deserving of the highest pay and the best hours their first day... and you dear parent.... You are going to be a parent who complains, is always tired, and can't seem to get anything done EVER.
I'm in the lump of the entitlement generation 1986...I'm at the begging but I can look back and think where I have had thoughts reflecting entitlement. Starting out at a new job and having to work at year before any time off how outrageous that was to me. How upset I can get when I lock my keys in a car and get mad because all my carefully laid plans are ruined and it's not fair but never then was it my fault.
My husband and I waited for marriage and are there for entitled to a baby... it's not fair, but really...it's life and I thank God I grew up dealing with life. My parents couldn't hand me everything I wanted, my parents could not focus all their attention on me. This does not mean they didn't love me and want the best for me..never once have i doubted the love of my family and I don't need "things" to know it. My dad had a farm to run my mom and the neighbor hood to watch and a job. I know the world was different and it was safer for a child to play out of their parents sight. The fact is that I could self-entertain with out internet, T.V. or even friends close by. Sometimes I look at myself now, always on line or playing a game on my ipad, with the T.V. on and I think...there is no way I could do it anymore and sometimes I hate myself for that fact. No way I could be a teenager again with dial up internet...on a farm...without a car. I'm entitled to be entertained every moment of everyday.
I am so thankful for my parents and my childhood as hard as it sometimes was.
My heart is sad. Sad for kids who will never experience such bitter disappointment that they get so angry they work harder before they give up. My heart is sad for me, my friends, and the people younger then me who will not be able to let their kids run all over the woods, and fields and neighbor hoods for hours. Because of a fear of someone who feels entitled to the right to be happy and take them or hurt them or even report you as being a neglectful parent. My heart is sad when I announce we are going outside and a 6 year old girl asks if she can bring her tablet outside and play with it. Sad for kids who won't ever go a day with out touching an electronic or watching less then 30 minutes of T.V. . For the kids and even some adults who think food comes from the store. Who doesn't know that carrots, and potatoes were covered with dirt.
My heart breaks when a kid misses out on a great teaching moment because a parent can't bare to see them cry. My heart breaks for kids going to school at barely 3 years old and will be in school for the next 16 years not counting college. When parents can't see the need for a child to play ALL DAY if they want and learn the whole time, through trail and error, observation, and exploration. In a classroom setting.
“Instead of communicating "I love you, so let me make life easy for you," I decided that my message needed to be something more along these lines: "I love you. I believe in you. I know what you're capable of. So I'm going to make you work.”
― Kay Wills Wyma, Cleaning House: A Mom's Twelve-Month Experiment to Rid Her Home of Youth Entitlement
No one is entitled to anything, especially if you hurt others to get it, or hurt others by saying it. We are blessed to have what we have, and to be able to do what we can do. Never do you feel better then after working so hard, pouring your heart and soul into a project or activity and coming to the end of it successful. When you rob your child, or teen of that experience by giving everyone a ribbon or a spot on a team...or not letting them try something because you don't want to see them hurt. They will never know what working for something feels like. They will think they are entitled to it without blood sweat or tears.
Entitlement like Tolerance is a learned behavior. Yes early childhood teachers are part of training a child in the way he should go. But if it's not reinforced at home, our work does little but teach a child the way we act in the classroom is not required for the rest of the world.
There are so many things entitlement touches that I would love to get into. I know I pick on parents a lot, I know I don't have kids, I think as a parent I would struggle with watching my child experience a let down, a heart ache. I imagen parenting to be one of the hardest things to do these days. So many people are such amazing parents and if God ever blesses me with a child I hope to be half the parent they are... This has been a very heavy pregnant belly, birth announcement, face book month...and honestly it's been rough. Because of the entitlement in me it's not always easy to be happy for my friends. Yet its not about me..I might not be a parent but I work with your kids...and my heart breaks.
Life isn't all love and sunshine, it's full of sinners, and storms. Don't lie to your child...help them learn the skills to cope, give them the tools to deal, and show compassion. Give them a faith to praise God in the valleys as well as the on the mountains. Because if we can teach our children compassion and humility...we could change the world.
But for the Grace of God.
“When we replace a sense of service and gratitude with a sense of entitlement and expectation, we quickly see the demise of our relationships, society, and economy.”
― Steve Maraboli, Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience
2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. ~Philippians 2-4~
http://aspeneducation.crchealth.com/articles/article-entitlement/
an read on the entitlement generation.
Friday, June 13, 2014
To the 20 somethings almost or just barely 30 somethings...
To the 20 somethings, almost to be 30 something's or even you almost 40 something's......you know who you are...
We are the group of people that should be well on their way down a career path or at least have an idea of a career path, home owners, family growing, life somewhat figured out people. No longer fresh out of college world at your feet pie in the sky kids. To what appears to be the majority of my friends... I'm so very happy for you, truly I am.
To the people who look at a 27 almost 28 year old person or couple that isn't at that point yet, and asks the seemingly innocent questions: so when are you going to have kids?, the biological clock is ticking, think you are going to ever buy a house? when are you going to pick a career? To those people who look at all my friends and think, they obviously are doing what they should be doing what is socially considered normal at such an age... why aren't you.
I know you might just want to make conversation, I know you might generally be concerned and care. But please stop.
I'm 27 years old, still working in the childcare setting as I have for the past decade, living with my husband in my parents basement. I have NO clue what I want to do with my life, I just know it's not what I'm doing currently. I have college debt, and credit card debt from said college life, car loan, and my husband is paying over 1000 dollars a class for a masters degree with more loans. All this on my daycare ran, private school, zero benefits teachers salary. I'm not complaining, we always have what we need when we need it. My husband is doing a great job and the fact that we can stay with my parents is a HUGE blessing.
I am well aware that I'm' the minority when it comes to children, and dogs, and fenced in yards you really don't have to remind me that a big scary clock is ticking I battle that old friend called envy and worry daily.
The thought of having the money to make a house payment or a down payment on a house isn't even fathomable to me. The thought of the loan that goes with such a endever makes my head spin. So no I have no idea if we will ever buy a house, though I like to think so and I dream about it often.
You mean well, you care for me, but whats so wrong with what we are doing? The path God has lead us down? Who are you to compare my choices and situations and circumstances to anyone elses? Yes, my friends are all at different stations in life, and just because I don't appear to have what they appear to have doesn't mean I'm not right where I'm suppose to be right where God has placed us. It doesn't mean I'm not happy and complete. No, my life isn't perfect but I'm willing to bet you neither is anyone elses.
To the 20 somethings almost 30 somethings that are still in limbo, that have been for near a decade..it's OKAY you are not alone, and you're in the perfect position to go out and live LIFE. Take chances follow whims, be bold, have adventures, see the world and most importantly embrace what God has given you, and enjoy the freedom that comes with having no clue what you are going to do next. Because one day at a time, in HIS time God will get you to where you need to be.
So before you ask your single friend when they will get married or before you ask a young couple when they are going to have kids, even if you are just curious stop long enough to think about the fact that maybe God hasn't gotten them to that point yet, maybe they are trying and can't and you could rip open a barely healed hurt. Conversation is one thing, asking about privet life altering decisions are another thing. Instead ask how the day went at work, ask how classes are going, what book you have read recently that you liked. Ask them what blessings God has placed in their lives recently. Inquire about a dream they have. Don't hold anyone EVER to the media saturated social norms of the time. People were not created to be the same, to be normal especially true believers.
"We were made for so much more then ordinary lives....we were made to Thrive." ~Casting Crowns~
Have a Happy day no matter where you are in this crazy thing called life!!
Sincerely,
A 27 year old individual.
We are the group of people that should be well on their way down a career path or at least have an idea of a career path, home owners, family growing, life somewhat figured out people. No longer fresh out of college world at your feet pie in the sky kids. To what appears to be the majority of my friends... I'm so very happy for you, truly I am.
To the people who look at a 27 almost 28 year old person or couple that isn't at that point yet, and asks the seemingly innocent questions: so when are you going to have kids?, the biological clock is ticking, think you are going to ever buy a house? when are you going to pick a career? To those people who look at all my friends and think, they obviously are doing what they should be doing what is socially considered normal at such an age... why aren't you.
I know you might just want to make conversation, I know you might generally be concerned and care. But please stop.
I'm 27 years old, still working in the childcare setting as I have for the past decade, living with my husband in my parents basement. I have NO clue what I want to do with my life, I just know it's not what I'm doing currently. I have college debt, and credit card debt from said college life, car loan, and my husband is paying over 1000 dollars a class for a masters degree with more loans. All this on my daycare ran, private school, zero benefits teachers salary. I'm not complaining, we always have what we need when we need it. My husband is doing a great job and the fact that we can stay with my parents is a HUGE blessing.
I am well aware that I'm' the minority when it comes to children, and dogs, and fenced in yards you really don't have to remind me that a big scary clock is ticking I battle that old friend called envy and worry daily.
The thought of having the money to make a house payment or a down payment on a house isn't even fathomable to me. The thought of the loan that goes with such a endever makes my head spin. So no I have no idea if we will ever buy a house, though I like to think so and I dream about it often.
You mean well, you care for me, but whats so wrong with what we are doing? The path God has lead us down? Who are you to compare my choices and situations and circumstances to anyone elses? Yes, my friends are all at different stations in life, and just because I don't appear to have what they appear to have doesn't mean I'm not right where I'm suppose to be right where God has placed us. It doesn't mean I'm not happy and complete. No, my life isn't perfect but I'm willing to bet you neither is anyone elses.
To the 20 somethings almost 30 somethings that are still in limbo, that have been for near a decade..it's OKAY you are not alone, and you're in the perfect position to go out and live LIFE. Take chances follow whims, be bold, have adventures, see the world and most importantly embrace what God has given you, and enjoy the freedom that comes with having no clue what you are going to do next. Because one day at a time, in HIS time God will get you to where you need to be.
So before you ask your single friend when they will get married or before you ask a young couple when they are going to have kids, even if you are just curious stop long enough to think about the fact that maybe God hasn't gotten them to that point yet, maybe they are trying and can't and you could rip open a barely healed hurt. Conversation is one thing, asking about privet life altering decisions are another thing. Instead ask how the day went at work, ask how classes are going, what book you have read recently that you liked. Ask them what blessings God has placed in their lives recently. Inquire about a dream they have. Don't hold anyone EVER to the media saturated social norms of the time. People were not created to be the same, to be normal especially true believers.
"We were made for so much more then ordinary lives....we were made to Thrive." ~Casting Crowns~
Have a Happy day no matter where you are in this crazy thing called life!!
Sincerely,
A 27 year old individual.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
The problem of Religion...and my beef with atheists but not the ones you think.
I've meet some pretty amazing, wonderful, kind people in this world. Some of these people were way more pleasant to be around then some of the "Christians" in my life.
Beware world, the Christian Atheists are taking over...and the atheists of the world are helping...
Nowhere does it say that believing in God makes you a better person, the act of excepting God is only the first step... it does not instantly change who you are, and what you are like, your habits, thoughts, or lifestyle. Hopefully it will lead to that eventually. Yet even I, a life long "Christian" still have a long way to go.
No, God gave us free will and even though the choices we make often hurt him he will not instantly make us the right kind of true "Christian."
there is a lovely little thing lose in the world called sin...and all the domain attached to it.
In the world but not of it.
On the other side of the matter nowhere does it say that not believing in God makes you a bad person. You don't need to except God to know to be nice to others, to know not to murder or steal. However, the reason for not needing God to know these things really comes down to the natural moral law written on everyone's heart and displayed all though nature by God since the begging of time.
Soooo maybe you really do need God to know these things after all (Boy can I hear my atheist or unbelieving friends now...) This however is not a topic I am knowledgeable enough to expand on..so I digress.
This is the problem with Religion, and Religious people it was a problem even back in Biblical Times. The pharisees and Sadducees (the religious leaders of the times) the people that supposedly knew all the scripture and laws where just that
People.
This is the problem with Religion, and often times religious people. It's a self righteousness, look at me and how good I am. Look at him and how bad he is. He doesn't read the bible he doesn't even
believe in the bible. This is the problem with Religion...it is made up of people broken broken people.
Religion, Faith, and God....are all very very different things...and here is my beef with Atheists and non believers....this seemingly inability to distinguish or acknowledge these differences.
Someone I know said "Religion is a drug" that it is fake giving of fake emotions, feels, and hopes."
and my first instinct was to be like "HOW DEAR YOU"
But really though, this person is not far from the truth. If we as "Christians" and I use that term loosely right now have done nothing but prove again and again that we think we are better, that we are special because we have received the GRACE of God...then yes, we tend to show fake emotions, we tend to want to keep our "Religion" for the rush of blood you get when you think "Ha, look how much better I am then them"
OR
If we as "Christians" continue to live in sin, and a lifestyle making choices that go against faith while saying: "I'm a Christian and look how good I am well what do we expect the world to think? Myself as a Christian have experienced this many times heck I'm even guilty of this very thing. Does this make them or me bad people...by no means, just means that people are all at a different point in their faith walk then you or others. You see, everyone needs help and faith without works is dead.
The problem I have with "Christian Atheists" are when they stop trying...when they think saying they believe in God is enough..when their heart is not in it when your faith dies.
This is the problem with Religion...people
Because true faith, true love for God...is not about the individual, and what the individual does, say's has done and will do. It's about he gift of grace given to that individual, it's what GOD has done for the individual...it's not about you or me or them....It's always about GOD and that is where Religion can fall apart...that is where Atheists can't understand true faith. It's where "Christian Atheists" fail
Atheist argue against God with their heads, and we argue for God with our hearts, were not even speaking the same language...we're not even in the same universe...but at least an Atheist is an Atheist through and through...
This is my beef with Christians that are really atheists.
I'm never going to understand this apparent need to PROVE God doesn't exist. I mean if you don't believe he does that should be enough unless you somewhere in your heart (probably that part written on by God) you doubt your belief.
Therein lies the difference between a person sure of what they believe in or don't believe in (however you want it) it's not going to matter what others believe no matter what new facts, old history, myths, legends, or flaws you can find in the individuals belief system. I've no desire to PROVE to anyone that God exists.
I'll leave that to the Holy Spirit.
I also have no desire to brag about how good a person I am, or take swings at others beliefs to make me feel better about mine. I will share and I will witness and I wont force my beliefs on anyone. But there is a fire in me and I have every right to be respected and to voice my beliefs. Unlike much the world I'll do it out of love and not pride.
I'll leave that to the Holy Spirit as well.
Yes, religion can be fake,.. people can be hypocrites... but God is very real and very active.
Beware world, the Christian Atheists are taking over...and the atheists of the world are helping...
Nowhere does it say that believing in God makes you a better person, the act of excepting God is only the first step... it does not instantly change who you are, and what you are like, your habits, thoughts, or lifestyle. Hopefully it will lead to that eventually. Yet even I, a life long "Christian" still have a long way to go.
No, God gave us free will and even though the choices we make often hurt him he will not instantly make us the right kind of true "Christian."
there is a lovely little thing lose in the world called sin...and all the domain attached to it.
In the world but not of it.
On the other side of the matter nowhere does it say that not believing in God makes you a bad person. You don't need to except God to know to be nice to others, to know not to murder or steal. However, the reason for not needing God to know these things really comes down to the natural moral law written on everyone's heart and displayed all though nature by God since the begging of time.
Soooo maybe you really do need God to know these things after all (Boy can I hear my atheist or unbelieving friends now...) This however is not a topic I am knowledgeable enough to expand on..so I digress.
This is the problem with Religion, and Religious people it was a problem even back in Biblical Times. The pharisees and Sadducees (the religious leaders of the times) the people that supposedly knew all the scripture and laws where just that
People.
This is the problem with Religion, and often times religious people. It's a self righteousness, look at me and how good I am. Look at him and how bad he is. He doesn't read the bible he doesn't even
believe in the bible. This is the problem with Religion...it is made up of people broken broken people.
Religion, Faith, and God....are all very very different things...and here is my beef with Atheists and non believers....this seemingly inability to distinguish or acknowledge these differences.
Someone I know said "Religion is a drug" that it is fake giving of fake emotions, feels, and hopes."
and my first instinct was to be like "HOW DEAR YOU"
But really though, this person is not far from the truth. If we as "Christians" and I use that term loosely right now have done nothing but prove again and again that we think we are better, that we are special because we have received the GRACE of God...then yes, we tend to show fake emotions, we tend to want to keep our "Religion" for the rush of blood you get when you think "Ha, look how much better I am then them"
OR
If we as "Christians" continue to live in sin, and a lifestyle making choices that go against faith while saying: "I'm a Christian and look how good I am well what do we expect the world to think? Myself as a Christian have experienced this many times heck I'm even guilty of this very thing. Does this make them or me bad people...by no means, just means that people are all at a different point in their faith walk then you or others. You see, everyone needs help and faith without works is dead.
The problem I have with "Christian Atheists" are when they stop trying...when they think saying they believe in God is enough..when their heart is not in it when your faith dies.
This is the problem with Religion...people
Because true faith, true love for God...is not about the individual, and what the individual does, say's has done and will do. It's about he gift of grace given to that individual, it's what GOD has done for the individual...it's not about you or me or them....It's always about GOD and that is where Religion can fall apart...that is where Atheists can't understand true faith. It's where "Christian Atheists" fail
Atheist argue against God with their heads, and we argue for God with our hearts, were not even speaking the same language...we're not even in the same universe...but at least an Atheist is an Atheist through and through...
This is my beef with Christians that are really atheists.
I'm never going to understand this apparent need to PROVE God doesn't exist. I mean if you don't believe he does that should be enough unless you somewhere in your heart (probably that part written on by God) you doubt your belief.
Therein lies the difference between a person sure of what they believe in or don't believe in (however you want it) it's not going to matter what others believe no matter what new facts, old history, myths, legends, or flaws you can find in the individuals belief system. I've no desire to PROVE to anyone that God exists.
I'll leave that to the Holy Spirit.
I also have no desire to brag about how good a person I am, or take swings at others beliefs to make me feel better about mine. I will share and I will witness and I wont force my beliefs on anyone. But there is a fire in me and I have every right to be respected and to voice my beliefs. Unlike much the world I'll do it out of love and not pride.
I'll leave that to the Holy Spirit as well.
Yes, religion can be fake,.. people can be hypocrites... but God is very real and very active.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Life is Short.
It's been soooooooo long, my husband has had a monopoly on the computer with his masters work, and I haven't been able to get my thoughts organized enough to post a blog. (nor am I entirely convinced they are organized now) Posting a blog on here from my Ipad is basically impossible. Between those two issues
it's been to long.
I wanted to write about prayer, I wanted to write about forgiveness, I wanted to write about this new push to make all "god's" and my God the same...but they were all such big things...massive really so I wrote about nothing.
A lot of people I know are in pain, emotional, physical, living on this earth is simply not easy. It's broken and we live in that harsh reality daily. I'm a fairly positive person.... at least I like to think so, (someone who knows me might read this and be like what are you talking about)...I use to complain a lot more then I do. Now when I complain I kinda get this little tug at my heart and I feel bad like I failed. (Like the other week when I had to work for an hour in the daycare apparently that was the end of the world...sorry...) but of course I failed..I'm human...
Forgive the jumpiness of this blog, I should learn not to read my friends blog before I go to write mine.
This past few days have been a little crazy, and not just for me apparently.
We all know someone who is just never happy like never no matter what; the grass is always greener, the past was always better, everything is always terrible, they always have it worse then anyone else. It could be for any number of reasons life is hard I get it. Money is tight, I get that. To much work, need a break. Yes. Ah, but life is so so so short. Way to short to spend so much time so very very unhappy with it. If you don't know anyone like that then maybe it's you.
Just sayin'
Life is to short and we were made for so much more, our mind is a battlefield and outside of a medical or physic problem (and maybe even with) you have more power over your thoughts then you think and for those of us with faith well who knows what mountains can move.
Life is short. This past week life ended for a couple of people I know one that I have spent a good deal of time around out at Cowboy Up...that person so full of life, so apparently healthy, so kind, so POSITIVE with no warning just gone....
What if you went to take a nap and didn't wake up? What would people say about you what kind of feelings do you leave behind? (Because that could happen apparently) It's been a crazy week.
I remember a few years ago, not long after I began working at Good Shepherds. I chose to battle complaining, and made an effort to consciously tally mark each time I complained in a day or even thought about a complaint. (what a miserable day I apparently had). It's been a good 2 and a half years since then and I know my complaining has dropped considerably. I'm to the point when other people do it I just want to scream at them. At one point I had to make a choice to distance myself from some of the negative people in my life, just so I could figure it out myself. (I tend to feed of other's peoples mood at least i use too) There is a difference between needing to talk about something, about trying to work through and deal with something; And complaining about every.little.thing.that has, will or might go wrong. Seriously some people complain before anything happens. It's got to be exhausting.
I'm a teacher, and I'm learning real fast what the energy I bring into the room does to the children. If I stand outside my door or wake up in the morning and groan that so and so is going to cry all day, or so and so is going to be terrible. Well goodness I'm defeated before I even step out of bed, or walk into my classroom. THE POWER OF THOUGHTS...
The kids know if your in a bad mood, and they tend to mirror you mood, so be prepared for a bad day. It's as simple as that, fake it until you make it...who know that I would do that as a teacher.
Life is to short to be miserable...I take comfort in knowing that my friend who is now with Jesus ENJOYED her life on this earth and the people she touched with her joy will remember her for it. ( I'm not really sure who is going to put up so graciously with my trying to learn a line dance without a lesson now but I'll figure it out.)
I'm not saying you can't be unhappy...it's going to happen, seriously "shit happens" and you add other humans into your human equation and well it could get real ugly.... I'm not saying its necessarily wrong to complain..but at least try to think about it before you do it for some people complaining is as natural as breathing and they don't even know they are doing it. Nor do they realize the effect negativity has on the people they come into contact with.
Maybe doing it on such a public front like face book isn't the best choice in the world either..(I'm such a hypocrite but I'm working on it...always working)...I don't know what is going on behind the scenes of some peoples life, I know mine, and it's not a cakewalk but its still wonderful because after all it's life...and it's all I really got and even that could be taken away
just.like.that. (honestly I think I'm in shock)
Be aware of your words, start there get use to thinking about them and then work on your thoughts before they even become words...and who knows one day you might....one day the world might be better for it...someday you are going to have last words. Chose wisely.
"from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" Luke 6:46
It's a beautiful mess... I'm a beautiful mess....thank you Jesus for your unending love and Amazing Grace.
it's been to long.
I wanted to write about prayer, I wanted to write about forgiveness, I wanted to write about this new push to make all "god's" and my God the same...but they were all such big things...massive really so I wrote about nothing.
A lot of people I know are in pain, emotional, physical, living on this earth is simply not easy. It's broken and we live in that harsh reality daily. I'm a fairly positive person.... at least I like to think so, (someone who knows me might read this and be like what are you talking about)...I use to complain a lot more then I do. Now when I complain I kinda get this little tug at my heart and I feel bad like I failed. (Like the other week when I had to work for an hour in the daycare apparently that was the end of the world...sorry...) but of course I failed..I'm human...
Forgive the jumpiness of this blog, I should learn not to read my friends blog before I go to write mine.
This past few days have been a little crazy, and not just for me apparently.
We all know someone who is just never happy like never no matter what; the grass is always greener, the past was always better, everything is always terrible, they always have it worse then anyone else. It could be for any number of reasons life is hard I get it. Money is tight, I get that. To much work, need a break. Yes. Ah, but life is so so so short. Way to short to spend so much time so very very unhappy with it. If you don't know anyone like that then maybe it's you.
Just sayin'
Life is to short and we were made for so much more, our mind is a battlefield and outside of a medical or physic problem (and maybe even with) you have more power over your thoughts then you think and for those of us with faith well who knows what mountains can move.
Life is short. This past week life ended for a couple of people I know one that I have spent a good deal of time around out at Cowboy Up...that person so full of life, so apparently healthy, so kind, so POSITIVE with no warning just gone....
What if you went to take a nap and didn't wake up? What would people say about you what kind of feelings do you leave behind? (Because that could happen apparently) It's been a crazy week.
I remember a few years ago, not long after I began working at Good Shepherds. I chose to battle complaining, and made an effort to consciously tally mark each time I complained in a day or even thought about a complaint. (what a miserable day I apparently had). It's been a good 2 and a half years since then and I know my complaining has dropped considerably. I'm to the point when other people do it I just want to scream at them. At one point I had to make a choice to distance myself from some of the negative people in my life, just so I could figure it out myself. (I tend to feed of other's peoples mood at least i use too) There is a difference between needing to talk about something, about trying to work through and deal with something; And complaining about every.little.thing.that has, will or might go wrong. Seriously some people complain before anything happens. It's got to be exhausting.
I'm a teacher, and I'm learning real fast what the energy I bring into the room does to the children. If I stand outside my door or wake up in the morning and groan that so and so is going to cry all day, or so and so is going to be terrible. Well goodness I'm defeated before I even step out of bed, or walk into my classroom. THE POWER OF THOUGHTS...
The kids know if your in a bad mood, and they tend to mirror you mood, so be prepared for a bad day. It's as simple as that, fake it until you make it...who know that I would do that as a teacher.
Life is to short to be miserable...I take comfort in knowing that my friend who is now with Jesus ENJOYED her life on this earth and the people she touched with her joy will remember her for it. ( I'm not really sure who is going to put up so graciously with my trying to learn a line dance without a lesson now but I'll figure it out.)
I'm not saying you can't be unhappy...it's going to happen, seriously "shit happens" and you add other humans into your human equation and well it could get real ugly.... I'm not saying its necessarily wrong to complain..but at least try to think about it before you do it for some people complaining is as natural as breathing and they don't even know they are doing it. Nor do they realize the effect negativity has on the people they come into contact with.
Maybe doing it on such a public front like face book isn't the best choice in the world either..(I'm such a hypocrite but I'm working on it...always working)...I don't know what is going on behind the scenes of some peoples life, I know mine, and it's not a cakewalk but its still wonderful because after all it's life...and it's all I really got and even that could be taken away
just.like.that. (honestly I think I'm in shock)
Be aware of your words, start there get use to thinking about them and then work on your thoughts before they even become words...and who knows one day you might....one day the world might be better for it...someday you are going to have last words. Chose wisely.
"from the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks" Luke 6:46
It's a beautiful mess... I'm a beautiful mess....thank you Jesus for your unending love and Amazing Grace.
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