Living with Others

If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. --Romans 12:18 NKJV

This verse has been jangling around in my brain for a few days now. I've been trying to ignore it, but I can't. Honestly, I feel if a verse is sitting in your head, it's probably the Holy Spirit trying to tell you something. I have to admit to having a very bad attitude toward people in general. I think we live in a society of spoiled and immoral people. The problem is that this would include me. So instead of snarling at people, I need to work on my attitude and my spoiledness (is that a word?). It is not all right for me to let the world get to me to the point that I shut down even trying to get along with people anymore. The Bible says I should try. I think the reason we're told this is so we can reach the lost and hurting. People need His love so badly, and it's our job to reach them with it. It's MY job to reach them even when I don't feel like it. I rely on myself too often instead of leaning on the only real source of power.

Fall

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf's a flower. -- Albert Camus

I love the fall. I love when the weather starts to get colder and the leaves start to turn. I love the colors and the smells. I love getting sweaters out and wearing thicker socks in my favorite arm chair. It's just my favorite time of the year. I also am reminded that everything is changing so that eventually, the new can come. It's like that song by Shinedown. Sometimes goodbye is a second chance. That's the story of my life right now. A lot of things have ended, but they are just paving the way for something new.

Wake Up Call

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called. Ephesians 4:1 NKJV

Yesterday, I woke up and thought, "What am I doing? Do I believe in God or not? And if I do, can I continue to ignore God's commands about how to live my life?" I have been pretending that I can be a child of God, but then ignore Him and His commands when it's not convenient or I just don't feel like listening. I simply cannot continue this way. I won't allow guilt and remorse to consume or cripple me. instead, I'll face forward and only look back to be grateful for the way God has saved me. If my feet are dragging in mud, it's because I put them there. Jesus saved me, but I'm wasting this precious gift. Wasting it. And it's because I've been relying on my own strength and not His. But each day is also a gift, a chance to turn around and head the right direction. Every breath reaffirms my ability to change with God's help.

Coffee

If you're going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now. --Marie Osmond

I have to admit that lately I've let so many little and big things get to me and tear me down. But sometimes, I think I just get too tired to fend them off. I get so busy I forget to take time for myself and repower my batteries. When I manage to take time to do this, I look back and think, "Why was I so worried about these things?" That's how I feel today. I had a nice weekend hanging out on a Military Sealift Command ship with my ex-husband (we're not getting back together). Just not being at work or even around the internet helped me refocus on what is important in life. It helped me to remember to appreciate my friends and family. I have a really great support network for which I am truly grateful. In the last 13 months, I have lost over 150 pounds. I found a nice place to live with my roommate. I love my pets. NCIS is on almost every night. And new Diner Dash-like games come out all the time. I have so much for which to be joyful. Why do I ever let the little things drag me down?

Reality and TV

I'm watching one of the five thousand reality shows on television right now. I remember when the reality show first started hitting the scene. When I was in high school, The Real World was introduced on MTV. This may not have been the first reality show, but it's the first I really remember. My first thought was, "I can't wait to get on my own reality show!" But now, I'm just horrified by what has happened to the genre. When will it end? A "Weird" Al song about television talks about watching lions eating Christians. It was funny when that song came out, the phrase was funny. It's too close to the truth now to be amusing. People...the television industry will only stop the madness when we truly stop watching. Why are we watching people behave badly for entertainment? A future bride abusing everyone involved with her wedding is not cute. Watching a family break up and then stalking them through their separation is not fun. Finding a life partner through a pool of possibilities on television through a series of dates that turn into makeout sessions is not classy. When we all start respecting ourselves and each other, this insanity will stop. Am I downing all reality television? Not at all. I appreciate reality shows with a point and don't have a problem with most reality competitions (American Idol, Dancing with the Stars, Hell's Kitchen). These shows are not as much about these people's personal lives as about their professional skills. A competition is good for the spirit. But we just have to stop prying into everyone's personal lives, even celebrities. They have public jobs, they should not have public lives. And I don't need to know their political views. Oy vey!

Support Our Troops

Yesterday, I spent time with Eric Horner's Ministries at Fort Jackson in Columbia, SC. It was a blessing I would not have expected. He sang at two chapel services in the morning and sang at a concert in the afternoon. I was grateful to be able to talk to young soldiers in training and hear their stories. It was an honor to serve those serving us. Folks, I'm telling you, we owe them a debt we cannot repay, and most of them are just babies. They were so young. I wish there was more we could do to support them. Please take a few minutes and say a prayer for our soldiers everyday. It's the very least we can do and one of the most important things we can do. Also, if you get a chance, take a look at Eric Horner's websites.

http://www.erichorner.com/
http://www.victoryconcerts.com/

Restored At Last?

O Israel, return to the LORD your God,
For you have stumbled because of your iniquity;
Take words with you,
And return to the LORD.
Say to Him,
"Take away all iniquity;
Receive us graciously,
For we will offer the sacrifices of our lips."

--Hosea 14:1-2

Sounds like a pertinent quote for our country. I get so tired and discouraged watching the news. How hard are our people's hearts! I don't pray enough for our country to turn back to God. I think that should be a new goal.