Monday, January 31, 2011

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Cute, Unassuming Fluffy Bunny

Just who do you think you are?
Ever heard that? I have, usually it’s that accusing statement from inside my own head (ah, yes, I’m my best worst enemy). In life, being pegged, labeled and boxed in seems to be the order of the day. We all like nice neat little categories to shove people- and ourselves- into. But we’re more, so much more than that.
I love Monty Python’s “The Holy Grail”- and not just for the clippity clop use of coconut shell props to signify real horse galloping through the countryside. But I love it because, during the course of the film, there’s legendary talk about this big huge beast “with pointy teeth.” But when it’s revealed, initially, we see a cute, fluffy bunny, hopping along its merry way.
The knights in the story question and mock the severity of this supposedly fierce beast, feeling that they can handle the fluffy critter. But man, were they wrong! Did they EVER underestimate that sweet little bunny! They had a close encounter with the pointy teeth variety!
Never underestimate the “unassuming.”
You may feel that you have all the power of a fluffy bunny, that everyone discounts you because of your past, your eating disorders, your addictions, your failures.
Can I tell you something? They haven’t even begun to know JUST who they’re dealing with yet!
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9

You are more magnificent, more powerful, more relevant that you even realize now!
“I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”
Philippians 4:13
Because it’s God Who is in you, making it so! Don’t be intimidated or disqualified by your past, your failings and fallings! That’s exactly the stuff God’s using in you to make you shine with Who He is! Can you believe it?
You’re a fierce creature, even if you feel like a timid bunny right now. Be who you are- and always have been the entire time: more than a conqueror!!! Yes, you are not just a conqueror, but MORE than one, with God!!!
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Romans 8:37
C’mon, show the world those pointy teeth of God’s Glory!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah... It's the journey...

Trying to remember that it's the journey and not all about the destination.

Like the Holy Greail film, I'd just love, occasionally, to skip some things.


But, alas, (alas?) I'm not an irreverant British comedy troupe (sigh).

So, yeah, yeah, yeah, the journey. Yeah, yeah, yeah...

Friday, January 28, 2011

Steps are ordered (ruby slipper version)

“A person's steps are directed by the LORD, and the LORD delights in his way.”
Psalm 37:23
Follow, follow, follow, God help me! Yes, I take the next step...

Thursday, January 27, 2011

I hear that, Scarecow!

Life has been quite "Wizard of Oz-y" lately. Right now, I'm trying to deal with multiple spinning plates, which all require so much brain power.
As the Scarecrow stated, "If I only had a brain..."


Life can be daunting, intimidating, downright confusing about which direction one should next go.


Well, I'm here in this "You are here" mall sin, with matching pointing arrow.

Oh God, here's where Your Word comes in, huh?

"For, 'Who can know the LORD's thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?' But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ."
1 Corinthians 2:16

So, repeat it like the “I think I can” train going up the hill, I guess.

 Feeling confused? Lost? Stupid? None of us really are with our attention pointed toward God.
So, with flailing, flimsy scarecrow arms, let’s all point our lives to God, one little bit at a time!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

A Future and a hope, Cowardly Lion…

Plugging along with some recent hope sparks. Proceeding, attempting the “bold as a lion” thing when the cowardly lion, sniveling, seems to come more to the front.

Ah, more prayer is needed here, more seeking God for direction!!! But Jeremiah 29:11 does not come back void. 

“Courage!”
Oh boy…
God, help me. So many details, so much work done; so much is left to do!
I appreciate all the prayers out there. I need ‘em; thanks!
"Courage!"

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Modern Technology

Ah, is it too late to go back to smoke signals and banging on drums to communicate? I have had trouble, recently, with my DA website.



Hopefully, it's resolved now.

Ah, the constant tweaking, it seems, when it comes to technology! It's like arts and crafts on steroids!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Dr. King Is Right...

‎"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."
Martin Luther King, Jr.


Martin Luther King, Jr. was right on so many fronts; we honor him today for his brave vision. It should be noted, as well, that vision doesn't necessarily mean that all of the answers are clearly laid out before us, without struggle. But God's Vision for us (Jeremiah 29:11) tells us that there is a more powerful realization of our desires and dreams, even in spite of failure and struggle.

So step today, in honor of Dr. King, in honor of God, in honor of yourself, whether or not you see a staircase right now in your life.

Step toward your future!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Footprint

At a crossroads? Don’t know where to step next?
We’d all love to have everything perfectly laid out before us, knowing definitively where to go next. Unfortunately, life doesn’t work that way. But that certainly doesn’t mean that any of our steps are in vain!
 “A person's steps are directed by the LORD, and the LORD delights in his way.”
Psalm 37:23
So, wherever we find ourselves, uncertain in our next move, let’s remember: God has it.
He’s not freaked out by it. And He has the power to turn it into ultimate good for us!
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom he has called according to his plan.”
Romans 8:28
So go ahead, take that next step!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Beginning, Defeat Or God's Help?

 So, it’s a week into January.
How’s it going with resolutions, promises, decisions to be a “better you?”
Yeah, thought so.
Most of us probably have already faltered in our resolutions to be “better. “We’ve already blown it. So, now where do we go from here?
How about if we start by not flogging ourselves, punishing ourselves for a perceived failure? Failure is a part of change- and change is hard! We can have the best of intentions, sincerity and reasons for doing something. But the change is about establishing a new habit and attitude. That requires work, time and persistence. None of these things, in the process, feels good.
You and I know of all of the cliché resolutions and promises we make to ourselves. And God knows our limitations- and is not surprised or intimidated by them.
“He certainly knows what we are made of. He bears in mind that we are dust.”
Psalms 103:14
He knew that we’d be where we are right now, post New Year’s resolution/failure. But He’s already decided to establish us with a positive outcome, through Him:
 “I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was.”
Proverbs 8:23
In the process of berating ourselves for our natural imperfect failures, do we stop to consider that we, right now, are blessed, loved, favored and helped by Him, in spite of current circumstances?
Wherever you are: in resolution, failure, addiction, disorder, imperfect life issue, recognize that it is far from over for you. You are not destined for defeat; you are destined for Victory! You haven’t forfeited a chance at a new beginning in your life.
Try again, but this time, make sure to try again, fully aware of God loving, guiding and helping you. You have help and hope. They say that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing, but expecting a different result. Don’t repeat the same response in reaction to you failure. Go to God asking for His difference in your circumstances: wisdom, help, guidance and resources.
Just because we fail doesn’t mean we’re eternally defeated. Remember, we each have Someone who IS for us!
“What can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:31



Friday, January 7, 2011

Some days, it's a cat firing a machine gun...

Really feeling this today... Really...
The sound of a machine gun going off is, indeed, the sound of my high frustration level today...This, too, shall pass...

ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

The Snail...

It doesn't matter how long it takes to get there. Just keep going...

Monday, January 3, 2011

Writer's Block...

Writing...

Yeah, going that well, as well as Mr. Poe's sunny outlook here. Sigh... Some days you're the pen; some days you're the block... just... just...well.
(Sigh)
This too shall pass, God help me, this too shall pass...

Sunday, January 2, 2011

In Memory of Isabelle...

Maybe I was the last to find out this tragic new: Isabelle Caro is dead.

French Model in Anti-Anorexia Campaign Dead at 28
Isabelle Caro appeared on billboards to warn about disorder
Posted Dec 29, 2010 7:03 PM CST
(AP) – Isabelle Caro, a French actress and model whose emaciated image appeared in a shock ad campaign against anorexia, has died at age 28. A friend said she didn't know the cause of death but that Caro "had been sick for a long time," referring to her anorexia. Caro was featured in a campaign called "No Anorexia" in 2007 for an Italian fashion house. Images across newspapers and billboards showed Caro naked, with her vertebrae and facial bones protruding. She weighed about 60 pounds at the time.
Caro said on her blog and in interviews that she had suffered from anorexia since she was 13. She wrote a book published in France in 2008 titled The Little Girl Who Didn't Want to Get Fat. Caro also spoke out about her anorexia and her efforts to recover, and the menace of eating disorders on the fashion industry.
 I am saddened by this news. It brings to mind pointed, painful memories, "there but for the grace of God, go I" sort of things. It's just... sad. Rest in peace, dear Isabelle...