Beautifully Human

I will readily admit I am not a "creative" type.  Sure, I have done some art, poetry, creative writing, and music, but it is always mimicry or license with the creativity of others.  I rarely come up with something creative which is of even mediocre quality.  I had to write out my "improvised" trumpet solos in High School.

Any way, on that note, I have had a very sensitive ear (or eye) lately and have heard (or read) a phrase or two, or heard a particular song, which motivates me to write something.  Today's post title "Beautifully Human" is a phrase which 'Chelle over at "Treat Me To A Feast" has used several times recently. The phrase comes from the title of Jill Scott's second CD "Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Volume 2."   I have told her I am greatly attracted to that phrase and will probably use it in a post.  Well, 'Chelle, here it is.  Hope I do it justice.

When I heard the phrase, I was instantly reminded of Genesis 1:27 (NIV)

"So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."

New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

As well as Job 10:8-12 (GNT):

"Your hands formed and shaped me, and now those same hands destroy me.  Remember that you made me from clay; are you going to crush me back to dust? You gave my father strength to beget me; you made me grow in my mother's womb.  You formed my body with bones and sinews and covered the bones with muscles and skin.  You have given me life and constant love, and your care has kept me alive."

 Good News Translation (GNT) Copyright © 1992 by American Bible Society

And also Psalm 139:13-16 (NIV):

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.  I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be."

New International Version, NIV Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.

I love these verses since they let us ALL know that God had an integral part in forming who each one of us is.  Without His input and creativity I can't imagine what I would be, nor do I wish to try.  I know I am flawed, but the flaws are a result of the choices I have made, and NOT due to the design God had for me.  God's design was perfect.

I must accept the fact that everyone was created perfect, and it is their choices which have made them who they currently are (for the good and the bad).  We were given free will for just this reason, to be individuals who have to choose to accept God's love, mercy, and grace.  God would have it no other way, he had previously created the angels and cherubim and seraphim which were not given the free will to choose this (though they could get prideful as we know Lucifer did).  But then, don't we all...

The angels and cherubim and seraphim were created before man, in the period of infinity past (before the creation when there was nothing but GOD).  He created them for one purpose, to give Him praise.  They were created only for that purpose so they were probably not created in God's image, but solely according to His purpose.  Once He created the earth and decided to populate it, He purposed to create something better than the angels and cherubim and seraphim: man and woman.  Wow!

I must see the Creator in the creation, regardless of the flaws which may be evident.  God loves that person, and so should I.  The choices we make, flaws and all, are part of what makes us beautifully human.

Rejoice and be glad.

Why do the nations rage?

Psalm 2:1 (NKJV):

"Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?"

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

I promised not too long ago [to myself] to not talk politics any more.  Yes, I have strong opinions of what I consider to be the right way this country should be headed.  I am not going to share them.  I do not wish to get involved in that kind of conversation right now, my blood pressure is under control and I wish to keep it that way.

Right now, the Republican National Convention is happening in Tampa, FL.  Thankfully, I am working a shift which precludes me from watching, and I am making a concerted effort to NOT turn on my TV or read the news much when I am available for those activities.  I am not saying I wish to remain oblivious to issues.  I just do not want to hear the highly charged rhetoric.  I have friends [and family] who are very polarized on opposite sides of the political spectrum, and, right now, many are making comments on FB concerning what is being said.

My biggest question to them is 'why is anyone surprised that POLITICIANS are making statements that may or may not exactly be 100% correct and true?' [Both sides, in speeches and rebuttals]  It is their 'job' to try to remain in office and advance their party's doctrines.  I know, that is not really what they should be doing, but since they are not governing the peoples of this great nation with the care and concern of a parent, they have to do something.

I am saddened at how the US political system has deteriorated in just my lifetime.  I am distraught that we have a futile system which is highly polarized and will never accomplish anything great again, until and unless the people take over.  We need to return to the days of "Mr. Smith goes to Washington."  We need to remember Abraham Lincoln's statement that the government should be "Of the people [not an oligarchy], By the people [what the majority of the American people think on an issue should be the rule, not what the party in power says], For the people [what ever happened to governing for the good of the people, and not just the good of your political agenda or that of special interest groups who happen to have deep pockets?]."  And of course, stop the judicial system from legislating from the bench.

I know I am an idealist. I know I am also somewhat of an "extremist" (in the views of others), due to thinking people should take responsibility for their own actions and conditions, and not rely on the government for handouts.  There is no such thing as a free lunch, somebody has to pay for it.

What amazes me most is that regardless who is 'in power,' things will not change [not really].  God has a plan and IS in control.  Regardless of our opinions of the individuals elected, it is our responsibility to not allow the devisive, polarizing nature of the current system to dissuade us from OUR responsibility: to pray.
1 Timothy 2:1-5 (NKJV):

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus..."

The Holy Bible, New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Dear Father, help me to not get wrapped up in matters of the day.  Help me keep focused on you and not the current political nightmare.  You are in control.  You will seat who You choose for the reasons only You know.  Help me to be content in the knowledge that You have a plan, and help me to pray for those in authority because they could not be there without Your providence. 

Size Matters

An old Cadillac hearse in Alpine
which caught my eye with the
Size Matters deco.
Photo by yours truly.

Size matters.

It's very true.

Now, before you let your mind wander to territories it doesn't need to go, let me explain:  the size of your God determine the level of your faith.

Don't believe me? Ok, that is your right.  But if you have a BIG GOD, you are more trusting, less likely to worry, and less likely to try to force YOUR will upon God.

If you are a small god person, you probably worry, complain about situations you are encountering, and work towards things you want and not what God wants for you.

Read the Bible! Get a feel for the size of God it portrays.  He is HUGE! He is everywhere! He IS AWESOME!   He is so big, he "...bends down to look at the skies and the earth." [Psalm 113:6 New Century Version, Copyright © 2005 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.]

Dear Lord, thank You for being bigger than my fears, bigger than my hopes, bigger than my dreams.  Never let me forget You are a Big God.  Thank you!

The Bread of Life...

As I mentioned yesterday, I will be starting the Bible in 90 Days reading plan soon with my (x)Wife. Our goal is to start probably Monday, September 10, 2012.  I am very excited for this opportunity.  I have read through the Bible several times in my life and always appreciate it.  This time, I look forward to the conversations that will come out of it.

I will be posting the readings here a day prior, feel free to join us in this adventure.  The purpose, beyond just getting the people of God to read the Word, is to read the Bible "attentively."  I know I can fall into the habit of reading just to be reading, which usually ends up with little retention or comprehension.  If you decide to joins us on this journey, pray before reading, read at a time of day when you are awake and alert, and don't be afraid to mark in your Bible or take notes.  I would greatly appreciate your input in comments.

I tend to buy smaller editions of the Bible to keep around at work.  I usually end up with a bit of time to read at work and having a Bible around helps me make that choice a good one.  I am not afraid to mark things up in my Bibles either.  I am always making notes from my perspective on things, which can be a  tad askew sometimes I will admit.  But I like it when someone picks up one of my Bibles and flips through it.  The notes can pique their interest to read exactly what my off kilter or cryptic scrawling means.

Anyway, a good primer will be to read Psalm 119.  It is full of references to the Word, the Law, Precepts, Testimonies, His Ways, Statutes, Commandments,... As you do so, really think about what you are reading.  I hope it will fill you and cause you also to hunger for more, for it is truly the Bread of Life which man needs to survive.

I look forward to you joining us on the reading adventure.  Take it as an opportunity to live the words of Nehemiah 8:8 (KJV):

So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

Rejoice and be glad.

Mixed Emotions

I find myself today dealing with very mixed emotions about something which will happen in the next few days:  my (x)Wife and children will be returning to their home in Georgia very soon.

I don't really know how to look at this event.

The selfish me doesn't want them to go.  I am thankful for the time of Renewal we have shared, but I don't want it to end.  I know the only way for things to move forward is for this to happen and the NEXT STEPS (whatever they are) to start happening.  Besides, my current home, while it worked for this visit, is too small for long term occupancy of the entire family.

I look forward to the opportunity to visit Georgia and see them again soon (aiming for October).  It will be an opportunity to see the changing seasons, and while spending lots of money to do stuff is not desired, day trips to Calloway Gardens in Pine Mountain, GA and Stone Mountain in Stone Mountain, GA are on the "must do" list.  As a family, we have always enjoyed Calloway with the flowers and gardens and butterfly house; however, it may be a little different from most trips since I might not be able to walk all the trails as we used to (I hope to have some cardio level rebuilt by then).

Not trying to use  Bible verses totally out of context, to make a statement that agrees with my perspective, but, here is a portion of Psalm 30: 5 (KJV):

"...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning."

This time, when the suburban pulls out of my drive way, there will be a future hope attached to it instead of the dread and sadness of the last time they left.  God is good (all the time!).  Very thankful for a God of new beginnings.

Looking forward to the future and the plans He has for us.  He is a glorious God who gives beauty for ashes and joy for mourning.  His plans are greater than my plans. I can never thank and praise Him enough.

Happy Hump Day?

About four years ago, the discovery of a hump-less camel species was announced. Not a huge announcement, unless you are a zoologist specializing in desert dwelling ungulates.  To me, and the geek/scientific mind/curious/ researcher/did-I-mention-geek side of me, it made me question the purpose of the camel's hump in the first place.

It is commonly stated that a camel's hump holds water.  This is, in fact, a myth.  According to the Library of Congress "Everyday Mysteries" web site:

"A camel's hump does not hold water at all - it actually stores fat. The camel uses it as nourishment when food is scarce. If a camel uses the fat inside the hump, the hump will become limp and droop down. With proper food and rest the hump will return to normal."

There is a lot of perfection in the design of a camel, and an application for us.  A camel can spend a long time walking through the desert without eating.  It has stored the nourishment it needs in its hump.

There are desert experiences we all face.  Times when we seem to be endlessly wandering with no food available, no water to cool us.  We need to prepare ourselves like a camel, take in the proper food in times of rest.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 119:11 (KJV):

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."

We need to store up the Word of the Lord in our hearts to guide us away from sin.  It will feed us during our desert experiences.  It will sustain us through the storm.

So build up your reserves, don't walk around like a flat, hump-less camel.

Lord, help me fill my heart with your Word to protect me through the times where nourishment is not readily available.

Rejoice and be glad.

Oh my soul...

Today is a good day.

To elaborate, God is in control.  He has forgiven me.  He heals me.  He has redeemed me.

I am currently experiencing some rather inconvenient (not painful or sickening) side effects from the chemo therapy, at least what my research on the symptoms potentially links as an allergic reaction to the newest drug which was added to my cocktail last weekend.  The inconvenient side effect: itchy palms of my hands and soles of my feet, which has expanded to general itching all over.

When discussing the issue this morning with my (x)Wife, we were prayerfully discussing (through texts) options and claiming God's truths and promises.  I was given Psalm 103: 1-4.  It is the truth.

Psalm 103:1-4 (KJV)

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.  Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;"

Every part of us need to be praising God for what He has done (His benefits):

• He forgives us!
• He heals us!
• He redeems us!
• He loves us!

Therein lies our focus! (Had to use this. ;) )

Rejoice and be glad!  With this truth, how can any day NOT be a good day?

Great Expectations

“There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality, or lower your expectations” -Jodi Picoult

Wow. Talk about brave, titling this post after a masterpiece novel and quoting the bard and another famous author right off the bat!

Last night I was informed of some statistics from a workout someone who is near and dear to me completed. I was highly impressed because, to me it was a fast pace for the distance. So, this morning, just to see where I am in comparison, I went to a track to attempt to match the effort.

Now, here are a couple caveats that should be noted (I was cheating a bit):

        *  I was running on a level track with no traffic in 72 degree weather, no wind, light humidity, beautiful morning, and I was well rested.
        * Stats were recorded in the evening on country roads (probably not too level) 80 something degrees and humid, at the end of a long day.

So life is not fair. I had expected to either match or, at least, come pretty close considering I haven't been running as much as I would have liked (but I could make excuses all day why). I wasn't even in the vicinity of the numbers when all was said and done. Much slower. Over all pace poor and, I will admit it, I could not even run a complete mile without walking.

This saddened me. I had expected to run not much slower than I had on my last timed 1.5 mile run in October. I was about 5 minutes slower. I know I have only recently started running/walking again (haven't run much at all since November), I am not as young as I used to be, and I "have a medical condition," but it was just a mile and a half! I completed a marathon last year in October! A mile and a half is nothing.

Expectations are a trap. They can lead to disappointment, or motivate us to change to meet them. It is all in how we ourselves deal with things. I am disappointed in the results, but I have formulated a plan to improve my performance and set a goal to attempt to remeasure in 2 weeks after work in that direction.

Will I be able to get (in 2 weeks) to a point I would love to be: my Army basic training 2-mile run time of 10:32, or my current job academy final physical fitness test 1.5 miles in 10:25? Pretty sure in 2 weeks that won't happen, but I would like to consistently complete the distance without walking. Then to work on speed/pace.

I plan on running with this individual soon. I don't want to make her slow her pace for me, and I would prefer not to be embarrassed by my lack luster performance. But in the long run, I will just be glad to be sharing a run with her for the first time. It will make my heart smile no matter how I do.

I need to be diligent and patient, enjoying life day by day. Making whatever furtive movements in the direction I want to go, I must wait for the results.

Psalm 62:5 (KJV)

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him."

I am...

I am complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power (Colossians 2:10)

I am alive with Christ (Ephesians 2:5)

I am free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2)

I am far from oppression, and fear does not come near me (Isaiah 54:14)

I am born of God, and the evil one does not touch me (1 John 5:18)

I am holy and without blame before Him in love (Ephesians 1:4; 1 Peter 1:16)

I have the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5)

I have the peace of God that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7)

I have the Greater One living in me; greater is He Who is in me than he who is in the  world (1 John 4:4)

I have received the gift of righteousness and reign as a king in life by Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17)

I have received the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Jesus, the eyes of my understanding being enlightened (Ephesians 1:17, 18)

I have the power over all the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me (Mark 16:17, 18; Luke 10:17, 19)

I have put off the old man and have put on the new man, which is renewed in the knowledge after the image of Him Who created me (Colossians 3:9, 10)

I have no lack, for my God supplies all of my need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19)

I can quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one with my shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)

I can do all things through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:13)

I show forth the praises of God Who has called me out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)

I am God's child-for I am born again of the incorruptible seed of the Word of God, which lives and abides forever (1 Peter 1:23)

I am God's workmanship, created in Christ unto good works (Ephesians 2:10)

I am a new creature in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

I am a spirit being-alive to God (Romans 6:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

I am a believer, and the light of the Gospel shines in my mind (2 Corinthians 4:4)

I am a doer of the Word and blessed in my actions (James 1:22, 25)

I am a joint-heir with Christ (Romans 8:17)

I am more than a conqueror through Him Who loves me (Romans 8:37)

I am an overcomer by the blood of the Lamb and the word of my testimony (Revelation 12:11)

I am a partaker of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:3, 4)

I am an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20)

I am part of a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a purchased people (1 Peter 2:9)

I am the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21)

I am the temple of the Holy Spirit, I am not my own (1 Corinthians 6:19)

I am the head and not the tail; I am above only and not beneath (Deuteronomy 28:13)

I am the light of the world (Matthew 5:14)

I am His elect, full of mercy, kindness, humility, and longsuffering (Romans 8:33; Colossians 3:12)

I am forgiven of all my sins and washed in the Blood (Ephesians 1:7)

I am delivered from the power of darkness and translated into God's kingdom (Colossians 1:13)

I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty (Deuteronomy 28:15-68; Galatians 3:13)

I am firmly rooted, built up, established in my faith and overflowing with gratitude (Colossians 2:7)

I am called of God to be the voice of His praise (Psalm 66:8; 2 Timothy 1:9)

I am healed by the stripes of Jesus (Isaiah 53:5; 1 Peter 2:24)

I am raised up with Christ and seated in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6; Colossians 2:12)

I am greatly loved by God (Romans 1:7; Ephesians 2:4; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 1:4)

I am strengthened with all might according to His glorious power (Colossians 1:11)

I am submitted to God, and the devil flees from me because I resist him in the Name of Jesus (James 4:7)

I press on toward the goal to win the prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward (Philippians 3:14)

For God has not given [me] a spirit of fear; but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7)

It is not I who live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20)

Copyright © 2008 Joyce Meyer Ministries, Inc.

Pssst...and so are YOU (if you want to be).