I really couldn't say it any better...So I won't try...
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Showing posts with label deep in thought. Show all posts
Showing posts with label deep in thought. Show all posts
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
This is most certainly true....
This is a post I have been working on for some time and I finally decided to post it...
As most of you know I grew up in small town Iowa and I raised in a small-town Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. I was very active in my church growing up and took all the church's teachings to heart. In this time, I also harbored a great appreciation for Martin Luther. This man, if anything, has taught me to question and to keep questioning the church and dedicate living my life for my faith in and the love of God.
I would be lying if I said I still agreed with ALL the things I learned in church growing up, however I feel this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I still agree with some things I learned.
My spiritual journey has been a crazy one, as I am sure most people's are. When I got to college I became a little less associated with the church. I began to think a lot, about why we are here and how does my faith apply to my life on Earth. For example, what should I study, how should I vote, and most importantly what would Jesus want me to do. Granted I did not go out and buy a WWJD bracelet.
I spent my summers in college at Camp EWALU, and I believe this where my eyes and heart were opened the most. I believe because I was opened to new experiences and different points of view. I learned from the campers that faith can be simple and should not be overly complex. My thinking is along the lines of, why make it more complicated than it should be? This just becomes more confusing and less easy for me to follow when every little thing is analyzed. There really is no need for it. I honestly believe Jesus wants us to love God and our neighbors and to love and take care of one another. I honestly believe it can be that simple, however mankind (me included) has a long way to go before that can happen. I m guessing that is why God has other rules and provisions for us. :)
I do believe there are times when our religion and faith can be used against us to manipulate or control our ways of thinking. There are people in this world that will sadly use whatever they can to stay in control and in power. This does not just happen with Christianity, it happens across the board.
I know liberals are often associated with being God-less and immoral. I however do not see it that way at all. I believe Jesus was probably more of a socialist than anything. He definitely was not republican and probably not a democrat either.
Why do I believe this?
Jesus' main message isn't to look out for yourself and just your family. It is to help those in need, that the meek will inherit the earth, to be humble and thankful, not to worry about money. These are things I worry about everyday. I am far from perfect, but I am working on it! I believe there is a huge group of people in this country and around the world that are at a huge disadvantage and I am failing at doing my part to help them.
Last year, while I was dong my year of service with LVC, I learned a lot from the people of the city. I had some clients with amazing faith. I couldn't believe how they clung to their faith. It would have been easier to turn their back on God and religion, but they didn't. They thanked God for what they still had. I also was amazed in how concerned they were with helping others, even while they were in the middle of their own tragedies. This is one of the most amazing things I have experienced. It helped me realize what is important and that I can help others.
I understand people work hard for what they have and want the best for their families. I understand it is important to conserve values and traditions. I understand that not everyone should have the same things and some people do not work as hard as others. I understand we all have gifts, talents and different life experiences. I just don't understand why we can't help each other out. How are we going to get anywhere if we keep watching our own backs. We are only as strong as the weakest person.
I recently joined a bible study, called BSF, and am looking forward to what will be revealed to me this year. I am very excited because we don't talk about denominations and talk about the bible and what God has revealed to us through his word.
My faith is ever growing and opinions are ever changing. Who knows this post could be irrelevant in week. But for now this what I know to be true, to me it is most certainly true.
As most of you know I grew up in small town Iowa and I raised in a small-town Missouri Synod Lutheran Church. I was very active in my church growing up and took all the church's teachings to heart. In this time, I also harbored a great appreciation for Martin Luther. This man, if anything, has taught me to question and to keep questioning the church and dedicate living my life for my faith in and the love of God.
I would be lying if I said I still agreed with ALL the things I learned in church growing up, however I feel this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I still agree with some things I learned.
My spiritual journey has been a crazy one, as I am sure most people's are. When I got to college I became a little less associated with the church. I began to think a lot, about why we are here and how does my faith apply to my life on Earth. For example, what should I study, how should I vote, and most importantly what would Jesus want me to do. Granted I did not go out and buy a WWJD bracelet.
I spent my summers in college at Camp EWALU, and I believe this where my eyes and heart were opened the most. I believe because I was opened to new experiences and different points of view. I learned from the campers that faith can be simple and should not be overly complex. My thinking is along the lines of, why make it more complicated than it should be? This just becomes more confusing and less easy for me to follow when every little thing is analyzed. There really is no need for it. I honestly believe Jesus wants us to love God and our neighbors and to love and take care of one another. I honestly believe it can be that simple, however mankind (me included) has a long way to go before that can happen. I m guessing that is why God has other rules and provisions for us. :)
I do believe there are times when our religion and faith can be used against us to manipulate or control our ways of thinking. There are people in this world that will sadly use whatever they can to stay in control and in power. This does not just happen with Christianity, it happens across the board.
I know liberals are often associated with being God-less and immoral. I however do not see it that way at all. I believe Jesus was probably more of a socialist than anything. He definitely was not republican and probably not a democrat either.
Why do I believe this?
Jesus' main message isn't to look out for yourself and just your family. It is to help those in need, that the meek will inherit the earth, to be humble and thankful, not to worry about money. These are things I worry about everyday. I am far from perfect, but I am working on it! I believe there is a huge group of people in this country and around the world that are at a huge disadvantage and I am failing at doing my part to help them.
Last year, while I was dong my year of service with LVC, I learned a lot from the people of the city. I had some clients with amazing faith. I couldn't believe how they clung to their faith. It would have been easier to turn their back on God and religion, but they didn't. They thanked God for what they still had. I also was amazed in how concerned they were with helping others, even while they were in the middle of their own tragedies. This is one of the most amazing things I have experienced. It helped me realize what is important and that I can help others.
I understand people work hard for what they have and want the best for their families. I understand it is important to conserve values and traditions. I understand that not everyone should have the same things and some people do not work as hard as others. I understand we all have gifts, talents and different life experiences. I just don't understand why we can't help each other out. How are we going to get anywhere if we keep watching our own backs. We are only as strong as the weakest person.
I recently joined a bible study, called BSF, and am looking forward to what will be revealed to me this year. I am very excited because we don't talk about denominations and talk about the bible and what God has revealed to us through his word.
My faith is ever growing and opinions are ever changing. Who knows this post could be irrelevant in week. But for now this what I know to be true, to me it is most certainly true.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Cat-fight
Are women socialized to compete with each other?
It is becoming a real problem ladies!
I am constantly flipping through TV shows in which there are a gaggle of women who are fighting each other to fight over some rich man. Sorry to break it to you honey, but there is probably a reason why he is trying to find "love" on a television show and still single....
Anyways, the show title my be different but the theme is the same across the board. One man, 13 desperate and catty women fighting with each other to win his approval. I think the thing that upsets me most is the women are not unattractive or unintelligent-for the most part- but they are dangerously desperate. A good friend of mine once told me desperation is like a bad perfume-everyone can smell it form miles away. How true and brilliant is that? Then those who are dangerously desperate wonder why no one wants to be around them or why they always end up with duds...it is a never ending vicious cycle.
My advice to putting an end to it- it raising our daughters to be confident, independent and smart. And our sons to respect women who display these qualities. It is not cute to be Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson.
I guess I am just annoyed with watching women throw themselves at men, and sacrificing dignity. When did become acceptable to dis other women and our own integrity to fight over a man? This didn't just start yesterday- girls have been catty with each other for a long time. Anyone remember middle school? I just wish this wasn't acceptable behavior and that we as society would stop rewarding it by putting it on TV and continuing to encourage women who act this way. Let's be friends and not catty with one another. Let's help each other out and not compete. Let's encourage one another and not sabotage one- another.
So ladies- let's take off our gloves, stand tall and walk on by- he is not worth it.
It is becoming a real problem ladies!
I am constantly flipping through TV shows in which there are a gaggle of women who are fighting each other to fight over some rich man. Sorry to break it to you honey, but there is probably a reason why he is trying to find "love" on a television show and still single....
Anyways, the show title my be different but the theme is the same across the board. One man, 13 desperate and catty women fighting with each other to win his approval. I think the thing that upsets me most is the women are not unattractive or unintelligent-for the most part- but they are dangerously desperate. A good friend of mine once told me desperation is like a bad perfume-everyone can smell it form miles away. How true and brilliant is that? Then those who are dangerously desperate wonder why no one wants to be around them or why they always end up with duds...it is a never ending vicious cycle.
My advice to putting an end to it- it raising our daughters to be confident, independent and smart. And our sons to respect women who display these qualities. It is not cute to be Paris Hilton or Jessica Simpson.
I guess I am just annoyed with watching women throw themselves at men, and sacrificing dignity. When did become acceptable to dis other women and our own integrity to fight over a man? This didn't just start yesterday- girls have been catty with each other for a long time. Anyone remember middle school? I just wish this wasn't acceptable behavior and that we as society would stop rewarding it by putting it on TV and continuing to encourage women who act this way. Let's be friends and not catty with one another. Let's help each other out and not compete. Let's encourage one another and not sabotage one- another.
So ladies- let's take off our gloves, stand tall and walk on by- he is not worth it.
Monday, May 12, 2008
My struggle....
"...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
This is probably one of my favorite verses. And Today I felt inspired to write about my eternal/internal struggle.
I have been writing light, airy, fun entries lately, but not today. Everyday I wake up and I begin to struggle. I always want to do what is right-what is best for everyone. I try to watch where I shop, support those who are need, and think of ways to better the environment and world so we can all enjoy it. This is something important to me because I believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Though I may never know what it really is like to struggle and suffer- I do know no one deserves to live this way.
What am I talking about??? I am talking about everything- from Sweatshops to Racism, from Global Warming to Domestic Violence, from Homelessness to War.
There is so much going on in our world every day, it makes reading the news hard. Playing off my previous post, the world is need of a makeover!
We all know my hate for Wal-Mart, but lately I found out Target may not be much better. The website knowmore.org gives information on different corporations who really don't care about much except making a profit. This really upsets me because, I think I am doing something good and find out I am doing just as much harm. So why does this continue to happen? Because we allow it to. Sometimes it is easier to pretend it doesn't go on, or to ignore it. I think if we DEMAND a change and settle for nothing less-there can be a change. I could write for years about how evil Corporate America etc. is but I think we all know that.
My challenge is to fight ignorance and learn about where you are getting stuff or how it is made. I bet you will be surprised.
I know you are thinking I am fighting something that is much bigger than me, but I am sick of what is going on. I need a change and I hope you do too!
This is how I will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God. I know there are different plans for all of us, what are yours? Or more importantly,What does the Lord require of you?
This is probably one of my favorite verses. And Today I felt inspired to write about my eternal/internal struggle.
I have been writing light, airy, fun entries lately, but not today. Everyday I wake up and I begin to struggle. I always want to do what is right-what is best for everyone. I try to watch where I shop, support those who are need, and think of ways to better the environment and world so we can all enjoy it. This is something important to me because I believe everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, dignity and respect. Though I may never know what it really is like to struggle and suffer- I do know no one deserves to live this way.
What am I talking about??? I am talking about everything- from Sweatshops to Racism, from Global Warming to Domestic Violence, from Homelessness to War.
There is so much going on in our world every day, it makes reading the news hard. Playing off my previous post, the world is need of a makeover!
We all know my hate for Wal-Mart, but lately I found out Target may not be much better. The website knowmore.org gives information on different corporations who really don't care about much except making a profit. This really upsets me because, I think I am doing something good and find out I am doing just as much harm. So why does this continue to happen? Because we allow it to. Sometimes it is easier to pretend it doesn't go on, or to ignore it. I think if we DEMAND a change and settle for nothing less-there can be a change. I could write for years about how evil Corporate America etc. is but I think we all know that.
My challenge is to fight ignorance and learn about where you are getting stuff or how it is made. I bet you will be surprised.
I know you are thinking I am fighting something that is much bigger than me, but I am sick of what is going on. I need a change and I hope you do too!
This is how I will act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with my God. I know there are different plans for all of us, what are yours? Or more importantly,What does the Lord require of you?
Monday, September 24, 2007
Nostalgic!
I don't know what is, but the nostalgia is strong this week. Maybe it is the fall weather, or maybe it is the fact I have time to sit around at work and think. I am gald I have the memories of my friends, family and fun! Lately I have been wondering where has all the time gone? It feels like I should still be finishing up my senior in college, but that was 2 years ago already.
Does time fly by this fast your whole life or does it ever slow down?
I like Columbus, but sometimes it is hard being out of the loop of my friend's shenanigans and get togethers, but I am making my own friends and settling in just fine here.
It is interesting where life leads us and lets us settle down before picking us up and making us replant our roots somewhere else.
Does time fly by this fast your whole life or does it ever slow down?
I like Columbus, but sometimes it is hard being out of the loop of my friend's shenanigans and get togethers, but I am making my own friends and settling in just fine here.
It is interesting where life leads us and lets us settle down before picking us up and making us replant our roots somewhere else.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Off Roading
Here I am at work counting down my last 60 minutes. I have had quite a bit of time to reflect on just about everything that has been going on.
Lately life has been a little weird for me. In my whole life I have seen must of my friends and family take the paved path that is set before them. I always I thought I would too, graduate, get married, find the job of my dreams, and have a family etc. However, I have gotten way off track. At first this used to bug me a little bit, I don't like surprises or not knowing what's coming next. I like things to be safe and predictable, however life has been so much the opposite lately.
Never in my life did I envision myself living in Ohio, going back to school, or working interesting jobs...But here I am...I am off that paved path and I am off-roading it!
I may not be married, I may not be working the jobs I am most qualified for, and I may seem like I am out wandering around without a plan or map. BUT, I am doing the best I can, maybe I will find a shortcut to the final destination, or maybe I will have a few detours along the way. Either way this is MY life and I am only going to live up to MY expectations.
I am starting to realize my path may be a little dirty, scary, bumpy, and often times a little bit lonely. But I am embracing it and learning it is just fabulous!
Lately life has been a little weird for me. In my whole life I have seen must of my friends and family take the paved path that is set before them. I always I thought I would too, graduate, get married, find the job of my dreams, and have a family etc. However, I have gotten way off track. At first this used to bug me a little bit, I don't like surprises or not knowing what's coming next. I like things to be safe and predictable, however life has been so much the opposite lately.
Never in my life did I envision myself living in Ohio, going back to school, or working interesting jobs...But here I am...I am off that paved path and I am off-roading it!
I may not be married, I may not be working the jobs I am most qualified for, and I may seem like I am out wandering around without a plan or map. BUT, I am doing the best I can, maybe I will find a shortcut to the final destination, or maybe I will have a few detours along the way. Either way this is MY life and I am only going to live up to MY expectations.
I am starting to realize my path may be a little dirty, scary, bumpy, and often times a little bit lonely. But I am embracing it and learning it is just fabulous!
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