Complimentarian vs Egalitarian aside...this is one heck of an awesome article!!! 49% of Americans are single but only 1/3 are represented in churches??? Wow...sad. Time for the church to stop idolizing married life. Yep. True. :)
It's only available for a week online...so read it ASAP!!!
The (Single) Christian
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
City Builders
Kevin and I are going to be city builders too. "Rebuilding old ruins"..."celebrating steps". Goodness and Grace, baby! YES!!!
Monday, September 15, 2014
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Enlightenment and...Arrogance?
I was talking to a lady yesterday. She was troubled by some friends who've become so very arrogant in a new-found state of spiritual enlightenment. (In this case the enlightenment has been to give up faith for atheism, but I've seen the same response from some people who are declare enlightenment in their faith as well.)
My issue...shouldn't we have an expectation of "enlightenment" that such breakthroughs would cause a more beautiful state of humanity??? Humility, selflessness, compassion, altruism...??? I guess that would be my "proof" of sorts that would give weight to someone's liberty of thought.
But...umm...when the paradigm shift permits arrogance, selfishness, belittling, small living...well...I just don't give it much validity. Confidence is a good thing. True strength is a good thing. Being a selfish jerk...is not.
The whole conversation just has me thinking. Considering shifts I've felt are "enlightenment" or "awakening"...and hoping they've been most truly liberating and releasing in my life. The kind that creates more authentic identity and destiny, more positive impact and inspiration in the world around me...more loving and living outward.
Hmm....
My issue...shouldn't we have an expectation of "enlightenment" that such breakthroughs would cause a more beautiful state of humanity??? Humility, selflessness, compassion, altruism...??? I guess that would be my "proof" of sorts that would give weight to someone's liberty of thought.
But...umm...when the paradigm shift permits arrogance, selfishness, belittling, small living...well...I just don't give it much validity. Confidence is a good thing. True strength is a good thing. Being a selfish jerk...is not.
The whole conversation just has me thinking. Considering shifts I've felt are "enlightenment" or "awakening"...and hoping they've been most truly liberating and releasing in my life. The kind that creates more authentic identity and destiny, more positive impact and inspiration in the world around me...more loving and living outward.
Hmm....
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Stress and Perception
Well...what a stressful week and weekend! Good stuff mostly...but sheesh...it never ended.
One of the things I've noticed is how much my stress level and subsequent exhaustion can really impact my perception of things. In the moment it's so hard to remind myself "Hey, remember you are stressed...things aren't likely to be what they appear.". Sigh.
I ended the weekend with a tough challenge to the heart. Add to that the impact of stress and exhaustion...oh Lord, my heart took a spin. Big hot buttons for my heart are embarrassment and being left in the lurch. I guess they both kind of access a weird abandonment place. So...whether or not both of those were truly a part of the situation...my perception was definitely skewed. Sigh.
What's so strange is I was half-aware of the possibility of the stress impact during the whole thing. I guess my introspective nature...a little self-awareness...comes in handy sometimes. So while part of me was fighting massive hurt, the other was trying to remind myself that I could really only be a little hurt, that I could just walk in forgiveness and move on. Sigh.
What a doozy of a heart tornado.
Thank God for God though. I guess I'll leave it to Him to work out...and just rest in Him. Whatever goes on, He is Who He is...the rock I run to. From the worst to the least, He walks with me through it all. Turns out...His perception trumps all. What a peaceful place to be.
One of the things I've noticed is how much my stress level and subsequent exhaustion can really impact my perception of things. In the moment it's so hard to remind myself "Hey, remember you are stressed...things aren't likely to be what they appear.". Sigh.
I ended the weekend with a tough challenge to the heart. Add to that the impact of stress and exhaustion...oh Lord, my heart took a spin. Big hot buttons for my heart are embarrassment and being left in the lurch. I guess they both kind of access a weird abandonment place. So...whether or not both of those were truly a part of the situation...my perception was definitely skewed. Sigh.
What's so strange is I was half-aware of the possibility of the stress impact during the whole thing. I guess my introspective nature...a little self-awareness...comes in handy sometimes. So while part of me was fighting massive hurt, the other was trying to remind myself that I could really only be a little hurt, that I could just walk in forgiveness and move on. Sigh.
What a doozy of a heart tornado.
Thank God for God though. I guess I'll leave it to Him to work out...and just rest in Him. Whatever goes on, He is Who He is...the rock I run to. From the worst to the least, He walks with me through it all. Turns out...His perception trumps all. What a peaceful place to be.
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