Hi Serendipity, I was reading this and listening to "In my arms" by Plumb. What a great combination for a laid-back, grey, but beautiful fall day.
I really appreciate the way you explained "the call to take up His cross" as the letting go of pride and selfishness. It's so hard to do, but seems to get easier with practice. There is nothing that gives me more peace (okay, apart from a warm, breezy day spent on a lovely beach south of Daytona) than the feeling of letting go of my pride. Somehow the selfishness seems to be directly related to the pride and letting go of some of my pride seems to do the same for my selfishness.
Letting go of things doesn't come easily. It's like a thoroughly ingrained survival skill and requires conscious effort to let go of that which you feel keeps you strong and secure. Why is it that our very nature seems opposed to the will of God? I suppose this is the "corruption" that you refer to. Sometimes I think Christians overly demonize the wording they use or perhaps our translation of the original wording of the Hebrew texts is off...for I don't feel that most people are "corrupt" so much as they are fighting a human nature that inherently differs from God's and unconsciously (and consciously) fights his will in our lives.
I was listening to KLOV radio station (Chicago) yesterday in my car and the DJ said that she was "stunned and befuddled and amazed" at how much God loves her. Why would she be stunned and/or befuddled? I felt that she was being quite the fake. After all, God made us as we are. How can we be unlovable if God made us as we are, with our "corrupt" and "sinful" natures? Why would God make us this way and then have contempt for us? As parents, you love your children even when they do things that hurt you. Do you see what I mean? Is it any wonder why so many people reject God when they are made to feel that they are dirt by design and are told they should worship the God that made them the dirt they are told to be?
Of course, I'm not saying that the above is true. In fact, it's not the truth at all. God made us as we are for a reason and with a purpose and it's a worthy pursuit, but while we reside in this world our senses are much too limited to understand His plan, yet we have been given what we essentially need to survive this mortal state. Think of it like the show "Survival". We have been given the bare essence of what we need to survive; the rest (faith) must come from within.
OMGosh, another bible-basher! lol Welcome to the club, cloud. Being outspokenly Christian isn't well-tolerated here. If anyone gives you a hard time, just bash a little harder.
Long ago (and I may not have this quite correct) I learned that there are different types of conflict; man vs man, man vs nature, and man vs himself. Being in conflict due to sin is like all being in conflict with all 3 at once.
I agree with you Oregon. And I also believe it's much worse that most people are hearing. The mainstream news is basically refusing to ask the tough questions and to report the news that is actually out there.
Fact, there were 2 drones over the consulate safe building during the attacks and at least one of them was armed and could have been engaged.
Fact, realtime communications went directly to the situation room as well as between 200 and 300 email communications went to ...well 200-300 individuals. The WH, the pentagon and Africom were among the recipients.
Fact, as per the protocol of this type of event (ambassadors are considered to be personal emissaries of the president and thus are afforded a high level of security) the president was made immediately aware of the situation. According to the CIA, the WH denied them permission to rescue the ambassador and his staff. Furthermore, they have testified that the CIA never denied any assistance.
Fact, the CIA, including an ops unit located a mile from the consulate safe house and Africom were told to stand down.
Fact, requests for help from the consulate safe house were 3 times denied.
While we're at it let's ban autos, because lot's of people are killed in auto accidents. And let's ban food and cigarettes, because they also cause deaths.
Sorry to seem insensitive, but humans are given so many brain cells. Why don't we just use them?
2late, I wouldn't worry about it too much. I find it convenient that self-limiting people advertise the fact so nicely. Makes it so much easier to avoid them, don't you think?
MICTLANTECUHTLI, do you have a nickname? Awesome photo. It's the architecture that draws me and I love the layout and the fact that it's in Spain is a huge plus. Mexico City is also a fabulous place for it's architecture and colour!
Serendipity - great response on the question of killing vs murder.
I have a question: why was the eating of the forbidden fruit a result of having been deceived in relation to Eve, but considered a transgression by Adam? Or am I misunderstanding?
No, pranoy, this so called feeling of loneliness that you allude to is a myth. There is no such thing as loneliness, just as there is no such thing as "feelings".
Next, you will be pondering the validity of the so called fiscal crisis, referred to as "bankruptcy", of Greece. Sheesh.
This is the most honest, insightful and thoughtful blog I have read...maybe ever. You did an excellent job of tackling a very difficult subject. And yes, your words apply to me too. Thank you, Ariel!
I will also say that I have never seen Mia to say anything negative about anyone. She is not deserving of any attacks. I have no doubt that no sane person would say otherwise.
Lifeisbest, you are very confused and probably very sick. I am friends with Serendipity and I can tell you or anyone that he has been a true friend to me. Not only that, he's probably one of the nicest people I've ever known in my life. He's dedicated to God, his family, his employer and his friends. He has an excellent sense of humour and yet he has nothing bad to say about anyone.
YOU, however, continue to spew hate and nonsense and nothing that you say has any credence whatsoever. YOU are no Christian and you're not fooling anyone with your prattle.
The only people that would vote for obama are those who WANT the US economy to further deteriorate or those who understand nothing of economics. Or freedom, for that matter. And remember, when the US economy suffers, world economies suffer. Me, I like being employed. And I like my friends and family to be employed and able to support their families. Four more years of obama will see many, many more of us unable to do that. What kind of person wants that?
When you really love someone and it ends, your feelings don't just end. Not even when people tell you to find something else to think about or just to forget that person, as if you are a faucet that can just turn off those feelings just because someone tells you to do so.
Letting to is one of those things that just takes time. Bambina is correct; you determine in your mind to let go, but your heart takes it's time and there's not much you can do about it. That's just the way it is.
life, Serendipity has asked you what scripture you have read that indicates that Jesus is not God. I'm also interested in the basis of your arguments. It's not enough to say no, no, no, no. Two year old children do that while they are rolling around on the floor and crying at the top of their lungs. Are you a two year old that you cannot respond to Serendipity's questions? Are we expected to believe that Jesus is not God simply because you say so?
Awesome responses by all so far. I think we can all agree that Solamente gets the award for most expensive date!
My dream date would begin on a beach with soft white sand and clear water on a warm sunny day for a long walk. Lunch in a beach side dive with great food and air hockey. Then dinner and some dancing at some low-key restaurant with Jesse Cook playing guitar with some local rumba enthusiasts. A walk along the beach in the moonlight would round off the evening perfectly.
Lace, first I offer my condolences. As to your question, I highly recommend a book called "Boundaries in Dating". It's awesome and very healing. It's written by Dr Henry Cloud and Dr John Townsend.
I also recommend "Straight Talk, No Chaser" by Steve Harvey.
Apart from that, socialize. Join a group, get out with people.
chame1eon Blog Comments (854)
RE: dont comment if you cant handle a bit of humor
Maybe it was your spelling?