Eve's first mistake was engaging in conversation with Satan. Do I do this? I think I do at times, which is quite convicting. I generally talk myself out of it, but I do play around with the idea and let Satan try to convince me at times.
Satan is fabulous at revising, generalizing, and embellishing. He's a schemer (Ephesians 6:11). It is easy to become his victim. When we don't want to come under God's authority, we begin to question the Word and Satan is available to validate our rationale.
Satan creates Doubt. "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"
He discourages us. Creates a diversion. He appealed to Eve's self-determined "rights" and plasures through a lie that created a lust within Eve. The serpent focused Eve's attention upon the one prohibition until she forgot that everything else in the garden was hers. She may have wondered whether she was being unjustly kept from something good. The serpent planted in Eve's heart a seed of discontent with God and her circumstances.
Defeats us and causes us delays. "You will not surely die," he said. The devil caused her to lose her healthy fear of disobeying God and to doubt His word concerning punishment. Adam and Eve did die immediately in spirit, and in time, they also died physically.
Eve didn't just eat the apple; she made a serious of small choices that led to the fall. When presented with the choice to doubt God's Word, Eve should have refused to listen further out of loyalty to God. She should have shut the door in her mind and cried out to the Lord. She could have turned to Adam to help her resist the temptation.
I think another important point to the fall is that Adam and Eve weren't cursed, they were given consequences. Was Eve's consequence simply painful childbirth as many believe, or pain in child-rearing which includes her oldest murdering his brother? She lost her son to evil and that pain is greater than any labor a woman may endure.
"The Lord banished them from the garden, but He gave them hope. He provided a way back. When God created Adam and Eve in His own image, He did not intend for them to love and obey Him simply because they had no choice. The man and woman would mature spiritually as they learned from God to choose good instead of evil (Hebrews 5:14). They had the opportunity and responsibility to exercise their will, to choose deliberately either for God or against God, through their response to God's generosity to them and then His clear direction" (BSF, 2013, Lesson 5). As with all of God's tests, the test of the two trees held the potential for blessing.
Imagine having eaten the apple, not only did they hear the voice of their Father calling them but immediately upon eating the apple, they had full knowledge of their sin. I imagine the truth overcoming them like a storm. They could hear it from the distance, smell it even. Colors began to change and they were soon enveloped by the truth, crouching in fear of what they had done and what they know to be true. They realized that their knowledge of good now was that they could not attain it.
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Perspective. Show all posts
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Monday, December 21, 2009
What Women Want
Time Magazine recently published an article titled, What Women Want Now. It is more confirmation of my long-time argument that the feminists were misdirected. The article is a follow-up from a previously published assessment of "women's lib" in 1972. At that time, there were no female FBI agents; today there are 2,396. At that time, there were zero Supreme Court Justices, zero Cabinet members, zero governors, and zero Ivy League presidents. Today we have seven Cabinet members, six governors, and four Ivy League presidents. Close to half of law and medical degrees go to women, up from fewer than 10% in 1970. Our life expectancy has extended five years as well in the same time. Five women have won Nobel Prizes in the same year (for Medicine, Chemistry, Economics and Literature). And of course, we just came through an election in which Hillary Clinton, Sarah Palin, Tina Fey and Katie Couric were lead players.
The author speaks to this progression as one that is felt, rather than seen. As if it snuck up on us. Women aren't pridefully celebrating and men aren't resentful. Men still continue to dominate many specific professions. For example, only 10% of civil engineers are men and a third of physicians and surgeons are men, but 98% of kindergarten teachers are women, as well as dental assistants, as reported by the Time Magazine's authors Ford and Van Dyk (2009). In spite of these differences, women earn 77cents on the dollar.
As a midwife, predominately a female profession serving all women, the feminist issue is always close at hand. We are well aware that women are charged higher healthcare premiums and have greater out-of-pocket expenses for things as basic as contraception and maternity care. We are well aware that if men were the gender birthing babies, they would be well paid for an extended maternity leave and upon return to work, they would over overwhelmingly succeed at breastfeeding because their nursing child would be just a few feet away in the on-site daycare so they could nurse on breaks. If the on-site daycare wasn't appropriate for the particular job, pumping stations would be easily accessible and equipped with T.V.s, snack bars, and reclining chairs.
The recession might help the feminist's efforts in some respects, as it has become quite clear that women not only control the family's earnings, but make the vast majority of the family's buying decisions. "Women control more wealth than ever before in history," states Ford and Van Dyk. Marketers will pay attention. While I am a strong advocate for increasing maternity coverage and associated benefits, I am not confident all the progress within the feminist movement has benefitted society today.
Men seem to contribute more to parenting and household chores than the previous decade, and they are more secure with their women working outside the home. Women are confident they are contributing within the workforce equally to men and feel less financially dependent on their spouses than their mothers were. Is this all good? It concerns me that what once forced married couples to work through the tough days has now vanished and raising a family as a single mother can be more appealing than facing another rocky day in your marriage.
Seventy-one percent of women with children younger than three are part of today's labor force. How will this affect our future generations morals, family values, and loyalties? Is the government raising today's children within its school programs and day-cares? Do our children, particularly our daughters, understand how to raise a family, a home, a garden, a community... a marriage?
Most families today still believe it is best for the father to be working and the mother to raise the children, yet men aren't ashamed to help in the kitchen. What's rather astonishing is that while women have gained more freedom, more education and more economic power, they have become less happy. "It may be that women have become more honest about what ails them," states Ford and Van Dyk. Maybe this reflects more about changes in society and women taking on greater roles, than it is about the women's movement. Most everyone agrees that the government has failed to adjust to the changes in the modern family.
Looking to the future, one must consider: "If male jobs keep vanishing, if physical strength loses its workplace value, if the premium shifts ever more to education, in which achievement is increasingly female, then we will soon be having parallel conversations: What needs to be done to free American men to realize their full potential? You can imagine the whole conversation flipping in a single generation," concludes authors Ford and Van Dyk (2009). I need to prepare my sons. It's no longer a man's world. Nor is it a woman's.
More Interesting Statistics from the Time Magazine article:
The author speaks to this progression as one that is felt, rather than seen. As if it snuck up on us. Women aren't pridefully celebrating and men aren't resentful. Men still continue to dominate many specific professions. For example, only 10% of civil engineers are men and a third of physicians and surgeons are men, but 98% of kindergarten teachers are women, as well as dental assistants, as reported by the Time Magazine's authors Ford and Van Dyk (2009). In spite of these differences, women earn 77cents on the dollar.
As a midwife, predominately a female profession serving all women, the feminist issue is always close at hand. We are well aware that women are charged higher healthcare premiums and have greater out-of-pocket expenses for things as basic as contraception and maternity care. We are well aware that if men were the gender birthing babies, they would be well paid for an extended maternity leave and upon return to work, they would over overwhelmingly succeed at breastfeeding because their nursing child would be just a few feet away in the on-site daycare so they could nurse on breaks. If the on-site daycare wasn't appropriate for the particular job, pumping stations would be easily accessible and equipped with T.V.s, snack bars, and reclining chairs.
The recession might help the feminist's efforts in some respects, as it has become quite clear that women not only control the family's earnings, but make the vast majority of the family's buying decisions. "Women control more wealth than ever before in history," states Ford and Van Dyk. Marketers will pay attention. While I am a strong advocate for increasing maternity coverage and associated benefits, I am not confident all the progress within the feminist movement has benefitted society today.
Men seem to contribute more to parenting and household chores than the previous decade, and they are more secure with their women working outside the home. Women are confident they are contributing within the workforce equally to men and feel less financially dependent on their spouses than their mothers were. Is this all good? It concerns me that what once forced married couples to work through the tough days has now vanished and raising a family as a single mother can be more appealing than facing another rocky day in your marriage.
Seventy-one percent of women with children younger than three are part of today's labor force. How will this affect our future generations morals, family values, and loyalties? Is the government raising today's children within its school programs and day-cares? Do our children, particularly our daughters, understand how to raise a family, a home, a garden, a community... a marriage?
Most families today still believe it is best for the father to be working and the mother to raise the children, yet men aren't ashamed to help in the kitchen. What's rather astonishing is that while women have gained more freedom, more education and more economic power, they have become less happy. "It may be that women have become more honest about what ails them," states Ford and Van Dyk. Maybe this reflects more about changes in society and women taking on greater roles, than it is about the women's movement. Most everyone agrees that the government has failed to adjust to the changes in the modern family.
Looking to the future, one must consider: "If male jobs keep vanishing, if physical strength loses its workplace value, if the premium shifts ever more to education, in which achievement is increasingly female, then we will soon be having parallel conversations: What needs to be done to free American men to realize their full potential? You can imagine the whole conversation flipping in a single generation," concludes authors Ford and Van Dyk (2009). I need to prepare my sons. It's no longer a man's world. Nor is it a woman's.
More Interesting Statistics from the Time Magazine article:
- The average age of marriage today is 26, as opposed to 21 in 1972.
- More than half of all college students are female, at 57%.
- On average, women consume 344 more calories per day than they did in 1974.
- Today 61% are overweight, compared with 41% in the 1970s.
- There are now 3.3 million married couples in which the wife is the sole earner. That's 2.4 million more than in 1970.
- Women found being healthy, being self-sufficient, being financially secure, having a fulfilling job, having religious faith, and having children more important than men, yet men ranked being married more important than the women did.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Cultural Diversity
My midwifery practice is a faith-based practice. I have such an enormous vision, much of which the Lord hasn't demonstrated is His will at this point. I imagine I am still very early in His molding. It seems the exact moment I need reassurance though, I am given another clear indication this is His will for me.
My first year in practice I soon realized that I needed maturity in outspoken prayer. Granted, I was already aware that this wasn't a strength of mine. I tend to be much more articulate in my prayer journal or in my own mind, sharing random thoughts with the Lord as they come, thinking in segments and really offering heartfelt emotion more than structured language. However, at the thirty-six week home visit, we had been offering blessing-ways for our families. At this point, as the midwife, it was often my position to offer the family a prayer. I almost always left frustrated with not being able to put into words the multitude of thoughts and the depth of emotion I was feeling at the time. It was such a blessing to welcome my apprentice, Amy, into the practice and listen to her prayers, which are nothing short of glorious.
I am continuing to work on this aspect of my Christian walk as I believe it is such an important witnessing tool. However, as our practice has grown, the Lord has sent us fewer and fewer Christian families. For this I am very grateful. We have been blessed to serve families who are atheist, Shaman, Wiccan, New Age, agnostic, and most recently, we attended the birth of an ultra-Orthodox Jew. I can't say enough what a privilege it is to be invited into the homes of families with such very different faiths and be witness to what it is they hold dear to their hearts. I only imagine this insight will allow me to grow deeper within my own faith and allow the Lord to use me to better witness His truths.
I do find the cultures, religions, and traditions of families different than my own fascinating. I find their challenges enlightening. This opportunity I am offered, into some one's home and into their life, is precious. It reminds me just how little I know about the world, life, people, and relationships. He reminds me of how small I am, and how Great our Lord is.
Realizing there aren't many Orthodox Jewish families that practice kosher traditions, I don't want to share too much in fear of revealing their identity, but I did attend a birth recently that I must journal a tad bit about. This birth was one I did prepare quite a bit for in many ways, but with respect to their religion, I wrote a five page practice guideline for People of Jewish Faith. I have great respect for their self-discipline.
Unsure if this mother was genuinely in active labor when I arrived, I slowly sat up my equipment, sort of watching her behavior. She was very conversant, without any real distraction during contractions. She did pace to some degree, but primarily focused on cooking dinner. Her husband prepared the menorah with the children and we were granted the opportunity to witness their songs, teachings, and prayers. The children opened their gifts and shared in why and how to play dradel. I then offered to help in setting the table and preparing for dinner, but was quickly asked not to assist as it was their custom for guests to be served, and that we were!
The food was amazing and mom continued to pace as we all salivated over our treat. She called out from the bedroom (which I kept a constant eye on), "Don't daddle ladies. Eat up and we'll have this baby." I did eat a bit quicker than I otherwise would and then the birth team migrated into the bedroom. Mom leaned against the dresser and within a few short minutes, pushed a beautiful baby into my hands. What a delight.
After the birth, I took a drive to Lyric's grave...my earthly reminder of why it is I do what I do. I covered his site with a beautiful blanket for warmth through the winter and had peace with the work I am offering. It is interesting that it seems as time passes, I seem unable to spend much time at the grave site. I don't want to fall to pieces. I don't want to get lost in my grief again. I have a job to do. I so very much look forward to holding him in my arms. Although I've known all along nothing else would feel his void, it is so very peculiar that my arms continue to ache for him.
I am so blessed, as after such a beautiful day (my Samuel's third birthday), I returned home to the kids in my beautiful home (although we now have a splat of gum stuck to our couch!). We have just one birth left this year. I am looking very forward to welcoming the Lord's youngest.
My first year in practice I soon realized that I needed maturity in outspoken prayer. Granted, I was already aware that this wasn't a strength of mine. I tend to be much more articulate in my prayer journal or in my own mind, sharing random thoughts with the Lord as they come, thinking in segments and really offering heartfelt emotion more than structured language. However, at the thirty-six week home visit, we had been offering blessing-ways for our families. At this point, as the midwife, it was often my position to offer the family a prayer. I almost always left frustrated with not being able to put into words the multitude of thoughts and the depth of emotion I was feeling at the time. It was such a blessing to welcome my apprentice, Amy, into the practice and listen to her prayers, which are nothing short of glorious.
I am continuing to work on this aspect of my Christian walk as I believe it is such an important witnessing tool. However, as our practice has grown, the Lord has sent us fewer and fewer Christian families. For this I am very grateful. We have been blessed to serve families who are atheist, Shaman, Wiccan, New Age, agnostic, and most recently, we attended the birth of an ultra-Orthodox Jew. I can't say enough what a privilege it is to be invited into the homes of families with such very different faiths and be witness to what it is they hold dear to their hearts. I only imagine this insight will allow me to grow deeper within my own faith and allow the Lord to use me to better witness His truths.
I do find the cultures, religions, and traditions of families different than my own fascinating. I find their challenges enlightening. This opportunity I am offered, into some one's home and into their life, is precious. It reminds me just how little I know about the world, life, people, and relationships. He reminds me of how small I am, and how Great our Lord is.
Realizing there aren't many Orthodox Jewish families that practice kosher traditions, I don't want to share too much in fear of revealing their identity, but I did attend a birth recently that I must journal a tad bit about. This birth was one I did prepare quite a bit for in many ways, but with respect to their religion, I wrote a five page practice guideline for People of Jewish Faith. I have great respect for their self-discipline.
Unsure if this mother was genuinely in active labor when I arrived, I slowly sat up my equipment, sort of watching her behavior. She was very conversant, without any real distraction during contractions. She did pace to some degree, but primarily focused on cooking dinner. Her husband prepared the menorah with the children and we were granted the opportunity to witness their songs, teachings, and prayers. The children opened their gifts and shared in why and how to play dradel. I then offered to help in setting the table and preparing for dinner, but was quickly asked not to assist as it was their custom for guests to be served, and that we were!
The food was amazing and mom continued to pace as we all salivated over our treat. She called out from the bedroom (which I kept a constant eye on), "Don't daddle ladies. Eat up and we'll have this baby." I did eat a bit quicker than I otherwise would and then the birth team migrated into the bedroom. Mom leaned against the dresser and within a few short minutes, pushed a beautiful baby into my hands. What a delight.
After the birth, I took a drive to Lyric's grave...my earthly reminder of why it is I do what I do. I covered his site with a beautiful blanket for warmth through the winter and had peace with the work I am offering. It is interesting that it seems as time passes, I seem unable to spend much time at the grave site. I don't want to fall to pieces. I don't want to get lost in my grief again. I have a job to do. I so very much look forward to holding him in my arms. Although I've known all along nothing else would feel his void, it is so very peculiar that my arms continue to ache for him.
I am so blessed, as after such a beautiful day (my Samuel's third birthday), I returned home to the kids in my beautiful home (although we now have a splat of gum stuck to our couch!). We have just one birth left this year. I am looking very forward to welcoming the Lord's youngest.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Attitudes, Beliefs and Perceptions
"Attitude plays a critical role in determining the difference between self-sabotage and success."
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. ~Zig Zigler
For fun, try these perception exercises or these. While attitude is key to success, developing clear perception also keeps you on track in achieving your goals. It seems every now and then, I need a reality check. I am a visionary and have no real struggle for visioning big and believing it.
The difference between attitude and perception is choice. When we are faced with something new or challenging (or frustrating), we can choose to have a positive attitude toward it but that doesn't mean that we automatically perceive it for what it is.
One of the true ironies in life is that ten people witnessing any particularly event will likely give ten different depictions. Our perceptions are affected by our history, beliefs and physiology. This is why it is so important to get feedback from trusted advisers. It is also easy to get tunnel vision and believe that your vision is absolute truth.
My recent blog rant is truth, but only a portion of the truth because the reality is, I can sum up the bad side of midwifery in one blog posting. The beauty of midwifery can't even be put into words. No book, no conversation over tea, and no eloquently written blog can give justice to the miraculous and awe-inspiring, blessed events I have had the privilege to witness.
How do I avoid self-sabotage? I surround myself with people that build me up. This lesson took me until just the last two years to learn. The five women I work with are true blessings from the Lord and validation for me that He has created this practice and has asked me to be obedient as he leads me where He wants me to go. The Lord created this practice and He can tear it down however and whenever He sees fit. It would be a great misfortune though, if I allowed my own inadequacies, including self-doubt, to crumble the practice and/or my own calling prematurely.
I will admit that I can fall into negative-talk and sometimes it takes me a few times to learn from my mistakes, particularly with respect to social circumstances. I can procrastinate and have a tendency to want to please, even the most unreasonable. These are all qualities that invite self-sabotage.
What a blessing it is to come into work and have your office manager tell it to you straight, "Get it together, suck it up, and move on. You have a job to do!" Negative conditioning is simply not allowed if you want to succeed as an independent midwife. Here is an interesting trick for testing your subconscious beliefs. This site, along with this one, is suggested for training in personal growth, although I am a bit cautious in recommending either because I haven't explored them thoroughly and these sorts of mind-body cleaning or energy tricks can often lead to New Age thinking.
This morning on the Early Show (yes, I was up before 8am) a lady who has suffered from MS was being interviewed after having recently releasing a book titled, "29 gifts in 29 days." She was told by her "spiritual adviser" after venting a self-pity party during a particularly challenging day that she was simply focusing too much on her own situation and needed to look beyond herself. She was instructed to give 29 simple gifts to people, anyone, for 29 days and it absolutely changed her life. I don't have any doubts that this story is genuine and would be successful for most anyone.
Our thought process absolutely can direct our experiences. Mothers that answer my question regarding their intentions to breastfeeding with, "I am going to try," are actually saying, "I don't think I can do it" or "I don't really want to do it," but I am going to put baby to breast once or twice and then allow my body or baby to fail me. I won't accept this answer. They are either committed or they aren't. I am not going to assist a mom that can't give me commitment because when her experience fails, I don't want to be the one blamed for failing her. She needs to take responsibility for her own success.
So here are some thoughts I am sitting on at 3:00 am in the morning...
The things have I wanted to accomplish, but haven't...
The projects I've begun, but never completed are...
The communications I've withheld are...
The goals I've put off are...
The things for which I haven't forgiven myself are...
The things for which I haven't forgiven others are..
Thing things that are important to me are...
Some of my major goals in life are...
I see myself as...
Others perceive me as...
Having a successful career means...
The ways my career supports me in achieving my life goals are...
The ways my career limits me in achieving my life goals are...
Regarding my career, things I don't want to ever have to do are...
Regarding my career, things I really enjoy are...
The ways I would have to change to achieve my goals are...
The things I am really willing to do to achieve my goals are...
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. ~Will Rogers
I can definitely be a procrastinator, but I typically get the job done...eventually. According to business experts, this is the most common symptom of self-sabotage for a small business owner. My biggest issue or reason for procrastination is that I have such a high, perfectionist expectation for performance that accomplishing the task appears overwhelming. I will admit that a motto my Dad drilled into me was, "If you're going to do something do it right, or don't do it at all." Somewhere I heard and knew he expected, perfection. Adequate and sufficient were never acceptable.
Again, is my perception appropriate? High standards are great, but are mine realistic? Perfectionism in itself is highly desirable, right? Then why do I have to break my addiction? What I am failing to realize is the toll it is taking on me. Often I find myself agreeing to a task or activity that I am not really sure is a real priority and so I procrastinate - my boundary disorder. I am becoming a delegation queen!! Procrastination is a symptom. Figure out the problem. Then fix it!
You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however. ~Richard Bach
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude. ~Zig Zigler
For fun, try these perception exercises or these. While attitude is key to success, developing clear perception also keeps you on track in achieving your goals. It seems every now and then, I need a reality check. I am a visionary and have no real struggle for visioning big and believing it.
The difference between attitude and perception is choice. When we are faced with something new or challenging (or frustrating), we can choose to have a positive attitude toward it but that doesn't mean that we automatically perceive it for what it is.
One of the true ironies in life is that ten people witnessing any particularly event will likely give ten different depictions. Our perceptions are affected by our history, beliefs and physiology. This is why it is so important to get feedback from trusted advisers. It is also easy to get tunnel vision and believe that your vision is absolute truth.
My recent blog rant is truth, but only a portion of the truth because the reality is, I can sum up the bad side of midwifery in one blog posting. The beauty of midwifery can't even be put into words. No book, no conversation over tea, and no eloquently written blog can give justice to the miraculous and awe-inspiring, blessed events I have had the privilege to witness.
How do I avoid self-sabotage? I surround myself with people that build me up. This lesson took me until just the last two years to learn. The five women I work with are true blessings from the Lord and validation for me that He has created this practice and has asked me to be obedient as he leads me where He wants me to go. The Lord created this practice and He can tear it down however and whenever He sees fit. It would be a great misfortune though, if I allowed my own inadequacies, including self-doubt, to crumble the practice and/or my own calling prematurely.
I will admit that I can fall into negative-talk and sometimes it takes me a few times to learn from my mistakes, particularly with respect to social circumstances. I can procrastinate and have a tendency to want to please, even the most unreasonable. These are all qualities that invite self-sabotage.
What a blessing it is to come into work and have your office manager tell it to you straight, "Get it together, suck it up, and move on. You have a job to do!" Negative conditioning is simply not allowed if you want to succeed as an independent midwife. Here is an interesting trick for testing your subconscious beliefs. This site, along with this one, is suggested for training in personal growth, although I am a bit cautious in recommending either because I haven't explored them thoroughly and these sorts of mind-body cleaning or energy tricks can often lead to New Age thinking.
This morning on the Early Show (yes, I was up before 8am) a lady who has suffered from MS was being interviewed after having recently releasing a book titled, "29 gifts in 29 days." She was told by her "spiritual adviser" after venting a self-pity party during a particularly challenging day that she was simply focusing too much on her own situation and needed to look beyond herself. She was instructed to give 29 simple gifts to people, anyone, for 29 days and it absolutely changed her life. I don't have any doubts that this story is genuine and would be successful for most anyone.
Our thought process absolutely can direct our experiences. Mothers that answer my question regarding their intentions to breastfeeding with, "I am going to try," are actually saying, "I don't think I can do it" or "I don't really want to do it," but I am going to put baby to breast once or twice and then allow my body or baby to fail me. I won't accept this answer. They are either committed or they aren't. I am not going to assist a mom that can't give me commitment because when her experience fails, I don't want to be the one blamed for failing her. She needs to take responsibility for her own success.
So here are some thoughts I am sitting on at 3:00 am in the morning...
The things have I wanted to accomplish, but haven't...
The projects I've begun, but never completed are...
The communications I've withheld are...
The goals I've put off are...
The things for which I haven't forgiven myself are...
The things for which I haven't forgiven others are..
Thing things that are important to me are...
Some of my major goals in life are...
I see myself as...
Others perceive me as...
Having a successful career means...
The ways my career supports me in achieving my life goals are...
The ways my career limits me in achieving my life goals are...
Regarding my career, things I don't want to ever have to do are...
Regarding my career, things I really enjoy are...
The ways I would have to change to achieve my goals are...
The things I am really willing to do to achieve my goals are...
Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. ~Will Rogers
I can definitely be a procrastinator, but I typically get the job done...eventually. According to business experts, this is the most common symptom of self-sabotage for a small business owner. My biggest issue or reason for procrastination is that I have such a high, perfectionist expectation for performance that accomplishing the task appears overwhelming. I will admit that a motto my Dad drilled into me was, "If you're going to do something do it right, or don't do it at all." Somewhere I heard and knew he expected, perfection. Adequate and sufficient were never acceptable.
Again, is my perception appropriate? High standards are great, but are mine realistic? Perfectionism in itself is highly desirable, right? Then why do I have to break my addiction? What I am failing to realize is the toll it is taking on me. Often I find myself agreeing to a task or activity that I am not really sure is a real priority and so I procrastinate - my boundary disorder. I am becoming a delegation queen!! Procrastination is a symptom. Figure out the problem. Then fix it!
You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however. ~Richard Bach
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Prideful Admission
I watch, and am as a sparrow alone upon the house top. Psalm 102:7
I have to pridefully admit that with each pregnancy I secretly anticipate the world celebrating in great jubilation that I have been given such an incredible blessing. I expect my husband to dote on me and I expect this time I will be thin, with a beautifully rounded belly that can be shown off in those tight little maternity tops. I expect people to stand and offer me their seat, for anything I am carrying to be quickly removed from my hands, and of course, I expect handicapped parking privileges. It is quite heart-breaking each time my fairy-tale bubble is burst and I realize that most people don't share in my glee until I present the adorable baby nine months later.
I have just come to the realization, thanks to a wonderful pregnancy devotional, that part of the beauty of pregnancy is that I do get to experience this in solitude. The miracle of pregnancy is walked alone. I have this precious time when I alone commune with my child. I can imagine my baby and I integrally wrapped together. There is great simplicity in solitude and all too soon it will come to an end, when I give birth and present him or her to the world.
These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:17
Look on my right hand and see - there is no one who takes notice of me; no refuge remains in me; no one cares for me. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Psalm 142:4-5
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
I have to pridefully admit that with each pregnancy I secretly anticipate the world celebrating in great jubilation that I have been given such an incredible blessing. I expect my husband to dote on me and I expect this time I will be thin, with a beautifully rounded belly that can be shown off in those tight little maternity tops. I expect people to stand and offer me their seat, for anything I am carrying to be quickly removed from my hands, and of course, I expect handicapped parking privileges. It is quite heart-breaking each time my fairy-tale bubble is burst and I realize that most people don't share in my glee until I present the adorable baby nine months later.
I have just come to the realization, thanks to a wonderful pregnancy devotional, that part of the beauty of pregnancy is that I do get to experience this in solitude. The miracle of pregnancy is walked alone. I have this precious time when I alone commune with my child. I can imagine my baby and I integrally wrapped together. There is great simplicity in solitude and all too soon it will come to an end, when I give birth and present him or her to the world.
These are only a shadow of what is to come, but the substance belongs to Christ. Colossians 2:17
Look on my right hand and see - there is no one who takes notice of me; no refuge remains in me; no one cares for me. I cry to you, O Lord; I say, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living." Psalm 142:4-5
Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Sustainers
by: Karyn D. Kedar
The People
In your life mirror your world.
If they are hollow, dull, or cruel
So will you see your life.
If they are loving, inspirational, and supportive
You will reflect that beauty.
It is most important
That the company you keep
Reflect the life you wish to live.
Choose your companions wisely,
Seek your teachers well,
Consider carefully the ones you engage
In serious conversation.
Look into the eyes of those who surround you
And you will see a reflection of yourself
Thursday, November 20, 2008
We are ALL Winners!
The one sperm that achieves its destiny has won against gigantic odds, several hundred million to one. The baby it engenders has a far greater mathematical chance of becoming president than the sperm had of fathering a baby.
Alan Guttmacher, MD
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