Saturday, September 18, 2010
Lately...
The last 4 weeks have been brilliant... I've been working through a lot of stuff. Becky has been working through a lot of stuff. Together we have been working through a lot of stuff. Working through stuff = freedom. I've actually enjoyed life in recent weeks.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Been a While
Not sure why it only allows me to write on the edit html tab but ok- still getting used to the web on the iPad. Let me just say I hate the Lakers and forgive me father... Its been forever since my last post. Hopefully I can get back to it. Don't really have a lot to say at the moment.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
No time to talk... you know the drill.
Wow, I can't believe it's been 9 days since my last confession! I haven't honestly been reading or blogging in the last week (obviously). This past work week kicked me in the balls. I had several reports to write and a lot of big issues going on. Sucks, because I really need this... RARR!!! Liam will not lay down for a nap. This sucks... gotta go.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Gut Check
In this morning's read:
"Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong."
So brutal...
Unfortunately this interpretation leaves some gray area in the word "believe." How do we formulate what we "believe?" God's word? Other believers? Divine revelation? Prayer? What we're taught by our parents?
Earlier in this passage Paul writes this when discussing "beliefs":
"Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience."
So when all else fails is the "conscience" or the convictions of the "conscience" what determines belief? In my line of work I have reason to believe the conscience can be faulty. In fact, after acting in a manner consistently that goes against the original prompting of the conscience, after some time, the conscience becomes numb doesn't it? It seems that the term conscience which is a human means of logic should be replaced with the Holy Spirit in this place, that is, if you're a Christian. Otherwise, you are left simply with your conscience. So then if we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and determine how our beliefs are formulated we can't go wrong right? Then I have to ask myself when is it the Holy Spirit I am hearing and when is it my own conscience? I am thinking that as I grow closer to God and as I spend more time in prayer and knowing Him... I will know myself better. I am hoping that as I continue to search this out the voice of the Holy Spirit becomes increasingly audible leaving no room for doubt.
Disclaimer: I know I am no philosopher and I also know that I am reading a very non-credible translation in the "Message" Bible. One of my friends told me a while back to enjoy this translation but make sure to take it with a grain of salt. I think as times goes on I will continue to discuss whatever blah I am thinking about the text in this blog.
"Cultivate your own relationship with God, but don't impose it on others. You're fortunate if your behavior and your belief are coherent. But if you're not sure, if you notice that you are acting in ways inconsistent with what you believe—some days trying to impose your opinions on others, other days just trying to please them—then you know that you're out of line. If the way you live isn't consistent with what you believe, then it's wrong."
So brutal...
Unfortunately this interpretation leaves some gray area in the word "believe." How do we formulate what we "believe?" God's word? Other believers? Divine revelation? Prayer? What we're taught by our parents?
Earlier in this passage Paul writes this when discussing "beliefs":
"Or, say, one person thinks that some days should be set aside as holy and another thinks that each day is pretty much like any other. There are good reasons either way. So, each person is free to follow the convictions of conscience."
So when all else fails is the "conscience" or the convictions of the "conscience" what determines belief? In my line of work I have reason to believe the conscience can be faulty. In fact, after acting in a manner consistently that goes against the original prompting of the conscience, after some time, the conscience becomes numb doesn't it? It seems that the term conscience which is a human means of logic should be replaced with the Holy Spirit in this place, that is, if you're a Christian. Otherwise, you are left simply with your conscience. So then if we rely on the Holy Spirit to guide and determine how our beliefs are formulated we can't go wrong right? Then I have to ask myself when is it the Holy Spirit I am hearing and when is it my own conscience? I am thinking that as I grow closer to God and as I spend more time in prayer and knowing Him... I will know myself better. I am hoping that as I continue to search this out the voice of the Holy Spirit becomes increasingly audible leaving no room for doubt.
Disclaimer: I know I am no philosopher and I also know that I am reading a very non-credible translation in the "Message" Bible. One of my friends told me a while back to enjoy this translation but make sure to take it with a grain of salt. I think as times goes on I will continue to discuss whatever blah I am thinking about the text in this blog.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
O morning,
Day two of being home... things are settling in again but how I love being home. I've been trying to explain to Becky this feeling that has settled regarding being a parent. Being a parent... in so many ways... sucks. It's a ridiculous amount of work and moments to yourself just don't exist. Not only does it take a toll on you personally but you have the added stress of making sure that these individuals that God entrusted become good little human beings. I was talking with a colleague yesterday about the concept of "Tabula Rasa" (blank slate for those of you not familiar with Erikson). We might not be entirely blank when we come into this world and certainly there are genetic dispositions but I am entirely responsible for the way my children's worldview is shaped. That's effin scary!! Nonetheless, the feeling I referred to earlier is that my attitude has evolved into expecting and taking on that challenge. I don't feel as if I am all that scared anymore but rather that I expect this of myself. Pouring into my children has become less of a duty and more of a privilege. It's pretty cool because in many ways that concept has transformed my daily attitude in that I have a few precious years with these boys to demonstrate to them God's love and gosh dang it I am not going to waste them pissin and moanin about having no time to myself. I am not saying time away isn't important, in fact it's rejuvenating and last week being away really showed me how much I really love my family on a level I did not realize.
Day two of being home... things are settling in again but how I love being home. I've been trying to explain to Becky this feeling that has settled regarding being a parent. Being a parent... in so many ways... sucks. It's a ridiculous amount of work and moments to yourself just don't exist. Not only does it take a toll on you personally but you have the added stress of making sure that these individuals that God entrusted become good little human beings. I was talking with a colleague yesterday about the concept of "Tabula Rasa" (blank slate for those of you not familiar with Erikson). We might not be entirely blank when we come into this world and certainly there are genetic dispositions but I am entirely responsible for the way my children's worldview is shaped. That's effin scary!! Nonetheless, the feeling I referred to earlier is that my attitude has evolved into expecting and taking on that challenge. I don't feel as if I am all that scared anymore but rather that I expect this of myself. Pouring into my children has become less of a duty and more of a privilege. It's pretty cool because in many ways that concept has transformed my daily attitude in that I have a few precious years with these boys to demonstrate to them God's love and gosh dang it I am not going to waste them pissin and moanin about having no time to myself. I am not saying time away isn't important, in fact it's rejuvenating and last week being away really showed me how much I really love my family on a level I did not realize.
Friday, April 9, 2010
So Over It...
Florida has been nice but I am so ready to get out of here. I was hoping to split this morning but that was a no go. My sibs and I were hoping for tonight but that was also a no go. Little frustrated right now as I'd really like to see my family. I'm also not getting home until Sunday morning now which leaves me one night to try and sleep before work the next day. Knew I should have bought that Wednesday flight home but whatever. Can't say I am too happy with my parents right now as they aren't really thinking of anyone else... but whatever. Feel like a high school kid again- thank God we grow up. I kind of knew that this week would get rough but I had kept it under raps until today. It just further shows me the qualities in my parents that I prefer not to embrace. Anyways... the morning will come (not) soon enough.
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