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Eleuthera Ash Wednesday, a reflection Feb 18, 2010 1:59 PM I am not a Roman Catholic so I do not attend church and have the mark of burned ashes placed on my forehead, but this year, as in years past, the ache in my heart for the Father of all things has been growing.  I have recognized that I have been falling short in so many areas and I am concerned.  I find myself wishing to be able to do something, perhaps to prove my faith and achieve salvation, but I know this is impossible.  There is no work any of us can perform to make Him want us.  I sometimes think how I have turned away from the direction of the gospels and done things my own way or watered down what I know is right because it was too hard.  Then too, my natural rebelliousness is always in play.   I find myself thinking, “Certainly I could make a better world than my Father in heaven!!”  How He is able to abide my attitude is amazing in and of itself.  I know that should He offer to strike down those who are evil with a single blow, I should be one of those hit hardest for I am deserving of judgment.  I try and remember that when I become angry at others, but I do not remember that often enough.   I know in my heart of hearts how poorly I have done. I have read that when a priest puts the ashes on your forehead, he speaks about them being a memorial of the dust from which we came and the dust to which we will return.  I am reminded that the etymology of Adam, the first man, is thought to be of red clay.  A priest might say, also, " As we begin this holy season of Lent in preparation for Easter, we must remember the significance of the ashes we have received: We mourn and do penance for our sins." It is not enough to wear the ashes and it is not enough to try to do better.  It is only through true penance and prayer that we can make any difference in ourselves at all and even then, perhaps very little.  I know people who give things up for Lent, a sacrifice, if you will, and I have no doubt that these are well intentioned.  However they are not enough.  We must, through prayer and supplication, ask for God's help against our natural character.  We do not have to go live in a cave, but we have to center ourselves on what is right in His eyes, rather than the world's. More often than not, I find myself comparing my actions to those of others and I buoy myself up with the confidence that I haven't done so badly.  In truth it's doubly a lie because no one knows what another person lives with on a day to day basis.  If knowing God were just about one thing, like success or wealth, then perhaps the richest would win the prize.  Not only is salvation not about winning in the world, but all these things we chase after take us away from that which is important in the first place.  Yesterday I was reading John 14 and it struck the chord I had needed to hear: John 14:1   Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2  In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4  And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. I had needed to feel the warmth of Jesus around me, someone who endured such misery and pain in order that I might have a chance at salvation. I can not imagine such a love as that which the Lord has shown to me, not even being able to fathom the agony of allowing His own son to suffer as he did, shedding precious blood for our salvation.  There are so many times in my life where I rationalize that Christ has done it all and that I have only to be loved by him, but he doesn't say that...and this is why Ash Wednesday brings me home to what is important.  He told us not to bother with treasures of this earth... and I still collect them.  I am ashamed that I may have been hedging my bets so that I might at least survive here well.  I have forgotten, too, about the treasures of heaven, those which will be eternal.  Why is it that we are so slow to learn, so vain that we must be redirected so often? So I have made a promise to myself, not to become perfect, but to center on those things which Christ has told us to do, allowing Him to love me as well as following the rules which have been set out for me.   Each day I want to read a little and feel the warmth of His love inside me, overflowing and infinite.   Hopefully by the time Easter comes, I will have a much better idea of what He wants of me as well as a reborn hope of my relationship with Him.   I can only hope that each of you can share this with me. Matthew 6:21  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Amen.    
D-Lee Desiderata Nov 29, 2009 6:20 PM A good friend of mine just introduced this poem to me, and I would love ot share it with you.   Desiderata Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story.  Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all it's sham drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy   -- Max Ehrmann    
blondeyy What is a Woman? Nov 7, 2009 4:49 PM What is a woman?  She wears many hats - mother, daughter, *doctor* for her family, and at times a maid, a best friend, and - sometimes - all of this while being a career woman. A woman physically is very dynamic and challenging.  We produce our offspring, we nurse them, we help them grow into self-reliant adults.  And we are blessed.  W e nurture by nature. When we surgically lose our ability to have children and we surgically lose our breasts - of which we were blessed with and have grown with through the years - are we still a woman?  Will I still be a woman? *As some of you already know, I have been struggling with breast cancer for the last three months.  I did have my lumpectomy to try to preserve the breast, but it has, unfortunately, turned out that the lumpectomy was not enough. After much consideration, I will, therefore, have the mastectomy.  *A post to think about.  And prayers much desired. Thank you, Blondeyy  
justanerd1975 Doubt, one of Satans greatest foothold in your life Nov 6, 2009 7:11 AM This is from my student study Bible. I hope you enjoy and it serves you.   The main question in the book of Job is timely: Why do believers experience trails and suffering?   Through a long debate, Job's friends were unable to answer the question. They make a serious error for which God rebuked them. They assumed that trouble comes only because people sin. People make the same mistake today when they assert that trouble comes only when people sin. People make the same mistake today when they assume that lack of material blessing only comes with unconfessed sin or lack of faith. Though rebelling against God normally, but not always,leads to an unhappy life, and following God normally, but not always, leads to a happier life, God is in control.     In our world invaded by sin, suffering and calamity come to the good and bad alike.   This does not mean that God is indifferent, uncaring, unjust- or powerless to protect us.   Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world where both believers and unbelievers are hit with the tragic consequences of sin. God allows evil for a time though he often turns it around for our good (Romans 8:28.)   We may have no answers as to why God allows evil, but we can be sure He is an all powerful God who knows what He is doing.   When you face suffering, see it as an opportunity- an opportunity to turn to God for strength. You will find a God who only desires to show you His love and compassion towards you.   If you can trust Him in pain, confusion, and lonliness, you will win the victory and eliminate doubt- one of Satan's biggest footholds in your life! Make God your foundation. You can never be seperated from His love.      
blondeyy Losing my Family - Gone so Quickly Sep 12, 2009 3:54 AM I lost my family exactly one year ago next month - not to death.  However, it feels the same way and just as bad.  It is scary to think that all of your life you think you have a loving, caring family - bound by unseen arms of unconditional love.  Then, in an instant, some hateful words exchanged, and 'poof' they are gone.  I have spent the last year trying to 'deal' with this.  I have prayed every night to my g'ma in Heaven that she would put love back into the hearts of my family for me, but to no avail.  I kept thinking "Some day the damage done will fade and love will prevail".  Now in the face of serious illness, I went to them again and asked for money to help me see a doctor who may give me options of what to do.  All I have received is excuses and the occasional "I'm on the phone and will call you back" with, of course, no call back - no letter - no e-mail.........nothing.  Just silence.  Silence is actually louder than words of hate in a crisis.  So, now, again, I feel like 'nothing'.  I feel numb and that I am going through this loss all over again.  So, I have come to realize that sometimes you have to cut people out of your life............backspace.........deleted.  It is hard to lose your family, especially when they are still alive.  I feel I have been thrown away - like a used tissue.   I just wanted to share with all of you, however, these wonderful words I found that I feel EVERYONE should hear:   ** Many people will walk in and out of your life , but only true friends will leave footprints on your heart.   To handle yourself , use your head ; to handle others, use your heart.   Anger is only one letter short of danger.  If someone betrays you once, it is his fault; if he betrays you twice, it is your fault.  Great minds discuss ideas ; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.  He who loses money, loses much; he who loses a friend , loses much more; he who loses faith , loses ALL.  Beautiful young people are accidents of nature , but beautiful old people are works of art.  Learn from the mistakes of others.  You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.. There is no beginning or end.  Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is mystery.  Today is a gift , that's why they call it the present.**  (unknown)     Love one another, love your friends, love your family, be good to yourself and be true to your heart.  Listen to your head.  Keep on the right track, look both ways before crossing the street and, above all, don't lose faith. Love from your 'sugar' friend Blondeyy    

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