So, I love politics, but I have reserved from sharing much on it recently. . . why?. . . because it seems to be such a divisive issue for people – I did not want to restrict myself to only have conversations with supporters of one side.

I did post earlier the VIDEO interview that Rick Warren (Purpose Driven Life) with both candidates – click on this link to go to that post    – it is at the bottom of the post.

OK, let’s DO THIS – let’s vote on who you would vote for right now if you could – just fill out this poll – and let’s have some fun with this

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Ang’s older sister recently went on a trip to Switzerland. . . and . . . I asked her to do a little something for me while she was over there. . . . . . . come back with a witness to the journey you had been given. I knew that God would be up to something. . . so, these are her thoughts from the journey, which she entitled. . . “The box“. . . needless to say. . . I am very proud of you Jennifer Thursby!

I finally placed my thoughts upon something bigger than me and something yet so right there in regards to my faith. I do not like to disrupt or confront such things that may cause pain or discomfort – - yet . . . each time  I communicate to someone on the reciprocating end, I feel many emotions. . . . a cleansing and then some sort of comfort and reconnect because of the new path that must be pursued. . .

This came to me as I traveled thousands of miles away from home . . . I left my two beautiful children and AMAZING husband for 10 days and headed to Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. . . . . Not only did I have to trust those taking care of my precious ones, but I had to try and face an adventure outside of my Box. . . God has made sooooo many wondrous sights in this world – God has sooo many plans . . . . still unfolding. . . why sometimes are we afraid to get out of our box . . . or keep our integrity and faith inside of it??

While flying over Greenland the snow and ice were endless and then there was land and a VAST ocean. . . The parrallel lines that I could draw made me realize how many seasons God has planned for each and everyone, and how important our role may be. . . . even when we don’t know or feel it. . .

I saw many beautiful things: churches, the Alps, The Lion monument, baby goats, lakes, window boxes with beautiful flowers . . . and it restored the beauty God placed in me, because I could almost feel it. . . . .There is much more taking place in this world than I know. . . but, I do not always realize and remember.

God loves me unconditionally. . . has never set any parameters for me, only a few easy commandments to help me walk my faith with integrity.

If I had never adventured to a land where it was hard to communicate with others (which we were always able to find words to figure out). . . I would never feel compelled by the tug that God placed on my heart. . . . . .GET OUT OF MY BOX. . . . and when you need comfort . . . . rest in your box and rely on me!!!!!!

God is bigger than I know and I was reminded once again by getting out of my box. . . saturating my soul with breath. . . . taking in beauty.

Switzerland is like a stop in time. . . endless acres of green pastures, rolling meadows, giant mountains, beautiful lakes, and curvy roads. . . . Faith may not even reside in many of its residents – they have churches, oh yes, but several  – even a few I encountered – did not attend church since baptism as a baby.

At times I felt intrigued to stay and be simple. . . . .              to ride bikes to our lots of wide open land . . . . .yet, . . . maybe God hand-picked my life to be in the crazy USA in order to have some of the most remarkable faith based relationships I could continue to grow with: the sisters I was given – the men in my life – my church – and the pastors who keep me growing in my walk with God. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Gratitude can flood us by the simple beauty God has already created. . . It’s a BIG world. . . how big is your box??

Ang told me about this video yesterday, and it really affected me. . . . so, I wanted to share it with you and then have you write your 1 or 2 sentence first response in the comments. . . what did you get out of it?

So, I always love this time during the pregnancy because you get to find out the sex of your child!!! It is also around the halfway mark:).

Now some people ask us what the main reason is for us to find out so early: . . . .well, . . . we really enjoy praying for our next child by name, . . it is also nice for us to prepare our children – they always love knowing. . . . . nothing against those who wait ok 

the baby

oh, by the way. . if you couldn’t tell from the bottom left picture. . . it’s a boy. . . . .and yes, we have a name picked out already. . . . and no. . . I am not going to tell you yet what it is

We are grateful to God for all of the blessings he has given us. . . especially our children!!

So, we had a great time Saturday night going to the zoo (yeah . . . we have season passes. . .), and one of our favorite things every year is the “zoo boo”. . . . Basically, the zoo is lit up with “Christmas” lights and there are patrons that line the sides of the walkway giving away candy and flyers. . . so, you get stuff like candy taped onto “3 months of free Karate” etc…. – Good times

Here are some pictures of the kids inthe costumes . . . . did I mention. . . . all of South Bend and Mishawaka were there!!

I was reminded this weekend about incredibly simple God has made our mission within the Church. . . now, I am not saying that it’s easy, . . . but simple. . . yes!. . . . And so, I am wondering why there seems to be very few people actually carrying it out. . . . is there some sort of confusion???

I see people using all kinds of big and fancy words to try and explain to people their Christianness (I know, not a word, but it fits here), their specific denominational doctrines, . . .  and how DIFFERENT they are from the rest. . . . . . or the opposite, . . . not knowing at all how to show to others that we are Christians.  Do you know how ridiculous it seems to those outside the church (remember. . . the people we are supposed to be reaching. . . !) – when we bicker, conditionally love, fight, badmouth, and hold grudges towards one another??!!??. . . . why would they ever want to be a part of that??. . . . as if there’s not enough dysfunction in our own families to deal with. . . . . Seriously!, . . . . Church. . . . let’s get ahold of ourselves (myself included). . .

What did Jesus say?

John 13:35 (New Living Translation)

I was reminded today of freedom. . . . of the good news. . . . of not being held to the bondage of this world.  What do I mean? – - some of you might have seen this video (as I did) a few years ago when it came out, but I encourage you to watch again, . . . and. . . . read all of the cards

2 things:

God already knows. . . . and. . . . He loves you 100%. . . . seriously. . . it almost makes me sick to think of how carelessly and outrageously God loves us – - it makes NO sense to me, but I believe it to be true – - I will boast in nothing. . . but Him! . . . . . . and I will live today in Freedom,. . . I refuse to be be held back by what God has already taken away from me. . . that is the truth. . . and that is setting me free . . . . right now!

Have a passion about something that influences every other part of your life. . . that was one of the main points of the chapel speaker on Weds., Rev. Jack French (Missionary Church Evangelist). . . . let me tell a few of his other points that stuck with me:

1. Always respect other people, but never be afraid of them

2. You can only live today. . . not yesterday. . . or tomorrow

3. No matter what you are up against. . . NO MATTER WHAT YOU ARE UP AGAINST. . . you can face it through Christ

4. The measure of life is not money, fame, retirement, clothes, or cars. . . but, . . . did you, for someone else, make Jesus closer, bigger, clearer – - more real?

5. Apathy is the inability to dream, to see potential in yourself and others. . . what drives you there?

6. Enthusiasm comes from the synergy of two things (1) when a workable plan is put into practice (2) when an ideal takes imagination by storm.

So, I did this exercise in class the other day for my devotion (thanks for the idea Josh ). . . . I showed students this video, and then had them write a blog post about it.

Here are snipets of responses from those that allowed me to publish them:

We all watch these videos and feel bad, and then go on with our lives and do nothing about it. We have people here in America that need help too and we don’t help them

The American culture is so blind to the neccesities of poverty and sickness, why aren’t we doing anything. . . . Are we helping?

I feel guilty for not being an active part� . . am I supposed to feel this way because it is God’s calling, or because I live in a wealthy society?

If we could fast, so to speak, of extra entertainment, food, and clothing, we could literally, as a nation, feed and clothe all of our people

It is so easy to forget about the needs of the world. . . to get so caught up in my world that I miss the bigger picture

Seriously. . . how much did I spend eating out this week?

There is far too much “me” and not enough “us“

Isn’t enough . . . enough?? If you have what you need to take care of your family isn’t that enough?

How about caring more about a human being than how much money your company makes?

Alot of us assume someone else is going to do it, but I ask. . . . if not me, who?  . . . if not now, when?. . .

I feel so guilty that I don’t have more of a heart for poverty and pain across our world

We’ve all seen videos similar to this one we just watched, but rarely have they spurred us into action. What will it take for us to step up and take that first step?

What I noticed the most in this video. . . the people who have nothing – NOTHING- are still smiling. . . here even the richest of the rich cannot grasp that genuine love for .  . . just life. . . how much longer can we go without true happiness

I was reading an article by Rev. Frank Majka concerning 3 things about Jesus’s life that were challenging to him. They kind of struck me, and so I wanted to share some of the highlights with you. . . .feel free to tell me what you think – agree? disagree?

Jesus as an infant – he “depended on love and care from others, especially Mary and Joseph. If we are meant to carry Jesus’ likeness, we can’t try to be invulnerable and the church has to admit its own vulnerability and need.”

Jesus calling Peter – “Peter admitted being an unworthy companion and even asked Jesus to go away from him. Jesus didn’t say He was calling Peter because of his virtuous life but promised Peter that he could be better and do great deeds if he followed Jesus. In His life on earth, Jesus risked sharing Himself with weak and sinful people — and that’s still true.”

Jesus washing feet - “We may think God wants us to serve Him, but Jesus showed us that God’s real desire is to serve us. He also said that we should serve each other in His name. That’s challenging for us as individuals and as a church because we sometimes too quickly tell people what we expect of them rather than ask what we can do for them.”

WATCH THIS FIRST

on 12seconds.tv

So, Ang and the kiddos went to the pumpkin patch (in Niles, MI – I think) along with Ang.’s mom and Keegan and Avery (our nieces). They had a great time – . . .I will highlight a few of my favorites, and then put some more at the end . . . enjoy!!!

Kya really likes to feed animals

Let me in there!!!!

The girlz

8 seconds

I love my family so much – thank you Father for such a responsibility and blessing

looks like senior pictures. . . .

What a great weekend!!! I love spending time with teenagers!  Here are some quick thoughts from the weekend:

1. Many of the young people of this coming generation inspire me. . .  they give me hope for the world that my little children will one day live in. . .

2. What is it about bonfires? . . . God just seems to show up in such a huge way. . . loosening the tongue as well as the heart. . . Praise God for 11p.m. bonfires in the woods with stars filling the clear night sky!

3. In the boat that we are sailing on in life – is Jesus the cargo or the Captain? (Mark 4:36)

4. Jesus calms the storms outside of us and inside. . . . if we let him

5. If the enemy cannot stop you. . . he will speed you up until you spin out!

6. Samson forgot that the LORD was the source of his strength. . . have I? . . . have you?

7. How scary is it to be a part of a people or a church that is sooooo routine that if God’s spirit leaves it (Judges 16:20) – no one would notice!

8. Many times. . . “success is simply getting up one more time than you fall down” (Mark Beeson)

9. Simon Peter only met Jesus. . . . because his brother Andrew brought him. . . . never underestimate what God can do with the people that you invite to come and see Jesus

10. Many of us are asleep to the power of prayer (Luke 9:32 )

Well, I am off to the Men’s retreat this weekend – should be amazing. . . . I am off to seek truth – further in . . . deeper. . . and higher than ever before. I am not going to relax, but to engage. . . I can’t wait to hang with men and young men from our church – it is always one of the highlights of the year for me.

May God receive tremendous glory from all that we do in the next 2 days !!!

Some of you have already seen this, but still. . . . here is some truth to hang onto today and this weekend:

Peace be with you –

Jeremy Kingsley was the speaker at Chapel yesterday, and he got me thinking about some things that led to a revelation that I am THRILLED about!!

He started off talking about the story of Jesus and the woman who was about to get stoned to death out in the street (John 8). . . that is, until Jesus intervened with the comment of “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” . . . . . well, you know the story. . . Jesus was the only one eligible in that moment to throw a stone at her. . . and he didn’t. . . .

Jeremy continued on by telling of one of his friends who used to go, along with some other church members, to the streets of a few large cities and hand out flowers to prostitutes on Christmas day. . . and when the prostitues asked why. . . they simply said. . . “Because Jesus loves you” . . .  – in both of these instances the spirit of Jesus was to come and love immediately. . . . immediately. . . . after someone had sinned – before asking any questions – before comparing their acts to anything else. . . . . . have you ever given grace and mercy to someone right after they just sinned? . . . maybe your spouse. . . .maybe a friend. . . .Have you ever needed it, yearned for it, right after you sinned? . . . . . .

You see, we often slide toward certain behaviors and attitudes without being aware of the inevitable consequences associated with them – for example:

 - those that tend to be critical usually lack kindness

 - those that love to punish usually miss out on the joy of restoring someone

 - those that tend to be judemental usually lack understanding

 - those that tend to be conceited/overly righteous usually lack the ability to forgive

And then it hit me . . . . . that’s it!!!!!! . . . wow!, I can’t believe it! . . . that is it! . . . . . ok, so what the heck is Ted talking about this time?!. . . . hang with me for a second . . .

Some of you know my “story” – in that I was raised in a Christian home, no divorce, I have two great brothers – and I really didn’t mess up that much, in other words, I didn’t do drugs, didn’t drink, got good grades, was good at sports – didn’t give up, didn’t talk bad about other people, didn’t have sex or mess around – didn’t etc……., and so my biggest struggle in accepting Christ and “being saved” was . . . . . . why? . . . . . I’m a great kid – I don’t do anything wrong, especially not compared to him over there – or her over there . . . . . it was all about comparison to me. . . .  and though I did not boast verbally of my righteousness (there were plenty of people reminding me of that), it was in my heart. . . . . and now I realize that one of the greatest gifts God gave me when I accepted Jesus as my savior. . . . was the ability to forgive. . . . . truly forgive

Comparison creeps into every level of our life. . . . and it leads to us hyping up our own value and worth based on how our actions/behaviors are better than someone else. . . . which leads to the idea that we somehow deserve more . . . . which leads us to expect  more . . . . which leads to anger, frustration, and resentment when we do not get more. . . or confirmation of our “holy-er” status if we DO get more. . . . . leading to thoughts like (“wow, does she realize how much of a better husband I am compared to most guys!” or “wow, does he realize how much I put up with when alot of other women would have walked out long time ago!”, “WOW, I have done so much more in this relationship, in this home, with these kids, on this team – than him/her, etc…..) all of which produces an inability to forgive. . . an inability to resist throwing stones, . . . and inability to give flowers. . . why?. . . .

In true forgiveness, there is no room for comparison, . . . NONE!. . . . forgiveness requires an understanding that the wrong done to you is not greater, nor lesser, than any wrong you, yourself have committed. . . . . a wrong is a wrong is a wrong is a wrong. . . and yes. . . that is SOOOOOOO different from the law of this world. . . . . there was no comparison in Jesus’ death, no priority for grace, it is FULLY available to EVERYONE. . . . . . . . . I believe that until we understand more fully the futility of comparison in our own lives and the complete absence of it in Christ’s life and death. . . . I don’t think we can ever truly forgive or fully love . . .

I just think the comparisons in our own lives make us miss out on a HUGE part of who Jesus is, and how he was/is truly a walking revolution of thought, behavior, and heart. . . . . . . . let God release you from the bondage of comparison today . . . in your sins as well as your wonderful acts of love to others. . .

So, my partner in crime (the professor that I co-teach with) with our block class of students is a great man, Scott Johnson. He brought up an interesting topic in class yesterday that got me thinking on a few things.

He brought up that there is an interesting paradox in the Bible between us “taking up/picking up” vs. “letting go”, in that we are told to do both. . . . . . so let’s look at this more closely to try and get some clarity

So, we are instructed by Jesus in Luke 9:23:

Then he said to them all: “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”  So what does this mean, . . . well,. . . we learn from other parts of Jesus’ ministry in the Bible that this would include things like – loving others outrageously, feeding the hungry, comforting the hurting, being close to the broken-hearted, loving other’s first . . . before judging them, showing up at places you “should” never be at – or being around those people and loving them – maybe when no one else will. . . ., our cross can include many very difficult things that we do as God’s loving and merciful hands and feet. . . . . . which leads me at times to wonder about Matthew 11:30
“For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” . . . . . . yeah right!!! – sure doesn’t seem like it from my above description  -

But . . . . . be honest with me for a second. . . . . what is it that really burdens you day in and day out? . . . . because for me. . . . it is none of these things. . . sure, these things may drain a little of my physical energy, break my heart (some emotional energy), stretch my comfort zone, and use up some of my time,. . . . but that is nothing compared to what truly weighs me down. . . . . my thoughts!  

See, for me it is thoughts. . . . my mind. . . that really burdens me. . . . reminders of past shame and guilt, times that I have failed, given up, or really disappointed someone. . . . the countless “what if’s”  . . . . the hours of second guessing . . . .  leading to doubts about my potential in the future - am I good enough?, am I going to screw this up . . . again?. . .am I strong enough to resist it this time?. . . . and then dread kicks in. . . . .about upcoming events, performances, opportunites – either because I know what is coming – like the knawing of a constant temptation. . . or the opposite. . . I have no idea what is coming!!!! – I can’t predict it. . . and then you throw in trying to plan for the future. . . .you know. . . so you’re not in debt, so your kids can go to college, so you can get good grades, so you can retire, so you can get a good job someday, so you can keep your job, so you can go out with him/her, so you will not be tempted, so you will be good a good wife/husband, so you can put food on the table, so you can travel someday, so you can. . . . . . . . . .

Do you see it? . . . . . have you figured it out? . . . .

What is common about the things involved in taking up our cross?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . the difficulty and the opportunity is all held within the word “daily” . . . . . effort for, energy for, provision for, stress for . . . today. – and God says that is plenty for me and you to deal with (Matthew 6:34). Each day has enough trouble of its own. - so, . . . He makes a deal with us. . . . . if you let go of the past and the future Ted. . . . . you know, all of those thoughts that stress you out, overwhelm you, and generally render you incapable of operating at your max capacity. . . if you let go of that. . . . . . I’ll take care of it, . . . . seriously, . . . I know you might have heard me say this before. . . but, I want you to really believe it . . . right now, . . . today . . . . – - your past shame/doubt/guilt – gone and forgotten, . . . your future. . . . you’re worth soooooo much more to me than the birds of the air and flowers of the field. . . . . . . I got your back. . . I got you. . . trust me. . . . again - . . . remember the promises I have made to you, . . . . . the only way I can catch you . . . . . is if you let go . . . . . . .

I have heard (not direct quotes) several things from different people over the last few days that have really stretched me to becoming a better person. . . . think about these today a little bit, and how they apply to you. . . . in your journey. . . right now:

1.  (Benjamin Zander) When thinking about your potential and what you can do in life. . . . fly like a bird that is free to soar, without having to be concerned about all of the fences below

2. (Benjamin Zander) Judge success, not by the knowledge that you give to others, but by the presence of a light in their eyes when they’re around you.

3. (Derry Prinkert) Have hope. . . be encouraged. . .  when you hear neither yes, no, or wait from God, . . . but instead you witness silence from the Creator. . . . . . His ways are sooo far above ours. . . . . He will turn into bread what now resembles stone. . . . . you can trust Him.

4. (John Keim) Psalm 37:7a – Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act

   Definitions:  Wait – to stay in place in expectation of

                       Patient – bearing pains or trials calmly, without complaint

  So, new rendition of Psalm 37:7a – Be still in the presence of the LORD, and stay in place, in expectation of bearing pains or trials calmy, without complaint . . . . waiting for Him to act.

 5. (Elliana) Thank you God for Mommy and Daddy.

Saturday was a pretty full day of team building for the India trip. . . but it all started Friday night with the beginning of our sleep simulation.  Since we will be sleeping on concrete floors (with grass mats) while we are over there, our leaders wanted us to experience this a little bit this weekend. . . . to the wood floor I went on Friday night . . . . good times, and woke up with a little tenderness on my hips and sides.

We then met at GCC to serve at Second Saturday together. . . here are a few pictures from Feed the Children, packing personal care items into boxes. This was the line that some of us were on:

Then to Barnaby’s for some pizza. . . which was later referred to as a “brick in your stomach” compared to the fresh food in India. . . . oh, and there was some time to pummel Jack with some questions!

Off to Potato Creek State Park for our hour long hike with our gear (backpacks that we will be taking to India). . . . .what a beautiful day. . . WOW! it was gorgeous, especially with some of the trees starting to turn. . . . This is how we were greeted:

and here is a picture of us at the end

-Then is was back to the floor Saturday night:) . . . . . . . I feel blessed to be a part of this team. . . and doing these things together is so critical to forming some relationships before leaving. . . so, if anyone from the team is reading this. . . it is and will be an honor to serve by your side!

Ok. . . so here’s the drill – in the parentheses is who said it, and then the italics set the context -

8. (Kya) As we are getting ready for bed, and cleaning up his room. . . “No dad! . . . I want to sleep with my pumpkin” . . . it’s a real pumpkin

7. (Ang) we have just started to eat dinner . . . Reggio’s pizza from ALDI . . . “WOW! I didn’t know pizza could be that bad!”

6. (Me) As I, barefoot, am getting up from dinner to clean up Dakota. . . . . . “aauughh, I felt a crunch and a squish in the same step” – I guess it’s time to sweep the kitchen floor!

5. (Me and Dakota) As we are praying before dinner . . . (me) “Dakota, what is something you are thankful for?. . . . (Dakota) . . . TTSSTT . . . (me) OK then.”

4. (Elliana) As we are laughing at the the pizza comment in #7. . . . “Mommy, does the baby laugh when you laugh?”

3. (Kya) snickering. . . but trying hard to conceal his dramatic genius . . . “Mom, my nose is bleeding. . .

bleeding? - no ketchup

2. (Ang and I) trying to get Kya to go outside and play . . . (Ang) “Kya. . . go outside, get the wagon. . . and catch some squirrel dust. . .Kya takes off outside . . . (me) what is squirrel dust?. . . (Ang) I don’t know. . .”

1. (ELLIANA) While we were walking, and as a jogger ran right past us. . . . Is that a boy or a girl Daddy?!

Have a great start to the week everyone. . . . you going to get peppered with posts today – it has been a full weekend.

What!!??!!. . . you know,. . . .in the list of priorities that maybe you have had since becoming a Christian. . . . God is first, then family, then church, work/school, etc…. -  – - That is a myth. . . . and I was reminded of this yesterday by a fellow Bethel faculty member – David Macabe.  . . . . stick with me for a moment -

What does this priority list do to you?. . .  It makes you fight to get 15 minutes of alone time with God, maybe in the morning. . . . maybe at night . . . or else you feel very guilty, and not very much at peace. . . why? . . . because you have not had “your time” with God that day right??. . . . You have not had your time to focus and block out everything else and attend only to God. . . . and it is here that this myth becomes dangerous. . .

What does this priority list assume?. . . . that there are quantifiable boundaries to the categories of our lives. . . “family life”, “work life”, “spiritual life”, but of course. . . . if there are boundaries then there must be things outside of those boundaries as well, such as. . . . . my “unspritual life” . . . furthermore, if alone time with God is my first priority, that is, . . . it is the only thing that “counts” –  then maybe . . I slowly lose my ability (or never gain the skill in the first place) to see God in all categories of my life. . . because . . . .when I am with God, I am trying to block those “other” things out right? . . .  to escape, to find peace and understanding outside of those elements of my life, which may be attained. . . . as long as you never plan on reentering the “rest” of your life . . . . . . . . . . what an unfair limitation to put on the Creator of all things – that God must become a first priority – first and only first – separate from the rest of His creation in my life.

Instead, I believe that God is omnipresent and He wants me to be Omni-searching-listening-conversing-laughing-sacrificing- crying-playing-studying- with Him. . . . and I am despartely yearning for the ability to be with God in every part of my life. . . . this is so difficult isn’t it. . . sometimes it seems so chaotic and impossible. . . .it is so much easier to hear and see God when we block things out during our devotions and during our church services. . . . . .and though I do believe that it is absolutely critical to have alone time with God (just look at Jesus). . . . if our main efforts are to experience/see/hear/feel God in our alone time with Him. . . . then that is the only time we will. . . and, well, . . . .  I just want more than that. . . .  . . here are some final thoughts:

Instead of prioritized categories in a “to do” list, let’s think about the analogy of our solar system. . . all of us, with all of our “issues”, all of our schedules, all of our emotions are rotating around this source (God) of light and heat and life – we are being held there (though we are constantly trying to fight it and break free) only by the strong gravitational force of God’s love, sacrifice, and provision. You see. . . it is not our priority . . . it is the center of everything, . . . without it, we cannot see, have energy, or have life. . . . God’s light and love affects all living things and his plans, purposes, and wisdom are woven like a tapestry of the categories of our lives . . . . He is there in everything. 

Finally, though this whole post may seem like a trivial perspective shift or just a ploy of rhetoric. . . to me. . . it keeps me revolving around the Son in all things. . . .

So, in your walk right now with God (or not with God if you are an atheist), which of these concepts do you struggle with the most:

Waiting?

Forgiving?

Failing/being broken?

Just being real with you. . . I will tell you what I am contemplating the most right now. . .(not to say that it won’t change tomorrow  . . . or be completely different for you. . .

Waiting. . . no. . . I think this is for a few reasons (1) I have enough stuff going on everyday that waiting for something else is usually a welcome blessing (2) Each day may bring the conclusion of a waiting period of some previous situation in my life if I have eyes to see, ears to hear, and a mind to remember (3) I have learned through experience that when I have my eyes too focused down the road, I often trip over the bump in the carpet right in front of me. . . so, I can wait. ..

Forgiving. . . . no. . . Now I am not saying these things aren’t difficult at times, but I am talking about my life right now. . . . there is very little unforgiven, “unfinished business” out there that is keeping me in bondage, so I am blessed with that right now. . .

Failing/being broken. . . yeppers. . . . why? . . . . Well, it is NOT because I doubt God’s existence when bad things happen to me, . . . . and it is NOT because I fear God’s ability to sustain me during such times. . . . nope, instead it is my further understanding that God seemingly has a dependence on it (my failing and being broken, suffering in some way) for gaining true wisdom. . . . have you read the bible yet?. . . . . you see. . . . I would really rather get the wisdom and . . . . not go through the tragedy. . . I want all of my children to grow old and be healthy. . . . I don’t want my house to be flooded. . . .or us to not have enough money for health care. . . or food. . . . . . . I will just learn from everyone else right???. . . . I just don’t see that in the scriptures; however, I do see a lot of people persevering through tragedy, gaining true wisdom, and then doing some serious Kingdom bringing!. . . so I am contemplating about that a bit right now. . . is it possible to reach an optimal level of Godly wisdom without going through a major tragedy?? . . . . what about you? what do you think?