My friend is doing a survey on her blog (www.aboundinhope.blogspot.com) about what we perceive influences us. It was an interesting question and I thought I would let you know what I thought influenced me. I know it isn't a comprehensive list, and I may add to it as I consider this question a little longer, but this is what I have so far.
1. The appearance of success. (I know I'm shallow)
2. Anything that sounds smart.(That would include saving money)
3. People who have an opinion that holds up to critical thinking. (I like talk radio)
What about you?
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Retreat
Sweet, fragrant, affectionate Fellowship.
Beautiful, harmonious, worshipful Music.
Hilarious, amusing, side-splitting Fun.
Thoughtful, challenging, enlightening Speakers.
Gracious, affable, welcoming Friends.
Thankful, renewed, filled Me.
Beautiful, harmonious, worshipful Music.
Hilarious, amusing, side-splitting Fun.
Thoughtful, challenging, enlightening Speakers.
Gracious, affable, welcoming Friends.
Thankful, renewed, filled Me.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Retreat
1 a : an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
b : the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position
2: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
That is exactly what I am preparing to do this weekend. RETREAT!! RETREAT!!
"From what could I possibly need to withdraw that is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable?" you ask. (Because you know I can hear you mumbling in the background). I know my life is easier than most, physically as well as emotionally. However, on the spiritual level I think I probably teeter on the brink of a precipitous edge of longing to fill my selfish desires rather than doing what is good and right for myself and those around me. Hey! Sometimes it's difficult to balance on that fence of mediocrity. OOh, did I just say that? I think I have just admitted that it takes a great deal of dexterity to not be all I have been redeemed to be. Well, I just find that disagreeable.
In order to deal with the above issue, I want, no I need, to withdraw to a place that is out of the world's view so that I can safely make myself vulnerable to admit that I am poor and needy on my own and crave help in this unsafe world that desires my failure at virtue. There is much to be gained by many others in my unsuccesful attempts at wholesomeness. I must win this battle for myself so that I may pass this wisdom on to my children and grandchildren. They deserve my best for their future.
I am looking forward to extended periods of time spent in prayer, meditating on God's precious and perfect Word, and the mentoring that will take place as I spend time with others I admire and honor as sisters.
Fun will be had by all. In fact, I expect my sides to ache and my face to hurt from laughing so much. But, my highest expectation is that the LORD God is already waiting for me to show up at His feet and learn from Him. Wow! Just think on that a while.
b : the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position
2: a place of privacy or safety : refuge
3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
That is exactly what I am preparing to do this weekend. RETREAT!! RETREAT!!
"From what could I possibly need to withdraw that is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable?" you ask. (Because you know I can hear you mumbling in the background). I know my life is easier than most, physically as well as emotionally. However, on the spiritual level I think I probably teeter on the brink of a precipitous edge of longing to fill my selfish desires rather than doing what is good and right for myself and those around me. Hey! Sometimes it's difficult to balance on that fence of mediocrity. OOh, did I just say that? I think I have just admitted that it takes a great deal of dexterity to not be all I have been redeemed to be. Well, I just find that disagreeable.
In order to deal with the above issue, I want, no I need, to withdraw to a place that is out of the world's view so that I can safely make myself vulnerable to admit that I am poor and needy on my own and crave help in this unsafe world that desires my failure at virtue. There is much to be gained by many others in my unsuccesful attempts at wholesomeness. I must win this battle for myself so that I may pass this wisdom on to my children and grandchildren. They deserve my best for their future.
I am looking forward to extended periods of time spent in prayer, meditating on God's precious and perfect Word, and the mentoring that will take place as I spend time with others I admire and honor as sisters.
Fun will be had by all. In fact, I expect my sides to ache and my face to hurt from laughing so much. But, my highest expectation is that the LORD God is already waiting for me to show up at His feet and learn from Him. Wow! Just think on that a while.
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