Last post of the night! Can you tell how far behind I've gotten in actually posting these entries?!
More thoughts from Anne Rice's autobiography...
"The more I study this, the more I listen to people around me talk about their experience with Jesus Christ and with religion, the more I realize as well that what drives people away from Christ is the Christian who does not know how to love. A string of cruel words can destroy another Christian. Over and over again, people write to me to explain why they left the church in bitterness and hurt, because of the mercilessness of Christians who made them feel unwelcome, or even told them to go away. I'm convinced that it takes immense courage to remain in a church where one is surrounded by hostile voices; and yet we must remain in our churches and we must answer hostility with meekness, with gentleness, or simply not at all" (227).
That one hits close to home... talk about God putting before you the words you need to hear at the moment... With all of the struggles that have gone on within our church these past couple of years, these words are incredibly affirming. So, so many times I have been tempted to leave, to separate myself from the situation completely... or to confront those who have been so hurtful, and set things straight. But there has always been a small voice inside telling me to stick it out, quietly and patiently, and trust that God will see it through. And I'm beginning to listen to that voice, and to believe it.
Rice continues by touching on sin. "Sin for me resides in those acts of cruelty both spectacular and small, both deliberate and careless, and always involving the hurt - the real hurt - of another human being. I myself am haunted by destructive things that were said to me when I was a child, and over the course of my adult life. I can think of something said to me when I was ten years old and feel exquisite pain remembering how humiliated or hurt I felt. What that means to me, however, is not only that I must forgive each and every instance in which such things happened, but that I must admit that my own words and actions may still be hurting people who can remember them from numberless incidents over sixty-six years. All that gossip, all that criticism, all that spitefulness, all that meanness, all that verbal sparring, all that anger - all that failure to love" (233).
I just love that description. A sin means not simply specific infractions, but all of those occasions and instances when we fail to love. It's not just enough to treat someone civilly, or to coexist with those around us who might be more difficult to get along with... God asks more of us.
Love.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
called out of darkness
I just finished reading Anne Rice's autobiography, "Called out of Darkness," and just had to blog about it. It was such a thought-provoking, inspiring read. Here are a few of my favorite parts!
Anne Rice grew up as a traditional Catholic in New Orleans, but upon entering college, she found her faith challenged in myriad ways. Religious tenets and basic beliefs were no longer simply accepted, but rather carefully examined, and gradually set aside. For many years, Rice was atheist, and expressed these beliefs through some pretty dark writing... but eventually, felt that there was something more out there... and this is the story of her faith conversion. Rebuilding a relationship with God is a gradual process.
At first, she realizes that "God doesn't disappear when you turn away from Him; He remains, acknowledged in myriad forms, and even in the miracle of the ever shifting clouds themselves... Surely what I felt in that moment was love" (164).
Eventually, Rice becomes not only convinced of the Lord's presence in her life, but experiences a feeling of being pursued by the Lord. What a perfect word to describe the image of a shepherd trying to regain one of his lost sheep... not only is God waiting anxiously for her to return, but he is actively pursuing her. I love it.
As her faith develops, Rice surrenders her doubts to God, and comes to the understanding that she doesn't need to understand. "It was love that brought me to this awareness, love that brought me into a complete trust in Him, a trust that God who made us could not ever abandon us - that the seeming meaninglessness of our world was the limit of our understanding, but never, never the limit of His... How can I describe the realization that He was the Divine Safety Net through which nothing could accidentally fall?" (185).
Another mind-blowing idea. How many times do we, as Catholics, get stumped by the 'why' questions. "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" "Why would God put me through this?" "Why?" And finally there is an answer. We don't know. It is simply beyond the grasp of our understanding. But it is not important for us to know... only to trust.
Finally, Rice is ready to surrender herself entirely to God. As she considers this prospect, she examines what this truly means. What does it mean to say to God, "Thy will be done," and "do with me what you will"? She ponders, "As a child I'd once pledged my life in its entirety. What would I do now if the Lord asked of me that I come and follow Him?" (205). Talk about a tough question... I think every one of us would like to say that we would follow, without question, without doubt. But would we really? Would I? It's a tough call.
I suppose the best we can do is to keep trusting the process... one day at a time... one challenge at a time... and to continually put our fate into God's hands with each new day.
Anne Rice grew up as a traditional Catholic in New Orleans, but upon entering college, she found her faith challenged in myriad ways. Religious tenets and basic beliefs were no longer simply accepted, but rather carefully examined, and gradually set aside. For many years, Rice was atheist, and expressed these beliefs through some pretty dark writing... but eventually, felt that there was something more out there... and this is the story of her faith conversion. Rebuilding a relationship with God is a gradual process.
At first, she realizes that "God doesn't disappear when you turn away from Him; He remains, acknowledged in myriad forms, and even in the miracle of the ever shifting clouds themselves... Surely what I felt in that moment was love" (164).
Eventually, Rice becomes not only convinced of the Lord's presence in her life, but experiences a feeling of being pursued by the Lord. What a perfect word to describe the image of a shepherd trying to regain one of his lost sheep... not only is God waiting anxiously for her to return, but he is actively pursuing her. I love it.
As her faith develops, Rice surrenders her doubts to God, and comes to the understanding that she doesn't need to understand. "It was love that brought me to this awareness, love that brought me into a complete trust in Him, a trust that God who made us could not ever abandon us - that the seeming meaninglessness of our world was the limit of our understanding, but never, never the limit of His... How can I describe the realization that He was the Divine Safety Net through which nothing could accidentally fall?" (185).
Another mind-blowing idea. How many times do we, as Catholics, get stumped by the 'why' questions. "Why does God let bad things happen to good people?" "Why would God put me through this?" "Why?" And finally there is an answer. We don't know. It is simply beyond the grasp of our understanding. But it is not important for us to know... only to trust.
Finally, Rice is ready to surrender herself entirely to God. As she considers this prospect, she examines what this truly means. What does it mean to say to God, "Thy will be done," and "do with me what you will"? She ponders, "As a child I'd once pledged my life in its entirety. What would I do now if the Lord asked of me that I come and follow Him?" (205). Talk about a tough question... I think every one of us would like to say that we would follow, without question, without doubt. But would we really? Would I? It's a tough call.
I suppose the best we can do is to keep trusting the process... one day at a time... one challenge at a time... and to continually put our fate into God's hands with each new day.
this year's resolutions
well here we go again... let's see if i can make these happen this year!
1. stress less. trust that things will work out, just the way they should. one day i will have a job, a future, somewhere to live... and god will provide.
2. make relationships my first priority. take the time to tell my friends and family how much they mean to me, and spend more time with the people who really matter.
3. let go of the past. embrace the future with an open heart.
i must say, it is slightly terrifying to celebrate new year's and have no idea where i will be at the end of this year... let alone in six months from today... but slightly exhilarating at the same time. the future is mine, and i have the power to determine the rest of my life.
here's to a fabulous 2009.
1. stress less. trust that things will work out, just the way they should. one day i will have a job, a future, somewhere to live... and god will provide.
2. make relationships my first priority. take the time to tell my friends and family how much they mean to me, and spend more time with the people who really matter.
3. let go of the past. embrace the future with an open heart.
i must say, it is slightly terrifying to celebrate new year's and have no idea where i will be at the end of this year... let alone in six months from today... but slightly exhilarating at the same time. the future is mine, and i have the power to determine the rest of my life.
here's to a fabulous 2009.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Tips for Leading an Exceptionally Happy Life
1. Take a 10-30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Always pray and make time to exercise.
4. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. Clear your clutter from your house, car, desk, and let new energy flow into your life.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
9. Accept that life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Understand that life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't talk yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up your present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600-thread count sheets and the good china, and wear the fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special.
16. Realize that no one is in charge of your happiness except you.
17. Frame every so-called disaster with this words: "In five years, will this matter?"
18. Time heals everything. Give time, time.
19. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
20. Understand that envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides.
21. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
22. Do the right thing.
23. Call your family often.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a Fast Pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it!
2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
3. Always pray and make time to exercise.
4. Spend more time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of six.
5. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
6. Clear your clutter from your house, car, desk, and let new energy flow into your life.
7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you cannot control. Instead, invest your energy in the positive present moment.
8. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum, but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
9. Accept that life isn't fair, but it's still good.
10. Understand that life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
11. Don't talk yourself so seriously. No one else does.
12. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
13. Make peace with your past so it won't screw up your present.
14. Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
15. Go on and burn those 'special' scented candles, use the 600-thread count sheets and the good china, and wear the fancy lingerie now. Stop waiting for a special occasion. Every day is special.
16. Realize that no one is in charge of your happiness except you.
17. Frame every so-called disaster with this words: "In five years, will this matter?"
18. Time heals everything. Give time, time.
19. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch with them.
20. Understand that envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need. God provides.
21. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, and show up.
22. Do the right thing.
23. Call your family often.
24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.
25. Enjoy the ride. Remember that this is not Disney World and you certainly don't want a Fast Pass. You only have one ride through life, so make the most of it!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
procrastination
It is time for finals, and of course I'm procrastinating! I found this Calvin & Hobbes quote that pretty much sums up my life at this point.
"-You can't just turn creativity on and off like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic."
"-You can't just turn creativity on and off like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood.
-What mood is that?
-Last-minute panic."
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Joy to the world
"Joy is strength"
-Mother Teresa
I almost just looked past this quote today... but when I looked again, it really made me think. It is seemingly so simple. Joy is strength. But that is such an interesting thought. It is not easy to be joyful all the time. It takes strength. There are so many hardships, worries, fears in this world, that it is easy to let our joy be extinguished by these externalities. It is only a truly strong person who can look past all of that, and find true joy. Joy is not a temporary feeling of happiness because you had a good day or a good experience... rather I think it is something more. I read something recently that said we can be joyful even in the darkest of times... even as there are tears streaming down our faith, there can be joy in that moment. Because joy is the deep-down, never-fleeing sense that God is always with us, and he has saved us. Joy is the belief that everything will be all right in the end. Joy is the understanding that God is praying for us, even when we cannot pray ourselves. And that kind of joy takes strength.
-Mother Teresa
I almost just looked past this quote today... but when I looked again, it really made me think. It is seemingly so simple. Joy is strength. But that is such an interesting thought. It is not easy to be joyful all the time. It takes strength. There are so many hardships, worries, fears in this world, that it is easy to let our joy be extinguished by these externalities. It is only a truly strong person who can look past all of that, and find true joy. Joy is not a temporary feeling of happiness because you had a good day or a good experience... rather I think it is something more. I read something recently that said we can be joyful even in the darkest of times... even as there are tears streaming down our faith, there can be joy in that moment. Because joy is the deep-down, never-fleeing sense that God is always with us, and he has saved us. Joy is the belief that everything will be all right in the end. Joy is the understanding that God is praying for us, even when we cannot pray ourselves. And that kind of joy takes strength.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
The Alchemist
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."
My friend Amy reminded me of a series of truly inspirational quotes from the Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, and I thought I would reference another one.
This quote has so many interesting things to think about. First, the idea that the fear of something is worse than actually experiencing what it is we are afraid of. How often do I spend time thinking, What if I fail? What if I am making the wrong decision? What if my future doesn't work out the way I hope it does? This has been a scary year in that sense. So many decisions, and so much fear trying to prevent me from making the difficult choices. I have to keep reminding myself that conquering that fear is the hardest part of making any decision.
Then there is the idea that the time spent in search of one's dreams is an encounter with God and with eternity. How beautiful. When we are pursuing our highest ideals, we are doing God's will for us. God confronts us with challenges that are seemingly insurmountable, and we are overwhelmed by the obstacles. But at the same time, there is always that nagging voice inside us that urges us on... Go for it. You can do it. A voice propelling you toward the seemingly impossible. When we make those difficult decisions... when we take that final step off the edge into the unknown, it is then when we are encountering God. We are trusting him to carry us beyond that edge, and to be the one comforting known in a world of uncertainty.
My friend Amy reminded me of a series of truly inspirational quotes from the Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo, and I thought I would reference another one.
This quote has so many interesting things to think about. First, the idea that the fear of something is worse than actually experiencing what it is we are afraid of. How often do I spend time thinking, What if I fail? What if I am making the wrong decision? What if my future doesn't work out the way I hope it does? This has been a scary year in that sense. So many decisions, and so much fear trying to prevent me from making the difficult choices. I have to keep reminding myself that conquering that fear is the hardest part of making any decision.
Then there is the idea that the time spent in search of one's dreams is an encounter with God and with eternity. How beautiful. When we are pursuing our highest ideals, we are doing God's will for us. God confronts us with challenges that are seemingly insurmountable, and we are overwhelmed by the obstacles. But at the same time, there is always that nagging voice inside us that urges us on... Go for it. You can do it. A voice propelling you toward the seemingly impossible. When we make those difficult decisions... when we take that final step off the edge into the unknown, it is then when we are encountering God. We are trusting him to carry us beyond that edge, and to be the one comforting known in a world of uncertainty.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
