I don't know if this bothers me as much as it amuses me. There's a radio commercial I've heard several times for Wholesale Computers here in Tulsa. The character in these commercials is called "The Bargain Hunter," and he's basically a rip-off of Steve Erwin, The (late) Crocodile Hunter. But, he talks with the same thick Australian accent.
The commercial begins with a phone call between someone needing computer support and an Indian-sounding tech support guy. The interaction is that the guy calling in is frustrated because he can't understand the tech guy, because his English is not great. In steps (talks) the Bargain Hunter who tries to empathize with everyone who's ever had a similar experience of not being able to understand on-line tech support (who are often outsourced). But, whoever prepared the commercial seemed to miss the fact that The Bargain Hunter speaks with a VERY thick accent and could be equally difficult to understand.
Just seem ironic to me. Or poorly conceived, anyway.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Psalm 116:8-9
"For you, O LORD, have delivered
my soul from death,
my eyes from tears,
my feet from stumbling,
that I may walk before the LORD
in the land of the living."
Sometimes we understand the benefits of salvation only in an eternal (after-death) sense, but I like that these verses go beyond that... to indicate the benefits of knowing and relying on God in THIS life. He delivers my eyes from tears. I no longer have to stumble through life. I can now be in the presence of God Almighty here on Earth - today, right now, forever... because I walk in righteousness as a result of God's mercy and Christ's sacrifice! How d'ya like THEM apples?!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Things that bother me - #1
There are strange things that often plague my mind. I thought I'd share one (or two) right now.
The Office Bathroom
The bathroom is actually very clean... no strange odors. There are two posters on the inside door of each bathroom stall. The first is a poster issued (presumably) by the CDC. At one place on this "Germ Stoppers" poster it says, "Be a germ stopper... at work and home." The word "work" doesn't match the font on the rest of the page. In fact, it looks like someone hand wrote that one word. It's not that I mind, but it really bothers me not knowing why that word was changed. What did it say before? School? Did someone in our firm white it out and write over it? Was it issued by the CDC like that?
The next poster asks women not to flush "femine" products. I mean, we're a professional services firm. We couldn't figure out "feminine"? I'm not sure what bothers me more... the misspelling... or how long it took me to realize it was misspelled. ;)
What drives you crazy?
The Office Bathroom
The bathroom is actually very clean... no strange odors. There are two posters on the inside door of each bathroom stall. The first is a poster issued (presumably) by the CDC. At one place on this "Germ Stoppers" poster it says, "Be a germ stopper... at work and home." The word "work" doesn't match the font on the rest of the page. In fact, it looks like someone hand wrote that one word. It's not that I mind, but it really bothers me not knowing why that word was changed. What did it say before? School? Did someone in our firm white it out and write over it? Was it issued by the CDC like that?
The next poster asks women not to flush "femine" products. I mean, we're a professional services firm. We couldn't figure out "feminine"? I'm not sure what bothers me more... the misspelling... or how long it took me to realize it was misspelled. ;)
What drives you crazy?
Sunday, May 09, 2010
The Smallest Coffee Cup in the World
Okay, so I don't know for sure that this is the smallest coffee cup in the world, but it's definitely the smallest coffee cup in MY world. My parents bought it for me on some trip they were on. I think they were just surprised to find something with name (spelled correctly) on it. Oh, and I used to have a miniature collection. Either way, this little cup makes me smile. I decided to do a sort of photo shoot with it. So, without further ado...
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
The Tie
I went home this weekend to celebrate with my family the 20th anniversary of the church I attended during high school (and that my parents still attend). I had been looking forward to it, but I ended up enjoying it even more than I anticipated.
The church hosted a dinner and a time for sharing testimonies on Saturday. Then Sunday morning, they had a special breakfast and service. I got to sing on one of the praise teams (the "old" praise team) with my sister and a friend of ours from those days. It was so much fun harmonizing and praising God together. I enjoyed hearing what people shared about their years at the church and how it had touched their lives. I particularly appreciated an email someone read from a former member who couldn't be there. Former pastors were on-hand, including the one who was there for my high school years. Although he was the lead pastor, he invested a lot of time and energy in the youth of the church. It was a blessing catching up with him and his wife.
Sunday after church, my sister and I met up with a couple of friends (one from the church and one from our high school days) for lunch. We shared pictures, reminisced on yonder years and just had fun catching up.
The old hymn, "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" has been stuck in my mind since then. I'm always impressed by the bond shared between those who are in Christ. It doesn't matter the time or distance that stands between, we're still one in Him... and always will be! What a sweet, sweet comfort.
The church hosted a dinner and a time for sharing testimonies on Saturday. Then Sunday morning, they had a special breakfast and service. I got to sing on one of the praise teams (the "old" praise team) with my sister and a friend of ours from those days. It was so much fun harmonizing and praising God together. I enjoyed hearing what people shared about their years at the church and how it had touched their lives. I particularly appreciated an email someone read from a former member who couldn't be there. Former pastors were on-hand, including the one who was there for my high school years. Although he was the lead pastor, he invested a lot of time and energy in the youth of the church. It was a blessing catching up with him and his wife.
Sunday after church, my sister and I met up with a couple of friends (one from the church and one from our high school days) for lunch. We shared pictures, reminisced on yonder years and just had fun catching up.
The old hymn, "Blest Be the Tie that Binds" has been stuck in my mind since then. I'm always impressed by the bond shared between those who are in Christ. It doesn't matter the time or distance that stands between, we're still one in Him... and always will be! What a sweet, sweet comfort.
Blest Be the Tie that Binds
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.
We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.
From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.
Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.
We share each other’s woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way;
While each in expectation lives,
And longs to see the day.
From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity.
Deliverance
Just noticed there's a random wikipedia link on my post below... it links the psalm I quoted to the movie "Deliverance." Um... slight difference. :)
Speaking of the movie Deliverance, I've always kind of wanted to see it. Every time I go canoeing, or every time the song "Dueling Banjos" plays, someone references the movie. I hate not fully understanding cultural references. However, I've been assured that I would be better off NOT seeing it. I suppose know enough of the story line to probably agree. (Though I've probably seen worse.)
Speaking of the movie Deliverance, I've always kind of wanted to see it. Every time I go canoeing, or every time the song "Dueling Banjos" plays, someone references the movie. I hate not fully understanding cultural references. However, I've been assured that I would be better off NOT seeing it. I suppose know enough of the story line to probably agree. (Though I've probably seen worse.)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
One of THOSE nights...
This has definitely been a season of change. Part of me is enjoying the floating along in life... not many commitments beyond work. I'm taking tennis lessons. Or, rather, I just finished my first tennis lessons. There's a marked improvement in my forehand and backhand. I have learned some of the basics of serving but am not too skilled at serving the ball properly AND not faulting. I practiced a bit tonight.
It's been kind of a lonely season. I've been praying for a friend this year. You know... a best friend. Someone to really share life with. Someone who knows me (as well as another human can know me, anyway). I feel like a lot of my friends have sorta moved on in life. I don't blame them. I most likely would have moved on too, had the opportunity presented itself. But, even as I write this, I realize that certain opportunities have come and gone, and I've elected not to seize them for whatever reason(s).
I was thinking the other day about the nature of hope... what it is, what it's not. It seems to me that hope is what allows us to keep going when we would otherwise be tempted to give up. But, there is also "false hope." It seems to give us the same ability to persevere, but it ultimately (and utterly) disappoints. And is it even really worth persevering in something if the hope you hold in it is only an illusion?
As I was debating this, I thought about Hebrews 11:1, which says "Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
We can put our hope in a lot of things, but hope misplaced will ultimately prove to be a false hope. There's only ONE object worthy of our hope, and only ONE object in which we should place our faith.
From Psalm 33...
16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
It's been kind of a lonely season. I've been praying for a friend this year. You know... a best friend. Someone to really share life with. Someone who knows me (as well as another human can know me, anyway). I feel like a lot of my friends have sorta moved on in life. I don't blame them. I most likely would have moved on too, had the opportunity presented itself. But, even as I write this, I realize that certain opportunities have come and gone, and I've elected not to seize them for whatever reason(s).
I was thinking the other day about the nature of hope... what it is, what it's not. It seems to me that hope is what allows us to keep going when we would otherwise be tempted to give up. But, there is also "false hope." It seems to give us the same ability to persevere, but it ultimately (and utterly) disappoints. And is it even really worth persevering in something if the hope you hold in it is only an illusion?
As I was debating this, I thought about Hebrews 11:1, which says "Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see."
We can put our hope in a lot of things, but hope misplaced will ultimately prove to be a false hope. There's only ONE object worthy of our hope, and only ONE object in which we should place our faith.
From Psalm 33...
16 No king is saved by the size of his army;
no warrior escapes by his great strength.
17 A horse is a vain hope for deliverance;
despite all its great strength it cannot save.
18 But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,
on those whose hope is in his unfailing love,
19 to deliver them from death
and keep them alive in famine.
20 We wait in hope for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
21 In him our hearts rejoice,
for we trust in his holy name.
22 May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD,
even as we put our hope in you.
Sunday, March 07, 2010
NY Goals - an Update
It's 4am, and I can't think of anything better to do than blog!! ;) Actually, sleep sounds good. Problem is I was just laying there not sleeping so thought I would get on the computer.
Now that we're nine or ten weeks into the year, I thought I'd update you on my progress toward the 2010 goals...
Weight - not much progress. In fact, I got on the scales the other day and decided to march myself back to WW. I think the online eTools are very helpful. (I probably should have continue to pay for and use those after making LT member a couple of years ago.) Regardless, I hit a mtg with a friend yesterday and followed her to a Zumba class after. Then last night I went dancing. So... I'm already feeling a bit achy. But... it's a good soreness, to be sure. And, I *may* still be able to hit my original target... by May 1.
Fingernails - excellent! They're looking relatively nicely. I've tried to keep a nail file and lotion closer this year. I think that's helped. But, mainly, it's the pure will power not to bite or pick at them.
Job - got one! I took a Controller position at a local public accounting firm (though they've had me out on an audit the past few weeks).
Budget - made one! Signed up for mvelopes through Crown Financial. It's been a good way of putting together a financial plan. In fact, I already made an additional $1500 principal pmt toward my car loan. I only have about $3k outstanding.
Respect - nothing much to note... other than I've already had some opportunities to bite my lip and cheerfully dig in to projects I wouldn't have otherwise chosen. I feel like I've done a good job of voicing an opinion but not being disagreeable or disrespectful.
Is that everything? Hope so!
Now that we're nine or ten weeks into the year, I thought I'd update you on my progress toward the 2010 goals...
Weight - not much progress. In fact, I got on the scales the other day and decided to march myself back to WW. I think the online eTools are very helpful. (I probably should have continue to pay for and use those after making LT member a couple of years ago.) Regardless, I hit a mtg with a friend yesterday and followed her to a Zumba class after. Then last night I went dancing. So... I'm already feeling a bit achy. But... it's a good soreness, to be sure. And, I *may* still be able to hit my original target... by May 1.
Fingernails - excellent! They're looking relatively nicely. I've tried to keep a nail file and lotion closer this year. I think that's helped. But, mainly, it's the pure will power not to bite or pick at them.
Job - got one! I took a Controller position at a local public accounting firm (though they've had me out on an audit the past few weeks).
Budget - made one! Signed up for mvelopes through Crown Financial. It's been a good way of putting together a financial plan. In fact, I already made an additional $1500 principal pmt toward my car loan. I only have about $3k outstanding.
Respect - nothing much to note... other than I've already had some opportunities to bite my lip and cheerfully dig in to projects I wouldn't have otherwise chosen. I feel like I've done a good job of voicing an opinion but not being disagreeable or disrespectful.
Is that everything? Hope so!
Monday, February 01, 2010
Why I'm His (and He is Mine)
So, God is really amazing. I hope you already know that. In case you don't, I'd like to share what I know.
First a quick note... I'm making some headway on my 2010 goals. My fingernails have grown out considerably. (I had to trim them last night!!) And, I got a job! I'm working as the Controller in a public accounting firm.
The job is totally God. I had every reason to be worried... the economy is terrible, lots of people are out of work, most companies are letting people go (not hiring!), and on and on. Also, I've been somewhat out of the typical accounting realm for six years now. But, God's peace was with me. I knew I was being obedient to Him by resigning my last position. The week I planned to resign, a recruiter (a former co-worker) called me randomly. He lined up an interview for me between Christmas and New Years. I had an offer in hand by Jan 11 and started a week later!
I could feel like a fish out of water right now. But, instead, I'm realizing how perfectly God has prepared me for this new position. I've learned a surprising amount about leadership, confidence and my own ingenuity from my job at The Gathering. I realize I'm only a couple of weeks in, but I feel fairly at home... like I'm definitely the right (unique) person for the job!
In addition to blessing me with a job and His peace, God has provided for me financially. I anticipated I may have to flex my dollars/savings here for a few weeks, since I've been working part-time at two places the past couple of weeks. But, I got paid on Friday and noted that my combined paychecks matched (nearly exactly) what I was previously making! Blessing! That could have still left me tight... because I've been used to some cushion from having a roommate. God knows what He's doing, though! Two jobs back, I had participated in an employee stock purchase program. Well... the company was just purchased, so all of my outstanding shares were paid out... over market value, mind you! And I just received the check in the mail today!! On top of that, my next paycheck will include my new salaried amount, five days of hourly pay (paid in arrears) and an hourly paycheck from The Gathering. And that will all come five days before I'm supposed to go skiing. (I had already planned the ski trip before I resigned, so was not sure how that might work financially.)
Point is: God knows exactly WHAT we need... and exactly WHEN we need it. He is Good! He is SO Good! And He is faithful. He does exactly what He says He will do.
First a quick note... I'm making some headway on my 2010 goals. My fingernails have grown out considerably. (I had to trim them last night!!) And, I got a job! I'm working as the Controller in a public accounting firm.
The job is totally God. I had every reason to be worried... the economy is terrible, lots of people are out of work, most companies are letting people go (not hiring!), and on and on. Also, I've been somewhat out of the typical accounting realm for six years now. But, God's peace was with me. I knew I was being obedient to Him by resigning my last position. The week I planned to resign, a recruiter (a former co-worker) called me randomly. He lined up an interview for me between Christmas and New Years. I had an offer in hand by Jan 11 and started a week later!
I could feel like a fish out of water right now. But, instead, I'm realizing how perfectly God has prepared me for this new position. I've learned a surprising amount about leadership, confidence and my own ingenuity from my job at The Gathering. I realize I'm only a couple of weeks in, but I feel fairly at home... like I'm definitely the right (unique) person for the job!
In addition to blessing me with a job and His peace, God has provided for me financially. I anticipated I may have to flex my dollars/savings here for a few weeks, since I've been working part-time at two places the past couple of weeks. But, I got paid on Friday and noted that my combined paychecks matched (nearly exactly) what I was previously making! Blessing! That could have still left me tight... because I've been used to some cushion from having a roommate. God knows what He's doing, though! Two jobs back, I had participated in an employee stock purchase program. Well... the company was just purchased, so all of my outstanding shares were paid out... over market value, mind you! And I just received the check in the mail today!! On top of that, my next paycheck will include my new salaried amount, five days of hourly pay (paid in arrears) and an hourly paycheck from The Gathering. And that will all come five days before I'm supposed to go skiing. (I had already planned the ski trip before I resigned, so was not sure how that might work financially.)
Point is: God knows exactly WHAT we need... and exactly WHEN we need it. He is Good! He is SO Good! And He is faithful. He does exactly what He says He will do.
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Lights Out!
So, I was surprised last night while driving home how many people still have their Christmas lights on. I guess it's kind of nice. I mean, it's so much work to get them up. People might as well leave them up awhile. But, maybe it's just another instance of what I like to call "the Christmas Sprawl." Retailers now put out Christmas merchandise around Halloween, so I suppose it's reasonable that individuals would try to draw it out on the back end as well.
Merry (Belated) Christmas, I guess!
Merry (Belated) Christmas, I guess!
Saturday, January 02, 2010
Thoughts on the Coming Year
As promised, a few goals I have for myself heading into this new year...
1) Down to x lbs. by May 1st.
- Join a gym as soon as I have a source of income identified. :)
- Count my WW points.
2) Take better care of my fingernails.
- Keep nail clippers, file and lotion on hand (may require a larger purse)
- Refrain from biting and picking at my nails.
3) Show greater respect to my employer and friends.
- Beware of my facial expressions
- Exercise wisdom and caution before challenging a decision
4) Get a job!!!! :)
5) Make a new budget based on my new income.
- By February, if possible.
- Finish paying off my car
- Rebuild my savings account
So without further ado... Twenty-Ten, it's on!! :)
1) Down to x lbs. by May 1st.
- Join a gym as soon as I have a source of income identified. :)
- Count my WW points.
2) Take better care of my fingernails.
- Keep nail clippers, file and lotion on hand (may require a larger purse)
- Refrain from biting and picking at my nails.
3) Show greater respect to my employer and friends.
- Beware of my facial expressions
- Exercise wisdom and caution before challenging a decision
4) Get a job!!!! :)
5) Make a new budget based on my new income.
- By February, if possible.
- Finish paying off my car
- Rebuild my savings account
So without further ado... Twenty-Ten, it's on!! :)
2009, As Amended
Before I launch into the goals for 2010, I want to go back and address 2009. I may have been hormotional when I wrote the last update. Upon further reflection, I realized how blessed I've been in 2009...
RELATIONSHIPS - I dated a couple of guys this year. (That's always something to celebrate!!)
TRAVEL - I got to go to India and tell others about Christ.
PEACE - As tumultous as this year has felt, I've had a tremendous amount of peace. Even now as I've resigned one job with no other job lined up, I'm at peace when I would otherwise have expected to be panicked.
FINANCIAL - God provided a rommate and some assistance with living expenses. In addition, it's the first year in several years where I haven't had any major expenses!!
FAMILY - I was able to spend some extended time with my family over the holidays (nearly half of the last six weeks)!
CHURCH - My church blessed me greatly by allowing me to take a six-week break from my responsibilities!!!
SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING - God has taught me some new things... 1) from the book of Job I learned I should be extremely cautious when questioning him, 2) He is GOOD... even when I can't see it, 3) He is faithful to take care of me and will never leave me alone (John 16:23), 4) Respect is an act of obedience (Eph 5 and the book "Love & Respect" by Eggerichs) and 5) it's not fair to withdraw from my friends like I have this year. My response to them should be consistent and reliable.
I don't know what 2010 will hold, but 2009 was nothing to snivel at. As you can easily see, I have a lot to be thankful for. :)
RELATIONSHIPS - I dated a couple of guys this year. (That's always something to celebrate!!)
TRAVEL - I got to go to India and tell others about Christ.
PEACE - As tumultous as this year has felt, I've had a tremendous amount of peace. Even now as I've resigned one job with no other job lined up, I'm at peace when I would otherwise have expected to be panicked.
FINANCIAL - God provided a rommate and some assistance with living expenses. In addition, it's the first year in several years where I haven't had any major expenses!!
FAMILY - I was able to spend some extended time with my family over the holidays (nearly half of the last six weeks)!
CHURCH - My church blessed me greatly by allowing me to take a six-week break from my responsibilities!!!
SPIRITUAL UNDERSTANDING - God has taught me some new things... 1) from the book of Job I learned I should be extremely cautious when questioning him, 2) He is GOOD... even when I can't see it, 3) He is faithful to take care of me and will never leave me alone (John 16:23), 4) Respect is an act of obedience (Eph 5 and the book "Love & Respect" by Eggerichs) and 5) it's not fair to withdraw from my friends like I have this year. My response to them should be consistent and reliable.
I don't know what 2010 will hold, but 2009 was nothing to snivel at. As you can easily see, I have a lot to be thankful for. :)
Friday, January 01, 2010
Welcome to Twenty-Ten, People.
It's just after midnight, and I thought I'd welcome everyone to the new year. I have a few "resolutions," though I prefer not to call them that. Resolutions are made to be broken. So... we'll call them "goals" for this coming year. I'll post them soon. :)
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Job
I was reading in Psalms yesterday and ran across this verse (33:7): "He gathers the waters of the sea into jars; he puts the deep into storehouses." That reminded me of some of the imagery in the book of Job: (38:37) "Who can tip over the water jars of the heavens?"
So, I've been reading some of the later chapters of Job (32-42) and am amazed at some of the truths there.
WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING COME FROM GOD'S SPIRIT
Elihu (son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram) rebukes Job and his friends. Since he was the youngest person there, he sat and waited until everyone else was done speaking. Finally, he spoke up...
"I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right." (32:7-9)
"For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good." (34:3-4)
NO ONE (EXCEPT GOD) IS PERFECT
Job claims over and over to be righteous. And, to be fair, God even refers to him as "blameless and upright" in chapter 1. But, Elihu points out that God is over all and above all... "It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust." (34:12-15)
i.e. - Man is still man... fallible and imperfect... subject to God and dependent on His mercy.
GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR OUR SUFFERING
Elihu explains that often it's our suffering that causes us to turn (or turn more fully) to God: "God does all these things to a man - twice, even three times - to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him." (33:29-30) "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food." (36:15-16)
WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN QUESTIONING GOD
Job indicts God on several counts, which include...
1) God has left him/ignored him (29:1-6, 30: 20)
2) God has attacked him/has bad intentions toward him (30:19, 21-23, 26)
3) God is unjust (27:1-6)
Check this out, though... in Job 40:8, God asks of Job, "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"
Ouch! How many times do we want to blame God, in an attempt to maintain our own righteousness? It's easy to want to point a finger at God when we're suffering. (I know I've charged God with many of the same things as Job!) BUT... God will not be mocked. If you catch yourself questioning God, I'd encourage you to take a look at Job... especially the last few chapters where God responds to Job.
What great reminders! I know I sometimes (often) I need to be put back in my place. The book of Job helps me find my way back there. :)
So, I've been reading some of the later chapters of Job (32-42) and am amazed at some of the truths there.
WISDOM AND UNDERSTANDING COME FROM GOD'S SPIRIT
Elihu (son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram) rebukes Job and his friends. Since he was the youngest person there, he sat and waited until everyone else was done speaking. Finally, he spoke up...
"I thought, 'Age should speak; advanced years should teach wisdom.' But it is the spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. It is not only the old who are wise, not only the aged who understand what is right." (32:7-9)
"For the ear tests words as the tongue tastes food. Let us discern for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good." (34:3-4)
NO ONE (EXCEPT GOD) IS PERFECT
Job claims over and over to be righteous. And, to be fair, God even refers to him as "blameless and upright" in chapter 1. But, Elihu points out that God is over all and above all... "It is unthinkable that God would do wrong, that the Almighty would pervert justice. Who appointed him over the earth? Who put him in charge of the whole world? If it were his intention and he withdrew his spirit and breath, all mankind would perish together and man would return to the dust." (34:12-15)
i.e. - Man is still man... fallible and imperfect... subject to God and dependent on His mercy.
GOD HAS A PLAN AND PURPOSE FOR OUR SUFFERING
Elihu explains that often it's our suffering that causes us to turn (or turn more fully) to God: "God does all these things to a man - twice, even three times - to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him." (33:29-30) "But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction. He is wooing you from the jaws of distress to a spacious place free from restriction, to the comfort of your table laden with choice food." (36:15-16)
WE SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN QUESTIONING GOD
Job indicts God on several counts, which include...
1) God has left him/ignored him (29:1-6, 30: 20)
2) God has attacked him/has bad intentions toward him (30:19, 21-23, 26)
3) God is unjust (27:1-6)
Check this out, though... in Job 40:8, God asks of Job, "Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?"
Ouch! How many times do we want to blame God, in an attempt to maintain our own righteousness? It's easy to want to point a finger at God when we're suffering. (I know I've charged God with many of the same things as Job!) BUT... God will not be mocked. If you catch yourself questioning God, I'd encourage you to take a look at Job... especially the last few chapters where God responds to Job.
What great reminders! I know I sometimes (often) I need to be put back in my place. The book of Job helps me find my way back there. :)
Sunday, December 13, 2009
The Extent of My Creativity...
The KDR 2009 Christmas Card Collection:
Probably my favorite:
Classic:
Contemporary:
Probably my favorite:
Classic:
Contemporary:
Sunday, December 06, 2009
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Word of the Week: ACTUALLY
I hadn't been home long when I noticed that nearly every sentence my four-year-old niece, Natalie, utters includes the word "actually." It was pretty entertaining, and I inquired as to who she picked that up from. My sister ("Mom") replied, "Actually, I'm not sure where she picked that up." Well... it wasn't long until I heard my Mom ("Grandma") say it. Then, my brother-in law ("Dad") was caught in the act. My Dad ("Grandpa"), too. Yes, even me ("Aunt Krista") as well as the Geico Gecko on TV. It appears poor little Natalie never had a fighting chance.
Actually, it's pretty funny when you think about it! ;)
Actually, it's pretty funny when you think about it! ;)
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Home for the Holidays
Several weeks ago I watched my new favorite movie, "Dan in Real Life." I enjoyed the story, but even more so, I enjoyed watching the family-interaction in the movie. Dan and his three daughters joined their large, extended family for the holidays. The family spent time preparing meals, eating meals together, competing in crossword puzzles, playing football and performing in their annual talent show. It was so much fun to watch a family come together like that and truly enjoy each others' company.
I may have had a touch of that this weekend. I spent Thanksgiving (and the days surrounding it) at my parents' house in Kansas City. My brother and sister and their families were all around as well. My parents are refinishing their upstairs, so there's been lots of painting to do. When some were painting, some were watching the girls and others were preparing meals. My parents have a new hot tub, too, so we all took turns relaxing after all the hard work.
Some of my favorite memories from the weekend include the following:
Going to Grandparents' day at my eldest niece's (Erin's) school. She had written and illustrated a "story" about the time she and I went to see a movie. I'm apparently "Ant Cerest." (She's still working on her spelling.) But my head grew a bit when her teacher mentioned hearing a lot about Erin's Aunt Krista. :)
Playing with my fifteen-month old niece, Ember. She has a smile that can melt your heart. I tried to get some pictures, so I'll try to post one later. She's generally a very happy child... mainly getting upset when her mom is away or unable to hold her for some reason. I was happy to play substitute for mom from time-to-time. There's something unbelievably touching about when a young child like that prefers you over every other person around. They look into your eyes like they're looking into your soul. That may be love in its truest form.
Baking two pumpkin pies with Erin. She's just learning how to read, so she helped by reading the recipe and then helping me measure out the ingredients. She also did a great job preparing the pie crust. We also painted together this afternoon. She kept telling me I was "fake painting," because I was just cutting-in (planning to roll the walls later). The section she was doing, she did all by hand... "the old fashioned way." (I'm not sure anyone told her that she was painting the wall that would be covered up by the washer and dryer!)
Painting along side my sister, my brother, my brother-in-law and my Dad. We shared stories of old and quite a few laughs. Some of the highlights were Michelle leaning back into a wall David had painted and leaving a nice butt print. David scolded Avery (3) and Natalie (4) at some point for rough-housing in one of the newly painted rooms. He said to them, "and if you mess up these walls, are YOU going to want to repaint them?!" To which they both replied, "YES!!" :) That kind of backfired on him. John and I enjoyed some nice conversation and mended some fences that had been knocked down a long time ago.
Cooking dinner for the fam. Though I would have enjoyed painting more yesterday, I baked a couple of pies (with Erin) and then made chili for lunch/dinner. At some point Michelle pitched in and made some scrumptious cornbread to go with it. We also spent some time cleaning and straightening the house. With eleven of us packed in here, that was an unending task.
I think what I enjoyed the most was just having the whole family together and seeing everyone chip in to help out. No complaining, no whining (from the adults, anyway)... just a great sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the time together. There was also a sense of wanting to honor Mom and Dad by helping with the upstairs project. They've done so much for each of us over the last thirty-five years. They give and give and give... and, unfortunately, don't always get much back. It really was a meaningful time being able to serve them in some special ways.
So... in summary, it really has been a Happy Thanksgiving!! Maybe the best one yet!
I may have had a touch of that this weekend. I spent Thanksgiving (and the days surrounding it) at my parents' house in Kansas City. My brother and sister and their families were all around as well. My parents are refinishing their upstairs, so there's been lots of painting to do. When some were painting, some were watching the girls and others were preparing meals. My parents have a new hot tub, too, so we all took turns relaxing after all the hard work.
Some of my favorite memories from the weekend include the following:
Going to Grandparents' day at my eldest niece's (Erin's) school. She had written and illustrated a "story" about the time she and I went to see a movie. I'm apparently "Ant Cerest." (She's still working on her spelling.) But my head grew a bit when her teacher mentioned hearing a lot about Erin's Aunt Krista. :)
Playing with my fifteen-month old niece, Ember. She has a smile that can melt your heart. I tried to get some pictures, so I'll try to post one later. She's generally a very happy child... mainly getting upset when her mom is away or unable to hold her for some reason. I was happy to play substitute for mom from time-to-time. There's something unbelievably touching about when a young child like that prefers you over every other person around. They look into your eyes like they're looking into your soul. That may be love in its truest form.
Baking two pumpkin pies with Erin. She's just learning how to read, so she helped by reading the recipe and then helping me measure out the ingredients. She also did a great job preparing the pie crust. We also painted together this afternoon. She kept telling me I was "fake painting," because I was just cutting-in (planning to roll the walls later). The section she was doing, she did all by hand... "the old fashioned way." (I'm not sure anyone told her that she was painting the wall that would be covered up by the washer and dryer!)
Painting along side my sister, my brother, my brother-in-law and my Dad. We shared stories of old and quite a few laughs. Some of the highlights were Michelle leaning back into a wall David had painted and leaving a nice butt print. David scolded Avery (3) and Natalie (4) at some point for rough-housing in one of the newly painted rooms. He said to them, "and if you mess up these walls, are YOU going to want to repaint them?!" To which they both replied, "YES!!" :) That kind of backfired on him. John and I enjoyed some nice conversation and mended some fences that had been knocked down a long time ago.
Cooking dinner for the fam. Though I would have enjoyed painting more yesterday, I baked a couple of pies (with Erin) and then made chili for lunch/dinner. At some point Michelle pitched in and made some scrumptious cornbread to go with it. We also spent some time cleaning and straightening the house. With eleven of us packed in here, that was an unending task.
I think what I enjoyed the most was just having the whole family together and seeing everyone chip in to help out. No complaining, no whining (from the adults, anyway)... just a great sense of gratitude and thankfulness for the time together. There was also a sense of wanting to honor Mom and Dad by helping with the upstairs project. They've done so much for each of us over the last thirty-five years. They give and give and give... and, unfortunately, don't always get much back. It really was a meaningful time being able to serve them in some special ways.
So... in summary, it really has been a Happy Thanksgiving!! Maybe the best one yet!
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