How hard it is to forgive. Whether the damage is relational, or material - doesn't make a difference, it is still difficult for a person to take the step towards forgiveness. Maybe someone accuses you of untrue things behind your back. Maybe your business partner steals from you. Maybe a manager fails to uphold a promise. Maybe your child/spouse/sibling/friend lies to you about something important.
In these cases involving a personal betrayal, keep in mind one important fact:
Forgiveness is not the same thing as forgetting.
To forgive is simply to stop wishing for revenge or to stop wanting to see the other person suffer in some way. But forgiveness is not blind. Because trust has been violated you cannot just forget what happened or else the same thing might happen again. There’s a saying that unless we remember history we will be condemned to repeat it. So let’s face it—even though you might forgive a person who has betrayed your trust, your trust in that person has been crushed.
Trust can be repaired only by time through a gradual process of rebuilding. You have to get to “know” the person all over again. The sad thing is that through what you learn, you may have to accept the fact that the other person can never be trusted again. On the other hand, if the other person is truly repentant, that may be all that is necessary to nourish a new growth of trust between the two of you.
Truly, it can be hard to forgive if you dwell only on your own desire for satisfaction. So try thinking about
• how the energy to keep a grudge alive will ultimately drain away your strength;
• how a desire for revenge will defile you and may even unconsciously make you into a person as hurtful and vicious as the one who hurt you;
• the unfortunate life circumstances and traumas that may have motivated your victimizer
So remember that if anyone has ever hurt you, you don’t find forgiveness, you give it.
If you have ever hurt others, all you can do is feel sorrow for your behavior; in sorrow, you can apologize, and you can make amends, but whether or not others forgive you is their choice.
No matter what anyone does to you, no one can take away from you your capacity to do good. You lose it only by willingly giving it up yourself.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Long time....
Funny how time flies....I'm curious how long this blog will remain up without any activity...what an awesome concept. Free website. I just cancelled my domain name(s) and web hosting earlier this year since I wasn't updating my "affiliate" website, which wasn't making me money anyway, and even though it was only $60 a year for hosting, $15 for 3 years for my domain name, I was still wasting my money by not updating it for over a year. Only my mom was making it worthwhile by buying all her Korean Drama DVDs through my website. Still need to collect $60 from YesAsia but how to do that without disclosing W-2 info????
I guess I have a short attention span....or maybe I do have my priorities straight...family first, friends, dog, me....that is the order of my priorities, but should it be? I had to think about this for a while. I thought I had it right. Where does my treasure lie? I honestly admit it is with my children/family. But should it be? This is challenging....Your treasure is what you worship. To worship something means to fill our minds, our hearts and our time with it. What you worship is like your god. Who is your god? "You shall worship no other before Me". Anyway, my point in this entry?? It's been 2 months and thought I better make an update before my blog gets shut down!
May God Bless and Keep you safe until His RETURN! R U READY???
I guess I have a short attention span....or maybe I do have my priorities straight...family first, friends, dog, me....that is the order of my priorities, but should it be? I had to think about this for a while. I thought I had it right. Where does my treasure lie? I honestly admit it is with my children/family. But should it be? This is challenging....Your treasure is what you worship. To worship something means to fill our minds, our hearts and our time with it. What you worship is like your god. Who is your god? "You shall worship no other before Me". Anyway, my point in this entry?? It's been 2 months and thought I better make an update before my blog gets shut down!
May God Bless and Keep you safe until His RETURN! R U READY???
Friday, June 12, 2009
Get Passionate - Articles to Help You Live Your Purpose
The Transforming Grace of God by: Dr. Michael Youssef
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." -- John Newton
God's grace is undeserved and lavish, and when we grasp its truth and power, we are transformed with gratitude, freed from the power of sin, and given a fullness of joy. The young Martin Luther was known to make confession every 20 seconds; such was his grief over sin. He would exit confession, have a sinful thought, and go right back in. He was miserable and tormented until he came to understand the grace of God through his reading of scripture. He was so liberated by the Word of God that he led a movement to reform the Church, so that generations of others could also have a complete picture of God's grace.
Grace is life changing.
You do not have to jump through hoops to get to Christ because His grace is free.
Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:7-9). You are not saved by God's grace plus keeping external rituals, rules or practices. This truth has liberated countless men and women since the early days of the Church, freeing them to pursue God with love, not legalism.
But some may wonder how works fit into this equation. Because of God's grace, given freely, are we given license to break the commandments? Paul answers this very question in Romans with an emphatic, "By no means!" (Romans 6:15).
It is clear from a study of God's Word that those who are saved by grace will keep the law-both to the letter and to its spirit.
You won't kill, but you also won't hate, which is the first step toward killing. Once you have received the love and grace of God, you will not only refrain from coveting your neighbor's property, you will have a growing desire to give sacrificially of your life and resources.
Do you remember the rich young ruler from Matthew 19? He came to Jesus and asked him how he could earn salvation. Jesus told him to keep the commandments but when the young man confessed that he had kept them all, Jesus was able to see the covetousness of the man's heart. When told to sell everything that he had and follow Jesus, the young ruler went away sad because he knew he couldn't conform to the spirit of the law.
People may be able to keep some part of the external law but deep down they must contend with hate, pride, anger, greed and envy. Only grace changes our hearts.
When you are saved by grace alone, the Holy Spirit of God comes in to dwell on the inside of you and He empowers you to do the impossible. He will help you fulfill God's desire and make you what God wants you to be.
God wants to free us up to serve, sacrifice, love, give, and obey Him.
External laws don't permeate every part of your being, but living in God's grace requires daily intimacy and openness to the Holy Spirit. He makes you conscious of what is left undone, calls you to walk in humility, forbids you to put on a social mask, and calls you to a correct view of God.
If you want to live in power and victory, explore and invest in the overwhelming grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
______________________________________________________________________
Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now I'm found, was blind but now I see." -- John Newton
God's grace is undeserved and lavish, and when we grasp its truth and power, we are transformed with gratitude, freed from the power of sin, and given a fullness of joy. The young Martin Luther was known to make confession every 20 seconds; such was his grief over sin. He would exit confession, have a sinful thought, and go right back in. He was miserable and tormented until he came to understand the grace of God through his reading of scripture. He was so liberated by the Word of God that he led a movement to reform the Church, so that generations of others could also have a complete picture of God's grace.
Grace is life changing.
You do not have to jump through hoops to get to Christ because His grace is free.
Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- not by works, so that no one can boast" (Ephesians 2:7-9). You are not saved by God's grace plus keeping external rituals, rules or practices. This truth has liberated countless men and women since the early days of the Church, freeing them to pursue God with love, not legalism.
But some may wonder how works fit into this equation. Because of God's grace, given freely, are we given license to break the commandments? Paul answers this very question in Romans with an emphatic, "By no means!" (Romans 6:15).
It is clear from a study of God's Word that those who are saved by grace will keep the law-both to the letter and to its spirit.
You won't kill, but you also won't hate, which is the first step toward killing. Once you have received the love and grace of God, you will not only refrain from coveting your neighbor's property, you will have a growing desire to give sacrificially of your life and resources.
Do you remember the rich young ruler from Matthew 19? He came to Jesus and asked him how he could earn salvation. Jesus told him to keep the commandments but when the young man confessed that he had kept them all, Jesus was able to see the covetousness of the man's heart. When told to sell everything that he had and follow Jesus, the young ruler went away sad because he knew he couldn't conform to the spirit of the law.
People may be able to keep some part of the external law but deep down they must contend with hate, pride, anger, greed and envy. Only grace changes our hearts.
When you are saved by grace alone, the Holy Spirit of God comes in to dwell on the inside of you and He empowers you to do the impossible. He will help you fulfill God's desire and make you what God wants you to be.
God wants to free us up to serve, sacrifice, love, give, and obey Him.
External laws don't permeate every part of your being, but living in God's grace requires daily intimacy and openness to the Holy Spirit. He makes you conscious of what is left undone, calls you to walk in humility, forbids you to put on a social mask, and calls you to a correct view of God.
If you want to live in power and victory, explore and invest in the overwhelming grace of God through His Son Jesus Christ.
______________________________________________________________________
Excerpted from My Journal, a monthly devotional magazine from Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
The True Definition of False Religion - the apostate church
Note: I had to google the word 'apostate'. First definition listed from my search was: deserter: a disloyal person who betrays or deserts his cause or religion or political party or friend etc.
An excerpt from the website: http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/christarticle2.html
The church today revolves around the focus of worship. As if you can't worship God alone on a daily basis. You can. Yet churches demand that worship be performed in their church to be true worship, otherwise any worship you do on your own does not really count.
So, what we have in the church today is a bunch of do-nothing-for-God worshippers. They sing and pray, serving God with their lips but their heart is not near God.
They do not really love Jesus because Jesus said that if they loved Him they would obey His commands. They would do the works of the Father. Attending worship service is not doing the work of God when disobedience reigns supreme.
Go forth and proclaim the Gospel of the Lord and then you will have earned a reason to praise God for counting you worthy to do His work. That is what the Apostles and the early church did. They did not just become church members attending church worship services. If they did what the churches do today, the Gospel would never had reached anyone.
Everybody is too busy playing church to take time to reach the lost. Today churches grow not by saving the lost, but by recruiting members from other churches and from member's getting married and having children (internal generational growth). Jesus said He would make fishers of men, not take fish from one pond and put it into another pond. He meant to catch wild fish.
He did not say, "I choose you to become special worshipers, follow me and I will show you how to worship God." Today, that is what the apostate churches do. Everything focuses on the worship service. The devil is not offended by people worshiping God. He gets awfully upset if you tangle with his lost souls to save them. The apostate church is really the devil's good friend if he can get you to worship God and disobey God's commands.
God's will is easy to find, just read the Bible and you will see what God wants you to do. Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, share the Gospel, save the lost, care for widows and orphans, bear much good fruit, obey His commands, be merciful, etc. It is so simple to find God's will. The moment you begin to do what God wants you to do for Him, then He will direct your paths and give you good success in whatsoever you do. It is as plain as the nose on your face.
In my own words:
I have unknowingly been led into doing many things that offend God.... Here's just a few links that may open your eyes. I have definitely learned something after reading this that I don't feel comfortable shrugging off.....
http://babylon-the-great.xanga.com/480551745/item/
http://christmasxmas.xanga.com/677078838/item/
An excerpt from the website: http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/christarticle2.html
The church today revolves around the focus of worship. As if you can't worship God alone on a daily basis. You can. Yet churches demand that worship be performed in their church to be true worship, otherwise any worship you do on your own does not really count.
So, what we have in the church today is a bunch of do-nothing-for-God worshippers. They sing and pray, serving God with their lips but their heart is not near God.
They do not really love Jesus because Jesus said that if they loved Him they would obey His commands. They would do the works of the Father. Attending worship service is not doing the work of God when disobedience reigns supreme.
Go forth and proclaim the Gospel of the Lord and then you will have earned a reason to praise God for counting you worthy to do His work. That is what the Apostles and the early church did. They did not just become church members attending church worship services. If they did what the churches do today, the Gospel would never had reached anyone.
Everybody is too busy playing church to take time to reach the lost. Today churches grow not by saving the lost, but by recruiting members from other churches and from member's getting married and having children (internal generational growth). Jesus said He would make fishers of men, not take fish from one pond and put it into another pond. He meant to catch wild fish.
He did not say, "I choose you to become special worshipers, follow me and I will show you how to worship God." Today, that is what the apostate churches do. Everything focuses on the worship service. The devil is not offended by people worshiping God. He gets awfully upset if you tangle with his lost souls to save them. The apostate church is really the devil's good friend if he can get you to worship God and disobey God's commands.
God's will is easy to find, just read the Bible and you will see what God wants you to do. Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, share the Gospel, save the lost, care for widows and orphans, bear much good fruit, obey His commands, be merciful, etc. It is so simple to find God's will. The moment you begin to do what God wants you to do for Him, then He will direct your paths and give you good success in whatsoever you do. It is as plain as the nose on your face.
In my own words:
I have unknowingly been led into doing many things that offend God.... Here's just a few links that may open your eyes. I have definitely learned something after reading this that I don't feel comfortable shrugging off.....
http://babylon-the-great.xanga.com/480551745/item/
http://christmasxmas.xanga.com/677078838/item/
Friday, May 15, 2009
Prayer answered.....
I have recently found these sites that I will frequent often to further enlighten and guide me on my newly found journey in Jesus. (...while faithfully continuing to read the Bible)
http://biblicalintegrity.blogspot.com/
http://bible-prophecy-today.blogspot.com/
http://focusonjerusalem.com/articles.html
http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/christarticle2.html
I am trying, through this humble attempt at a blog and via Twitter, to hear and obey God's charges.
excerpt from http://focusonjerusalem.com/OccupyinginthisWorld.html (by Darrell G. Young)
The Lord’s charges in summary form to his servants are, (preach, teach, pray, disciple, and to be a witness) and they must be held foremost in our minds while we labor for Christ’s kingdom in this alien world.
1. Preach the salvation Gospel to the whole world (Mark 16:15)
2. Teach all nations that Jesus Christ is Lord (Matthew 28:19)
3. Pray for the Fathers will to be done on the earth (Luke 11)
4. Witness dutifully and testify to the world of the Light (John 1:7-8)
5. Preserve the Faith and be like salt in the world ( Matthew 5:13-16)
Our (believers of Christ) mission in this world is a chance to invest in the joy of helping to make the Lord’s harvest an all the more abundant one. This is the fruit of His love. Were it not for others who shared the good-seed of the Gospel to us at some point in our lives, then we would also remain in darkness, and alienated from the kingdom of Heaven.
http://biblicalintegrity.blogspot.com/
http://bible-prophecy-today.blogspot.com/
http://focusonjerusalem.com/articles.html
http://www.jamesrussellpublishing.biz/christarticle2.html
I am trying, through this humble attempt at a blog and via Twitter, to hear and obey God's charges.
excerpt from http://focusonjerusalem.com/OccupyinginthisWorld.html (by Darrell G. Young)
The Lord’s charges in summary form to his servants are, (preach, teach, pray, disciple, and to be a witness) and they must be held foremost in our minds while we labor for Christ’s kingdom in this alien world.
1. Preach the salvation Gospel to the whole world (Mark 16:15)
2. Teach all nations that Jesus Christ is Lord (Matthew 28:19)
3. Pray for the Fathers will to be done on the earth (Luke 11)
4. Witness dutifully and testify to the world of the Light (John 1:7-8)
5. Preserve the Faith and be like salt in the world ( Matthew 5:13-16)
Our (believers of Christ) mission in this world is a chance to invest in the joy of helping to make the Lord’s harvest an all the more abundant one. This is the fruit of His love. Were it not for others who shared the good-seed of the Gospel to us at some point in our lives, then we would also remain in darkness, and alienated from the kingdom of Heaven.
Saturday, April 11, 2009
I Love My State :)
Wishing Hawaii A Blessed, Victorious Resurrection Sunday
By Daniel de Gracia, II and Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher, 4/10/2009 1:15:41 PM
This Sunday, April 12, we would like to wish the people of Hawaii a blessed, victorious Resurrection Sunday as they spend time with their families and commemorate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “our Savior, Christ Jesus … has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” Jesus Himself said, “whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me: that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
There are so many issues, struggles, and sorrows that are part of the human experience. The weight of this world is an excessive burden that has broken many hearts and shattered many dreams. There are things that happen that defy rational explanation and leave us often wondering for lifetimes, “Why?” The message of the Resurrection is that God never intended us to live under a curse, and His love for us was so great that to restore the Blessing to us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world and to accept upon himself the curse. When Jesus rose from the grave three days later, He rose a triumphant conqueror over the power of death and the mediator of a new covenant of blessing. Jesus rose from the dead with power and authority to have dominion over all things in Heaven and on Earth.
Today, God wants to invest the full measure of His Blessing upon our lives. Today, the authority that was won by Jesus’ death is God’s free gift to all those who are willing to place their faith in Him. As it is written, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
We don’t have to live in fear of sickness, death, loneliness, financial destitution, strife, shame or any of the things that this world fears. The Bible says “it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” and “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’”
Ronald Reagan once said, “We can do better than before. All we need to have is faith, and that dream will come true. All we need to do is act, and the time for action is now.” It’s time that the people of Hawaii stop being put to shame and held captive by fear. The answer to every problem that faces us today is still the same as it was two thousand years ago - and that is Jesus Christ.
May God bless all of you with His favor and abundant life as you celebrate the Resurrection and come to the knowledge that Jesus is Lord.
Daniel de Gracia, II is an ordained minister and has a master’s degree in political science from Southwest Texas State University. Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher is a senior executive with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, the author of “God’s Way To Good Health” and holds doctorates from United Theological Seminary and Dorchester University. Both are part of a national campaign for religious freedom known as Believers Stand United. Find out more by visiting http://www.believersstandunited.com
By Daniel de Gracia, II and Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher, 4/10/2009 1:15:41 PM
This Sunday, April 12, we would like to wish the people of Hawaii a blessed, victorious Resurrection Sunday as they spend time with their families and commemorate the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote, “our Savior, Christ Jesus … has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” Jesus Himself said, “whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me: that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
There are so many issues, struggles, and sorrows that are part of the human experience. The weight of this world is an excessive burden that has broken many hearts and shattered many dreams. There are things that happen that defy rational explanation and leave us often wondering for lifetimes, “Why?” The message of the Resurrection is that God never intended us to live under a curse, and His love for us was so great that to restore the Blessing to us, He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for the sins of the world and to accept upon himself the curse. When Jesus rose from the grave three days later, He rose a triumphant conqueror over the power of death and the mediator of a new covenant of blessing. Jesus rose from the dead with power and authority to have dominion over all things in Heaven and on Earth.
Today, God wants to invest the full measure of His Blessing upon our lives. Today, the authority that was won by Jesus’ death is God’s free gift to all those who are willing to place their faith in Him. As it is written, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all – how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”
We don’t have to live in fear of sickness, death, loneliness, financial destitution, strife, shame or any of the things that this world fears. The Bible says “it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved” and “if you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.’”
Ronald Reagan once said, “We can do better than before. All we need to have is faith, and that dream will come true. All we need to do is act, and the time for action is now.” It’s time that the people of Hawaii stop being put to shame and held captive by fear. The answer to every problem that faces us today is still the same as it was two thousand years ago - and that is Jesus Christ.
May God bless all of you with His favor and abundant life as you celebrate the Resurrection and come to the knowledge that Jesus is Lord.
Daniel de Gracia, II is an ordained minister and has a master’s degree in political science from Southwest Texas State University. Dr. Stephen Lowell Swisher is a senior executive with Kenneth Copeland Ministries, the author of “God’s Way To Good Health” and holds doctorates from United Theological Seminary and Dorchester University. Both are part of a national campaign for religious freedom known as Believers Stand United. Find out more by visiting http://www.believersstandunited.com
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
My eyes are opened.....
Funny how things happen.....but, I did say that I have been searching for my purpose in life, prayed on it, even, and have been led on a path for the past 3 weeks that took me in a direction I would not have dreamed in a million years I'd be on....
I was led to Jesus when I was 18. I was watching tv by myself one weekend and actually accepted Jesus into my life by repeating what the man on tv - the pastor, said I needed to in order to be 'saved'. At the time, I sincerely believed Jesus died for my sins and asked Him to reside in my heart. However, I had a hard time walking in Jesus' path in not continuing to sin. I never stopped believing in Jesus, but I can honestly say I was not living for Jesus. That is until NOW. What I've learned in the past 3 weeks has opened my eyes.
I had not been aware of the "rumors" of what will happen in 2012, talk of a New World Order and Illuminati, Skull and Bones, conspiracy theories, or anything of the sort. I did know the obvious: that these times seem to be much scarier to raise children in....I wonder how my children's adult lives can be happy when there is so much violence, desperation, and lack of respect for human life in the world. It is visible everywhere....
I am curious about the world I live in. I google a lot. I was googling a lot to figure out what to blog about. Little did I know one of my googles and reading of current events would lead me to this site:
http://www.2012warning.com/
This link provided other links that led to yet more links, which ultimately, after much reading and connecting the dots (using the bible's Revelations as a reference point), and from actual events currently taking place, I have reached a few conclusions: The Illuminati - New World Order does exist (it is the living proof of Satan on earth) and will have global power in the (near) future, current times and unfolding world events (natural and man-made) seem to match what Revelations says will happen, The Bible is God's word and the only way to know what is true. God does love us and wants us all to be with Him. I want to get 'right' with God. Isn't obedience a true reflection of love? How many parents are filled with joy when their children actually 'listen' to them?
It is information I was not really looking for and definitely not expecting to find, but, now that I am aware of the truth, I am embracing it. My journey is to live my life loving God, to show and teach those I love how to love God through example, and to hopefully touch others to start their journey towards God. See my other blog: http://crazelovenlogic.blogspot.com/ to learn how to love God.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
I was led to Jesus when I was 18. I was watching tv by myself one weekend and actually accepted Jesus into my life by repeating what the man on tv - the pastor, said I needed to in order to be 'saved'. At the time, I sincerely believed Jesus died for my sins and asked Him to reside in my heart. However, I had a hard time walking in Jesus' path in not continuing to sin. I never stopped believing in Jesus, but I can honestly say I was not living for Jesus. That is until NOW. What I've learned in the past 3 weeks has opened my eyes.
I had not been aware of the "rumors" of what will happen in 2012, talk of a New World Order and Illuminati, Skull and Bones, conspiracy theories, or anything of the sort. I did know the obvious: that these times seem to be much scarier to raise children in....I wonder how my children's adult lives can be happy when there is so much violence, desperation, and lack of respect for human life in the world. It is visible everywhere....
I am curious about the world I live in. I google a lot. I was googling a lot to figure out what to blog about. Little did I know one of my googles and reading of current events would lead me to this site:
http://www.2012warning.com/
This link provided other links that led to yet more links, which ultimately, after much reading and connecting the dots (using the bible's Revelations as a reference point), and from actual events currently taking place, I have reached a few conclusions: The Illuminati - New World Order does exist (it is the living proof of Satan on earth) and will have global power in the (near) future, current times and unfolding world events (natural and man-made) seem to match what Revelations says will happen, The Bible is God's word and the only way to know what is true. God does love us and wants us all to be with Him. I want to get 'right' with God. Isn't obedience a true reflection of love? How many parents are filled with joy when their children actually 'listen' to them?
It is information I was not really looking for and definitely not expecting to find, but, now that I am aware of the truth, I am embracing it. My journey is to live my life loving God, to show and teach those I love how to love God through example, and to hopefully touch others to start their journey towards God. See my other blog: http://crazelovenlogic.blogspot.com/ to learn how to love God.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
First Step: Dream Recall
Now that I've been able to get some zzzzz's (it's going on two weeks now of uninterrupted sleep - yay!!) , I'm starting my quest to find out what my sub-conscious, true 'self' wants to tell me about my purpose in life. One of the ways I'm attempting to get in touch with this true 'self' is to have a "lucid dream". Well, I’ve had a little success with lucid dreaming last week…actually thought I controlled my dream a little. But then I forgot what I dreamt about when I woke up…..very important to write it down. So I figure there’s promise in lucid dreaming but gotta start from the beginning rather than skipping to the end result. See Wikipedia excerpt below.
With conscious effort, I have been able to recall only one dream this week. Prior to this 'conscious effort' I didn't think I even had dreams for the last year or so. Must've been the lack of sleep.... :)
The following is from Wikipedia on Lucid Dreaming, but deals specifically with Dream Recall and some tips for success.
"Dream recall is simply the ability to remember dreams. Good dream recall is often described as the first step towards lucid dreaming. Better recall increases awareness of dreams in general; with limited dream recall, any lucid dreams one has can be forgotten entirely. To improve dream recall, some people keep a dream journal, writing down any dreams remembered the moment one awakes. An audio recorder can also be very helpful. It is important to record the dreams as quickly as possible as there is a strong tendency to forget what one has dreamt. It is suggested that for best recall, the waking dreamer should keep eyes closed while trying to remember the dream, and that one's dream journal be recorded in the present tense. Describing an experience as if still in it can help the writer to recall more accurately the events of their dream. Dream recall can also be improved by staying still after waking up."
So, what is a lucid dream? "It is a conscious dream.....when the person is aware that they are dreaming while the dream is in progress. When a dream is lucid, the dreamer can actively participate in and often manipulates the experiences in the dream environment. Lucid dreams can be extremely real and vivid depending on a person's level of self-awareness during the lucid dream. The first step to lucid dreaming is recognizing that one is dreaming. Once the recognition of dreaming occurs, the dreamer must be cautious to let the dream delusions continue but be conscious enough to recognize them. This process might be seen as the balance between reason and emotion."
Doesn't this sound exciting?! How wonderful to be in my own story and control what happens. I can see a lot of healing coming out of this....well, here is my first dream recalled...guess its a small step but one step closer to my lucid dream....
FISHING DREAM 2/18/09: I am carrying a fishing pole. I am walking alone along a small river, (only 10' wide across and calm) but there are people around me, walking, fishing, etc. I see a floating raft with 6 or so people, some whom are kids, and there are my two daughters sitting calmly on the raft, too. I do not know who any of the people are except my daughters. They are going in the opposite direction that I am walking. I am not alarmed by this (although in real life I would be quite hysterical) and continue walking on my way. I feel that I am looking for a good fishing spot. I am carrying a half a skinned fish that I think is my bait. I look at my pole - it is made out of a pipe metal kind of pole that has springy coils attached to the end. There is no hook or anything to catch fish with. Then I wake up.....
That's all I remember...doesn't mean anything to me right now. Hmmmm....
With conscious effort, I have been able to recall only one dream this week. Prior to this 'conscious effort' I didn't think I even had dreams for the last year or so. Must've been the lack of sleep.... :)
The following is from Wikipedia on Lucid Dreaming, but deals specifically with Dream Recall and some tips for success.
"Dream recall is simply the ability to remember dreams. Good dream recall is often described as the first step towards lucid dreaming. Better recall increases awareness of dreams in general; with limited dream recall, any lucid dreams one has can be forgotten entirely. To improve dream recall, some people keep a dream journal, writing down any dreams remembered the moment one awakes. An audio recorder can also be very helpful. It is important to record the dreams as quickly as possible as there is a strong tendency to forget what one has dreamt. It is suggested that for best recall, the waking dreamer should keep eyes closed while trying to remember the dream, and that one's dream journal be recorded in the present tense. Describing an experience as if still in it can help the writer to recall more accurately the events of their dream. Dream recall can also be improved by staying still after waking up."
So, what is a lucid dream? "It is a conscious dream.....when the person is aware that they are dreaming while the dream is in progress. When a dream is lucid, the dreamer can actively participate in and often manipulates the experiences in the dream environment. Lucid dreams can be extremely real and vivid depending on a person's level of self-awareness during the lucid dream. The first step to lucid dreaming is recognizing that one is dreaming. Once the recognition of dreaming occurs, the dreamer must be cautious to let the dream delusions continue but be conscious enough to recognize them. This process might be seen as the balance between reason and emotion."
Doesn't this sound exciting?! How wonderful to be in my own story and control what happens. I can see a lot of healing coming out of this....well, here is my first dream recalled...guess its a small step but one step closer to my lucid dream....
FISHING DREAM 2/18/09: I am carrying a fishing pole. I am walking alone along a small river, (only 10' wide across and calm) but there are people around me, walking, fishing, etc. I see a floating raft with 6 or so people, some whom are kids, and there are my two daughters sitting calmly on the raft, too. I do not know who any of the people are except my daughters. They are going in the opposite direction that I am walking. I am not alarmed by this (although in real life I would be quite hysterical) and continue walking on my way. I feel that I am looking for a good fishing spot. I am carrying a half a skinned fish that I think is my bait. I look at my pole - it is made out of a pipe metal kind of pole that has springy coils attached to the end. There is no hook or anything to catch fish with. Then I wake up.....
That's all I remember...doesn't mean anything to me right now. Hmmmm....
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sleep Interrupted
It's been exactly two consecutive days and I've had the wonderous experience of being able to sleep through the night without being woken up by either the dog (to be let out) or the 8 year old (who visits our room after waking up at 2am).
It feels great! I have to thank the 'Sleep Fairy' for this one. Upon doing some research on the internet, I found that many other parents have this same problem. Some kids are just weirdly scared of the dark or, through bad habits set early on, can't put themselves back to sleep or stay in bed. I have to admit I am guilty of the latter.
No one means to, but by letting your child sleep in your bed when they wake up in the middle of the night and come wandering into your room vs. walking them back to their own room (1x, 2x, 3x etc.) and making sure they stay there, is setting the grounds for some difficult to break sleeping habits which, unless you have a room big enough for 2 king sized beds or simply enjoy legs and arms in your face while sleeping, will definitely age you!
So, back to the 'Sleep Fairy'. There is a book called The Sleep Fairy by Janie Peterson that sells at popular bookstores for about $16.00. (Get a Border's 30% off coupon and it's a cheap investment for uninterrupted sleep). You can also just "call" the Sleep Fairy with the kids before going to sleep. We've made this up and I'm sure any rendition of it will work fine. "Sleep Fairy, Sleep Fairy please visit me tonight. I promise I will stay in my bed all night". Each child should personally call to the 'Sleep Fairy'....making it their committment.
If each stays in bed, the Sleep Fairy will leave a surprise under their pillow. If they didn't, no surprise. It's been working wonders. There are exceptions to getting out of bed, e.g. if one cames out to use the bathroom, it is okay if they go right back to bed and do not bother mom and dad. Some surprises I've used that my kids like: colorful lampwork or glass beads, silver charms, etc.
However, you need to make sure you don't forget the surprise if they fulfill the committment! I have to make sure I wake up first and do it in the morning since that's when it seems they're in the deepest sleep......
Just in case, here's some reasons why the Sleep Fairy might not have come:
1) I think maybe she wasn't paying attention when you were calling her.....guess it's really important to listen the first time, huh!
2) Oh no, maybe she wasn't feeling well last night!
3) I think the Sleep Fairy might have been too busy last night....that's ok, you did very well and I will get you something special in place of the Sleep Fairy surprise.
Hope this helps someone and saves some time researching on the internet!
It feels great! I have to thank the 'Sleep Fairy' for this one. Upon doing some research on the internet, I found that many other parents have this same problem. Some kids are just weirdly scared of the dark or, through bad habits set early on, can't put themselves back to sleep or stay in bed. I have to admit I am guilty of the latter.
No one means to, but by letting your child sleep in your bed when they wake up in the middle of the night and come wandering into your room vs. walking them back to their own room (1x, 2x, 3x etc.) and making sure they stay there, is setting the grounds for some difficult to break sleeping habits which, unless you have a room big enough for 2 king sized beds or simply enjoy legs and arms in your face while sleeping, will definitely age you!
So, back to the 'Sleep Fairy'. There is a book called The Sleep Fairy by Janie Peterson that sells at popular bookstores for about $16.00. (Get a Border's 30% off coupon and it's a cheap investment for uninterrupted sleep). You can also just "call" the Sleep Fairy with the kids before going to sleep. We've made this up and I'm sure any rendition of it will work fine. "Sleep Fairy, Sleep Fairy please visit me tonight. I promise I will stay in my bed all night". Each child should personally call to the 'Sleep Fairy'....making it their committment.
If each stays in bed, the Sleep Fairy will leave a surprise under their pillow. If they didn't, no surprise. It's been working wonders. There are exceptions to getting out of bed, e.g. if one cames out to use the bathroom, it is okay if they go right back to bed and do not bother mom and dad. Some surprises I've used that my kids like: colorful lampwork or glass beads, silver charms, etc.
However, you need to make sure you don't forget the surprise if they fulfill the committment! I have to make sure I wake up first and do it in the morning since that's when it seems they're in the deepest sleep......
Just in case, here's some reasons why the Sleep Fairy might not have come:
1) I think maybe she wasn't paying attention when you were calling her.....guess it's really important to listen the first time, huh!
2) Oh no, maybe she wasn't feeling well last night!
3) I think the Sleep Fairy might have been too busy last night....that's ok, you did very well and I will get you something special in place of the Sleep Fairy surprise.
Hope this helps someone and saves some time researching on the internet!
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