I haven't been blogging much lately due to some health issues that came up. though i am not in the clear yet, I am feeling much better. Some of that has to do with some nice little pills the doctor gave me for stress. The other has to do with getting over the lil' viral bug that has been going around
but something else is also in the mix. a little peace of mind. maybe the pills are working or my irrational fears of the uncontrollable are diminishing. Either way, I'll take it.
I noticed something when I was praying about all of this and for others that are going through whatever life is throwing at them: I was always praying to God for Him to be with me. You know, "God be with me as I go through this test" or "God be with _____ as they go through ______". And I did this for a couple of weeks before I realized something: God Is Always With Us!. I know, not much of a revelation, but I was praying for Him to be with me during this or that and it just seemed stupid after I thought about it. I was praying for something that already exists. And I realized I've been doing this my whole life, even in church when I do the closing prayer, "Dear Lord, please watch over us and guide us and keep us..." and He is always watching over us.
So I changed my prayer this week. It now goes something like this: "God, please make me aware of your presence during these times of trouble and stress". I acknowledged that I do not Practice the Presence of God (to steal a book title from Brother Lawrence). I was asking Him to be with me when I needed Him, OR when I felt like I needed him, and was ignoring His presence the rest of the time.
Now I don't ignore that fact all of the time, its just i forget. And I think we all forget at times. Its hard to practice the presence of God at all times. Heck, if we actually did that we would probably not behave as we do at times. hmmmm. So there it is, my revelation of the week. I have been praying for something that I already had. Now I pray for awareness. ~npp
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
44 Things about the 44th President
I was tagged by journeyrick at http://becauseisayyes.blogspot.com/ to be a part of something involving writing 44 things about the 44th presidentelect, Barack Obama. After reading his 44 things, I am hard pressed to do anything different. I actually do not know enough about him to list 44 things. There are too many unanswered questions for me, too many unknowns, too many variables at play. I am a bit cycnical by nature, especially when it comes to politicians. Or preachers for that matter. I don't trust folks very deeply becuase most have proven themselves untrustworthy.
For those who know me, and really know me well, there is a certain amount of "wall" that I keep up for defensive/safety reasons. I don't know where that trait came from by I have it. I'm sure some of it is part of my profession, some just me. BUT BUT BUT if you get into my confidence and friendship, I am too loyal. Fiercly. I trust you all the way. And will defend you to the best of my ability. Its hard to get that close, but once you do, its a done deal.
So politicians have a really really really long way to go to gain my trust. Actions speak louder than words.
That said, here are some thoughts on the 44th without trying to repeat what rick said:
1. He inspires by his oration skills.
2. He is to be admired for his accomlishments.
3. America should be congratulated on this milestone from where we have come to where we are.
4. He is statesmen like.
5. I pray for his safety. There are stupid people in this world.
6. I hope he does such a good job he is reelected.
7. I hope he gains the trust and the confidence of the USA.
8. I hope he gains the trust and the confidence of the world.
9. I hope that he is more than his words.
10. He seems to think outside of the established box. That could be good.
11. I think he needs to communicate with our enemies as he proposes. Communication and understanding might solve problems instead of postering. Just don't be too naive about it.
12. I hope he picks the most non-partisan people to help him.
13. I hope his own party doesn't turn on him if he rules as a centrist.
14. I hope the republicans and the media and others do not tear him down constantly as others did Bush.
15. I hope they pray FOR him and not AGAINT him.
16. I hope he makes wise choices for all of the people. He talks it, lets hope he can walk it. So many of the politicians don't.
17. He knows the issues we face. Lets hope there are good answers to solve them.
18. He has brought people together. Lets hope others don't tear that apart.
Thats really about all i got for now. Most of it is HOPE for him and his presidency. I want him to succeed. I would have wanted John McCain to succeed. But I am to wary of the world, and the media, and the partisans to have much faith they will let him, or any president for that matter. He will have his work cut out for him if he is to maintain the image of the campaign.
I am hopefully optimistic for this president. I am pleased that America seems to be past its racial issues. Even if he is not a good president, America has passed a major test of its abilities in regard to people. I think maybe this election says more about the American people than it does Barack Obama. Maybe we should list 44 things about America as well.
For those who know me, and really know me well, there is a certain amount of "wall" that I keep up for defensive/safety reasons. I don't know where that trait came from by I have it. I'm sure some of it is part of my profession, some just me. BUT BUT BUT if you get into my confidence and friendship, I am too loyal. Fiercly. I trust you all the way. And will defend you to the best of my ability. Its hard to get that close, but once you do, its a done deal.
So politicians have a really really really long way to go to gain my trust. Actions speak louder than words.
That said, here are some thoughts on the 44th without trying to repeat what rick said:
1. He inspires by his oration skills.
2. He is to be admired for his accomlishments.
3. America should be congratulated on this milestone from where we have come to where we are.
4. He is statesmen like.
5. I pray for his safety. There are stupid people in this world.
6. I hope he does such a good job he is reelected.
7. I hope he gains the trust and the confidence of the USA.
8. I hope he gains the trust and the confidence of the world.
9. I hope that he is more than his words.
10. He seems to think outside of the established box. That could be good.
11. I think he needs to communicate with our enemies as he proposes. Communication and understanding might solve problems instead of postering. Just don't be too naive about it.
12. I hope he picks the most non-partisan people to help him.
13. I hope his own party doesn't turn on him if he rules as a centrist.
14. I hope the republicans and the media and others do not tear him down constantly as others did Bush.
15. I hope they pray FOR him and not AGAINT him.
16. I hope he makes wise choices for all of the people. He talks it, lets hope he can walk it. So many of the politicians don't.
17. He knows the issues we face. Lets hope there are good answers to solve them.
18. He has brought people together. Lets hope others don't tear that apart.
Thats really about all i got for now. Most of it is HOPE for him and his presidency. I want him to succeed. I would have wanted John McCain to succeed. But I am to wary of the world, and the media, and the partisans to have much faith they will let him, or any president for that matter. He will have his work cut out for him if he is to maintain the image of the campaign.
I am hopefully optimistic for this president. I am pleased that America seems to be past its racial issues. Even if he is not a good president, America has passed a major test of its abilities in regard to people. I think maybe this election says more about the American people than it does Barack Obama. Maybe we should list 44 things about America as well.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
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