Monday, June 18, 2012
Sweet Little Lies
Dictionary.com defines a lie as: a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood. What lies do we tell ourselves? I'm not asking about the little white lies we tell others in order to spare their feelings, I'm asking us to look at the lies we tell ourselves. The half-truths, the purposeful misnomers, the deliberate and willful times we poke our heads in the sand and pretend we don't know the truth.
Calories consumed while on vacation don't count, right? If I futz my way through this workout, no one will know. I'm too fat, too skinny, too old, too young, too smart, not nearly smart enough, not witty, too smart-alecky, I'm boring, I'm too loud, I'm not loud enough... and on and on and on. And yet I wonder. Why do you suppose we tell ourselves these lies and probably more and refuse to look at ourselves through the eyes of God? My bible tells me that Christ took everything that we could possibly have done to the cross with Him. That His death and resurrection rendered it unnecessary for us to indulge in self-loathing. According to the book of James, faith without works, is dead yet it doesn't say that in order to show truth faith we must revile ourselves on a regular basis. I believe with every ounce of my soul that when we hate ourselves, we are blatantly telling God that He's wrong to love us. That He's made a mistake. That despite sending His Son to be tortured and murdered in our stead, it wasn't enough. That leaves a mighty acidic taste in this gal's mouth.
No, that doesn't mean that magically my dimpled backside is suddenly worthy of prominent display. What it means to me is that I get to thank God each and every day for all that He designed me to be. God doesn't make mistakes. Ever.
Witty quip of the day: I maintain that calories eaten while standing up work in reverse...
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Merge?
My cousin, affectionately known as "The Tiz", writes frequent Facebook posts entitled "Gym Etiquette with The Tiz" and occasional posts regarding other societal etiquette that seem to have been lost in translation somewhere. Recently he wrote a post about driving etiquette and fancifully, this morning's news included a story about the University of Iowa and their studies involving driver safety. Now one might not immediately make the connection between driver etiquette and driver safety, but in this rat race that we all endeavor to run each day, I see the parallels quite consistently. Emily Post said, "To do exactly as your neighbors do is the only sensible rule." I, however, must respectfully disagree with Ms. Post. If we are to do as our neighbors do then it follows that I should, while driving; take photos with my nifty iPhone, send texts, read emails, apply mascara or maybe lipstick, utilize an electric razor, futz with my GPS, turn around in my seat to yell the age old idiom "don't make me stop this car!", eat 3 course meal, spill my recently purchased hot coffee in my lap whereupon I'll sue McDonald's for failing to divulge that said recently purchased hot coffee was in fact, HOT, have animated shouting matches with my passenger, or perhaps even assist with a live birth of puppies. OK, that last one might have been a bit of a stretch, but who among you can honestly say that you haven't witnessed most, if not all, of the above while driving?
The Tiz wrote about the merits of treating merging onto the freeway as if one were operating a zipper. First one car from the first lane, then one car from the second lane, then another from the first lane, followed by another from the second lane. Not entirely a foreign concept to most and yet, much like The Tiz, I myself have witnessed drivers who simply refuse to be delegated to the rear of ANY line. Riding bumper to bumper as if their very lives depend upon not allowing one solitary vehicle to merge in front of them. Seriously, who are these people? In what universe does one get to one's destination more than perhaps a millisecond faster by being a complete and total moron and refusing to allow a peaceful merge to transpire in their presence?
And so, Tiz, you can add The Sophisticated Girl amongst your followers who shake our collective heads in disgust. I for one, choose NOT to behave as my neighbor behaves in this and frankly, most instances and instead will try to live by the age old adage to treat my neighbor as I myself would like to be treated.
Witty quip of the day: "It takes 8,460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and one nut to scatter it all over the road." ~Author Unknown
The Tiz wrote about the merits of treating merging onto the freeway as if one were operating a zipper. First one car from the first lane, then one car from the second lane, then another from the first lane, followed by another from the second lane. Not entirely a foreign concept to most and yet, much like The Tiz, I myself have witnessed drivers who simply refuse to be delegated to the rear of ANY line. Riding bumper to bumper as if their very lives depend upon not allowing one solitary vehicle to merge in front of them. Seriously, who are these people? In what universe does one get to one's destination more than perhaps a millisecond faster by being a complete and total moron and refusing to allow a peaceful merge to transpire in their presence?
And so, Tiz, you can add The Sophisticated Girl amongst your followers who shake our collective heads in disgust. I for one, choose NOT to behave as my neighbor behaves in this and frankly, most instances and instead will try to live by the age old adage to treat my neighbor as I myself would like to be treated.
Witty quip of the day: "It takes 8,460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and one nut to scatter it all over the road." ~Author Unknown
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Surrender
Dictionary.com defines "surrender" as: to give oneself up, as into the power of another; submit or yield.
If you've ever been involved in any sort of 12 step group, you'll find that step 3 states: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over the the care of God as we understood Him." If, like me, you prefer to feel in control of your own life, you probably find the concept of surrendering rather distasteful. The very word "surrender" tends to conjure images of soldiers on a battle field, lifting a white flag, handing over their freedom and lives to an enemy. Or perhaps you envision the giving away of your own freedom when you consider surrendering to anyone.
James 3:17 says: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Perhaps the lesson in the scripture is that the surrendering of our will to God isn't at all distasteful. Perhaps in that act of obedience we can finally realize that if God is in control we don't have to be. Perhaps not having to be in control of all things at all times, could lift an anvil sized weight off of our collectively hunched shoulders.
Sort of like the 5 levels of grief, I've come up with the 8 levels of surrendering "it" to God:
1. YOU can have it! (said through clenched teeth, knowing full well that we'll take back whatever "it" is the moment it rears it's ugly head)
2. You can have it... (said shyly, after realizing that we've taken "it" back, yet again)
3. You CAN have it! (said with enthusiasm, once we've decided that we in fact, DON'T want "it" back)
4. YOU TAKE IT! (said with tears of frustration when we've realized we've inadvertently allowed "it" to be in control yet again)
5. You still have it, right? (said when doubt rises up in the pits of our stomachs)
6. You DO still have it! (said with a smile, when something or someone reminds us that we don't have to be in charge)
7. Ummm, God? I think I took it back again. (said a bit sheepishly when our controlling selves stepped in again)
8. Whew! I'm sure glad I don't have it anymore. (said with a smile while sharing your story with another)
Not my usual light-hearted, find the humor in life, fare, but perhaps a bit of self actualization. Hope ya'll don't mind too much :).
Witty quip of the day: I give, I yield, I surrender, I submit... Uncle!!! Try it. It's actually quite freeing.
If you've ever been involved in any sort of 12 step group, you'll find that step 3 states: "Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over the the care of God as we understood Him." If, like me, you prefer to feel in control of your own life, you probably find the concept of surrendering rather distasteful. The very word "surrender" tends to conjure images of soldiers on a battle field, lifting a white flag, handing over their freedom and lives to an enemy. Or perhaps you envision the giving away of your own freedom when you consider surrendering to anyone.
James 3:17 says: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.
Perhaps the lesson in the scripture is that the surrendering of our will to God isn't at all distasteful. Perhaps in that act of obedience we can finally realize that if God is in control we don't have to be. Perhaps not having to be in control of all things at all times, could lift an anvil sized weight off of our collectively hunched shoulders.Sort of like the 5 levels of grief, I've come up with the 8 levels of surrendering "it" to God:
1. YOU can have it! (said through clenched teeth, knowing full well that we'll take back whatever "it" is the moment it rears it's ugly head)
2. You can have it... (said shyly, after realizing that we've taken "it" back, yet again)
3. You CAN have it! (said with enthusiasm, once we've decided that we in fact, DON'T want "it" back)
4. YOU TAKE IT! (said with tears of frustration when we've realized we've inadvertently allowed "it" to be in control yet again)
5. You still have it, right? (said when doubt rises up in the pits of our stomachs)
6. You DO still have it! (said with a smile, when something or someone reminds us that we don't have to be in charge)
7. Ummm, God? I think I took it back again. (said a bit sheepishly when our controlling selves stepped in again)
8. Whew! I'm sure glad I don't have it anymore. (said with a smile while sharing your story with another)
Not my usual light-hearted, find the humor in life, fare, but perhaps a bit of self actualization. Hope ya'll don't mind too much :).
Witty quip of the day: I give, I yield, I surrender, I submit... Uncle!!! Try it. It's actually quite freeing.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Pink Frosting
A few weeks ago I attended the birthday party of a friend's granddaughter. My friend's daughter handmade the most adorable little piggy cupcakes much like those in the picture here. They were so cute and they were handmade, which in my world translates to super yummy! Except... Pink frosting. I kept going back to the tray intending to savor just one of those little confections and then I'd walk away trying not to allow everyone else in attendance watch my personal struggle. I left that day having to acknowledge that I've got a problem. With pink frosting. I'm not kidding. Do you suppose there's a support group for those with an aversion to unnaturally colored foods? Did I mention I also struggle with blue M&M's? Not the yellow, not the green, just the blue.
What bizarre food issues do you have? Can you admit to an issue that no one else within your scope of friends and family suffers from? Do you gag a little at the thought of something that most people love crossing your very discerning lips? Let's chat...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
PMS and the Holy Spirit?
To an online prayer group I belong to, I wrote the following: God save me from raging hormones and pompous, arrogant city workers who believe their time is FAR more valuable than that of the assistant (that would be me) to the Executive Director of a 3 building elder care campus. ARRRRGGGG!!!!
Okay Holy Spirit, time to do your thing. Zap me! Whack me upside the head! But please, oh please, give me the wherewithal to take a breath before I speak, cuz if I pray for strength, combined with the hormones, I'll likely turn into the Incredible Hulk - and you wouldn't like me when I'm angry. Well that, and I really don't look great in that particular shade of green. Just sayin'.
Okay Holy Spirit, time to do your thing. Zap me! Whack me upside the head! But please, oh please, give me the wherewithal to take a breath before I speak, cuz if I pray for strength, combined with the hormones, I'll likely turn into the Incredible Hulk - and you wouldn't like me when I'm angry. Well that, and I really don't look great in that particular shade of green. Just sayin'.
**meek, small voice: prayers are much appreciated right now, thanks.
PMS. Pre-menstrual-syndrome. Every year that passes, it just gets worse and worse. Every year that passes, I ask the doctor "but WHY can't you just yank it all out?". With every year that passes, the more certain I become that for 10 days a month I turn into a wholly different, not entirely human, being! One without compassion, or patience, or control. One whom, once crossed, instantly sees red and as a result spends an amazing amount of time apologizing to people. Let me tell you how much THAT is so my FAVORITE thing to do. *Deep breath* *Deep breath* *Deep breath*
So this time (I'm a little slow to realize certain things) I had the brilliant idea to ask for prayer from those lovely folks in my prayer group. Will it help? Will God actually reach down, touch my head, and say "be thou FREE from PMS for all eternity"? Who knows, but it sure made me feel better to ask. Well, that and the iced coffee, and Simple Minds playing on Pandora, and the small salad I found in the fridge.
Today's witty quip: Just hand over the chocolate and no one gets hurt!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Eat, Pray, Blog - I mean Love
I recently watched Eat, Pray, Love. No, I mean I REALLY watched Eat, Pray, Love. In fact, I felt I had to view it a second time immediately after the first.
First I want to say (before the emails come in), no I’m not converting to any sort of Eastern religion, yes I’m still a full-fledged Christian, and no, I’m not running off on a sojourn to countries far, far way. Although, if anyone knows how I can continue to feed my family whilst touring Greece, I’m open to suggestion.
Secondly, I would like to impart the following: If you haven’t watched this movie, do so. Ignore the blatant attempt to convert you to Hindu-type religion. Rather, insert Jesus Christ into the picture. In other words, as Julia Roberts is being taught meditation and prayer, see yourself mediating on Christ instead of on Buddha or a Guru. Meditate on the only One to have died for our salvation. Mediate on God and his unimaginable love for ALL of us. Meditate on the challenges in our lives, and thank God for them. A thought to ponder: if we weren’t exactly where God intended us to be, we likely wouldn’t have the blessings in our lives either.
Here’s what I occurred to me while watching Eat, Pray, Love:
1. Eat. I’ve eaten myself into oblivion. That might be overstating a bit, but most certainly I’ve eaten myself into poor health. I’ve allowed food to be a god of sorts. I’ve begun fasting and praying that the “Eat” portion of my journey has been a prominent item long enough. So for me, “Eat” means whole and healthy as opposed to gluttony and excess.
2. Pray. My prayer life has been sporadic at best. The “Pray” portion of my journey suddenly became a joy I didn't realize existed as I’ve embarked on a mission of fasting and relying on God for my sustenance. I find myself smiling when I pray instead of frowning and trying to find the right words. The words simply flow now from somewhere within.
3. Love. I’ve allowed the challenges in my life to overshadow my joy, and I’d forgotten that “love” is so much more than an emotion. “Love” is a verb. An action word. What that means in my crazy world, is that I need to show my love to my God, my husband, my children, and to myself.
Witty quip of the day: Yes, I’m off of my soapbox. No, I can’t be talked out of my journey. Yes, my love goes out to you all. Cheers!
First I want to say (before the emails come in), no I’m not converting to any sort of Eastern religion, yes I’m still a full-fledged Christian, and no, I’m not running off on a sojourn to countries far, far way. Although, if anyone knows how I can continue to feed my family whilst touring Greece, I’m open to suggestion.
Secondly, I would like to impart the following: If you haven’t watched this movie, do so. Ignore the blatant attempt to convert you to Hindu-type religion. Rather, insert Jesus Christ into the picture. In other words, as Julia Roberts is being taught meditation and prayer, see yourself mediating on Christ instead of on Buddha or a Guru. Meditate on the only One to have died for our salvation. Mediate on God and his unimaginable love for ALL of us. Meditate on the challenges in our lives, and thank God for them. A thought to ponder: if we weren’t exactly where God intended us to be, we likely wouldn’t have the blessings in our lives either.
Here’s what I occurred to me while watching Eat, Pray, Love:
1. Eat. I’ve eaten myself into oblivion. That might be overstating a bit, but most certainly I’ve eaten myself into poor health. I’ve allowed food to be a god of sorts. I’ve begun fasting and praying that the “Eat” portion of my journey has been a prominent item long enough. So for me, “Eat” means whole and healthy as opposed to gluttony and excess.
2. Pray. My prayer life has been sporadic at best. The “Pray” portion of my journey suddenly became a joy I didn't realize existed as I’ve embarked on a mission of fasting and relying on God for my sustenance. I find myself smiling when I pray instead of frowning and trying to find the right words. The words simply flow now from somewhere within.
3. Love. I’ve allowed the challenges in my life to overshadow my joy, and I’d forgotten that “love” is so much more than an emotion. “Love” is a verb. An action word. What that means in my crazy world, is that I need to show my love to my God, my husband, my children, and to myself.
Witty quip of the day: Yes, I’m off of my soapbox. No, I can’t be talked out of my journey. Yes, my love goes out to you all. Cheers!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thursday pic-a-pic
Today's witty quip: Brings new meaning to the term "what-up hooker?!?", doesn't it?
Friday, March 18, 2011
Yaaaawwwn
You may remember my friend "Jane" who manages a low income housing complex and whose tenants keep her on her toes. Case in point: the privately paid housekeeper (paid for by the tenant's family) who poked her head into Jane's office the other day to advise that she was on site to clean Mrs. X's apartment and who then announced that she hadn't slept well the night before and would Jane mind if she (the housekeeper) took a "little nap" on the sofa in the reception area. Jane's response was something along the lines of - awkward pause - "no, you may not sleep in our reception area!" People genuinely never cease to shock and amaze me. I really can't explain why! I've seen some crazy things in my lifetime, had the distinct "pleasure" of knowing all sorts of people both savory and unsavory, if you will, and yet whenever someone comes onto my radar with what would seem to be a complete lack of couth and social grace, I'm still astonished. I'm still taken aback. Clearly I need to lower my expectations of humanity as a whole. I have this innate belief (which is evidently a tad skewed) that most people are decent, hard working, willing to lend a helping hand, and would never deliberately act in a manner that would be considered by most of society, as inappropriate. How twisted is MY thinking?
Witty quip of the day: you know, I think I'm a bit too sleepy to come up with anything witty, so instead I'm heading to Starbucks down the street to ask if I can nap on their sofa. Sweet dreams!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
In other news...
As a new feature, on Wednesdays I'll be posting something interesting from local or national news. This is absolutely open to comment and I would LOVE to hear your thoughts.
In other news...
According to an article by the Associated Press; in Fort Wayne, Indiana despite the new government building being entitled Citizens Square, it will be fondly referred to by the townsfolk as the Harry Baals Government Center. Officials, worried that the name would be ridiculed, decided not to name the building after Baals, although city spokesman Frank Suarez indicated that the city mayor simply didn't want to name the building after a person.
Per an online poll of Fort Wayne citizens, first place went to the "Harry Baals Government Center." While their second-place choice was "Thunder Dome." Not sure which is the lesser of two evils here.
Reportedly, though his descendants pronounce their name "bales" (baylz), the former mayor pronounced his name "balls." Any why wouldn't he? The man's in politics and you know what they say, any publicity is good publicity. And I'm betting that his is a name for which recognition will NEVER be an issue.
Witty quip of the day: ummmm... it's really sorta hard to top Harry Balls, I mean, Baals. Thoughts?
In other news...
According to an article by the Associated Press; in Fort Wayne, Indiana despite the new government building being entitled Citizens Square, it will be fondly referred to by the townsfolk as the Harry Baals Government Center. Officials, worried that the name would be ridiculed, decided not to name the building after Baals, although city spokesman Frank Suarez indicated that the city mayor simply didn't want to name the building after a person.
Per an online poll of Fort Wayne citizens, first place went to the "Harry Baals Government Center." While their second-place choice was "Thunder Dome." Not sure which is the lesser of two evils here.
Reportedly, though his descendants pronounce their name "bales" (baylz), the former mayor pronounced his name "balls." Any why wouldn't he? The man's in politics and you know what they say, any publicity is good publicity. And I'm betting that his is a name for which recognition will NEVER be an issue.
Witty quip of the day: ummmm... it's really sorta hard to top Harry Balls, I mean, Baals. Thoughts?
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