Confessions of a SmileyFreak :)

“Without discipline, there’s no life at all.”

“We are taught you must blame your father, your sisters, your brothers, the school, the teachers – but never blame yourself. It’s never your fault. But it’s always your fault, because if you wanted to change you’re the one who has got to change.”

“My greatest strength is common sense. I’m really a standard brand – like Campbell’s tomato soup or Baker’s chocolate.”

“Love has nothing to do with what you are expecting to get – only with what you are expecting to give – which is everything.”

“Life is to be lived. If you have to support yourself, you had bloody well better find some way that is going to be interesting. And you don’t do that by sitting around.”

“Life is hard. After all, it kills you.”

“It’s a rather rude gesture, but at least it’s clear what you mean.”

“It would be a terrific innovation if you could get your mind to stretch a little further than the next wisecrack.”

“I think most of the people involved in any art always secretly wonder whether they are really there because they’re good or there because they’re lucky.”

“I never realized until lately that women were supposed to be the inferior sex.”

“I can remember walking as a child. It was not customary to say you were fatigued. It was customary to complete the goal of the expedition.”

“Enemies are so stimulating.”

Thoughtlessness seems so pervasive in our world.  The scenarios play themselves out in the news everyday.  How many times have we said to ourselves after reading such accounts, “If they had only taken a moment to think…”

But how often do we look at ourselves and say that?  How many times do we act thoughtlessly and unwisely?  How many times do we squander opportunities to do good?

Ephesians 5 verses 15 through 17 says, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.”

I can think of times in my own life when I have chosen to participate in gossip, when in hindsight I probably could have stopped it altogether.  I can think of instances when I have had the means to help someone in need and thoughtlessly have chosen not to.  I can think of a lot of times, recently even, where, instead of listening the what God would have me to do, I’ve foolishly done what I want to do, and rightfully suffered the consequences of doing those things.

Why do I act this way?  My standards should be higher!  I should be living a thoughtful, Godly life.

I am a fallen, broken human being, and as much as I would like to be, I’m never going to be perfect on my own merit.

Father God, thank you for Your grace.  Thank you for the unending forgiveness when I fall short of the standards You have asked me to live up to.  Help me to be thoughtful, to do good, and to listen to what you would want me to do.

He was pierced for our transgressions

crushed for our sins

the punishment that brought us peace

was upon Him

and by His wounds, by His wounds we are healed

We are healed by Your sacrifice

by the life that You gave

we are healed for You paid the price

by Your grace we are saved

we are saved

By His Wounds from the Glory Revealed project

There are quite a few, actually.

First off, I am not a fan of the black eyed peas. (The food, not the band…but then again, the band sucks too…) I don’t eat them on New Year’s Day, even though certain family members try their hardest to harass me into doing it…saying things such as, “You’ll have bad luck!” You say that every year. Has it changed my mind yet? Just saying…

The second thing is tartar sauce. It makes me nauseous. Seriously.

Third…mushy, boiled oatmeal. You know, the breakfast kind that lowers your cholesterol, with the Quaker dude on the box. Oatmeal cookies, however…nom nom nom nom!

Next, lima beans. I will by the more expensive frozen mixed veggies just because they don’t have them.

I’m not a huge fan of okra either…I can eat it in gumbo, but any other way, and the sliminess of it puts me off.

I’m also not a big fan of fish, with the exception of salmon and tuna.

Other than that, I’ll eat most anything. I’ll at least try it once.

How ’bout you??

Question via Question of the Day.

Apparently, Starbucks is coming out with a line of coffee and tea flavored chocolates. According to this AP story, “the chocolates, which will include a blend of cacao, natural ingredients, Starbucks coffee, Tazo tea and other coffeehouse flavors, will be produced by Hershey Co. unit Artisan Confections Co.”

If I find some in a store somewhere, I will try it, and see how good it is. I like the sound of it, though. Coffee + chocolate = win.

(Via Starbucks Gossip)

I was browsing the web yesterday, and ran across this series of articles at US News & World Report called Women of the Bible. I haven’t had a chance to read all of them yet, but the ones I’ve read so far have been interesting, so I thought I’d share. The article on Mary Magdalene was particularly interesting.

E.L.F. (or Earth Liberation Front, for those of you who don’t know) has struck again. They decided that in defense of nature (or something) they needed to burn down some multi-million dollar eco-friendly model homes in Washington state.

E.L.F. baffles me. They rail against development in areas citing supposed damage to Ma Earth, yet their method of destruction usually involves setting said development ablaze. Doesn’t that send toxic fumes into the air? Isn’t that bad for the environment? Just saying.

Here are links to some interesting things I read or nifty sites I found this week.

• 25 tips to achieve a deep, uninterrupted sleep
• Biofuels Deemed a Greenhouse Threat – New York Times
• House approved the College Opportunity and Affordability Act, which includes a controversial MPAA-backed amendment requiring colleges to implement anti-piracy measures, or, by some interpretations, they could lose Federal Student Aid eligibility. Read more info on HR4137.
• Take a look at this $6 million home theater
• Internet “troll” anonymity is protected under the first amendment, according to a California court of appeals.
• How Many Countries Can You Name in Five Minutes?
• Check out this knee brace that can re-charge your iPod (or other electronic devices).
• Yahoo! is reportedly going to reject Microsoft’s takeover bid.

Throughout most of my life I’ve felt like a bit of an outcast. I felt like a puzzle piece that wasn’t cut quite right. Through my younger years, I used my differences to isolate myself, and ultimately developed a bit of an inferiority complex.

Now I understand that I do have a place. Perhaps my puzzle piece needs a bit of sanding and refining to be able to fit in the spot in the puzzle that God has created for me. Do I see how I am a part of the bigger picture yet? Not quite, but I’m willing to be refined in order to know my role.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 12, Paul writes to the church at Corinth about the Body of Christ, and how there are many parts which do different things, but each is necessary in order for the Body to work effectively. No one can do everything, but everyone can do one thing. We’ve all been blessed with abilities, talents, and interests that are unique to each of our faith communities. We’ve all lived different lives and have different perspectives to offer to areas of ministry within our churches. All of our different gifts can be used together to carry out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).

Picture via stock.xchng

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me away from Your presence
And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation
And sustain me with a willing spirit.
Then I will teach transgressors Your ways,
And sinners will be converted to You.