The Hiding Place

I'm reading a book called The Hiding Place to my children at night. It is written by Corrie Ten Boom. I love Corrie's father. He is such a strong, yet innocent man - refuses to see the evil in anyone and feels pity for bad people instead. Always the optimist one might think he is a simpleton or naive. But that is not the case. He is largely self-educated and can read theology in five languages and is a gifted watchmaker. He is arrested by the gestapo at age 83 and perished in prison. He is a good example to me of living a life that is following the example of Christ.

Out of the mouth of babes....

My seven year old daughter carved her own pumpkin by herself this year. They now have these little saws that aren't sharp and that work really well for carving pumpkins so she went at it with gusto. The pumpkin looked great on the outside, but the inside wasn't so good. She made a comment that pumpkins, "are the opposite of people. It matters what it looks like on the outside, but the inside doesn't matter". What a great observation for a little kid to make!

Purpose Driven Life, ch.2

I loved Chapter 2 of PDL. It is so comforting. It is called "You are Not an Accident". Even if your parents had not planned on having you, God did. He choose my parents because they had the exact right DNA to make ME. He prescribed every detail of my physical appearance and personality. It makes me look at my flaws in a new light. OK there is a purpose for this flaw - maybe I can use it for God somehow. The question to consider at the end of the Chapter was: What areas of my personality, background, and physical appearance am I struggling to accept?

I struggle to accept my fearfulness of new situations and my shyness. God gave me these personality traits for a reason, so I believe that there is a purpose. I wonder, though, why God would want me to experience the pain associated with it. I don't struggle much with accepting my backgroung. I had pretty good parents and my needs were met growing up. My parents were not abusive or involved in alcohol or drugs. I wasn't molested or treated badly so I think I actually am very fortunate in those regards. I've always struggled with accepting being small and younger looking for my age. I'm 5'1" and always looked a few years younger than I was growing up. This can make you feel inferior. I was also brainy which can also make you seem not so cool. I feel fortunate I've never struggled with weight.

Purpose Driven Life, ch.1

I'm re-reading The Purpose Driven Life (what on earth am I here for?) and decided to journal as I went. I know this is personal stuff, but since most people don't know me, I don't really care.
I love the way Chapter 1 starts very simply: "It's not about you". I am used to asking myself, what would I like to do or be in my life. Well, turns out that God has a plan and purpose for our lives and it is up to us to discover it. Rick says that we discover our identity and purpose through a relationship with Christ and that my purpose in life fits into a much larger cosmic purpose that God has designed for eternity. Whew! There is something comforting about knowing God has a purpose for me, but I don't yet know what it is. I hope to by the end of this book.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

My mother-in-law left yesterday and she is a very devout catholic woman. She went to the Catholic church nearby during her visit and she said that it is open on Fridays all day for perpetual adoration. Since today is Friday (the 13th!), I decided to stop by and pray in the sanctuary since I had never been inside. The church grounds are beautifully kept. The inside is very dark with stained glass panels allowing a little outside light to filter in. There were many candles in red votives burning inside which gave the place an incense smell. There were four elderly people inside when I arrived. One woman was standing in the front crossing herself and praying. I didn't know what the correct protocol was so I walked along the back wall passing the door which said "Sacrament of Penance" in fancy script. Is that the confessional? It looked spooky to me. I parked myself in a bench in the rear. There was music playing - Ave Maria type music which added to the surreal feel to the place. I can't say I felt comfortable in there exactly, but I bowed my head and prayed for a few minutes. I got up and left and as I was driving away, I saw my neighbor, Thecla pull up. I didn't wave and just pulled out of the lot and drove back home.

....An hour later

Well, I went to the grocery store and AC Moore. I'd have to say that I was friendlier than usual and made a little small talk with both check-out ladies. I said hello to a worker on break. That's about it. Nothing earth shattering. Being friendly I guess is a good start.

A Step of Faith

I've been listening to "Spark the Dark" which is the Calvary Chapel radio ministry from our church. I like the pastor's talks at 11:00 (Pastor Lloyd) and 1:00 (Pastor Ralph in Hawaii). One talk got me to go out and buy a little Christian emblem to put on the back of my car. I've always thought it would be nice to have one, but it took a step of faith for me to get one. It is a little dove and I like it. Next, I'd like to get a T-shirt that speaks of the Christian faith somehow. Today I was listening to Pastor Lloyd talk about just looking for people in the grocery store, or wherever you happen to be. Consider talking to people and be nice to people. You never know what a nice gesture could mean to someone. So I have to go to the grocery store to pick up some beans for chili and I've prayed that I will have a heart to look into people and to make someone feel good. Now I actually feel a little excited about going to the grocery store (pretty weird, huh?). I'll have to post later to let you know how it goes!

Life at 43

I'll be 44 soon and I'm feeling it. Middle age is a time when you have to accept that there are things in life you are never going to do or be. I'll never be president of the United States (OK not many people will anyways). I won't be a doctor or professor or many other things. What are some careers that people started later in life? Daniel DeFoe started writing in his 60s and was very successful. Grandma Moses starting painting in her 80s. Paula Deen started a business at my age and is now a popular host on Food Network. So, let's see: author, writer, business owner. I guess there are still a few things out there!