We've all heard this admonition... and too often we've allow this to dismiss possibilities. But let's also consider another basis ... what's happening between the covers? Who is doing the writing and what's being shared? This should be of greatest value in 'first impressions' and judging. Are you intrigued? Are you put off? How do you determine that initial decision to pick up or put down the book?
I'm one of those writers that puts great stock in the Preface, Introduction whatever you call the beginning writing before the writing. Personally, I put a great deal of thought into attempting to give a flavoring on what I'm going to be writing. I also tend to choose books in the same way - I read what the writer is saying about what they will be sharing. Prevailing mindset (mine): all writing is a form of sharing the writer - whether fiction or non-fiction, though some (like poetry) are more obvious.
So, what kind of 'judge' are you? Are you a give the writer one chance to impress you? A second chance? I do know that when I latch onto a writer that I like, I tend to start at the beginning date of their writing and progress through to the current, whether or not they write in a series format. Why? Because I enjoy seeing how the writer progresses both as a writer and how they go about doing their writing. I also know that I get incredibly impatient when there isn't a new book to read. But once the writer passes my 'test' - my personal reading preferences - I enjoy letting the writer teach me/share their lessons.
I grew up in a home that read, it still is my preferred method of entertainment or leisure. Reading leads me on adventures and discoveries, new concepts I hadn't entertained or different ways of considering. Not too sure I ever judged a book by its cover. I certainly have judged it by what's happening between the covers.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Monday, February 26, 2018
Rivals
From the 2018 Olympics' commercials:
“In every challenge, there are two rivals: Belief and Doubt.
Doubt has a bigger team.
Belief is outnumbered, but never outworked.
And when the score is settled, belief rises to the top.”
Have you ever look and belief and doubt this way? Webster's definitions: belief - "...a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing, something that is accepted, considered to be true..." doubt - "...to call into question the truth of, to be uncertain..." Some of doubt's synonyms are: distrust, misdoubt, mistrust, reservation, suspicion. Definitely opposites.
Does this give you sufficient information to know which is your main default? Do you speak and act from belief or from doubt? What kinds of situations would one response prevail over the other? Do remember the context... 'challenge'! And, what motivates your response? There must be some set of experiences or teachings that determine your primary mode of expression - do you know? What is your foundation, basis for responding? Equally important is being aware of the reaction your responses occasion. Do you understand why the other person(s) subsequently act or speak?
I should think that there is little question that belief and doubt are rivals. I also don't question that that doubt does have the bigger team. But... are there times when one should prevail over the other? And, do you believe that 'belief' does rise to the top? Is there an underdog rooting presence? Is this important? Absolutely! Which is your default speaks volumes about who you are and how you interact with your world. The mildest synonym for doubt, reservation, can still create tremendous power of hesitation. And hesitation can cripple.
What would stop you from a default of belief? I know, I know... it depends on the subject, but as a default practice, if you aren't operating in belief then you are operating in doubt. You really can't get away from this. Do you look for silver linings (not rose colored glasses) or positives even in negative situations? I'm talking about the inner forces that sustain you. Again - do remember the context... 'challenge'! So... Belief or Doubt?
Doubt has a bigger team.
Belief is outnumbered, but never outworked.
And when the score is settled, belief rises to the top.”
Have you ever look and belief and doubt this way? Webster's definitions: belief - "...a state or habit of mind in which trust or confidence is placed in some person or thing, something that is accepted, considered to be true..." doubt - "...to call into question the truth of, to be uncertain..." Some of doubt's synonyms are: distrust, misdoubt, mistrust, reservation, suspicion. Definitely opposites.
Does this give you sufficient information to know which is your main default? Do you speak and act from belief or from doubt? What kinds of situations would one response prevail over the other? Do remember the context... 'challenge'! And, what motivates your response? There must be some set of experiences or teachings that determine your primary mode of expression - do you know? What is your foundation, basis for responding? Equally important is being aware of the reaction your responses occasion. Do you understand why the other person(s) subsequently act or speak?
I should think that there is little question that belief and doubt are rivals. I also don't question that that doubt does have the bigger team. But... are there times when one should prevail over the other? And, do you believe that 'belief' does rise to the top? Is there an underdog rooting presence? Is this important? Absolutely! Which is your default speaks volumes about who you are and how you interact with your world. The mildest synonym for doubt, reservation, can still create tremendous power of hesitation. And hesitation can cripple.
What would stop you from a default of belief? I know, I know... it depends on the subject, but as a default practice, if you aren't operating in belief then you are operating in doubt. You really can't get away from this. Do you look for silver linings (not rose colored glasses) or positives even in negative situations? I'm talking about the inner forces that sustain you. Again - do remember the context... 'challenge'! So... Belief or Doubt?
Friday, February 23, 2018
Mindset
I read, somewhere, the following:
Let your dreams guide your steps
Let your dreams guide your steps
Dare to be feisty
Write yourself a happy ending
Listen to your heart
Sing a song of rainbows
Dance in the direction of your dreams
Does this 'speak to you'? Does it make you smile? Does it challenge you to rethink what/who you are or can become? Is your first reaction that it sounds good but unless you have (fill in the blank), not possible for you? Why?
Do any of these attributes/attitudes have the chance for expression? Feisty? Isn't that a choice? Feisty isn't defined as defiant or obstinate. Webster: "...full of nervous energy, touchy, exuberantly frisky, having or showing a lively aggressiveness, spunky." If I have a choice in defining then frisky and spunky are the two demonstrations that I think best describe this word.
The other aspects - dreams guide, happy ending, listen, sing, dance are all behaviors that YOU choose to display. These are never forced on you. But look at the positive attributes that emanate from you choosing these expressions. Seriously, wouldn't you rather be around people who act this way rather than the sober, melancholy, defeatest, can't do, sad people? And yes I know I went to the extreme, but the half-glass full people are far better to associate with then the half-glass empty types.
Our mindset is our foundation, it does direct our thinking, our words, our behaviors. It tells our self as well as others not just what we think but how we think about the subject and how we act. It should also tell us why we think/act in the way we do. Webster says, "...a particular way of thinking, a person's attitude or set of opinions about something, a mental attitude or inclination..." From that definition I think you can infer that this is the foundation for our way of responding to our world.
We are a creation that needs(?) to have some order of looking at and responding, and our mindset - however we acquired/developed this - is how we do our ordering. Therefore, from this ordering we can determine and develop our dreams, happy endings, how we listen, sing, and dance. We really are in control or we give over than control to (???) about what we hear and see, and then what we do with this information. What do You want to do? What is Your mindset? And, is this in cement or open to growth? How does your mindset determine YOU?
Does this 'speak to you'? Does it make you smile? Does it challenge you to rethink what/who you are or can become? Is your first reaction that it sounds good but unless you have (fill in the blank), not possible for you? Why?
Do any of these attributes/attitudes have the chance for expression? Feisty? Isn't that a choice? Feisty isn't defined as defiant or obstinate. Webster: "...full of nervous energy, touchy, exuberantly frisky, having or showing a lively aggressiveness, spunky." If I have a choice in defining then frisky and spunky are the two demonstrations that I think best describe this word.
The other aspects - dreams guide, happy ending, listen, sing, dance are all behaviors that YOU choose to display. These are never forced on you. But look at the positive attributes that emanate from you choosing these expressions. Seriously, wouldn't you rather be around people who act this way rather than the sober, melancholy, defeatest, can't do, sad people? And yes I know I went to the extreme, but the half-glass full people are far better to associate with then the half-glass empty types.
Our mindset is our foundation, it does direct our thinking, our words, our behaviors. It tells our self as well as others not just what we think but how we think about the subject and how we act. It should also tell us why we think/act in the way we do. Webster says, "...a particular way of thinking, a person's attitude or set of opinions about something, a mental attitude or inclination..." From that definition I think you can infer that this is the foundation for our way of responding to our world.
We are a creation that needs(?) to have some order of looking at and responding, and our mindset - however we acquired/developed this - is how we do our ordering. Therefore, from this ordering we can determine and develop our dreams, happy endings, how we listen, sing, and dance. We really are in control or we give over than control to (???) about what we hear and see, and then what we do with this information. What do You want to do? What is Your mindset? And, is this in cement or open to growth? How does your mindset determine YOU?
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
'Why' is foundational
What controls you... do you know? Perhaps I should have said - what motivates you? Motivate is a much better sounding word than 'control'. However, I would argue that if you don't know why you do and don't do (fill in the blank), then control is a better description. 'Conscious' is closer to describing your motivating words and actions. Does this matter? Of course! 'Why' is crucial to your understanding... of you! And with understanding, you have the control over changing or retaining what you are and do, how you go about doing you, and why.
Introspection is not necessarily a word people enjoy using in relation to personal discovery and understanding who they are, how they got there, and what they want next. Some people seem advocate a more serendipitous approach to understanding - not sure why. Simply 'landing' on an explanation that appears to 'fit' may not actually be accurate or lead to understanding.
Discovering all you can about yourself is really not an ego trip in my interpretation because none of us are perfect or do and say the 'right' things every time. We all need improvement but how can you change, grow, improve from a vacuum of knowledge? It is the understanding and appreciation of your who, what, and whys that begin your journey to a new level of growth. And in this mix, your 'why' is critical.
Have you never said to yourself, after the act/words, 'now why did I do/say that!?' For me, this is especially true if the ramifications from me resulted in negative reactions. I know I have said, 'but I didn't mean that...' and later I had to confront myself on my motives to determine if my why was only a mistake. You can't avoid your own whys, you may try to brush them away but they are still yours. Saying 'sorry' doesn't work if your subsequent behavior repeats your words/actions. And until you confront your why and deal with it - negative behaviors continue. Why brooks no excuse, though it may listen to an explanation - but it will continue until you consciously choose to change your why.
Introspection is not necessarily a word people enjoy using in relation to personal discovery and understanding who they are, how they got there, and what they want next. Some people seem advocate a more serendipitous approach to understanding - not sure why. Simply 'landing' on an explanation that appears to 'fit' may not actually be accurate or lead to understanding.
Discovering all you can about yourself is really not an ego trip in my interpretation because none of us are perfect or do and say the 'right' things every time. We all need improvement but how can you change, grow, improve from a vacuum of knowledge? It is the understanding and appreciation of your who, what, and whys that begin your journey to a new level of growth. And in this mix, your 'why' is critical.
Have you never said to yourself, after the act/words, 'now why did I do/say that!?' For me, this is especially true if the ramifications from me resulted in negative reactions. I know I have said, 'but I didn't mean that...' and later I had to confront myself on my motives to determine if my why was only a mistake. You can't avoid your own whys, you may try to brush them away but they are still yours. Saying 'sorry' doesn't work if your subsequent behavior repeats your words/actions. And until you confront your why and deal with it - negative behaviors continue. Why brooks no excuse, though it may listen to an explanation - but it will continue until you consciously choose to change your why.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Never close the door!?
It in not necessarily the end... it may be a new beginning. This is, obviously, a different kind of mindset. Do you ever feel that you've plumbed the depths of (fill in the blank)? That you know and understand and can properly apply all that you need to know - in terms of the particular subject/topic? Perhaps... in some very simple 'areas' but don't assume you do know it all, that you can move on because you've plumbed all that can be discovered. For me, I've discovered deeper appreciation or more applications on certain 'subjects' that I thought were done and dusted. And when it comes to people - never one-dimensional-ize, or even two, who they are and are becoming.
I'm honestly never certain that an end is an actual end. The primary way I have approached this conundrum is to attempt to understand if I know everything I need to know about (fill in the blank) and still leave an open door for further understanding on a different or deeper level. At some point, whether it is a 'The End' or not, we have to move on. But, 'Moving on' should never be confused with The End. Though I think we all tend to do this.
Why should we be concerned about this 'topic'? Partially because I believe that anything we do that limits what we can learn and apply is not a path to follow. When we limit one subject, we do this as a pattern for all areas in our lives. Wrong? Don't think so - look at your own life and manner of learning, you do see your pattern/methodology don't you? Because of all the pressures of living that we experience today, because of our typically over stacked plates, don't we all adapt this approach - if for no other reason than trying to do all that we (or others) expect from us?
Perhaps the point (by way of analogy) I'm making is that though we may be at the end of the book and have read the last word, there's always new things to discover. Never throw a book away... you may want to return to it at a later time.
I'm honestly never certain that an end is an actual end. The primary way I have approached this conundrum is to attempt to understand if I know everything I need to know about (fill in the blank) and still leave an open door for further understanding on a different or deeper level. At some point, whether it is a 'The End' or not, we have to move on. But, 'Moving on' should never be confused with The End. Though I think we all tend to do this.
Why should we be concerned about this 'topic'? Partially because I believe that anything we do that limits what we can learn and apply is not a path to follow. When we limit one subject, we do this as a pattern for all areas in our lives. Wrong? Don't think so - look at your own life and manner of learning, you do see your pattern/methodology don't you? Because of all the pressures of living that we experience today, because of our typically over stacked plates, don't we all adapt this approach - if for no other reason than trying to do all that we (or others) expect from us?
Perhaps the point (by way of analogy) I'm making is that though we may be at the end of the book and have read the last word, there's always new things to discover. Never throw a book away... you may want to return to it at a later time.
Wednesday, February 14, 2018
Who are you trying to please?
Yourself? A family member? Someone entirely different? The Lord? Who... and why? I sometimes think that all of our words and behaviors are designed to please, or impress (fill in the blank) - whether we do this consciously or subconsciously. The 'why' is quite simple - we all feel the need for affirmation and confirmation of ourselves. Not unusual. But necessary?
It depends on how we 'need' the necessary and what we do with it. And it does vary dependent upon our own sense of who we are and what we are doing. It also depends on our sense of knowing what is required. Ultimately though... pleasing is a given. And, never assume this is a 'bad', it all depends on how we go about pleasing (fill in the blank).
If our method of pleasing is to throw someone else under the bus, then this is never justified. Building you on the bodies of others is a recipe for ultimate disaster - it will emerge eventually and there is no defense on our part. If our method is presenting our best self and being who we are, then success or not, we know we have done the right thing. Actually, we did please ourselves in the process and didn't compromise or diminish who and what we are.
Pleasing the Lord. Now that's an entirely different issue. How do we go about pleasing Him? What is it we can do that would be pleasing? One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will
make straight your paths."
Philippians 4:4-9 gives us another perspective.
"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God.
... "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever
is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things..."(v.8)
I think this underscores and provides a foundation to pleasing the Lord. When we do what He asks, especially when we do it out of love, I think this is pleasing. When we are anxious then we probably aren't trusting, do we then come with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving? Or do we stew over what is happening. Do we think on those things in 4:8 that can strengthen and renew us? Never forget Matthew 25:40 and Luke 8:21 - this is a very strong foundation.
It depends on how we 'need' the necessary and what we do with it. And it does vary dependent upon our own sense of who we are and what we are doing. It also depends on our sense of knowing what is required. Ultimately though... pleasing is a given. And, never assume this is a 'bad', it all depends on how we go about pleasing (fill in the blank).
If our method of pleasing is to throw someone else under the bus, then this is never justified. Building you on the bodies of others is a recipe for ultimate disaster - it will emerge eventually and there is no defense on our part. If our method is presenting our best self and being who we are, then success or not, we know we have done the right thing. Actually, we did please ourselves in the process and didn't compromise or diminish who and what we are.
Pleasing the Lord. Now that's an entirely different issue. How do we go about pleasing Him? What is it we can do that would be pleasing? One of my favorite verses is Proverbs 3:6
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own
understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will
make straight your paths."
Philippians 4:4-9 gives us another perspective.
"...do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and
supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made know to God.
... "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever
is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable,
if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think
about these things..."(v.8)
I think this underscores and provides a foundation to pleasing the Lord. When we do what He asks, especially when we do it out of love, I think this is pleasing. When we are anxious then we probably aren't trusting, do we then come with prayer and supplication with thanksgiving? Or do we stew over what is happening. Do we think on those things in 4:8 that can strengthen and renew us? Never forget Matthew 25:40 and Luke 8:21 - this is a very strong foundation.
Sunday, February 11, 2018
It is written...
but... do you know what is written? If you don't, then how do you know who you are and how you go about being you? If you don't know what's written, how can it become a defense for you? Knowing what is written is critically important. I sometimes wonder at how Christians can be Christians if they don't know their standard, their foundation, their structure which is contained in Scripture. This is where 'it is written' is located, can be discovered.
Remember Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11)? How did He combat the devil's temptations and challenges? He quoted scripture - that was His defense! It is ours as well. In Hosea, God tells us that, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;" (Hosea 4:6) and that in some cases it is because we have rejected knowledge. Quite honestly, if you don't know what's written, if you don't take the time to read, to study scripture - isn't this a step beyond mere lack and is a form of rejection?
Why would the Bible continue to be held as the foundation to knowledge and understanding (for over 2000 years), if this wasn't true and accurate? Why is the Bible continually attacked by those who reject it's authority if it isn't? 'It is written' is a foundation, (2 Timothy 4:16-17):
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man
of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Profitable. That we may be complete, equipped. Apart from our 'manual' we don't have this knowledge and understanding. It is through the time we spend in reading, in studying that we gain our understanding. The next step is in applying our understanding so that we demonstrate, model who we are. This is our witness in our world. We have the words of life, we need to be able to share this and show in scripture where we have learned these truths. We need to be able to share - it is written.
Remember Jesus' temptation in the desert (Matthew 4:1-11)? How did He combat the devil's temptations and challenges? He quoted scripture - that was His defense! It is ours as well. In Hosea, God tells us that, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge;" (Hosea 4:6) and that in some cases it is because we have rejected knowledge. Quite honestly, if you don't know what's written, if you don't take the time to read, to study scripture - isn't this a step beyond mere lack and is a form of rejection?
Why would the Bible continue to be held as the foundation to knowledge and understanding (for over 2000 years), if this wasn't true and accurate? Why is the Bible continually attacked by those who reject it's authority if it isn't? 'It is written' is a foundation, (2 Timothy 4:16-17):
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man
of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."
Profitable. That we may be complete, equipped. Apart from our 'manual' we don't have this knowledge and understanding. It is through the time we spend in reading, in studying that we gain our understanding. The next step is in applying our understanding so that we demonstrate, model who we are. This is our witness in our world. We have the words of life, we need to be able to share this and show in scripture where we have learned these truths. We need to be able to share - it is written.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
I DON'T KNOW!!!
Ever feel this way? I certainly do. And sometimes, typically unspoken, I add an 'I don't care'. Problem is ... most of the time, I really do care! The reason for the unspoken is that this is said in frustration and is not something I really think, believe, or want. Emotion is dictating at this moment but I don't really want it to have a voice or action. How do you handle your 'I don't know' and equally important, how do you stop your emotions from dictating what you do and say... next?
For me, 'I don't know' is related to the current reality that I really do need to know. Often immediately. The other times can be equally frustrating but their 'voice' isn't as loud or dictating in my head. 'Know' means I have a context, an understanding of what is happening and an indication how this affects me and what I need to do (even when the 'do' is nothing). I don't mind having to change which is why I need a basis from which to change - not knowing gives me no basis.
How does one 'act' if there is no knowledge? Isn't our level of confidence in what we say and do based in what we know? I suspect that this reality is why I believe we are always in a state of becoming because we never reach that utopian plateau of knowing it all. (And do deliver me from those who do believe they do.) Knowing it all places a cement around the object. However, we can learn and continue to grow in what we know. Growth in depth and height and width and length gives us a greater understanding and appreciation.
Scripture speaks to this point as well.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have
rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me." (Hosea 4:6)
The choice of rejecting knowledge was made by the people... not by God. He had to reject their priesthood because they were rejecting His teaching. What a terrible place to be. Remember that it was their choice - they did know. And yes, I'm talking about not knowing problems. Sometimes we really do know but don't want to know. In our lack of knowing, though, we can always take those actions to seek to know, to understand. We can go to the source or the expert to get their understanding, their advice. But it is we who have to do the doing. Remember too - you are always responsible for what you know. When you learn, you have to apply. You have no excuse.
Bottom line. There really is no excuse for our 'I don't know' - we can always begin the learning process to know.
For me, 'I don't know' is related to the current reality that I really do need to know. Often immediately. The other times can be equally frustrating but their 'voice' isn't as loud or dictating in my head. 'Know' means I have a context, an understanding of what is happening and an indication how this affects me and what I need to do (even when the 'do' is nothing). I don't mind having to change which is why I need a basis from which to change - not knowing gives me no basis.
How does one 'act' if there is no knowledge? Isn't our level of confidence in what we say and do based in what we know? I suspect that this reality is why I believe we are always in a state of becoming because we never reach that utopian plateau of knowing it all. (And do deliver me from those who do believe they do.) Knowing it all places a cement around the object. However, we can learn and continue to grow in what we know. Growth in depth and height and width and length gives us a greater understanding and appreciation.
Scripture speaks to this point as well.
"My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, because you have
rejected knowledge, I reject you from being a priest to me." (Hosea 4:6)
The choice of rejecting knowledge was made by the people... not by God. He had to reject their priesthood because they were rejecting His teaching. What a terrible place to be. Remember that it was their choice - they did know. And yes, I'm talking about not knowing problems. Sometimes we really do know but don't want to know. In our lack of knowing, though, we can always take those actions to seek to know, to understand. We can go to the source or the expert to get their understanding, their advice. But it is we who have to do the doing. Remember too - you are always responsible for what you know. When you learn, you have to apply. You have no excuse.
Bottom line. There really is no excuse for our 'I don't know' - we can always begin the learning process to know.
Monday, February 5, 2018
You get what you settle for...
So... what do You settle for? OK? The very best? Less than what you need? What you see that's available? Demand more? I could go on with the questions, but the point is - do you settle? Does it depend on the focus? What is your basis, your standard when you do settle? How does 'settling' make you feel, especially about yourself? And again, a host of questions.
Why am I bringing this subject up? Because we face countless decisions daily and having a 'bad taste in the mouth' after the decision is made is never comfortable. We all do settle at times, sometimes to regret later. But why do we settle? To move on? To act rather than continuing to wait? Those are two of my prime reasons. However, it never is an easy method to utilize. But the bottom line is that we all have to live with the consequences of our decisions - good, bad, and in between.
This last point is what is the most important. HOW we go about living with our decisions, regardless of how we got to or what we did with the decision. Feeling bitter never works - it is what it is. If you prematurely 'settled' then you need to start where you are and work to get to where you want to be. Actually, that's always the best policy regardless if the decision was good/bad/in between. Once the decision is acted upon then looking to 'what might have been' rarely is healthy. If there is redemption - then work toward this. If it is an 'is' then move beyond - and I do realize that's never easy.
'Settling' is never comfortable because we all tend to hold out a hope that what we truly want is available... eventually. Can we afford an 'eventually'? If so, then contain your moving on. If not, then accept a new paradigm and make it yours. Life is not in a vacuum, it is not static and even if you think you can wait - it won't. Therefore, you also have to factor in what you win and lose by waiting... or accepting what you have.
Never view decisions as a burden but look at them as a challenge and an adventure. Much better perspective... especially when you get what you settle for.
Why am I bringing this subject up? Because we face countless decisions daily and having a 'bad taste in the mouth' after the decision is made is never comfortable. We all do settle at times, sometimes to regret later. But why do we settle? To move on? To act rather than continuing to wait? Those are two of my prime reasons. However, it never is an easy method to utilize. But the bottom line is that we all have to live with the consequences of our decisions - good, bad, and in between.
This last point is what is the most important. HOW we go about living with our decisions, regardless of how we got to or what we did with the decision. Feeling bitter never works - it is what it is. If you prematurely 'settled' then you need to start where you are and work to get to where you want to be. Actually, that's always the best policy regardless if the decision was good/bad/in between. Once the decision is acted upon then looking to 'what might have been' rarely is healthy. If there is redemption - then work toward this. If it is an 'is' then move beyond - and I do realize that's never easy.
'Settling' is never comfortable because we all tend to hold out a hope that what we truly want is available... eventually. Can we afford an 'eventually'? If so, then contain your moving on. If not, then accept a new paradigm and make it yours. Life is not in a vacuum, it is not static and even if you think you can wait - it won't. Therefore, you also have to factor in what you win and lose by waiting... or accepting what you have.
Never view decisions as a burden but look at them as a challenge and an adventure. Much better perspective... especially when you get what you settle for.
Friday, February 2, 2018
The true test
of knowledge is application. I've said this in a variety of ways but still feel the need to re-emphasize this. Bottom line really is - if we know something, how do we know we know without testing and applying it? Can't. Infer, yes. Presume, yes. See evidences in others, yes. But personal understanding is always the 'proof in the pudding'. This approach can be applied to everything and before you tell me that you can know something without 'doing' something about or with it - I'm not convinced.
Consciously or not, our behavior and words are based on our standard, on our approach to life and others. Unarguable. But then the question is: what is our behavior and words based in? How have we come to the particular stance we take? Was it by trial and error? Perhaps by pain? But it also had to come by the path of 'enlightenment' - your discovery and subsequent adoption/adaptation into your own lifestyle and expression. Do you know and appreciate how you got to where you are?
Regardless, at some point you had to stop thinking and put action to the words. And then you had to decide how your understanding was changed, refined by your actions. The process is as important as the final discovery. Process is a formula, tool we can repeat in order to continue our growing. Serendipitous is terrific but this can never be the only way we form our foundation and structure that is who we are.
I have always found that the proving is the confidence builder. Challenges, whether from others or circumstances, are important to build further confidence that what I think, believe is worth it. And all this begins when I act on what I say I think and believe. The last point is that nothing, other than the Lord, is in cement. There are always new discoveries that will test the application's stand.
Consciously or not, our behavior and words are based on our standard, on our approach to life and others. Unarguable. But then the question is: what is our behavior and words based in? How have we come to the particular stance we take? Was it by trial and error? Perhaps by pain? But it also had to come by the path of 'enlightenment' - your discovery and subsequent adoption/adaptation into your own lifestyle and expression. Do you know and appreciate how you got to where you are?
Regardless, at some point you had to stop thinking and put action to the words. And then you had to decide how your understanding was changed, refined by your actions. The process is as important as the final discovery. Process is a formula, tool we can repeat in order to continue our growing. Serendipitous is terrific but this can never be the only way we form our foundation and structure that is who we are.
I have always found that the proving is the confidence builder. Challenges, whether from others or circumstances, are important to build further confidence that what I think, believe is worth it. And all this begins when I act on what I say I think and believe. The last point is that nothing, other than the Lord, is in cement. There are always new discoveries that will test the application's stand.
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