I've been watching recorded episodes of various television shows that I enjoy watching. I'm big on the self-helps.... What Not To Wear, Addicted, Hoarding: Buried Alive, Hoarders, The Cleaner, etc. I just watched an episode of Addicted and a couple of things are quite clear to me. #1 - Most addictions come about because of some sort of emotional pain. #2 - Over-confidence can easily lead to hurting ourselves.
Emotional pain is the most devastating thing in our lives and learning to deal with it in an effective manner is a crucial part of the learning experience. I see evidence of this all the time... especially on television. Programming is designed for us to more clearly see life situations and their effects on us, if we are willing to see it. Even movies and sitcoms present these life events for our evaluation. Check it and see. Next time you are watching tv, instead of blindly enjoying the entertainment value, pay close attention to what the show can teach you about life and about pain. Watch how people react to the people around them. Analyze the changes that happen to them as they react to their life.
We don't always realize how we hurt ourselves. Part of the human condition is the ability to deceive ourselves and as a result we feel like we can do the most difficult things. This belief can be most detrimental to our well-being. Over and over, the recovering addict truly believes that they can stay away from their drug of choice on their own and against the advice of those who have gone before. It is the reason that so many seem to have to go through the moves of making the same mistakes that others have made. Humility accepts that we are not all that. Humility appreciates the lessons we can learn from those who have gone before us. Selfishness not only hurts ourselves but those around us who love and care for us.
Practicing gratitude affords us an unequalled opportunity to love ourselves and to make good decisions for the future. To the future...
Dee..
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Saturday, October 4, 2008
renovations complete.. mostly..
It's been a long while again since I updated. The renovation things are pretty much done. We had a leak near the front door after some heavy rainstorms this spring - AFTER we painted the room - and that is patched now though it still requires some paint. The livingroom is nearly back together but does need some more decluttering yet. The interior doors still remain on the list of things to do. Life is slowly returned to some kind of normal though some major changes have been made this year.
The last post I made was shortly after I applied for a job. I didn't really intend to go out to work yet. I thought it would be a couple more years before I would search out a part-time job to keep myself busy and help out with monthly expenses. I thought I would continue to homeschool my son. Oh, he's still learning his educational pursuits at home. I'm just not the one helping him along. He doesn't need a lot of help these days except in the form of reminders of what needs to be done and discussion of key concepts. Although my husband is disabled, his brain still works extremely well and he's quite capable of supervising the day to day learning that goes on. So, back to the job application....
I applied and, after what felt like a very lengthy hiring process, was hired at a local home improvement store to work with kitchen and bath sales. I began work August 23rd. The first week or two were full of much training - mostly web-based to begin with. After that, I was able to be out on the sales floor but because computer systems are being changed over in a short time, I haven't yet received full training. It seemed pointless to keep trying to learn a system that was on its way out. Within a few weeks that should change and it will get easier to actually do the whole job I was hired to do. I'm working about 25-30 hours a week and the adjustment to spending many hours on my feet has been quite difficult for me. I suffered for a few weeks with massive blisters on my heals but now that they are healed and callousing up a bit, it's much better. I was hired mainly to work the early morning shift and, while that has been quite the adjustment for this night owl, I can't say that I hate those early mornings. I do still have some adjusting to do, though. ;) For the most part, I enjoy the job and the people I work with.
Life has changed in our house. My son is learning to cook and clean along with his normal high school education. My husband is learning to let the boy do... and just supervise and support. I am working for a living and we are all trying to adjust to the role reversal.
Dee..
The last post I made was shortly after I applied for a job. I didn't really intend to go out to work yet. I thought it would be a couple more years before I would search out a part-time job to keep myself busy and help out with monthly expenses. I thought I would continue to homeschool my son. Oh, he's still learning his educational pursuits at home. I'm just not the one helping him along. He doesn't need a lot of help these days except in the form of reminders of what needs to be done and discussion of key concepts. Although my husband is disabled, his brain still works extremely well and he's quite capable of supervising the day to day learning that goes on. So, back to the job application....
I applied and, after what felt like a very lengthy hiring process, was hired at a local home improvement store to work with kitchen and bath sales. I began work August 23rd. The first week or two were full of much training - mostly web-based to begin with. After that, I was able to be out on the sales floor but because computer systems are being changed over in a short time, I haven't yet received full training. It seemed pointless to keep trying to learn a system that was on its way out. Within a few weeks that should change and it will get easier to actually do the whole job I was hired to do. I'm working about 25-30 hours a week and the adjustment to spending many hours on my feet has been quite difficult for me. I suffered for a few weeks with massive blisters on my heals but now that they are healed and callousing up a bit, it's much better. I was hired mainly to work the early morning shift and, while that has been quite the adjustment for this night owl, I can't say that I hate those early mornings. I do still have some adjusting to do, though. ;) For the most part, I enjoy the job and the people I work with.
Life has changed in our house. My son is learning to cook and clean along with his normal high school education. My husband is learning to let the boy do... and just supervise and support. I am working for a living and we are all trying to adjust to the role reversal.
Dee..
what others see..
Have you ever wondered what others see when they look at you? I do. I think often, in recent months especially, about how I am viewed by those who I come in contact with while living my life.
One of the most recent events in my life is grieving the loss of a young girl who lived in Edson, AB with her family. Her mother has been an online friend of mine for a number of years and Emily had become a good friend of my daughter's after her family visited with our family a few years ago on one of their vacations. There have been many news reports of the situation and many comments by the public at large as well. Most of those comments are ones of support, comfort, and encouragement. However, some are ones of skepticism by people who don't have the same system of faith.
These statements, often made in an insensitive manner, can come across to those of us with a similar faith experience in a hurtful way. We may think of them as rude and ignorant, unfeeling and intolerant. They can cut us to the very core of who we are and make our hackles rise up in defense. Sometimes equally offensive statements are the result. After all, those who hurt often end up hurting those around them.
In this particular instance, what has prompted these thoughts is reading through the comments under one of the news articles about our young friend's funeral. This isn't the first time bickering regarding the existence of God has taken place online and I'm sure it won't be the last. It's too bad that it comes in response to such a sensitive situation with the potential to cause hurt but that's how these things can steamroller.
As I read through the statements below the article it really struck me how we are active participants in the situation if we think only of ourselves and our feelings in the matter. I have been grieving this week and although I'm not near as close with the family, or even Emily's mom herself, as many people I know are, some of the comments could really get me feeling angry if I had the energy to feel it right now. However, as I began to think of the pain caused to those of us who are "people of faith" and struggling, I realized that these statements are being made without the source of strength that we have. They also don't have the same understanding that we have of spiritual matters of Christianity. A few don't even believe in God at all. They are possibly struggling to make sense of the situation but without hope. These comments actually give us a view of how we are seen by others.
I believe that Emily's parents, family, friends, and neighbours could be hurt by these statements. I also believe that, in time, they will be able to forgive those who would rail at our beliefs. I am sure they will pray for them to have understanding and to find Peace in their life. How hard it can be... unless in possession of an authentic faith and true knowledge of Jesus.
What would we want others to see when they look at us? I don't know about you but I want to be seen to be understanding and caring of the situations of others, regardless of whether their beliefs match mine or not. I need to bite my tongue, not living by my feelings only, sharing those with Jesus who knows my pain, until I'm able to pray for those that would seem my enemy... and I need to continue to strive to walk the walk of my Lord and Saviour, in all my imperfection. I can be grateful for these comments showing me where my walk might be lacking.
Dee..
One of the most recent events in my life is grieving the loss of a young girl who lived in Edson, AB with her family. Her mother has been an online friend of mine for a number of years and Emily had become a good friend of my daughter's after her family visited with our family a few years ago on one of their vacations. There have been many news reports of the situation and many comments by the public at large as well. Most of those comments are ones of support, comfort, and encouragement. However, some are ones of skepticism by people who don't have the same system of faith.
These statements, often made in an insensitive manner, can come across to those of us with a similar faith experience in a hurtful way. We may think of them as rude and ignorant, unfeeling and intolerant. They can cut us to the very core of who we are and make our hackles rise up in defense. Sometimes equally offensive statements are the result. After all, those who hurt often end up hurting those around them.
In this particular instance, what has prompted these thoughts is reading through the comments under one of the news articles about our young friend's funeral. This isn't the first time bickering regarding the existence of God has taken place online and I'm sure it won't be the last. It's too bad that it comes in response to such a sensitive situation with the potential to cause hurt but that's how these things can steamroller.
As I read through the statements below the article it really struck me how we are active participants in the situation if we think only of ourselves and our feelings in the matter. I have been grieving this week and although I'm not near as close with the family, or even Emily's mom herself, as many people I know are, some of the comments could really get me feeling angry if I had the energy to feel it right now. However, as I began to think of the pain caused to those of us who are "people of faith" and struggling, I realized that these statements are being made without the source of strength that we have. They also don't have the same understanding that we have of spiritual matters of Christianity. A few don't even believe in God at all. They are possibly struggling to make sense of the situation but without hope. These comments actually give us a view of how we are seen by others.
I believe that Emily's parents, family, friends, and neighbours could be hurt by these statements. I also believe that, in time, they will be able to forgive those who would rail at our beliefs. I am sure they will pray for them to have understanding and to find Peace in their life. How hard it can be... unless in possession of an authentic faith and true knowledge of Jesus.
What would we want others to see when they look at us? I don't know about you but I want to be seen to be understanding and caring of the situations of others, regardless of whether their beliefs match mine or not. I need to bite my tongue, not living by my feelings only, sharing those with Jesus who knows my pain, until I'm able to pray for those that would seem my enemy... and I need to continue to strive to walk the walk of my Lord and Saviour, in all my imperfection. I can be grateful for these comments showing me where my walk might be lacking.
Dee..
authenticity..
Authenticity. I'm reading a book on becoming an authentic Christian. The book is written by Bill Hybels and is entitled Honest to God? Becoming an Authentic Christian. I'm just beginning this reading and I'm really enjoying it so far. However, my thought processes are about really being who I am at this point in time. I've been "born again" for almost 9 years now and most of my time as a professing Christian has involved being surrounded by the Christian community. In those nearly 9 years I've witnessed what I would call authentic Christianity and I've witnessed what I would not call authentic Christianity.
What do I mean by this? What I mean is that sometimes we are too busy trying to show others that we are different. Should we be different? Yes, the Bible says we are to be different from the world. Should we have to try to show that we are? No. I believe that if we have to show people that we are different then those differences are just not authentic. If we have to TRY to show that we are different then perhaps the differences are not real enough to impact others in a positive way and create a desire for what we have gained. Perhaps we need to toss aside that Christian veneer and instead just be real... and to be real with God as well as others.
Dee..
What do I mean by this? What I mean is that sometimes we are too busy trying to show others that we are different. Should we be different? Yes, the Bible says we are to be different from the world. Should we have to try to show that we are? No. I believe that if we have to show people that we are different then those differences are just not authentic. If we have to TRY to show that we are different then perhaps the differences are not real enough to impact others in a positive way and create a desire for what we have gained. Perhaps we need to toss aside that Christian veneer and instead just be real... and to be real with God as well as others.
Dee..
general life update..
It's been a long while again since I updated. The renovation things are pretty much done. We had a leak near the front door after some heavy rainstorms this spring - AFTER we painted the room - and that is patched now though it still requires some paint. The livingroom is nearly back together but does need some more decluttering yet. The interior doors still remain on the list of things to do. Life is slowly returned to some kind of normal though some major changes have been made this year.
The last post I made was shortly after I applied for a job. I didn't really intend to go out to work yet. I thought it would be a couple more years before I would search out a part-time job to keep myself busy and help out with monthly expenses. I thought I would continue to homeschool my son. Oh, he's still learning his educational pursuits at home. I'm just not the one helping him along. He doesn't need a lot of help these days except in the form of reminders of what needs to be done and discussion of key concepts. Although my husband is disabled, his brain still works extremely well and he's quite capable of supervising the day to day learning that goes on. So, back to the job application....
I applied and, after what felt like a very lengthy hiring process, was hired at a local home improvement store to work with kitchen and bath sales. I began work August 23rd. The first week or two were full of much training - mostly web-based to begin with. After that, I was able to be out on the sales floor but because computer systems are being changed over in a short time, I haven't yet received full training. It seemed pointless to keep trying to learn a system that was on its way out. Within a few weeks that should change and it will get easier to actually do the whole job I was hired to do. I'm working about 25-30 hours a week and the adjustment to spending many hours on my feet has been quite difficult for me. I suffered for a few weeks with massive blisters on my heals but now that they are healed and callousing up a bit, it's much better. I was hired mainly to work the early morning shift and, while that has been quite the adjustment for this night owl, I can't say that I hate those early mornings. I do still have some adjusting to do, though. ;) For the most part, I enjoy the job and the people I work with.
Life has changed in our house. My son is learning to cook and clean along with his normal high school education. My husband is learning to let the boy do... and just supervise and support. I am working for a living and we are all trying to adjust to the role reversal.
Dee..
The last post I made was shortly after I applied for a job. I didn't really intend to go out to work yet. I thought it would be a couple more years before I would search out a part-time job to keep myself busy and help out with monthly expenses. I thought I would continue to homeschool my son. Oh, he's still learning his educational pursuits at home. I'm just not the one helping him along. He doesn't need a lot of help these days except in the form of reminders of what needs to be done and discussion of key concepts. Although my husband is disabled, his brain still works extremely well and he's quite capable of supervising the day to day learning that goes on. So, back to the job application....
I applied and, after what felt like a very lengthy hiring process, was hired at a local home improvement store to work with kitchen and bath sales. I began work August 23rd. The first week or two were full of much training - mostly web-based to begin with. After that, I was able to be out on the sales floor but because computer systems are being changed over in a short time, I haven't yet received full training. It seemed pointless to keep trying to learn a system that was on its way out. Within a few weeks that should change and it will get easier to actually do the whole job I was hired to do. I'm working about 25-30 hours a week and the adjustment to spending many hours on my feet has been quite difficult for me. I suffered for a few weeks with massive blisters on my heals but now that they are healed and callousing up a bit, it's much better. I was hired mainly to work the early morning shift and, while that has been quite the adjustment for this night owl, I can't say that I hate those early mornings. I do still have some adjusting to do, though. ;) For the most part, I enjoy the job and the people I work with.
Life has changed in our house. My son is learning to cook and clean along with his normal high school education. My husband is learning to let the boy do... and just supervise and support. I am working for a living and we are all trying to adjust to the role reversal.
Dee..
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