Language July 24, 2009
“Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry, or savor their songs. I again realized that we were not different people with separate languages; we were one people, with different tongues.”
-Nelson Mandela
The Act of Being Intentional July 24, 2009
I had an interesting conversation this morning about being intentional in relationships with a friend. It was interesting to see what another thought and how they approach relationships. I found it very refreshing to hear that there is another person that sees things similarly to myself. I often feel that friendships are formed out of convience and then never continue to develop into what I would consider true friendship.
Yes, friendship takes time, patients, acceptance, and many other things that are not easy. But in any relationship work is required and necessary to be worth it.
So what does this act of being intentional look like? Well, to each person it is going to be different since each person has different needs, wants, and desires.
I think my real question after stating the above is what prevents people from entering into true, meaningful relationships with others? What barrier has been formed that prevents all of us from seeing the needs in ourselves and others? Is there a remedy for this, or are we left to wonder lost trying to figure out how to live with others?
Word of the Day #50 (the last one!) July 19, 2009
reiterate: to state or do over again or repeatedly sometimes with wearying effect
Hopefully this Blog does not reiterate itself, but is new and different
Word of the Day #49 July 16, 2009
etiquette: the conduct or procedure required by good breeding or prescribed by authority to be observed in social or official life
According to Miss Manners, it is a myth that newlyweds have up to a year to write thank-you notes for wedding gifts; rather, etiquette dictates that the notes should be sent as soon as possible.
The Act of Being Blind July 16, 2009
It has never ceased to amaze me how different people are. Maybe this is why I am a psychology major? I don’t know, looking at life my actions seem completely logical, however I cannot see the reasoning behind some others decisions or thinking. Let’s examine the polar differences between guys and girls.
There are times that I feel that they (boys, the y chromosome) is saying something that coming to find out at a latter date was not what they intended in any which way. I am sure this happens in the opposite way as well, but I like to think that I am clear in my thinking and have learned to express myself in a clear way for all. If I like you… you will know it, if I don’t trust me it will be even more clear!
Somehow there is this blindness between people. Now I know there is a plethora of books, self-help articles, magazine dedicated to helping bridge the gap between Mars and Venus, and yet no one can clearly communicate! There are the double takes when we think that a look was just a little out of the ordinary. The conversations that happen that we can’t get out of our head. The chance meetings that never should have sparked anything.
There are many days that I feel that it would be better to be blind to those around me, times that not being able to read emotion, give my quirky looks, or express and caring concern would make life easier. Turing a blind eye to those surrounding me in hurt, those in my life attempting to find meaning in earthly things. But then I remember Mark 8:22-26
“22They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”
24He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”
25Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t go into the village.”"
So, why turn a blind eye, why struggle to ignore the facts of life. Enjoy what God has given to us as strengths and weaknesses. Every person is different and every person is a gift!
Word of the Day #48 July 16, 2009
fractious:
*1 : tending to be troublesome : unruly
2 : quarrelsome, irritable
The class was fractious and uncontrollable when Mr. Douglas first took over as teacher, but he now has the students disciplined, focused, and ready to learn.
Just Living the Best I Can July 14, 2009
This past week has lead to much reflection, and contemplation about the future. My mom had surgery, she just got out of the hospital today she is doing well, but big events always lead to examining life for me. This summer has lead to many changes, one being my view on life. I have traveled with a number of different people recently and have learned that almost nothing is actually in my control. Control is an interesting thing. God is in control of it all, why do I find myself fighting His timing, His plans, and His choices? I have felt that I constantly try to set an agenda for my life and then get frustrated when it does not go according to plan.
Recent realizations:
1. I really like country music! I have always liked listening to it, but it is part of my lifestyle now!!!
2. There are so many people that I know that I wish I had closer relationships with.
3. There are so many people I have never met that I wish I knew. Like the stranger who parked in front of me tonight. He looked like such a fun person to know!
4. Driving really clears my head, and opens my heart.
5. Family is one of the greatest gifts and should be cherished!
6. I am terrified and so excited to go lobster diving Thursday night!
7. Working graveyard shifts is a love hate relationship.
8. I don’t think that a standardized test score should be the top factor for me to be accepted into graduate school.
9. Constantly tell myself that I am going to fail, in order to push myself to succeed.
10. Always thinks that no one likes me and wishes they would see past my outer walls that I put up.
Life is a messy thing, but if it was neat it would not be worth living! So many people focus on the past, but I can’t wait to see my future! I want to achieve FAME in something in my life!
Word of the Day #47 July 14, 2009
grudging:
1 : unwilling, reluctant
*2 : done, given, or allowed unwillingly, reluctantly, or sparingly
Lydia’s father greeted her new boyfriend with a rather cold and grudging handshake.
