Word on my poetry and some Dickinson
03.01.06 (12:25 am) [edit]As you may or may not know, I got my start writing with poetry. She was my first writing love; probably because the poet can write nonsense and call it beauty in black and white. Haha. Lately, I haven't written much poetry. I am still lost as to the reason. The only thing I can think of is that I generally write occasional poetry with inspiration coming from something that REALLY rubs me raw. I've been rather contented for a good while, and so have had no topics to write verse on. I suppose that's a mixed blessing, unless you despise my poetry, then it's all blessing.
Perhaps a few people out there will be glad to know that I have begun putting my pen to paper again. (I never could write a poem on the computer. It has to come first from real ink flowing from a real pen.) I may post a few here in the near future; I haven't decided yet. In the mean time, I thought I'd plaster an Emily Dickinson poem here. The poem is about poets, so I thought it fitting. Hehe. I like Dickinson; too bad she was really weird. I guess all writers are a bit on the quirky side. Anyway... back to the poem...
"448"
This was a Poet--It is That
Distills amazing sense
From ordinary Meanings--
And Attar so immense
From the familiar species
That perished by the Door--
We wonder it was not Ourselves
Arrested it--before--
Of Pictures, the Discloser'--
That Poet--it is He
Entitles Us--by Contrast--
To ceaseless Poverty--
Of Portion--so unconscious--
The Robbing--could not harm--
Himself--to Him--a Fortune--
Exterior--to Time--
--Emily Dickinson
Letter from the Devil
02.27.06 (11:39 pm) [edit]Several long time friends of mine have recently been born into Christ and shared their testimony with me. I can't put into words that would be fitting their stories, but I thought it would be a meaningful tribute of sorts to them, and the two people that impacted my life for Christ to put a bit on here that was the turning point of my life.
I unsuspectingly opened the following in an e-mail forward about six years ago in a time period where I had been searching for something that I knew was missing from my life when comparing it to the lives of the two afore mentioned people. After reading it, I turned my life over to Christ; I suppose you could say it was the straw that broke the camel's back. Except, this was a good kind of break. :-D
Dear Believer,
"I saw you yesterday as you began your daily chores. You awoke without kneeling to pray. As a matter of fact, you didn't even bless your meals, or pray before going to bed last night. You are so unthankful, I like that about you. I cannot tell you how glad I am that you have not changed your way of living, Fool, you are mine. Remember, you and I have been going steady for years. and I still don't love you yet. As a matter of fact, I hate you, because I hate God. I am only using you to get even with God.. He kicked me out of heaven, and I'm going to use you as long as possible to pay him back.
You see, Fool, GOD LOVES YOU and HE has great plans in store for you. But you have yielded your life to me, and I'm going to make your life a living hell. That way, we'll be together twice. This will really hurt God. Thanks to you, I'm really showing Him who's boss in your life with all of the good times we've had. We have been watching dirty movies, cursing people out, stealing, lying, being hypocritical, fornicating, overeating, telling dirty jokes, gossiping, being judgmental, back stabbing people, disrespecting adults, and those in leadership positions, no respect for the Church, bad attitudes. SURELY you don't want to give all this up. Come on, Fool, let's burn together forever. I've got some hot plans for us. This is just a letter of appreciation from me to you. I'd like to say "THANKS" for letting me use you for most of your foolish life.
You are so gullible, I laugh at you. When you are tempted to sin, you give in HA HA HA, you make me sick. Sin is beginning to take it's toll on your life. You look 20 years older, and now, I need new blood. So go ahead and teach some children how to sin. All you have to do is smoke, get drunk or drink while underage, cheat, gamble, gossip, fornicate, and live being as selfish as possible. Do all of this in the presence of children and they will do it too. Kids are like that.
Well, Fool, I have to let you go for now. I'll be back in a couple of seconds to tempt you again. If you were smart, you would run somewhere, confess you sins, and live for God with what little bit of life that you have left. It's not my nature to warn anyone, but to be your age and still sinning, it's becoming a bit ridiculous. Don't get me wrong, I still hate you.
IT'S JUST THAT YOU'D MAKE A BETTER FOOL FOR CHRIST.
Forever hateful,
Satan"
(I've seen this in many similiar forms all over the internet, including a version in which the piece is written for a Muslim believer. The version here is a compilation with the sign off line invented by yours truly. :-D)
Change
02.26.06 (11:42 pm) [edit]The world is such a turbulant, forever changing place. I've always considered myself to be at peace with this fact, but lately I've reconsidered my total peace. Actually, change has been turning me on my head. I never was the greatest at handstands. Childhood friends are getting married, some have kids these days. People I've always thought were amazing have turned themselves inside out and showed the world their true insides; others I never considered as someone that I could befriend, have any thing in common with, or should have anything in common with have proven just that--the greatest friends I've had in a long while. I've always thought that change had to be forced in this world, but --in the spirit of physics-- the world is in motion, changing, tumbling; things in motion tend to stay in motion. Why did I think my little corner of the universe would stay even remotely the same while the rest of the world changed like the ripples across a pond? I used to force myself and others to change little habits so to facilitate change, because "change is good." For example, in a class with people I am comfortable with and there is no set seating arrangment, I tend to take other people's seats to force them to change their habit of sitting in that one chair. Mean perhaps, but makes me people think about their habits, which really are silly with no cause often. With myself, I'm forever making myself find new ways to get to my regular destinations. It get boring going the same direction to school everyday, so I take different ways everyday. I understand now why I and others cling to things we have a choice to change--because we feel we have a tiny bit of control of changing that variable, and so let it remain the same to have something firm and constant to hang on to when everything else turns up side down. We can't cling to things of this world like that. As I said, this world is in motion and will stay in motion forever and ever amen. Our wishes for stability cannot be fulfilled by a changing world. We must reach beyond this world into the next for the ruler of that life. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) Only He can remain constant because He is outside and above the laws of this world. Embrace change; change is a great and wonderful experience. Latch onto Jesus; let Him be your stable base from which you go through life.
I am a dessert-a-holic.
02.21.06 (7:36 pm) [edit]Hello. My name is Bria, and I'm a dessert-a-holic. Yes, I've come to confess that the only reason I eat my vegitables is so I can feel less guilty than I would if I had just had the three helpings of dessert on my plate. I find myself eating a minimal main course, so I can fit into my diet all the different desserts available at dinner. (I don't get to have anything sweet for breakfast or lunch, because sweets a breakfast just sound gross, and lunch is taken in the basement of one of the dorms on campus where a sad vending machine resides housing crackers, animal crackers, and some sort of Mexican candy bar that's been in there since early last semester.) For example, my Bible study moderators hosted a get together last Saturday, and there were several home made desserts there-- a chocolate cake/pudding/caramel thing, a strawberry marbled cake with white icing, a spice cake with cream icing, a marshmellow on top of a cookie coated in chocolate, and some various cookies. How could I not try a little of EVERYTHING?! Needless to say, I left that evening VERY full... of dessert.
I tried eliminating desserts from my diet once; that lasted about a week. This is going to turn out bad, very bad, when I get old. *hangs head in shame*
I regret to inform you...
02.19.06 (10:57 pm) [edit]I regret to inform you, the reader, that I will no longer be posting "Myths" regularly. The reading assignments have recently been increased in my New Testament class so as that I no longer have a drive to study more Bible than is required by that class and church. That's the downfall of going to a private, Christian university; learning about Jesus is forced upon you, sucking the life out of studying the Bible. Perhaps if my attitude towards studying improves I will once more take up the myths on a regular basis. As it stands, I will only blog on a myth when I do not have an assignment from New Testament that includes reading the actual Bible. As it stands now, the size of the assignments requires me to read and study for the class every night in order to not drown. An example reading assignment for one class period: 25 pages of textbook, the entire book of Matthew, half of 1 Corinthians, and 10-15 pages out of a Bible dictionary. Understand now why I can't get excited about doing MORE studying? I hope you will all understand, and perhaps send a prayer heavenward for me during this difficult time of academics and athletics--tennis season is just getting under way. ( I have no free weekends from now until the middle of April, with the exception of the weekend post spring break, which is now in jeporday as we missed the duel match that was scheduled for this past saturday. It MUST be made up sometime.) Thanks for being understanding.
I will be around and blogging, but on more mundane topics which will probably interest few, but hey, my blog wasn't created for the masses. I started blogging with a vision of getting all my frustrations out so I wouldn't dwell so much on them. So if you're interested in topics that would irk a Chrisitan college girl, stick around, and if not, happy sailings!
Excuses, excuses
02.17.06 (9:48 pm) [edit]I'll be getting back to the myths tomorrow. I stayed over with my grandma to keep her company while Grandad is out of town last night and left my Bible over there. Opps. I'm feeling a little icky anyway. Say a prayer that 1) I'll feel better tomorrow and 2) that I'll be really warm, because this cowgirl has to play an outdoor tennis duel match with a high of twenty-nine degrees in these parts tomorrow. 
Can't you tell? I AM excited.
Update!! : Forget praying for me, pray for the Concordia tennis team--the team we were supposed to play today. They flipped their car this morning on the way here. Everyone appears to be fine, but prayers would be helpful!
For my mama...
02.16.06 (12:28 am) [edit]I can't bring myself to do my devo tonight; I've read for three hours straight for my New Testament class tomorrow. The sad thing is that I only read two thirds of the assignment! I just don't care anymore.
My mama has been complaining about the long posts that accompany the myths, because she doesn't have much time to sit down and read them, so here's a post just for her...
I love my mama!!! 
Tennis injuries, both accidental and intentional
02.15.06 (10:41 am) [edit]It finally happened; I hit myself in the eye with a tennis ball. YESS! Go me! I've have lived in constant fear every time I "shank"--mishit -- the ball that I will hit myself in the eye and go blind. My fear came from a friend of mine hitting herself in the eye much like I did about five years ago. She went blind for about a month and never picked up a raquet again, which is quite a shame, because she was an amazing tennis player. I feel much better now that I've done the deed myself and can still see to type the tale. The right side of my face is a little puffy today, but hey, I'll take puffy over blindness anyday.
My boo-boo wasn't the story of the day on the tennis court though. On the court next to where I was playing, two guys on the team were playing a challenge match. The "better" player lost and in his anger punched a pole. Punching things in anger happens rather frequently in the game of tennis, but usually guys--and some gals-- pick more forgiving things such as their raquets or the fence to absorb their anger. This fellow chose a pole. What perplexes me more is that this fellow is pre-med and VERY intelligent. I have heard that intellegence goes out the door with anger, and here, ladies and gentlemen lies the proof. The guy left the court with a bloody, shaking fist and headed to the ER with coach. I saw him just a few moments ago on campus; he's got a pink cast on his hand. He broke the hand bone beneath his pinkie--a metacarpal. (*squeals* I love anatomy! I can't wait to take that class next year!) The team is now short one splendid player, I assume since it's rather difficult to play with a cast on your dominant hand. Good thing we have plenty of guys to spare. (A tennis team is made up of six players. The guys team has about twelve players.) But we could have been that one player deeper. We had already lost one really good player to an MIP. He got caught last semester with another team member's weed in his truck, and took the fall for the friend. Friends are supposed to sit in the jail cell together, not allow the innocent one to fall! The guy that the weed actually belonged to just made me angry! Good thing he's not on the team anymore. Actually, he's not even on the North American contintent anymore! He was just alot of trouble.
Well, I'm over and out and off to class!
Myth #14: I’m in control.
02.15.06 (9:28 am) [edit]Myth #14: I’m in control.
Quote: “Americans don’t like any area of life to be out of their control in fact ninety-two percent include ‘self-sufficient’ as one of their key self-descriptions.” –Barna Research Group (2000)
Key Verses: Numbers 20:1-13; Proverbs 25:28; Romans 8:11; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:26-27; 2 Timothy 1:7
Haha. I sure didn’t feel that way this morning when I left my house! As I said last night, I had a test to take in t minus thirty minutes and had studied for about ten minutes prior to my hurried flipping through the pages of the book the test was to be on, and I had to finish the test in time so I could write a paper due in my next class. I had to write it during that class because I didn’t want to write it during chapel, because that would make me feel guilty. I don’t know how my fellow students can sleep, do homework, or read through chapel. Not only are we supposed to have reverence for God, but there are also speakers and “performers” on stage. It is INCREDIBLY rude to sleep through their speech! Whatever. I’m off my soapbox.
Back to control… I like to be in control, but rarely am. I’m a procrastinator to the max, as you’ve seen; procrastinating and control really don’t go hand in hand. I think God must have made me a procrastinator so I wouldn’t be in control all the time and keep that in check for me; I know I would be a huge control freak if I wasn’t always running around like a chicken with its head cut off. Probably provides God with some humor too. I do that sometimes; stop and look at myself from a different perspective, generally that of the all knowing narrator of my life. My life is pretty humorous for all my failures, peculiarities, and situations. You should try that “technique” sometime. (Doesn’t that sound all official?)
But anyway, being in control is not something we humans can achieve; we need the spirit. Remember those fruits of the spirit you had to memorize as a kid… yeah, “self-control.” Only can you be in control when you release control to God. OOOO! My own key verse: Luke 17:33. Oh yes! I am SO good! Talking about your control issues is always good too. Even if it’s just to a blog with no responses or to your cat/dog/fish etc, at least you get to “throw up” somewhere, as the author of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Teens calls it. Actually, I would recommend doing such pre-talk before you talk to actual people; it helps you to organize your thoughts and maybe see something you didn’t before. Then talk to someone. Bouncing issues off others usually results in a clearer understanding of the situation and may give more insights that you couldn’t see on your own.
In conclusion, my last bit of advice would be to just breathe. I know it’s simple, but is one of my specialties *wink wink* Really, when things get out of whack, just stop for a second, take a deep breathe, then figure out a plan to organize the chaos. I discovered the applicability of this technique when I was in band. I tend to get really nervous before I perform; it’s a good idea for me to volunteer to go first in any performance because I just get more nervous as time goes on. In band, we took our chair tests in chair order. I, being not having much talent for the flute, was near the end, and so had to wait forever for the ones ahead of me to play. I got to where I’d take a deep breathe at the end of each person’s performance to check to my racing heart back to somewhat normal. Then take deep breathes all through the performance of the person before me. Then I’d play my heart out. The first time I tried breathing I was consistently near the end of the flute line, but with the application of the technique, I jumped ahead to about sixth chair out of twenty or so. I stayed about that place for the rest of my flute career too, with the help of my trusty breathing exercise. I’m sure no one cared to know that bit about my band experience, but oh well, I wanted to write about it, and so you got to suffer through it. Sorry.
Myth #13: I’ll always have close friends around me.
02.15.06 (12:49 am) [edit]I have had several people wanting to read through the rest of "my myth series." In an effort to make this easier, I've added the section "On Demand" about the middle of the right panel which will eventually contain static links to all the myths to date and a few other previous posts the general public seemed to like. I hope to have that fully functional in a few days, but will add bits and pieces everyday. So, back to...
Myth #13: I’ll always have close friends around me.
Quote: “Science has proven that friendships with other[s…] help decrease our stress levels—simply talking about our life issue with someone else who understands can do wonders for our emotional health.”-Unknown.
Key Verses: Numbers 12; Deuteronomy 31:8; 1 Samuel 18:1-4; Psalm 88:8-9; Proverbs 18:24; John 15:13, 15
I’m a little short on close friends currently, as it happens, so this topic both intrigued and hit a sore spot with me. Most of my friends are currently pledging sororities, so they have no time for people besides their pledge sisters. The friends I’m left with I wasn’t incredibly close to last semester anyway, but I was planning on getting to know them better. The obstacle to this is that I’m not living on campus like they do, so I miss out on a lot of the time they spend together. I had to have the inside joke, “I’ll spoon you to death” explained to me this afternoon. I missed that one. I do my best to hang out with them at least once during the weekend, and whenever I’m not in class or tennis practice and on campus. But then comes homework, so there’s just not a lot of time to just hang out. On a positive note, I do have more people I would consider friends currently than I’ve had in a VERY long time, which is a huge relief; I was starting to go crazy. I can’t say I’ve found any soul sisters yet, but like I said, I haven’t gotten to know any of them really well. There’s plenty of time for that though. Personally, I would think friendships would come with a healthy relationship to God. He’s not going to let you have close relationships with others when you’re lack in the relationship between Himself and you. (He’s a jealous God.) That sounds kind of mean, but if you can’t befriend a divine being that has no faults and forgives you for all of yours, how can you be successful in a relationship with humans that are full of faults and aren’t so ready to forgive you for yours? I would also think that God would guide your friendships through intimate and not so intimate spells too so as to keep your relationships with Him in the right place with the intimacy rising and falling according to the situation. I’m currently on the hunt for a best friend, but I can’t forget to enjoy and appreciate those other friendships that aren’t quite as close, or perhaps only last so long as I and my friend sit next to each other in the same boring class. Also, I find myself falling into a trap within this myth that others should make the initiative. I get to where I think, “If they REALLY wanted to be my friend and REALLY enjoyed my company, they’d call me; I wouldn’t have to call them.” Friendships are two way streets. Take the initiative; they will respond in some way or another. I’m still working with myself on that one. When I want to hang out with someone, I’m more likely to go if they call me, because I feel guilty about saying no, so I put down what I’m doing and go. If I have to make the plans, I’m not so likely to go because I don’t want to stop and chill out for a bit from whatever it is I’m doing.
Well, I had better end this. I’m already an hour late going to bed, and I have an 8 am test I need to study for in the morning, followed by writing a paper before it’s due for my 10:30 class. I’m not a procrastinator. Nope, not me. ;-)
Myth #12: Sexual freedom is good.
02.14.06 (12:29 am) [edit]Myth #12: Sexual freedom is good.
Quote: Free sex has proven to be quite costly—not only in terms of pregnancy but also with regard to sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Since 1999, more than 12 million Americans contract an STD every year.” –Concerned Women for America
Key Verses: Romans 1:24, 6:16; 1 Corinthians 3:18, 6:12-20; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:3
Yes, this is a huge problem, one that rubs me the wrong way to the extent it makes me angry. The “freedom” to be promiscuous, and flaunt it if we got it is no freedom, but slavery. Promiscuity comes in cycles once it gets out that you’re “free”. (Or so I’ve heard from sources who will remain anonymous.) I mean, who wants to buy the cow when the milk’s free? I don’t understand why women want to be gazed upon like they were a t-bone steak either. I’m sorry; I DO NOT like that one little bit. The women that make me even angrier than those that know the outcome of how they dress are the seductively clad ones that get mad at the guys. You can’t expect a guy to respect you if you’re dressed like the prostitute on the corner down town. Sorry. Alright, stepping off my soap box.
Really though, what has all this “freedom” brought us? Let’s see, we murder unwanted babies; there’s lack of ability to fully enter into a marriage emotionally due to past scars and conflicting lifestyles; women are disrespected—as discussed earlier—and expectations from men for sex after dinner. Is that freedom? Sounds like bondage to me. So how to break the chains? Chill out! Don’t get in touch with your inner “sex pot”—as Oprah calls it—until/unless you’re in a monogamous marital relationship with that particular person, with the papers signed, the wedding bells rung, the rice thrown and all that jazz. It just can’t work any other way without making some major bumps in the road. Promise.
Nancy Jiles on a Sunday morning news segment this past Sunday hit a bit on this topic as well; lo and behold! Someone from the media believes women’s “sexual freedom” is actual bondage as well! I never thought I’d live to see the see the day. Nancy, you mah gurl!
Myth #11: Good parents always have good children.
02.13.06 (1:20 am) [edit]Myth #11: Good parents always have good children.
Quote: “Let’s be candid. All of use Christian parents, no matter what our background, parenting style or level of spiritual maturity, share a common fear—that a child will become a prodigal child. There is no jolt of agony to compare to the child who says with his words and his behavior, ‘I reject you, your values, your lifestyle, your God.’ We desperately desire that this will never happen in our homes.”- Dennis Rainey
Key Verses: Leviticus 10; 1 King 11:4-6; Proverbs 22:15; Mathew 18:12-14; Luke 15:11-32; Luke 19:10
I’m not a parent, so I can’t say that I relate to this topic very well. I can say that I do fear that if I ever have children that they would go crazy and do stupid stuff that would harm them, and totally reject everything I stand for, and everything I teach them. I suppose as a parent, you just have to pray a lot, do your best, and let God take care of the rest. Hey, I made a rhyme! Kind of a cute little jingle too. *Forrest Gump impersonation* And that’s all I have to say about that. Any other opinions are definatly welcome since I have little personal opinion here!
Leaves--public enemy #1
02.13.06 (12:41 am) [edit]I umpired a tennis tournament yesterday... all day yesterday... for sixteen straight hours I watched old people play tennis.
My eyes nearly bugged out with boredom. I half froze to death. (The temperature probably didn't get up to 50 degrees and the wind was predicted to blow 25-30 mph with gusts up to 40.) When I wasn't watching tennis, do you know what I was doing? "Sweeping up" leaves. (Leaves tend to collect on a couple of the courts I was watching.) The old people--both ladies and men-- were afraid they were going to fall on the leaves. This normally wouldn't be a problem, but it's rather difficult to capture leaves when they're flying all over the place under a 30 mph wind. So the players would call at the start of their match for an umpire to sweep the leaves. I, being the youngest umpire, got the job so I'd march out to the court with your everyday, household broom and a dust pan and attempt to ensare a pan or two full of leaves. Eventually, the people would see my efforts were futile and go one playing. They would finish the match, then another group of players would come on the court, and the whole process would start over again with me chasing leaves until the players felt sorry for me, and told me that my efforts had left the court safe enough to play on. Which wasn't safe enough for the next players. Leaves-- public enemy #1.
Myth #10: My money is my money.
02.12.06 (12:49 pm) [edit]Myth #10: My money is my money.
Quote/Fact: “Approximately two-thirds of Jesus’ parables are about money and financial management.”
Key Verses: Deuteronomy 8:10-18; 1 Chronicles 29:10-14; Matthew 25:14-30; Romans 13:8; 14:12
Having debt problems is probably one of my biggest fears. I know some people that are in way over their heads; I don’t know how they haven’t been arrested or something yet. I don’t want to get in over my head. In fact, if possible, I’d love to avoid ever being in debt, but in today’s society, that is virtually impossible. Unless I work ENCREDIBLY hard, or score a job/scholarship deal—they pay for my school, I work for them for __ years after I get the degree—school’s going to require some loans. It’s not exactly cheap going to a private school for six and a half years. I guess I fear debt so much because debt to me is counting the chickens before they hatch. I don’t want to misuse God’s “chickens,” since everything that happens to come to me is actually His. You could call we people with money God’s investors; He gives us the money, and we put it where we think it most profitable… or that’s the plan anyway. When we misuse God’s resources is when we get ourselves into trouble, whether it’s money or some talent or anything else. So, I suppose the first step to financial peace is putting God’s money where He’d like to invest it. Then, we can turn to what is for us—some for saving for later and some for spending. That’s my idiot’s guide to doing money the God way. Maybe I’m totally off. Any other opinions out there? By the way, I’m never the final say on anything I put on my blog because I am an expert in nothing, except maybe tennis and breathing. (You can ask me how to breath anytime.) In other words, I love comments. :-D
Myth #9: I’m accountable only to myself.
02.11.06 (11:52 pm) [edit]Myth #9: I’m accountable only to myself.
Quote: “Only fourteen percent of women are involved in a discipleship process at a church, and twenty percent or women are involved in a small group that meets regularly for Bible study, prayer, and fellowship.”—Barna Research Group (2000)
Key Verses: Ecclesiastes 4:10, 12; Galatians 6:2; Ephesians 4:14-16; Hebrews 10:24-25
Accountability is a difficult thing for me to attain simply because I don’t readily trust people. Rather, I won’t tell people I actually know and have to see on a daily basis. I’ll tell people that I can hide from, like old pals that live elsewhere or internet friends (including this blog) because I can just not answer phone calls, respond to IMs or messages. That takes care of that whole being accountable thing; nope, I’m just perfect. Except for the fact I’m NOT!!! One person I can’t run from is God, and I will always be accountable to Him whether I want to or not. I defiantly find myself pouting to God, “but!!!!” when I get that “shame on you!” feeling. Accountability is designed to be a triangle relationship—just like any other Christian relationship—between yourself, the other person and God. We’re supposed to allow God to run our lives. Again, let’s face it; we stink at running our lives. We’re the ones that get into the wrong situations, with the wrong people, doing the wrong things. As a result, we’re accountable to God for the nitty gritty, everyday battle. We’re also accountable to a few close Christian friends—the other corner of the triangle. They are there to check in with us an appropriate amount of times on our obeying God, which will show up in how well we are resisting this temptation or that which God instructed us to avoid. I hope that makes some sense. It makes a little to me. I’d like to study some more on this topic for my own benefit. So, the moral is, be accountable today, to God and to a trusted Christian friend. Really, go find yourself an accountability partner. RIGHT NOW!!! Ok, maybe not. (My Sunday School teacher once decided we were all going to be accountable to each other. Just out of the blue, “Let’s be accountable.” Nope, sorry; doesn’t work that way. Pick your own and make sure your partner reflects the accountability toward you as well; you have to do your part for them!) So, take the step and think about who you would want in that position, and if they’d mind you being there for them too. If you can’t think of anyone, pick someone that could be a possible choice and start building on that relationship pronto!
Myth #8: God doesn’t want me to have any fun.
02.10.06 (4:34 pm) [edit]Myth #8: God doesn’t want me to have any fun.
Quote: “God’s will is what you would choose for your own life, if you had sense enough to choose it.”- Anonymous
Key Verses: Matthew 11:30; Deuteronomy 28:2; John 14:15; Hebrews 12:10-11; John 1:12; Isaiah 29:13; 1 John 5:3
This one is a tough one for younger people to see around. I’m not sure I can see completely through this lie of the Devil either. I do know that God doesn’t want a bunch of zombies that blindly follow His will. If He wanted that, He would not have given us free will. He wants us to choose to love Him, and be His friends. There lies the key: freely loving God. By loving Him because we choose to, we will gladly and with abounding joy keep His commandments and seek His will because we understand that He’s not trying to suck all the fun out of life, but lovingly suggesting we keep away from things He knows will harm us. Like excessive alcohol, we even know that drinking too much will result in that nasty hang over in the morning and other consequences, but for some strange reason, that doesn’t stop us. As a result, God suggests to his followers to not bother with drinking a bunch. Perhaps we don’t always follow these suggestions because we suspect God’s holding back information from us, so we have to experience it for ourselves. In the case of using illegal drugs, that one look into what God’s not telling us is not just a look but a plunge. We’ll fall into a trap which is difficult to climb out of. Actually, only with God’s help could one clamber out of such a trap. In conclusion, I think that quote is awesome. I added it as a marquee to my screen saver. :-D
Myth #7: If we don't love each other anymore we should go our separate ways.
02.10.06 (9:05 am) [edit](I promise I've been consistent with my devo, for those of you that are concerned, which I believe are few to none in number. I wanted my minor problem--haha, I made a funny-- to have maximum exposure to get as much feedback as I could. So, without further ado, here is...)
Myth #7: If we don’t love each other anymore we should go our separate ways.
Quote: “Fifty percent of all marriages do not end in divorce. While any divorce is tragic, recent research suggest that one marriage in four is closer to the true divorce rate.”- Rich Bulher and Jim Killan
Key Verses: Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 Peter 4:8; 1 John 3:11
I hate divorce. I consider myself blessed that my parents are still together. I’ve witnessed many divorces. Growing up, most of my friends’ parents were divorced. I suppose my hatred for it grew out of that situation. I’d want to plan things with these friends on the weekends but they’d have to go spend time with mom or dad—who ever it was that they didn’t live with during the week—and these activities could not be disturbed under any circumstances. As a result, my plans were botched frequently. That was incredibly irritating. Divorce doesn’t just alter that marital relationship; it’s a life changing split. It affects the kids, the dog, the material possessions, the friends, and everything else anyone holds dear. An old pal of mine got divorced just a few months ago. Poor kid had to move back in with his parents while his bank account recovered. (It’s very strange knowing that I dated this kid at one point, and here he is married once, divorced and has a child. Weird.)
To me, when you say divorce, I say coward. You throw in the towel, as if this relationship were some lost basketball game. HELLO?!?!?! Marriage isn’t a basketball game; marriage is much more important and life impacting than the state or national championship game. Personally, I’d rather live as if we were roomies—seeing one another in our comings and goings and saying hi as the extent of our association—than go with a divorce. Only reason I could think of that I would do the divorce would be if he cheated, and preferred to terminate our marriage for his lover. If he sincerely repented, I’d have to take him back. I’d probably be miserable for a while, but I’d rather be miserable.
Marriage is a promise, a covenant, i.e. not to be taken lightly. “But we don’t love each other any more.” Whatever. The warm fuzzies may have abated, but that base enjoyment of the other’s company still resides somewhere inside. It’s like the joy v. happiness thing we talked about in a myth a little while ago; the warm fuzzies are great, and make you happy, but the basic enjoyment of the other as a person is what gets you from warm fuzzy to warm fuzzy. (Or so I assume, seeing as how I’m not married.) But ya, don’t be a quitter.
I promise I'm not going to say "shame on you!" to those out there that are divorced. Bad stuff happens. Just watch yourself next trip down the isle. Also, before you go off on my narrow minded view, please keep in mind that these are the ravings of a unmarried girl. Thanks. :-)
I need a minor.
02.07.06 (7:34 pm) [edit]I need a minor. My academic major--exercise science-- seems to be a small major, so I'm required to have a minor. Great. I don't know what to pick. The options I'm considering include Spanish, psychology, sociology, pe, leadership, or honors. Ya, I haven't exactly been able to whittle down the list very much. I want something that isn't too hard, will be a useful additive to my career, and look good on a resume. None of those choices really fit that description, which is why I don't know what to do.
Spanish would be useful and look good but at a high price; my minor might turn out more difficult with more hours of studying and lab work than my major! Languages are difficult; I like Spanish, and like to think myself at least ok at it--I can read fairly well, and they say I don't sound too gringo, but my listening and understanding and speaking skills aren't the best. Those would improve with practice, but do I really want to take the time to practice? That's the question.
Psychology has proven to be interesting. In reading career descriptions of physical therapists, an understanding of some psychology is handy. I don't really believe in what the field teaches though. People are complicated beings, and can't fit into diagnosis molds. The same goes for any medical field, but I think that fact is even more acute in psychology. A *HUG* goes out to those that are studying psychology; I admire your efforts to understand people's minds.
I'm not even 100% sure what exactly I'd be learning in sociology except how people interact with one another. I think that'd be interesting, not applicable to my career really, but interesting.
The physical education minor... the only reason I'm even considering that one is because of the direction I believe my physical therapy practice will take me. Having some of these courses under my belt may help, but the minor would require me to have a teacher's certification. That takes a WHOLE bunch of time and energy. Both of which I tend to run short on at the end of the day as it is currently, which would be nothing compared to what I would need to do.
Leadership is a new minor only program. The courses sound interesting, and I think would be desirable in future situations, whether in my career or in the community. (I love being involved with the community, and plan on being involved in some way for a long time.) But a minor in leadership? That word brings nothing to my mind in regards to a degree, and will probably leave the same blank expression on the faces of employers. All that work would be lost on them.
Then honors has the same problem with the degree meaning absolutely nothing except I took a bunch of hard classes. Big woop di do! Plus, I'd have to take an extra math class if I took that minor, and I try to not touch math with a six foot long pole, so that turns me off of honors. I'm considering this one because it offers a class in culture and I love learning about culture. Also, I've already taken some classes for this minor; I'm in the honors program, and starting next year, being in the honors program means you have an honors minor, but my class has a choice.
I've been praying for some hint from above as to which I should take. I guess Big-Guy's practicing that "silence is golden" technique, 'cause I've got nothin'. Or maybe I just have to wait. *shrugs* We'll see.
So I'm a blank slate and would absolutely LOVE you if you were to leave me a comment with a thought, suggestion, "aww poor bria" or anything else you find suitable to my delimma.
Myth #6: True success means always reaching for the next rung on the corporate ladder.
02.06.06 (1:46 am) [edit]I'm guessing the lack of response to my proposed question on my last entry either means that no one absolutely despises these myths in my blog or everyone is just apathetic towards them. No matter; both situations mean the same thing to: continue as is. To continue...
Myth #6: True success means always reaching for the next rung on the corporate ladder.
Quote: "No matter how much they make, most Americans believe twice as much income is required to 'live well'... Americans seem programmed to deny that they are well-off, which only detracts from our ability to appreciate what's going well in our lives... If there was ever doubt, modern American life proves that money cannot buy happiness."-Gregg Easterbrook
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:20; Matthew 16:26; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 1 Timothy 6:6-10
I'm thinking the key here is keeping in mind God's will for our own lives. The devo outlines two questions to ask yourself in making career moves: 1) "Is God able to carry out [His] plan where I am?" and 2) "Is God nudging me to make a change in my priorities?" Those priorities are a big deal too. The higher one climbs, the more resposibility is pilled on. Some people are born to take on large work loads and juggle that just fine with the rest of their life. I haven't had much a chance to move up a corporate ladder, except with tennis officialing. I wasn't really given the choice if I wanted to climb or not, because the program didn't have enough referees. (Referees are the head official at each set of tennis courts.) I suppose their--the local officals' association-- was a logical one; I've only spent over half my life on a tennis court, so I kinda know the rules. The only thing I really don't like about being a referee is being the final say in what goes on in the set of tennis courts I watch over, i.e. I get yelled at alot by angry players and parents. I don't like being yelled at. Who does, really? Although I have learned that I handle being in the hot seat much better than I used to. I suppose any supervisor type position is that way; dealing with the complaints and questions. Anyway, priorities are important. Another personal example... for a long time, my career goal was to open a physical therapy practice of my own. Through watching several people who I know that have their own businesses, I have come to the conclusion that I wouldn't want to have my own business because my priorities wouldn't fit into a private business. I want to be able to leave my work at work, and work regular hours. Maybe not 8-5. Maybe I'll have to get there early or stay a little late to fandangle with paperwork. (I've only worked with health professionals for a month this past summer and I already despise the amount of paperwork.) But I'd like my family and friends to be able to depend on me to be there for meals, for games or recitals, for backyard bar-b-ques and the big game and church services. I want to have a life outside of my work. So ya, my own business is not something I see myself needing to get into. Perhaps I won't be as profitable as I could be with my own business. I'm ok with that. As long as I have enough to keep a roof over my family's head--even if it has cans under it to catch the rain-- and something more than ketchup soup on the table (If God sees it fit that I even have a table!), I'll be good. Perhaps not great, but good. But yes, remember those two questions; I think they'll come in handy not in just in career decisions, but life choices too.
Myth #5: If I'm a good Christian, then nothing bad will happen to me; and a question for the readers
02.05.06 (3:20 am) [edit]Myth #5: If I'm a good Christian, then nothing bad will happen to me.
Quote: "The deepest level of worship is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during a trial, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering while suffering, and loving him when He seems distant."-Rick Warren
Key Verses: Genesis 50:20; Isaiah 53:3; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Genesis 37; 39-40
(A reminder that everything that follows is my response to a devo of the same title from my Bible (True Identity. TNIV.)
A friend of mine once wrote a beautiful poem on this very subject. I wish I had it on the network. 
Well, anyway, bad stuff happens... to everyone. Job was the poster boy for such a dilemma; he was a great guy, loved God, and God rewarded him for his life. Then the devil wants to see if Job will be so loyal when all of his rewards are swept away. Job's friends suggest repenting, as they reason that Job must have done something to deserve such punishment. Job refuses as he knows he's done nothing but God's will and patiently waits out this devilish deed and is rewared with a lot more than he had before God allowed him to be tested. (That's the New Bria Version 
) Joseph is a good example too of what to do when things just aren't going your way (Genesis 37; 39-40). There are many more Bibical examples, but let's take a more modern example now. How about President Bush? The majority of the public isn't incredibly impressed with his work, say the polls, but he keeps chugging. Jobs friends called him a fool for having a little faith; I would imagine the slave traders and Potiphar thought Joseph was a nut case for being so positive; many people wish President Bush would just give it up. God rewarded the Biblical "fools", and will President Bush too so long as he keeps to God's will. (I will make no comment on whether what Bush is doing is God's will or not.) True faith is shown not when you're standing atop the Rock with blue skies and a cool breeze, singing "Zippidie Do Da, Zippidie A..." but when you're still singing that song--amongst cries of help-- when the gail is about to blow you off the Rock. If the breeze has turned into a howling wind for you currently, use your base faith to cling to the Rock; never lose hope; the sun will shine again and you can return to singing a chipper song a little more in tune and with out shrieks of fear.
Poll: Are these devo myths interesting to you as the reader, or not? (I will continue reading and journaling about these myth things no matter what the poll says, but if an overwhelmingly negative feedback appears I may consider moving it to another blog that I don't use.) Thanks for your input!
Pledging Season
02.04.06 (11:58 pm) [edit]It's that time of year again--pledging season. I'm not pledging. In all honesty, I wish I were. All my friends are, so I'm getting left out of alot of stuff because I'm not pledging with them. The reasons I'm not pledging are as follows: 1) I don't have the time. Pledging lasts for four to six weeks--depending on which club you join. I can't give that kind of time in the spring, because spring is tennis season. With pledging, I'd be required to do something like every weekend; with tennis, I'm required to do something every weekend. I could make time if I let my studies fall by the wayside. Sorry. School comes first for me, especially since physical therapy school is ENCREDIBLY competitive. (They want 4.0 gpa's, but have been known to accept 3.5s. Generally, anything below a 3.75 gets put on the entrance waiting list.) Also have to keep a 3.75 to remain in the honors program which comes with a scholarship. I can't afford to loose that money. So ya, have to keep those grades as high as possible.
Reason #2: I don't have the money. The cheap one on campus is $50 a semester. That really isn't that bad, as far as they go; about the same price as the club I was a part of in high school that was pretty much a sorority, just for high school girls. The only reason I put up with the cost of that club was because I knew that as long as I kept all the club rules and was an active member, I'd get a scholarship in the end. I saw the membership dues more as an investment for my future. I'm tight fisted about my money; before I purchase something, I have to convince myself that I "need" this item and that I don't just "want" it. Except when it comes to accessories, particularly shoes. I think I have about five pair of brown flip flops. I haven't bought any new ones in about a year though, because that's when I found out I had that many. Amazing what you find when you clean your room! But ya, I don't "need" to be in a sorority. I know nationally recognized sororities give scholarships, but the ones on my campus aren't national, just local, so there's no scholarship in store.
Reason #3: I have a problem with buying friends. I can make my own friends without paying them to hang out with me. Thanks.
I suppose I wouldn't feel so out of it if I didn't know what I was missing, but because I was in that club in high school, I know how much fun, the good times, the laughter I am missing. *sigh* Oh well. Not like I have much choice here, anyway. I'm just going to feel rotten for the next two weeks until tennis tournie season starts. Thankfully though, practice starts this week, and I have a referee job next weekend, so I won't have to sit at home and go "woe is me!" Then, the next weekend tournies begin and won't end until mid April, so I'll be PLENTY busy. Just getting there will be a little hard. I know I'm a nerd, but I don't want to get too far ahead in my classes by studying extra because I have nothing better to do. I'm hoping another one of my friends that I haven't hung out with much this semester yet isn't pledging either. Haven't found out yet. Maybe we can hang out together while everyone else is off pledging. That would be nice; she's a sweet girl, and I'd love to get to know her better. Ah well, I suppose you can pray for me that I don't go crazy between now and tennis tournie season with no one to hang out with. Thanks!
Myth #4: He's not a Christian, but he's a great guy.
02.04.06 (1:30 am) [edit]Myth #4: He's not a Christian, but he's a great guy.
Quote: "About one out of four (26 percent) born-again Christians believe that it doesn't matter what faith you follow because they all teach the same lessons, a belief held by 56 percent of non-Christians."-Barna Research Group (2000)
Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 6:14; Genesis 2:24; Proverbs 4:23; Jeremiah 17:9; 1 Corinthians 2:14
This is for all the singly ladies and gents out there. Myth #3 mentioned trusting God; trusting God in our spousal choice is INCREDIBLY important. Think on it; choosing who you will be spending the rest of your earthly existance is a rather important decission. Don't settle for a medicore guy/gal; pick the one that God has in mind, and a fairy tale may just come true. There are some "nice guys" (or girls) out there, but ultimately it just doesn't jive quite right. I've dated a few of those "nice guys". One wasn't brought up in a "go to church" environment, so he started coming with me. I figured, "He can change, etc." Ya, uh huh. They change until they have you wrapped around their little finger, and then *BOOM!* right back to where they started. Tried dating a guy with a Muslim family once. That was fun. It was probably a good thing that most of his family didn't speak English; there would have been even more trouble in that case. So, chill out. Unlike milk, love does not have an expiration date; it will keep literally forever. Wait for the one that God points you to. He kinda knows what He's doing.
Myth #3: If I commit my life to God, He'll make me a missionary to Africa."
02.03.06 (12:33 am) [edit]Myth #3: If I commit my life to God, He'll make me a missionary to Africa.
Quote: "The real issue in life is not the search for God's will; it is the search for God. The issue in faith is not knowing what God is doing, rather it is knowing that God knows what He is doing. The issue of faith is seeking God's presence, not God's plan for my life, because there is no plan outside of my knowing Him."- Mike Yaconelli
Key Verses: 1 John 4:18; Jeremiah 29:11; Psalm 34:8; Psalm 84:11; Philippians 1:6
For the record, I would like to add a bit to that quote; I'd say that there is no plan outside of my AND other's knowing Him. Ok, glad we got that straight. Commiting to God is a scary thing, and shouldn't be taken lightly, no matter how silly the title of this myth sounds. Obviously, He does call some to Africa, but there are many many many more Christians that are not missionaries in Africa. He may call you to give up something you hold dear-- like a relationship, dreams, or a habit. Commiting to God requires trust; trust that God knows what's best for us, since He did make us and knows "the rest of the story" in regard to each of our lives. Let's face it; we each do a pretty crummy job when we take over our own lives and say we can do it just fine without any heavenly help, whether we decisivly say this to ourselves or only in our heart of hearts. The last huge time I flat out told God, "NO!"--I have a bit of rebellion in me, which isn't good in this case--I definatly landed face down in the dirt. After discovering I could have avoided this situation, I wanted to shove my face deeper in the dirt like an ostritch to hide from God in my shame. Hiding didn't work for Jonah, and it didn't work for me either. So maybe, just maybe if we commit ourselves to God whole heartedly with no reservations then perhaps things will turn out alright... maybe they'll turn out terrific! Actually, they WILL turn out terrific. Letting go of those things holding us back from God's will and heading off down unknown paths lined with dark, looming trees is not easy. Remember though, God as your guide will never lead you astray, but by following your own inclinations will eventually land you like Goldie Locks. First, she followed beautiful flowers off the path and kept plucking and created a beautiful boquet, but then the wolf appears. Don't let the wolf--Satan-- fool you; God's way is the best way.
Post reflection key verse: "And we know that in all thing God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28
Myth #2: Having _____ will make me happy.
02.02.06 (12:44 am) [edit]Myth #2: Having _____ will make me happy.
Quote: "The Bible talks plentifully about joy, but it nowhere talk about a 'happy Christian.' Happiness depends on what happens; joy does not. Remember, Jesus Christ has joy, and prayer 'that they might have joy fulfilled in themselves.'"- Oswald Chambers
Key Verses: John 10:10; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalm 90:14; Psalm 145:16; John 15:11
Well, I must admit I changed the title a bit. The actual myth title is "Having a child will make me happy." I think the writers called it that because the "story" that goes with the devo is about a woman who decides to be a single mom becaue she believes the child will make her happy. The rest of the devo is actually about anything that might fit in that blank-- money, success, a house, this relationship or that. You know what you desire; I know what I desire. I'd really like to graduate with honors in both my bachelor's degree and doctorate, have a perfect little family, in a perfect little house, in the perfect neighborhood with a smile constantly on my face. That's what I think would make me happy in my future. Once I get down to the smiles, I suddenly see the people in the house morph into plastic playhouse dolls with a wooden house front that blows over with the slightest puff of wind, crushing the people beneath, all the while the people smile. Life is dynamic; therefore, life is full of speed bumps, mountains, valleys and the like. Even if this were possible, I'd be nothing but plasitc, pretending to be perfect. That just won't do. If anything, I hope anyone who's read this blog for any amount of time or that knows me in person picks up on the value I put in genuiness. Things--those honorable degrees, perfect job, perfect house, perfect neighborhood-- can't satisfy the hunger of my soul, nor can people or the relationships I have with them. Only God can fill me to overflowing with joy. He holds the key to everlasting joy; joy is what keeps you going from one happy to the next. Without joy... I'd just kill over. I seriously don't understand how people who don't know Jesus and the joy He offers survive day to day. I couldn't!
My own added verse upon reflection: Psalm 42:1 "As the deer panteth for the water, so my soul longeth after Thee." KJV
Click for free to make the world a better place!
02.01.06 (11:41 pm) [edit]I keep forgetting to tell ya that I've added a new button under the "Advertisement" section in the right panel alongside the blog. It's to the Hunger Site. You click the button and then click the button that appears on the next page that says something to the effect of "Click here to feed the hungry" and that's it; you've provided food for someone who wouldn't be getting food other wise. There are several other sites linked with the Hunger Site such as Rainforset Site, Child Health Site, etc which function the same way, with your click! Help out a fellow human being today and click away! (hehe, I made a rhyme!) Each of these sites also has a large selection of fair-trade imported hand made products from across the globe that are encredible in my opinion. Purchasing something from these sites also goes toward the respective issues. But if you can't purchase, just click everyday to make the world a little bit better place.
