deeper thoughts

Life has it's interesting twists and turns, bumps and dips. 

After all it is life isn't it. 

And what is it we do with this life how do we purpose it?

What do you think we should do with it?

If you had to paint a picture of life's purpose

 what would it look like?

paint it

"silence"

Recently I taught a class on silence, during which, I talked a lot - (James 3 was the centerpiece)

When I was about 8 or 9 years old I wanted to know what my name, "Tate" meant; My dad told me he had watched a movie ,in that move their was a cowboy and an indian with a broken or missing arm, one of those two was named Tate. And he liked the name. And although I am primarily Italian I do have some Native American blood in me. 

During my childhood search of my name's meaning I came upon a name book. It was large, dusty and musty with that basement mold smell about it. I can still remember where I was as I leafed to the "T's". My childhood home foyer, a spot where the light was dim. As I got to the "T's", was I to find the meaning of my name....was it be revealed?! 

AND THERE IT WAS - - -  - Tate - Native American Origin "Talks too much"

So there you have it - I am Native American albeit a small percentage and I def talk way to much. 

So I noticed something. My dad is getting older in the neighborhood of 75 years old and as this process happens he has become quieter. Not that he talked incessantly mind you, but when he talked you felt it. It could sting, hurt, inflict damage and damage it had inflicted. 

Can't really throw any rocks at my dad as I talk more than he does (primarily for his attention) and in doing so I too, inflict damage. 

Here's the bottom line. 

My dad was over Sunday night for some oysters/steak/chicken a fire and family. As you get older, you get quieter. He was quiet. I liked him better.

I think I need to be quieter. 
As my dad was quieter I didn't flinch as he was not jabbing with his powerful words. 
Words are mighty powerful. They are biting and as much as I was taught that "sticks and stones may break my bones and words will never hurt me".....it's a lie. Words have hurt me and MORE IMPORTANTLY....my words have hurt. 
May my mouth be thoughtful and not as much thoughtful with my brain, but with my heart and may my heart seek wisdom from above. 

If you are inclined. Read James chapter 3 in the bible. I promise.....it won't hurt you. Only man can hurt you, not God. 

SOS - - SOS - - SOS - - SOS

THE distress signal to end all distress signals.

My answer is always - - - "this world is not my home". A friend of mine, when he hears of a mega-tragedy says, "Lord, come quickly".

I call heaven home, I answer to God as much as I can, I fail miserably, but I try.

I just heard some SOS info. Some good acquaintances  in a bit of a family turmoil. Things hurt, no doubt.

Jesus forgives us all - - for everything - - always.
People......well......not always so.

Jesus teaches humility and 

"love"

"patience"

"kindness"

"gentleness"

"peace"

"joy" 

"goodness" 

"faithfulness"
and...my least favorite...

"self-control"

and I love absolutely love, love, love the last line of this verse...

"against such things there is no law"
there is no law against kindness!

and so...amidst the distress of an SOS...
should we forgive 
or 
should we treat others how we want to be treated?
are there truly unforgivable  actions?

love to love
give to give
your sos's have been answered

justified

I justify my actions. 

I find confidence in my decisions for me, for those decisions are for me, by me and to benefit me.  

I justify my actions. 

your tongue is a rudder

it steers the whole ship

sends your words past your lips or keeps them safe behind your teeth

but the wrong words will strand you*

I justify my actions

What I need to do is let God justify me and not me justify me. 

a) No human being can tame the tongue. 

b) From the same mouth come blessings and cursings. 

c) By your good conduct let your work show in the meekness of your wisdom. 

So many things I have said to others, my friends, my family, my spouse, my co-workers and the list goes on. My tongue is dangerous. Lord, God, let my tongue hesitate, let my words be used to uplift others (((and not myself!!!)))

Let no corrupting talk come of of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear it. 


*Play Crack the Sky lyrics by Brand New
All other words in blue are God's

5 days of life

This week in pictures was a bit frightening. 

I tried to do three things in a MAJOR way. 

#1- don't complain about anything/anytime/anywhere. Being a daily driver let alone a human proved this extremely difficult. Not to mention my natural sarcastic/fictitious persona. 

#2- treat others how I want to be treated. this was BEYOND difficult, however as I practiced number one, I found number two, to get easier. 

#3- not to judge others for their appearances and actions, AGAIN beyond difficult. 

As I put all three of these practices together I would find each of these items, as you may, became easier or less prevalent in my daily life. 

"what once was hurt, what once was friction, what left a mark, no longer stings, because Grace makes beauty out of ugly things"  U2

persevere

The other morning I was reading about how one persevere's, especially through suffering and how suffering produces character and it is through that character we get hope.

Hope is being sure of something we cannot see. And having hope comes from troubles.

I do think it is through those troubles and how we look at them that we get character and hope.

I guess this brings us back to the heart.
God tells us to guard our heart for it is the wellspring of all life- it is from where everything flows. . And God tells us the heart is deceitful above all things. Hence the guarding.

The take-away's; perseverance through suffering can build your character and from that you can develop heart, but I do think you have to be guarding your heart first and foremost in order to get character and than hope.

Protect your heart like a keeper protects his goal. Protect it like a  knight protects his Queen.

Protect your heart for that is from where-hence all things of your very being flow.

God bless you.


((listening to Chicago "Feelin' Stronger Every Day" and "Here in My Heart"))

random notes to self

a) are we called to convince others of Christ or represent Christ?

b) when you learn to accept yourself, than you learn to accept

c) appreciate everyone, everywhere, always, all the time

d) believe in others John 11:25 ((think about it))

e) Nooma means wind, breath, air, spirit

f) Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the president. God's word (I  substituted president)

g) my own selfishness is my biggest downfall

h) three subjects that fascinate me - the "heart", "confidence", "motivation"

i) raising my family has been my greatest challenge

j) raising my family is my greatest achievement it is where I find the source of my happiness.