Talk Talk Talk

"Let your conversation be always full of grace..." -Colossians 4:6

Increasingly, I am more and more pulled, attracted and drawn to a people group of a different tongue, a different language. This language does not originate from any of the spoken languages on earth. Rather it originates from a language that can only be taught from above..it's a sort of heavenly language. You cannot just learn how to manipulate your tongue and lips to make the sounds of this language, for its distinct and unique sounds are not formed in the mouth. It's formed in the heart.

What exactly is this bizarre 'heavenly language'? It's a language which has all its conversations and dialogues bathed in grace. Foremost it's affirming and life-giving. Not nagging and life-sucking. It's kind, gentle, and can effectively deliver truth that's hard to receive in a fashion that is not harsh yet sharp enough to cut through ice. It's full of grace, it's spoken carefully instead of carelessly, sincerely instead of deceitfully "nice".

I once held the notion that this was the way wimps or the weak and flaky spoke. But I'm learning from my experiences being spoken to from others who speak this language of grace, that this notion is very far from the truth.

It is a language that reflects a heart that is strong, mature, loving, sensitive yet secure and confident while also humble. It is a language that I'm coming to believe, is best learned as any other foreign language is learned..by immersion. Yet it's speakers are rare and few. May I find more and more of these people who speak this language, so I can learn it too! For I believe it slowly transforms the listener from the heart..for it is from the overflow of the heart that one speaks.

Even though this is a foreign language to most on earth, there requires no interpreter for it's the native language that all hearts crave and can understand for it's what the heart of mankind was created to receive. While it's foreign and rare...once you've heard it spoken, it's crystal clear what it's meaning is, for it's a heavenly language of grace, and it speaks a message like it's original Speaker does..foremost the message of love..in grace and truth. We are soon to be celebrating the birth of the One who speaks this language so perfectly.

Merry Christmas..

Big Girls Don't Cry

Big girls don't cry. I like Fergie's song..makes for some good tunes. But living in the mindset that believes this is another story.

So, big girls don't cry...Really?
Or is it that we live in a culture or society that nurses and coddles the false notion that crying is a sign of weakness. Could it be more truthful to state that since we are so uncomfortable with how to respond as an adult, to the emotion of sadness, pain, or anger being expressed through the avenue of shed tears; we simply hold onto this notion that big girls don't cry. Or big boys for that matter.

What if we look at it through the eyes of actual big boys and big girls, and therefore can be OK with discomfort that often may accompany this emotion when being expressed instead of repressed? Could it be that it actually takes courage, stamina and real balls to express the emotions that cause tears? Doing this with trusted friends and family where there is safety is wise. Doing this with the general public or acquaintances isn't necessarily the most productive; but not the worst thing in the world either.

Why are we so dry when it comes to sadness, pain and anger, yet this world is full of violence? Could it be that if we shed a tear for the real losses experienced in living in this beautiful but broken world, we may actually prevent some of the violence that explodes from repressing it for so long?

Big girls don't cry..until they grow up.

Being Clean & Tidy Can Reek

Stress in life is inevitable, right? I'm beginning to challenge that notion. Is stress really a given for living? Is that really what you call "living"? I'm starting to realize more and more that stress is commonly a self-imposed state. Yes, there are the inescapable tragedies that unfortunately do occur in life, that no matter what; are unpreventable. Like natural disasters or a health crises; to list few, but I'm thinking more of the daily stresses that we put on ourselves from external pressures that we submit ourselves to. Why do we go to such great lengths to submit to these; often sub-conscientiously when we really do not need to? In fact, when doing so could actually be toxic, or unhealthy and lead to the demise of our relationships with others? One reason I believe many people do not fellowship or simply "hang" with each other so much, and instead are more or less isolated in their own homes is because of this phenomenon. Hopefully I'll get my thoughts across clearly to communicate my point here...

Quite frankly, I personally do not invite many people over or host get-togethers very often because of the "work" that I feel or anticipate being involved in such an endeavor. My house is not one I feel proudly showing off and even if it were; to maintain that condition of my house is a lot of work..especially if you've got kids. What is this crap that I, and so many others get into with this being an obstacle of enjoying the company of others? It is a cultural strong-hold or trap; that keeps us at bay from one another because the "work" that's required is so superficial and doesn't seem to pay off. Why doesn't it seem to pay off? Because all that work being put forth is for hiding from reality, from what is; and instead putting on a polished mask that we believe is what "should be" in place of what is. We think it to be more acceptable or "appropriate" to others to have our masks on. A clean and tidy house, a clean and tidy persona. Well my friends; doing relationships in the milieu of life isn't always going to be clean and tidy. Let's take ourselves and each other off that vicious hook.

Yes, I do enjoy a clean and tidy house. But if I function out of the belief that that is a pre-requisite for enjoying my relationships in; forget about it! Too much work for such little dividends. I'd rather put work into something that will pay off in a real relationship with others based on love and mutual acceptance rather than a facade that requires so much work.

So, while working hard to maintain my clean and tidy house and presentable face to others, I produce sweat and sweat reeks! Quit working so hard to maintain that and the sweat won't reek.

The challenge and the struggle is this; that I feel much better telling you that you need to not judge me and see past my flaws with respect and acceptance..but can I do that with yours? I had better if I want to have a real relationship with a real person versus a relationship with a person on cyberspace interacting via an interface instead of interacting in her real face.

Sanctus Real- Lead me (Official music video)

Motherhood - Honorable Duty; A Charge For Myself

Inside the complex but passionate heart of a Mother...

I feel it it is my duty as your mother to know you well; then in turn to care for you, nurture you, teach you, cherish you, love you and discipline you and trust in God's grace to cover over my vast areas of limitations and weaknesses. Then eventually, turn you completely over to Him as your Heavenly Father when you come of age, and then support you as a fellow disciple and child of the Almighty God. This duty that comes with motherhood is a duty not to be taken lightly. It is not for the faint at heart nor for the coward, nor is it for the arrogant or haughty one.
It is brought on with blood, sweat and tears. Is the journey always a pleasant one? -No. Does this then excuse me of my duty? -No. Is it a duty carried out with a begrudged heart? -May it never be so! May it be a duty carried out with a heart that senses the great honor and privilege to be the one counted on to do so.

Some People's Kids...

"Whoever corrects a mocker invites insult;
whoever rebukes a wicked man incurs abuse.
Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you;
rebuke a wise man and he will love you.
Instruct a wise man and he will be wise still; teach a righteous man and he will add to his learning." ~Proverbs 9:7-9

This reminds me of the incident on Memorial day (yesterday while writing this) when a big group of guys started playing tackle football in the middle of a pretty crowded park/beach area at a local public park. They were running over others who were on their blankets/beach towels; including families with young children. It was obvious they did not care if someone got hurt or ran over in the process of playing their football game, as they did run over others before doing it to us. Me and my 8 month pregnant self, my young daughter, niece and my sister, while my husband was grilling right by us. My sister and I spoke up when their ball came and landed right in the middle of where we were on our blanket with our children there. She said to them that there were kids around and they shouldn't be doing that and I spoke up saying they needed to show some respect to others and that they were not the only people there at the park. A few of them became hostile and cussed at us, in front of our kids, then ignored us and kept right on playing as if nobody else was there trying to enjoy the same area as they were. The police were called and they overheard this, and again became hostile chattering amongst themselves, while still continue to play their tackle football around a crowded area. The police responded and they dispersed.

Later on, I was waiting in line for a long long time in the women's bathroom, and a young lady literally budged and cut in front of me, I was next in a very long line and she went into the next open stall as if there was no line at all! I "rebuked" her saying, "Ya know, there is a line here." She ignored me and cut in line. Man, what rude people who do not care about anyone else and for whatever reason don't have basic common courtesy that a preschooler is capable of showing. Well, what is a mother to do?!

This verse is a reminder and a guide on correcting or rebuking "mockers" or "wicked men". It often brings about no change, or good change for that matter. Actually it sounds like it's inviting insult. So I shouldn't waste my time or energy in doing this. There's not much I can really do to change these things, the world will never be lacking in its supply of these type of characters, that are without any second thought. So why incur abuse and insult upon myself?!!

But what about John the Baptist? He essentially was thrown into prison and was beheaded for rebuking Herod the Tetrach? And Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their blindness and self-righteousness, and he was crucified? Should they have remained silent? Should we never rebuke fools or mockers to save our own heads or asses? Think of all the heroes in history who risked their lives or well being to speak out against injustice, not just slight insults like I experienced? Well, in my personal opinion, speaking up to the morons who were running over everyone to play tackle football was okay, it was my mother bear instincts to protect my kid from being pummeled by 180 pound brainless dudes trying to catch a football..sorry, little tangent. But for real, there is a place for people to speak up and out for the outcries of the voiceless and helpless who are being unjustly treated or oppressed. Look at Martin Luther King Jr. He lost his life for speaking out against the racism in his day...was it his fault? NO! So what's up with this Proverb?

Well, I guess I have to come to a conclusion somehow for now at least, that one should count the cost...is it worth it? Is God calling me to do this? Don't just habitually rebuke mockers and then be surprised when insult and abuse follow. It's not merited, but it's the world we live in. At the same time, be conscience about speaking up and knowing that insult and abuse may likely follow...sometimes it is definitely worth it, for sometimes silence is more deadly and cowardly than the act of what you are speaking up against.

For the most part in daily living though, at least in my experience right now...most of the mockers are doing petty things that don't really endanger my well being or my loved one's well being...it's just endangering or threatening my pride or ego, or convenience..that's being completely honest..it's hard to be humble and turn the other cheek...but consider the outcome...is the fool really worth it?...Nah.