READ THE BIBLE IN 365 DAYS: SHORT AND CONCISE (8/18)

TODAY’S SCRIPTURES:

Esther 1:1-3:15  King Ahasuerus of Persia personally chose Esther to become his wife and queen.  The king was smitten by her beauty and intelligence.  Mordecai, Esther’s uncle, refuses to bow down to Haman, the king’s high official.  Angry prideful Haman vows to destroy Mordecai and his people, the Jews.

1 Corinthians 11:17-34  Apostle Paul instructs believers on the meaning of the Lord’s Supper.  This’ is not the time to feast & get drunk.  The Lord’s Supper is the time to reflect, remember, and proclaim God’s ultimate sacrifice for our sins.

Psalm 35:17-28  King David prays fervently for deliverance from his enemies; from their ploys to destroy him and his people.

Proverbs 21:19-20  It is better to live alone in the desert than with a quarrelsome, complaining wife.  The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get.

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Charisma — What Is It?

Not always easy to pin-point but we know when a charismatic person is in the room … someone who is uplifting, fun, someone you want to be around.  Good looking?  Helps but not necessarily.  Can you be attracted to someone just on appearance alone, for a long time?  I can’t.  Here’s one school of thought: (What Makes a Person Charismatic).  My all time favorite is Princess Diana — so open, genuine, kind.  Who is your charming?

Really? Twenty-Five Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4 1/2 Minutes??

If you see me with a scarf, you know I’m trying.  Totally clueless on how to wrap this thing around my neck!  Enjoy! 🙂

Jackie Evanco – To Believe

Breathtaking! Thanks for sharing! 🙂

I Have Shed My Mask

The most exhausting thing in life, I have discovered, is being insincere.  That is why so much of social life is exhausting; one is wearing a mask.  I have shed my mask.

Perhaps middle age is, or should be, a period of shedding; ambitions, material accumulations, possessions, and the ego.  One’s pride, one’s false ambitions, one’s mask, one’s armor.  Was that armor not put on to protect one from the competitive world? If one ceases to compete, does one need it? Perhaps one can at last in middle age, if not earlier, be completely oneself.  And what a liberation that would be!           (Anne Lindbergh’s Gift From the Sea)

What is self esteem anyway?

While it may be intangible, self-esteem is not invisible.  It’s easy to spot people who have high self-esteem by their behavior.  Chances are, the people you most like being with possess it in abundance.  These people are frequently described as “gracious” and “thoughtful,” which make them desirable as friends.  They love and care for themselves, but they are not arrogant.  They have compassion for others, which rise out of their compassion for themselves. 

Since a few of us accidentally arrive at a place of healthy self-esteem, these folks may be constantly aware of their own struggles to achieve and their ongoing effort to nurture it.  Their curiosity and interest in others lead them to be excellent listeners, another magnetic quality.  In addition, they have an elevated sense of personal responsibility; they rarely blame others for their problems or misfortunes.  They may have a passionate desire to contribute to society. 

Whether they say it or not, those with high self-esteem frequently have a sense of mission in their lives that others lack.  Knowing their own worth gives them a profound sense that they are here for some purpose, which, in turn, shows itself in reverence for life.  

Forward-thinking, they are aware that all past experiences in their lives have helped to mold their character.  Even when their lives have seemed difficult, you’ll hear them say, “I wouldn’t change a thing.”  They have a strong aura of integrity and truthfulness about them, but they are truly sensitive to the feelings of others.  People with high self-esteem don’t have the need to say everything that’s on their minds. 

The bonus you receive for hanging out with these folks is that in their presence you feel safe and accepted just as you are.  In fact, when you leave them you may find that you like yourself a bit more.  (Full Story)

Dare to Live Outside of the Box

“That’s not what society says,” “No one has ever done it before,” “That’s not what the educated and the well-connected say.”

SO WHAT?  All the more reason to do the unthinkable!

“Leigh Anne Tuohy manages to do what she wants to do in the way she wants to do it.  She doesn’t care what it takes or how she has to do it but she does it her way … I’ve never met anyone like that before.” (Sandra Bullock)

“Anytime anyone does something unconventional, you have to think about the reality of that (action). Usually, (change) starts with someone who can look at things differently … what if …” (Ray McKinnon)

Stand on the sidelines or get inside the ring — the choice is ours.  🙂

How to Reach Your Full Potential for God

Before introducing Dr. Charles Stanley’s latest publication, I wish to clarify, I am no right-wing conservative; to the contrary, a left-leaning Independent; a social progressive and fiscally, moderately conservative. 

More importantly, having been screwed too many times by unreliable knowledge and the perception of truth, this hopeless sinner came to the Lord 16 years ago, gradually beginning to trust what I’ve yet to understand (yes, the disobedient child FINALLY listens to her Father because her ways have resulted in intolerable pain and sheer misery).

Have you ever wondered, “What is my calling?  What is my purpose here on this earth?”

You’re not alone.  I know at least half a dozen friends who’ve shared similar thoughts, myself included.

Dr. Charles Stanley’s How to Reach Your Full Potential for God describes God’s wisdom and His ways:

1. God always gives us opportunities that challenge who we are already and that are designed to move us to a new level of what we are already doing. (The bold, courageous, fisherman, Peter, puts down his net to serve Jesus, becoming a fisher of men.)
2. God always calls us to something.  Jesus does not call us to quit something and remain idle for the rest of our days. (God didn’t simply tell Abram to leave his homeland.  God provided clear directions on how to reach the new land and the future that awaited him).
3. God sets before us a challenge that holds the opportunity for blessings beyond ourselves. (If an opportunity is only for you or your immediate family, it very likely is not from God.) 
4. God will confirm His presence as you pursue the challenge He has set before you.  (Peter walked on water until his faith in Jesus waned.  Peter also walked back–on water–to the boat with Jesus.) 
5. God’s challenges will always accompany the enabling power of the Holy spirit.  He will remind you of God’s commandments, Bible stories, and lasting promises of God’s Word.  In most exciting ways, The Holy Spirit will give you His creative and productive ideas.

At 44-years-old, I continue to search for my ultimate calling.  I have yet to find out, but regardless of the unknown, I choose to live daily with purpose and joy (doesn’t happen all the time but I try).

What’s your calling?  What do you want to be when you grow up?  🙂

Life is Precious

Precious — great value, cherished, refined (Merriam Webster)

What if you were abused (verbally, physically, and sexually) by your parents — the people closest to you, your support, your mentor — those who should be looking out for your best interests?

Precious — intelligent, courageous, strong, tenacious, priceless

Life — hard, short, painful, rich, precious!

 

It’s Complicated!

Don’t know about you but the the longer I hang around the block, I find myself enjoying the company of complicated people — the so called “screw ups” — the ever so adorable human beings! 

Would you prefer to be around people who are always “doing great” and “so together?”  Not me.  I’m so imperfect; I’d suffocate amongst wanna-be-perfectionists. 

Wanna know my humble opinion? Folks who think and act like they’re so together are really more screwed up than you and me — at least we’re able to admit to and live with our humanity.  “Perfect people” are just in denial — too insecure to face their true selves.  To the goody two-shoes, “STOP JUDGING.  LIVE A LITTLE!”

If you were divorced, successful, stable career woman about to start a new relationship, and your charming, unreliable, two-timing ex-husband showed up saying “I really want to grow old with you”, would you take him back?

My head would say “NO WAY!”  But my heart?  “Maybe …?  Maybe … someday?”

LIFE — so hilarious, so complicated, so unbelievable! 

It’s Complicated — two thumbs WAY UP!  A must see this holiday season!  🙂