eyesofatragedy's Blog
Beyond The GraveInteresting testimony... I was watching her body language and listening to her words; she seems very genuine. It also adds up. She doesn't feel rejected now! Yeah, God's love! I Wonder...I love sharing the wisdom I learn and helping people to live it out practically (though I think I need to learn how to give more examples). Beth Moore once said something along the lines of, "I just can't help but share what I learn. That's how I know I'm a teacher." That's how it seems for me. I love, love, love sharing! It's just that it seems the way I communicate is a bit odd. I think my diction and ways of explaining things are sometimes hard to relate to from other people's perspective. I'd like to be more clear and concise. Maybe I'd be better fit for teaching via writing, rather than vocalizing it. I know that when I had psycho-educational tests done, my results were as high a score in problem solving as they could be, and in the gifted realm for reading/writing. A blog sounds perfect for that. I'll just keep doing this as to build up my writing skill and hopefully give some helpful ideas to people. Adaption. It Takes A True Artist to be Inspired by Cockroaches.For the longest time and for as long as I can remember, I've always been freaked out by cockroaches. They seem disgusting and seem to dwell in the most vile environments. They are small in comparison to human beings and therefore are less easily detected. When I was younger, If I spotted a cockroach, I would not want to sleep until I crushed it. I was paranoid. I would go into savage mode, with my arm held high, holding an ob These days I sometimes stay in a house that is located in a more nature-enveloped environment. When I first arrived, I started to notice a few cockroaches and would kill them (guts everywhere, eeeeeeww). After a few days of staying there, I began to realize that there were many more of these foul insects than there were at my home. After some time, and without even consciously pursuing it, I began to grow more accustomed to these roaches. I didn't scream like a little girl or have paranoid adrenaline pumping through my veins when I spotted one (hey, some people get that way). Are they just as disgusting and creepy as before? For the most part, yes. But my perspective simply changed. I adapted. And yet, am I going to see a cockroach, try to catch it, and becomes friends with it? ... NO! x.x Cockroaches represent a childish fear that I used to harbor. Although I may not prefer them, I no longer lose peace or sleep when they are around me. They bring a sense of discomfort, sure, but they challenge me to think about why I'm so afraid of them and whether they are really worth any worry. After all, I'm hundreds of times larger than them. And if I kill one, how can I be so sure if there is not another one around while I sleep? I can convince myself I'm in control by worrying and killing the one I see, but I'm not really the one who's in control. And even if they were hundreds of times larger than me, is not God infinitely times larger than them in every aspect? If God is for me and loves me, what is there to fear? And so, by this simple experience, my brain decided to make a parallel to the human condition - welcome to my brain! Making life more interesting since 1991. Then, I decided to write about discomfort, challenges, and ultimately the good that it may bring. It takes a true artist to be inspired by cockroaches. Amazed? Be amazed by God, His imagination's waaaaaay more brilliant, intricate, and beautiful (and possibly less creepy). The only reason mine's a little cool is because of Him. If my imagination is simply repulsive, then that's one's on me. Hahaha. So, back to the subject: Most human beings seem to prefer a set way of living, as it's comfortable. Yet, living in a fractured world causes ever increasing changes, more-so negative ones, because of the constant coldness that is being blown our way (one cause is the media - increasingly devoid of virtue and responsibility). At the same time, opportunities arise for new light to shine in on the broken pieces of our existence. New warmth to be ignited in the midst of spiritual blizzards. If one chooses to see it, there are people who take what would have otherwise been only a damaging situation and use it display love and consideration of one's fellow man/woman. Is not love most concentrated, most demonstrated when times of tribulation arise? For it's easy for anyone to love during relative peace and "comfort." It's easy to love those who are kind towards us and do not challenge us to any noticeable degree. What is truly awe-inspiring is when one remains in peace and love, and yields it on to others, when it goes against our very nature to do so. Without challenge, we would only remain in ourselves, chained to our limited ideals. Some challenges are ill-intended, while some are well-intended. The desire to spread Truth in a loving manner, while still being open to learning, is well-intended. The desire to triumph over another, in order to bring a false sense of self-security for the challenger, is ill-intended. Either way, if one is enlightened by grace and truth via Jesus Christ (John 1:17), and uses His power (Ephesians 3:20), all things are able to work out for the best for those who love God and are called in proportion to His purpose (Romans 8:28). We love God by knowing His love for us; it's a natural effect of knowing Him. Love is not dependent or defined by our love for God, but by His love for us (1 John 4:10). Some comfort is deceiving and stunts our growth. The kind of comfort we always need to avoid is the kind where we grow complacent. We begin to believe that we are are sustained and satisfied in ourselves and what we can exclusively do on our own (that includes having friends or family that we only make and keep in our own ability and wisdom). This is false and dangerous. We are all created inter-connected and with the strongest need to depend on God (and before you disagree, consider that my perspective of God is probably different than yours - the name "God" has far too many meanings in this day and age and is often misused and misrepresented). The beautiful kind of discomfort challenges us to be molded out of our carnal nature and into our re-born nature; incessantly encouraging us to become closer and reflecting of our loving God, characterized in Jesus Christ (John 14:9). This sort of discomfort slowly pulls out the deeply-rooted, sometimes spine-decorated, tentacles in our hearts - there's going to be blood and it's going to hurt. The longer these tentacles remain, the more the roots spread deeper and deeper, even multiplying itself elsewhere in our most fragilest being. Often times, we only see the sprouts, and the branches manifesting itself. Foolishly, many only deal with them by placing a band-aid over it or cutting the outer stem, but not dealing with the roots. But if we are open to it, God, in His infinite wisdom, will show us the root itself and help us take it out. We don't have to be alone during these processes. Sometimes we should not be so quick to have it pulled out; sometimes we must first take the time to understand it, as to not let the seed be planted again. But the inner surgery needs to happen; otherwise, we die of infection. After each process of this, we also must depend on God to nurture us, so that we may heal. We must also be open to being taught how to live tentacle-free, love-filled. Remember, God is not limited to a being in the sky. He is everywhere and in everyone; and, if one is willing, He will use them to help someone heal from their necessary surgery. When God invites one to help, they are invited to be apart of His Love Plan, and if they choose to participate, they are never left unrewarded. The beautiful kind of comfort is being comfortable in God and His unfailing love for us. To rest that He is greater than our personal sins and mistakes, and those of other people. The beautiful kind of comfort is depending on Him in all circumstances, so that we may trust Him more and more. Why We Are Tense and Stressed?I have more to share about this, but recently a good friend of mine and I discussed tension, pressure, stress. He had a simple answer as to why we experience these uncomfortable sensations: we have not shared love. Love is a release. If we do not share it, the water in our well of love is unused, gets dried up, and no new water comes in. We may experience head-aches. Of course, there may be other reasons for this symptom, but I do believe that holding in our love that is meant to be overflowing and abundant does have its consequences. There was more to this analogy, but his reasoning was so simple that it was profound. That is the kind of wisdom I like. If we focus on sharing love, it now becomes about God. And if it's about God, it's about loving everybody. But we can not have that water flowing within us if we do not know His love for us first. We know His love by knowing Jesus Christ. He is our living water. A liiiiiittle off-topic, but these thoughts came to me: I talk about God's love a lot, but that's because without the Lord, there would be nothing at all. I'm also trying to use God's holy reasoning to drive out any carnal, natural reasoning that's still in my heart or apart of whoever reads this (who does?). It's so easy to get caught up in the reasoning of our "logical and knowledgeable" minds. But once you taste from the well of true wisdom, that old logic tastes like parasite-ridden, filthy water in comparison. There's this gaping void in the middle of hearts/souls/imaginations/being that all of us experience at one point or another in our lives. Some are consciously aware of it everyday. We are all incessantly trying to fill it with anything - tangible and intangible. An idea, a substance, a person (including ourselves), the earth (e.g. nature), the unknown (e.g. outer space)... anything we idolize. Often we worship the buildings and not the Builder, and this is when we only prove to make that hole larger. If the buildings are worth our adoration, how much more is the Builder worth? That's like loving someone's art more than loving the Artist, and yet the art came from the Artist. The created art is only a small part of the wonderful imagination and skill of that Artist. There's something indescribable that true wisdom, true love does to your soul, your being. It's a long journey, but that's okay. A lot of amazing experiences on the way. ... That rhymes. Thanks for reading my random tidbits of thought (well, I don't know if they are "tidbits," but in comparison with the amount of thoughts that I have, it's a very small portion...). Fantasy, Reality, Disappointment. Love, Reality, Fulfillment.Has someone disappointed you? Is it because the idea, the dream, and expectation of them that you harbored has not come to pass? I think many of us, if we are honest, can answer a resounding "Yes." We may blame our disappointment and disconnection because of them not meeting our ideas, our dreams, our expectations. We can justify it with whatever we can imagine. Yet, what are our standards? Who are we to say what is worthy or unworthy of our efforts? Are we not all soiled? Do we not all come short of the glory of God? "Well, sometimes people go too far," some will say. Yes, sometimes people do. In fact, I'd say everyday, people do. In truth, so have you. Did not Christ die for your shortcomings? Did not Christ beckon you into an intimate relationship with Him? Has He ever once said, "Some things you did to me were tolerable enough to save. But others, well, were not. And if they were, I'll forgive you, but you're not welcome in my heart. You crossed the line. It's your fault. I guess you're outta luck. Get your act together and then we'll talk." We all know people who think like this, engrossed in their web-like pride that they're not aware of. They could be avoid followers of Christ, even. Even so, it's probably deeply-seeded, and there's no need to point the finger at people who point the finger. Useless response. But guess what: we have ALL been this person. The reason you were disappointed was because your fantasy did not match with another person's reality. Let your fantasies go, forsake your own limited imagination, and ask God to show you His own dream: to love, and to love without anything ceasing it. To create beauty with loving-kindness. Does God just love you, far up in the sky, passively, hoping just somehow you'll know His love? Maybe by some chance, you'll guess that He does? No, He demonstrates it. We may not always understand why or how. But let NOT our choices of passive love be excused by not wanting to get hurt, or that we are displaying tough love. Christ went on the CROSS (the word excruciating derives from cross) for you, because of you. He was humiliated. Separated from His Father (He is everything beautiful, wonderful, powerful... the very air we breathe. The creator of the heavens and of the earth). He became a FOOL for YOU. Do you think that didn't hurt? And was He not guided by the wisdom of God Himself, Love Itself? He didn't use the line of, "Well, it's tough love," whenever it was convenient. He knew His Father's will and He knew how to deliver it wisely. Now, some of us may ask how does one love this way. The answer is to have a revelation of God's love. Some of may think you have already had one. But yet you still struggle with loving people this way. There is no discrediting that you have experienced God's love in a profound way. But in one way or another, you have not really let it penetrate your heart, because you only choose to love so much. Somehow, you're not relying on His grace quite enough. Continue to search Him, pray about it, believe in Him. He'll provide the faith you need. He wants you to have it more than you do. Cutting the cryptic and excusing nonsense out, let's get down to the marrow. Let's be overflowing with love and light! The Only Love I'll Ever Know!
"Bright are the stars that shine
I was certain that the Truth would be
And you will always be
God for the shameless pride.
Knowing what I now now,
And The Mystery of Your love for me
I believe in the quest and the journey. Inspirational Stories of Real People!I love this! There's so much beauty in this story. They are so genuine and show an aspect of true friendship. I'm so glad that they've been blessed by this journey of life. Johnny has such a kind heart; I hope his depression really heals. :) Notes about God's love and its effects.You can learn the whole principle of law just by living in this world. The whole world system gives you want you deserve. People love you when you scratch their back, and they'll scratch yours. You do something wrong, they reject you. We learn response according to performance. You don't learn grace (undeserved favor) instinctively. Keeping the commandments is a fruit, not a root, of salvation. Most people think, "if I do right, then I'll be right." No, it's the opposite. If you be right, you'll do right. As you are in your heart, that's the way you are. If you're fighting against sin, the problem is that you don't really love God, because you don't have a revelation of God's love the way you should. Because once God's love becomes a revelation to you, it makes lust for other things die. Lust of other things keeps you in bondage and sucks the life out of you. God's love is full of grace and opposes the world system of "you get what you deserve." Hence why Christ, the innocent and entirely holy Son of God, died for your sins. You put Him on that cross. And yet He chose to go through with it, to gladly bring forgiveness to you. YOU were, are, and always will be worth it to Him. With His resurrection, He gave you the choice of salvation. He is the lover of your soul. Regarding fall for temptation: the reason you're lusting for other things is because you've never really tasted just how good God is. Once you understand how good God is, why would ever turn away from God to serve evil? The devil is a jerk; he's killing you. He only comes to steal, kill and destroy. The only reason we serve the devil so well is because we haven't really experienced the love of God and the depth that we should. Instead of feeling condemned and rotten over all these things, every time you see sin, failure in your life, lust for other things, it ought to drive you back to your needs. "Father, somehow or another I don't understand how much You love me. Somehow or another I'm not walking in the love of God. If I was, I wouldn't be lusting like this. My flesh is not being satisfied form You, and so it's having to be satisfied some other way. I'm turning to things not of You." All we have to do is get hooked into the love of God, and we will instantly start walking in a greater measure of purity. Some may say, "Well, I believe they'll still sin." Well, sure they will. All of us will still sin. Those of you who think you're so holy, you still sin, too. All of us fall short of the glory of God. You will manifest a greater degree of holiness motivated by love, than you will motivated by fear. Fear will make you find out where the line is. Here's the line, over there is sin, and here's okay. Fear will make you get as close to that line as you can. You'll be walking that line like this: "I'm not in sin yet. I haven't sinned until I get totally [insert sin here]." You'll just allow yourself to be tempted, and eventually you'll fall. A person who's motivated by love will be a person that says, "Man, if that's where the line is, I'm gonna get WAY over here. I'm gonna get so far away that if I stumble and fall, I still won't cross that line." Love will cause you to live a holier life. When you do stumble and fall, let God's grace pick you up again, instead of your own condemnation that simply gives a worn-down crutch. The more you realize you're accepted and loved, the more you'll want to live for who loves and accepts you. Almost all these notes were taken from Andrew Wommack's "God's Kind Of Love - The Cure For What Ails Ya!" You can visit his website at www.awmi.net. He gives the option to listen to all of his teachings free of charge via download. He's the rare kind of person that will tell you the truth undiluted, with the intent of love and freedom. The Hunger.Surrender. The control has never actually been in your own hands. Broken heart. There's a way to be healed. Let go. Everything of the world is temporary. They seem to have it all together. It's a lie. You don't have it all together. Truth. But He does. They don't care. Maybe. But He does. Accept. You are accepted, you are loved. Defend. Let God defend you. Die. Let your human nature go. Live. You're a new creation, fueled by love. Forgive. They know not what they do. Forgiven. You tried to kill love and life itself. Love still saved you and gave you life. Fear. Not real. Faith. Everything. Get over yourself. It's not about you. It's about Him. Be quiet, be still. He whispers. Experience. Feel His presence. But, but, but. Zip it. He'll show you the way. Release. It's healthy. Filled up. Overflowingly. This is a weird blog. But it's an honest and helpful one. Before you seek, before you intend, before you do. You are accepted right now. Yeah, I was talking to you, Heart. Don't forget who's you are/who you are. Let's follow Him! *raises sword* From Separated To Sanctified.I love how, when I decide to open my heart up, I'm reminded that I've had a blood transfusion: Christ gave me His perfect blood in exchange for my poisoned, belligerent blood. In this process, my former self, broken and separated, died. But then, along with His hand in mine, I was resurrected - a new creation: beautiful, pure, white as snow, radiant... His. Yes, His creation. The most wonderful creature I could ever be. This time, I'm not separated, but rather, set apart. Set apart, as in sanctified. Becoming the creation I was designed to be. And yet, if this wasn't enough, He sees me as an honored guest, a glowing bride, a gift from His Father. (How can I even write this? How can I find the words? He's so limitless and lovely...) Not because I earn brownie points, or always remain in wisdom, humility, selflessness... or even that I remain in love. It's also not because I screw up, over and over again, lost in bitterness, confusion, and self-obsession, and He simply wants to condescendingly throw pity at me and show me who's boss, as He waves His finger at me. No. It's because He remains as Himself: He is Love. And He loves me. He actively, fiercely loves me. He runs in my very veins, giving me life. How much more will I be saved? It's not because I'm special. It's because, in God's love for whoever, Christ made us special for whosoever believes [in] Him. You can know Him, too. Thanks for reading. God Bless! Showered With Love.The other day, as the warm water cleansed and refreshed me, I started to pray. I knew I could rely on God's grace, for, like a young child, I have nothing to offer in my nakedness except for my acceptance, and yet He welcomes me. He welcomes me... Then, I later find out He established a step for me. He answered an aspect of my prayer... right before I asked it. Yes, this is the God who loves me, who loves us. And though I've only seen glimpses of Him, I am captivated in the most liberating way. Only He could do that. God is mind-blowing, heart-healing, soul-satisfying, and spirit-saving. And infinitely more than words can describe. I'm so touched by even the little things that the Lord does to show His love for me, His affection for me. Even to be sensitive to His touch is a blessing. This sort of sensitivity, this increasing awareness of who He is - what fuels Him and even what breaks His heart - is the kind that I am very honored to be given. Our very lives are positively, directly affected by Him; it's so important to know God. It's so important to trust Him. Excellent Movie Scene.This blog has been marked as containing adult content. Your current adult settings prevent you from seeing it. Please go to your account settings page and change your settings to allow adult content to view this blog Simple PleasuresI am always blessed. It depends not on my mood, other people's choices, nor mine. I simply am unconditionally blessed -- a state of being. Whether I'm aware of it or not depends on my state of mind. But there are certainly times when I not only know that I am blessed, but I feel and experience it. And of course, more-so as I grow in my faith. Tonight was one of those times. After my community group's weekly bible study and application time, we brainstormed on what we wanted to do for the rest of the night. We finally decided to get some ice cream and play a game that's similar to telephone and pictionary intermixed. Essentially, each person thinks of a random phrase or thought, writes it down on a paper, then the next person has to draw it out on a different paper, then the next person has to write out what the picture is about, and so on. We began to play; at one point, my friend, T, recognized a friend of hers and invited him over, so he got to partake in our silliness. Seeing the process is so hilarious that no words could describe it! And honestly, I haven't genuinely laughed for far too long, let alone laughed to such an extent. We were all having hysterics to the points our throats/stomachs started to seriously ache! I had tears in my eyes in certain moments, haha. And to think, all we had was paper, markers, our imaginations, and most importantly, Christ. Additionally, I came to learn more about my fellow friends. Any way to learn more about ways to help them is such a gift in my eyes. And to be open to being helped. One of the girls expressed to me that it was easiest talking to me about some of her struggles. She felt I was compassionate and non-judgmental. That did my heart good. God is so good, all the time. :) Paying It Forward?Paying it forward? I think not. I'd say it's closer to Giving It Forward, Sharing It Forward, Loving Forward. In no way does truly learning from loving-kindness (chesed) and thus continuing it onto others involve a payment. There is nothing to pay for. Our debts have been fulfilled, our burdens ultimately lifted. If one is given endless amounts of wonderful food and satisfying water - without deserving it, without purchasing it themselves - and they have such an overflow, they share with others, it cannot be defined as paying. And yet, even with these gifts given to us, when we share with others, we are rewarded. Even though we did create or purchase the gifts. Even though we may plant, and water, and feed, we are still not the ones who cause it to grow. We did not create the cycle. And yet, we are given more love in sharing love. That leaves me in awe, in healthy humility, and in love with the Lover. Now I consider... that nothing compares. On a personal note, I am getting opportunities to reach out to people. There are a few who are responsive and welcoming, in their own way. Those who don't trust, take the chance to trust me. Those who dislike people, like me. But I know it's not 'me' they trust and like. It's Christ in me. Yet, I am able to be apart of this grace plan. How cool is that?! Also, quite recently, I've felt my habitual sensation of invisibility. And yet, a few unexpected people have questioned how I am and wished to speak to me. Others who I have not spoken with in awhile, contacted me in hopes of comfort (this was seen by me, not expressed by them). I find more and more purpose in living everyday. I'm not as invisible as I think... that's profoundly uncomfortable and yet exciting. On a side note, some of you may think - now who thinks of this? Or, perhaps, "it's one of those people." Eh, I think many don't take the time to look at words and life the way I do. ;) And might I add, no one looks at the world the precise way I that I do. Embracing unique gifts, FTW! ^.^ Thanks for reading. Reclusive - (my friends please read)To those who I converse with: I apologize for the length of time it takes me to respond, at times. But know that when I do respond, I try to endeavor into a quality conversation. When my soul is not quite at peace with itself, I tend to hide hermit-style. Or when I feel that I have a lot of nothing to say, or "not good enough," or I simply don't want anyone to see me in a certain state-of-mind, I recluse. I write this to communicate to you that the temporary silence from me does not have to with you personally. I am always thinking about responding, but find it unnaturally difficult to reach out, even in the simplest of ways. There's a root for everything... and I haven't dug this one up just yet. But as the saying goes, "better late than never." And I think it takes more courage, from what I've seen in my own experience. I typically respond eventually, and sometimes even quickly. I realize that this is not healthy and don't accept it as apart of my very personality. It is a work-in-progress. In the mean time, I truly appreciate your patience. I know talking to me is not the highlight of the day, but I'm simply wanting to mention this so that you do not feel offended or that I don't care for you. I hope my dear friends understand. You are all so special to me and special to the core. God bless Stand Up Under ItFour portals sit, right with pain, Fueled by the sins of the inhumane. Which four do you hold most tight? Why, the same ones that you'll have to fight! Sorry about the life you've spent? Your remedy is to repent. Daily MiracleEarlier this evening, I decided to try and stifle the unsettling silence with a TV series or movie. I loaded Netflix, which was taking longer than usual. I tried to watch Monk, but the connection to it was not loading. I decided to simply look down the list of suggestions. I then swiftly came across a title that looked interesting. I clicked on it, hoping to find the desc As I watched, I was interested. More and more, I realized that the movie involved acknowledgement of God! In my experience, it's rather difficult to come across Christ/God-centered movies. If I do watch a movie/TV series, I often settle with ones that are, at very least, mostly clear of stumbling blocks. With this experience, I didn't even have to go on a long search for a great, inspiring movie. Praise God, I'm glad He led me to clicking on it! It really moved and inspired me. It was interesting to see this perspective of faith mixed with hard work. Acknowledgment and the unmerited favor (grace) of God shown anywhere always moves and touches my heart. I also enjoyed that this movie came across as very down to earth and sincere. The even more awesome part: it's ba The movie is called: Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story I recommend it. Oh, and afterwards, I was such at peace. I looked my cat in the eyes and told him I loved him and that I really appreciated him. He then slowly went out of his way and licked my cheek a handful of times, bl Simple little gifts from God. I love it. Not to mention huge cute attack. >.> You should know...That there is not one day that passes by without a chance for purpose. There is not one turning of the earth where you are not given the opportunity to help someone. What the world calls "small acts of kindness" is actually a beautiful, infinite part of the process of success and living the abundant life. It doesn't matter what you've done, where you've been. His mercy is new every morning, and He gives wisdom generously, without rebuke. Start thinking differently and watch yourself living life differently. I encourage you to open your soul to the Hand that has been helping you all along. You can only give what you have. And He wants to give you everything. He wants to put the desires in your heart, so that when you earnestly seek His will, you will be where you were created to be. And you will be more joyful and at peace than you can imagine. Let us not be fooled by confusion and duplicity. Let us remember the sweet, powerful simplicities that the world has been whispering to us to replace with noise and anti-love. Yes, life is intricate and detailed. But it has never been complex or made impossible to understand. We will not perish, if we do not say from belief, "It is hopeless." Because, in truth, it is not. The Truth will set you free. Always. Let's choose to not be afraid. God, the creator and father through the covenant, is for you. Receive your real revelation of this. That is what I hope and pray for you, whoever is reading this. Thank you for taking the time to read this. God bless. Sometimes, ya just need tuh let it out.Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! A;EDIJF;ERTN IDN;JVKDJ FNWEOA8IR703PRHn2w3erpHFNJCG BREHDJKFMAEUIFNL ;WEIHFNAWE8ARYFHOB3LAKJDFKJERO8YUAHGNLAERDFJA;IDHJG;AGDKNGAIJERJLWAEHID FKNAE;IHJFAI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 Just expressing myself. :) I'm tho thilly.
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