The Heart of the Matter

I am not familiar with any studies on the topic and I am no anthropologist but I have observed an increase, worldwide, in the ‘awareness’ of some of the more noble things in life, like family life and spirituality. At this time, I can point specifically to Marriage and Lent. There seems to have been a reversion of sorts where, like their fore parents, the young working class of the 21st century are marrying comparatively early. It seems they have diverted from Sociologists' projection of them delaying marriage in favor of career advancement and extended exploration of their sexuality etc. Similarly, at the start of Lent, many appear more spiritual and express a growing interest in parting with prized possessions or giving up comfortable habits for the period. While these two seemingly unconnected things are outwardly praiseworthy, it would be interesting to consider the heart of the matter. After all, the heart has been said to be deceitful above all else! Truth be told, if we do not marry out of true obedience and devotion to God and to another or if we do not engage in true fasting through acceptance and remembrance of what Christ has done for us, then we are treading on serious ground. We are just putting on a show. For... "Man looks at the outward appearance while the Lord judges the heart" 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV).

It is then important that we always question our true motives and discern the heart behind all our actions; not just during Lent but habitually, even for those actions that appear good. It must never be that we are just going with the flow, or getting caught up in another fashion trend or hype for... "Every man's way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2 (NASB). Think on these things.

~Live Life, Love God, One Encounter at a Time~

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A Matter of Time

I don't think it's any coincidence that God's time seems to be the theme for this month. There just always seems to be a time line involved in everything we want to get done. Anyway, as my birthday is fast approaching I've been spending time reflecting, going through pictures, reading my journals just really reflecting to get some perspective. What was interesting was that while going through the journal I just happened to buck up this to-do list...yea...one of those goal to-do lists where I need to do x by y time . Funnily, the list was written back in 2006 and it had check boxes placed next to the goals. I noticed that at least 3 boxes were still not ticked at the time, while others were ticked and dated...and now for the surprise the unchecked were: 1. Become a lacto-ovo vegetarian 2. Go Natural and 3. Something else that I can't quite remember now.. . It was very funny to me, as reading it marked the 8th day since I had gone vegan with no desire for mea...

Empathy?

I feel your pain I look to you and I cannot imagine how You pulled through, how You were able to still go on You were made an example of how I could pull through the storms of life. Could I? What immeasurable strength What grace in the face of hardship For a moment you stumbled For a moment cast down under The burden of despair and the past. Then like an eagle on fresh wind You alight to face the new horizon Staring blatantly in the face of uncertainty To taste the dew of new mercies. Dare I Empathize? You my friend are the epitome of Strength. ~Live Life, Love God, One Enkounter at a Time~

Loneliness Cure: Emotional Hygiene

Before the grumpy cat gets under your skin this Valentine's Day, here are my FIVE favourite quotes from Dr. Guy Winch's TED Talk: "We all know how to care for our physical health but what do we know about maintaining our emotional hygiene?" "We sustain psychological injuries (failure, rejection and rumination) even more than we sustain physical injuries." "Once we become convinced of something, it's very difficult to change our mind." "You cannot allow yourself to feel that a situation is helpless. You have to fight for control over the situation and break the negative cycle before it begins." "When you're in emotional pain, treat yourself with the same compassion you'd expect from a really good friend." For more great quotes listen to his 17 minute talk below: What are your favourite quotes? ~Love God,Live life,One Enkounter at a Time~

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