Okay, I am not a big fan of small talk. For those of you who have ever had a ‘drive by’ conversation with me, you know what I’m talking about. For those of you who do not know, a ‘drive by’ occurs [usually] in the halls of a work environment. It could even happen in obscure places like the local grocery store or mall. Dive bys happen when you aren’t in the mood (which for me is never) to have a casual conversation with an acquaintance, co-worker, random ex boyfriend, boss, or even classmate.
I hate small talk (especially drive bys) for several reasons. The first is the most common drive by conversation:
(avoid eye contact until you are about 3-5 feet away from each other, even if you saw each other and made awkward eye contact from 100 feet away)
"Hi! How are you!"
"I’m good, how are you?"
"Good!"
Then you keep walking. Actually, the entire conversation occurs while each party is in motion (or ‘driving by’). Neither one stops because neither party wants to commit to a full-on conversation.
I usually don’t even respond to the "How are you" part of the convo (which makes for an even SHORTER and even MORE AWKWARD conversation)…
"Hi! How are you!"
"I’m good, how are you?"
[keep walking]
You don’t care how I am. Frankly, I don’t care how you are. If I TRULY cared, I would stop to have a conversation with you. But I didn’t. Ciao.
Mean, right? Yeah, I acknowledge that it isn’t really a socially acceptable thing to do. And I am ALL ABOUT following the social norms to avoid awkwardness…
Wait…. Anyways, I hate it… I hate it even more now that I realized THAT wasn’t even what I was going to discuss with this post.
My point of the post is ‘obvious statements.’ I’m annoyed by them. It is quasi related to the small talk point, so I think I’m safe. When I see someone in the halls, for example, I feel compelled to say something ‘witty.’ I think I am a funny…no…HILARIOUS person and I think people expect the best when they see me coming.
It would be like if you saw David Copperfield at the local mall and asked him to do a magic trick. Or saw Michael Jackson and told him to dance. Or sing. Or stay away from your son. Or like if you saw Brad Pitt and tried to hump his leg. These are all normal responses to people. You expect great things when you see them because THAT is what they DO.
Humor is what I DO. You want inappropriate? You got it! You want to be rolling around on the floor laughing? Boom Shak a lak a! You want to laugh so hard you start to projectile vomit? I’m your gal. I think you get the point.
When I worked at the hospital, my patented witty comment was, Working Hard or Hardly working? That was appropriate with all the goof troop people I was around. And FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON it NEVER got old! I worked there for six years and got a small chuckle, even toward the end. Gross.
When having a drive by conversation with someone, you might get involved and have to stay a little extra and put a little more effort into the conversation. THIS is when the OBVIOUS statements come out….
It’s 2009…
Looks like rain…
You cant be an expert on everything…
It’s Friday! T.G.I.F.
I’m ready for the weekend!
Why oh why…..Oh sheesh….I’m done- this is getting out of control.….
Mark and I moved to Naples, Italy on April 22, 2012. We will be there for three years and will be documenting all aspects of our crazy new life overseas. Enjoy! Ciao! -The Bakers
Saturday, April 18, 2009
ENGLISH
Words are weird. I never really appreciated English because it was so subjective. How could I write the SAME PAPER and give it to two different teachers… I would get a C from one of them and an A (and rave reviews) from the other one…
That is the exact reason I became an accountant. Your accounts either match up, or they don’t. There isn’t a subjective perspective to the whole process. You take out that whole ‘teacher’ factor of the equation. And I like it. Words are weird. Numbers? Not so much.
Anyway, one of my best friends, Jen, has always had trouble with the difference between the words Passed and Past. I would always try to explain it and she would always NEVER get it.
"I passed a car in the past."
She never got it. She SWEARS that she understands it, now that she is 23. I bet she’s wrong. Whatevs.
My youngest brother took the SAT exam not too long ago. Apparently the kid is like a baby genius and was asked to take the exam along with his fellow Vigo County prodigies. When my mom picked him up from the test, she asked how it was.
"It was okay, I guess. Not too bad. There was one section that was sooooo stupid! I didn’t even want to do it!"
"What was it?" Mom asked, wondering what part of the SAT test was so ludicrous that her prodigy son nearly skipped over it…
"There was this part where they would give you a word, then you would have to find the synonym. Do you know what a synonym is, Mom? It’s a word that means the SAME THING as another word! If we already have a word, why OH WHY do we need ANOTHER WORD that means the same thing?"
Mom was shocked. How was she supposed to respond? By pointing out that English is a jacked up language and he has to prove his intelligence if he wants to really show everyone that he is a prodigy? By explaining the difference between the words and knowing when to say, "That’s crazy!" versus "That’s ludicrous!" ?
Mom called me later that night. "Why do we have two words that mean the same thing, Tiffany? It just doesn’t make sense! I would venture to say that he is on to something…"
"Yeah, Mom! Why don’t you go ahead and have that phenomenon of a brother of mine write a letter to the creator of the SAT exam, explaining the situation. I’m sure it will go over well!"
Good luck on the SAT, Evan! I hope you past!
That is the exact reason I became an accountant. Your accounts either match up, or they don’t. There isn’t a subjective perspective to the whole process. You take out that whole ‘teacher’ factor of the equation. And I like it. Words are weird. Numbers? Not so much.
Anyway, one of my best friends, Jen, has always had trouble with the difference between the words Passed and Past. I would always try to explain it and she would always NEVER get it.
"I passed a car in the past."
She never got it. She SWEARS that she understands it, now that she is 23. I bet she’s wrong. Whatevs.
My youngest brother took the SAT exam not too long ago. Apparently the kid is like a baby genius and was asked to take the exam along with his fellow Vigo County prodigies. When my mom picked him up from the test, she asked how it was.
"It was okay, I guess. Not too bad. There was one section that was sooooo stupid! I didn’t even want to do it!"
"What was it?" Mom asked, wondering what part of the SAT test was so ludicrous that her prodigy son nearly skipped over it…
"There was this part where they would give you a word, then you would have to find the synonym. Do you know what a synonym is, Mom? It’s a word that means the SAME THING as another word! If we already have a word, why OH WHY do we need ANOTHER WORD that means the same thing?"
Mom was shocked. How was she supposed to respond? By pointing out that English is a jacked up language and he has to prove his intelligence if he wants to really show everyone that he is a prodigy? By explaining the difference between the words and knowing when to say, "That’s crazy!" versus "That’s ludicrous!" ?
Mom called me later that night. "Why do we have two words that mean the same thing, Tiffany? It just doesn’t make sense! I would venture to say that he is on to something…"
"Yeah, Mom! Why don’t you go ahead and have that phenomenon of a brother of mine write a letter to the creator of the SAT exam, explaining the situation. I’m sure it will go over well!"
Good luck on the SAT, Evan! I hope you past!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Flip Flopper
I sat by a guy the other day in class who was the epitome of a flip to the flopper. We would have to do case studies as a group. Then we would appoint a reporter, who would share our findings with the class.
Ummmmmmm…… Our table would discuss the cases. We would always have people on either side, but we would almost ALWAYS come to a conclusion.
This cat was the reporter more often than I would have liked. I just didn’t appreciate when he talked. The reporter is the one who represents the knowledge base of the group and this guy did n-o-t do that.
Example:
Q: Is the sky blue?
A: The sky might be blue in some cases because that is the answer that we found in the book. But there are other times when it is not. It also depends on how you look at it. Sometimes there are rain clouds in the sky and those are not blue, so that is a good point. Sometimes there is a rainbow after the rain comes. Rainbows are formed when a ray of sunshine reflects against the rain condensation and the clouds. It is a marvelous site. That would be another example of a time the sky is not blue. But because the sky is mostly blue most of the time the answer could also be that yes, the sky is blue.
What the heck did that guy just say? Did he say no or yes? And why did it take him so long to say either a two letter or three letter word? I’m confused.
I think the guy had the mindset that if he answered EACH time with both possible answers, then he would ‘save face’ and safe himself embarrassment when he was wrong. If he gave all possible solutions in HIS solution, then, in fact, he would always be right.
My point of view is that if he gave all the possible answers so that he would ensure that he was right, wasn’t he WRONG EVERY TIME also?!?!??!? What the heck!??!?!? I won’t even get into the fact that the guy looked like a straight up jack bag every time he spoke too….. Let’s just say class is over and I’m happy….
Ummmmmmm…… Our table would discuss the cases. We would always have people on either side, but we would almost ALWAYS come to a conclusion.
This cat was the reporter more often than I would have liked. I just didn’t appreciate when he talked. The reporter is the one who represents the knowledge base of the group and this guy did n-o-t do that.
Example:
Q: Is the sky blue?
A: The sky might be blue in some cases because that is the answer that we found in the book. But there are other times when it is not. It also depends on how you look at it. Sometimes there are rain clouds in the sky and those are not blue, so that is a good point. Sometimes there is a rainbow after the rain comes. Rainbows are formed when a ray of sunshine reflects against the rain condensation and the clouds. It is a marvelous site. That would be another example of a time the sky is not blue. But because the sky is mostly blue most of the time the answer could also be that yes, the sky is blue.
What the heck did that guy just say? Did he say no or yes? And why did it take him so long to say either a two letter or three letter word? I’m confused.
I think the guy had the mindset that if he answered EACH time with both possible answers, then he would ‘save face’ and safe himself embarrassment when he was wrong. If he gave all possible solutions in HIS solution, then, in fact, he would always be right.
My point of view is that if he gave all the possible answers so that he would ensure that he was right, wasn’t he WRONG EVERY TIME also?!?!??!? What the heck!??!?!? I won’t even get into the fact that the guy looked like a straight up jack bag every time he spoke too….. Let’s just say class is over and I’m happy….
Talker out Louder
What the heck is up with this chick? Everyone has one! Now I am quite aware that, in order to talk, it must be out loud. But every office has that one person who talks way too loud…and in excess…..
This guy/gal is the one who gets off the phone from a conversation. A discussion (in fact) that you JUST HEARD EVERY PART OF because the person was talking so loud! As soon as they get off the phone, they turn to the first person who makes eye contact with them and DISCUSS the ENTIRE phone conversation!
"That was my kid! They have a runny nose, can you believe it?!?!"
"Oh that Sally is a funny one! I told her a joke that I just HAVE to tell you…"
Then there are the people (and maybe even the SAME people) who talk (loud) to work through their problems…..
"Now where did I leave my purse? I know that I had it before lunch. Then I went to the bathroom…Oh! There it is! Right where it’s supposed to be! It was just covered by this paper!
Can you believe that?"
"I cannot get into this system! I just tried my password and it just won’t let me in! Oh! There it is! My CAPS LOCK was on! Silly me! Can you believe that?"
I was in a three day meeting one time. About four hours into day two, someone in the back started talking REALLY LOUD…not about accounting. Everyone turned to see what she was adding to the conversation about footnotes for the financial statements ONLY TO FIND that she was on the phone, talking (*loudly*) to one of her girlfriends. I’M NOT KIDDING when I say TWO FULL MINUTES later, she said,
"Hold on, girl, I’m going to have to walk out in the hall. These people in here are talking too loud."
SHE is a prime example of what I’m talking about….
Then there is also the person who asks an excessive amount of questions, just to hear themselves speak. You know this is what they are doing because they are the ones who answer THEMSELVES!
This is where I must stop to mention that if you are asking questions and answering them yourself, you ARE this lady in the office. Even if and when you ask a legitimate question, people are going to CONTINUE to ignore you. Please take this hint: SHUT UP
I used to work with a lady who discussed it WITH EVERYONE when she was mad:
"I can’t BELIEVE they are shutting down the system at 3! Now what the heck am I going to do?! Why would they do that? Oh, I am so mad!"
"Why is he off today? That’s just great! We were supposed to have lunch together! Now what am I going to do?! How inconsiderate! Oh, I am so mad!"
I was told the other day that one of my friends plays a game with a guy that he works with. LITERALLY you can say ANY sentence, and the guy will chime in. He will have a personal account related to your sentence, and he will be sure to share it with you.
"Panera Bread is good!"
"The other day I was at Panera Bread and saw someone get robbed…."
It goes like that…..
I’m talking about the lady who sits on the other side of the cube from you. On the phone the other day, I heard her say (DIRECT QUOTE….I WROTE IT DOWN AS SOON AS SHE SAID IT, SO THAT I WOULDN’T MESS IT UP…..)
"Ain’t nothin’ normal around here, is you kiddin?"
Let’s just say I’m glad to be seated next to Francisco. His broken English is craaaazy, but at least it is English.
This guy/gal is the one who gets off the phone from a conversation. A discussion (in fact) that you JUST HEARD EVERY PART OF because the person was talking so loud! As soon as they get off the phone, they turn to the first person who makes eye contact with them and DISCUSS the ENTIRE phone conversation!
"That was my kid! They have a runny nose, can you believe it?!?!"
"Oh that Sally is a funny one! I told her a joke that I just HAVE to tell you…"
Then there are the people (and maybe even the SAME people) who talk (loud) to work through their problems…..
"Now where did I leave my purse? I know that I had it before lunch. Then I went to the bathroom…Oh! There it is! Right where it’s supposed to be! It was just covered by this paper!
Can you believe that?"
"I cannot get into this system! I just tried my password and it just won’t let me in! Oh! There it is! My CAPS LOCK was on! Silly me! Can you believe that?"
I was in a three day meeting one time. About four hours into day two, someone in the back started talking REALLY LOUD…not about accounting. Everyone turned to see what she was adding to the conversation about footnotes for the financial statements ONLY TO FIND that she was on the phone, talking (*loudly*) to one of her girlfriends. I’M NOT KIDDING when I say TWO FULL MINUTES later, she said,
"Hold on, girl, I’m going to have to walk out in the hall. These people in here are talking too loud."
SHE is a prime example of what I’m talking about….
Then there is also the person who asks an excessive amount of questions, just to hear themselves speak. You know this is what they are doing because they are the ones who answer THEMSELVES!
This is where I must stop to mention that if you are asking questions and answering them yourself, you ARE this lady in the office. Even if and when you ask a legitimate question, people are going to CONTINUE to ignore you. Please take this hint: SHUT UP
I used to work with a lady who discussed it WITH EVERYONE when she was mad:
"I can’t BELIEVE they are shutting down the system at 3! Now what the heck am I going to do?! Why would they do that? Oh, I am so mad!"
"Why is he off today? That’s just great! We were supposed to have lunch together! Now what am I going to do?! How inconsiderate! Oh, I am so mad!"
I was told the other day that one of my friends plays a game with a guy that he works with. LITERALLY you can say ANY sentence, and the guy will chime in. He will have a personal account related to your sentence, and he will be sure to share it with you.
"Panera Bread is good!"
"The other day I was at Panera Bread and saw someone get robbed…."
It goes like that…..
I’m talking about the lady who sits on the other side of the cube from you. On the phone the other day, I heard her say (DIRECT QUOTE….I WROTE IT DOWN AS SOON AS SHE SAID IT, SO THAT I WOULDN’T MESS IT UP…..)
"Ain’t nothin’ normal around here, is you kiddin?"
Let’s just say I’m glad to be seated next to Francisco. His broken English is craaaazy, but at least it is English.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
No Condemnation
March 30, 2009- Christianity.Com Devotion
No Condemnation
Melissa Taylor
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Devotion:
Today's key verse is one of my favorites. It has comforted me many times in my life. It gives us freedom from the condemnation we often project on ourselves. If God promises freedom, then why is it so hard for us to believe, feel and grasp the fact that there is indeed "no condemnation" for Christians?
Self-condemnation just comes natural to me. If I didn't purposefully keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and remind myself of who I am in Christ, I'd beat myself to pieces with condemning thoughts and words.
The Lord has the neatest ways of reminding me there is no condemnation as His child. Just this morning God spoke to me directly through a devotion I read in Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling. I felt as if the author had been following me around and knew exactly what I needed to hear. Actually I knew it was God Who knew exactly what I needed to hear. It read, "Do not listen to voices of accusation for they are not from Me."
Hello Lord. Are you talking to me? You know that I often feel down and disappointed in myself and call myself names. You knew my feelings had been hurt by someone's comments. I hear You telling me not to listen to the voices of accusation. Thank you for that reminder right when I needed it.
The devotion continued, "Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me."
Lord, is that You again? You know that I spoke unkind words to my husband last night and You reminded me to "pause before responding." Thank you Lord for bringing me these words as a reminder of what You want from me. I needed these today, right now.
I get so excited and amazed when this happens. It just affirms that God cares about me. He loves me. He is real in my life today. Have you ever had a "God moment" like this?
If left to defend myself from self-condemnation and condemnation from others, I'd be defeated every time. Fortunately we don't have to defend ourselves. In fact, we don't have to "lift a finger" (Exodus 14:13-14). We have the greatest defender in God and His Word. As we take the time to listen to Him, He can remind us that He is with us, He loves us, and it's true..."There is NO CONDEMNATION in Christ Jesus!"
Dear Lord, when I forget, please remind me that I am not condemned. Help me to see the difference between conviction and condemnation and keep my eyes and thoughts on You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
No Condemnation
Melissa Taylor
"Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Devotion:
Today's key verse is one of my favorites. It has comforted me many times in my life. It gives us freedom from the condemnation we often project on ourselves. If God promises freedom, then why is it so hard for us to believe, feel and grasp the fact that there is indeed "no condemnation" for Christians?
Self-condemnation just comes natural to me. If I didn't purposefully keep my eyes fixed on Jesus and remind myself of who I am in Christ, I'd beat myself to pieces with condemning thoughts and words.
The Lord has the neatest ways of reminding me there is no condemnation as His child. Just this morning God spoke to me directly through a devotion I read in Sarah Young's book Jesus Calling. I felt as if the author had been following me around and knew exactly what I needed to hear. Actually I knew it was God Who knew exactly what I needed to hear. It read, "Do not listen to voices of accusation for they are not from Me."
Hello Lord. Are you talking to me? You know that I often feel down and disappointed in myself and call myself names. You knew my feelings had been hurt by someone's comments. I hear You telling me not to listen to the voices of accusation. Thank you for that reminder right when I needed it.
The devotion continued, "Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me."
Lord, is that You again? You know that I spoke unkind words to my husband last night and You reminded me to "pause before responding." Thank you Lord for bringing me these words as a reminder of what You want from me. I needed these today, right now.
I get so excited and amazed when this happens. It just affirms that God cares about me. He loves me. He is real in my life today. Have you ever had a "God moment" like this?
If left to defend myself from self-condemnation and condemnation from others, I'd be defeated every time. Fortunately we don't have to defend ourselves. In fact, we don't have to "lift a finger" (Exodus 14:13-14). We have the greatest defender in God and His Word. As we take the time to listen to Him, He can remind us that He is with us, He loves us, and it's true..."There is NO CONDEMNATION in Christ Jesus!"
Dear Lord, when I forget, please remind me that I am not condemned. Help me to see the difference between conviction and condemnation and keep my eyes and thoughts on You. In Jesus Name, Amen.
TARDINESS
I’m not ‘much’ for being on time. I am just not that into it. There are much more important things in my life than ensuring that I meet your deadline. With that said, in class last week, our professor would give us ‘checks’ for each time we were ‘on time’ to his class. You got one check if you were ready when he was. You got two extra checks if your whole table was ready when he was. Let’s just say I didn’t have many ‘checks’ compared to others.
The checks were equivalent to a $2 bill to me… I didn’t care.
Until one time I arrived late from a break. It was only ten minutes and that wasn’t even enough time for me to refill my water bottle. I got the stink eye from everyone at my table. Whoa. What the heck? They were upset that I wasn’t there for them to get their two extra checks.
To which I wanted to reply: (I must put the reply I wanted to say because it is way funnier than the lame apology I gave them.)
You are aware that you are all between the ages of 40 and 50 years old, right? You are grown adults who can make your own decisions. You are also aware the fabulous prizes that go to the person with the most checks probably consist of a yo yo and a stress ball in the shape of a name? You are ALSO aware that, if you care so much about winning the check competition, you can CHEAT and give yourself as many checks as your heart desires? You are ALSO aware that the check game is just a goofy way for the professor to ensure that anyone willing to fall for the scheme is in attendance for the duration of the FOUR DAY class. You are also aware that I am bored out of my mind and need a little more than a ten minute break for the massive amount of information you are vomiting onto me to process?
Whew. I’m done. I also ended up getting a prize for all my checks. I ended up with 121. The overall winner had 160. We both passed the class. And, oh yeah….EVERYONE got prizes.
-in case you are wondering, I got a small bottle of honey as my prize. The top winner got a beanie baby. Better than a stress ball brain? You decide.
The checks were equivalent to a $2 bill to me… I didn’t care.
Until one time I arrived late from a break. It was only ten minutes and that wasn’t even enough time for me to refill my water bottle. I got the stink eye from everyone at my table. Whoa. What the heck? They were upset that I wasn’t there for them to get their two extra checks.
To which I wanted to reply: (I must put the reply I wanted to say because it is way funnier than the lame apology I gave them.)
You are aware that you are all between the ages of 40 and 50 years old, right? You are grown adults who can make your own decisions. You are also aware the fabulous prizes that go to the person with the most checks probably consist of a yo yo and a stress ball in the shape of a name? You are ALSO aware that, if you care so much about winning the check competition, you can CHEAT and give yourself as many checks as your heart desires? You are ALSO aware that the check game is just a goofy way for the professor to ensure that anyone willing to fall for the scheme is in attendance for the duration of the FOUR DAY class. You are also aware that I am bored out of my mind and need a little more than a ten minute break for the massive amount of information you are vomiting onto me to process?
Whew. I’m done. I also ended up getting a prize for all my checks. I ended up with 121. The overall winner had 160. We both passed the class. And, oh yeah….EVERYONE got prizes.
-in case you are wondering, I got a small bottle of honey as my prize. The top winner got a beanie baby. Better than a stress ball brain? You decide.
Evan’s FLUFFY STUFF
This is one of Jen’s favorite Evan stories. Evan was (I’m guessing) around four or five at the time. We were eating dinner when Evan came out from the back room wearing nothing but his ‘big boy’ panties…..er…..underwear…..
You know the kind…. Whitey Tighties with Spiderman on the butt? Bright Red elastic band on the top?....
Anyway, Evan came out complaining….
"Mom! I have fluffy stuff in my underwear!!"
(Mom) "Evan! What the heck are you talking about!? What is in your underwear?"
"FLUFFY STUFF!"
As soon as Evan repeated FLUFFY STUFF for the third time, he reached right down into his underwear and, sure enough, pulled out several dryer sheets. Dryer sheet after Dryer sheet came out of the poor kids skibbies.
Ever since that day, whenever I see a package of FLUFFY STUFF at the store (pre-packaged cotton candy) I have to buy it for my youngest brother.
You know the kind…. Whitey Tighties with Spiderman on the butt? Bright Red elastic band on the top?....
Anyway, Evan came out complaining….
"Mom! I have fluffy stuff in my underwear!!"
(Mom) "Evan! What the heck are you talking about!? What is in your underwear?"
"FLUFFY STUFF!"
As soon as Evan repeated FLUFFY STUFF for the third time, he reached right down into his underwear and, sure enough, pulled out several dryer sheets. Dryer sheet after Dryer sheet came out of the poor kids skibbies.
Ever since that day, whenever I see a package of FLUFFY STUFF at the store (pre-packaged cotton candy) I have to buy it for my youngest brother.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Brick
Got this in an email yesterday....thought I'd share.....
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.
The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister....please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
Thought for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
A young and successful executive was traveling down a neighborhood street, going a bit too fast in his new Jaguar. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no children appeared. Instead, a brick smashed into the Jag's side door! He slammed on the brakes and backed the Jag back to the spot where the brick had been thrown.
The angry driver then jumped out of the car, grabbed the nearest kid and pushed him up against a parked car shouting, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing? That's a new car and that brick you threw is going to cost a lot of money. Why did you do it?' The young boy was apologetic. 'Please, mister....please, I'm sorry but I didn't know what else to do,' He pleaded. 'I threw the brick because no one else would stop...' With tears dripping down his face and off his chin, the youth pointed to a spot just around a parked car. 'It's my brother, 'he said 'He rolled off the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.'
Now sobbing, the boy asked the stunned executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's hurt and he's too heavy for me.'
Moved beyond words, the driver tried to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. He hurriedly lifted the handicapped boy back into the wheelchair, then took out a linen handkerchief and dabbed at the fresh scrapes and cuts. A quick look told him everything was going to be okay. 'Thank you and may God bless you,' the grateful child told the stranger. Too shook up for words, the man simply watched the boy push his wheelchair-bound brother down the sidewalk toward their home.
It was a long, slow walk back to the Jaguar. The damage was very noticeable, but the driver never bothered to repair the dented side door. He kept the dent there to remind him of this message: 'Don't go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at you to get your attention!' God whispers in our souls and speaks to our hearts. Sometimes when we don't have time to listen, He has to throw a brick at us. It's our choice to listen or not.
Thought for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
About me…. True/False
Today is the seven year anniversary of the day my husband and I started dating.
This time last year I was living in the Czech Republic.
My favorite place I’ve ever been is Lan Kwai Fond in Hong Kong.
I’ve run all 26.2 miles of both marathons I’ve competed in.
Can you guess the false one?
This time last year I was living in the Czech Republic.
My favorite place I’ve ever been is Lan Kwai Fond in Hong Kong.
I’ve run all 26.2 miles of both marathons I’ve competed in.
Can you guess the false one?
Pam’s Brainwashing
We were brainwashed as children. That’s what Kayla’s boyfriend, Jeremy, says anyway.
Mom never let us have mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, cheesecake, or other delicacies, because she didn’t like them. Kayla and I didn’t realize what was happening because we were so naïve. Who knew that you could put mayo on your turkey and cheese sandwich? Or that the Cheesecake Factory wasn’t, in fact, the devil?
It wasn’t until Kayla and I moved out of the house and away from our brainwasher that we started (secretly) experimenting with the off-limit foods. Turns out, WE LIKED ‘EM! I remember Kayla KILLING multiple cheesecakes on occasion! She LOVED them! ((Luckily she runs 50 to 70 miles per week….)) I found out that I love tuna salad, of which (*gasp*) mayonnaise is an ingredient.
Jeremy truly thinks we were deprived as children, and it is only now that I understand why. Thanks a lot, Pammer…..
Mom never let us have mayonnaise, cream cheese, sour cream, cheesecake, or other delicacies, because she didn’t like them. Kayla and I didn’t realize what was happening because we were so naïve. Who knew that you could put mayo on your turkey and cheese sandwich? Or that the Cheesecake Factory wasn’t, in fact, the devil?
It wasn’t until Kayla and I moved out of the house and away from our brainwasher that we started (secretly) experimenting with the off-limit foods. Turns out, WE LIKED ‘EM! I remember Kayla KILLING multiple cheesecakes on occasion! She LOVED them! ((Luckily she runs 50 to 70 miles per week….)) I found out that I love tuna salad, of which (*gasp*) mayonnaise is an ingredient.
Jeremy truly thinks we were deprived as children, and it is only now that I understand why. Thanks a lot, Pammer…..
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
70 more reasons for my obsession with this blog!
This is from my favorite blog again…..
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/11/03/10-reasons-you-are-rich/
If you haven’t czeched it out, I suggest you do so! Did I mention how IN LOVE with it I am??!
ENJOY…..
70 Things To Do Before Having Children
They say having children changes everything. While it’s unquestionably a remarkable time in one’s life, I can also see how the transition introduces obvious limitations. Suddenly you have dependent beings of life to care for. Responsibility kicks in, compelling you to dedicate a significant portion of your time and attention to the best interests of the little ones. Combine this with the obvious physical and lifestyle limitations that come with age and it seems to me that there are several activities to check off the bucket list before settling down to start a family.
Here’s our list of 70 things to do before having children. For us, it’s simply about conquering as many life experiences as possible. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting closer.
Live in a high rise condo with an amazing view.
Take a month long vacation on the opposite side of the world in a city with a completely different culture.
Attend the Super Bowl live.
Jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Make love in places you aren’t supposed to.
Swim with the sharks.
Scuba-dive to a large ship wreck.
Audition to be on TV or in a movie… even if you’re just an extra.
Throw the house party of all house parties. Supply all the booze and invite everyone you know.
Take sexy photos of yourself (keep them somewhere safe).
Learn to fly a plane.
Become skilled with a musical instrument.
Live in southern California for at least a year.
Live in the heart of New York City, Chicago, Boston or another major city for at least a year.
Spend a few weeks vacationing on the beaches of Kauai with your partner.
Surf a Hawaiian wave.
Learn to speak a foreign language.
Visit the North Pole.
Attend The Tonight Show or The Late Show as an audience member.
Read at least 30 books.
Jump off a cliff into a natural body of water in an exotic location.
Go mountain climbing.
Go deep sea fishing and learn to filet and cook your own fish.
Go horseback riding on the beach with your partner.
Drink warm beer out of a barrel in a real Irish pub.
Spend a night pub-hopping in London.
Stage dive and crowd surf at a rock concert.
Take a set amount of money and hit the Blackjack and Craps tables in Las Vegas.
Visit a high-end Las Vegas strip club.
Embark on a month-long road trip across the country with 3 of your best friends.
Ride a camel across a sandy desert.
Go white water rafting.
Go snowboarding in the Rockies.
Get in great shape and enter some kind of fitness competition.
Attain a solid understanding of how the government works in your country.
Master one particular style of dance.
Fall in love.
Write a book… even if it’s short and never gets published.
Drive through a (somewhat safe) portion of a third world country like Mexico or Costa Rica to gain perspective on what true poverty looks like.
Go skinny dipping in a large body of water at midnight.
Take a shower under a waterfall.
Decide on your current life goals and write them down.
Spend New Years Eve in Times Square.
Go on a blind date (or a couple’s dinner date with new friends you hardly know).
Sleep on the beach under the stars in Key West.
Hit up Oktoberfest in Munich.
Hit up Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Hit up Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Experience Spring Break in all its glory in Cancun, Mexico or Panama City Beach, Florida.
Catch a ride in a hot air balloon.
Rent a fast sports car and speed down the Autobahn.
Switch jobs until you find one you truly enjoy.
Buy your first house.
Own a convertible sports car.
Hike the Grand Canyon.
Attend a Red Sox vs. Yankees game in Fenway Park.
Spend a whole day making love without every leaving the house.
Learn to make one mixed cocktail like a pro bartender.
Run a marathon.
Stand up in front of a large audience and tell a great joke.
Shoot a gun.
Swim across the English Channel.
Bicycle ride down a mountain road.
Learn to sail a sailboat.
Learn the basics of a martial art.
Visit the Amazon Rainforest.
Bare all on a nude beach.
Master one really cool magic trick.
Master a few fancy dinner recipes.
Finish up your formal education (but continue learning).
What’s on your list?
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/11/03/10-reasons-you-are-rich/
If you haven’t czeched it out, I suggest you do so! Did I mention how IN LOVE with it I am??!
ENJOY…..
70 Things To Do Before Having Children
They say having children changes everything. While it’s unquestionably a remarkable time in one’s life, I can also see how the transition introduces obvious limitations. Suddenly you have dependent beings of life to care for. Responsibility kicks in, compelling you to dedicate a significant portion of your time and attention to the best interests of the little ones. Combine this with the obvious physical and lifestyle limitations that come with age and it seems to me that there are several activities to check off the bucket list before settling down to start a family.
Here’s our list of 70 things to do before having children. For us, it’s simply about conquering as many life experiences as possible. We’re not quite there yet, but we’re getting closer.
Live in a high rise condo with an amazing view.
Take a month long vacation on the opposite side of the world in a city with a completely different culture.
Attend the Super Bowl live.
Jump out of a perfectly good airplane.
Make love in places you aren’t supposed to.
Swim with the sharks.
Scuba-dive to a large ship wreck.
Audition to be on TV or in a movie… even if you’re just an extra.
Throw the house party of all house parties. Supply all the booze and invite everyone you know.
Take sexy photos of yourself (keep them somewhere safe).
Learn to fly a plane.
Become skilled with a musical instrument.
Live in southern California for at least a year.
Live in the heart of New York City, Chicago, Boston or another major city for at least a year.
Spend a few weeks vacationing on the beaches of Kauai with your partner.
Surf a Hawaiian wave.
Learn to speak a foreign language.
Visit the North Pole.
Attend The Tonight Show or The Late Show as an audience member.
Read at least 30 books.
Jump off a cliff into a natural body of water in an exotic location.
Go mountain climbing.
Go deep sea fishing and learn to filet and cook your own fish.
Go horseback riding on the beach with your partner.
Drink warm beer out of a barrel in a real Irish pub.
Spend a night pub-hopping in London.
Stage dive and crowd surf at a rock concert.
Take a set amount of money and hit the Blackjack and Craps tables in Las Vegas.
Visit a high-end Las Vegas strip club.
Embark on a month-long road trip across the country with 3 of your best friends.
Ride a camel across a sandy desert.
Go white water rafting.
Go snowboarding in the Rockies.
Get in great shape and enter some kind of fitness competition.
Attain a solid understanding of how the government works in your country.
Master one particular style of dance.
Fall in love.
Write a book… even if it’s short and never gets published.
Drive through a (somewhat safe) portion of a third world country like Mexico or Costa Rica to gain perspective on what true poverty looks like.
Go skinny dipping in a large body of water at midnight.
Take a shower under a waterfall.
Decide on your current life goals and write them down.
Spend New Years Eve in Times Square.
Go on a blind date (or a couple’s dinner date with new friends you hardly know).
Sleep on the beach under the stars in Key West.
Hit up Oktoberfest in Munich.
Hit up Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Hit up Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.
Experience Spring Break in all its glory in Cancun, Mexico or Panama City Beach, Florida.
Catch a ride in a hot air balloon.
Rent a fast sports car and speed down the Autobahn.
Switch jobs until you find one you truly enjoy.
Buy your first house.
Own a convertible sports car.
Hike the Grand Canyon.
Attend a Red Sox vs. Yankees game in Fenway Park.
Spend a whole day making love without every leaving the house.
Learn to make one mixed cocktail like a pro bartender.
Run a marathon.
Stand up in front of a large audience and tell a great joke.
Shoot a gun.
Swim across the English Channel.
Bicycle ride down a mountain road.
Learn to sail a sailboat.
Learn the basics of a martial art.
Visit the Amazon Rainforest.
Bare all on a nude beach.
Master one really cool magic trick.
Master a few fancy dinner recipes.
Finish up your formal education (but continue learning).
What’s on your list?
The Truth About Fear
April 1, 2009- Christianity.Com Devotion
The Truth About Fear
Micca Monda Campbell
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever noticed how some TV commercials mix just enough truth with their product to make it believable? While that's called false advertisement, the product still comes off convincing. It's not until we purchase the product, and it fails, that the trickery becomes exposed.
In the same way, Satan specializes in false advertisement. He's good at making our fears look real when they are not. Does that mean all fears are wrong? No. The fear of standing near a high cliff protects us from getting to close to the edge and toppling over. One the other hand, Satan's spooks are full of trickery. They are usually disabling and keep us from progress. This kind of false advertisement can choke our faith and fuel our fears.
Have you ever wondered where our struggle between faith and fear began? I have. According to author and teacher Malcolm Smith, fear was introduced to the human race by a satanic lie.
The Garden is the first place where the serpent deceived Eve by twisting God's word. The Lord told Adam not to eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). If he or Eve ate from that tree, they would surely die spiritually. Not only did Eve eat the forbidden fruit, but she offered it to Adam and he ate too.
As soon as Adam disobeyed God, their relationship changed. Adam was not only afraid, but he doubted God's authority, friendship, and provision. Satan's lie told Adam that he didn't need God. In fact, Adam was persuaded that he could be his own god, self-sufficient in every way.
The same can be true for you and me. At times, you and I live independent of God's presence. We act as if everything depends on us. We wouldn't dare admit that we are in over our heads. We want to appear in control. But God never meant for you and me to be strong in and of ourselves. We were meant to show His strength in our weakness as He provides for our needs. We were created to live like little children, dependent on the care our heavenly Father.
The times we insist on living life our way, in our own strength, we experience the same result as Adam and Eve. We will live in fear. This is right where Satan wants us.
If we're afraid to try, we never will. If the enemy can keep us contained by fear, we won't be able to fulfill our potential or make a difference in the life of another. Satan knows what we are capable of with Christ. To prevent us from that realization, he poisons us with fear.
The truth is what we fear rarely comes to pass. This kind of fear that is fueled by Satan's lies can be described by this acrostic:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
It's not that we shouldn't be concerned about certain issues of life such as safety and health. But when worrying takes over by keeping us up at night and shutting us down during the day, we've moved into a place we were never meant to live. We must return to living in God's presence and relying on His promises and provision. Only then will we be able to distinguish between truth and lies. Only then will our lives be marked by faith, not fear.
Dear Lord, help me to discern between false fears and real concerns. As I commit Your Word to memory, make Your truth alive in my heart so that I can battle fear and live by faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
The Truth About Fear
Micca Monda Campbell
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline." 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV)
Devotion:
Have you ever noticed how some TV commercials mix just enough truth with their product to make it believable? While that's called false advertisement, the product still comes off convincing. It's not until we purchase the product, and it fails, that the trickery becomes exposed.
In the same way, Satan specializes in false advertisement. He's good at making our fears look real when they are not. Does that mean all fears are wrong? No. The fear of standing near a high cliff protects us from getting to close to the edge and toppling over. One the other hand, Satan's spooks are full of trickery. They are usually disabling and keep us from progress. This kind of false advertisement can choke our faith and fuel our fears.
Have you ever wondered where our struggle between faith and fear began? I have. According to author and teacher Malcolm Smith, fear was introduced to the human race by a satanic lie.
The Garden is the first place where the serpent deceived Eve by twisting God's word. The Lord told Adam not to eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17). If he or Eve ate from that tree, they would surely die spiritually. Not only did Eve eat the forbidden fruit, but she offered it to Adam and he ate too.
As soon as Adam disobeyed God, their relationship changed. Adam was not only afraid, but he doubted God's authority, friendship, and provision. Satan's lie told Adam that he didn't need God. In fact, Adam was persuaded that he could be his own god, self-sufficient in every way.
The same can be true for you and me. At times, you and I live independent of God's presence. We act as if everything depends on us. We wouldn't dare admit that we are in over our heads. We want to appear in control. But God never meant for you and me to be strong in and of ourselves. We were meant to show His strength in our weakness as He provides for our needs. We were created to live like little children, dependent on the care our heavenly Father.
The times we insist on living life our way, in our own strength, we experience the same result as Adam and Eve. We will live in fear. This is right where Satan wants us.
If we're afraid to try, we never will. If the enemy can keep us contained by fear, we won't be able to fulfill our potential or make a difference in the life of another. Satan knows what we are capable of with Christ. To prevent us from that realization, he poisons us with fear.
The truth is what we fear rarely comes to pass. This kind of fear that is fueled by Satan's lies can be described by this acrostic:
False
Evidence
Appearing
Real
It's not that we shouldn't be concerned about certain issues of life such as safety and health. But when worrying takes over by keeping us up at night and shutting us down during the day, we've moved into a place we were never meant to live. We must return to living in God's presence and relying on His promises and provision. Only then will we be able to distinguish between truth and lies. Only then will our lives be marked by faith, not fear.
Dear Lord, help me to discern between false fears and real concerns. As I commit Your Word to memory, make Your truth alive in my heart so that I can battle fear and live by faith. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Ten Reasons You Are Rich
This is from my favorite blog again…..
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/11/03/10-reasons-you-are-rich/
If you haven’t czeched it out, I suggest you do so! Did I mention how IN LOVE with it I am??!
ENJOY…..
Even in times of financial uncertainty, it’s always important to keep things in perspective.
Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.- Henry David Thoreau
1. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night.
2. You didn’t go to sleep outside.
3. You had a choice of what clothes to wear this morning.
4. You hardly broke a sweat today.
5. You didn’t spend a minute in fear.
6. You have access to clean drinking water.
7. You have access to medical care.
8. You have access to the Internet.
9. You can read.
10. You have the right to vote.
Some might say you are rich, so remember to be grateful for all the things you do have
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/11/03/10-reasons-you-are-rich/
If you haven’t czeched it out, I suggest you do so! Did I mention how IN LOVE with it I am??!
ENJOY…..
Even in times of financial uncertainty, it’s always important to keep things in perspective.
Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.- Henry David Thoreau
1. You didn’t go to sleep hungry last night.
2. You didn’t go to sleep outside.
3. You had a choice of what clothes to wear this morning.
4. You hardly broke a sweat today.
5. You didn’t spend a minute in fear.
6. You have access to clean drinking water.
7. You have access to medical care.
8. You have access to the Internet.
9. You can read.
10. You have the right to vote.
Some might say you are rich, so remember to be grateful for all the things you do have
Warning
Clothing Irons Recalled by Conair Corporation Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Clothing Irons
Units: About 45,000
Distributor: Conair Corporation, of Stamford, Conn.
Hazard: The clothing iron can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Conair has received three reports of overheating, including two fires resulting in property damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves Conair clothing irons with model numbers DPP1500, DPP1500R and DPP3500. The model number is printed below the soleplate. No other models are included in this recall.
Sold at: Department and retail stores nationwide from October 2008 through March 2009 for about $50.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately unplug and stop using the recalled clothing irons and contact Conair to receive a free comparable product.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Conair at (800) 687-6916 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Conair.com
DON’T YOU WANT YOUR IRON TO BE HOT!?!?!? SAFETY FIRST! LUKE WARM IRONS ONLY!!!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Anderson Acceptance
So0o0o00o I officially accepted an entrance into Anderson University! Mark and I are going to attend there for our Masters in Business Administration from August 2009 to May 2011. Whoa. That is a long time. We are confident that we can do it and are excited for what we will learn in those 22 months. Wish us luck!!!
The Satisfaction of the Cross
The Satisfaction of the Cross
Rachel Olsen
"When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied."
Isaiah 53:11 (NLT)
http://www.crosswalkmail.com/ohnvmnbfgf_sfhyshdhhfs.html
Devotion:
Approximately 600 years before Jesus was condemned to the cross, the prophet Isaiah foretold of the event. Open up and invite those words to penetrate your soul today:
"See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. Many were amazed when they saw him beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person. And he will again startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not previously been told about; they will understand what they had not heard about.
Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.
But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners." Isaiah 52:13 -- 53:12 (NLT)
Approximately 2,000 years after Jesus hung on the cross, the passion of our Christ is still the power of God unto salvation. His suffering accomplished righteousness for us, and through it, both He and we are satisfied.
Dear Lord, may I realize afresh today what Your death and resurrection mean for me. Forgiveness ... Freedom ... and the ability to walk with You through this fallen world into eternity. May I always find my satisfaction in You and Your willingness to offer Yourself to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Rachel Olsen
"When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied."
Isaiah 53:11 (NLT)
http://www.crosswalkmail.com/ohnvmnbfgf_sfhyshdhhfs.html
Devotion:
Approximately 600 years before Jesus was condemned to the cross, the prophet Isaiah foretold of the event. Open up and invite those words to penetrate your soul today:
"See, my servant will prosper; he will be highly exalted. Many were amazed when they saw him beaten and bloodied, so disfigured one would scarcely know he was a person. And he will again startle many nations. Kings will stand speechless in his presence. For they will see what they had not previously been told about; they will understand what they had not heard about.
Who has believed our message? To whom will the Lord reveal his saving power? My servant grew up in the Lord's presence like a tender green shoot, sprouting from a root in dry and sterile ground. There was nothing beautiful or majestic about his appearance, nothing to attract us to him. He was despised and rejected a man of sorrows, acquainted with bitterest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way when he went by. He was despised, and we did not care.
Yet it was our weaknesses he carried; it was our sorrows that weighed him down. And we thought his troubles were a punishment from God for his own sins! But he was wounded and crushed for our sins. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed! All of us have strayed away like sheep. We have left God's paths to follow our own. Yet the Lord laid on him the guilt and sins of us all. He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth. From prison and trial they led him away to his death. But who among the people realized that he was dying for their sins that he was suffering their punishment? He had done no wrong, and he never deceived anyone. But he was buried like a criminal; he was put in a rich man's grave.
But it was the Lord's good plan to crush him and fill him with grief. Yet when his life is made an offering for sin, he will have a multitude of children, many heirs. He will enjoy a long life, and the Lord's plan will prosper in his hands. When he sees all that is accomplished by his anguish, he will be satisfied. And because of what he has experienced, my righteous servant will make it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he will bear all their sins. I will give him the honors of one who is mighty and great, because he exposed himself to death. He was counted among those who were sinners. He bore the sins of many and interceded for sinners." Isaiah 52:13 -- 53:12 (NLT)
Approximately 2,000 years after Jesus hung on the cross, the passion of our Christ is still the power of God unto salvation. His suffering accomplished righteousness for us, and through it, both He and we are satisfied.
Dear Lord, may I realize afresh today what Your death and resurrection mean for me. Forgiveness ... Freedom ... and the ability to walk with You through this fallen world into eternity. May I always find my satisfaction in You and Your willingness to offer Yourself to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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