It is not as a child that I believe and confess Jesus Christ. My hosanna is born of a furnace of doubt.- Fyodor Dostoevsky
A quote I've always leveled with. I wish that wasn't the case sometimes.
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It is not as a child that I believe and confess Jesus Christ. My hosanna is born of a furnace of doubt.- Fyodor Dostoevsky
A quote I've always leveled with. I wish that wasn't the case sometimes.
Totally. Humbleness of heart is extremely important, no matter what your "intelligence" level is.
I also feel that modern public education is WAY too quick to label students as "learning disabled". We all learn differently, and we are all good at different things. It would be SO boring if we all had the same gifts! Honestly, I've yet to meet anyone who wasn't good at SOMETHING.
One problem I see with our culture is that certain gifts (artistic talent, memorization/regurgitation of facts, etc.) are held in higher esteem than others, and that's a shame. ALL gifts are important, and can be used to glorify Christ and edify the Body. He that is greatest among you, let him be as the youngest.......Hmmm. Sorta comes back to the humility concept that Julianna mentioned
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violakat
Guest
Totally. Humbleness of heart is extremely important, no matter what your "intelligence" level is.
I also feel that modern public education is WAY too quick to label students as "learning disabled". We all learn differently, and we are all good at different things. It would be SO boring if we all had the same gifts! Honestly, I've yet to meet anyone who wasn't good at SOMETHING.
One problem I see with our culture is that certain gifts (artistic talent, memorization/regurgitation of facts, etc.) are held in higher esteem than others, and that's a shame. ALL gifts are important, and can be used to glorify Christ and edify the Body. He that is greatest among you, let him be as the youngest.......Hmmm. Sorta comes back to the humility concept that Julianna mentioned
When I start my school, you are going to be a part of it, not sure what, but you are. Hmm, what is your background?
Aww, that's very kind of you. I don't really know what God has in store for me, but teaching is something that I enjoy, and many have encouraged me to pursue it.
Background: Grew up on a small farm with an in-twined retail operation, which taught me a lot about people, plants, animals, marketing, and responsibility. Anyone who thinks farmers are stupid never tried to farm successfully. It's not for the faint of heart OR mind.
I was home-schooled until college, where I majored in horticulture/plant science (need to take a couple more classes to graduate, I'll get around to it, someday
). I also took some art classes, and would like to pursue a degree in fine art when I get time, because I really like making things. I have a really weird skill-set. I can skin a deer, make my own soap, arrange flowers like nobody's business, or turn a pile of random objects into something interesting to look at. Just don't ask me to remember my own phone number, because I forgot already
. I want to write a book, someday. I'm generally pretty quiet, but when someone asks me a question, I am prone to giving long discourses of information that few would be interested in knowing, as I have just demonstrated. Something I need to work on..........
P.S. If I work for you, can Snackers be the school mascot? I'll make him promise to behave..........
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violakat
Guest
Aww, that's very kind of you. I don't really know what God has in store for me, but teaching is something that I enjoy, and many have encouraged me to pursue it.
Background: Grew up on a small farm with an in-twined retail operation, which taught me a lot about people, plants, animals, marketing, and responsibility. Anyone who thinks farmers are stupid never tried to farm successfully. It's not for the faint of heart OR mind.
I was home-schooled until college, where I majored in horticulture/plant science (need to take a couple more classes to graduate, I'll get around to it, someday
I have a really weird skill-set. I can skin a deer, make my own soap, arrange flowers like nobody's business, or turn a pile of random objects into something interesting to look at. Just don't ask me to remember my own phone number, because I forgot already
I want to write a book, someday. I'm generally pretty quiet, but when someone asks me a question, I am prone to giving long discourses of information that few would be interested in knowing, as I have just demonstrated. Something I need to work on..........
P.S. If I work for you, can Snackers be the school mascot? I'll make him promise to behave..........
Well, he can be a school troublemaker.
And I think we should put you in as head of the Horticulture and survival department.
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I know it sounds weird, but that is actually one thing I really would love to do, is have a school, where not only would kids learn the basics and fine arts, but are also required to learn skills that will help them survive in the real world, such as cooking, and checking fluids in the car (sigh, must hang my head, I would soooo fail in this area.
)
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Well, he can be a school troublemaker.
And I think we should put you in as head of the Horticulture and survival department.
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I know it sounds weird, but that is actually one thing I really would love to do, is have a school, where not only would kids learn the basics and fine arts, but are also required to learn skills that will help them survive in the real world, such as cooking, and checking fluids in the car (sigh, must hang my head, I would soooo fail in this area.
No, that doesn't sound weird, at all
. One of my biggest beefs with modern mass-education is that it often leaves kids completely unprepared to face the real world (although, granted, I also think that life-skills were meant to be taught by the children's parents, but that doesn't always work out, for various reasons).It really bothers me to see trade-schools looked on with disdain. One of my friends, who was labeled "learning disabled", wouldn't have gone to college if not for the mechanics' program at a local community college. He's incredibly good at fixing things, and is now making a decent living doing something he loves. Yet, test results from early education had him thinking that he was stupid, and couldn't learn. Sigh.
I know it's good to have a basic working knowledge of all the subjects, but I think students would be a lot better off if they were each allowed to pursue what they enjoy learning about. I'm quite certain that any math I did beyond seventh grade was a waste of time, because I never use it and probably couldn't remember how, if I wanted to. Yet, other people love math, and it comes naturally to them.
Head of Horticulture & Survival sounds like a good fit. Just promise you'll let me haunt the ceramics department on occasion, in case Snackers ever decides to quit being so anti-social and wants some siblings
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Catlynn
Guest
Aww, that's very kind of you. I don't really know what God has in store for me, but teaching is something that I enjoy, and many have encouraged me to pursue it.
Background: Grew up on a small farm with an in-twined retail operation, which taught me a lot about people, plants, animals, marketing, and responsibility. Anyone who thinks farmers are stupid never tried to farm successfully. It's not for the faint of heart OR mind.
I was home-schooled until college, where I majored in horticulture/plant science (need to take a couple more classes to graduate, I'll get around to it, someday
I have a really weird skill-set. I can skin a deer, make my own soap, arrange flowers like nobody's business, or turn a pile of random objects into something interesting to look at. Just don't ask me to remember my own phone number, because I forgot already
I want to write a book, someday. I'm generally pretty quiet, but when someone asks me a question, I am prone to giving long discourses of information that few would be interested in knowing, as I have just demonstrated. Something I need to work on..........
P.S. If I work for you, can Snackers be the school mascot? I'll make him promise to behave..........
You're so awesome. I want to pick your brain about everything!!! I was homeschooled through high-school as well and totally agree with teaching kids things that they are interested in.
k, I just wanted to tell you that you're cool. I'll go back to my corner now. Lol
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Jullianna
Guest
Maybe this is why the Lord gave us the example of Thomas...a man who knew Him personally, had seen the miracles, sat under His teaching and obviously knew who He was, yet had his moments of doubt. The Lord knows the intent and desire of our hearts for understanding and increased faith. In those times, I rely upon this scripture:
Mark 9:24 - Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”
While the scriptures talk about evil ones requiring a sign and signs not being given for those who will not believe, I have learned that God is faithful to give us understanding as we are prepared to accept it and glimpses/confirmations along the way if we continue to pursue His truth by faith.
John 20:29 - Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
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Jullianna
Guest
Aww, that's very kind of you. I don't really know what God has in store for me, but teaching is something that I enjoy, and many have encouraged me to pursue it.
Background: Grew up on a small farm with an in-twined retail operation, which taught me a lot about people, plants, animals, marketing, and responsibility. Anyone who thinks farmers are stupid never tried to farm successfully. It's not for the faint of heart OR mind.
I was home-schooled until college, where I majored in horticulture/plant science (need to take a couple more classes to graduate, I'll get around to it, someday
I have a really weird skill-set. I can skin a deer, make my own soap, arrange flowers like nobody's business, or turn a pile of random objects into something interesting to look at. Just don't ask me to remember my own phone number, because I forgot already
I want to write a book, someday. I'm generally pretty quiet, but when someone asks me a question, I am prone to giving long discourses of information that few would be interested in knowing, as I have just demonstrated. Something I need to work on..........
P.S. If I work for you, can Snackers be the school mascot? I'll make him promise to behave..........
I love your sense of humor and writing style. I would love to read your book one day. What will it be about?
Hey, I've been thinking about what to tell Mr. Ritter, and that's exactly what I came up with! Cool!
It really does seem like faith comes more naturally to some people, it's even mentioned in Corinthians as one of the gifts of the Spirit. "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit". So, some people (especially those who are very rational thinkers, poke, poke, winkie) seem to have more trouble accepting things by faith. There's nothing really wrong with that, we are all different, and God can use the testimony of other believers to build your faith. Or, you can level with Him and tell Him you need something more, to bolster your walk, so your faith isn't blind. There's nothing wrong with that; He did it for me, and I think He would be happy to do it for anyone who asks Him with an open and humble heart. We aren't really called to have a blind faith, but to be deeply convicted that Jesus really is the Way, Truth, and Life. The Lord can give you a revelation of Himself, if you ask Him to.
Thanks! That's a real compliment, coming from you.
My book would probably be a collection of short stories taken from my life's experiences. I had a very unconventional childhood/youth (well, actually, now that I think about it, my whole life has been a bit unusual), and I enjoy relating these stories on paper. It would be sort of in the style of James Herriot, the Yorkshire veterinarian. I'll let ya know if I ever get published, we can swap signed copies of our respective works
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violakat
Guest
Thanks! That's a real compliment, coming from you.
OOOOOO, Me like James Herriot.
You're so awesome. I want to pick your brain about everything!!! I was homeschooled through high-school as well and totally agree with teaching kids things that they are interested in.
(Drags Catlynn out of the corner, so we can have a conversation about education
)Yeah, I'm pretty disappointed with the way education is "achieved" in America. The memorization/regurgitation of facts is held in pretty high regard, but there are many other ways to express intelligence, and some are difficult to test for. I have a really good short-term memory, so apparently that makes me "gifted". Yet, if another means of displaying intelligence were considered to be of higher importance, say, the ability to do math equations in your head, then I would probably be considered an imbecile. I seriously have a hard time just remembering the basic 1-10 multiplication tables, and that's pretty pathetic. But, it doesn't bother me, because I know that God has given me other gifts and talents.
I think that is one way that educators could really make a difference in kid's lives, by encouraging them to pursue the subjects that they enjoy and are naturally good at. Even in college, it always meant a lot to me if a professor said "you're good at this, I hope you keep it up". Sincere encouragement carries a LOT of weight; that's why the edification of the Body of Christ is so important.
And, now you see that I have given another long discourse. Sigh. I told y'all this would happen if you asked me questions.......
. Nevertheless, my brain is ripe for picking. Ask away, but don't say I didn't warn you! -NicholeP.S. You are a very sweet lady, and I appreciate your kind comments. But, just to note, it was those times when I realized just how un-awesome I am, that I really grew in Christ the most.
Having said that, I do know that Jesus is staggeringly awesome, and I do seek to be as much like Him as possible. Thank you for your sentiments
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Yeah, me too
. You would also probably really like "Adventures In Two Worlds" by A.J. Cronin, it's a little more serious, and focuses on people more than animals, but similar in style. Be prepared to cry, though (The sign of a book worth reading, in my opinion).
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Okay, Green, I quoted both of your questions. Took me awhile to answer, I know, but I wanted to think about it first (and, later, I figured that it could wait because I started a thread myself and I wanted to respond at least once to everyone who posted in it). Anyway, enough excuses now
.Green, I must confess that I have not only prayed to be lively and energetic (okay, that's not a confession, but I suppose that I'd like to be infallibly cheerful without having to ask for help, but, hey, I'm a fallen being who needed a Hero to rescue her just as much as anyone
), but I also occasionally need to step away from the computer and think and pray about whether something is the right thing to post. I WANT my posts to seem energetic and spunky; makes them more fun to read, I think (feel free to comment, everyone ). I try to be positive and perky partly because I think it helps a lot in witnessing, cheers people up, and is Godly (it's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness). Hmmm, where I get my bravery..... I kind of smiled when I saw that, Green. I don't know that I'm very brave naturally; that's completely Jesus' influence, I'm QUITE certain . I asked Him often (and hopefully fervently; I tried to anyway ) to make me brave and righteous and every good thing He would let me be; to fall in love with Him and get to know Him as well as possible . I don't do it to try to work my way into heaven; Jesus took care of all that on the cross as you know, but I want Him to be glad to see me when I get there. Well, at least, I don't want Him to roll His eyes and say, "yeah, okay, we made a deal, so come on in". I'm mostly kidding about that . The only thing I could possibly have to do with any bravery I have is this: when faced with making the right decision or not, the times I chose to make the right decision (to share the Gospel, stand up for someone, avoid sin, or just in general do something that I was led to do) made it easier to do the right thing the NEXT time I was faced with a choice.Wow, I hadn't meant to type this much
. Concerning the philosophizing, thank you for noticing, Green . I spend quite a lot of time thinking. I can often come up with multiple reasons that things are good ideas or not, and reasons to do or not do things. This is usually helpful, but while watching TV shows about inventions, it can be a little challenging to be around me. I'm often saying, oh, he needs to do this and this and this......some of my suggestions are altered as I think about the product more; I'm not always right the first time (hence the prayer I mentioned earlier; I want to even do little things Jesus' way; faithful in little, faithful in much [Luke 16:10] ).Oh, and a question for you, Greeny; have you always been this inclusive of everyone, especially the ladies? And if not, was it a specific incident that made you try to include everyone (and make the girls feel like someone cared?)
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GreenNnice
Guest
----------Okay, Green, I quoted both of your questions. Took me awhile to answer, I know, but I wanted to think about it first (and, later, I figured that it could wait because I started a thread myself and I wanted to respond at least once to everyone who posted in it). Anyway, enough excuses now
Green, I must confess that I have not only prayed to be lively and energetic (okay, that's not a confession, but I suppose that I'd like to be infallibly cheerful without having to ask for help, but, hey, I'm a fallen being who needed a Hero to rescue her just as much as anyone
Wow, I hadn't meant to type this much
Oh, and a question for you, Greeny; have you always been this inclusive of everyone, especially the ladies? And if not, was it a specific incident that made you try to include everyone (and make the girls feel like someone cared?)
Jilly, Jesus included everyone when he was a 'him' (on Earth, just another human) and not a 'Him.' (God's right-hand man, and, oh, His son )
I uh, him^, I want to be like him.
Ladies, deserve the best from guys, and, I've seen them, like everyone else, get both the worst treatment in life and the best. The best is muich better
We all make mistakes and many ladies have, I am not a lady so I cannot empathize with them, but I can sympathize and I just feel like they are giving a lot of good things from their side of the ledger, like having kids, having their husband work so they can stay home (if married), raising kids alone, having to work and get less pay and still raising kids, having been mistreated by a guy that's left an indelible mark i their heart, loved by a guy and told they could stop work so leave job and guy leaves them, never get education cuz fall in love and have a kid and then life is so hard then for them, just all and all ladies have given me a lot in life to learn from.
I just pray for all those examples, ladies, YOU find your HOPE in our Lord, Jesus, He will get you through
They have a different perspective and way of living life (peacefully with each other, for the most part) from guys that is just plain SWEETER, not to mention, kinder
My last reason for sticking up for the ladies is because God is prodding me to act. He is. I feel it.
He has me on c.c. for many reasons and that must be one of them because He KNOWS I am a softy for the ladies, especially ATTACKS on the ladies, character, situation in life, or anything that can make them feel sad, or, yeah, unincluded.
The Lord leads.
I am 43, I guess I can get away too with that more because I am older and any lady that thinks I am affter them on c.c. should know that I am not, that I am friendly and nice and complementary to SOLEY (and soully) make them feel better in that MOMENT in time. For NO other reason. I am NOT flirting, have NEVER flirted on c.c. with intent of going out with a girl on here, for inclusion of her in my life.
I am not saying that could not happen either but it has NOT EVER happened so far and that is a fact. I say that not to be mean but I KNOW my life is what it is and where it is at the current juncture and I am waiting on the Lord for even as much as a girlfriend at this time in life, and, pretty much been that way all my life, NO strong relationships with girls though I have had many girl friends and I am NOT shy, I danced the night away Friday and Saturday nights 9-1 weekly in college for FOUR years , asking girls out (with only a few rejections, thank God, which I say literal, because a pet peeve of mine is using God's name in vain and I try NEVER to do it
) to the dance floor. I've also been involved in my singles group at church on three different occassions for 1-2 years of solid going each time from 22-23 , 26-27, and age 34-35. But never did I get that feeling from God it was to be that way. Me, Him? I just know it was not meant to be, but I will err with the side of caution, it was me _______________________________
I have not commented on what you said above but it was well said (I like your in-depth explanations) of your bravery, your spunkiness, etc. You and Snackersmommy could likely have one long talk session together sometime
God bless you, Jilly !
__________________
How many missions trips have you been on? Where did you go? What did you learn from God?
And this question is for anyone.
___________
P.s., thx,, Jilly, for answering my questions, I hope I, in some green way, answered yours
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violakat
Guest
3 trips, Mexico 1st two times, and Albany, NY 3 time.
The first time I went to Monclova, Mexico, at some point in the middle of the week, I wanted to go home. I just didn't really want to be there. So I asked God to change my attitude and desire to be there wanting to help out. It was really fun. We were bringing down building supplies to the church, so it could build higher. However, when we go to the boarder, the Mexican Border Patrol would not allow us to bring it in. So instead, we ended up dropping the material off at a church nearby that could use it. I ended up seeing huge sections of Mexico, as we were driving down, that were covered with cardboard box homes, because the people were too poor to find other materials. Really puts a different perspective to things.
The second time, I went to Querétaro, Mexico. I also went with a different group. The particular missionary we were with drove to meet a lot of the people of that church. A little more of how they live. Several of the members came down sick. (Evil Montezuma really struck his head, and that's all I'm saying.) Coming home, there were times I wasn't sure if we were going to make it back to the states, because it seemed like every few miles we were being stop by the Federales.
The third trip I went on, like I said, was in Albany, NY. This time we went to help a new church. We went up and down streets hanging doorhangers, inviting people to come to church. Part of the time, we went to some of the parks, and hand out water to the people there. One of the days, that we were walking the neighborhoods, my partner and I decided to go by some hamburgers for the local fire department, that was right down the street from us. We went in to give them the food and just to say thanks for what the were doing, and then asked if we could pray for them. I'm not really even sure if they had ever had people actually bothered to stop them and say thanks for all your sacrifices. It was just the expression on their faces they had. Like they couldn't believe someone would take time to do that. In fact, one of the men seemed to be almost choked up. Through that whole trip, that is probably one of the few things that has really stuck out in my mind.
You asked what was learned in each trip, but honestly, I don't think it's just what I learned in one trip, but as a whole. As I was writing about each time, I was thinking about how God uses people to do things in so many different ways. Sometimes, it's to help edify the local church, other times it's to stop and work on things that need to be done. And then there are times when God tells us to go and witness to others.
----------
Jilly, Jesus included everyone when he was a 'him' (on Earth, just another human) and not a 'Him.' (God's right-hand man, and, oh, His son )
I uh, him^, I want to be like him.
Ladies, deserve the best from guys, and, I've seen them, like everyone else, get both the worst treatment in life and the best. The best is muich better
We all make mistakes and many ladies have, I am not a lady so I cannot empathize with them, but I can sympathize and I just feel like they are giving a lot of good things from their side of the ledger, like having kids, having their husband work so they can stay home (if married), raising kids alone, having to work and get less pay and still raising kids, having been mistreated by a guy that's left an indelible mark i their heart, loved by a guy and told they could stop work so leave job and guy leaves them, never get education cuz fall in love and have a kid and then life is so hard then for them, just all and all ladies have given me a lot in life to learn from.
I just pray for all those examples, ladies, YOU find your HOPE in our Lord, Jesus, He will get you through
They have a different perspective and way of living life (peacefully with each other, for the most part) from guys that is just plain SWEETER, not to mention, kinder
My last reason for sticking up for the ladies is because God is prodding me to act. He is. I feel it.
He has me on c.c. for many reasons and that must be one of them because He KNOWS I am a softy for the ladies, especially ATTACKS on the ladies, character, situation in life, or anything that can make them feel sad, or, yeah, unincluded.
The Lord leads.
I am 43, I guess I can get away too with that more because I am older and any lady that thinks I am affter them on c.c. should know that I am not, that I am friendly and nice and complementary to SOLEY (and soully) make them feel better in that MOMENT in time. For NO other reason. I am NOT flirting, have NEVER flirted on c.c. with intent of going out with a girl on here, for inclusion of her in my life.
I am not saying that could not happen either but it has NOT EVER happened so far and that is a fact. I say that not to be mean but I KNOW my life is what it is and where it is at the current juncture and I am waiting on the Lord for even as much as a girlfriend at this time in life, and, pretty much been that way all my life, NO strong relationships with girls though I have had many girl friends and I am NOT shy, I danced the night away Friday and Saturday nights 9-1 weekly in college for FOUR years , asking girls out (with only a few rejections, thank God, which I say literal, because a pet peeve of mine is using God's name in vain and I try NEVER to do it
_______________________________
I have not commented on what you said above but it was well said (I like your in-depth explanations) of your bravery, your spunkiness, etc. You and Snackersmommy could likely have one long talk session together sometime
God bless you, Jilly !
__________________
How many missions trips have you been on? Where did you go? What did you learn from God?
And this question is for anyone.
___________
P.s., thx,, Jilly, for answering my questions, I hope I, in some green way, answered yours
You're welcome, Green. And thank YOU for answering MY question; that explanation of why you sympathize with the ladies was very nice to read.....our hearts are more fragile it seems. Perhaps only mine is and I just project that on the other girls also, but I believe that we were created partly to be the "gentle" part of men's lives in many ways, not that we should be condescended to of course, but in a way that would make a man think "she's so sweet and kind, but not as strong; I must protect her" way. So thank you; even the ladies who weren't given a rough deal in life still like the attention and protection, and I wanted to bump this on Valentine's Day so if anyone was feeling lonely today this might help her and make her feel special knowing that she has a fan
.
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GreenNnice
Guest
____You're welcome, Green. And thank YOU for answering MY question; that explanation of why you sympathize with the ladies was very nice to read.....our hearts are more fragile it seems. Perhaps only mine is and I just project that on the other girls also, but I believe that we were created partly to be the "gentle" part of men's lives in many ways, not that we should be condescended to of course, but in a way that would make a man think "she's so sweet and kind, but not as strong; I must protect her" way. So thank you; even the ladies who weren't given a rough deal in life still like the attention and protection, and I wanted to bump this on Valentine's Day so if anyone was feeling lonely today this might help her and make her feel special knowing that she has a fan
Yes, jilly, there is wisdom therein the words you say
_________