My lunch break encouragement

For the Lord shall build up Zion; He shall appear in His glory. He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer. This will be written for the generation to come, that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord. Psalm 102: 17-18

I was wondering how this related to the Holocaust. I will ponder that further when I'm not falling asleep...and supposed to be working. But the verse is still encouraging and resonates with my spirit.

The Way I Am/Realize

My current two favorite songs are in the enclosed links. Beware, the music videos definitely distract from the songs. Also, I am aware that "Realize" does not really demonstrate musical quality, but has struck me nonetheless. And, yes, I am one of those people that plays a song over and over and over and over until I am sick of it. I have played "The Way I Am" (such an awesome song with both lyrics and music) 44 times since purchasing it about two weeks ago.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnhVgPr-NU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJOzdLwvTHA

For His glory

This morning at church (or rather this afternoon because I believe the sermon commenced "after noon") the pastor was talking about the different giftings that make up the church body. He went over quite a few points with which I am familiar, though it was good to have them reiterated. Namely, those church members who ARE fully participating still cannot experience the Body as designed until those members who are NOT fully participating become engaged. This is outside of our individualistic culture, but the Lord really has designed it for us to rely on one another. Also, we need to make it a point to encourage those members whose giftings are less honored as a rule. Amen!

During the sermon, I felt the Lord tell me that I need to stop feeling sorry for myself for all of the things that I am not able to do. Self pity can be a sweet pain, much like biting the inside of your cheek or pressing on a bug bite. Feeling insecure about my lack of well-rounded talent and knowledge has become a similar habit over the past year. It is true that an acknowledged laziness prevents me from acquiring many skills (such as playing the guitar or speaking Spanish). However, there are many more areas in which I either have no natural ability or virtually no interest (i.e. cooking). However, I need to move on from focusing on these and rather focus on what the Lord has called me to do. I have definite talents and giftings and callings that should be cultivated, and I need to find my worth in the character of Christ in me rather than in what I can do.

Speaking of cultivation, I hope to audit two online classes through Kings Seminary, but I am waiting for God to provide the finances if it is meant to happen. One is Biblical Counseling and the other is Introduction to Psychology with a ministry emphasis. They start Monday, September 22. I really hope that it works out, particularly as my brain is stagnating in my current job.

Praise be to God for His wonderful works in Christ Jesus.

Welcome Karen

I would just like to reiterate that Karen means "pure." Also, I forget your middle name. The end.

I would vote for me.

If I were president (hypothetically of our country but also perhaps of a large organization that garnered public interest), I would try a bit of personal public communication to raise support and connect with my populace. Citizens would be encouraged to either email or mail questions to a trustworthy individual volunteering a few hours a week for just such a purpose. The individual (let's call him Max) would screen the questions and present me with a variety each week. I would allow myself five minutes to answer a lighthearted question and fifteen to answer ones with greater import. Max would, of course, have impecable taste and chose a range representing humor and whimsy as well as more pressing issues. My responses (proofread by Max and screened by the head of my press committee) would be available via website and would also be distributed to national news agencies. Hopefully this would prove endearing, insightful, and encouraging, much like Roosevelt's famed fireside talks.