[truthordare]

Quote:

I would argue that we have limited freedom to choose how our trials impact us.

I did not express myself very well when I said I get to choose how my trials impact me. I hope this a little more clear.

I don’t get to choose my trials…I do get to choose how to deal with them and what my attitude will be toward them. Along with this, I understand that as a trial unfolds, my choices and attitudes will likely change. I am not saying this is blue skies and roses. At times I get angry and resentful, but these are still my choices.

There is no right or wrong way to do any of this. We find the paths that work best for us.

[truthordare]

We all have the choice to “live off the grid” at any time in our lives. If I arrive at the place where I believe it is a sound decision for me, I would put my rear in high gear to see that it happened.

I don’t agree with making it an all encompassing church direction. We are a worldwide church. We know that not all programs can be designed the same and have the same impact on members. Individual, family, cultural, and country differences mean adaptation. I long for peace and calm within my soul. However that comes to me is not as important as the fact that it comes. I don’t believe it has much to do with where I live. I do believe it is more an issue of how I live.

[truthordare]

Quote:

I am trying to make sense of the trials I’m going through too.

My viewpoint only: I found it to be an exercise in futility to try to make sense of trials. Even if we could replicate trials exactly, we would likely find they had differing impacts upon those to whom they were given. I found I could say – trials are simply events to which we assign a certain impact upon our lives. We get to choose the impact.

I came to appreciate that I didn’t have to endure all types of trials in order to gain compassion and empathy. For me, it wasn’t ok to complain about the trials when I hadn’t complained about the positives (blessings). I learned not to offer advice for it is rarely solicited and seldom heard. I chose to start hearing what others were saying as it was easier for me to listen than to share.

The thoughts I arrived at did not come overnight. It continues to be an ongoing process. And I am always aware that my views will change and evolve.

[truthordare]

Old-Timer wrote:

I need to be humble and worshipful in my view of God

I would like to add to be respectful of others view of God. It seems very hard these days to sort through the perceptions of God and come to my own decisions about what he represents and how he functions in my life. I feel certain that many struggle through the same process. If I want to show that I value opinions and input, knowing that input could help me redefine my conclusions, it is imperative that I respect all views.

Old-Timer wrote:

We believe we existed as individuals, created from “intelligences” – but we have no idea whatsoever about how that creation occurred.

This is totally beyond what I can grasp. I have researched and tried to gather some information as to how “intelligences” have always existed. It seems to me what is being said is that intelligence wasn’t created – it was just always there. My brain goes “boing” when I try to wrap it around that concept. Like many things I think about, I arrive at a place that allows me to put things on hold until more information filters down – however it may come.

I enjoyed your post. You brought up many issues I have grappled with. I like that you stated how you have decided to live with them.

[truthordare]

Quote:

God cares most about how we LOVE.

K. So I’m learning how to do the quote thing too! 😳

[truthordare]

Quote:

God cares most about how we LOVE.

I needed to read that tonight. I have children experiencing some difficult things. It is hard to be involved in the situations and not be critical. Sometimes I do a good job, sometimes not so good. In trying to stay focused on the fact that “we are who we are” it will be helpful to remember that being able to give and accept love freely – no strings – is of prime importance.

[truthordare]

Tom Haws wrote:

I think the anger goes away when you just get tired of it, so, so tired, and you start to just let go.

Tom

I agree with you. There is another piece for me. When I realized I am not my anger, but my anger was what was presenting and I did not like that.

[truthordare]

There are things I know in my head. There are things I feel in my heart. When I know something in my head, it is simply knowledge. When I feel something in my heart, it is simply a feeling. When I get it in both places, usually at the same time, I finally “get it.” That is how it works for me. What I know is that we each need to find the way it works for us. Good luck on that journey.

[Author]

Posts