God's sovereignty and the control of man's destiny

If anyone was trying to tell me something outrageously obvious it would be God - - right now I have heard approximately 5 or more different messages that were basically telling me the same thing - - How great life my life is?  Maybe not in those exact words, but something similar.

This morning I read The Book of Daniel - chapters 1 and 2, and the glory of God "who gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars."  I then came into work and was finally able to read the daily message from my favorite astrologer, Dr. Standley.  Her message for yesterday was that if you don't commit, you don't get!

I found the story of Shaun White an amazing example of the human possibility of commitment.  He has a commitment to succeed and is a shining example of our commitment to God.  Unwavering, you believe it and don't accept any substitutes.  Preceding that Dr. Standley talks about how we always make decisions not knowing or even understanding the outcomes.  It's a daily occurrence, no exceptions.  Even if we don't make a decision - - it's still a decision not to make a decision. 
I think that's why I have experienced such wonderful and glorious changes in my life because I am committed to three things that I shared on an insecurity blog earlier - - to pursue passion in life, to be more self aware, and to experience joy.  Now one may wonder why my commitment to God is not on the list.  It's simple - - because I have faith and these three things strengthen my faith in God by the course of my actions.

As I stated in that earlier comment, "All of these are inter-related.  I have since begun writing again (a passion of mine) and even have some paid writing gigs.  Of course I would do it free, I’m so passionate about it.  From my writing I have grown spiritually which has led me to seek more spiritual mentors and guidance through teachings from my church, meditation, family, friends and community.  The more I seek and read about, the more self aware of who I am as a person.  That has led me to write more and the more inspiration I get, the more writing I do, and the more fuel for my passion.  Lastly, I have experienced all of this and the unexpected outcome is pure joy.  I have never appreciated the happiness in my life until all the events that lead up to right now!




Even within that discussion and on Facebook some individuals began discussing Oprah's interview with Jessica Simpson which specifically discussed her insecurity.  It put someone so out of reach so much more in reach with her audience - -the same feelings of insecurity that can lead a person to feel low and depressed.  Where you react to hide yourself because you are insecure rather than react to improve yourself like a wonderful piece of artwork that needs cleaning and restoration sometimes.

Lastly, I received my performance review at work and was overjoyed.  Not because of the payout but because of what I overlooked about myself and the progress I made.  One of the items that my boss was very impressed with was some of the virtues of dignity that we discussed on the message board:  Honesty, integrity, mutual respect.  That was very flattering and I am overjoyed by that review.

So with that I start week 4 of the discussion with the following answers to the questions regarding chapter 7 and chapter 8 in So Long Insecurity - -

1. What part of Chapter 7 hit home with you most and why?  The controlling mother.  That’s me and that was my mother before me and that was her mother before her.  I find myself doing the same thing with my 2 year old daughter with regards to potty training.  Of course potty training is not easy but I get so frustrated and somehow feel so insecure when I get the comment, “Your child is not potty trained.”  One time I had potty bootcamp and sat with her all day in underpants forcing her to use the potty.  (I had hear people that did that) I felt so horrible after that because I could visibly tell I was stressing her out.  I’ve since relaxed but we are still trying, but I know as a parent there will be more episodes where I could possibly be the controlling mother.  I’m 31 years old and my own mother has some of those tendencies - - I don’t believe it’s something we outgrow but the sooner we recognize, the easier it is for us to handle the situations when they present themselves.

2. (If you're choosing only two, please include this one.) Based on your journey so far in chapters 1-8, list your own personal top three reasons why it's time to deal with your insecurity. (We're not looking for right answers. We're looking for YOUR answers. Don't copy off your fellow sojourners' papers on this one. Grin.) So that you don't get your numbers confused here, list your 3 reasons under A.B.&C.

A)  To pursue my passions in life

B)  To be more self aware

C)  To experience Joy

All of these are inter-related.  I have since begun writing again (a passion of mine) and even have some paid writing gigs.  Of course I would do it free, I’m so passionate about it.  From my writing I have grown spiritually which has led me to seek more spiritual mentors and guidance through teachings from my church and community.  The more I seek and read about, the more self aware of who I am as a person.  That has led me to write more and the more inspiration I get, the more writing I do, and the more fuel for my passion.  Lastly, I have experienced all of this and the unexpected outcome is pure joy.  I have never appreciated the happiness in my life until all the events that lead up to right now!

3. Based on Chapter 8, briefly describe a recent trigger of insecurity and whether or not it got a rise out of you.   Potty training - - see answer to question 1 above. LOL! 

4. Also based on Chapter 8, what does dignity mean to you?  Dignity is tantamount to faith  - - true faith not only in God and Jesus Christ but in yourself.  Being worthy, honored and esteemed in yourself and not looking to anyone else for that feeling.  We own our own feelings.