Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Death
Fear of death, I think, is an irrational thing. We know not what [exactly] is coming, and therefore we fear. But fear, like other things... is a state of mind. It is a choice. And we can choose not to feel it, or pay it any heed.
Death is natural. It can even be peaceful.
But it is only peaceful... if it is natural.
Most importantly, death, is Real.
Death is natural. It can even be peaceful.
But it is only peaceful... if it is natural.
Most importantly, death, is Real.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Natural Order
Every relationship has a natural order through which it proceeds. Intimacy, should, in all circumstances, begin at the top. The most shallow parts of the water, so to speak... such as long hugs, holding hands, playing footsie (if you're the type for that), et cetera. Beyond that, everything gets hazy, because the moment you kiss that person, the line gets thinner, and easier to cross, and less visible, until you're actually crossing it.
I knew a guy once... that had his 'natural order' of things, entirely screwed up, somehow. He wouldn't hold a girl's hand, unless they were actually dating. He wouldn't kiss a girl's lips, unless they were actually dating. But he would wrap his arms around your waist. And he would engage in the sweet and tender finger flirtations, if you indulged him and returned any of his attention. He would come up behind you, and put his hands in your back, or front pockets. He might even, kiss your neck, or your cheek. His fingers would graze the skin, beneath your shirt, and even travel, all the way up. And on the random occasion, he might unclasp a girl's bra. And yet, he wouldn't kiss your lips, or actually hold your hand, unless you were dating.
Sound a little messed up to you? Yeah, well, I think most people would agree.
And this is why, there is a natural order to things. Because physical intimacy is a slippery slope, that simply gets steeper, the further you go. And of course, you want to go further, because everyone enjoys going down a hill much more than they do trying to climb back up a hill. Which is why, it is best, to build road blocks for yourself, so that you won't go down, until the time is right. Set up landmarks in your life, like marriage, that dissolve those roadblocks.
I knew a guy once... that had his 'natural order' of things, entirely screwed up, somehow. He wouldn't hold a girl's hand, unless they were actually dating. He wouldn't kiss a girl's lips, unless they were actually dating. But he would wrap his arms around your waist. And he would engage in the sweet and tender finger flirtations, if you indulged him and returned any of his attention. He would come up behind you, and put his hands in your back, or front pockets. He might even, kiss your neck, or your cheek. His fingers would graze the skin, beneath your shirt, and even travel, all the way up. And on the random occasion, he might unclasp a girl's bra. And yet, he wouldn't kiss your lips, or actually hold your hand, unless you were dating.
Sound a little messed up to you? Yeah, well, I think most people would agree.
And this is why, there is a natural order to things. Because physical intimacy is a slippery slope, that simply gets steeper, the further you go. And of course, you want to go further, because everyone enjoys going down a hill much more than they do trying to climb back up a hill. Which is why, it is best, to build road blocks for yourself, so that you won't go down, until the time is right. Set up landmarks in your life, like marriage, that dissolve those roadblocks.
Friday, November 27, 2009
6 Months
Today commemorated the 6 month mark, of Michael having been on his mission. 1/4 of the way through... and 3/4ths of the way to go.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
peace
pick me up so i can fly.
help me so that i can try.
lift me up where i am strong.
guide me with thy soothing song.
wrap me up in warming fleece.
let me fall to sweet release.
a poem by emily jane
help me so that i can try.
lift me up where i am strong.
guide me with thy soothing song.
wrap me up in warming fleece.
let me fall to sweet release.
a poem by emily jane
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Intimacy of mankind
Have you ever seen two people, two lovers greet... after a long sojourn.. after thinking they might not ever see each other ever again... after losing eachother, or even just after being separated for a long time? No matter the context, though...
It's that moment when you recognize that wisp of hair, or that stately gate, or catch a glimpse of their face... and you take a step forward, before they turn around, and see you.
And you smile, as your heart quickens, as you lengthen your stride to reach them faster. And all of a sudden you're in a warm and tight embrace, with your cheek pressed against theirs, before you turn and nestle your face into their neck or their chest. And you breathe. And you just... can't believe it. And then your heart swells with joy. And there are no words. You know that. And you nearly burst into tears as you grab the fabric of their shirt, holding it tight in your hand... because you never want to let go again. And you just stay there. For what seems like the briefest amount of time. Before you pull apart, and look into their eyes... and then you kiss them. With all the passion and all the love you possess (situation and context allowing of course).
It's interesting, yes? Why don't we go for the kiss first? Because when we love someone, we care for them. And when we love someone, all we really want, is to be in their presence. Once we have that... once we have the opportunity to be wrapped in their arms... that's all that matters. Anything else, is merely an after thought. An expression of our love, in the continuance of our knowledge that words still don't express what we're feeling.
And after the kiss, we nestle our heads back against eachother... before softly whispering the words "I love you" just to make sure we drive it home.
I enjoy the progression we have... as a human race. There's nothing like it.
Words will never fully express our thoughts and feelings, because we are so much more complicated than that. But those words... "I love you" strike deeper than any others. Because we know. We know exactly, every single expression and thought and feeling that we attach to those words. We know. And when you love someone... you know that they know too. And so, it's a near perfect communication.
Food for thought.
It's that moment when you recognize that wisp of hair, or that stately gate, or catch a glimpse of their face... and you take a step forward, before they turn around, and see you.
And you smile, as your heart quickens, as you lengthen your stride to reach them faster. And all of a sudden you're in a warm and tight embrace, with your cheek pressed against theirs, before you turn and nestle your face into their neck or their chest. And you breathe. And you just... can't believe it. And then your heart swells with joy. And there are no words. You know that. And you nearly burst into tears as you grab the fabric of their shirt, holding it tight in your hand... because you never want to let go again. And you just stay there. For what seems like the briefest amount of time. Before you pull apart, and look into their eyes... and then you kiss them. With all the passion and all the love you possess (situation and context allowing of course).
It's interesting, yes? Why don't we go for the kiss first? Because when we love someone, we care for them. And when we love someone, all we really want, is to be in their presence. Once we have that... once we have the opportunity to be wrapped in their arms... that's all that matters. Anything else, is merely an after thought. An expression of our love, in the continuance of our knowledge that words still don't express what we're feeling.
And after the kiss, we nestle our heads back against eachother... before softly whispering the words "I love you" just to make sure we drive it home.
I enjoy the progression we have... as a human race. There's nothing like it.
Words will never fully express our thoughts and feelings, because we are so much more complicated than that. But those words... "I love you" strike deeper than any others. Because we know. We know exactly, every single expression and thought and feeling that we attach to those words. We know. And when you love someone... you know that they know too. And so, it's a near perfect communication.
Food for thought.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Coins
Michael's and my combined coin collection. It's growing! We added Australia this month, of course. ^_^ And no, the colored boxes in my handwriting aren't all mine, I just made a bunch of new boxes this week that were more sturdy. But I didn't replace all of them, cuz I like seeing his handwriting in the bunch too. <3
AM not PM
I woke up this morning at 6:40.. and since I NEVER see the clock see 6:40 except at night time, I automatically assumed it was 6:40pm. So I freaked, and got dressed so that I could make it on time for my 7:00 religion class... lol. So, I got up and left the house and drove away. But I forgot my cell phone at home. I got to the Institute of Religion building, and the gate was shut, and no one was there =/ So, I entered in my passcode, and parked, and tried to get in the building... but it was locked. And I was so utterly confused. But I didn't have my phone, and I didn't know anybody's phone numbers, so I couldn't call and be like "What the crap!?" lol
I started driving home, but then I saw a payphone, so I parked, pulled out some quarters and called home, so that my mommy could find my cell phone and tell me Mandy's phone number lol. But then she couldn't find it... so then, frustrated, I drove home, found my phone and called Mandy. No answer. So I texted her. A minute later she called me back...
Mandy was like "What's the story with Institute?" and I was like "Well, I went! And no one was there!" and she was like .. "honey, its morning right now. I'm pretty sure Institute is still happening this evening" and then after much laughter, confusion, and just bleh lol, I understood. Although, it took probably more effort than it should have. I only went to bed last night at like 3AM, so I was working on like 3 and a half hours of sleep lol. I was a little slap happy. Went downstairs, explained to my parents.. and went to sleep. hahaha. Got up around 11 this morning ^_^
I was so confused, you don't even know. While I was driving to Institute, I was like "What did I do today?" thinking I had woken up from a nap or something... and after much hard thought, I determined that I couldn't remember doing anything.. and then I startd to wonder if I had slept the whole day away! And then I was a little frustrated because today is supposed to be my homework day.. and yeah... it was confusing ^_^
what a party haha
I started driving home, but then I saw a payphone, so I parked, pulled out some quarters and called home, so that my mommy could find my cell phone and tell me Mandy's phone number lol. But then she couldn't find it... so then, frustrated, I drove home, found my phone and called Mandy. No answer. So I texted her. A minute later she called me back...
Mandy was like "What's the story with Institute?" and I was like "Well, I went! And no one was there!" and she was like .. "honey, its morning right now. I'm pretty sure Institute is still happening this evening" and then after much laughter, confusion, and just bleh lol, I understood. Although, it took probably more effort than it should have. I only went to bed last night at like 3AM, so I was working on like 3 and a half hours of sleep lol. I was a little slap happy. Went downstairs, explained to my parents.. and went to sleep. hahaha. Got up around 11 this morning ^_^
I was so confused, you don't even know. While I was driving to Institute, I was like "What did I do today?" thinking I had woken up from a nap or something... and after much hard thought, I determined that I couldn't remember doing anything.. and then I startd to wonder if I had slept the whole day away! And then I was a little frustrated because today is supposed to be my homework day.. and yeah... it was confusing ^_^
what a party haha
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Mortality
God has put within our lives meanings and possibilities that quite outrun the limits of mortality.
Harry Emerson Fosdick
In reality, we are all travelers - even explorers of mortality.
Thomas S. Monson
To suspect your own mortality is to know the beginning of terror, to learn irrefutably that you are mortal is to know the end of terror.
Frank Herbert
To take a photograph is to participate in another person's mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time's relentless melt.
Susan Sontag
Don't fear your mortality, because it is this very mortality that gives meaning and depth and poignancy to all the days that will be granted to you.
Paul Tsongas
Each of us, is susceptible to mortality, and even prone to it. Indeed, mortality is a fatal illness that travails us all, I believe. It is something we ourselves cannot cure. Although we may be able to fight the symptoms for quite some time. Perhaps it can be said, that it is like the common cold. Sometimes, we can't explain where we got it from, and we really can't fix it... but we can give it time, and allow it to pass through its natural cycle.
I believe that we will one day be resurrected, to perfected bodies. The definition of perfect of course, I think is frequently debated. Some think that it will mean midgets will get taller, and that everyone will look like the ideal model version of themselves... But I think part of us receiving perfected bodies, is accepting ourselves as who we are. God made us, and our bodies are therefore perfect. It seems only we are the ones unable to see this. Of course there is probably a fine line to tread with this theory, which I will not try to debate. God's ways are higher than my ways, as his thoughts are higher than my thoughts. So who am I to analyze his patterns?
In my belief, however, that we will be resurrected, that implies that while our body may die for a time, it can always be revived, by the Lord. He may tell me in this instant, personally, that I will have good health... and tomorrow I may find out that I have cancer. Yet, for me, this would change nothing. Because I know that one day, truth will bear witness, and I will have good health. That does not mean I am insusceptible to the common ails of mortality while I am in this life.
I must merely do my best, to take care of myself and others. And respect this body -- this earthly temple... And of course, to always increase our knowledge of our Lord and our Savior. To exercise our faith, and to do the work of God.
Harry Emerson Fosdick
In reality, we are all travelers - even explorers of mortality.
Thomas S. Monson
To suspect your own mortality is to know the beginning of terror, to learn irrefutably that you are mortal is to know the end of terror.
Frank Herbert
To take a photograph is to participate in another person's mortality, vulnerability, mutability. Precisely by slicing out this moment and freezing it, all photographs testify to time's relentless melt.
Susan Sontag
Don't fear your mortality, because it is this very mortality that gives meaning and depth and poignancy to all the days that will be granted to you.
Paul Tsongas
Each of us, is susceptible to mortality, and even prone to it. Indeed, mortality is a fatal illness that travails us all, I believe. It is something we ourselves cannot cure. Although we may be able to fight the symptoms for quite some time. Perhaps it can be said, that it is like the common cold. Sometimes, we can't explain where we got it from, and we really can't fix it... but we can give it time, and allow it to pass through its natural cycle.
I believe that we will one day be resurrected, to perfected bodies. The definition of perfect of course, I think is frequently debated. Some think that it will mean midgets will get taller, and that everyone will look like the ideal model version of themselves... But I think part of us receiving perfected bodies, is accepting ourselves as who we are. God made us, and our bodies are therefore perfect. It seems only we are the ones unable to see this. Of course there is probably a fine line to tread with this theory, which I will not try to debate. God's ways are higher than my ways, as his thoughts are higher than my thoughts. So who am I to analyze his patterns?
In my belief, however, that we will be resurrected, that implies that while our body may die for a time, it can always be revived, by the Lord. He may tell me in this instant, personally, that I will have good health... and tomorrow I may find out that I have cancer. Yet, for me, this would change nothing. Because I know that one day, truth will bear witness, and I will have good health. That does not mean I am insusceptible to the common ails of mortality while I am in this life.
I must merely do my best, to take care of myself and others. And respect this body -- this earthly temple... And of course, to always increase our knowledge of our Lord and our Savior. To exercise our faith, and to do the work of God.
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