There's a crack in everything ...

"There's a crack in everything and that's how the light gets in."
-Leonard Cohen

I keep that quote handy in my mailbox. It gives me a sense of contentment and always makes me smile. And I feel proud of myself every time I read it. Proud--because I'm a little bit strange and I run with it.
There are a lot of little wacky, off-balance things in my personality, and sometimes I consider chasing them away. I get concerned that someone else might think they're a little too strange. But then Leonard Cohen's words remind me that, even though some people might consider them "cracks" in my personality, the cracks are how the light gets in. And in my case, that light makes me creative, and (I think) a pretty interesting person.
So, if you think you're different--if you worry about whether there are too many "cracks" in your behavior--don't change. That's how the"good stuff" gets in. - Suzanne Beecher

I recently came across this from Suzanne Beecher at www.dearreader.com/
I like the quote and what she has to say about it.

PS. www.dearreader.com/is a fun thing to join. Sign up for any of the 12 different email book clubs and every day she'll send you a 5-minute sample from a book. By the end of the week, you'll have read 2-3 chapters. If you like the book, you then pick up a copy to finish it. It lets you sample many different types of books. As a reader, I like it!

New Year

I have always liked New Years Day. It is a day to start fresh ... to begin again. I used to do a list of resolutions and goals, I don't do that anymore. It is more of a resolution in my spirit now ... a thirst and desire to understand more of the 'upside down' nature of this life God calls us to. He promises 'the first shall be last and the last shall be first.'
What does that mean?

A Good Season

A month ago, I was not looking forward to Christmas ... the whole scene looked overwhelming. I didn't have the energy to make it happen, the decorating, shopping, etc. I am now happy to say because of the love of God and the kindness of friends and my family, I am having a good season.
I just finished a 7-week class called 'Finding your Spiritual Identity' ... a fun and informative class with three other women that are seeking. It was taught by two bold women God has called to help others on a path of self-discovery of His plan for them. No religion, just a relationship. It helped put some of the puzzle pieces that were scrambled in my mind in place. It also helped me look at some of my expectations.
Then Jerry and the boys got, put up and decorated a tree. I can't do long shopping trips, and then friends started calling. They drop me off at the door, carry my packages and pick me up at the door again. So kind ...
I spent time pondering the 'reason for the season'. I had a wonderful talk with my quiet son. I saw a great movie. I attended a few lovely parties with wonderful people that blessed me. The beauty of peoples' creativity in decorating and cooking, conversations with others ... all those things together are adding up to a lovely season.

Not every moment is a good moment, but take a moment today and be aware of God's spirit in your life. He is there, He cares and He is waiting to be a part of your Holiday celebrations.

Tension and Balance

Due to the injury to my left calf in the accident I was in 18 months ago, I lost one of the two main tendons in my lower left leg. These tendons normally work in tension with each other and help stabilize our feet. One draws our foot inward and the other draws it outward. The one that pulls our foot outward is the one that was cut off by the injury I had. Because of this, there is no opposing balance for the tendon that pulls my foot inward. It has ‘free reign’ so to speak, and I have to be careful that I don’t overturn my ankle due to my foot pulling inward too far.

This lesson in tensions and balances has been brewing in my mind for some time. In all of life there is a correct balance to be found.

To name a few …
Parents … not involved enough -- smothering children with too much
Money … living for money -- not providing for self and family
Food ... not enough -- too much
Books ... never reading & learning -- only reading & learning (is that really bad?)
Friends … no friends -- life controlled by friends
Women … not valued, abused -- women declaring men no good

There are many areas of life where balance is needed, except chocolate and coffee :) The one that I am thinking about today is the last one … women, especially in the church of believers of God.
There have been rumbles for some time now about this subject. My concern is that in the quest to find out where/what/who God has created us to be, we swing the pendulum too far in the opposite direction. There is no male or female in the age to come, but for this time, in this age, on this earth, God has desired that it be so. That tells me that He wants the two of us genders to help balance each other, even if one is from Mars and the other is from Venus! He is an efficient, orderly God. There is a reason; there is a need for the correct tension to keep each one from pulling too far inward or too far outward. I am reminded of that with each step I take.