Rights versus Privileges

In the Bible, the Corinthians were busy defending their rights. Today, in America as well as many parts of the world, we are still doing it. God has designed all of human life to revolve around relationships. Everyone is involved in a relationship, and within those relationships are differing roles. However in our society the emphasis is not on relationships, but on individuality. People focus on their rights and seek to satisfy themselves. I don't think God think we all have any "rights" but rather "privileges".

During our sanctification as Christians in this sinful world, we are go grow in spirit and truth. We are to continuing being spirit-filled and spirit-lead by allowing His grace to transform us what He wants us to be. Our task is to faithfully pursue His will. God’s lessons have taught me what Spirit-filled really means and how to practice Spirit-filled virtues. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means I am to refrain from using my rights and privileges I am entitled to by God's grace because I desire to do God's will out of love and obedience as if I am after God's own heart. Great faiths in the Bible were willing to let go of their rights, privileges and lives in the interests of doing God's will. Faith in Jesus has replaced my temporal doubts and fears with eternal hope when I present my body "as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (see Romans 12:1-2).

Disabilities, Life and being Content

Looking back. I was very healthy until I was diagnosed with MS a few years ago. Even though I was legally disabled (deaf since birth by nerve damage in the inner ear), I played sports, was on a swim team, hardly missed any work and I was able to everything that "normal" people could do except that I could not hear that well. So, I was unable to learn anything from my healthy body. Its just that I was able to do many things that an unhealthy person could not do (which I learned later). I have Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis (RRMS) (Diagnosed in April 2002). (deafness caused by nerve damage, MS caused by nerve scars.) I am healthy today and hardly get sick however my MS can affect my daily activities. For the longest time, I thought I have planned and executed my life all by myself but really never aware that my life have always been guided by God.

In my office, I have this cute cartoon. It is showing a cute person wearing the Armor of God and shooting arrows (devil's schemes). A quote under the cartoon states: "Look at it this way...... Without these trials, testing of your faith, working of patience, and fighting a good fight.......LIFE COULD BE BORING." (see 1 Peter 1:7) My mother gave me that when I was facing tough situations. We all must remember that without these temptations and circumstances, our self-discovery of spiritual maturity become aware and will we not mature spiritually. The trials that the Lord allows into our lives to strengthen us can also become temptations, which, rather than being a means to spiritual growth. The only things that come from God are good and perfect which includes all- inclusiveness of God's graciouness. Every act of giving on God's part and every gift He gives is sufficient, lacking nothing, beneficial, and complete.

Old Deaf culture and New Deaf culture

Last night, my wife and I were watching the movie called Hallmark’s Sweet Nothing in My Ear, I realized something and told my wife that I am seeing the "Old Deaf culture and New Deaf culture" in this movie. I believe this movie is accurate in many ways. I was watching carefully of one character who played the deaf grandfather in the movie and he has portrayed many of the "old" Deaf culture individuals' attitude while today's Deaf culture is little different. The deaf grandma who was probably the most wise character in the movie did every well explaining pros and cons of Deaf culture. The "old" Deaf culture didn't have to deal with today's technology while today's Deaf culture is dealing with it. Oh yes, there was one character in the movie who played the hard-of-hearing psychologist who both signs and speaks which is very much how I am in real life except that I am a professional accountant.

The key phrase in the whole movie comes down to is this: "to help him (Adam) have a better life". Of course, everyone was doing this for Adam from each of the characters' own perspectives. Yesterday, I posted about Nebraska's billboard promoting an Omaha school for the hearing impaired is drawing fire from the Deaf culture who lives in the area. Some deaf people saying they’re insulted by the sign’s message which means the Deaf culture is still struggling for self-recognition. The billboard was aiming at kids who are hearing-impaired (or deaf) more than parents.

I have no problem with the billboard that was sending a message to hearing-impaired/deaf kids because they all have that 'right' to do whatever they want with their own body. No one else should tell them what to do. That's the MAIN issue about parents placing kids to have cochlear plant by giving them a choice.

This movie have portrayed very well because at the end, we noticed the 'father' have confessed that like many others are 'selfish' to do what they want for the child. Both deaf and hearing. Not just hearing. I am having the same issues with deaf as well for not allowing one person who has the right to do whatever he/she want with their body. They were making decisions based on what is best for themselves but not for Adam. Its not about hearing culture or Deaf culture but rather a freedom to choose. We are free, but our freedom does not mean we can know for SURE what is right and what is wrong. Until we know we can maintain our integrity only by admitting our own ignorance, we can be truly humbled by the fact that ONE individual has the right more than anyone else whether to obtain a cochlear implant or not.

Today, I am having issues with experts like AG Bell telling parents what to do. Its very tough for parents to find the "right" path for our disabled children when they are not getting ALL of the information about deafness.

We have to remember that the "parents" have the greater burden of making decisions for the family. Not the grandparents, friends or even Deaf or hearing cultures. We also have to remember that being "parents of children with disabilities" are NOT easy and we work much harder than parents of "normal" kids. They are facing a much greater trial more than anything other than facing a child who is dying or have died.

With technologies available today, many people with disabilities will NOT reject the "cure" of medical intervention if they will help make their lives easier and live in a society so that they can have a decent life. The Deaf culture will reject the cochlear implants but accept any other technologies that will help them. We should be looking at ALL aspects of what can HELP our children regardless how we think should be the right way. They are the ones who are living their lives and we are NOT living their lives. We are helping them living their lives and we want to enjoy life without us placing our own agendas what would be "best for them". We want the BEST for them to bring them out as who they are and how they can actually enjoy life independently however they can cope with. We cannot place restrictions on them because we "think" or the "experts think" what is best for the children. Parents are likely to have a very good gage of their child's functional limitations and what the child is like as a person however, without proper education in understanding "fully" of the disability, parents of disabled children will not necessarily have the best interests of the child at heart any more than the average parent. Therefore, with that thinking, disabled children are particularly vulnerable to suffering at the hands of their parents who are willful in their own ignorance on agendas.

My deafness which I was born with, is not an illness nor a disability but rather I can't hear. Looking back. I was very healthy and was able to do anything that a "normal able" people could do but hear. I am hard of hearing (completely deaf when not wearing hearing-aids) so I was able to hear almost "normal" and I am thankful for today's technologies.

I was able to do many things ever better than "able" people until later in life that is, when I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis on April 22, 2002 (which is 6 years ago tomorrow). Living with Multiple Sclerosis, I am prone to live with chronic pain. The main thing I need to remember is that "my will" has the power to control my thoughts. I am more into in thoughts than I am into feelings but I have both which helps me make decisions based on logical analysis and reasoning rather than feelings. I am doing what is BEST for me because this is my life.

Its not about us or them. This is about "what's best for ME" so we need to put ourselves in a child's shoes to figure out what is BEST for the child regardless how I think or feel.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Amish Culture

Orthodox Amish culture do not allow hearing aids since they are considered "technology" and technology isn't permitted in Amish culture. Non-orthodox Amish and Mennonite people have cross-overed to the other side to live among the people who use technology. People often confuse the Amish and Mennonites that they think there's no difference between the two. Even though, their beliefs are very similar however the way that they express them, how they are in lifestyle and culture are different. Majority of the Mennonites dress like the rest of us, drive cars and have electricity in their homes along with ranges, washers and dryers and other appliances. On the other hand, the Amish are very strict about their clothing and don't drive cars or have electricity in their homes.

I wear hearing-aids and living in a technology world. If I was an Amish, I probably would not know what its like to be around with other deaf people in this world who are outside the Amish culture. What would it be like for deaf Amish individuals to live in an isolated like that? I have never met a deaf Amish person however, I came close to some. I believe that there are only three deaf Mennonite churches in the United States which are located in Lancaster, Penn, in New York and in Orville, Ohio, which is near Canton. Many years ago, I was a guest speaker at Orville's church where I have met several nice Mennoite families and church members. I was pleased to be a guest speaker there. It was quite an experience. Mennoite churches are like most Christian churches and they are basically Anabaptist believers which believe in peace and often called peace makers. They believe in non-resistance. I have been involved in a Anabaptist denomination for almost 20 years and I found Anabaptist do believe much of the Reformed Theologies except what separates their doctrines (i.e. Baptism, etc). Culture-wise, depending on Amish tribe and families. Some are really strict and some are not. Nation from the greek word "Ethnos". Strongs defines Ethnos as a multitude (whether of men or of beasts) associated or living together as a company, troop, swarm. A multitude of individuals of the same nature or genus the human family a tribe, nation, people group (Culture). One thing I have learned when I was in the Anabaptist denomination, preferences aren't necessarily a doctrine issue, but can become serious when people in the church can't get along with each other because of their preferences. There are many Christian cultures because there are Christians who will follow their conscience, feelings, beliefs and personal worship preferences. In important example is that Orthodox churches including Anabaptist denominations encourage their women do cover their heads when they enter into church.

Being Content

This is my quotes I have made in my previous journals:

“Okay, I have hearing loss (deaf) and multiple sclerosis, and those are the ways of life for me. I take silence and pain as come and I have learned master them in my life. My disabilities do not have me. I have the disabilities and I accept them because I know who I am from the inside. Everything has its wonders, even silence and pain, and I learn whatever disabilities and difficulties I may be in, I am happily content.”

Proverbs 19:23 The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble.

Philippians 4:11-12 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

1 Timothy 6:8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you."

When you cannot answer a skeptic, be content to wait for more light; but never forsake a great principle. J.C. Ryle

"This is God's universal purpose for all Christian suffering - more contentment in God and less satisfaction with self." John Piper

Self-willed

Over the years, I have learned more about "self-willed". The word self-willed carries the idea of an arrogant self-will, an obstinate self-willfulness. One of the virtues in the Bible is a person is not self-willed (Titus 1:7). I don't want to be one of those who is a stubborn self-willed person who will steal other people's joy of life. As a sinner, I am a perpetually self-willed person, by that, I have the desire to have just what I wish but I don't (with self-control). However, I have a “passive behavior” which means often I allow other’s rights and needs take precedence over my own but at the same time, when necessary, I will express that the other person and I both have rights and needs equally.

I have seen some strong-willed people who are so controlling that they are not yielding to the wishes of others. More often than not, self-willed person will not listen to advices of others. A self-will person will always insisting stubbornly and arrogantly of having their own way.

I get irritated when I am around one who is very self-willed person, in fact, I don't develop friendship with anyone who is strong in self-willed.

Just my thoughts for tonight. :)

Respect

I have been thinking lately. It is very clear that we are to make an effort to understand one another and respect your differences. There are so many different people, cultures, disabilities, preferences and others out there. We all have to make extra efforts to see from another's point of view even if we really don't agree.

We just need respectfully disagree without being a militant or extremist. Christian Grace is about respecting how they practice or promote their beliefs. I will discuss my thoughts and feelings and trust that will they respect my individuality. I will do the same respect in turn.

I recorded ‘Cold Case' however due to

CBS Sports, Cold Case didn't start until later so I could not finished watching it after 35 minutes (I think). So, I can't say too much about the show but I do want to say about the common assumptions by hearing people (actors) are pretty much on the mark. Assumptions are always the problem but hey, we all live in the world of assumptions. Often "assumptions" leads to arguments that begs the question may one in which a premise presupposes the conclusion in some way. Such an argument may be valid in the sense in which logicians use that term, yet provides no reason at all to believe its conclusion. Most people are not even aware that they are operating based on a set of rules because they are invisible and they may be ignorant on certain issues. Each group (i.e. Deaf Culture) shares its own set of basic assumptions which differ from the assumptions underlying the other groups (i.e. Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, community).

Assumptions and stereotyping doesn't substitute for cold hard facts about people and cultures. We all faced the fact that you assumptions were proven wrong in the past and we will be wrong in the future.

I am going to help my daughters with their income tax and I might be back tonight.

Jim

Life Experiences as Lessons

Learning from trials like my illness and what I am struggling. I don't care what anyone says, anybody who tries to create a fantasy world where everything is perfect is only setting themselves up for even a more profound sadness, frustrations and sorrow. I learning to see the reality is not in a certain light but as it is we see everyday. Everyone have their own definition of happiness. From my personal point of view that the universe is beautiful and mysterious even through my own trials. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes because he has learned the hard lesson from his pride. Solomon was the wisest man ever lived (other than Christ). Solomon was humbled by God and then he wrote from his experiences. Solomon explained to us the reality of life from God's point of view. If God is ALL good, then Solomon would not write the negative side of God in Ecclesiastes. Ecclesiastes 7:14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, a man cannot discover anything about his future. Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:11,"He works all things according to the purpose of His own will."

Reading Ecclesiastes helps alot. Hearing stories from my elders (old relatives) reminded me that their experiences speaks the truth. As they say, "History repeats itself in every generation" because they have seen them over and over again.

Reading Ecclesiastes have reminded me that people have been taking "life" for granted. My wife and I were talking the other day about our future. Our day to day activities needs to change and be more productive. We are so busy doing things but not of us doing any quality times. Later on today, we are going over our commitments of what can do for "us". I am about 7 or 8 years away from retirement and we really need to get serious about our future. Knowledge of the mystery is having the reality of an experience of God has given to us as a gift. How do I convince a world that God is alive? Simple, by His aliveness in my life, by His Grace that is producing reality in my experience of life.

Oh yes, my wife and I were talking about about our flaws and we both agree that as sinner, we both are hypocrites of revealing who we really are aound the world. We both agree that from life's experiences and what we see in the news media, many people are doing the same as we are.

I think I am going to try to sleep.

Jim

Denial, Admitting and Willing

Going through recent minor mishaps with my wife and that I am learning that one my flaws really irritates her. Sometimes I forget thinking of my own imperfections and the role I play in my relationship. Now that I am aware of my flaws and I am not going let myself overwhelmed over those flaws I have. This does not mean I see the doors closing when ignoring another door opening. I can over-come my flaws by remembering that my own pride is at the bottom of all great mistakes. Naturally, pride is a fundamental flaw of our nature. What if I did something different? Having flaws does not cause me to fail; not overcoming them does and will cause me to fail. I may have been known by others that I am “resistant to change” and the resisting to change usually the result of poor communication and poor planning on my part. Resistance is a normal phase of dealing with change. I can be very smart and at the same time be very ignorant in certain areas. What I need to do is moving from ignorance and turn my knowledge into action by embracing my flaws and change.

My first step is facing my own denial. I need to stop refusing to apply any new information I have learned about my own flaws. I do admit that I simply don't acknowledge my flaws and often ignore them. I know that change will be unavoidable and I need to stop putting obstacles that have been preventing me from changing.

Well.. that's my first step for a 49 year old man trying to change so I won't irritate her any longer. LOL

Okay... here goes.......Spasticity during......

lovemaking is very irritating for someone who has Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Lovemaking and sexuality involves mutual affection, warmth, tenderness, physical touch between two people who are in love. For awhile, I have ignored this issue but lately, I have found ways to handle spasticity. My wife and I have arranged our positions to reduce the chances of me getting spasticity. This took me awhile to say it but I didn't say it directly. Rather, I say it that I perform better in another position when dealing with MS.

One of my best and sexiest part of my body is my mind because I am very creative and always finding ways to making love more fun. I just won't give up and keep trying. When there is a will, there is always a way. When my wife found my books, she was surprised to see the romance books I have and she asked, "Do you actually read romance books?". I said, "Well, let me put it this way, I love sex and I know women love sex and romance books will tell me what women really wants". She said, "No wonder you are so smooth."

Anyway, February is LOVE and I thought we dicuss LOVE as others bloggers with Multiple Sclerosis are discussing this month (see list of bloggers on right that I visit daily).

By the way, I am home from work and not feeling well. So I am resting and probably work alittle at home. Good thing I can do some of my job at home.

Have a wonderful day everyone.

Irrirtating Life

If knowing answers to life's questions is absolutely necessary to you, then forget the journey. You will never make it, for this is a journey of unknowables -- of unanswered questions, enigmas, incomprehensibles, and, most of all, things unfair. ------ Jeanne Guyon, in *Spiritual Torrents*

Life itself can be very irritating. I like when I heard a fellow Christian who said "God can be irritating". There have been times that irritations leads me to depression and I have been there. Daily life is an irritating game, and we’ve no choice but put up with them and play them in order to survive. Sometimes, it is my fault for having unrealistic expectations. One of my major irritated beef is people's ignorance. Most of the time, I am very tolerate and able to handle irritating people along who rub me the wrong way but ignorance bothers me the most. I try to remind myself that I was one of them once that I should understand how irritating they could be at times. At times, I just feel if I'm irritating othres like my family, friends and co-workers. AT times, being irritating cause me to feel down and wondering if I can continue to cope.

Along with "Humor", how do I build my confidence up and become less irritating so that I can really cope with my life? I read somewhere that I need to stop falling into the trap of over analysing everything, and pondering things too much. The subject of my human emotions and circumstances, God does not play with my emotions unless He was trying use my circumstances to improve my own character and faith. Whatever comes out of Him is all good and only good. The causes for my circumstances are often God-given opportunities for my spiritual growth.

Paul explains in 1 Cor. 10:13, "These has no testing taken you but such as is common to man; but God will, with the testing, also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

One of my favorite verses that I often use to remind myself is 2 Corinthians 12:9 says "God said 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness." I love Marja's translation of that verse "My grace is all you need; for my power is strongest when you are weak." When I am most aware of my own weaknesses, I am more inclined to collapse into God's strength and experience His amazing grace who gives me peace. God's Grace is a wonderful feeling. God promised me that He will not to allow anything into in my life that will be too much for me to bear (1 Cor. 10:13), He will work out everything for my good in the end (Rom. 8:28), and "perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish" me in the midst of my sufferings (1 Pet. 5:10).

Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God's plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins. God's love is still working. He comes in and takes the calamity and uses it victoriously, working out His wonderful plan of love. Eric Liddell

Pondering "Humor" when needed....................

PONDER: To weigh mentally; Think deeply about; Consider carefully Webster's New World Dictionary

Everyday, I ponder, contemplate, consider and thinking whatever that affects my daily moods, activities and life. Thinking back, I remember behaving childlike and actually enjoying life by being playfuln and enjoy the simplicity. I desire to have a day-by-day living of feeling carefree. This week, I am having struggles with my depression especially when my wife was asking me me if I was okay since we had not made love for a few weeks now and that she misses it. Last saturday, I was writing about Dealing with Disabilities and Depression because I was feeling it and today, I am still feeling it. I was reading somewhere that depressed mood in people with multiple sclerosis often changes more significantly over time than other stable depression symptoms. I am sure that is true. Sometimes, MS patients have every reason to be depressed when needed to.

I am taking prozac and it is working but what I need to do is to start having more "humor" in my life. I don't think I am doing it enough because experts says that humor is an excellent tool for combating depression. It is often known as a "Humor is a Natural Antidote for Depression". I might start having at least ONE post about "humor" and try to have a good laugh about "life".

I find this site very useful whenever I need humor. I have many bookmarks for humor. This is just one of them. You might like it too. Squiffy's House of Fun - Laughter for Multiple Sclerosis

Enjoy !!

I like this quote: Happiness does not depend on outward things, but on the way we see them. Leo Tolstoy

Often, I am reminded by Christ's definition of Beatitudes (Matthew 5) which really contradicts the world’s definition of happiness. I have had a lifelong struggle with the question of being happy as a Christian.

A.W. Tozer is one of my favorite Christian authors who often reminds me of my relationahip with "life". "If there's anything necessary to your eternal happiness but God, you're not the kind of Christian that you ought to be. For only God is the true rest." Attributes of God,pg.30

What is Fatalistic Attitude? And how do you determine.....

which attitudes are fatalistic?

Sometimes I notice that distrusting of the medical system can bolster fatalistic attitudes.

Another thought is that to some people that "trusting the providence of God can bolster fatalistic attitudes".

To me, whatever we want from God, if God didn't make it happen, it didn't happen. If God wanted it to happen, it would happen. It's not fatalism. It's a confidence in providence. The fact of the matter is the visible providence of God has no respector (discriminate) of persons. God's providence is always that we shouldn't be surprised to find this a mysterious paradox of what happens around the world for His purpose. What we may need (or want) often will not fit with God's will. In In Ephesians 1:11, "He works all things according to the purpose of His own will." 'Providence" means God’s faithful, moment-by-moment control over everything He has made to ensure that everything He has created are going according to His will. He is active in every detail of it. He’s active at every moment. He doesn’t stand back and let things happen because He decides to intervene if something or someone is not going according to His will. He governs the world moment-by-moment through providence, so that everything that happens, every detail of our life occurs by God's divine providence or by God’s express permission. He is in control of everything. Even the bad things that happen to us are circumscribed by a loving providence and God promises to use them all for our ultimate good. God does everything--He governs everything.” God doesn’t just sit back and wait until He wants to act and then do it through a miracle.” God constantly intervenes in our lives through providence.

Scriptures reveals that no trial, no disease or illness, no accident or injury reaches us apart from God's permission. Christians can answer like Joseph to his brothers who sold him into slavery, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.”

Something to ponder :)

Accepting As I am.....................

To continue from Lisa's blog about why I am blogging, in Today, in Merelyme's blog, she writes about "Loving Yo'self: Part One". I recommend that you read her blog because she made some interesting points which made me think. I think this is a good topic to discuss in your own blog. Both Merelyme's and Lisa's blogs have made provoking thoughts about why we blog and why we need to love ourselves.

We blog because we want to love ourselves as we are even when we dislike what we are or how our lives are living. I am going to repeat what I said a comment section:

There are times that I do not like myself but I love who I am. I am accepting as who I am while trying to work on areas that I don't like. However, in some departments, I can't do anything about them because they are "part of me" regardless. Accepting myself can be difficult at times. I am learning not to do "I can do it myself" approach because when I do that, I think I am capable of anything when in reality, I can't. I want people to see me with approval without judgements but I can't do anything about their thoughts and attitudes. They are not in my control. But I can control myself with help because whether I believe it or not, it's a fact that God is in control of my life. If I don't believe it, I'm just robbing myself of the enjoyment of the fact. There is no question that my adversities are difficult and it usually takes me by surprise and seems to strike me when I am most vulnerable. I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary in order to lear to cope with my life. Sometimes, I fail to remember the place of suffering in the broader scheme of things. For me to refuse suffering is to refuse my personal growth.

I love who I am but I dislike who I am. Interest paradox huh?

This is a good topic and I am going to link your blog in my blog today. Thanks for sharing.

Jim

Why am I Blogging?

Today, I had a really busy day at work and didn't know what to think for tonight's topic until I read Lisa's Why My Blog?!! This past week, I have thinking about that because ever since I started blogging, I started with political issues because its election year.

Lately, I figured this out that the main reason I blog is because I found it valuable for my sanity. Another is that I have learned that God left me no time for disputing about His providence plans and why things are happening to me. While pondering my life and my relationship with God, I have learned that, rather than losing myself in trying to discern for sure what the cause is and trying to figure out why this thing is happening to me, it’s important that I ask the deeper question, How am I to respond to it? It is something of a paradox that while my thoughts deeply affect my will and go far to determine my choices. The main thing I need to remember is that "my will" has the power to control my thoughts. I am more into in thoughts than I am into feelings but I have both which helps me make decisions based on logical analysis and reasoning rather than feelings. I learn better by reading and I am able to concentrate better on anything that is written than hearing someone talking. I always prefer to “Be Prepared” and plan for worst-case scenario with many contingencies in place and with that thinking, I do enjoy sense of adventure of the unexpected as a challenge however; I like to take advantage of chances without failing. I prefer old fashioned amount of routine in my life to feel the predictability without any drama. I am realistic by facts and practicality in my life. I am man that is "matter of fact person" which means I concentrate on what is happening in my life rather than pondering about my future.

Just this past two years, I have learned a great deal what it means to understand "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance". I am beginning to know what Romans 5:3-5 really means when Paul wrote, "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." I am realizing that God through the Holy Spirit that leads my thoughts and shapes my character as He directs my life. God will direct me if I aware of it or not. I am learning that God will always lead me to His providential circumstances for my own good. God uses people with the right life experiences by putting them through the right spiritual directions and teaching them the right spiritual lessons. Reading Proverbs really helped me alot over the years and this one verse made a mark in my mind and heart, Proverbs 20:24 A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? With that, going into the New Testament,in Acts 17:24-29 explains that God determined the times set for us and the exact places where we should live. Jesus even assured me when He said in Matthew 10:29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. If God can control two sparrows, then He will do the same for me creatures as well. Life is an learning experience for me and I am thankful for the educaation that God has provided me that no college or any other educational system can beat.

Anyway, blogging helps me whether people read my blog or not. Its nice to know that people are reading. I am learning to discuss my personal thoughts and feelings with my readers and trust that they will respect my individuality and that I will do the same respect in turn.

Life's Experiences

I have been thinking and reminding myself that I should be aware that my practice as a Christian is to understand where God will meet me which is in the core and that is in my heart. The more I know about God, the more ready I am to believe Him for everything, because I know Him. I can choose to serve God as I see fit in my heart, mind and soul however God may change my decision as He directs me to another direction. He did lead me into life-changing experiences that truth wounds through my life's experiences. God's providences in my life were my "wake-up calls" as well as making me a better Christian. I realized that when I am trying to understand why He is doing this, my life is more peaceful and more enjoyable. Even though God will not take away my problems but He always been there for me when I am facing problems. What did my "life" teach me? What have I learned from this "life"? Trials including my disabilities taught me that God is more concerned with my character which He is building in me. He comforts me in His arms through His power of Grace on the journey to His destiny for me as Paul explains: “Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4). In the Bible, God uses people with the right life experiences by putting them through the right spiritual directions and teaching them the right spiritual lessons. Knowledge of the mystery is having the reality of an experience of knowing God personally and consciously. Its not about how I "practice" my faith to draw near to God, but rather how my "heart" is when God is with me. Life's trials are often a two-sided coin:

One side trials may be viewed as coming from God to bring out the BEST in me (See: Gen. 22:1-2, 15-18; Hebrews 11:17).

On the other side of the coin, Satan attempts to tempt us and trials to bring out the WORST in me (see: James 1:13-14).

I could have despise my trials instead of embracing them as Romans 9:18 said, "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden". From my experiences, I can see there are serious casualties to life’s real issues. When some people don’t get it, they get angry or fustrated or bitter which leads to despise because they misjudge and failed to consider to the real purpose and scope of what is happening. That’s “hardening against God” rather than "responding in faith". Many look at trials with despair and despondency while others despise them, some feel God is far off. I have learned that Jesus has given me opportunities to do the what I can do with my life dispite of my circumstances. This is the prospect of all opportunities through "His Providential Will" which I call "coincidences" in my life which perhaps God will make sure that whatever needs to be done, will be done at His right time and place. (See Romans 8:28-29).

God has humbled me so that I can learn to have the right attitude in my life. He wants to conform and transform me to the image of Christ. Scriptures reveals that no trial, no disease or illness, no accident or injury reaches us apart from God's permission. Christians can answer like Joseph to his brothers who sold him into slavery, “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” God's purpose in redemption was not to make my life happy, healthy and free of trouble but rather His purpose was to rescue me from eternal sin and then conform me from the inside out to the image of His Son by the power of His Spirit. My disabilities allows my life of Christ to be manifested that God builds strength, virtue, compassion, faith and sacrificial love into me in order “to become conformed to the image of His son.” (Romans 8:29)God uses suffering to reveal my spiritual condition. God answers not by removing the pain, because the pain was productive, rather God gave Grace to endure. In this life it is inevitable and it is useful because it produces the evidence of your true spiritual condition, humility and intimacy with God and allows God to put Himself on display in His grace.

"God's purpose in increasing our trials is to sensitize us to people we never would have been able to relate to otherwise." Joni Eareckson Tada

"Most of the verses written about praise in God's Word were voiced by people faced with crushing heartaches, injustice, treachery, slander, and scores of other difficult situations." Joni Eareckson Tada

Canadian Mark Pickup (disabled with multiple sclerosis) said, “I have been more service to God disabled than during my able-bodied years. This didn’t happen despite my disability but because of my disability.”

I will not allow negative circumstances control my life just because I am deaf, I have multiple sclerosis, other circumstances I have. As a Christian, I am happy that God have taught me with those circumstances so that I can understand His grace.

Chief executive officer (CEO)

A chief executive officer (CEO) or chief executive is the highest-ranking corporate officer, administrator, corporate administrator, executive, or executive officer in charge of total management of a corporation, company, organization, or agency. Most corporations here in USA are paying CEOs too much and I find that disgussing. We are paying the President of USA, traditionally, who is the highest-paid public employee. President Bush currently earns $400,000 per year, along with a $50,000 expense account, a $100,000 nontaxable travel account, and $19,000 for entertainment.

The First U.S. Congress voted to pay George Washington a salary of $25,000 a year, about $566,000 in 2007 terms. Washington, already a wealthy man, refused to accept his salary; however, he asked for his living expenses to be covered.

Shareholders needs to speak up and tell the executives to shape up or else. While I understand the logic behind the salary amount which competition is expected because they attract a large number of qaulified applicants. I know CEOs face long hours, considerable travel, and intense pressure but we have to remember, there are hundreds of thousands CEOs who are not making over $ 150,000 a year including non-profit agencies. It is very laughable when many CEOs earning more than 100 times the average wage. They should be helping the company and sharing their wealth with their workers. CEO's bonuses are even WORST and their employees working their butts of making the companies success, executives should also have their bonuses should flow through so all members of a company have a reason to perform.

I like this commentary from Wall Street Journal: My Plan to Stop Corporate Abuses even though I don't completely with this thinking. I support the logic behind the reasoning.

In 1960, the average CEO made 41 times what the average worker made. But in 2005, the average CEO made over 400 times the average worker's salary. The share of corporate profits going to CEO pay has doubled since the 1990s. Meanwhile, the value of the minimum wage has plummeted 30% since 1979.

Economic's chief purpose is to discover and refine just and loving means of creating, distributing, and consuming wealth to overcome poverty and to increase the material and spiritual prosperity of all citizens. Wealth is permissionable as long as we gain wealth with honesty and without cheating and stealing. Throughout the Old Testament, there were lists of people who were wealthy and in fact the Book of Proverbs wrote who we use our wealth. Economic system is stewardship. In this country, people have equal opportunity to be successful but not everyone would be successful. For an example, just as everyone have the equal opportunity to excel in sports and make millions but only 2% of the population have the talent and gifts to play and make that kind of money.

In the United States, work ethic in form of stewardship and that economics are called for efficiency and productiveness of common sense and a strong sense of disiring to be a good steward of taking care of the country's citizens. America's attitudes towards money should be in their conviction that money is a social good, not a private possession and that the economic main purpose is the welfare of everyone in society, not the personal pleasure of the person who happens to have control over it. We all have some kind of specific needs which usually means commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood in terms of commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise in transactions especially of an economic nature. Free market capitalism produces long-term economic growth.

My final thoughts on the political economic system: Capitalism (or socialism or any other economical system) is NOT the problem... its PEOPLE and their attitudes.

An Blog I was reading............

This morning, I was reading another blogger which I visit daily and saw her link to another blog she updates in "Coffee Spills" talking about The arrogance of power and got my mind provoked with a long comment.

I am careful about this in my own life because my flesh can grow bolder and arrogant of self-centered rather than Christ-centered. How am I REALLY serving Christ?

"Show me, O LORD, my life's end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life."—Psalm 39:4

This is my own "self-examination" regarding my relationship with God because "personal interest" is the motive behind all conducts that foolish decisions and proudful. How can I distinguish my motives?

It is a grave responsibility when we take upon ourselves when we seek to edit out of God's true character for the benefits of ourselves. As Christians, our hearts should have holy motives to serve God through the Holy Spirit.

I love this quote by A.W. Tozer:
"The carnal approach usually does little more than to alienate the enemy still further from us and, worse than all, it puts us in a position where God cannot help us. The enemy never quite knows how to deal with a humble man; he is so used to dealing with proud, stubborn people that a meek man upsets his timetable. And furthermore, the man of true humility has God fighting on his side--who can win against God?"

It's been jokingly said, "I love Christians but it's their attitude I can't stand." Christians continue to manifest childish behavior instead of growing to spiritual adulthood is a sign of spiritual weakness. They often ignore the sanctifying effects of the cross carrying and skip the Spiritual training which is necessary for forming spiritual fruits that are needed to wrestle against the world, the devil and the flesh. In 1 Corinthians 13:5 says "Love does not act unbecomingly"

Satan's first sin is pride, then the real source is PRIDE. If we desire honor and glory from God, we must display humility first. That is contrary to our earthly philosophy, which exalts pride. God gives his grace only to the humble, who admit their dependence on it. If, therefore, we hope for his grace to lift us up to holiness, we must "humble (ourselves) before the Lord" (Jas 4:10). The Greek word alazoneia refers to being proud when you really have nothing to be proud about. We live in a proud and egotistical generation. "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Jas 4:6, quoting Pr 3:34). God's grace is amply sufficient to enable us to live a godly life that God gives his grace only to the humble, who admit their dependence on it. If, therefore, we hope for his grace to lift us up to holiness, we must "humble before the Lord" in faith.

Thank you for reminding me and I am going to share this blog post in my blog tonight with others. This is a good blog today.

Jim

Mind-body Medicine

Tonight, I will be attending the first meeting of a new group that is for "Men with MS". I have been thinking and wonder who the men are and what they would be like. I do hope they will have positive attitude about their life. I want to be involved with group of men who have something in common and hopefully we can have a social life together and develop meaningful friendship. Most of all, I hope they also have positive attitude about life and their MS. Heck, I sure hope some of them love to play golf. I missed playing golf.

I have seen that there are literally thousands of articles on how the mind and brain affect the body. When a person can focus on something other than their own illness, this allows the body to take advantage of our own healing capacity. Accepting may be the most important step toward finding success and happiness by focusing on the term “All disabilities or weaknesses are part of life’s challenges". We need to be self-aware by using our ability to accept the existence of our weaknesses and identify our strengths and weaknesses rather than dwell solely on the negative aspects of our weaknesses.

A positive attitude is often key to a successful life and sometimes we fall into the bad habit of negativity. I have a positive attitude, and I am optimistic about my future. Whenever I find myself not being positive, I try to put into perspective how fortunate I truly am, and usually what I'm upset about ends up looking pretty trivial. Whenever my positive attitude gets deflated, I get depressed. In order to have positive attitudes, I have to learn to “respect my bad habits." Habits don't develop in a vacuum. Without understanding the value of my habit, I will never consider methods for replacing them with something easier to adapt with. So therefore, rather than “beating” my habits, I need to understand that my habits are my “weaknesses”. I view weaknesses as disabilities. Those with disabilities have learned to accept and adapt life with their own weaknesses and therefore, we can learn from them.

The right perspective is to understand that in the trouble of life this is part of it trying to discern what God is doing in the trouble of it. James says count it all joy when you fall into various trials cause trials have a perfecting work. Peter says after you've suffered a while the Lord will make you perfect. God uses suffering to reveal our spiritual condition. If I keep forgetting the basic meanings of God's grace, I would become a bitter, angry, and cantankerous person just because things are not going "my way". Trials come to us to reveal what we really dwell on. I have to remember that no one else can take responsibility for my private life. Health is mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual wholeness which health is a gift from God, but I am responsible alone to create a proper attitude. Grace teaches me that I am to continue to rejoice and praise God even in the midst of my trials and suffering in this earthly life! Trials come to test the strength of our faith because they assist us in the knowledge of our own faith to cope with our daily lives. (Genesis 22:1-18, Malachi 3:3-4, 1 Peter 1:6-9).