What Is This Feeling ?

What a glorious sunrise!

Lately I just can't shake this feeling that something is coming.  It's a feeling like it is something I've been preparing for my whole life without even realizing it.  I have no expectations or even guesses about what it might be, but the signs seem to be everywhere.  To be more specific, I find myself being drawn more toward things of a spiritual or soulful nature.  I've been seeing more things through a different set of eyes or perhaps just from a new perspective.  I am sure I will have failings.  I am certain to struggle, in fact this is what some of the signs have amounted to, but I feel a peacefulness or even quiet strength.  It is a great feeling and I hope I can keep it.


Song Of The Day:
This morning, while driving 5 young men to Seminary, I heard a song for the first time and it really echoed what I've been feeling.  "Greater" by Mercy Me is a great tune for a Monday morning.  The infectious drum beats certainly would be enough to pump anyone up, but the message behind the words is equally, if not more, inspiring.  Greater is the one living inside of me than he who is living in the world.  This line itself speaks to a truth I know and hold dear to my soul: I am a child of God and He loves me.

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Do You Believe In Evolution ?

Let me be very clear right up front ... this is NOT an argumentative post about "creationism" vs "evolution."  I am not intending in any way, shape, or form to draw any conclusion in that hot mess of a dispute.  Scientists and spiritual leaders can continue their verbal jarring on their own time.  I am sure both groups would argue that "believe" and "evolution" do not belong in the same sentence together.  I did that on purpose (if only to rile the two groups up a bit!)  :)

I am talking about the overall concept of evolution.  The process of people, the world, things in general, concepts, situations, etc. evolving and changing over time.

I believe that evolution occurs all around us.  We often call it by different names, but in my mind change that makes things more efficient, more effective, or better suited for the future qualifies as evolution.  Some things are only seen generationally, like my kids just having a more natural affinity towards technology.  While others are noticeable as you look at your own life, such as slowing down your driving speed in an area of town where you've been pulled over before.

I think evolution is a natural process and (warning for the scientists and spiritual scholars out there) it works in harmony with the theory of creationism.  As human beings we have capacity within ourselves to improve and grow and prepare future generations for greater success in their life on this earth.  Our ability to adapt is a key to successful survival (cue Darwin-ites and the "survival of the fittest" arguments), but this adaptation is often driven further forward by our internal desires to improve (cue creationist arguments over the soul and spirit and divine nature).

Bottom line from my perspective is this ... I know I am a Child of God and that, as such, I strive for improvements in who I am as a person and eternal soul.  I also know that I can evolve in this life and that evolution will help me be more successful and happy.

Song Of The Day:
I think there is just too much arguing in the world, especially around concepts that we actually generally agree on, but speak about in different ways.  "It's Alright" by 311 is my choice for a song that might encourage us to get along a bit better.  One lyric from the song states "A song, one song, could end a war, could end a war."  This concept might be a little far-fetched for some, but I actually believe we could evolve to a point where it could literally be true.

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Isn't it hard to remember all that stuff ?

It seems my life (and probably your life too) is filled with people who are angry at the world.  Well, not really the world, but basically everyone in it ... for one reason or another.  I wonder ... isn't it hard to remember all the little things that others have done to upset you over all the years of your life?  What a chore!  My head hurts just thinking about the nightmare associated with tracking those complaints about everyone you know.

You have to keep track of these grievances though, otherwise you might be naturally happy with all your blessings ... or you might treat someone nice that inadvertently purposefully (of course) was negligent of your very basic needs.  We wouldn't want that now would we?!

1st Corinthians chapter 13 talks extensively about Charity.  Perhaps I will commit it to memory so I can share it more freely with those around me who seem to always find (or remember) grievances they have against other people.  Verse 4 reads: "Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up," and verse 5 continues "Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;"  Those last two thoughts summarize the message I wish these people I know would recognize and apply to their lives.

I suppose it is a good thing that I am usually quick to forget things because it allows me to be unburdened by carrying all these grudges against all these people in my life.  Ultimately, they are really good people and almost guaranteed if they offended me it was completely unintentional.  I've only known two people in my life who were actually trying to offend me or cause me pain ... and I do not associate with either of them any more so that problem is solved (for me anyway ... for them I hope they find some help to overcome that bitterness).

I'm Sunday rambling now so I'll stop myself ... but one last thought.  I believe these individuals who are quick to anger against others likely have a deep down hurt which probably stems from a low self esteem.  If that is you and you are reading these words, please remember that you are a Child of God and your Father in Heaven will always love you.  You can do great things and be a great person even if you're imperfect (like the rest of us).  Just start with some simple charitable act towards anyone in your life and bask in the great feelings you will have from ignoring your needs just for a minute and focusing on others.  I know you can do it!