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Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/16/2008 5:59:41 PM
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Walker311
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How we handle the things that happen in our lives ultimately gives our lives meaning... to a certain degree of course.
I read a statement recently that a turtle does not begin to walk until it has stuck its neck out.
Our lives are full of opportunites for chance and risk and a very good possibility of failure whenever we choose to step out. In the same respect, we could also have great success.
Over and over I learn about tragic and devastating situations in the lives of people in my community. At the same time, events are happening that are positive and uplifting to some of the same ones.
I like and need stability in my life. I get up at the same time. I eat lunch at the same time. I drink the same brand of coffee... *yawn* and you get the picture. It could all change!
We need unpredictability or we learn nothing. It is just as God planned it.
What are some unpredictable events that happened to you that changed your life and gave you a new perspective?
< Message edited by Walker311 -- 5/16/2008 6:06:39 PM >
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/16/2008 10:14:25 PM
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CoeurdeLeon
Posts: 6491
Joined: 9/4/2005
From: Inside my head
Status: online
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Moving every year or so, never being in the same school for more than 2 consecutive years.
Not knowing the strangers that were always in my mother's home. Not knowing who would be living there at any given time.
Not knowing when the next bizarre drama was going to take place with family. Or what it was going to entail.
Having a child die.
Spending 21 yrs not knowing when the next bizarre drama was going to take place with my (now ex) husband. Or what it was going to entail. Or if I'd need to be taken to the hospital this time.
A house fire.
God used all those things and a whole lot more to knock off some of the rough edges. I am what I am because of those things and the way God worked through and in them.
edited to add ~ One of the many, many blessings I've reaped because of the above is that I accept change much more easily than someone who had a relatively stable life. I've had lots and lots of practice with changing circumstances and am VERY flexible and adaptable.
< Message edited by CoeurdeLeon -- 5/16/2008 10:22:00 PM >
_____________________________
When I have a little money I buy Books.
If any left over I buy food and clothes.
Erasmus
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/17/2008 12:58:44 AM
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zamdad
Posts: 1065
Joined: 4/8/2005
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quote:
What are some unpredictable events that happened to you that changed your life and gave you a new perspective?
Seems like God is always changing things for me when I begin to get comfortable.
Although I didn't know Him until many years later, He moved me from CA to Alaska upon graduating from high school.
He brought my wife into my life when I didn't want "just one woman."
He moved me and my family from Alaska to MN when, from my perspective, things were impossible.
Currently, He has me in transition from one career into another when the world says, "Are you nuts?"
Comfort zones all too quickly become trechorous ruts.
_____________________________
You can't strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.
A. Lincoln
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/17/2008 3:27:52 AM
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Little_1
Posts: 543
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This is quite some question Walker but I've come to expect that of you. 
Last year, I asked God to take my life and use it for His glory - whatever it cost!
Around the same time, I told the devil to "do his worst" because I was not afraid of him because God is on my side. Not something I would advise to anyone reading this post however and I believe this is a very foolish thing to do (ie. to tempt the devil)!
However, God is a merciful God and He is our 'Jehovah Nissi' thankfully and I know He knew my foolishess in tempting our old enemy. I have found that the devil is a mighty foe but God is 'Almighty God' - Hallelujah!
Within less than a week of this, my hubby was involved in a fatal accident in which a young person died. Since then, he has gone through Police questionings, various other inquiries and there is a Fatal Accident Inquiry shortly. It has been the most difficult 10 months of our lives. We cannot imagine what the family of the child who died is going through because added to their grief is bitterness and anger. What has not helped this situation is that the media and press have been like a pack of wolves. They have printed many untruths and all sorts of nonsence as well as some truth - however much has been hype and sensationalism. My husband is a good and hard working man and it is so difficult to watch him go through this situation. I will not go into too much detail obviously but I am sure you can imagine this is not an everyday occurence thankfully. Up until this point in time, we were getting on with our lives and never imagined what a difference a day could make to our whole future and that of others. In fact, not even a day - just a few minutes.
I heard about the accident (which had happened 8 hours earlier) on the television news when I got home from work. There was a terrible oppression all day at work but I had no idea what had happened much earlier because I was not informed. I phoned police stations and a hospital in the area to find out if my hubby was safe and that was scary because noone could give me much information during the first hour of my finding out. I will never, ever forget switching on the TV and realising my hubby was involved in this sad accident - the shock was awful! What a terrible shock it must have been for the child's parents when they discovered the horrendous news likewise but obviously so much worse for them.
However, throughout this situation, the Lord has been very real and dependable. My hubby has come to faith in the Lord and my own faith has deepened. I have delved into the Scriptures in a way that I honestly never would have done if I was not faced with this difficult time. This situation is the most difficult we have faced in all our lives.
God has been repeating the same message over and over to me this past week - and that is - "He is our defense". My hubby is practically on his own facing this FAI but I know that the Lord works through our weaknesses. God has brought my attention very much to Joshua and how God worked through weakness and vulnerability to prove His greatness. I know in my heart that the Lord will bring us through this situation.
My prayer throughout this situation is that the Lord will uncover the complete truth. The family deserve to know the truth and not anything less or cover ups. Please pray that this will be the outcome. Please also pray that God will bring good out of a sad situation for the family also. I can understand they are angry and bitter from what they have read in the media, etc and God knows this too and loves them so very much. God does not want them to carry bitterness and anger (two very destructive forces) along with grief - this is too much for anyone to bare. Please pray they will come to know the peace of God which passes all understanding and that He may help them to cast this heavy burden upon Him.
If this situation has given us any new perspectives on life - these would include:
~ You can allow difficulties to either break you as a person or allow God to use them to make you the person He desires you to be
~ Difficulties are opportunities for God to grow your faith if you will humble yourself
~ Don't put your confidence in man - they can let you down and fail you - only God is totally dependable
~ We are really very dependent on God for everything whether we realise it or not
~ Our lives are very fragile - we are not indestructable as we would like to sometimes think - death comes to us all and we need to be prepared
~ God is a very present help in times of trouble and even if your world turns upside down - He is still on His throne and in control working all things together for good
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 5/18/2008 3:44:22 AM >
_____________________________
I was lost but Jesus found me.
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/18/2008 9:49:25 PM
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LivingParadox
Posts: 337
Joined: 2/28/2007
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I've joked for years that how some people have one of those days... I have one of those lives. 
From the predictability of unpredictability, I've learned that I grow much more in the hard places that don't have easy answers because you have to lean into God. These are the places you grow. Reminds me of the story of the catepillar becoming a butterfly it has to go through the struggle to develop and become the beautiful creature it's meant. The struggle looks hard but necessary -- you can actually cripple the creature if you try to help and not let the muscles strengthen. Sometimes we have to strengthen our "spiritual muscles" so we are ready for the next thing God calls us to do.
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/18/2008 11:40:48 PM
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Walker311
Posts: 1857
Joined: 4/11/2005
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I was watching a program about 9/11 on the National Geograhic channel. This Arab muslim was describing the first tower crashing down and how he was running for his life. He said that he tripped and ended up on his back and from out of nowhere, a bearded man with long sideburns and a kippah on his head held out his hand and said "grab my hand brother and we'll get outta here".
They got seperated in the crowd but this made an impression on this man. As tragic and unpredictable as 9/11 was, it changed many minds and many lives. Story after story gives accounts of people risking their lives to help someone else. People doing deeds that they never imagined that they would do. Many people know beyond doubt that there was a higher power involved in their survival.
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/20/2008 4:05:56 AM
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Little_1
Posts: 543
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Walker311
I was watching a program about 9/11 on the National Geograhic channel. This Arab muslim was describing the first tower crashing down and how he was running for his life. He said that he tripped and ended up on his back and from out of nowhere, a bearded man with long sideburns and a kippah on his head held out his hand and said "grab my hand brother and we'll get outta here".
They got seperated in the crowd but this made an impression on this man. As tragic and unpredictable as 9/11 was, it changed many minds and many lives. Story after story gives accounts of people risking their lives to help someone else. People doing deeds that they never imagined that they would do. Many people know beyond doubt that there was a higher power involved in their survival.
I doubt any of us will ever forget 9/11. I can still remember the spot I was standing when I first learned the horrific news. Thanfully there have been few major world headlines like such which have brought such heaviness of heart to so many and this was definately one of them. Also, the Indian Tsunami. Finally, Dunblane (UK) where many young primary school children were shot and murdered in cold blood and more recently the China earthquake.
Dear Papa
Such events leave us feeling very vulnerable in our societies
and remind us that life is like a vapour and quite fragile
Thank You that You are our strength and shield and also
a very present help in times of trouble
Thank You that you were with people like Todd Beamer during 9/11
I pray for the families of all those who have been touched by such sadness -
Please lift up their heads and protect their minds in the years ahead
You work all things together for good to those who love You and are called
according to Your purpose and I pray You will continue to work in the lives
of everyone who was affected by all such events
I pray for those who will come to know and love you in the days and years ahead
who have perhaps been personally affected by these sad situations
I pray that you will use their testimony to reach many, many souls who are sad and grieving
Help anyone who is still badly affected by these terrible events
And may we have faith to trust that Your ways are higher than our ways
And Your thoughts are higher than our thoughts
So please help us to rest in Your love no matter what storms may come into our lives and
to remain fastly secured to our Rock of Ages and be able to prove Your faithfulness to
the many, many who need to know that You and You alone are Almighty God.
Be glorified
AMEN
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 5/20/2008 4:17:28 AM >
_____________________________
I was lost but Jesus found me.
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/22/2008 6:16:09 AM
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doer
Posts: 2845
Joined: 4/13/2005
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quote:
What are some unpredictable events that happened to you that changed your life and gave you a new perspective?
(the very short version)
the week before my 17 birthday I had 2 academic scholarships, and one musical scholarship, I was healthy, life was full of goals and dreams, I had an endless supply of friends that I hung out with, and big plans for a summer vacation. ..... and I could play a pretty mean trumpet.
*****
a week after my 17th birthday I was in a hospital, in intensive care, given a 2 week life expectancy, I didn't know who I was, didn't know who my parents were.... didn't know anyone, no scholarships, no goals, no dreams, no friends, no memory, in a lot of pain, didn't even know what a trumpet was, and because of a clipped 6 & 7th nerve, would never be able to play one again.... it was a 5 year recovery filled with miraculous healing.
needless to say that it changed my life, and gave me new perspectives.
_____________________________
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/25/2008 10:42:35 AM
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thiricy
Posts: 5
Joined: 8/22/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: doer
quote:
What are some unpredictable events that happened to you that changed your life and gave you a new perspective?
(the very short version)
the week before my 17 birthday I had 2 academic scholarships, and one musical scholarship, I was healthy, life was full of goals and dreams, I had an endless supply of friends that I hung out with, and big plans for a summer vacation. ..... and I could play a pretty mean trumpet.
*****
a week after my 17th birthday I was in a hospital, in intensive care, given a 2 week life expectancy, I didn't know who I was, didn't know who my parents were.... didn't know anyone, no scholarships, no goals, no dreams, no friends, no memory, in a lot of pain, didn't even know what a trumpet was, and because of a clipped 6 & 7th nerve, would never be able to play one again.... it was a 5 year recovery filled with miraculous healing.
needless to say that it changed my life, and gave me new perspectives.
What a struggle. How are you doing now?
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/25/2008 7:23:41 PM
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doer
Posts: 2845
Joined: 4/13/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: thiricy
What a struggle. How are you doing now?
25 years later.,.... almost to the day, and i am doing well. I have the memories of what life with no handicaps is like, the memory of all the dreams that are now long gone... replaced with a servant's heart and a new deeper love for my Saviour, and a fuller understanding of what it means, and what it feels like to be saved.
_____________________________
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/30/2008 5:12:47 AM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 634
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
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quote:
What are some unpredictable events that happened to you that changed your life and gave you a new perspective?
This might seem like small potatoes to folks who have endured real and visible trials in life, but this is a worthy topic of discussion, so it seems right to contribute.
The most painful turning point in my life was a broken engagement 34 years ago. I'd been living my life according to the script penned by hagiographer Jamie Buckingham, a latter-day Horatio Alger whose heroes achieved their goals in life in the course of "living by faith." Give your whole life over to the Lord, quit your job, find some venue for "full-time ministry," and just watch the miracles unfold, one after another. After all, time is short, and only what's done for Christ will last. Eternal souls matter far more than mundane worldly concerns.
My "Jesus Freak" adventures took me up and down the East Coast, and landed me in a Baptist street mission founded by a disciple of Francis Shaeffer. Several exciting years of ministry followed, feeding the hungry, clothing the tattered, visiting the prisoner, caring for widows (retirees) and orphans (street kids). The girl I was convinced had been provided by God to share in this adventure joined the commune for a few days, freaked out, and split.
My life had diverged from the script. The second thing I'd most wanted from God (the first, of course, was a sense of being engaged in an important ministry) had materialized briefly, then been whisked away. A tantalizing glimpse of envisioned bliss, interrupted by cold realities. This did not compute. As a Catholic mystic said to Jesus, "Lord, if this is the way you treat your friends, then it's no surprise that you have so few of them!"
I don't miss the girl; in fact, upon reflection, I barely knew her, and was infatuated with an imaginary creature projected upon this real human being. The broken story arc, however, was truly devastating. God had "broken the rules" -- as they existed in my mind, and guided my life.
At which point, three facts gave me grace to keep moving forward:
- God understands me, and has proven it -- by walking in my shoes (the Incarnation)
- God loves me, and has proven it -- by dying for my sins (the Atonement)
- God has power to help me, and has proven it (the Resurrection)
The facts abide, even when the faith and feelings turn traitor.
How has this experience affected me? First of all, I made a sacred and solemn vow to the Lord to never place myself, or my family, at the mercy of some small ingrown "ministry." The million souls who "made a decision for Christ" at Billy Sunday's media events were less important than the three sons he sacrificed to his vision of ministry. If a church-provided "ministry opportunity" interferes with a planned family event, family trumps church. If someone testifies of "finding" the money to meet a building fund pledge by placing her kids in public school, I cut my pledge in half. True, I'd prayed about it, and a number had come to mind. But if the church is willing to accept/endorse/publish that kind of "sacrificial giving," where the children are sacrificed, then something is a bit out of plumb!
On the positive side, God has provided a genuine friend for my one-way trip through life. Four passengers have come on board, two of whom are thriving adults now, two of whom are still being home schooled and enjoyed. God has given us a few Muslim families to love and enjoy. I've learned that data-skilled folks matter as much to the Kingdom as people-skilled folks. We all have our unique ways to serve God and man. I've been able to contribute to the home schooling movement with a master's thesis that is still being cited 16 years later.
The term "Asperger's Syndrome" has allowed me to see what could have been, had God not intervened. Life is far different than I understood it to be way back then -- but far richer, far more wonderful, far more realistically related to the rest of humanity.
_____________________________
Tutto posso in colui che me da la forza! (Fil. 4:13)
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/30/2008 7:10:31 PM
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SonInMe1
Posts: 3642
Joined: 4/16/2005
From: my mom by God
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With the exception of physical ailments, would you say our troubles are...self inflicted?
I would say all of mine are.
_____________________________
You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
James 4:4
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/30/2008 9:15:58 PM
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RJR_fan
Posts: 634
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: RTP, in sunny NC USA
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quote:
With the exception of physical ailments, would you say our troubles are...self inflicted?
Yep. Which blends guilt, shame, and remorse into the brew. Yet, "if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and knoweth all things."
_____________________________
Tutto posso in colui che me da la forza! (Fil. 4:13)
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RE: Meaning of Life = Unpredicability - 5/31/2008 12:56:38 PM
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Little_1
Posts: 543
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quote:
ORIGINAL: RJR_fan
quote:
With the exception of physical ailments, would you say our troubles are...self inflicted?
Yep. Which blends guilt, shame, and remorse into the brew. Yet, "if our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and knoweth all things."
What about Job? His troubles were not self-inflicted.
More so - what about the Lord - His troubles were not self-inflicted.
Sometimes troubles are self-inflicted but not always - it's like RJR_fan says - "If our hearts condemn us" then our sin is the cause but if our hearts don't condemn us it more likely that our trial(s) are allowed by God to show forth His glory. Not all trials are the result of sin.
< Message edited by Little_1 -- 5/31/2008 1:04:46 PM >
_____________________________
I was lost but Jesus found me.
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