The other aspect of our language that I wanted to discuss occurs in the language we don't often put a voice to...and that's the language of our thoughts. More specifically, our thoughts directed at or to ourselves. I am one of the guilty ones here (as are many others) when it comes to being a … Continue reading the importance of language part 2
the importance of language
I am a firm believer that the language we use (verbally or in our thoughts) greatly affects our beliefs, attitude and our character. This certainly shows up in using profanity. Growing up, as many teens and young adults do, I used quite a bit more profanity than I do now. I can attest that when … Continue reading the importance of language
not for pity
There was an interesting exchange between two characters on a recent episode of Flash Forward that highlights an important lesson for all of us. Here's a brief synopsis: A man named Bryce has cancer, but hasn't told his family or any of his friends because he doesn't "want their pity" and because they've already been … Continue reading not for pity
focus on the plank
Another of my favorite passages of Jesus' goes as follows: "Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is … Continue reading focus on the plank
a tree and it’s fruit
In Matthew 7, Jesus spoke about knowing a tree by its' fruit. To paraphrase, you can recognize whether a tree is good or bad by whether its' fruit is (or brings about) good or bad. This is an interesting test to put against many things in life. Take what we eat, for example. If we're … Continue reading a tree and it’s fruit
happiness
I saw a great Thomas Merton quote in the most unlikely of places yesterday (a credit union teller line): "Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm and harmony." I'm curious as to what others think of the "intensity" portion and what Merton meant by that, but this relates closely with … Continue reading happiness
life as a child
It's very easy to get caught up trying to figure out life or figure out why certain things happen and other things don't. All of us have our own agendas, wishes and desires and we all hope and pray that God's will for us includes all of those. When that doesn't happen, we usually get … Continue reading life as a child
apparitions & faith
As a Catholic, I'm very familiar with the stories and history of the apparitions of the Virgin Mary. Many would argue that these are hoaxes put on to fool the masses, but I don't believe that to be true. I also don't think it really matters whether they're real or not...here's why. Regardless of their … Continue reading apparitions & faith
wisdom listens
I saw a quote recently that resonates very strongly with me. It was, "Knowledge Speaks, Wisdom Listens." I'm not sure if this is a well-known proverb, is from scripture or a quote of anyone in particular but it stands on its' own just fine. Looking at the first part, "Knowledge Speaks", I don't think it's … Continue reading wisdom listens
love for others
We all know in our minds and in our hearts that we're called to love others. With most people this isn't an issue. As Jesus said, even the tax collectors love their friends. The hard part is loving those that we find hard to love. We're called to love them in spite of the actions … Continue reading love for others
life awake 