paravanes:meditations

  (c) Deborah Evans While I take a short summer break from the blog, I'm re-posting some of the most popular (based on views) posts. I hope you'll enjoy this one. I'll be back in early September.  --DE Originally published in November of 2012. ******* I used to speak regularly with someone who often declared herself to be "blessed and highly favored." When I telephoned her and would ask "how are you doing"? or "how is it going with you"?, the instant answer was always "I am blessed and highly favored!" Her answer came too quickly, almost as if no thought went into the response. I understand what many people teach about speaking only those words that reflect the reality you wish to experience. I think I have a least a little bit of understanding regarding why this type of thinking is so popular. I am not sure it's a good idea, or even biblical, but it is popular. I suppose we all like to think we are blessed of the Lord, but what d

(c) Deborah Evans If you feel your prayers for someone are not effective because you're not seeing the results you want, consider this: the deepest purpose of prayer is to align your will to the will of God. Prayer cannot be used to align someone else's will to your will. Prayer cannot be used as a tool to control, direct, manipulate, or redirect another person's life or personality. If you see a clear need for change in someone's life, pray they will be open to following God. Trust God for the timing of this change. This is different from praying that person will be open to doing what you want them to do when you want them to do it.. Praying "harder" and more often will not move God to do something out of God's plan, will, or timing. Prayer is a privilege, not a hammer. God is perfectly capable of speaking clearly to everyone, including those who don't currently know or follow him.  Pray in peace, act as directed by God, and trust God for the outcome.

  (c) Deborah Evans According to a 2022 CBS News report, the average person tells four lies each day . This survey report suggests lying has become a natural  and habitual way of life for many people. Rather than simply condemning this habit -- a habit most people acknowledge as "wrong", or "less than best"--I thought it would be more useful to list the rules of lying. Rule 1: Deny actions and experiences that may require the telling of a lie at a later point in time. Rule 2: Remind yourself of Rule 1 each day. Rule 3:  Remember the average person tells four lies each day and take this into account during your conversations and contacts. It is likely you are being lied to regularly. Rule 4:  Self-examine on why lies often appear an easier "out" than telling the truth. Rule 5:  Self-examine on what type of relationship you have with a person you regularly lies to or tell lies about. Habits are hard to break, but the breaking begins when you refuse to lie t