Theological Discussions with Friends

It does seem cruel, sadistic, and just plain redundant for God to create man, allow him to fall in to sin by giving us free will and the means to turn from Him, to just bring us back to the place we began. I get that. I get that it seems pointless, heartless, meaningless, etc.

But after some contemplation, I think I've neglected one aspect of the Christian “story” that may lead to a different conclusion about God’s character. Again, in order for this to make sense, you would have to assume some basic biblical truths; therefore, I’m not presenting this objectively.

So, if we believe in the basic Christine doctrine of the Trinity, then we believe that Jesus is fully God, manifested on Earth. That’s saying that the infinite, supreme creator and ruler of the universe subjected Himself to humanity. He BECAME the creation for our sake. Why would He do this? Life is vain. We can agree on that. It is hard, it is painful, and it is limiting. Thus, He loved us (or “cared for us,” if love is too fluffy of a word) so much that the sacrifice He made as the atonement for OUR sins wasn’t just that He caused His Son to die. It’s that he became the Son, who was fully human and existed within the confines of mortal limitations. Borrowing an analogy from C. S. Lewis here, but that’s worse than us making the decision to continue existence as an earthworm or maggot for the sake of one of our family members or something.

So, to summarize: God created us for His own enjoyment. (Why? I don’t know, but He did.) He created us with the ability to reject Him, knowing that we indeed would reject Him, so that our love for Him is authentic and unforced. Knowing we would reject Him, and being a perfect and just Creator who cannot allow injustice to continue, He sacrificed Himself so that we again could have the means to live in community with Him in spite of our sinful nature and decisions. If all He wanted was to watch His creation suffer and walk about blindly, trying to discover life’s meaning and a purpose in the vast universe, and just wanted to restore balance and justice in His perfect creation, He could have done it a different way, don’t you think? He could have punished us directly, He could have created a different perfect sacrifice as retribution, but He didn’t. He made it personal, and I think that’s what demonstrates a caring Creator and not an indifferent puppet-master.

What do you think?

SDG

Rant

I am frustrated.

Really, eff-ing frustrated.

I will be 26 years old tomorrow, and I am no closer to understanding males. I hear all the time that guys want a girl who has her sh*t figured out, is laid-back, funny, adventurous, blah, blah, blah, confident, blah, blah... But I'm starting to think that's a load of crap. I am gainfully employed, working towards owning my own home, exude confidence, have a few lucrative hobbies, and you know what that gets me? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. Why? Because, apparently, I'm intimidating. Guys don't want a girl who's got it figured out. They want a wounded bird they can take care of and nurse back to health and who will rely on them for every little thing. They may never consciously admit it, but that's what strokes their male egos.

And you know what? I'll never be a wounded bird. I can and do take care of myself financially, emotionally, etc. quite well on my own. However, that doesn't mean I don't want someone in my life who can share that responsibility. No one even wants to take the time to get to know me, though, to understand me or even see what they might be able to offer me in a relationship because of their own stupid insecurities.

And, I know. I don't need to be told that I don't need a guy like that, someone who is insecure and intimidated by a successful, independent female. But where the hell are the good ones hiding? Are they all married by now? Like, where am I supposed to find a guy who I am compatible with and who is thrilled to find a girl like me?

I'm starting to feel like I may be single for ever, or for at least the next 20 years, when guys my age will finally start realizing that wounded birds are damn tiring to maintain. I may not even want to get married if I'm still single at 46. I don't really see much of a point, then.

Okay, rant over. I just needed to get this out. Any other girls feel like this, or am I the only one?
Also, I apologize for the language, but I feel it was an appropriate depiction of my emotions at this time.

SDG

Auntie Brittee

I love how my younger family members pronounce my name when they first learn to talk. "Brittany" is a mouthful for a little one, and its pronunciation has changed over the years:

To my sisters, I was "Bit n'bee."
My twin cousins called me "Briss-nee."
And now, my nephew has taken to calling me "Brittee."

It's so darn cute! I don't want him to grow out of it like the others did. I'll be Auntie Brittee for life. :)

SDG

Namaste

I'm officially embarking on my journey as a yoga instructor! This is something I've wanted to do ever since I memorized Sun Salutations.  I loved practicing yoga from the moment I tried it out, and teaching has flowed just as naturally.

I taught my first class this Wednesday and another yesterday. So far, my favorite part is putting together the music for class. It makes me so happy hearing my students hum along to one of my selections. The biggest adjustment, though, has been figuring out when/how to give cues as I'm doing the poses. There were a couple times, I looked up and saw everyone staring at me confused, mid-way through a flow, haha! It will take time and practice, but I'm really looking forward to developing my teaching style.

I'm going to a training course at the beginning of February to become officially certified, and I can't wait! I'm thrilled that I have the opportunity and outlet to follow one of my passions so practically, and I'm excited about where this journey will take me.

I'll try to post regularly about my development, and maybe even start posting instruction videos!

SDG

Life

Kate on an adventure last month

I don't want to be skinny and frail.
I want to be strong and capable.
I don't want the color of my lips or the cut of my hair to be the primary indicator of my beauty.
I want my intelligence and personality to shine through.
I will wear things I love.
I will do the things I love.
I will have fun.
If someone doesn't take the time to get to know me, their opinions are meaningless.
The end.

SDG

Now, Now I'm Gone

I refuse to be in second place
A warm body til you see her face
I deserve a sincere embrace
One to truly care about

I will not be a stand in
For the one you want to be with
Waiting for the right time when
It magically all works out

I guess I shouldn't be surprised
Half-truths are the same as lies
You may not want good-byes
But I won't be hanging around

You see I'm strong on my own
It's easy for me to be alone
I'll happily go on home
And you can figure it out

Because I have a direction
I have a purpose and election
Soaring higher from the resurrection
While your feet don't leave the ground

I don't need your selfishness
And there's not much I'll miss
No, there's not a one last kiss
So I'm gone now, now, see ya around

SDG

Playing Dress Up

This year is the first time in a loooong time that I actually put thought into a Halloween costume and have somewhere legitimate to wear it. Growing up, Halloween was my favorite holiday, and not really because of the candy. (Honestly, I always gave most of it to my sisters and only held on to the Sweetarts, Snickers, and Reese's.) But, seriously, what's not fun about dressing up and playing outside at night! It all just seemed so dangerous: staying up late, eating sweets, and wearing extravagant make up!

I'm so excited that I get to really participate again this year. I'm going to be Lana Kane from the TV show Archer.

If you haven't seen the show, Lana Kane is a field agent for the International Secret Intelligence Service or ISIS.

I've ordered a turtleneck dress, some thigh-high black boots (that I can actually wear again!), a shoulder gun holster, and a toy gun from Amazon. I picked up a wide black belt at Goodwill last weekend and already have silver hoop earrings. As of yesterday, I have the dress and gun, and I think I can pull this off! It also helps that one of my friends will be going as Archer himself to complete the look!

What's everyone else doing for Halloween? Got a sweet costume you're excited to break out?

SDG