"On Science vs. God"

In typical fashion, mankind has pitted God against science, science against God.  Man has a way of doing that, turning things into a competition, a war fought between two opposing sides.  It has to be "I'm right, you're wrong," with the church as guilty as those who are repulsed by all things religious.  Any quest for truth is put to the side as skirmishes take place, the "winner" reveling in a perceived victory.  

In a virtual standoff, the two contradicting sides stand with their weapons drawn--ready, willing and able to go to verbal battle for their cause--those espousing data and studies, education, and science with their sheepskin diplomas facing those with their faith and Bibles in hand.  The cacophony is deafening.

As creator of life and all that exists God is, indeed, the father of science; likewise, He is more than just written words to be lobbed through the air like cannonballs with no real direction or force. It would be wise, and only makes sense, for those in both positions to become acquainted with the author of all things before taking up arms and going to war.  Knowing Him vs. knowing about Him; what is vs. what I think. There is a difference.  

It's that truth thing.



     

"An Oxymoron"

oxymoron:  a contradiction in terms.

It is the nature of man to want to fix things, including himself.  Self-help, how-to books abound.   

“Always, ever—growing, changing.”  This was the thought as I headed out to begin my workday. 

Not all aspire to--or desire--change within themselves.  I’m not quite sure why that is.  Perhaps it is the “old shoe” or “old sweater” syndrome.  Living in the status quo can become very, very comfortable.  It is also very stagnant, dull, and boring.  Where there is life within, there is change; change is the evidence of life. 

How can it be that I have changed so, but I am the same?  That was the question under consideration as I plodded through weeds.  And then, I saw the truth of that.

Three years ago, I purchased a lovely birch tree with maroon-colored leaves.  It complements several other shrubs in my front yard, and I am able to see it from where I sit at my computer.  It was quite small when I got it, but it has grown to at least triple its original size.  That tree has changed dramatically, but it hasn’t changed at all.  The essence of it, the fact that it is a birch tree, is still there.  Its growth bears out that it is alive and thriving, visible for all to see. 

And so it is with me. In reality, my life has been a journey, one in which I have only begun to discover who I am.  I am not the same person I used to be; and yet I am.

I am still the little girl who loves Dairy Queen ice cream, who laughs too loudly and finds the volume of my voice increases when I am excited; one who loves creating things with my hands, who loves sunsets and the smell of babies.  I am that person who is competitive; one who delights in helping grandchildren learn.

As I live my life, the change is dramatic.  I am far removed from the person I used to be. Patience, where once I was impatient; flexibility replacing rigidity; being slow to anger where once there was a "short fuse."  I have learned to listen, to talk less,  to laugh at myself rather than at others, and to restrain from judging others. 

True change happens only at the Hand of our Creator.  I am grateful.    

"Forgive"

You took my broken heart, made it whole; took my shattered life, touched my soul.

You gave me hope, You gave me strength so I could carry on.

You wrapped me up into your arms, held me close, free from harm.

You filled a void in me, gave me eyes to see and peace within.

I was so all alone, no place to call my home.

I placed my life into Your hands, not knowing what You had planned.

You spoke into my ear, so soft I could barely hear:

“Forgive, my child; forgive and be healed.”

My heart sings out to thee eternally, the pain, the hurt a fading memory.

You spoke into my ear, so soft I could barely hear:

“Forgive, my child; forgive and be healed.”




"Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us."