What life is all about...

Lately, I've tried to indulge and bend my mind toward a higher plane or level of thinking. Robert Crawford, in his book Think For Yourself has inspired me to at least attempt thinking which is more than just imitating the thoughts of others. Whether or not I have succeeded remains to be seen, but at least the process of realizing my thoughts has begun.

A few days ago, James quoted, "The more I know, the more I know I don't know." This is true, no less for me than for anyone. I have come to realize, that life is not lived day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year. Rather, life is lived as a series and compilations of moments. Moments comprised of choices. This compilations of the moments we live, as evidenced in the choices we make, create the picture of who we are. These pictures are not set in stone, they can be modified, if once we discover the picture is one we would rather not see. Choices are the key.

I have also been highly influenced by a study of Sterling W. Sill. He speaks of two kinds of temptations. He often got the impression, when people would speak to him of temptation, that it appeared many often hoped to be tempted beyond their ability to withstand. This is either good or bad, depending on the temptations we choose to give in to, for it is a choice. Temptations come in two kinds, good or bad, it is possible to be tempted by good things as well as bad things. The choice is ours as to which we will be more highly swayed by in our decisions. This allows us to agree to be tempted by things which will create a great masterpiece of moment compilations, or, on the flip side, to create a compilation of moments which turns the stomach upon contemplation.

While I was teenager, I learned a song titled Be that Friend. I don't remember all the words now, but the concept came through to me again, after many years. I'm sure we've all, at one time or another, reflected upon the person we want to become. Upon current reflection, the person I want to become still seems a distant possibility, the me that I am is far removed from the me that I want to be. Whose fault is that? Mine, all mine. Unfortunately, I am not able to blame anyone else for my own choices, tempting as that may be at times. It would not change the reality; I create my own compilation of moments.

We are not relegated to remain mediocre, we are not forced to be stalled in our progress. We can choose to be that person we desire to be. It is all a matter of choices, moment to moment, which make the difference in who we are and who we will become.

Simple memories

For some inexplicable reason, an old family standby has just sounded and tasted so good to me lately. It's a food that comes with a lot of memories, macaroni and tomato. Such a simple food. I remember sitting down for lunch at Grandma Sorensen's house. She would slice cheese rather than grate it, and you could break it up in the bowl if you wanted cheese. Nathan would always add so much cheese mom hated washing the pan after he made it. I try to be careful when I add the cheese so it melts just right and doesn't disintegrate because it's too hot. You can change it by adding different meats to it, ham or hamburger are my personal favorite additions. Mom of course, always makes her macaroni milk and cheese when we had it. It doesn't change much, but sometimes, that's a good thing.