Monday, February 16, 2009

Monday Musings

Hallelujah! I am about 90% healthy again. I awoke yesterday feeling much better, and managed through the day without any cold medicine.

I was excited to wake up and realize that we would be worshipping, once again, with our friends at Green Valley UMC here in Henderson, NV. Although it was a rather chilly day, the sun was shining and we were in great spirits as we went off to church. I wasn't disappointed. It was a delightfully upbeat service with the Praise Band, Children's choir and a great sermon on Grace. The assistant pastor delivered the first in a series of sermons on Grace and it was really uplifting.

She talked about perfectionism and how it is defeating and debilitating. So many of us have been raised {albeit unknowingly} to be perfect, to earn praise and acceptance. I'm sure no one in my life meant to make me feel that I had to perform at 110% to be accepted, but nevertheless, I spent many years living as if I did.

I think I've come a long way baby, but at times, I still find myself performing. Jim and I talked about it and we both know one of my greatest weaknesses, even today, is wanting everyone to like me. My friend, Linda, who says she doesn't care one whit if anyone likes her, is giving me lessons. I must admit, I'm a slow learner.

I do know, however, that in Jesus Christ we are totally accepted, warts and all. Grace, through faith in Jesus, is total acceptance, freely given with no strings attached. Sermons like yesterday's help me to remember that truth.

It rained in the desert overnight and just a few minutes ago. I'm not especially pleased, as I did some laundry this morning and put it on the drying rack on the patio of the condo. Oh well, it will dry eventually and they certainly need the rain here.

We had a really nice weekend. In spite of my cold, I dragged myself out of the condo on Saturday and we attended a movie. We have a list and Taken was high on the list. It was a real action thriller. I am pretty enamoured of Liam Neeson so I was bound to like it.

After the movie, we celebrated Valentine's day with a nice steak and shrimp dinner at home. We were both happy to be here in the desert celebrating together.

We are having coffee at a local Panera Bread Company, using their free wifi. If the rain stops, I plan to walk again today. Jim has been out walking every morning, but I have been nursing my cold and staying in bed. Yesterday after our regular Sunday brunch at the Original Pancake House at Green Valley Ranch casino and resort, we walked to the nearby park and did some laps. It felt so good. I am determined to get back in the groove.

Well, I guess if I'm going to get to the rest of the things on my list for today, including walking, I'd better close this up and get moving.



Today's Word:
Bucolic - Characteristic of shepherds or flocks;
pastoral
~Hippo Hugs~

11 comments:

Winifred said...

I know how you feel about caring whether people like you. I hate it when people don't like me with no reason. Doesn't happen so much now but at work it drove me mad.

So pleased your cold is better bt don't overdo it.

Leslie Rubio said...

I enjoyed reading this post. You're right at some point all of us are subject to performing as if we're perfect in some way-and we're so far from it.
Acceptance is a hard thing...of course we all want to be accepted, but I've found that just being me and sending out love into the world, I feel accepted. Love is universal. Acceptance is a choice and we all should seek to accept everyone with all our differences.

I'm glad you feel better and hope you're having a lovely trip.

xoxo,
Leslie

Renie Burghardt said...

Oh Pam, I am so glad you're feeling better. And the sermons on Grace sound beautiful!

I don't think I'm a perfectionist, but I am much too sensitive for my own good, and get my feelings hurt easily. We all want to be liked, and I'm no exception. And Leslie said it so well here, we should all accept everyone, and viva la differences. :-)

Sounds like you are really enjoying yourself now, since you're feeling so much better. I'm looking forward to your next post!

Hugs,

Renie

Dagmar said...

Hi Pam;
Glad to read that you are feeling better and that you are enjoyng yourself.

Hope you have a lovely time here in the south, the weather is supposed to get warmer.
Hugs,
Dagmar

Monogram Queen said...

Glad you are having a wonderful visit in the desert!!!

I could care less if people like me or not!

Faye said...

Pam....you are preaching to the choir...I am a perfectionist, but God is changing me and I am not taking myself as seriously lately :)
So glad to hear you're feeling better now. A bad cold can really knock the stuffin' out of you.

Tracy said...

I'm glad you're feeling better.
Brian and I are feeling like empty nesters for 2 days. Bethany & Keith took Kaylyn & Cami to Niagara Falls to stay at Great Wolf Lodge (indoor water fun).
Me, I finished the annual report today with Cindy Ikewood's help. Yikes. That's all I have to say about that right now. Off to a trustees meeting tonight...

Nancy said...

The sermon sounded great! We have a minister here that gives just the best sermons, too, but I don't attend that church...but he still gives good sermons!

Glad you are feeling better and can start enjoying your time there.

I think we all want to be liked by everyone, but the older I get, I don't really care who likes me or who doesn't. The important thing is that we like OURSELVES. I feel the battle is won if we can do that. Funny how my thinking changes as I grow older. I have always been a perfectionist, but not anymore! I have become a procrastinator! LOL But it's my life, so....be....it.

Be sure and check out my post about Buster....not good news this time....I am going to add some new pics of him to it yet before I go to bed....

((( HUGS )))

Mississippi Songbird said...

I'm so glad you are better to.. I think sometimes I care too much what others think of me.. That comes with my personality f always trying to please everyone, and I think I am finally learning it, though my feelings have been hurt a few times.. Sounds like you had a nice Valentines Day..
Have a wonderful week. I'm trying to catch up on my buddies...lol
Bunches of hugs.....

Country Mouse, City Mouse said...

Your Valentine's day dinner sounds wonderful. Are you going to be able to get Internet at your condo? Have a great time.

Mary Q Contrarie said...

You have a great attitude. I also have had my clothes get wet from the weather when I have left them out on our laundry drying rack.