Progress Towards Perfection

I learned a new vocabulary word... this weekend. Heuristics, which basically means the trial and error method aid to solve a problem. Heuristics can be applied to science, education and well, why not life in general? It seems like I am forever using the trial and error method to solve a problem in my life...especially in the area of weight loss. I am an all or nothing person when it comes to dieting. I either stick to the "plan" or I don't. Usually, I don't, because I begin to feel deprived. My "wanter" starts wanting something that is not on the plan (like pasta). So I add something to my diet through the trial and error method. Sometimes what I added works but if it doesn't, I feel guilty and wonder what's the use? Am I doomed forever to be overweight?

Of course there are other aspects of our life that we apply heuristics to. Time management, finances, relationships and our spiritual walk. Trial and error. A progess towards perfection. Trials will happen. They are inevitable. And as humans we will err. The real battle comes though when we choose to give up because we have once again erred. We begin to question ourselves, doubt sets in, discouragement invades. We beat ourselves up through our negativity. Worst of all, is the obvious fact that we lose focus of who we are. Human, definitely, but more than conquerors through the blood of Jesus Christ. (I remember Ladelle Peabody singing that song when I was teenager. Those of you there in Tucson, might remember her) "We've been made more than conquerors, overcomers in this life. We've been made victorious through the blood of Jesus Christ"

Somebody asked the question today... What's the key? What's the key to losing weight? What's the key to this trial and error method of life?

I think it is found in James 1:2 "Count it all joy, my brothers (or SISTERS), when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing....

The keys: Joy, faith, steadfastness, and hope because you are (and I am) a progress towards perfection. Will we get it right the first time? Probably not... but keep on going. Stay strong.

Where I'm From

I just found out there is a contest for this type of poem. The funny thing is I wrote this about a month ago.

Where I'm From

I am from Marjorie and Sam, Harold and Berniece, Gladys and Sam.

I am from the sprawling metropolis of Des Moines, and the deserts of Arizona. The farmlands of Missouri, the icy coldness and beauty of Alaska and the historical surroundings of Virginia. My heart belongs to the Rocky Mountains with the majestic mountains, rolling meadows and cities with that small town feeling.

I am from oatmeal or Wheaties at breakfast and the era of Maid Rites and pork tenderloin sandwiches. I am from fried chicken every Sunday and the lovers of chicken gizzards and oyster stew.

I am from Scrabble and Anagram players - lovers of words - who taught me to love words too.

I am from hard workers - satisifed with life - never having to much but always just enough.

I am from a Democrat who taught me to be Independent.

I am from music - especially the hymns and Southern Gospel tunes of years gone by.

I come from the puritanical , serious and intellectual on my fathers side and the down-to-earth, practical, fun-loving and emotional on my mothers side. My parents had a lot of nerve thinking they could get along for a lifetime.

Somehow my parents intertwined these traits into my innermost being to make me who I am today.

I am serious enough to laugh, practical enough to embellish, emotional yet intellectual, down-to-earth with good common sense but puritanical enough to beleive that there are absolute truths.