Gwen's Thoughts

I’ve been thinking about how people can often surprise me. Whether in fiction or in real life, people have sometimes acted completely the opposite of the way I expected.

Here are some examples: the pastor of a church we once attended was found to be having an affair with the wife of a church member. A young man who may have been kind of a goof- ball in high school, inspired me by speaking at his graduation ceremony about weighing choices carefully and living for God. A relative misunderstood me, and other family members seemed to side with that person, rather than asking to hear my side of the story. A long-standing member of an organization is asked to leave. I could come up with other examples, but hopefully, you hear what I’m saying.

You may notice that some of these people started out (in my experience with them, anyways) on a positive note; and then went in a negative direction. That can be a real discouragement, especially when that person is someone who is admired and respected. Other examples I gave show the opposite trend - a person making a good change in his or her life. And that can give us hope!

These examples have sure taught me not to place anyone on a pedestal, because the mighty sometimes fall far. On the other hand, I have learned not to give up hope on someone who seems to be going down the wrong paths in life. Sure, some folks never seem to change their negative ways; but the ones that do, although they may be few, give us faith that God can change a heart. And the ones that have left a faithful path of obedience to God need our prayers. I’ve seen some wayward people continue on a downward spiral; but once in a while, I’ve seen a seemingly hopeless situation become a joy again.

08:56:04 pm on June 8th, 2008, by Gwendolyn Hill
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I love to read. I remember, as a little girl, reading books and following along the page with my finger. My finger would turn black from the ink.

I have quite a few books going right now. As a home schooling mom, I often read the material along with my son. This includes geography, biology, and literature. I am reading the insights of a formerly home schooled father, “Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview” by Israel Wayne. Good, thought-provoking stuff so far.

My mother-in-law is my best source for good fiction, including mysteries, historical, and Amish-based; many from a Christian point of view. She brought me a box full of these books on her last visit, and I am presently reading a medical-style novel by Hannah Alexander, called “Solemn Oath". I put aside one book for reading only on Sunday afternoons. At this time, it is another book from my mother-in-law, “Simply Jesus and You” by Joseph Stowell.

Recently passed on to me is a copy of “George and Laura: Portrait of an American Marriage” by Christopher Andersen. I’ve enjoyed it very much, as I like to know about peoples’ lives; not to mention that it’s about the President and First Lady! I actually see similarities in their personalities, with mine and my husband’s It’s intriguing to me, the ways they are down-to-earth, yet also the weight of duty they carry.

In light of my husband’s work with the Christian AIDS/HIV support ministry, He Intends Victory, I am reading the book “He Intends Victory: Real-Life stories of Christians living with HIV/AIDS and how Jesus touched them". I am learning a lot about the misconceptions about AIDS and those who have contracted this virus.

Finally, along with my Bible reading, I am looking at portions of “Truths We Confess: A Layman’s Guide to the Westminster Confession of Faith” by RC Sproul. My church is using the Confession of Faith as the basis for a Sunday School class.

I hope to be part of a reading group some day. I love to share what I’ve read, and hear what others have enjoyed or found helpful. I have found that when a group of people that like to read get together, they find so much to discuss! In that way, it’s very enriching to life

Blessings,
Gwen

07:46:57 pm on May 14th, 2008, by Gwendolyn Hill
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I was thinking the other day about how difficult it can be to be a good listener. It just goes to show me how much I’d rather talk than listen, because it is often easier to talk. It takes effort to listen attentively, and to patiently wait to reply (or not to reply at all!)

I question my motives in listening. Am I really listening, or just hearing? Am I genuinely interested? If not, could I work on being so? Am I listening because it’s the correct thing to do, or because I really want to be receptive to another person pouring out his/ her heart? Do I do it because I would hope that person would do the same for me?

Listening is definitely a learning experience. Eye contact, body language, lack of distractions, and giving indication by a nod or simple “yes” or “hmmm” are all important. I have often prayed to improve. I still tend to be too wordy and interrupt. I really like writing, because it eliminates those problems! However, we all know that the written word can be misunderstood, without the benefit of the face-to-face experience.

I’ve heard it said that there is a reason God gave us two ears, but only one mouth Hmmm….

Blessings,
Gwen

10:50:07 pm on April 30th, 2008, by Gwendolyn Hill
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My family here in Virginia has been enjoying a visit from my husband’s parents, from Rochester, New York. The cool, rainy weather ended just in time, and we had nice, spring days to spend with them. Thank you, Lord for that answered prayer

They will be leaving Monday morning, and are looking forward to their next trip, in six weeks - an Alaskan cruise! They had actually planned to go last summer, but Mom fell at their boat and broke her leg; so the cruise had to be postponed. So, I am excited for them, and will probably look at some web sites about Alaska and what they will see. It’s one place that I’d also love to visit someday. Photos I’ve seen look stunning in their beauty and what appears to be a quiet vastness. Really grand! Whale-watching and wildlife look spectacular. God has created a beautiful place for us. Look at what we’ve done to a lot of it, though

We (nine of us, including a boyfriend and girlfriend of family members) had dinner together today, which was so nice. I don’t often have that many people around my table these days!

My mom-in-law brought me a bunch of books - a couple mysteries, some fiction about the Amish, which I love, and other fiction. I have enough to read for some time, especially with all the books on the home book shelves! That, plus home school reading - it sure is a good thing I love to read

I begin my new job this week, caring for a mentally disabled boy. He is a sweet young man, from what I’ve seen. My friend who hooked me up with this opportunity, and my job in home health care, often feels like my personal job coach! She’s always looking out for me, and for things that would be a good fit with my abilities and the needs of others. She’s helped me a lot.

Well, since it is a Sunday, I have some reading set aside to do today. So, this will be all for this day, and probably this week. Until next time…blessings to you!

Gwen

06:25:22 pm on April 13th, 2008, by Gwendolyn Hill
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I promised myself I would try to keep up with my blog about once a week. I actually sat here for a minute, thinking that I don’t have anything in mind to write about. So, I will just give you some random thoughts for your reading enjoyment .

It seems to be the never-ending, dreary, “not really winter, but not nice enough for spring” weather here in Virginia. We have had a few nice days here and there, and the leaves are blooming. Yet, it’s been gloomy and rainy for about 3 days now, and will be for the next few. I look forward to waking up to sunshine once again! I want to use my porch swing, sit at my “umbrella table” in the backyard, take my dog for a walk and actually enjoy it! Well, as in all of life, sunny days will soon come…

My last post was on the topic of the world’s low opinion of the institution of marriage. I saw yet another sad tale of divorce today on TV. A young actress (probably under 30 years old) has gotten divorced. She was upbeat about her life, and says she is now wiser. What bothers me is the way people don’t seem broken over their divorces. I realize that it wouldn’t be appropriate to get weepy and sad on a television program, but I do see too many divorcees singing the praises of their new single lives. Perhaps people aren’t forthright with their real feelings, who knows? It does seem to be something people just take in stride nowadays; something common and uncomplicated. Please understand that if a friend or relative of mine was going through one, I would be supportive, and seek good counsel about how to be sensitive and helpful.

Well, I’m going to take advantage of my quiet house to get some reading done. From the bookshelf today: “Humility, the Forgotten Virtue", and “Homeschooling from a Biblical Worldview".

05:22:39 pm on April 7th, 2008, by Gwendolyn Hill
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