Pride or prejudice...or maybe preference?

Does anyone else have the propensity to always want to be right?  I find it true of myself.  I don't want my statements, ideas, processes, or logic to be challenged.  I immediately become defensive, justifying my reasoning.  Sometimes it can be beneficial because I am defending what is right and true, but then God never really needs or asks for my help   Other times, I defend things that are in the gray area, or simply a preference; that can get ugly.  This is where I need to learn the difference and extend patience to people.

Are pet peeves prideful?  I have some strong pet peeves, and when I list them or look at them, it makes me seem snobbish.  I can't STAND poor grammar.  "I seen it over there."  "I sent it via through email."  "I done it already."  I also don't appreciate people with limited vocabulary.  You know to whom I'm referring: the 20 year old who's vocabulary consists of 50-60 words, a majority of them obscenities or filler words: "uh" "um" "like" "I dunno."  I also can't stand improper etiquette.  It makes me embarrassed for people when they're manners are insufficient.  And for some reason, people's table manners and habits erk me the most.  You don't bring your head down to the table to get as close to the bite of food as possible, you bring your fork up to your mouth.  You don't pick up your plate, bring it to your mouth, and scrape food in from the side!  Again, you lift the fork to your mouth.  People, please!  I also don't like hostility, meaning inadequate hospitality or responsibility.  If you are an adult, you need to take care of yourself, clean up after yourself, and give attention to guests in your home.  See what I mean?  I sound a little too high and mighty.  I don't mean to, but these things rub me the wrong way. 

I think I'm done.  And I think my last name officially changed to Post

One more week!!

Currently Reading Pride and Prejudice By Jane Austen see related

Colonel, where are you?

I love Jane Austen stories, to the point of sighing.  They give me hope that waiting for genuine romance is not a waste.  I think of story after story wherein the heroine remains true to her convictions and standards, and eventually they are met, or even surpassed. 

A particular situation comes to mind from Pride and Prejudice.  Elizabeth Bennet receives a proposal by the boorish Mr. Collins.  The marriage would have been adventageous for Lizzy offering her stability and security; but the lack of chemistry, love, and expectation weighed too heavily.  She did not lower her standards or enter the relationship due to convenience.  Her best friend, however, took his rebound proposal because she was convinced no one would ever find her captivating or worth pursuing.  She ended miserably, with an unhappy, festering marriage. Lizzy, in contrast, discovered the deep character of Mr. Darcy and loved him for who he was. 

It gives me hope that men of quality, character, and passion do exist.  I still believe in the Mr. Darcys, Colonel Brandons, and Edmund Bertrams of the world.  Unfortunately, I find myself having to sift through the Mr. Wickams, Mr. Willabys, and Henry Crawfords in the mean time.   

Highlighter Religion?

I am currently reading a book called The Irresistable Revolution, by Shane Claiborne.  He discusses how the church has strayed from our original purpose and how to go about resolving the problem.  But as I read, I discover more questions than answers.  I have been wrestling with some of the ideas brought up in the text, and thought I might get some feedback from you.

He discusses the story of the rich young ruler and how Jesus instructs him to sell everything and give it to the poor.  His conclusion is that every person should do so.  Really? The sad fact is, many of us, myself included, do not personally know a destitute family or "poor person."  Is this the course of action we need to display God's love and follow Him?  Or is the point to make us aware of our love of things and remind us to be open to sell everything?  Jesus did tell this to one person, not to the church as a whole.  But, Jesus also spent 75% of His time with the down and out.  It's obviously important to Him.  Is it important to us today?  To me? 

He does say it's hard for the rich to get into Heaven.  Well, by certain standards, I AM rich.  Do we just pick and choose what we accept in the Bible, thankful for our handy-dandy highlighters to point out ideas we agree upon?  Or do we live out everything He taught?  I have been wrestling with these ideas in all earnesty.  I don't want to excuse myself or beligerantly dismiss the author's point of view.  I really am trying to decipher what I do believe and what is my course of action will be. 

Gratitude Grin from ear to ear

Have you ever been praying consistently for something for a while, and suddenly forget about it?  God never does.  All last semester, as I was walking to and from class and cars were whizzing by me I would pray, "Lord, could I have a dependable car, please?  I am thankful for the one I have, but I believe You want to give me something better."

Yesterday, He answered that prayer.  My mom gave me her white Chrysler Concorde, leather seats, air conditioning, CD player, everything.  While these features may not sound very exciting to you, they are quite an improvement, because the only reliable feature on my truck was the monthly breakdown (I exagerate not).   I am extatic!!!  I still can't believe it.  I am adjusting to calling it "my car."  I am thankful beyond words!!!!