Blind Spots

If you drive a car, you know what a blind spot is, the places where you have no visibility. In your own car, you know the spots well and can change your perspective, when necessary, to see what might be in that spot. But you weren't born with the knowledge of your car's blind spots, you had to learn them. But what about personal blind spots? How long can they go completely unidentified?

We see clearly the mistakes other people make, right? We give advice that we don't implement ourselves. Ok wait, there, I did it just now. Lets change that to I, I clearly see the mistakes others make and I do not follow my own advice. I sometimes talk in we and us because it is comforting to know I am not alone but for this I will stick strictly to first person and your can draw your own conclusions if you are compelled. Ok?

There is a bible verse that illustrates this beautifully, Mathew 7:3

'Why do you see the speck in your neighbor's eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye?'

Yesterday, I having lunch with an old friend I found myself saying 'This path is really hard, and I look at Jane and wish I could be as together.' But my friend pointed out that I am not Jane AND Jane is NOT ME. I assume when I find myself wishing I could be more like_____, that _____ has no hardships or challenges. I see perfect Jane because I compare myself and all my shortcomings. Which I see plainly. But why? Because of my experiences, really. Because I listen to a dialog that I should learn to put aside. Because I have believed for a long time that I am an imposter and NOT GOOD ENOUGH. Ok, I guess that is why, but how did that come to be my belief? Again my experiences. I'll explain that but first let me illustrate the dialog.

You can't...	You can do all things through me
Who cares...	My grace is sufficient
Who would listen...	You are the salt of the earth
What makes you think...that is just pride talking.	I've called you by name
Those who listen are just being polite	You are blessed to be a blessing to others
It will NEVER amount to anything	In all these things you are more than a conqueror, because I love you.
Who are you kidding	You are blessed when you trust in Me and make Me your hope.
Seriously? That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard.	Be strong and courageous, do not be terrified
Why bother, it won't change anything	You are chosen and appointed to bear fruit
You are a mess	You are mine.

On the left are the whispers I hear often, but I need to recognize the speaker is, the devil himself. He exists to tear me away from God. God is love. God words are on the right and all come straight from the bible, although paraphrased into the words I hear him say in my heart. God will speak only TRUTH, if I listen my path will be straight.

Back to the experience that created by belief. I agonize over my life and all the dumb and wicked things I have done. I cannot let it go. I know what choices I made and that when I made those choices I broke the heart of Jesus.

I WILLFULLY BROKE THE HEART OF GOD!

God is love, He has forgiven me. I know that, but I am unworthy of His forgiveness. I work hard everyday to make it up to Him, yet He has forgotten it. My experience has resulted in my beliefs. I need new experiences that will help me reshape my belief. I work on it EVERYDAY. I humble myself and want to accept forgiveness but I carry my transgressions with me constantly. In order to remind myself of how life was when I was turned away. I know I do not need to keep reminders, God doesn't want me to be so burdened, because while carrying these burdens, I can do less of what He is calling me to do. Realization dawns as I write this of the consequence of doing this, but I do not know how to put it down. Pray for me.

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Yesterday I ran short on time and needed soup fast. So if you are ever in a pinch this soup can be made rather quickly. The most time consuming was cooking the bacon but you could use bacon bits or skip it altogether.

Baked Potato Soup

1/2 Onion Diced (or use frozen when you need to be fast)

1lb chopped cooked bacon (use bacon bits when pressed for time)

12 cups of chicken or vegetable broth

1 package of Simply Potatoes, shreds or diced (this adds texture but can be omitted)

Plain freeze dried potato flakes (I use plain because the flavors often have added sugar, but I have used the flavored ones in the past)

Salt and pepper

For Garnish: Sour Cream, Cheese, Bacon and Chives (all optional)

Chop up the bacon and add to soup pot to cook (I like it crispy so that takes a bit longer) when the bacon is cooked remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon, set aside to drain off the fat on a paper towel. add the chopped onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, then add the Simply Potatoes, salt and pepper let that cook 5-7 minutes then add chicken broth and bring to a boil. reduce heat and add potato flakes stirring in 1 cup at a time until the soup reaches the desired consistency. Ladle into bowls and add the garnish. Easy! I can make this soup in 15-20 but since I cooked the bacon it took me 30 this time.

Serves 8