Good Advice...

This is paraphrasing Ms. Romero from the last class I attended for Foundations of American Thought. Last school year.

"While it's admirable that you've read through these books, you musn't mistake reading a book for knowing a book. You may be farther along than alot of your peers, but never equate more knowledge or raw intelligence with being a better person."

Or something like that...

There's so much soul shaping to do, it's near overwhelming!

To make it harder, the absence of vice doesn't equal virtue! In some cases, you might even be worse off for having less vices.

The Publican knew he was a sinner and went away forgiven. The Pharisee didn't know and therefore did not even ask for forgiveness.

G.K. Chesterton in Orthodoxy:

"There are an infinity of angles at which one falls, only one at which one stands."

Tell me about it! It's like adjusting a painting on the wall. "a little left....no, no too far......steady.......right a bit......ooooohhhhhh......back up back up........wait........dangnabit it's upside down!"

And this one from the Imitation gave me a mild panic attack:

"Some walk not sincerely in my (God's) sight, but led by a certain curiosity and pride, wish to know my secrets, and to understand the high things of God, neglecting themselves and their own salvation. These oftentimes, when I resist them, for their pride and curiosity do fall into great temptations and sins...Some carry their devotion only in books...some have me in their mouths, but little in their hearts."

AHHHHHH!!!!

Okay, drama queen episode over. =]

While it's okay to be worried about pridefulness and jealousy and the sin of the Pharisees, we should not let our own shortcomings blind us from the goodness of God. Yes I am a sinner, but Christ is better at being a Savior then I'll ever be at being a sinner. =] (sorry for the ridiculous understatement)

Remedy: Keep up daily devotions. (According to Dr. Reynolds...at least 1 hour or we're DOOMED. Seriously.) Have friends (and mentors!) who will love you enough to watch and tell you if you begin to stray. (check!)

In sum: Be Holy. Love. That's all. ;)

Here's to a blessed year of Love, learning, wisdom, and holiness!

God Bless you all. =]