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August 2008 
101 Things You Should Do Before Going to Heaven
Posted on Feb 5th, 2007
by 
Stella Luna
Stella Luna
1 Risk Looking Stupid
Noah built a boat in his front yard before anyone knew what a "flood" really was. Moses "freed" the people of Isreal by leading them to the edge of the impassable Red Sea. David-a boy with some rocks and a slingshot-volunteered to fight Goliath-a supersized warrior. Joshua told his troops they would defeat Jericho by marching around the city walls for six days while blowing horns. Jesus put some mud on the eyes of a blind man and proclaimed that the man could see. There had to have been some snickers. The murmur of skeptics. A few whispers among the crowd that voiced what others were thinking-"This is a really stupid idea!"
If you want to become the person God designed you to b, you need to risk looking stupid every once in a while. Those in the Bible who did exactly that accomplished amazing things. BUt they also picked up a lot of criticism, and even a few enemies, along the way. That's because going against the grain of accepted wisdom and public opinion-even when you believe God is leading you to do so-isnt easy. It takes courage, humility, and faith. And the results may not always be what you expect. What's considered a "success" in heaven may still be labeled a "failure" here on earth. But don't let that stop you from attempting what others may view as "stupid things". Welcome that disabled foster child into your home. Talk to the athiest next dorr about your relationship with God. Accept the job with the smaller salary but bigger eternal dividendes. Forgive that wrong that seems unforgiveable. Risk doing what God wants you to do, even when the task far surpasses your own abilities. If it didn't, others might miss out on catching a glimpse of God's invisible hand at work. And you could miss out on taking part in the adventure of a lifetime.
Noah built a boat in his front yard before anyone knew what a "flood" really was. Moses "freed" the people of Isreal by leading them to the edge of the impassable Red Sea. David-a boy with some rocks and a slingshot-volunteered to fight Goliath-a supersized warrior. Joshua told his troops they would defeat Jericho by marching around the city walls for six days while blowing horns. Jesus put some mud on the eyes of a blind man and proclaimed that the man could see. There had to have been some snickers. The murmur of skeptics. A few whispers among the crowd that voiced what others were thinking-"This is a really stupid idea!"
If you want to become the person God designed you to b, you need to risk looking stupid every once in a while. Those in the Bible who did exactly that accomplished amazing things. BUt they also picked up a lot of criticism, and even a few enemies, along the way. That's because going against the grain of accepted wisdom and public opinion-even when you believe God is leading you to do so-isnt easy. It takes courage, humility, and faith. And the results may not always be what you expect. What's considered a "success" in heaven may still be labeled a "failure" here on earth. But don't let that stop you from attempting what others may view as "stupid things". Welcome that disabled foster child into your home. Talk to the athiest next dorr about your relationship with God. Accept the job with the smaller salary but bigger eternal dividendes. Forgive that wrong that seems unforgiveable. Risk doing what God wants you to do, even when the task far surpasses your own abilities. If it didn't, others might miss out on catching a glimpse of God's invisible hand at work. And you could miss out on taking part in the adventure of a lifetime.
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One piece of advice from the wonderful book “The Artist's Way,” and a piece of advice I have never forgotten and “lean on” frequently is “Do something today that makes you uncomfortable.” I believe this is very similar in tone, and wholeheartedly agree 100%. Nearly every single time I have tried this, I have met with unexpected success. Very, very fitting, Stella. I remember reading here a while back you were not posting anything written yourself for a period of time—-you did not site another here, so is this “101 things” yours, and will there be another 100 blogs? No complaints here—looking forward to more.
No Im not the author of this. Its from a book called “101 things to do before going to heaven” Im still not writing, but to be honest with you, I talked to a friend of mine tonight, and he asked me why am I punishing myself? I've decided in the last 10 days not to write anything of my own, to abstain from sex, to quit smoking and drinking, and to follow instead of lead. I've decided so many things lately all at once, and its so hard to do it all. Things that at the time I decided them seemed healthy and right, and now, after he asked me that, I have to wonder. I have to give myself a break. And if its not with writing, it will be something more detrimental.
Obviously not smoking and drinking are good things. But oppressing my own self expression? Im having a very hard time with it. And after his comment Im having a hard time justifying it. My hands and my mind itch and scream at me, and I think that self oppression is the hardest thing for me to adhere to. Mostly because its the pendulum swinging in the wrong direction….so what Im going to do today, which is something I hate to do, that I never do because I hate to fail at my own goals, is decide to stop. I am deciding at this moment, ten days from the start of my original goal of a month, to fail…
I cannot deprive my soul of expression. It robs me of my self confidence, my creativity and my self acceptance. I choose to be more of myself, more of love, more of expression!
I quit.
tomorrow.
WOW, I'm glad I asked. Do you see that decisions that are more healthy, more fitting, for the body may be quite differant from fitting decisions for the soul. Your body asks for attention and wisdom, and so does your soul, yet a “one size fits all” plan may not meet with success, lead to a feeling of “failure,” and discourage you on all fronts. One of the reasons I have not commented of late on your posts is because I knew they were not from you; you and I and the Universe wants Stella! Read back what you have just commented; do you see you actually used the words “self oppression (!)” Sweet soul, do not judge yourself so, simply look inside—-Stella is there and waiting for you.
I think perhaps you should not force writing/creativity (because you can't ever,) but simply wait until your soul says write. Give yourself space to expand. With love, moonstar
Thank you for your words. Namaste