My 4th Turning

of fails and falls

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Bits

Ode To Self

I can go my way
And close my eyes
To those about me.

Creating my things
Fulfilling my dreams
In hopes of more of me.

Or I can invite others
To come along with me
On the road of more.

Creating our things
And finding our joy
In all we do together.

Which way?
O, Artist Me.

G.S.

Reflections on C.S. Lewis. I listened to Lewis' message entitled The Lie of Self-Help and totally concur. I can read Brené Brown, Scott Peck, Bill W. and many others (oh, so many others!), but I cannot make myself a better person. I can only discover the things within me that I do not like. These are what I call my dirty laundry and are in need washing.

My Journal circa 2020

Bridles

The Fourth Turning is a book by William Strauss and Neil Howe that argues that history follows a cyclical pattern of four seasons (or turnings). The turnings each last about 20 years and are shaped by the different generations. The turnings are: High, Awakening, Unraveling, and Crisis. The book predicts that America is approaching a Crisis turning, which will require a collective response and a Great Reset to enter a new era. The Fourth Turning can also take the shape as Prophets, Nomads, Heroes, and Artists. This is truly interesting!

But what about taking it to a personal level as well. Individual turnings of life that correspond rather remarkably.

Looking back in my journal from 2020, I write my experience of my turnings: The High {Prophet} - ages 1-22, and the original family with music performance, The Awakening {Nomad} - ages 23-42, of entering sobriety with motherhood, and The Unraveling {Heroine{ - ages 43-62, where I came to know myself deeply by having to stand against life-threatening circumstances.

The Unraveling where I bravely entered The Arena, chose Rising Strong after every facedown moment, and dared to come alive has been the most profound turning of all.

Now is the time of the 4th Turning: The Crisis {Artist}. I am age 63. I have heard it said, "You were made for such a time as this" I am astounded at the layers of truth in this statement: found in one's personal life, in one's societal life, and in one's global life. Because of the Internet men run to and fro and knowledge has increased exponentially. The entire world is connected like a pseudo Tower of Babel, the weather has run a-muck, famine and pestilence threaten every country, global markets are crashing, and violence has erupted everywhere. Wars and rumors of wars mark the time.

Somehow there is a Peace when the only thing left to do is trust in the Divine.

The Divine orchestrates, but the choice is remains personal as to participate with the Divine Composer.

Frederik The Great, Friesian Stallion - Pinterest

Reins

I woke with a troubled soul. Changes in my living abode, my creative space, have thrust me into having to accept, to exercise courage toward change, and enter the unmarked territory of a wilderness where wild & free are not yet friendly companions.

I can assimilate and accept with graciousness or quibble and murmur and squeak indignantly as I find solace in my hamster wheel. Why cannot I be a woman of quiet and sufferance, rather than a prickly pine of bitterness and smolder. Where along my path did I learn such poor behavior, or did it creep in unawares while I was focusing on myself.

I woke at 6 am and tuned into an online Bible discussion, participated in the comments, and stayed for the ending prayer. For the past couple of days, I have found myself immersed in reading the Word of God - sitting with scripture and meditating on meanings. For the first time, I am writing notes and letters to myself in journal form through the Bible, such as: "Ginger, You must be strong and of good courage." See Joshua 1:9.

Entering a time of fails and falls. The World Olympics can come and go every 4 years. The athletes are phenomenal, the opening show abominable, and the Dressage beyond exceptional. {Did you see Lottie Fry and Glamourdale of the UK?} As a follower of Christ - there is a race to run and to finish which takes my lifetime. So it is good to have a God who loves me and wants me to run the race in such a way as to win it.

Just a reminder:
The spirit of fear is coming for those who reject the love of God

Embracing my ups and downs, I am traversing a new landscape of schedules and changes and overcoming diversions. My dream to take a master oil painting class focusing on equine art has come true. I am preparing for the first class starting next week. The commitment will extend through October.

The calendar also includes music practice and learning the 3rd position on the violin. My playlist is built purposefully as a music storyline. I chose particular songs that reflect the musical mood progression of my story. Via the past four months in building proficiency and skills as a violinist, I am composing a music score which was birthed in 2010 and {God willing} ready to perform on December 24, 2024. Daring greatly.

I drop the reins and place my trust in God. He has given me the gift of life after all. He alone knows what is best for me. This truth sets me free to focus on doing my best today at whatever I face, and leave all the outcomes {and consequences} in His Hands.

Note to self: Drop The Reins.

When God in His mysterious ways, His Wonders Do Amaze.

This is my faith to be shared to inspire others {to rise}.