A few thoughts about predestination

Having to read Romans 8:29 for a lesson meant seeing That Word again.
Predestination/predestinate.
This time That Word leapt out at me differently.
Why?
That Word seems to wave flags with such vigor that it obscures
The Words Which Follow:
To be conformed to the image of his Son;
And to what end would that be?
In order that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Is not that remarkable?
That God should want me to be
Conformed to the image of his Son--
And to do whatever it takes to make that happen.
Which brings me next to Philippians 1:6:
He who began a good work will complete it--
When?
At the day of Christ Jesus.
And in the time between?
God is at work in me both to will and to work his good pleasure
While I do the good works which he prepared before that I should walk in them.
I think that in part it is my obedience which is part of the process by which I am becoming
Conformed to the image of his Son--
And what a goal that is!
And because it is God's goal, it will be accomplished:
"Faithful is he who promised, and he will do it."

Obviously this was not only a concept which Paul taught: "By his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures"--James 1:18 [ESV]



Note: this is my last post until March.

As my recovery time seemed to go on and on, my emotions were unpredictable. Thankfully, I had been forewarned to expect that they would be. Even so. I was surprised at their strength, and my weakness.

Emotions

Emotions are like the ocean,
Come in waves which sometimes can be ridden,
Which sometimes override,
And from which I cannot hide.
Emotions include uglies like anger,
Which can mangle if not managed,
Tears which cannot be shed
Or my image of strength will be dead,
And so on and so forth.
Emotions are like the tides,
Current and nocturnal and diurnal, and rides
For surfers alone;
Instead I moan.
Emotions are.