Category Archives: Uncommonly Used Words

2018, Advent, Christmas, Uncommonly Used Words

Well, Now!

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A new word for me.

Eucatastrophe: A eucatastrophe is a sudden turn of events at the end of a story which ensures that the protagonist does not meet some terrible, impending, and very plausible and probable doom. The writer J. R. R. Tolkien coined the word by affixing the Greek prefix eu, meaning good, to catastrophe, the word traditionally used in classically inspired literary criticism to refer to the “unraveling” or conclusion of a drama’s plot. For Tolkien, the term appears to have had a thematic meaning that went beyond its literal etymological meaning in terms of form. In his definition as outlined in his 1947 essay “On Fairy-Stories”, eucatastrophe is a fundamental part of his conception of mythopoeia. Though Tolkien’s interest is in myth, it is also connected to the gospel; Tolkien calls the Incarnation of Christ the eucatastrophe of “human history” and the Resurrection the eucatastrophe of the Incarnation.    source – Wikipedia 

May our what we see as pending catastrophes be transformed into eucatastrophes by The Living Christ! 

Christian Living, Uncommonly Used Words

I Resemble That Remark!

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I am familiar with Scripture that tells us we are a peculiar people.

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; source

Peculiar in Scriptures’ original languages does not mean what it has come to mean in our recent culture. Interestingly and not surprisingly Webster’s Dictionary of 1828 had a good handle on that definition.

Here let me share with you from my readings today:

The word “peculiar” here is used in a way not often seen today. The Greek word means literally “to make around,” that is, to make something and then to surround it with a circle, thus indicating ownership. The same verb is used in the Septuagint translation of Isaiah 43:21 which reads, “This people have I formed for myself.” The word “peculiar” today usually means “odd, strange.” But it is not so used here. The Greek word speaks of the unique, private, personal ownership of the saints by God. Each saint is God’s unique possession just as if that saint were the only human being in existence. Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest’s word studies from the Greek New Testament: for the English reader (1 Pe 2:9). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

See what I mean? Look at that: unique, private, personal . . .  Each saint is God’s unique possession just as if that saint were the only human being in existence.

Oh! if that makes me odd and strange by today’s definition, I’ll take it! It is my quest to more and more resemble that ‘remark’! :)

Until then + + + Kathie 
The Blood of Jesus is Enough

NO SIN GOES UNPUNISHED.
EITHER WE BEAR IT OR JESUS DOES FOR US; AND WE GET TO CHOOSE WHO DOES THE BEARING. 

 

Christian Living, Forgiveness, Uncommonly Used Words

Tiz Kinder, I Think

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Flaws.

My Scripture reading this morning was Revelation 2:1-7. Click HERE if you’d like a link to read it. One thought led to another and soon I found myself hearing a word about flaws.

We’ve all used the word, right? She, he has this flaw _________________.
I have this flaw ____________________. 

Free Dictionary dot com gave me some definitions. Here are a few:

An imperfection, often concealed, that impairs soundness. 
A defect or shortcoming in something intangible: The two leaders share the flaw of arrogance.

And just for fun – yes, it’s new to me too:
A quick, intense burst, especially of wind, rain or snow

Who knew? One more.

A feature that mars the perfection of something. 

And so as I read these definitions it confirmed the word I heard while looking at the flaw of the Church in Ephesus and those of someone(s) close and loved. The word flaw seems kinder than other words we might use. Don’t you think? That is why we use it, right? I thought so too, until today. 

Before this morning (and it will again, unless I practice what I preach) when I see flaws in others it just gives rise to one of my own flaws: irritation. But I see something different this morning.

My new definition for flaw: well practiced sin.

Seeing a flaw in him or her or me with this definition brings a new response. A response of prayer for mercy and grace for them and for me. This new definition of flaw doesn’t let me off the hook, I can’t just dismiss the practice (action) as oh well that’s just who I am. Live with it!  And when it’s out there in someone else, with this new definition, rather than irritation, love prevails and so I pray.  Because she who loves does not want a brother or sister or child or spouse bound up in sin, right? 

Flaw. Tiz kinder I think to call it what it is — a well practiced sin. 

No more excuses. Not just a flaw. But a sin I have practiced way too much, and way too long!

ABBA, desiring to call it what it is and pray, for me and for them. To love You and them enough to do the kindest thing, offer mercy, grace and forgiveness instead of irritation and aggravation, no matter what the ‘flaw’ is. I love you, ABBA. Thank You. 

Until Next Time ~ ~ ~ Kathie