tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53798310703352507092024-03-21T17:53:44.450-07:00SOUL ARTISTTo give hope when times are hard.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-56842485765686999002013-04-12T18:19:00.000-07:002013-04-12T18:19:16.711-07:00New BlogsiteI now publish under: <a href="http://mercy4brokenhearts.com/">http://mercy4brokenhearts.com/</a><br />
Hope you can come visit. Thank you!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-35281402227361485252013-01-17T18:54:00.000-08:002013-01-17T18:54:32.076-08:00Storms and Oak Trees<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>"Some of the storms of life come suddenly: a great sorrow, a bitter disappointment, a crushing defeat. Some come slowly...Yet it is in the storm that God equips us for service. When God wants an oak He plants it on the moor where the storms will shake it and the rains will beat down upon it, and it is in the midnight battle with elements that the oak wins its rugged fiber and becomes the king of the forest." </strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> - Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, <em>Streams in the Desert</em></strong></span></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;">Funny thing about storms. They can be disorienting. During one Northern California storm I found myself driving along through some mountain roads back to Humboldt County. It was pouring so hard I could barely see the road in front of me. The sun began to set and it was getting dark. The fears of "what if's" began to rise. Having been in a few car accidents, and having the prior experience of vehicles breaking down on some out-of-the-way roadsides, those fears weren't based on unrealistic ideas of what could happen. They were based on some indelible bad memories. Storms can be like that. They take in not only what is happening in the present, but they can bring along a carload of baggage from our past. </span></strong><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;">Yet each storm has the capacity to bring with it elements designed to strengthen our fiber. With each variety of storm there is a faith-test. It seems it often comes when we think we are dangerously close to that line of what we think we cannot handle. I've found that the line I think I can handle and the line of what God knows I can cope with are two different lines. Interesting, how we think we are in charge of that line. But it is often in those moments when we believe we are at our wits end that God either brings us a solution or supplies us adequate grace to take the next step.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;">In those moments the faith-test goes something like this: God asks, <br />"Do you still trust Me?" When you can't see in front of you, when the circumstances are the worst thing you can imagine, and when you believe you have no inner resources to endure this particular nightmare, can God be trusted? </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;">The Faith Giants of the New and Old Testaments often stood on that wobbily dividing line that life put in their path and they had to make a <span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">decision whether to step forward by sheer faith alone or step back.</span> </span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Hebrews 11:6 tells us, "And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."</span> That belief is not merely an intellectual nod but concrete actions of trust. Stepping forward, staying the course, going on and doing the right thing even when there seems little hope.</span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana;">One reward of repeated steps of faith is the strong rugged fiber of the heart that is developed during hard times. It replaces the former faint-of-heart kind of belief that wilts under adversity. One's insides are changed. Without storms our faith would remain delicate. But through the storms we are made ready for the Master's service.</span></strong><br />
<em><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span></em><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-82654283345046164912013-01-03T07:13:00.000-08:002013-01-03T07:13:02.553-08:00The Evening News, Gobbildy-Gook and HopeThe evening news was discouraging. Politics, the aftermath of a natural disaster, people in despair, the economy...rough stuff. One understands on a greater level why the 'Great Depression' had that a very accurate name, and one wonders about the similarities to our current situation. It appears that harder economic times will affect all of us...at least everyone we know. Most everyone has already felt some of the sting. I just talked to two people, that as of yesterday, no longer have their jobs. People are hurting.<br />
<br />
I so appreciate that I am able to watch the evening news with a former history teacher and someone who was involved in politics at the city level at one point during his life. It is my dear husband. I pepper him with questions about the Great Depression and the gobbildy-gook going on in Washington. One reason I like to turn to history and to then engage in Bible reading is for the sense of perspective it gives us, especially in these times. My daily reading took me to the book of Job where things weren't so rosy for this perfectly nice moral God-fearing guy. In the nineteenth and twentieth chapters he is trying to defend himself against his so-called friends, he is physically in pain and what seems to be the icing on the cake is that everyone, and I mean everyone, has rejected him. Even his wife finds his breath repulsive. Talk about reasons to be depressed!<br />
<br />
But then Job does this wonderful thing. Amid reciting all the agonies of his current life he has a moment of clarity. It's like he suddenly lifts his head up, sees the clouds, sees the rays of sun beating warm upon his hurting body and says,<em> "But as for me, I know my Redeemer lives and He will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see Him for myself. Yes, I will see Him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought! (Job 19:25-27 NLT).</em><br />
<br />
It's so interesting that Job breaks out with this beautiful truth in the midst of his suffering. The bottom line was his hope was in God. Job didn't deny how bad things were going. He talked about it a lot, as I'm sure we all would given the same set of circumstances. Yet his moment of perspective was vital for his stability and well being. It was a glimpse of truth.<br />
<br />
A couple more encouraging verses to uplift us when we are undergoing things beyond our understanding: <em>"The eternal God is your refuge; and His everlasting arms are under you. (Deuteronomy 33:27a).</em> And, <em>"Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5b).</em> Sometimes nights are long, but the morning is as sure as our current experiences. With the Apostle Paul we can concur: <em>"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." (I Corinthians 13:12).</em><br />
<br />
May you experience some moments of clarity today, may you be caused to lift your head and feel some rays of sun beating warm upon your soul. And may you be encouraged that even if we don't see it now, there is a bigger picture on the horizon.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-30700703677701321392012-12-30T18:35:00.001-08:002012-12-30T18:35:53.545-08:00The Humboldt Crud and Bucket ListsWell, where we live they call it the 'Humboldt Crud.' We are taking turns with this sickness at our house, and evidently it's my turn. Being under the weather affords a little 'think time.' It would not be nice to attend church and pass around the bug today, so at home I sit, and help watch the little one and do this and that and think.<br />
<br />
Watching the news the other night it was rather sobering to see all the celebrities and famous folk who passed away this year. Added to this list were quite a few sweet people we knew personally who closed the final chapter in their earthly lives. It makes one ponder as we start to turn to the page 2013 and begin to write upon it, knowing that life itself may take the pen and write what it wants to write, instead of what we had planned.<br />
<br />
It's funny how many things on our bucket list are just that - things....experiences, maybe. Wanting to do something exciting, go some place we have never been or achieving something is often at the top of these lists. But when it is all said and done, and we turn that last page in our book, all we really want are close relationships.<br />
<br />
So as 2013 comes into view, I'm thinking about relationships and realizing their development trumps any bucket list. There are so many people in our lives to love and learn to understand a little better. And as much as that means, there is a relationship that means even more - for we enter this life as an individual, and we leave it the same way. And then we stand before the Creator of Life. I would not want to stand before His presence as a stranger or acquaintance. No, that is the relationship above all worth investing great time and effort.<br />
<br />
So, 2013, here is to relationships, earthly and heavenly, human and divine. May your year be rich with people whom you love, people whom you will forgive and may your year be especially made rich by the One who offers forgiveness to us all. Happy New Year. <br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-6657194033379308852012-12-24T07:12:00.000-08:002012-12-24T07:12:44.320-08:00Born into a Rocking and Reeling World<span class="userContent"><strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hope was born on Christmas Eve into a world that was chaotic, rocking and reeling. <span style="color: #bf9000;">"The people who walk in darkness will see a great light." Isaiah 9:2a</span> To our minds, what a crazy way to save the world...sending a baby? <span style="color: #bf9000;">"For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;" Isaiah 9:6a</span> Yet all these centuries later as we still see the amazing effects of this Christ-child upon humanity and how the concepts of compassion and mercy were exemplified through Him and made possible by Him. <span style="color: #bf9000;">"And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">Isaiah 9:6b</span> Even now we see great and powerful acts of love and heroism, inspired by His life, amid the turmoil, the chaos, the grief, the things we just shake our heads over... <span style="color: #bf9000;">"There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace." Isaiah 9:7a</span> The world is still rocking and reeling, and the story is not over. But because of this babe in the manger, we have true hope. Christmas is giving, because God have us Jesus. Happy Birthday to the baby born in Bethlehem. Silent night, peace to your souls, and Merry Christmas.</span></strong></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-55161022374286651122012-12-21T07:18:00.000-08:002012-12-21T07:18:26.853-08:00Feeling Alone at Christmas?<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Do you feel alone? This rugged individualism isn't as romantic as it's cracked up to be. At this time of year feelings of aloneness can become overwhelming. We do well in those moments to cling to what we know to be true and not be carried away by our emotions. And this is truth: Into this dark world more than two-thousand years ago was born a vulnerable baby, completely dependent on His young, inexperienced, financially poor parents. The world and culture into which He was born was a scary and violent one. This little family was, in a sense, 'homeless' at His birth, having to use an animal stable for a birth room. Talk about feeling alone. Yet, the HOPE of the world was born on that dark night! </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>This child grew into the someone who would divide history - B.C. and A.D. The world's whole concept of mercy and compassion would come about through this One born on the day we celebrate 'Christmas.' This One would so radically change millions of lives that there would be multitudes of works of kindness done in His name. Hospitals would be built, the dying would die in the arms of tenderhearted strangers, educational institutions would be founded, the undeserving forgiven, words about Him would give hope to those in despair and His light within the life of millions would change the world for the better.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Sadly, there would also be those who oppose Him and the forces of evil would bring devastation to many. Some would even do inconceivable wrong in His name. Christmas accelerated an all out war between good and evil, and evil often has great power. But God's power is greater and stronger and broke through our darkness and helplessness on that first Christmas night. In times of feeling alone or if we are experiencing a time of depression we need to remember that. God is stronger than whatever we are going through!</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>God in the flesh, God with us, Emmanuel. No longer would God seem distant but closer than one's own breath, and as hard as it is to imagine, He wants to be an intimate friend to each of us. He never wants us to be alone of feel alone, again.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Having a rough day or a difficult season? Christ knows what it feels like. He's been there before us and if we invite Him into our lives He promises to be with us, always. We never have to be alone again. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">"Don't be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand." Isaiah 41:10</span> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>As we see the Christmas lights peering through the darkness let it be a reminder to us, hope broke into our world on Christmas night. The light of the world has come!</strong></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-68115809349396433582012-12-16T06:43:00.000-08:002012-12-16T06:43:04.605-08:00Horrific Grief and the Hope of Heaven<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Grief is a constant part of life, although a part we don't like to talk about much. We grieve loss in many areas but certainly the most profound and deepest grief is to lose a loved one. And when that loved one is a child the sorrow is unspeakable. As people of faith we too grieve and mourn the insane violence and loss of life that has thrust many families, a whole community and an entire nation into a season of deepest and profound sadness. And although our hearts and emotions suffer through this time, as believers in Christ, we grieve with hope. Our faith is made more real as we cling to God not necessarily for answers but for a trust that believes that ultimately in heaven. In heaven there will be justice, the wrongs will be made right and in a supernatural way we can't understand, our tears will be wiped a way. A glimpse into this heaven is when Job in all his suffering had an encounter with God, and suddenly it was enough. We won't have that answer here on earth but the hope of heaven is everything when our hearts are so broken. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>In that picture of hope we visualize all those children running into Jesus arms.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>The parents of a child who was born with many birth defects and physical suffering shared with me that what helps them to cope and stay away from depression is to serve others and they do so beautifully in many circumstances. Their faith is made real for they do more than intellectually say "we believe," they demonstrate hope by investing in the lives of others.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>In this horrific season of grief, we do well to imitate this families example, and through our questions, struggle with grief and hurt, seek to touch another life, uplift someone else and serve someone in Jesus name who can't return the favor.</strong></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-9473875376503370592012-12-13T20:47:00.001-08:002012-12-13T20:47:10.355-08:00Do Not Be Afraid<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I love <em>Streams in the Desert</em> and have been reading it during my morning devotional for the past couple of years. The book speaks do powerfully to me because the author really understood suffering. It wasn't merely intellectual because she was living through difficult times as she wrote about keeping the faith when life is hard. Mrs. Charles Cowman was caring for her dying husband during the years she penned this now devotional classic. There is just something about someone who has "been there" to give us wise advice. Suffering is a common denominator. Suffering in one area of life gives us more compassion for those who suffer in a different way. Suffering expands our perspective while enlarging our heart. On December 13th, Cowman quotes J.R. Miller when she writes, "If you are in the shadows because of some strange, mysterious providence, do not be afraid. Simply go on in faith and love, never doubting. God is watching, and He will bring good and beauty out of all your pain and tears." We can believe Mrs. Cowman because she writes from experience. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>How comforting to know pain and tears are not random or meaningless, but that tears touch the heart of God. God does not simply weep for us, but intricately weaves purpose and meaning through our pain - carefully preparing us for what lies ahead.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Your suffering may be because of the loss of someone dear, the loss of a dream, declining health, the worry and concern over a loved one's well being, the anguish of watching someone self-destruct, a job loss with financial reversals, a break in an important relationship, a myriad of troubles...or several seemingly disasters all at once. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>We can be sure that during the hours of our sufferings if we turn ourselves toward God, our hearts will begin to overflow with compassion for others. He wastes not a tear, a broken heart, nor an anguished spirit. Turned over to the hand of the Master, our suffering transforms into a beautiful tender sympathy that flows back to others in their time of need. Do not be afraid.</strong></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-2220601495673174222012-12-07T06:57:00.004-08:002012-12-07T06:57:44.435-08:00Waiting is Not Our Default Mechanism<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Waiting is so difficult for children at Christmas time! The anticipation of opening those glittery gifts under the tree clicks some kids into overload mode. Many a home echos with parental threats of Santa skipping their home because of such hyper behavior! Child or adult, none of us like to wait, really.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>When we have the medical test, we would like the diagnosis immediately, thank you. How many drivers feel personally attacked when the light turns red on their road! Having to make an extra round circle of the parking lot because there are so many shoppers is annoying. Computers that take an extra few seconds to load are considered obsolete. Waiting is not our default mechanism. Food is fast, and we want it faster. And waiting in lines? Thank you for online shopping and small local shops. We don't like to wait.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>And then there is prayer. We want the quick answer, the miraculous, the "sign" - a neon one if possible. But instead, we wait. Sometimes we seem to receive instant results for those incidental prayers (a close parking spot, Lord - it's raining...). However, we wait for that unthinkable and mentally excruciating circumstance day by day, season by season and many a time for years. When will that loved one come back to You, Lord? When will I be able to get out of debt? When will that job I wanted so badly come to fruition? When will that teenager make a mature decision? When will that person apologize for their actions? When will my loved one's health improve? And we start to think that perhaps God is not hearing.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Isaiah has some words for us about waiting: <span style="color: #6aa84f;">"So the Lord must wait for you to come to Him so He can show you His love and compassion. For the Lord is a faithful God. Blessed are those who wait for His help."</span> Isaiah 30:18 (NLT)</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Interesting that the Lord is also waiting for us. Waiting for us is a time that either intensifies our faith or a time we choose to give up. Waiting for the Lord is a time when He demonstrates His mercy, compassion and long suffering. Isaiah goes on to say<span style="color: #6aa84f;">..."though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, He will still be with you to teach you."</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Ah, so waiting is a time that we are learning. What we learn pivots on our attitude as we wait. The impatient driver may swerve around the slow moving car in front and into oncoming traffic. The patient driver eventually sees the light turn green and moves forward. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Mrs. Charles Cowman articulates in <em>Streams in the Desert</em>, "Our unbelief is always wanting some outward sign. The religion of many is largely sensational, and they are not satisfied of its genuineness without manifestations, etc.; but the greatest triumph of faith is to be still and know that He is God."</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Our world doesn't place much value in stillness or quiet faith during times of adversity. But a trusting patient heart gives our Heavenly Father delight and increases our ability to experience the fullness of joy at the time of His choosing. May you have some quiet peace in your waiting today. </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong> </strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-7703489010704706682012-12-05T07:08:00.000-08:002012-12-05T07:10:46.293-08:00Helping A Friend with the Holiday Blues<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>We know for sure that the holidays aren't the happiest days for everyone. For those with broken hearts and an "empty chair" in their lives, the holidays point to that which is missing. The sights and sounds of the season intensify memories and that can be painful.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>How to help? Here are a few ways:</strong></span><br />
<ul><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Initiate contact with your friend this holiday season, even if it is awkward.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Think of simple and practical ways to show you care...pick up something needed at the market, bring by a cup of coffee, send a card, send a daily "thinking of you" text, offer to fix sothing that is broken, bring them a Christmas ornament, a copy of an interesting article, a magazine or a baked good.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Help your friend fight against isolation...invite them into your lives...go shopping together, have a meal together, invite your friend to the Christmas service at your church.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Acknowledge their loss. When we have lost a significant person in our lives through death, we want to know others still think of their loved one.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Donate to a meaningful charity in the name of your friends loved one and let your friend know. Send your friend a card commemorating the gift.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Help connect your friend to someone stronger on their similar road. Make an introduction and tactfully bring up what they have in common.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Give your friend uplifting reading material that shares Scripture.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Pray for your friend, and if they will allow it pray with them focusing on God's promises of hope in every situation.</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Give cards with Scriptures that pertain to your friends circumstances. The Psalms are wonderful sources of encouragement and strength. For example, <span style="color: #bf9000;">"My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth!"</span> Psalm 121:2</strong></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Help enlarge your friends perspective beyond today, beyond the holidays and help them remember they will not always feel the intensity of the pain they have today but that with Christ there is great hope for every tomorrow.</strong></span></li>
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-4738888062334169172012-11-29T14:31:00.001-08:002012-12-02T20:57:09.811-08:00I Didn't Do It<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Here's a youtube video on denial with thought provoking lyrics by Alex Walker.</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2siHK3lv_Uo&feature=plcp">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2siHK3lv_Uo&feature=plcp</a><br />
<br />
Technorati: G6KDBU8J34WDAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-73267473065692226622012-11-26T15:22:00.000-08:002012-11-29T13:53:36.847-08:00Don't Give Up!<span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="color: #f1c232; mso-spacerun: yes;">"<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.</strong></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <span style="color: #f1c232;">I trust in you, my God! Do not let me be disgraced, or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat. No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced...Show me the path where I should walk...point out the right path for me to follow. Lead my by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in You. Remember, O Lord, your unfailing love and compassion...Forgive the rebellious sins of my outh; look instead through the eyes of our unfailing love, for you are merciful, O Lord.</span> </span>Excerpts from
Psalm 25<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">The Psalmist, David, brings out the character of God and
David becomes an ‘open book’ about his own struggle with his personal character
traits and shortcomings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>David pleads
with God, and at the same time expresses trust and confidence in God based on who
God is and the relationship God has with “those who fear Him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">What does mean to “fear God?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The top word choice I would make would be
“reverence.” <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Therefore I can have trust and confidence in God because of
the character traits this Psalm brings to light of the Lord Almighty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">powerful,
trustworthy, just, a teacher, a leader, my salvation, compassionate, loving,
kind, forgiving, good, righteous, truthful, a guide, the Savior, gracious, a
guardian, a deliverer, a protector, and redeemer</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Since the Lord is all those things to me, why do I
stress?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do I fret?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why do I allow myself to become
discouraged?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lord forgive me for the
times I focus on little things when You are so immense and able to perform all
that you have promised!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Here is an amazing group of statements that describe David’s
growth in character as he ‘day-by-day’ took steps of faith in responding to the
situations in his life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When David
pleads his case before God he:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">lifts up his soul, expresses trusts in God,
is teachable, is willing to be led, waits upon the Lord, confesses his sins,
asks forgiveness, receives instruction, is humble, never forgets the depths of
his own sin, asks for God’s grace, admits his loneliness and affliction, asks
for help, talks about the enormity of his troubles, asks for deliverance, asks
God to guard him and waits in faith.</i><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">In times of doubt, confusion or discouragement, this list of
David’s can give us a wise perspective and set us in a productive and positive
frame of mind to face our challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t give up!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wait in faith!</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-85366677466372579992012-11-26T14:52:00.001-08:002012-11-27T06:33:45.180-08:00Ways to Help in Troubled Times<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>It
gives me great comfort to know that at times Jesus was “troubled in spirit”
(John 13:21). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Scriptures indicate
that Jesus had this distressing feeling right before He was to “speak the truth
in love” to someone He truly cared for – <em>Judas Iscariot.</em></strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>When I,
as a growing Christian, feel “troubled in spirit” my next thoughts are usually
ones of guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“A good Christian shouldn’t be so uptight…we are told not to worry…not
to be anxious about anything…yet here I am fretting.”</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
helps me to know that Jesus understood feelings of dread and anticipatory
grief.</strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>After
Jesus spoke those words of loving confrontation to Judas… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“that you do, do quickly”</i> , He launched a conversation with His
disciples that would change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“A new commandment I give to you, that you
love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one
another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By this all men will know that
you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>John 13:34-35.</strong></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>This
“loving one another” shines most brightly in troubled times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It seems that our hearts are most open to God
during crisis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God draws near to the
brokenhearted. Dark times can be holy moments when believers seek to
communicate God’s love and care when it is needed most.</strong></span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Author
and speaker Lauren Littauer Briggs shares some insights from her own times of
personal tragedy and from the wisdom of others who have traveled difficult
roads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Briggs and others who view this blog writes some “Do’s” and
“Don’t” for helping someone when they are hurting:<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">DO:</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Respond in a timely manner.
<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Offer caring statements
that acknowledge they are going through a crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Offer specific things to
help.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Step out and help <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(example:</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m going to the store,
will you check your milk and see if you need any).</i><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Help your brother or sister
in Christ find a “new normal.”<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Use the agreement principle
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(example: if I was facing that I’d
feel the same way).</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Listen to how they are
feeling.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Share Bible verses with a
promise <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(I will be with you).</i></span></strong></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Encourage (<em>gently push, if there is a strong and trusting relationship already established</em>) against the normal response of isolation. Encourage involvement in support groups, Christ-centered counseling, hospice (if applicable), grief counseling and significant friendships.</span></strong></span></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;">Remember the children in the situation and that they have a need for interaction with their peers as well. The children may need counseling in a tough situation or involvement in a helping group through the church or school. Offer rides or an extra hand.</span></strong></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Tell them you will pray for
them and then really pray for them.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></li>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></ul>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">DON’T<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></u></b></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wait
too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It gets more awkward.</span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Say
things that minimize what the hurting person is going through.</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ask
“when will you be your ‘old self’ again?”</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Offer
spiritual cliche's.</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Say “HI!! How are you?!!!”</span></span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Say
“I know just how you feel!”</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tell
your hurting person, “don’t worry…have faith.”</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t
put time tables on the other person or compare their situation with other
things.</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p><strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></strong></o:p></span></div>
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have been through something difficult, and from your own
experience would like to add to this “Do” and “Don’t” list, I would welcome
your dialogue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may contact me through the comments on this blog or through facebook.</span></span></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;"><strong>Your
experience can help your brothers and sisters in Christ as we seek to be better
helpers and “bear one another’s burdens.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
Thank you.</span></strong><o:p></o:p></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-43617350281198196052012-11-20T11:29:00.001-08:002012-11-20T13:26:29.718-08:00Fearfully and Wonderfully Made<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">The
writer of the 139<sup>th</sup><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm,
King David, expressed centuries ago what science now proclaims – the
magnificence and complexity of our human minds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only are we the only species to inhabit planet earth that has a soul;
within our marvelous framework we have the ability to reflect God’s image in
using His gifts of creativity and intellect. Only people build bridges and
hospitals, write novels and compose symphonies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God, who loves to give good gifts to His children (Matthew 7:11) revels
in endless variety.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look at
us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Recently I had the opportunity to take
a course that challenged us to develop God given talents and strengths for
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This course utilized findings
from the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Gallup</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">International</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Research &
Education</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The research included findings from two
million interviews taken over the last thirty years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We learned that not only is the human brain
amazingly complex –<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but that each of our
unique talents are formed early on – in the womb!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your synapses create your talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So how are your synaptic connections
made?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Forty-two days after you are
conceived, your brain experiences a four-month growth spurt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually, the word “spurt” doesn’t do justice
to the sheer scale of what happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On
your forty-second day you create your first neuron, and 120 days later you have
a hundred billion of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s a
staggering 9,500 new neurons every second...”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(from Now, <u>Discover Your Strengths</u> by Marcus Buckingham and
Donald O. Clifton, Ph. d</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #e69138;">The psalmist talked of God making all
our delicate inner parts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God must have
been ecstatic the day He created the human brain – that amazing part of us that
holds our talents, capabilities and dreams<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>– what a creation – what a gift!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>How God must have smiled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
obvious delight the Father takes in us, His beloved children.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">My mother’s passion is painting portraits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She likes to paint pictures of famous
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember portraits in the
house of President John Kennedy and Ghandi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But she also liked to paint pictures of someone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was growing up, she often painted
pictures of me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made me feel
incredibly loved! To think that she determinately spent hours and hours
creating my image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think how that
concept is magnified with God’s love for us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He created each of us in His image and took the time and effort to put
together each minute piece of our personalities, physical features, dominant
thinking patterns and talents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
considered every detail, and how we would all fit together for a specific
purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment, He
said, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your
soul, and <i>with all your mind</i>.” [emphasis mine]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Matthew 22:36,37)<o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Loving God with all our heart and soul are natural
responses when the grace of God is revealed to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t work our way to heaven, but
certainly acts of love and compassion are one way to show God we love Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are some good ways to love God with all
our minds?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Studying His Word is
essential to growth in the love and knowledge of Jesus Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another step in loving God with all our minds
is getting to know the mind God gave us, and using our intellect in service to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s worth further investigation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not only will we grow in usefulness to the
body of Christ, but an increased understanding of the unique way God made each
one of us makes one feel incredibly loved.<span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #bf9000;">13</span></span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"> You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit
me together in my mother's womb. <i>14</i> Thank you for making me
so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous</span> <span style="color: #bf9000;">– and how well I know it.
<i>15</i> You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb. <i>16</i> You saw
me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every
moment was laid out before a single day had passed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psalm 139:13-16<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New Living Translation</span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-53197932254457407652012-11-16T09:45:00.002-08:002012-11-16T09:46:41.289-08:00Disturbed<span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">“The
word<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> disturbed </i>is often associated
with mental illness and instability.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
say, “He’s disturbed,” when we describe someone who reacts in an overly
emotional way or appears troubled emotionally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to redefine this word, because I believe that God is looking for
some disturbed people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is searching
for men and women, students, and young adults who will allow Him to disturb
them by making them truly see the world in which we live – so disturbed that
they will be compelled to do something about what they see…But if we’re not
disturbed by the world in which we live, we will be consumed with the trivial,
the insignificant, and the temporary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
will spend our days pursuing all the wrong goals, living by the wrong
measurement of success, evaluating our legacy by the wrong standard.”</span></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"> -Kay Warren from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Dangerous Surrender</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
are a lot of things in life that can be disturbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when they don’t affect us directly, well,
it’s easy to have a tinge of compassion, and then go on our merry way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, when God allows some suffering to
invade our world in a personal way, we have a decision to make. Will we allow
this trouble, tragedy or heart ache that has come into our life to be God’s
tool to mold us and compel us to do something that will make some good out of a
bad situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The most common human
response is to be beat up by our problems.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Said another way, will we allow our minds to dwell on the misery, wallow
in our troubles, retreat inside our shells and let the response to our troubling
circumstances corrode our insides?</span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Walking
through the doors of a Celebrate Recovery can be a first step toward letting
that which is disturbing in our lives out into the open in a safe confidential
group that can understand what we are going through, care for us, listen to us,
and pray for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By being in a group of
support we are not only ministered to, we help others by listening with caring
hearts, acknowledging the hurts of others and share how God has helped us
through similar situations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We hear
personal testimonies of God’s care during difficult times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we draw strength and receive the comfort
and emotional healing that the Lord provides, we are able to reach out to
others and help them as they go through similar circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pastor Rick Warren says, “God never wastes a
hurt.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Helping others as they go through
a disturbing time turns hurt into a vehicle of healing for someone else.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So many
of these life issues with which we struggle exist “under the radar”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t usually make small talk in everyday
conversation about things like loved ones who are in rebellion, rejection of
faith, stealing, struggles with substance abuse, pornography, homosexuality,
heart aches in relationships, cutting, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>eating disorders, unplanned pregnancies, dangerous
behaviors, or types of mental illness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet these disturbing things are all around us and happen with people we
know, people we dearly love and perhaps ourselves.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There
is hope in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He cares deeply. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we truly see the world in which we live
and come to terms with the reality of the pain people have around us, God can
use us and compel us to do something about what we see.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Meeting with people who are going through
similar hurts and heartaches offer us the opportunity to minister to one
another and to help make a difference by stepping out of the darkness of
disturbance and into the healing light of Christ.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
welcome you to Celebrate Recovery at Hydesville Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We meet on Friday nights at 6 PM for dinner
and 6:30 for the program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is like
the father in the parable of the prodigal son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He waits on the porch with the light on, watching for the familiar gait
of His wayward sons and daughters.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></strong></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "GarmdITC BkCn BT","serif";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“But
while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion for
him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Luke 15:20b</span></span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-68490543464106081732012-11-08T11:44:00.000-08:002012-11-08T11:45:15.788-08:00Three Reasons to be Creative<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">“Creativity is the engine that drives every form of
innovation, whether a new vaccine, a river-spanning bridge, a symphony, a
novel, or a work of visual art.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
wondrous capacity to make something out of nothing is unique to the human race
– our birthright”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Lewis Barrett
Lehrman, author.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">As a
Christian</span> I would add that God alone truly forms something out of
nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, as creative beings we
are blessed with the ability to create things that are beautiful, wonderful,
and or useful from basic ingredients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you seen and tasted a cake made by <span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">some of our amazing bakers at church?</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Flour, sugar, milk and
eggs – but wow, what a delight for the eyes and palette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Creativity!<o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">Creativity is included in almost every field of human
endeavor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not reserved for
artists, musicians, writers and actors.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">Why do we create?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are creative beings made in the image of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why did God give us this wonderful gift
called creativity?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, because God
loves to give his beloved children gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Luke
1:13 says, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those
who ask Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>God gives us
creativity, in part, is just to enjoy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a good and gracious gift from a loving Heavenly Father that desires
to lavish His sons and daughters with good things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">James 1:17
tells us, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming
down from the Father or lights…”</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText2" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">The second reason God
gives us the gift of creativity is because being involved in creative endeavors
increases our ability for appreciation the of others and their unique
gifts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When my husband was in the
hospital I learned very quickly all the things he does to help keep our family
afloat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Groceries didn’t replenish
themselves, the wash didn’t get up and get done on it’s own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I appreciated in a new way his daily work to
show love for our family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise, when
we step out and learn something creative, like taking a music class, we learn
to appreciate those who constantly give of their time and talents on the
worship team.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Learning something about
what others do heightens our level of appreciation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s easier to celebrate the gifts of others
when we understand the work and sacrifice involved to develop those gifts. </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">The third reason we are given the
gift of creativity is to give God glory.<span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Revelation 4:11 says, “Worthy are You, our
Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for You created all things, and because of
your will they existed, and</span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;"> </span><span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">were created.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Romans 1:20 tells us that “… since the creation of the world His
invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly
seen being understood through what has been made…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>God’s creative acts declare His power
and glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we create, and honor Him
with the talents and abilities God has given us, we reflect His power and
glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have the opportunity to
communicate to a hurting world the very real love of a Savior who loves them.<o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">My favorite living artist, <span style="background-attachment: scroll; background-clip: border-box; background-image: none; background-origin: padding-box; background-repeat: repeat; background-size: auto;">Stephen
Gjertson</span> from <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Minnesota</st1:place></st1:state>
says this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Art is a powerful means of
communication.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The greater the work of
art, the greater potential it has for good or evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Art can reinforce a world-view.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It can give credibility and emotional expressive
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Works of art can be a powerful
avenue for propaganda and the dissemination of truth or error.”<o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">Our desire to serve God with our creativity and our ideas of
success are different than the world around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our talents were not given to us to draw attention to ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are for the benefit of others and for
the glory of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rory Noland says
this:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“First Peter 5:5 tells us to
clothe ourselves with humility toward one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are to abandon any thoughts of superiority
that would cause us to think that we deserve special treatment above others.
Arrogance has no place in the heart of the Christian artist.”<o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">There are opportunities to celebrate and develop the God
given gift of creativity in our community and in our church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are stirred by the thought of devoting
a season of time to expanding your horizons in the area of creativity I really
encourage you to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;"><span style="background-color: black;">Worship Leader of Willow Creek Church in Chicago, Rory
Noland, reminds us:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“We can’t be
concerned about the arts in the church without being concerned about the lives
of the artists in the church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
character as church artists, our walk with Christ, our spiritual growth are all
a vital part of creating the kind of ministry experience in which God unleashes
the power of His Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need
artist in the church who are known not only for their talent but also for their
walk with Christ.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-53472531496993671702012-11-01T15:54:00.000-07:002012-11-01T15:54:37.904-07:00Prayers of the Saints
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">She hobbled around her room a bit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The arthritis in her knees had been flaring
up with painful intensity in recent months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Another morning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>for this 92
year-old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She reaches down to a
bookshelf to retrieve a treat for her pet fluffy mutt dog - her constant
companion in these vintage years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
notices a box of letters and smiles, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Taking
the most recent one out of the envelope again she reads and rereads the quickly
penned message.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The elderly little “elf”
only standing 4 feet 10 inches closes her eyes in prayer as she does each day
to pray for each of her children and their families.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Putting the letter box back on the shelf, she
picks up the white worn leather “birthday book”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a gold mine of family, friends, dates,
remembrances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anyone’s birthday coming
up soon, she wonders?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the Spring
of 1990, and events will soon transpire that will usher this little lady into
heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cancer, undetected, had
started it’s toll on her frail little body, but it could not touch her
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Six months later we stood in her room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So many memories… My husband and I noticed
each framed picture and trinket that meant so much to his Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was only a few weeks ago that our toddler
was playing on her lap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What delight a 2
½ year old can bring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But today, were
getting dressed for Mom’s funeral.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
blessed to have such a mother-in-law.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">My eyes glanced down to a shelf and to my surprise I noticed
a box of letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each letter had our
return address with my handwriting up in the corner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had kept every one of my letters!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I picked up the box.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was obvious that she had read them over
and over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those letters… Just
quick, “hi, how are you, we are doing good” kind of letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A wave of sadness swept over me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I had realized how much those quickly
scrawled words from us had meant to her, I would have taken more time with
those letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would have said deeper
things, and expressed our love for her more, even more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just didn’t realize the preciousness of
those letters to her.<o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Do you know that God counts our prayers to Him as absolutely
precious?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Revelations 5:8 we read
about a heavenly scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“When He had
taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down
before the Lamb, each one holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense,
which are the prayers of the saints.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">How do you like the imagery of your prayers being preserved
as something precious, carefully kept in a golden bowl in heaven, and being
likened to incense – something sweet and fragrant before the God of the
universe?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a powerful statement
about God’s feelings about our communications with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves us so much and longs to hear from us
so much that He keeps our prayers – <i>even</i> our quick<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“hi God, how are you, I need your help” kind
of prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">If we truly understood the magnitude of what our prayers
mean to Him, would it not change the way we pray?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Would we not be compelled to take more time,
to be more real, and to express our love to God more fervently?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Heavenly Father is like the father
portrayed in Luke 15 – the dad always watching the horizon for the return of
his run-away child, who will rejoice when we turn to Him with a repentant
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He longs to hear from us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The father in ‘The Prodigals Son’ was not
concerned with fancy speeches from his wayward son, only the words and intent
of his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Likewise our Heavenly
Father loves our real, unvarnished prayers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">In Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” Matthew<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>6:9-13 is presented in down-to-earth
language. <o:p> </o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">‘Our Father in heaven, <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Reveal who you are,<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Set the world right;<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Do what’s best – <o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>As
above, so below.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Keep us alive with three square meals.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">You’re in charge!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">You can do anything you want!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;">You’re ablaze in beauty!<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #bf9000;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Yes.
Yes. Yes.’<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-16885508080883034812012-10-16T16:07:00.000-07:002012-10-16T16:07:12.224-07:00Of Art and Mercy...A Free Concert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpfFOmYqzFfmdVhitbbm668WkohpZ5Xub9bxLRzPg1r0CAfBkD8UC3rvuEMU-aCzYqHo_TI-IqEFxfWUrd5o4YFK-Y4V9BYALD2rUDvRBvZ_0kakqfLXPHqdiio1WV8VZeSHe2UBR7gU/s1600/concertposter1012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicpfFOmYqzFfmdVhitbbm668WkohpZ5Xub9bxLRzPg1r0CAfBkD8UC3rvuEMU-aCzYqHo_TI-IqEFxfWUrd5o4YFK-Y4V9BYALD2rUDvRBvZ_0kakqfLXPHqdiio1WV8VZeSHe2UBR7gU/s320/concertposter1012.jpg" width="207" /></a>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Friday night, October 19th at 6:30 PM there is a free local concert
featuring Alex Walker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The concert takes
place in Hydesville, which may be perceived as an out of the way venue, yet
this sanctuary draws hundreds on a weekly basis from Fortuna, a short six miles
away. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humboldt County’s cultural
dimensions have been gifted another rich layer with the introduction of Alex
Walker into the region’s art scene.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Alex’s appeal is drawn not only from his musical expertise, touring days
with the band Five O’Clock People, obvious talent and multi-quilted history of varied
vocal and instrumental experience. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex
connects with the audience with a casual warmth and quick wit that it makes the
concert goer feel like you are welcomed into a harmonious conversation in an
overly large turn of the century living room. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s talented and he is real.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Of Alex’s approach, reviewer David Martin compared Walker’s
former band, the Five O’Clock People’s style, to Caedmon’s Call and Jars of
Clay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Citing the use of “acoustic
instruments and writing deep, soul searching lyrics” Martin expresses this
regarding the song “Same Old Line.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“The
mandolin and accordion…give this song the feel of being in a medieval fantasy
world, which I guess is quite fitting, given how we pretend we're living
happily everafter because we're afraid people won't love the truly messed up,
hurting person inside.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex’s songs
address “broken and troubled relationships with an almost brutal honesty, while
(other) songs… tackle matters of faith and redemption in stark, confessional
terms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Alex feels there's room for both
kinds of tracks on their album. "There's something legitimate about not
every song being a composite of all you are, all that you hope for, all you
dream of being. It's OK to write songs that precede as a series of snapshots
and maybe by the end of an album or even a body of work, you're getting the
whole picture of who this person is."<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">Alex’s appeal is multi-generational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is as much at home performing to his
thirty-something generation as he is leading a group of energetic children or
conducting a sing along for seniors at Hydesville Church where Alex is the
worship director.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138;">The concert on October 19<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> is to raise awareness
for something called Celebrate Recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Appropriate since Alex’s songs speak of honesty, struggle and faith,
Celebrate Recovery is about dealing with life’s hurts, habits and hang ups from
a spiritual perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone struggles with
something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Celebrate Recovery is an
honest place where confidentiality is highly valued and where one can be real
about addressing the things in life that trip us up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope is for real.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This concert is an opportunity for the public
to check out Celebrate Recovery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
concert is at the Hydesville Community Church located at the corner of Highway
36 and Rohnerville Road in Hydesville.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For more information contact the church at 768-3767.<o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-5413809390914429042012-10-10T09:25:00.003-07:002012-10-10T09:26:50.127-07:00Coach, Mentor, Sponsor, Friend<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDSLx-14aDg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDSLx-14aDg</a><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In Celebrate Recovery there is something called a sponsor. A sponsor could be otherwise described as a coach, mentor, and friend. The most important aspect of the relationship is encouragement. Truly we were not meant to walk this journey alone.</span></strong> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-26726785218302712172012-09-07T10:38:00.001-07:002012-09-07T10:50:04.933-07:00Are You Struggling with...Anger? <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs8hCJDaRnJZv54mvLJizZoED1aOPcbWjeCg2I4U_puUC9bhATmHzWhry3slg6snfW_CJKe_mdNVjEY6JR99H10NiFuLRsgN1ixzmRGJDY0YhRKgnOtysfs2XdmasKRcg0GQDBcpk-6I/s1600/struggleanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRs8hCJDaRnJZv54mvLJizZoED1aOPcbWjeCg2I4U_puUC9bhATmHzWhry3slg6snfW_CJKe_mdNVjEY6JR99H10NiFuLRsgN1ixzmRGJDY0YhRKgnOtysfs2XdmasKRcg0GQDBcpk-6I/s320/struggleanger.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Welcome to the human race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>To struggle with anger is pretty common, but also pretty
disturbing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We don’t like who we are
when we succumb to the emotion of anger and do and say things we regret
afterward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot of talk about
‘anger management’ and a lot of comedy written to poke fun at angry
people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The reason is we display our
foolishness when we get angry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
such a thing as righteous anger, but as human beings our anger – even if it
starts out as ‘righteous’ or ‘understandable’ doesn’t tend to stay righteous
very long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our selfishness starts to
show when we allow anger to get ahold of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, what are we to do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do we
turn the tide on that powerful emotion and curtail its destructive
undercurrents?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">It’s good to ask ourselves some things in relation to our
anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is the root of our
anger?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Said to be a secondary emotion,
anger usually is seen when really underneath we are hurt, frustrated, fearful, or
in pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anger is the easy ‘go to’
emotion that is generally accepted by society – yet it can be so damaging
destroying relationships and worse.<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">Anger is a good reason for us to start and ponder, what is
it that I want so badly that when I didn’t get it I became angry?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What is it specifically that has ‘pushed our
buttons?’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sometimes in processing
exactly what the issue is we can learn a lot about ourselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #e69138;">My very wise mother once, when we were observing a child
having a bit of a temper tantrum, said to me, “don’t you ever feel that
way?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Well, yes, I said.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She replied, “little children can’t hide what
they feel.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As adults we can smile at a
two-year old having a temper tantrum and understand that a part of childhood is
coming to grips with the fact that the world doesn’t revolve around us – no
matter how we feel!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But as adults we
tend to mask all those very raw self-absorbed feelings with other things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anger causes us to look at ourselves and see
what may need some “soul work” in our own lives?<o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even if we are absolutely wronged, we can turn the tide of
resolving our anger by considering that if we take an opportunity to get the
focus off of ourselves in the matter, we may be able to catch a glimpse of what
might be going on in the inside workings of the other person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If they sinned against us, we may do well to
consider that things are evidently not good in their heart and their life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While it doesn’t erase the harm done, it does
allow us to have some compassion for their ‘lost state’ or ‘dark place’ or
titanic struggle that may be going on with the other person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we can begin to have a little
compassion, our hearts can start to change.</span></strong><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: black; mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong>In Paul's letter to the Ephesians (4:26NLT), he says, <span style="color: #6aa84f;">"don't sin by letting anger gain control over you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry."</span> </strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; mso-spacerun: yes;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
The principle here is that if we allow our anger to smolder - keeping the recording going over and over in our minds -it can gain control over us and the results can be devastating. In taking steps to resolve our anger - by asking God to come and begin to change our hearts - then we can avert future disaster and grow in stature as a kinder more compassionate human being.</strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="background-color: black; mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><h4 class="ResultTitle">
</h4>
</span><o:p></o:p></span><br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-50438617353580375582012-08-30T15:57:00.000-07:002012-08-30T15:58:17.928-07:00Welcome to the Human Race<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4BQ0O86RbZtMg_44uWKENTPsgJXWv2jLKSSrkDDyq8EKR9bS6BM5_2j_5UoRIDEtqqanVD33hDsNV5MEFDXTBvbYhiiU9kCyTgAx9pmgahTQLUxUx556recP6UqbdvMKnzqmodTkXBg/s1600/strugglechemical2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg4BQ0O86RbZtMg_44uWKENTPsgJXWv2jLKSSrkDDyq8EKR9bS6BM5_2j_5UoRIDEtqqanVD33hDsNV5MEFDXTBvbYhiiU9kCyTgAx9pmgahTQLUxUx556recP6UqbdvMKnzqmodTkXBg/s320/strugglechemical2.jpg" width="291" /></a><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Do you struggle with something? We all struggle with something - it's part of being human. There is no one who has it all together, only God has it all together. And so when we admit that we are broken we actually find ourselves in a very good place because we can (finally!) accept that we are in need of a Savior. At Celebrate Recovery at Hydesville Church we not only talk about a 'Higher Power,' we know He has a name: Jesus Christ. Jesus enables us to break through the things that bring us down and gives us hope for the future that is based on truth. Do you stuggle? That's o.k., hope is on the way. Place the trust for your future in the One who knows the future. <span style="color: #f6b26b;">"For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who hs been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:15-16</span></strong></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<strong><span style="color: #f6b26b; font-family: Verdana;">Celebrate Recovery meets at 6 PM on Friday nights at the Hydesville Church campus. Dinner is $4. The large group time (free) starts at 6:30 PM.</span></strong></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-7153304585826795042012-08-29T10:06:00.000-07:002012-08-29T10:08:04.113-07:00Do You Struggle? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WiZMHy2l6k7_WQQodWemHNXke5LGq32Sk4cd-q5MnYiN6AJcQdFYTkKvYIeB4hmb6uHL6DU6XtYWnJKcWQi32gbUpB8CKAQQ8Z_RuF6DD8lc6i9ZsU0xOFmPVGzqf-r8AL1DDD59Sxo/s1600/struggle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WiZMHy2l6k7_WQQodWemHNXke5LGq32Sk4cd-q5MnYiN6AJcQdFYTkKvYIeB4hmb6uHL6DU6XtYWnJKcWQi32gbUpB8CKAQQ8Z_RuF6DD8lc6i9ZsU0xOFmPVGzqf-r8AL1DDD59Sxo/s320/struggle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>"Do you ever eat or drink more calories than your body needs? Do you ever feel you ought to exercise but don't? Do you ever know the right thing to do but don't do it? Do you ever know something is wrong but you do it anyway? If you answered yes to any of the questions above, you'll know without a doubt that you are a citizen of the human race." - Rick Warren</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;">Welcome to Celebrate Recovery at Hydesville Church - 6 PM Fridays.</span></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-45483599791291239292012-08-25T20:37:00.000-07:002012-08-25T20:37:02.705-07:00Today is the Day<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>"Is this a special day?" she asked in her four-year old innocence? It had been a rather ordinary Saturday, really. A later breakfast following a late night evening of Celebrate Recovery gave Saturday a relaxed atmosphere. There was the normal mix of tinkering with over due projects around the house, some cleaning and picking up in-between occasional hugs and impromptu silly songs, and enjoying the bounties of a north coast back yard: blackberries and lemon cukes. While Papa attended to some fix it projects I took her for a walk/ride in the red wood wagon that my Dad had given her mother when she was a child. We stopped and observed simple pretty things in our neighborhood. It was a day of just taking time, and that's why it felt like pure luxury.</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>"This is the day the LORD has made; let us <span class="Highlight">rejoice</span> and be glad in it." Psalm 118:24 (NIV)</strong></span><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Verdana;">It's easy to get caught up in the rush rush of life, and I do it often. Yet days like this give such perspective and meaning to the rhythm of life. "Is this a special day?" "Why, yes it is my dear, just because we are together." </span></strong><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-16175330129088708842012-08-20T14:15:00.002-07:002012-08-20T14:18:14.534-07:00God Gives the Love, We Give the Hug<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Pain is going to happen. Sometimes it is something we bring upon ourselves, and sometimes it seems totally random. We were at the wrong place and seemingly the wrong time or we are impacted by some disease that doesn't run in our family, but here is shows up or a wide variety of other equally hard things. In the wrestling to make sense of suffering we search for purpose. The following Scripture gives us a glimmer of hope as we wade through a difficult time:</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with His comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us." II Corinthians 1:3-7 (NLT)</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>If we receive pain with a trust that indeed God loves us and will still use this in a positive way in our lives (eventually!) then we can begin to see the silver lining to the black clouds. This knowledge doesn't make the pain go away necessarily, but that knowledge gives purpose to our pain so that we might endure, become stronger spiritually, learn life lessons and perhaps help someone else in a significant way. In fact, the compassion gained through pain and suffering can save somebody's life.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Sometimes it is just a kind word or gesture - birthed from personal pain - that prompts us to offer compassion just when someone needs it most. That comfort we receive from God - that promise that our pain is not random, but in God's great sovereignty, somehow purposeful - is the very comfort we can pass on to others. Others receive God's comfort with human hands and hearts wrapped around it. God gives the love, we give the hug.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>"You can trust the Man that died for you." - Streams in the Desert </b></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5379831070335250709.post-67645691939949489922012-08-19T17:48:00.002-07:002012-08-19T17:49:10.218-07:00In Praise of My Older Friends<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Some incredibly dear people to me have reached a beautiful-mellow stage of their 'vintage' years. As I think of them I realize that they are at their most incredible stage of life. The height of wisdom and unselfish love, that is free of the insecurities and mental battles of wills and egos that us younger folks grapple with, is strong and pure. They have such a laser sharp conviction of their thoughts and purpose. This doesn't happen with everyone of course. But for those who have a solid faith in God as their time-tested default mechanism these later years are the sweetest. Their faith has been tested by going through the furnace of affliction, troubles, loss of family and friends, physical difficulty and sickness. Oh, how I don't want to waste a moment of this precious and valuable time of being in their presence - whenever possible. The cloudy notions of what is important and what is not in our younger and middle years are made indelibly clear when the clock ticks faster and faster. Things come into focus and the precious stuff I get to listen to - I want to walk around with a tape recorder!!! There is no amount of money or possessions that can surpass these treasures. Their words of encouragement mean the world to me. So this day I honor my time-tested dear family and friends in my heart and hold their wise words and actions close to me. Thank you Lord for the life lessons you have taught me through these dear souls. </b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09624547446138748606noreply@blogger.com0