"Then (God) told me,
My grace is enough; it's all you need.
My strength comes into its own in your weakness.
Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ's strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become."
2 Corinthians 12:9-12 The Message
"I'll refresh tired bodies;I'll restore tired souls." Jeremiah 31:25 The Message
I am tired and feeling it these days: physically but especially mentally. I get frustrated with myself when this happens, especially when there is "no good reason" (or so my warped thinking tries to have me believe). "It's just life, deal with it!", I hear myself saying inside my head.
Yes, it's just life, but it has been tiring. The death of a dear neighbor, the busyness of the end of school year, the never-ending daily to-do's, the flurry of too many clients' stories, and who knows what else are floating around in my tired brain.
Luckily for me, God will refresh tired bodies and restore tired souls. I am counting on Him to do it, for I certainly can not do it on my own, and I have no desire to crash and burn. I am still on a sharp learning curve when it comes to the message in 2Corinthians 12:9-12.
Weakness is so often seen as a negative, and I certainly can get down on myself when I think I am weak (like this week!) But Jesus reminds me that weakness is a strength, when I rely on Him to get me through and fill me up with His strength: for then I can accomplish what alone would be impossible.
Jesus, help me to remember that whether I am tired, feeling my limitations, have been cut down to size or have run into unexpected obstacles, that You and your grace are all I need. You will turn my weakness into your supernatural strength, if only I can humble myself long enough to admit I need your help. Jesus, please take over my life: restore me, refresh me, turn my weakness into Your strength. Amen
More Healing Word of God: Mark 6:31; Psalm 119:114
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 23, 2011
Sift Before You Take Things To Heart
"For it is God's will that by doing good, you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men." 1Peter 2:15 NIV
"A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 NIV
"Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced." James 3:17 The Message
Have you ever been to Frenchy's or a similar type of used clothing store? As a girl who loved to play dress up from the time I could barely dress myself, Frenchy's was a wonderful discovery. I could sift through bins and bins of clothing, looking for treasures that fit me and my personality, at dollar store prices. It is a challenge, as there are lots of things that don`t fit or aren`t my style or have some flaws. But for those few pieces that are diamonds in the rough, it`s so worth it!
Lately I have been working on sifting and sorting through my thoughts, as well as the comments that come my way from others. There are certainly lots of things running through my mind that are far from wise and loving. And I struggle with how to deal with the negativity and hurtfulness that I run into listening to others. It has occurred to me that often, it`s like I`m taking home the entire bin from Frenchy`s...good, bad, fit or misfit, ugly and spectacular. Why I am taking all those thoughts home to my heart...when there may only be one or two that truly fit me ?
Rather than taking it all to heart, I want to sift and sort until I know what fits and was made for me. Are the comments and thoughts gentle and reasonable, do they encourage getting along with others, are they merciful and a blessing to those who hear them ? Are they consistent with God`s Word and considerate of others ? If so, they fit me well, and I can take them home and show them off proudly. If not, God says they don`t belong in my heart and I can leave them behind.
Overlooking an offense is not easy, however with God`s help it can be done. In fact, in 1Peter 2:15 He challenges us to silence foolishness and ignorance by doing good ourselves. Maybe rather than taking home a thought that hurts or doesn`t fit, I can give that person a comment that is a blessing....sure sounds like an interesting way to end an argument! Jesus was a master at doing this very thing...I hope I can imitate Him some day.
Lord Jesus, help me to sift and sort through both my thoughts and the comments and actions of others. Rather than hanging onto everything I think or hear, help me to discard what is not from You. Teach me to hang onto only what fits into a holy life, and take that home to my heart. As I sort through others` comments, it would be easy to get offended. Help me to have Your patience, to overlook what might offend, and to offer something of a blessing in return. Amen
More Healing Word of God: 1Peter 2:23
"A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." Proverbs 19:11 NIV
"Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced." James 3:17 The Message
Have you ever been to Frenchy's or a similar type of used clothing store? As a girl who loved to play dress up from the time I could barely dress myself, Frenchy's was a wonderful discovery. I could sift through bins and bins of clothing, looking for treasures that fit me and my personality, at dollar store prices. It is a challenge, as there are lots of things that don`t fit or aren`t my style or have some flaws. But for those few pieces that are diamonds in the rough, it`s so worth it!
Lately I have been working on sifting and sorting through my thoughts, as well as the comments that come my way from others. There are certainly lots of things running through my mind that are far from wise and loving. And I struggle with how to deal with the negativity and hurtfulness that I run into listening to others. It has occurred to me that often, it`s like I`m taking home the entire bin from Frenchy`s...good, bad, fit or misfit, ugly and spectacular. Why I am taking all those thoughts home to my heart...when there may only be one or two that truly fit me ?
Rather than taking it all to heart, I want to sift and sort until I know what fits and was made for me. Are the comments and thoughts gentle and reasonable, do they encourage getting along with others, are they merciful and a blessing to those who hear them ? Are they consistent with God`s Word and considerate of others ? If so, they fit me well, and I can take them home and show them off proudly. If not, God says they don`t belong in my heart and I can leave them behind.
Overlooking an offense is not easy, however with God`s help it can be done. In fact, in 1Peter 2:15 He challenges us to silence foolishness and ignorance by doing good ourselves. Maybe rather than taking home a thought that hurts or doesn`t fit, I can give that person a comment that is a blessing....sure sounds like an interesting way to end an argument! Jesus was a master at doing this very thing...I hope I can imitate Him some day.
Lord Jesus, help me to sift and sort through both my thoughts and the comments and actions of others. Rather than hanging onto everything I think or hear, help me to discard what is not from You. Teach me to hang onto only what fits into a holy life, and take that home to my heart. As I sort through others` comments, it would be easy to get offended. Help me to have Your patience, to overlook what might offend, and to offer something of a blessing in return. Amen
More Healing Word of God: 1Peter 2:23
Thursday, May 19, 2011
WWJS: What Would Jesus SAY ?
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 NIV
"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." Ephesians 4:29 The Message
"...for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Matthew 12:34 NIV
I have been learning about, and practicing mindfulness meditation for the last few weeks at work. I have really enjoyed carving time out of my day to be still and silent, but it is not without it's challenges.
It is certainly a wake up call as to how many thoughts and feelings I have on a daily basis, many of them not useful or downright anxiety-provoking and negative. It is challenging to not be judgemental of these thoughts, and to accept them and treat them with kindness, then re-focus on my breath.
Mindfulness meditation is rooted in Buddhism, and our teacher, who is a Sister of Saint Martha, challenged us to practice our mindfulness this week with the concept of "right speech". She made reference to Ephesians 4:29 noting that speaking kindly and with a positive purpose is not easy, but a wonderful goal to aim for (and to pray for help with!).
Although I have made improvements in this area, I know there is much further to go. This week I challenged myself to pay attention to how I speak about a co-worker. Although I am not downright nasty, I have often found myself speaking less than positively about her. I have to ask myself: What Would Jesus Say?
My prayer this week is that I will catch myself sooner, say less, think about what I say before I say it, and pray for her rather than putting her down. I have not been entirely successful! but I can say that I am more mindful and am making "baby steps" progress.
Lord Jesus, I pray that each word out of my mouth will be a blessing and a gift to those who may receive it. Cleanse my heart, so that what flows out of my heart into my mouth will be positive, good, and helpful. Help me to pause before I say something; be my "editor" so that what my words will be Your words. Amen
Life Steps: Pick one baby step area where you could improve your "right speech". Is there one person you could be kinder to, or one area of your life you pay less attention to your speech (home, work, play), or even one aspect of your speech (tone, swearing, volume) that could use improvement?
More Healing Word of God: Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 21:23; Ecclesiastes 10:12
"Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift." Ephesians 4:29 The Message
"...for the mouth speaks what the heart is full of." Matthew 12:34 NIV
I have been learning about, and practicing mindfulness meditation for the last few weeks at work. I have really enjoyed carving time out of my day to be still and silent, but it is not without it's challenges.
It is certainly a wake up call as to how many thoughts and feelings I have on a daily basis, many of them not useful or downright anxiety-provoking and negative. It is challenging to not be judgemental of these thoughts, and to accept them and treat them with kindness, then re-focus on my breath.
Mindfulness meditation is rooted in Buddhism, and our teacher, who is a Sister of Saint Martha, challenged us to practice our mindfulness this week with the concept of "right speech". She made reference to Ephesians 4:29 noting that speaking kindly and with a positive purpose is not easy, but a wonderful goal to aim for (and to pray for help with!).
Although I have made improvements in this area, I know there is much further to go. This week I challenged myself to pay attention to how I speak about a co-worker. Although I am not downright nasty, I have often found myself speaking less than positively about her. I have to ask myself: What Would Jesus Say?
My prayer this week is that I will catch myself sooner, say less, think about what I say before I say it, and pray for her rather than putting her down. I have not been entirely successful! but I can say that I am more mindful and am making "baby steps" progress.
Lord Jesus, I pray that each word out of my mouth will be a blessing and a gift to those who may receive it. Cleanse my heart, so that what flows out of my heart into my mouth will be positive, good, and helpful. Help me to pause before I say something; be my "editor" so that what my words will be Your words. Amen
Life Steps: Pick one baby step area where you could improve your "right speech". Is there one person you could be kinder to, or one area of your life you pay less attention to your speech (home, work, play), or even one aspect of your speech (tone, swearing, volume) that could use improvement?
More Healing Word of God: Psalm 141:3; Proverbs 21:23; Ecclesiastes 10:12
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Shine Like Silver
"For you, God, tested us, you refined us like silver." Psalm 66:10 NIV
"And so, we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him."
2Corinthians 3:18 The Message
Bling. Jewelry. A bit of shine adds a lot to an outfit. It catches my attention and says "look at me". I feel more confident when I'm wearing something shiny that complements what I'm wearing. I'm not a flamboyant dresser but I often get compliments when I wear an eye-catching piece of jewelry.
I never gave much thought to how my bling was made. Some of my favorite pieces are silver, and I read a little story recently that made me pause and think. A silversmith makes silver beautiful by holding it in the fire and letting it heat up. In order to refine it (make it pure and beautiful) he has to hold it in the hottest part of the fire to burn away all the impurities. And the silversmith must keep his eye on the silver at all times, because if it is left in the fire just a moment too long, it will be destroyed. But how does the silversmith know when the silver is fully refined? When he sees his image in it!
Can you see God as the silversmith of your life? At times, we wonder why He is "holding us in the fire"...it's not fun to go through life's difficulties and challenges and we would often give anything to get out of the fire. But God knows what He's doing: he is trying to make us pure and beautiful, so we can shine like silver and show His reflection to the world. Just like a beautiful piece of bling, he wants others to notice our shiny presence and wonder how we got so beautiful - on the inside and out. When we allow Him into our lives, He will gradually make us more like Him: brighter, more beautiful, pure and holy. When you are feeling the heat of the fire, don't forget that He has His eye on you every moment: he knows how much is enough....just enough to make you shine like silver.
Lord Jesus, thank you for gradually making me shine like silver. Though the refining process is not always enjoyable, help me to remember you are keeping a careful eye on me while I walk through the fire, and you will not allow me to get burned. Help me to learn the lessons you have in mind, quickly and well, so that I may life a brighter and more beautiful life. May Your presence shine like silver through me, so that I may draw others closer to You. Amen.
More Healing Word of God: Malachi 3:3; Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Zechariah 13:9
"And so, we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become more like Him."
2Corinthians 3:18 The Message
Bling. Jewelry. A bit of shine adds a lot to an outfit. It catches my attention and says "look at me". I feel more confident when I'm wearing something shiny that complements what I'm wearing. I'm not a flamboyant dresser but I often get compliments when I wear an eye-catching piece of jewelry.
I never gave much thought to how my bling was made. Some of my favorite pieces are silver, and I read a little story recently that made me pause and think. A silversmith makes silver beautiful by holding it in the fire and letting it heat up. In order to refine it (make it pure and beautiful) he has to hold it in the hottest part of the fire to burn away all the impurities. And the silversmith must keep his eye on the silver at all times, because if it is left in the fire just a moment too long, it will be destroyed. But how does the silversmith know when the silver is fully refined? When he sees his image in it!
Can you see God as the silversmith of your life? At times, we wonder why He is "holding us in the fire"...it's not fun to go through life's difficulties and challenges and we would often give anything to get out of the fire. But God knows what He's doing: he is trying to make us pure and beautiful, so we can shine like silver and show His reflection to the world. Just like a beautiful piece of bling, he wants others to notice our shiny presence and wonder how we got so beautiful - on the inside and out. When we allow Him into our lives, He will gradually make us more like Him: brighter, more beautiful, pure and holy. When you are feeling the heat of the fire, don't forget that He has His eye on you every moment: he knows how much is enough....just enough to make you shine like silver.
Lord Jesus, thank you for gradually making me shine like silver. Though the refining process is not always enjoyable, help me to remember you are keeping a careful eye on me while I walk through the fire, and you will not allow me to get burned. Help me to learn the lessons you have in mind, quickly and well, so that I may life a brighter and more beautiful life. May Your presence shine like silver through me, so that I may draw others closer to You. Amen.
More Healing Word of God: Malachi 3:3; Proverbs 17:3; Isaiah 48:10; Zechariah 13:9
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Running is 90% Mental
"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who called you." Galatians 5:7-8 NIV
"...I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ..." 2Corinthians 11:3
"We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." 2Corinthians 10:5b
I have been struggling daily with my commitment to learn to run 5 km. I refuse to give up and have committed to perseverance (6 days a week of either running, walking or biking at least 30 minutes), if nothing else. There are some days I feel pretty hopeless that I will accomplish it; other days I have some small hope that I may be able to do it. I have been trying not to focus on my body shape and size, but rather looking at running as a challenge and thinking of exercise as a way to improve my overall health. Keeping my thoughts in line and controlling my mind have turned out to be even more of a challenge than the physical part of running (and that is not easy either!)
I recently conquered my fears around the heavy breathing and gasping and spitting that comes with running. It reminded me of having a panic attack and my mind instantly would tell my body, "Shut down!" After talking with a friend who is an experienced runner, she helped me realize running is an inelegant sport (much like life I think) that can be messy and on the edge. I was elated at having overcome this fear and thought I would have smooth sailing for at least a while. Then I overheard a conversation between two friends that sent me spinning back into negativity. Discussion about weight and some slight condescension from a new running pal made my mind dizzy with negative thoughts: I am far heavier than they are, I have shorter legs and a rounder body than they do, I can never keep up with them, I am slowing them down....right down the drain is where my thoughts were headed.
I had a hard job rescuing my thoughts from the pit, but I prayed that Christ would capture my thoughts, much as a dreamcatcher is supposed to sift out the bad dreams from the good, and make all of my thoughts obey Him. And I focused on the important fact that discouragement, envy, negativity,and hopelessness do not come from God (Galatians 5:7-8) His Word was in fact very direct: You were running a good race! Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who called you.
Lord Jesus, capture my every thought and make it obey you. Rescue my thoughts from the pit, where they have a tendency to gather and hang out, and help them rise again to where you call me. Protect my mind so that I will not be led away from You, and let your Spirit encourage me to "keep running a good race".
More Healing Word of God: Proverbs 4:23; 1John 4:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2a
"...I am afraid that your minds will be led away from your true and pure following of Christ..." 2Corinthians 11:3
"We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ." 2Corinthians 10:5b
I have been struggling daily with my commitment to learn to run 5 km. I refuse to give up and have committed to perseverance (6 days a week of either running, walking or biking at least 30 minutes), if nothing else. There are some days I feel pretty hopeless that I will accomplish it; other days I have some small hope that I may be able to do it. I have been trying not to focus on my body shape and size, but rather looking at running as a challenge and thinking of exercise as a way to improve my overall health. Keeping my thoughts in line and controlling my mind have turned out to be even more of a challenge than the physical part of running (and that is not easy either!)
I recently conquered my fears around the heavy breathing and gasping and spitting that comes with running. It reminded me of having a panic attack and my mind instantly would tell my body, "Shut down!" After talking with a friend who is an experienced runner, she helped me realize running is an inelegant sport (much like life I think) that can be messy and on the edge. I was elated at having overcome this fear and thought I would have smooth sailing for at least a while. Then I overheard a conversation between two friends that sent me spinning back into negativity. Discussion about weight and some slight condescension from a new running pal made my mind dizzy with negative thoughts: I am far heavier than they are, I have shorter legs and a rounder body than they do, I can never keep up with them, I am slowing them down....right down the drain is where my thoughts were headed.
I had a hard job rescuing my thoughts from the pit, but I prayed that Christ would capture my thoughts, much as a dreamcatcher is supposed to sift out the bad dreams from the good, and make all of my thoughts obey Him. And I focused on the important fact that discouragement, envy, negativity,and hopelessness do not come from God (Galatians 5:7-8) His Word was in fact very direct: You were running a good race! Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the One who called you.
Lord Jesus, capture my every thought and make it obey you. Rescue my thoughts from the pit, where they have a tendency to gather and hang out, and help them rise again to where you call me. Protect my mind so that I will not be led away from You, and let your Spirit encourage me to "keep running a good race".
More Healing Word of God: Proverbs 4:23; 1John 4:1; Hebrews 12:1b-2a
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mom is Wow Upside Down
"She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. She knows what she makes is good...She is strong and respected by the people; She looks forward to the future with joy...She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind...She watches over her family and never wastes her time." Proverbs 31:17-18,25,26-28 CEV
"By looking at (older women), the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives." Titus 2:4-5 The Message
Moms are wow. Actually, all women are WOW! For all women are mothers in so many different ways...caring for others, feeding them, lending a hand, comforting the sick, encouraging the lonely. Women work energetically at so many little and often thankless tasks that are never-ending: cooking, cleaning, laundry, planning special occasions, helping out a friend, and the list goes on and on. We certainly need strong arms, strong hearts and strong minds to do all of these tasks with a smile. On many days, it would be much easier to stay mad, cranky or bitter about the never-ending to-do list, and the often forgotten appreciation from others.
The woman so highly spoken of in Proverbs 31:10-31 is certainly a role model for me. Those are high standards to live up to...but with God everything is possible. I pray that I will know what I make and do is good in God's eyes; I pray that I will always look forward to the future with joy; I pray that my words will always be wise and teach kindness; I pray that I will not waste my time on things that will not bear fruit. I pray that God will watch over and protect my family as I try to do the same. This is my prayer for all of you blessed women too!
On this Mother's Day, I want to give thanks to God for the many "mothers" in my life, who have served as role models and Proverbs 31 women for me. They have each taught me different lessons and encouraged me on my journey. For my mother,Paulette, who gives more than she has, cared for me when I could not care for myself, and passed on the first seed of faith; for my mother-in-law Anne, a role model of faith and good cooking, whose priceless gift was raising a good son; for Dorothy, Maureen and Lynn, precious mentors in faith and prayer group friends, for Linda and Shirley, adopted mothers who cared for my children and household as their own; for Vicky, Cheryl, Janice, Monica, Kristen and the many other women friends who have brought laughter, trust, and fun to my life; for co-workers Donna, Danielle, Karen, Isabel, Mary, Gen, Brenda, Lee, and Maureen who have been a lifeline and a support group at work, and for all the women clients who have shared their stories and lives with me, and taught me much about life in the process. I give thanks to the Lord for all of you and look forward to the journey with you as my companions.
More Healing Word of God: Isaiah 66:7-13; 1Peter 3:4
"By looking at (older women), the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives." Titus 2:4-5 The Message
Moms are wow. Actually, all women are WOW! For all women are mothers in so many different ways...caring for others, feeding them, lending a hand, comforting the sick, encouraging the lonely. Women work energetically at so many little and often thankless tasks that are never-ending: cooking, cleaning, laundry, planning special occasions, helping out a friend, and the list goes on and on. We certainly need strong arms, strong hearts and strong minds to do all of these tasks with a smile. On many days, it would be much easier to stay mad, cranky or bitter about the never-ending to-do list, and the often forgotten appreciation from others.
The woman so highly spoken of in Proverbs 31:10-31 is certainly a role model for me. Those are high standards to live up to...but with God everything is possible. I pray that I will know what I make and do is good in God's eyes; I pray that I will always look forward to the future with joy; I pray that my words will always be wise and teach kindness; I pray that I will not waste my time on things that will not bear fruit. I pray that God will watch over and protect my family as I try to do the same. This is my prayer for all of you blessed women too!
On this Mother's Day, I want to give thanks to God for the many "mothers" in my life, who have served as role models and Proverbs 31 women for me. They have each taught me different lessons and encouraged me on my journey. For my mother,Paulette, who gives more than she has, cared for me when I could not care for myself, and passed on the first seed of faith; for my mother-in-law Anne, a role model of faith and good cooking, whose priceless gift was raising a good son; for Dorothy, Maureen and Lynn, precious mentors in faith and prayer group friends, for Linda and Shirley, adopted mothers who cared for my children and household as their own; for Vicky, Cheryl, Janice, Monica, Kristen and the many other women friends who have brought laughter, trust, and fun to my life; for co-workers Donna, Danielle, Karen, Isabel, Mary, Gen, Brenda, Lee, and Maureen who have been a lifeline and a support group at work, and for all the women clients who have shared their stories and lives with me, and taught me much about life in the process. I give thanks to the Lord for all of you and look forward to the journey with you as my companions.
More Healing Word of God: Isaiah 66:7-13; 1Peter 3:4
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