You'll Find a Gift in the Present!

How many times have you been so riddled with anxiety you couldn't think straight? I've been down that road more times than I care to admit. The best way to describe the root of anxiety is "the mind going in 2 or more directions at once."

What does that look like? Well, that often times looks like our daily life. We have kids that need to be fed, laundry, dishes, cooking, shopping, occasional bathing ;). The problem is, there is constantly "one more thing" to do before we can "relax."

How do we fix this? First, we recognize that what we're feeling is in fact anxiety. Then we identify the different "directions" in which we're being pulled. Then, STOP! SLOW DOWN to a snail's pace. Come into the "present." Make an effort to stop thinking...you will find peace, and comfort there. You will also find God there!

The best way to become "present-minded" is to go out into nature. Nature is very present; it cannot help but be present. Watch the ind blow through the trees and consider the source of the wind. Watch a bee collect pollen from a flower. Watch the ants...you can never, not find ants here in sunny Florida. You will find that for just a brief moment you won't be thinking about anything but what you're seeing...everything pressing will melt away. This is the gift of the present.

I have realized God resides in the present! A lot of times we get stuck in the past...past hurts, pat hang ups, past habits. The past is a dangerous place for Christians to hang out. Reminiscing about past hurts just brings about anger, pain, and judgement. We have to remember, "there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ."

Even more often, we have a tendency to be future-minded. "I'll be happy when..." Or, I'm worried about this, this, and this. I've learned a valuable lesson about living in the future. First of all, as I said before, God resides in the present, not the past, not the future. Worrying about what's going to happen later today, tomorrow, or at the end of the week or month is not only anxiety-provoking, but it's ungodly. The Bible says,

"Don't worry about anything; instead pray about everything. Tell God
what you need and thank Him for all he has done. Then you
will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can
understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in
Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

So, stop reliving the past, stop trying to control the future, and start living here and now...in the present.

Just Stay Out Of It...famous last words!

You have to read my last post to understand this one. The plot thickens...I'm trying to stay out of it, but I think the Lord has some things to say...which have all been encouraging, but not for my sister. I haven't been able to talk to her...she won't answer my calls. We all know the darkness hates the light for the light reveals what's hiding in the darkness, and there's shame in the darkness.

I have some kind of genetic defect that causes me to want to fix all things that cause anxiety for me because I think that by fixing the problem the anxiety will disappear...but, when can we ever fix someone else's problems? NEVER! I know this and still I forget to remember it.

Thanks to a wonderful workshop at church this past weekend, I am encouraged about my walk with the Lord. I feel confident in who I am in Him. I am reminded to TALK TO HIM about all of this rather than myself. I just need to do some spiritual "vomiting." Those of you who were at the workshop know what that means...those of you who weren't, check out this link: www.saltandlightgroup.com and on the left, click on Freedom Workshop and download it to your computer or Mp3 and listen to it...it will change your life!

5 Things I've Learned From Larry...

Larry is a Truth Counselor. Truth meaning the truth of our significance in Christ. That truth is this: "Lord, you have examined me and know all about me..." Psalm 139:1 And He still loves me! If the Creator of the world, who knows all the wickedness of my human heart can love me, then does it really matter whether I fail or succeed according to the "World's" standards?

NO!

The truth is that I was created even before the foundation of the World! Doesn't that make me superior in God's opinion? And isn't His opinion the only opinion that matters?

Absolutely

Truth # 1: Lean into the truth...ask yourself, "what is the truth?" The only truth in our life is the truth of God's love, and God's commands, and God's expectations.

Truth # 2: Just Say No! Say "No" to self-talk. Don't listen to the conversation in your head...if it's not the Lord's voice you're hearing, the conversation should be abruptly halted! No "re-hashing" or "rehearsing" - just say to yourself, "I'm not talking to you about this anymore!" That also goes for talking with someone else (maybe family, friend, or foe) who may be talking about someone or something that is not Godly or edifying. Just say, "I'm not going to talk about this..."

Truth # 3: The ultimate goal of our walk with the Lord is that we would be transformed into His image (Romans 8:29)... and that does not come without suffering. We will suffer, because Christ suffered. But God allows our suffering and uses it to draw us closer to Him. So, instead of asking, "God, why are you doing this to me?" Ask, "Lord, what would you have me to learn from this? May you use this suffering to put your glory on display."

Truth # 4: Pain consumes Pain. This truth concerns those people in our life that cause us pain. Most of us "normal" people have someone in our life that causes us pain, either through words or actions. It is very hard to be Christ-like toward such a person. But, I have learned that the people who create pain, are themselves in a great deal of pain. Pain consumes pain. Pain needs pain to continue on its path of destruction. So, in knowing that truth, we can be liberated from wanting to "punish" those who "punish" us because, first of all there are no "paybacks" in Christ, and second of all, we can pray for those people. I have found it's very difficult to be angry with someone who is hurting. Prayer transforms...

Truth # 5: Don't jump into the pool! One of greatest truths I've learned... Let me set the stage. Someone is drowning in a pool, what happens if you jump in to help them? Whether it's your mother or your child, they will always pull you down to save themselves, always! So, unless you're a VERY strong swimmer, who's had a lot of training, you don't jump into the pool. You stand along the edge and do everything you can to help from the outside.

Basically, try not to get involved with things that you really are not equipped to fix. You are more helpful in those situations through prayer. So, for instance your mom calls to complain about your father or your brother, try not to jump into the "pool" with her. Try to change the subject, or tell her you'll pray about the situation. Do whatever you can to stay out of it and keep yourself accountable to God.

All of these truths go hand in hand, and they work for me when I remember to "lean into them."

Just a little Spiritual Food for thought today...

I saw this on Z88.3's website and thought it was just an amazing way to teach kids about Easter! I only have one problem, Adam is allergic to tree nuts. I suppose I could use peanuts. Any other suggestions from you foodies out there???

Easter Story Cookies

What You Need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
pinch of salt
1 cup sugar
zip lock bag
wooden spoon
tape
Bible

What You Do With It:
1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees (this MUST be done first -- don't wait until you're half done with the recipe)
2. Place pecans in zip lock bag and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into small pieces. Talk about how the Roman soldiers beat Jesus. (Read John 19:1-3)
3. Let each child smell the vinegar as you put the 1 tsp. full into a mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegar to drink. (Read John 19:28-30)
4. Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Talk about how Jesus gave His life for us so that we might have life abundantly. (Read John 10:10-11)
5. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the rest into the bowl. 6. Explain that the salt represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin. (Read Luke 23:27)
7. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar and explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus chose to die because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him. (Read Ps. 34:8 and John 3:16)
8. Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Talk about the color white and how it represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus. (Read Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3)
9. Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto wax paper covered cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid. (Read Matt. 27: 57-60)
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven "OFF." Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door. Talk about how Jesus' tomb was sealed with the stone. (Read Matt. 27: 65-66)
10. GO TO BED. Your child may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven. (Read John 16:20-22)
The next morning, open the oven and give each child a cookie. Take a bite and notice the COOKIES ARE HOLLOW! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazed to find the tomb empty. HE'S ALIVE!!!! (Read Matt. 28:1-9)

Because The Lord Is My Shepherd...

I've been looking for an independent Bible study lately, and I have had no success because I can't seem to get to Orlando to the Christian book store. I've looked at Target & Wal-mart, I went to Barnes & Noble thinking, "surely this 8000 sq ft bookstore will have bible studies." NOPE. I wasn't even sure which study I wanted to do, I've been praying for guidance. Well at church this past Sun. our pastor taught from John 10 about the Good Shepherd. He suggested memorizing Psalm 23, or revisiting it if it's already been memorized. That's it! I'll do a study on Psalm 23. I need to be reminded that the Lord is my Shepherd. He knows me. He loves me. He cares for me. If I wander, He's there with His staff to pull me back to Him. He knows that sheep are dumb and prone to wandering (yes, that's me to a "T" - I'm dumb and prone to wandering). He wants to keep me safe from the wolves. I need to be reminded that I am SAFE with Him. I have grown into adulthood with a very jaded sense of security. I've been a sort of caregiver in my family for as long as I can remember and I have very few memories of being "cared for."

Anyhow, I digress. I decided that since my lack of local Christian bookstores was hindering my study of the Word, I would take my search to the Internet. Surely there are free, reliable, true Bible studies on the Net. Yep! I went to http://www.abideinchrist.com/ and found a nice little study on Psalm 23. I'm trying to do a little each day. I hope to follow up with a book titled, "A Shepherd's Look At Psalm 23" (I think).

I'm learning to remember always, in all situations, that there is security in the presence of the Good Shepherd. That He is my very own Shepherd. It's so very important to dwell on these truths.

Stay tuned for more on Psalm 23...

So long 2008!

2008 was a pretty trying year for me and I'm glad to wish it farewell. I've learned some very valuable lessons this year. I've also let go of some of my selfishness. My attitude toward my loved-ones has changed to allow for me to accept our differences and not feel the need to make excuses for those differences. I've learned that unhealthy relationships are not always worth holding onto and sometimes it's necessary to let go. I've learned that change can be good; Very. Good. I've learned that my significance is in Christ, and it does not matter what the World thinks of me. All that matters is that I am precious to Him. "Yes I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits, nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above [me], nothing below [me], nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to separate [me] from from the love of GOD that is in Christ Jesus [my] Lord." Romans 8:38-39
I've learned that life is fragile and fleeting. Someone who is here today may not live to see tomorrow. In that, I am learning to not take people, especially loved-ones, for granted. It is my desire to spend more time with the ones I love, and the ones who love me, in 2009. To let go of what's behind. To press toward the goal. To lean into "circumstances" rather than run the other way. To pray more. To do more. To live more. May God bless you far beyond what your heart and hand can hold in this New Year!

Post Thanksgiving Blues

So, after the BIG Thanksgiving gathering we had at our house, I didn't have it in me to make the s'mores brownies for our 2nd Thanksgiving gathering at Dan's Uncle's house today. You need to know that if I don't feel like making a chocolaty dessert, something's wrong! Something is bothering me and I can't quite put my finger on it. My family is healthy, my marriage is good, I have a job interview on Wed. - it's not like I don't have any hopes for finding a new job, at least I have an interview scheduled. Hmmm. Not. Sure. It bugs me when something's eatin' at me and I can't figure out what it is. It could be the job thing...it seems like each time I find myself in an o.k. place about the job situation, I get another letter from them. The mail man left a card for a registered letter for me yesterday. Why don't they just leave me alone? You know, I didn't argue, fuss, or fight when they told me I was dismissed; maybe those who are behind this are trying to stir up the conflict they didn't get from me at that time. Spiritual warfare! The enemy is hard at work, but the Bible tells me,

"Yes I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor ruling spirits,
nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above [me], nothing
below [me] nor anything else in the whole world will ever be able to
separate [me] from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus, [my]
Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 NCV

That makes me feel better. There is nothing the enemy can do to me as long as I have Christ. I need to dwell on this for a while...

God Is So Good!

So, I got fired on Tuesday. I can't say I didn't see this coming, but I have to admit my pride is a little hurt. I've never been fired from a job. My take on the situation is that I was so resistant to the Lord's gentle counsel telling me that it was time to move on from this job He had to get a little aggressive with me and take the choice away from me. The sad part is that I wanted the opportunity to tell them they could take their job and shove it. Not very Christian of me I know, but I'm a work in progress. Funny thing, Tuesday morning before work, I was reading my bible, looking for a little insight for the day. In "The Message" Proverbs 16:14 reads: "An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; You're smart to stay clear of someone like that." That one sentence made everything alright for me and I was almost prepared for what that day eventually held for me.

Dan is actually glad this happened. He never liked where I worked anyway. He just supported me because he knew how important it was to me. He's an awesome man. Props to my man Dan!

Yesterday I updated my resume, and wrote a new cover letter for it (it's been 8 years since I've even looked at it). Just as my resume was completed and almost 24 hours after I was terminiated from my position I received a call from a friend, who by the way, I had already asked if she knew of anyone looking for a hygienist and she hadn't. She was calling to tell me she got a call that day from a dental office in Clermont looking for a hygienist 2 days a week. I called the office today and it sounds like a perfect match for me. I will have a working interview on Dec. 3. I can't help but see the Lord's hand in this. God is so faithful to me; I am so unfaithful to Him and I don't deserve His mercy or His grace. Yet it overflows and I am continuously so abundantly blessed by Him.

All of this has led to my baking another batch of Snickerdoodles, because the batch I baked on Monday, well they never saw Tuesday. I shared, a few. A little bit of emotional baking and consumption of said baked goods is happening around here. But, it's all good. I'm thinking tomorrow I'll do something ooey, gooey, & hugely chocolate.

Shut Up and Pedal!

I've really been struggling with the situation at work and some issues with my babysitter. I'm having a hard time letting go and letting God. I am working again today and have awakened to an uneasy feeling. Someone told me on Tuesday that pain is very hungry; and pain must consume pain. Often times a person in your life who is causing you a great deal of pain are themselves in a great deal of pain and they are creating pain in you for their pain to consume. Is that clear as mud? It was very enlightening to me. It helps me to have a little bit of compassion for the people who are causing me grief.
When I did a short Bible study in Proverbs this morning I was reminded to, "trust in the Lord with all [my] heart and lean not on [my] own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 There was an illustrative narration in my study by an unknown source:

At first I saw God as my observer, my judge, keeping the things I did wrong, so
as to know whether I merited heaaven or hell when I die...but later on when I recognized God, it seemed as though life was rather like a bike ride, but it was a tandem bike, and I noticed that God was in the back helping me pedal. I do not know just when it was that He suggested we change places, but life has not been the same since. Life without my God, that is...when I had control I knew the way...it was the shortest distance between two points. But when He took the lead, He knew delightful longcuts, up mountains, through rocky places, and at breakneck speeds! It was all I could do to hang on! Even though it looked like madness, He said, "pedal!" I worried and as anxious and asked, "where are you taking me?" He laughed and didn't answer. I started to learn to
trust. I forgot my boring life and entered into adventure. And when I'd say "I am scared," He's lean
back and touch my hand...I did not trust Him in control of my life at first, I thought He'd wreck it.
But He knows bike secrets. He knows how to make it bend to take sharp corners, jump to clear high rocks, fly to shorten scary passages. And I am learning to shut up and pedal in the strangest places, and I am beginning to enjoy the view and the cool breeze on my face with my delightful, constant companion, my God. And when I am sure I just cannot do anymore, He smiles and says, "pedal."

I long for the day when I can be in this place. To be more trusting of my God, to remeber that He's in control, that He will get me through the rocky places, that He is a great navigator of all things difficult.

May He bless you today and may you allow Him to take the front seat.

So Sad

This is a sad day for me. I am so disappointed that the majority of this great nation would put a man into office who calls himself the "American Messiah." Maybe it's just me, but I find that so errogant! I'm not a sore loser. He played a better game. I am just saddened by the fact that the ecomony, gay rights, & the right to abort babies from their mother's womb, among other issues, seem to reign supreme in many hearts; when it is He, our Father in heaven, "who so [loves us] He gave His only begotten son that none should perish but have everlasting life" John 3:16. He and his values should reign supreme. Maybe I'm too legalistic. So sad.