The definition of identity is: The state or fact of being a specific person or thing; individuality. The definition of identity crisis is: The state of being uncertain about oneself regarding character, goals, etc. Do you know who you are, where you came from, etc or do you have questions? I believe a large number of ladies can identify with difficulty with their own identification. Identify means to fix the identity of. So let's do just that!
I have always been interested in genealogy. My great-aunt Dean Parker compiled the Parker family tree lots of years ago--before ancestry.com. She was unable to go beyond our 4 great-grandfather and so we were unable to determine where our family originated from. One day I would like to be able to join ancestry.com and find but for now--I don't know.
I faithfully watch Who Do You Think You Are and Finding Your Roots (on PBS). These folks are usually surprised to find out commonalities they share with far-away relatives. But I say that God created us with genes that are past down through DNA and we shouldn't be surprised at the similarites. A few years ago Keevin and I visited with my sister, Lorie and her family in Raliegh (Wendell), NC. We hadn't been to their home in a long time. I was surprised to see similar items in their home that we had. Lorie said, "did you buy it at Walmart?" And I answered yes, but still we bought the same things in a particular pattern. We share commonalities that we didn't know we had. A few years ago God opened my eyes to my writing gift. But when I think about what it takes for my Dad and my brother, Drew, to preach it only makes sense that they too have a gift with words. We all share common things but do them differently.
So you see looking at your family can shed some important things about who you are--the gifts you may have. And looking at your family can reveal some unnecessary behaviors that you have picked up that have nothing to do with who God made you to be. In fact these behaviors hinder you from being all you can be. A fun way to look at what is good and what is bad is to make a list of your family members. Write down the good things about each one. Ask yourself if you connect with the good thing. And list the bad behaviors. Do you suffer from the same ones? I hope to encourage you to look up the trouble areas in the Bible and convince yourself that Holy Dad wants more for you than what you are getting out of the troubled area.
My monthy Bible read (I read the same 4 chapters once a day for a month) is Matthew chapters 1-4. Matthew starts off his book with Jesus' genealogy. Matthew and Luke are the only two authors who give account of Jesus' human family line. Of course Holy Dad is His Father and also ours. Matthew's book is addressed to a Jewish audience. Luke is talking to gentiles (all other non-Jewish people). Matthew traces the lineage of Jesus through Joseph (His step-father). Luke recounts through Mary's family.
Looking through both sets of genealogies one can see some of the same people. Jewish marraiges were arranged from the same family lines. This would explain why Joseph's lineage is applicable even though he was not Jesus' biological father.
I pulled out my MacArthur Bible Handbook to research the information for today's blog. I stumbled on a chronological list of the New Testament Books. The book of Matthew was listed as number 3. I would have thought that God would have placed big importance on Jesus' life and teachings-- and I guess He did by making sure that it was the first book in the New Testament. However, the first book that He inspired is very very interesting. Have any of you ladies taken Beth Moore's Bible study "James" yet? I haven't but I am going to buy it soon. James was the first book of the New Testament God inspired. And guess who James is. James was the oldest half-brother of Jesus. Yes, a family member of Jesus. You can probably relate to the hate/love relationship with a sibling that Jesus had with His. James had at first rejected Jesus as our Messiah but later believed. James experience a relationship with a post resurrected Jesus. And what important things did God want to inspire first? James' book is about wise living, godly behavior. His passion was to teach his readors to uncompromisingly obey God's word. James teaches us about the gifts God gives us, the gifts that give us identity.
James 1:17, 18 (NCV): "Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, Who does not change like their shifting shadows. God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things He made." Friend did you hear it? Read back through it very slowly taking note of each word and the meaning of it. This is rich stuff. Important stuff. Your confidence level may be low right now but God says YOU are the most important of all things He has made! It is the truth. It's ok that you don't feel it right now but give His word a try and soak it in and within 21 days you will feel it.
It's funny how I was inspired to write about genealogy this morning as I was reading about Jesus' lineage. After watching a little news I turned to watch Joni Lamb on the Daystar channel. She was interviewing a christain psychologist by the name of Dr. Jerry Mungadze, who uses science and God's word for therapy. He is an expert on the brain and she quizzed him about this wonderful organ that we all have. He says that the functions of the brain are: to process our experiences, houses our memories and moderates hundreds of thousands of nerve signals throughout the body. He claims that identity is at the heart of insecurtiy--who you are. Growing up our parents give us our self-image. He also said that there is a section in the brain that houses our identity.
Then he revealed something wonderful. Our biological parents birthed us but God created us. He said the key thing is the human being is designed by God. We are trying to fix ourselves by ourselves. Instead we should be reaching out to the one who created us to fix us. And guess what else he said? God made you. You are an original. Do you believe it? This is one he got from God's word and science.
Let's go to Galatians. No, I not quoting the confidence elements in 5:22-23 but I do love these 2 verses. Galatians 6:4 (MSG): "Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don't be impressed with yourself. Don't compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life." Remember the list of the good and bad things I suggested you write down about you and your family? That's what God suggested for you to do.
Now back up to Galatians 5:25-26 (MSG): "Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives. That means we will not compare ourselves with each other as if one of us were better and another worse. We have far more interesting things to do with our lives. Each of us is an original." There it is my friend. You are an original. There is no need to compare because we are all different and all have some wonderful qualities that Holy Dad gave just to us. That's how He makes each of us special in our own way--not a copy cat. And guess what?!?! Galatians is the second book that Holy Dad inspried--yes the one with the confidence elements. See how much He loves us!?!?
I have a 21 day journal note to fit the ocassion of identiy. Here it is:
(Based on Galatians 5:25-26 and 6: 4) Lord, I am a part of You. You lovingly created me, birthed me. Thank You for my life! Because of this fact I am going to start living my life in Your deliberate way. I am exploring who I really am and rejecting the junk I have learned from our culture. Thank You for the beautiful body you have given me. Thank You for the experiences that have made me uniquely me. Thank you for giving me the real way to live outlined in Your Word. Thank You for hope and I am embracing it and will live it out. You have made me an original! Thank You Sweet Lord!
end of journal note. Handwrite this once a day to rewire your thinking. Just think, 21 days to a new itdentity!
Friend, you have a decision to make. Do you continue down a path that someone steered you down just because you were related to them. Will you take the path that God promises will lead to a good life, one He will help you with? Come on, make your choice.
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
4-26-12 Success despite the big fear
It's funny that today I am planning to write about replacing fear of doing something (anything) with Jesus' help and found myself frustrated with google as they had changed everything about my blog dashboard. I am very technically handicapped and this change has thrown me for a loop. I don't see the background I chose for the blog and don't know how to get it back--however, it may show up on the actual blog--I don't know. So if you are opening this post up and wondering why it's different I will tell you that I am not happy with the presentation and hope to learn more and make it prettier.
Lord Jesus, I trust You to help me figure this out and present a word of confidence to my audience that You would be happy with. Thank You!
Just this week I have been thinking about starting up a neighborhood ladies Bible study--a study of relationships. But I found my mind thinking of why I shouldn't. For most of my life I have had a problem area of the fear of rejection from people. I learned from Joyce Meyer today that there are a few common fears: fear of man (mine), fear of past mistakes, fear of the unknown, fear that God is angry with you or not pleased with you, fear of what you are-is not good enough and what you doing is never good enough, and fear of being lonely. Did you nod your head to any of these? I know I have a fear rejection from people yet I seem to always be battling it. Yes it is a battle. I won the battles on some of the other fears but now it is time to put this fear down.
The Bible teaches about these battles. 1 Timothy 4:1 (AMP): "But The [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach." It is true that I have not totally turned away from my faith but I do given much attention to spirits who are seducing me away from working for God. The thought of rejection is always in the back of my mind and may be more up front than I care to admit. Even so, it is a battle, one that I do not want to fight. The sight of that kind of battle looms large in my mind. How do I get the courage to march foward?
The Bible teaches about marching forward, too. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (MSG): "and He 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." Weaknesses can equal fears. So, it looks like I need to stop focusing on my fear of rejection (and all things technical) and trust that Jesus is everything I need. I like The Amplified Bible version of this verse but it is lengthy--bare with me. (AMP): "But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weakness and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!"
I have come up with a new 21 Day Journal Note using these 2 versions of 2 Corinthians 12:9. Here it is:
Jesus, You are telling me that Your grace (favor, loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for me. You are enabling me to stand up and bear any trouble, danger, or fear. Jesus, Your strength and power are fulfilled and show themselves in me when I allow You to take over my problem areas. I will quit focusing on my problem areas and concentrate on Your strength and power. I am feeling Your rest and peace. Thank You Lord!
end of journal note.
I encourage you to join me in handwriting this note once a day for 21 days to rewire the brain from focusing on the fears. It's time to focus on Jesus and what He does for us and how we can teach others to turn to Him for the same help. You can exchange the words "problem areas" with an acutal problem written out. Doing this will personalize the journal note and make it more effective for you.
Let's win this battle with Jesus--We can do it with His help.
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Lord Jesus, I trust You to help me figure this out and present a word of confidence to my audience that You would be happy with. Thank You!
Just this week I have been thinking about starting up a neighborhood ladies Bible study--a study of relationships. But I found my mind thinking of why I shouldn't. For most of my life I have had a problem area of the fear of rejection from people. I learned from Joyce Meyer today that there are a few common fears: fear of man (mine), fear of past mistakes, fear of the unknown, fear that God is angry with you or not pleased with you, fear of what you are-is not good enough and what you doing is never good enough, and fear of being lonely. Did you nod your head to any of these? I know I have a fear rejection from people yet I seem to always be battling it. Yes it is a battle. I won the battles on some of the other fears but now it is time to put this fear down.
The Bible teaches about these battles. 1 Timothy 4:1 (AMP): "But The [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach." It is true that I have not totally turned away from my faith but I do given much attention to spirits who are seducing me away from working for God. The thought of rejection is always in the back of my mind and may be more up front than I care to admit. Even so, it is a battle, one that I do not want to fight. The sight of that kind of battle looms large in my mind. How do I get the courage to march foward?
The Bible teaches about marching forward, too. 2 Corinthians 12:9 (MSG): "and He 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." Weaknesses can equal fears. So, it looks like I need to stop focusing on my fear of rejection (and all things technical) and trust that Jesus is everything I need. I like The Amplified Bible version of this verse but it is lengthy--bare with me. (AMP): "But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weakness and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!"
I have come up with a new 21 Day Journal Note using these 2 versions of 2 Corinthians 12:9. Here it is:
Jesus, You are telling me that Your grace (favor, loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for me. You are enabling me to stand up and bear any trouble, danger, or fear. Jesus, Your strength and power are fulfilled and show themselves in me when I allow You to take over my problem areas. I will quit focusing on my problem areas and concentrate on Your strength and power. I am feeling Your rest and peace. Thank You Lord!
end of journal note.
I encourage you to join me in handwriting this note once a day for 21 days to rewire the brain from focusing on the fears. It's time to focus on Jesus and what He does for us and how we can teach others to turn to Him for the same help. You can exchange the words "problem areas" with an acutal problem written out. Doing this will personalize the journal note and make it more effective for you.
Let's win this battle with Jesus--We can do it with His help.
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Friday, April 13, 2012
Glow with Health!
The multgrain bread did not agree with me this morning. I usually eat a couple of slices of plain white bread but thought I would try the other kind today. I have learned that my gut likes plain white bread better than the healthy stuff. You see, I have Irritable Bowel Syndrome--the diarrhea type and an occassional bout of constipation. Dealing with this dysfunction has been crazy for me and I'll tell you why.
I am an LPN and have known about IBS for a long time. I knew I had it. I have worked for Gastroenterologists and counseled patients with the ailment. I have been doctored by a gastroenterologist. But yet could not get a handle on it. All I had learned on how to treat it was to add fiber to my diet and take antispasmotics. Then the antispasmotics were scarce at the drug stores. I panicked because the diarrhea was a bit disabling.
I am a hyper, type A personality. Add fear and anxiety and a stressful job. What did I get? IBS. When I got serious about my relationship to Holy Dad I told Him that I wanted to work for Him. I also asked Him to heal my IBS. Well an amazing thing happened. I was scanning the internet and came across an eye-opening website: helpforibs.com authored by Heather Van Vorous. She told of things I had never heard of in all my nursing career. An interesting fact is That the enteric nervous system (ENS) is the only part of the peripheral nervous system that is capable of mediating relex behaior in the absence of input from the brain or spinal cord. In other words, there is a brain inside the bowel that is independent from the brain in the head. Her favorite analogy of having IBS is like having very sensitive skin, only the problem is internal. Causes of IBS are dietary and stress. Coffee (even decaf), fats, eggs. diary products and certain fibers are hard on the IBS sufferer. And I have to put something easy (like white bread) on the stomach first thing in the morning or
I'll be sorry. I was amazed at the results when I first starting watching when and what I ate. It feels like I've been cured of my IBS. Oh, yeah, I asked Holy Dad to heal me!! And I don't have to take any medicines for it with the exception of a fiber capsule before eating something offensive. The fiber capsule is unlike food fiber--it actually coats the intestine. I am sooo happy with the results but occasionally I try something new and discover it is a food that I need to be careful eating.
I share all of this with you because the cause of my problems is mainly stress. The definition of stressed out is: tired, nervous, etc as from overwork, mental pressure, etc. And the meaning of nervous is: emotionally tense, restless, fearful. Do any of these adjectives describe you? Stressors create a whole host of physical problems, not just IBS. That's why God talks about giving your cares over to Him, warnings of anxiety and worry, cautions of angry outbursts, etc. He knows stress can cause unhealthiness.
Let's look at Proverbs 3. This chapter deals with the benefits of wisdom. In the previous paragraphs I shared interesting facts about IBS. I took the time to read up on my dysfunction. Well God wants us to read up on His advise for all kinds of problems and solutions.
Verse 1 (MSG): Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
Verse 2 (GWT): Because they will bring you long life, good years, and peace.
Verse 3 (NIV): Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them on the tablet of your heart.
Verse 4 (MSG): Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.
Verse 5 (GNT): Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
Verse 6 (MSG): Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track.
Verse 7 (GNT): Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
Verse 8 (MSG): Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
Verse 11 (GNT): My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning.
Verse 12 (NCV): The Lord corrects those He loves, just as parents corrects the child they delight in.
Verse 25 (MSG): No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner.
Verse 26 (GWT): The Lord will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from getting caught.
Obeying God and delighting Him (making Him happy) brings on amazing happenings in our lives. He brings healing in all sorts of ways. Our lives improve so much--beyond our comprehension and imagination. He gives us His peace concerning the situations that He chooses not to change. His peace is a stress reduction by itself.
I am on day 17 of the last 21 Day Journal Note that I wrote to you about. Self-control is one of the features that God wants us to utilize. I am choosing to eat differently to have good health. What can you do differently to achieve good health? And remember that the key to my good health was well hidden from me until I made a conscious decision to serve Him with my whole life. Friend, He wants you to have good confidence and good health but you must be willing to do it His way--the right way!
For relaxation: when you take your bath tonight lovingly caress your feet with soap. Take notice of how the wash cloth or puff feels against the skin of the foot. And make sure to lather lotion on those tired, achy feet. There are lots of nerve ending in the foot and relaxation is brought on by massaging those muscles, tendons and skin. It feels really good!
Friend, pursue healthiness!
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
I am an LPN and have known about IBS for a long time. I knew I had it. I have worked for Gastroenterologists and counseled patients with the ailment. I have been doctored by a gastroenterologist. But yet could not get a handle on it. All I had learned on how to treat it was to add fiber to my diet and take antispasmotics. Then the antispasmotics were scarce at the drug stores. I panicked because the diarrhea was a bit disabling.
I am a hyper, type A personality. Add fear and anxiety and a stressful job. What did I get? IBS. When I got serious about my relationship to Holy Dad I told Him that I wanted to work for Him. I also asked Him to heal my IBS. Well an amazing thing happened. I was scanning the internet and came across an eye-opening website: helpforibs.com authored by Heather Van Vorous. She told of things I had never heard of in all my nursing career. An interesting fact is That the enteric nervous system (ENS) is the only part of the peripheral nervous system that is capable of mediating relex behaior in the absence of input from the brain or spinal cord. In other words, there is a brain inside the bowel that is independent from the brain in the head. Her favorite analogy of having IBS is like having very sensitive skin, only the problem is internal. Causes of IBS are dietary and stress. Coffee (even decaf), fats, eggs. diary products and certain fibers are hard on the IBS sufferer. And I have to put something easy (like white bread) on the stomach first thing in the morning or
I'll be sorry. I was amazed at the results when I first starting watching when and what I ate. It feels like I've been cured of my IBS. Oh, yeah, I asked Holy Dad to heal me!! And I don't have to take any medicines for it with the exception of a fiber capsule before eating something offensive. The fiber capsule is unlike food fiber--it actually coats the intestine. I am sooo happy with the results but occasionally I try something new and discover it is a food that I need to be careful eating.
I share all of this with you because the cause of my problems is mainly stress. The definition of stressed out is: tired, nervous, etc as from overwork, mental pressure, etc. And the meaning of nervous is: emotionally tense, restless, fearful. Do any of these adjectives describe you? Stressors create a whole host of physical problems, not just IBS. That's why God talks about giving your cares over to Him, warnings of anxiety and worry, cautions of angry outbursts, etc. He knows stress can cause unhealthiness.
Let's look at Proverbs 3. This chapter deals with the benefits of wisdom. In the previous paragraphs I shared interesting facts about IBS. I took the time to read up on my dysfunction. Well God wants us to read up on His advise for all kinds of problems and solutions.
Verse 1 (MSG): Good friend, don't forget all I've taught you; take to heart my commands.
Verse 2 (GWT): Because they will bring you long life, good years, and peace.
Verse 3 (NIV): Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them on the tablet of your heart.
Verse 4 (MSG): Earn a reputation for living well in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.
Verse 5 (GNT): Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.
Verse 6 (MSG): Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He's the one who will keep you on track.
Verse 7 (GNT): Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.
Verse 8 (MSG): Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!
Verse 11 (GNT): My child, when the Lord corrects you, pay close attention and take it as a warning.
Verse 12 (NCV): The Lord corrects those He loves, just as parents corrects the child they delight in.
Verse 25 (MSG): No need to panic over alarms or surprises, or predictions that doomsday's just around the corner.
Verse 26 (GWT): The Lord will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from getting caught.
Obeying God and delighting Him (making Him happy) brings on amazing happenings in our lives. He brings healing in all sorts of ways. Our lives improve so much--beyond our comprehension and imagination. He gives us His peace concerning the situations that He chooses not to change. His peace is a stress reduction by itself.
I am on day 17 of the last 21 Day Journal Note that I wrote to you about. Self-control is one of the features that God wants us to utilize. I am choosing to eat differently to have good health. What can you do differently to achieve good health? And remember that the key to my good health was well hidden from me until I made a conscious decision to serve Him with my whole life. Friend, He wants you to have good confidence and good health but you must be willing to do it His way--the right way!
For relaxation: when you take your bath tonight lovingly caress your feet with soap. Take notice of how the wash cloth or puff feels against the skin of the foot. And make sure to lather lotion on those tired, achy feet. There are lots of nerve ending in the foot and relaxation is brought on by massaging those muscles, tendons and skin. It feels really good!
Friend, pursue healthiness!
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Friday, April 6, 2012
Good Friday, Good Everyday.
Yes I have returned. We had a couple of computer issues these past few weeks. I missed bloggoing to you good people. Hope all is well with you.
Rocky and I took a walk up the road yesterday. We detoured down an explored gravel street and met up with a nice neighbor. Her name is Dorothy and she has lived in her cabin for 6 years. She was headed over to her garden to cut some asparagus for her daughters birthday dinner. I asked if I could follow her to the garden. She has a really nice plot of land to work with. It is fenced in to keep the deer out and she has a compost bin, which is something I want. Her asparagus is purple and she says that it is much better than the green ones. She is growing kale, lettuce, rhubarb and blueberry vines. I spied some tallish leaves and it turns out to be garlic. This is unlike the gardens Keevin and I grew up eating from: collards, turnip and mustard greens, corn, string beans, peas, cucumbers and tomatoes, potatoes, peanuts and watermelon. Dorothy said she planted most of the items last fall and she now has these wonderful vegetables this early in the spring to enjoy. I learned alot from her.
Earlier this week I was sitting on the porch writing. A gentleman stopped his car in front of our house. He was stopping by to introduce himself. His wife grew up in our house and he told a few stories relating to that. As Rocky and I took our walk up the mountain yesterday this same gentleman stopped his truck and spoke to us on the gravel road. I have to say this is the neighborly-ist place I have ever lived in. It makes me feel at home and not alone.
Today is a celebrated day all around the world. Good Friday. There were some comments on facebook asking why not refer to this day as Bad Friday. This marks the day that Jesus experienced torture and death. I really don't like talking about His suffering because He did experience such horrific pain before death came to Him. We don't like facing pain of any kind, ours or others. But Jesus didn't experience His pain for nothing, to be brushed over, to be ignored. He died for you and me! All the suffering was the sin of the world accumulated in a time frame and He accepted it. He didn't look forward to it. He even asked His Father if there could be any other way to accomplish what we needed to please let it happen, but if this was the way it had to be--then so be it. His blood, His life blood was a payment for all the sins before and after His time of death. We owe our very lives to Him!
Is it hard for you to grasp that He is real? The fact is the people of Jesus' time didn't believe in who He said He was. He performed miracles in front of them time after time. He offered up words of wisdom. Some were willing to let go of their practical, human way of thinking and trusted Him and His words and followed Him. They experienced wonderful things of God for obeying and trusting. It doesn't mean that they were totally free of bad things but Holy Father saturated His goodness in their lives.
Peter tells of his account of Jesus to the folks he ministered to in 2 Peter 2: 16-21 (NCV): "When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just smart stories that someone invented. But we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes. Jesus heard the voice of God, the Greatest Glory, when He received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice said, 'This is My Son, who I love, and I am very pleased with Hm.' We heard that voice from heaven while we were with Jesus on the holy mountain. This makes us more sure about the message the prophets gave. It is good for you to follow closely what they said as you would follow a light shining in a dark place, until the day begins and the morning star rises in your hearts. Most of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in the Scriptures ever comes from the prophet's own interpretation. No prophecy ever came from what a person wanted to say, but people led by the Holy Spirit spoke words from God."
People before and during Jesus' time are alot like us who are after Jesus' time. They were told about Him before He arrived and we are told about Him after He came, died and rose again--and is alive today. It is good for us to follow closely what the writers of the Bible have to say to us. Even Jesus' own words are recorded by these authors. Jesus' story is told in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books contain lots of encouragement, cautions, hope and truth. Why not make a commitment to Jesus to study about Him. Ask Holy Father to help you be more like Him. You'll learn from the words of the 4 authors that we are to be the face of Jesus in our world, to our neighbors, friends, coworkers, family, people we rub elbows with in the grocery store, etc.
My next door neighbor is singing a solo at the Methodist church tonight. Keevin and I will dress up and go to celebrate Jesus' death, burial and resurrection with Priscilla and Doug. It is even good to see Jesus' face on our neighbors!! How are you celebrating Good Friday?
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Rocky and I took a walk up the road yesterday. We detoured down an explored gravel street and met up with a nice neighbor. Her name is Dorothy and she has lived in her cabin for 6 years. She was headed over to her garden to cut some asparagus for her daughters birthday dinner. I asked if I could follow her to the garden. She has a really nice plot of land to work with. It is fenced in to keep the deer out and she has a compost bin, which is something I want. Her asparagus is purple and she says that it is much better than the green ones. She is growing kale, lettuce, rhubarb and blueberry vines. I spied some tallish leaves and it turns out to be garlic. This is unlike the gardens Keevin and I grew up eating from: collards, turnip and mustard greens, corn, string beans, peas, cucumbers and tomatoes, potatoes, peanuts and watermelon. Dorothy said she planted most of the items last fall and she now has these wonderful vegetables this early in the spring to enjoy. I learned alot from her.
Earlier this week I was sitting on the porch writing. A gentleman stopped his car in front of our house. He was stopping by to introduce himself. His wife grew up in our house and he told a few stories relating to that. As Rocky and I took our walk up the mountain yesterday this same gentleman stopped his truck and spoke to us on the gravel road. I have to say this is the neighborly-ist place I have ever lived in. It makes me feel at home and not alone.
Today is a celebrated day all around the world. Good Friday. There were some comments on facebook asking why not refer to this day as Bad Friday. This marks the day that Jesus experienced torture and death. I really don't like talking about His suffering because He did experience such horrific pain before death came to Him. We don't like facing pain of any kind, ours or others. But Jesus didn't experience His pain for nothing, to be brushed over, to be ignored. He died for you and me! All the suffering was the sin of the world accumulated in a time frame and He accepted it. He didn't look forward to it. He even asked His Father if there could be any other way to accomplish what we needed to please let it happen, but if this was the way it had to be--then so be it. His blood, His life blood was a payment for all the sins before and after His time of death. We owe our very lives to Him!
Is it hard for you to grasp that He is real? The fact is the people of Jesus' time didn't believe in who He said He was. He performed miracles in front of them time after time. He offered up words of wisdom. Some were willing to let go of their practical, human way of thinking and trusted Him and His words and followed Him. They experienced wonderful things of God for obeying and trusting. It doesn't mean that they were totally free of bad things but Holy Father saturated His goodness in their lives.
Peter tells of his account of Jesus to the folks he ministered to in 2 Peter 2: 16-21 (NCV): "When we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, we were not telling just smart stories that someone invented. But we saw the greatness of Jesus with our own eyes. Jesus heard the voice of God, the Greatest Glory, when He received honor and glory from God the Father. The voice said, 'This is My Son, who I love, and I am very pleased with Hm.' We heard that voice from heaven while we were with Jesus on the holy mountain. This makes us more sure about the message the prophets gave. It is good for you to follow closely what they said as you would follow a light shining in a dark place, until the day begins and the morning star rises in your hearts. Most of all, you must understand this: No prophecy in the Scriptures ever comes from the prophet's own interpretation. No prophecy ever came from what a person wanted to say, but people led by the Holy Spirit spoke words from God."
People before and during Jesus' time are alot like us who are after Jesus' time. They were told about Him before He arrived and we are told about Him after He came, died and rose again--and is alive today. It is good for us to follow closely what the writers of the Bible have to say to us. Even Jesus' own words are recorded by these authors. Jesus' story is told in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These books contain lots of encouragement, cautions, hope and truth. Why not make a commitment to Jesus to study about Him. Ask Holy Father to help you be more like Him. You'll learn from the words of the 4 authors that we are to be the face of Jesus in our world, to our neighbors, friends, coworkers, family, people we rub elbows with in the grocery store, etc.
My next door neighbor is singing a solo at the Methodist church tonight. Keevin and I will dress up and go to celebrate Jesus' death, burial and resurrection with Priscilla and Doug. It is even good to see Jesus' face on our neighbors!! How are you celebrating Good Friday?
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Friday, March 16, 2012
New Beginnings
2 Weeks ago I shared with you about our church assignment. We decided on a name "New Beginnings Family Church" with a purpose to help those who may have been hurt by unhealthy churches in the past. The past. It haunts us sometimes, doesn't it? Do you ever feel you are chained to the past? I do. God's word has healed me of a lot of hurts but my thoughts keep drifting backwards to past experiences--perhaps in an effort to change the outcome. Silly me. The outcome has already happened. However, I drag the negative aura of it into my present moment and I miss out on enjoying the present moment.
A few weeks ago I asked Holy Dad to talk to me about patience. Patience is one of the 9 confidence elements found in Galatians 5:22-23. I believe we give this element the least amount of attention and application of all of them. I have jotted down thoughts that have come to me and even being awakened at night by God for some inspiration. That particular night I got up and grabbed the notebook of notes because God kept sending lots of ideas, too many to remember. I put the notebook and a flashlight in my bed so I wouldn't have to keep getting it up. It was awesome because God clearly answered my prayer and met with me in a time of quietness--just me and Him. I'll share about how to achieve patience in another blog as He is still helping me to gather practical info to write about.
One day this past week I was painting some old pieces of furniture a beautiful nautical blue. Now 2 shelving units in my office look vibrant and add excitement in the room. As I was painting my mind drifted to past stuff. I found a cool local radio station of mixed music to listen to. I realized that I hadn't really felt like I was in Boone because the TV stations are all in Charlotte and I stay at home all week long. The radio station in Beech Mountain also advertised businesses in Boone and it felt good hearing that stuff. As I was painting, I found myself drifting back to other places of my past. It was while listening to the radio announcer that I realized a fact: I am in Boone, NC. I said it outloud serveral times. It helped to bring me back into the moment and enjoy where I now live and the activity I was engaged in--the present moment of restoring outdated shelves into vibrant ones. So I used that technique (reminding myself that I live in Boone, NC) everytime I caught myself drifting back. It felt good and freeing. This new habit will help to keep me in the here and now, which is a wonderful time, a new time. Every minute is a new minute. Every hour is a new hour. Every day is a new day. And on it goes.
William Donius was interviewed on Fox and Friends this morning. His book, "Thought Revolutions" sounds like a book I want to buy for reference. You know me, I love new info on how the thought life works and it sounds like he anwers a lot of questions. The interview yielded a few good nuggets of its own. He talked about the right brain and the left brain. He gave some pointers on the dominant hand and nondominant hand and handwriting. I was so intrigued that I pulled up some information on the internet. I still have more research to do but one website offered some great facts. The Bane of Your Resistance website (for blocked writers) offered this: According to newsweek "Brain scans show that handwriting engages more sections of the brain than typing." And, Virginain Berninger says that "sequential finger movements activate massive (did you hear that? massive amounts-Wynndy) regions involved in thinking, language and working memory. She also says that using a keyboard isn't the same as writing by hand. Keyboarding allows you to use one touch to select a whole letter. Handwriting requires executing sequential strokes to form each letter. The sequential finger movements engages the brain." I already knew that handwriting somehow rewires the brain--that is why I encourage you to write 21 day journal notes of God's word applying it to your problem areas. It really works.
So, are you wanting to get started on a new beginning? I have learned alot about new beginnings from the apostle Peter. 1 Peter 1:23 (MSG) says: "Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word." Does the whole handwriting thing make sense now? God's word changes our lives when we activate it. # 19 of my 20 core memory verses is from Peter but I have changed the you and we to me and my and I. The personalization of it sticks with me better. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NCV): "Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given me everything I need to live and serve God. I have these things because I know Him. Jesus called me by His glory and goodness. Through these He gave me the very great and precious promises. With these gifts I can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin me with it's evil desires." By picking this one apart I realize I don't have any excuses for drifting back to my past or reliving it. Go back and read each section slowly and soak in what it means to you. This morning during my time with Holy Dad I realized that the next verses were eyeopeners. For this season of searching for patience the word pops out at me when reading anything. And the word patience appears in the next section of scripture. 2 Peter 5-9 (NCV): "Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add patience; and to your patience, add service for God; and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisers in Christ; and to this kindness, add love. If all these thngs are in you and are growing, they will help you to be useful and productive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But anyone who does not have these things cannot see clearly. He is blind and has forgotten that he was made clean from his past sins." How's that for boosting your confidence? Good advise if activated. We already have the gifts, promises and blessings from Jesus, but it is up to us to do OUR best to add the confidence elements. And notice that these elements have to be allowed to grow. Growing these things help us to live productive lives. But if we ignore these wonderful things we walk around foggy. Lack of confidence. In denial. And yes, we live in the past just like I have been doing. I'm going to incorporate these verses in a new 21 day journal note. Will you journey with me to give up the past and build on the right kind of confidence?
21 Day Journal Note # 30
Living Today Fully!
(Adapted from 2 Peter 1:5-9 NCV)
Because I have these blessings, I will do my best to add these things to my life: to my faith, I will add goodness; to my goodness, I will add knowledge; to my knowledge, I will add self-control; and to my self-control, I will add patience; and to my patience, I will add service for God; and to my service for God, I will add kindness for my brothers and sisters in Christ; and to my kindness, I will add love. All of these are in me and are growing. They will help me to be useful and productive in my knowledge of You, Jesus Christ, my Lord! I know that not having these things causes me to not see clearly. For me to allow my past to live in my present causes me to be blind. So I am committed to live in my present with You, Jesus. Thank You for my wonderful life!!
end of journal note. Friend, for a new beginning handwrite this one for 21 days to rewire your brain with God's word.
The next verse, 10 is also important. Verses 5-9 won't work if 10 is not true for you. Verse 10 (NCV): "My brothers and sisters, try hard to be certain that you really are called and chosen by God. If you do all these things, you will never fall." Friend, all believers in Christ (Christ followers) are called and chosen but no one outside of this group is called and chosen. PLEASE BE CERTAIN!
Start a new life and enjoy today, fully!
Be confident, my friend (Isaiah 32:17 NIV The fruit of righteousness is peace; the effect of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever.)
Wynndy
A few weeks ago I asked Holy Dad to talk to me about patience. Patience is one of the 9 confidence elements found in Galatians 5:22-23. I believe we give this element the least amount of attention and application of all of them. I have jotted down thoughts that have come to me and even being awakened at night by God for some inspiration. That particular night I got up and grabbed the notebook of notes because God kept sending lots of ideas, too many to remember. I put the notebook and a flashlight in my bed so I wouldn't have to keep getting it up. It was awesome because God clearly answered my prayer and met with me in a time of quietness--just me and Him. I'll share about how to achieve patience in another blog as He is still helping me to gather practical info to write about.
One day this past week I was painting some old pieces of furniture a beautiful nautical blue. Now 2 shelving units in my office look vibrant and add excitement in the room. As I was painting my mind drifted to past stuff. I found a cool local radio station of mixed music to listen to. I realized that I hadn't really felt like I was in Boone because the TV stations are all in Charlotte and I stay at home all week long. The radio station in Beech Mountain also advertised businesses in Boone and it felt good hearing that stuff. As I was painting, I found myself drifting back to other places of my past. It was while listening to the radio announcer that I realized a fact: I am in Boone, NC. I said it outloud serveral times. It helped to bring me back into the moment and enjoy where I now live and the activity I was engaged in--the present moment of restoring outdated shelves into vibrant ones. So I used that technique (reminding myself that I live in Boone, NC) everytime I caught myself drifting back. It felt good and freeing. This new habit will help to keep me in the here and now, which is a wonderful time, a new time. Every minute is a new minute. Every hour is a new hour. Every day is a new day. And on it goes.
William Donius was interviewed on Fox and Friends this morning. His book, "Thought Revolutions" sounds like a book I want to buy for reference. You know me, I love new info on how the thought life works and it sounds like he anwers a lot of questions. The interview yielded a few good nuggets of its own. He talked about the right brain and the left brain. He gave some pointers on the dominant hand and nondominant hand and handwriting. I was so intrigued that I pulled up some information on the internet. I still have more research to do but one website offered some great facts. The Bane of Your Resistance website (for blocked writers) offered this: According to newsweek "Brain scans show that handwriting engages more sections of the brain than typing." And, Virginain Berninger says that "sequential finger movements activate massive (did you hear that? massive amounts-Wynndy) regions involved in thinking, language and working memory. She also says that using a keyboard isn't the same as writing by hand. Keyboarding allows you to use one touch to select a whole letter. Handwriting requires executing sequential strokes to form each letter. The sequential finger movements engages the brain." I already knew that handwriting somehow rewires the brain--that is why I encourage you to write 21 day journal notes of God's word applying it to your problem areas. It really works.
So, are you wanting to get started on a new beginning? I have learned alot about new beginnings from the apostle Peter. 1 Peter 1:23 (MSG) says: "Your new life is not like your old life. Your old birth came from mortal sperm; your new birth comes from God's living Word." Does the whole handwriting thing make sense now? God's word changes our lives when we activate it. # 19 of my 20 core memory verses is from Peter but I have changed the you and we to me and my and I. The personalization of it sticks with me better. 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NCV): "Jesus has the power of God, by which He has given me everything I need to live and serve God. I have these things because I know Him. Jesus called me by His glory and goodness. Through these He gave me the very great and precious promises. With these gifts I can share in being like God, and the world will not ruin me with it's evil desires." By picking this one apart I realize I don't have any excuses for drifting back to my past or reliving it. Go back and read each section slowly and soak in what it means to you. This morning during my time with Holy Dad I realized that the next verses were eyeopeners. For this season of searching for patience the word pops out at me when reading anything. And the word patience appears in the next section of scripture. 2 Peter 5-9 (NCV): "Because you have these blessings, do your best to add these things to your lives: to your faith, add goodness; and to your goodness, add knowledge; and to your knowledge, add self-control; and to your self-control, add patience; and to your patience, add service for God; and to your service for God, add kindness for your brothers and sisers in Christ; and to this kindness, add love. If all these thngs are in you and are growing, they will help you to be useful and productive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. But anyone who does not have these things cannot see clearly. He is blind and has forgotten that he was made clean from his past sins." How's that for boosting your confidence? Good advise if activated. We already have the gifts, promises and blessings from Jesus, but it is up to us to do OUR best to add the confidence elements. And notice that these elements have to be allowed to grow. Growing these things help us to live productive lives. But if we ignore these wonderful things we walk around foggy. Lack of confidence. In denial. And yes, we live in the past just like I have been doing. I'm going to incorporate these verses in a new 21 day journal note. Will you journey with me to give up the past and build on the right kind of confidence?
21 Day Journal Note # 30
Living Today Fully!
(Adapted from 2 Peter 1:5-9 NCV)
Because I have these blessings, I will do my best to add these things to my life: to my faith, I will add goodness; to my goodness, I will add knowledge; to my knowledge, I will add self-control; and to my self-control, I will add patience; and to my patience, I will add service for God; and to my service for God, I will add kindness for my brothers and sisters in Christ; and to my kindness, I will add love. All of these are in me and are growing. They will help me to be useful and productive in my knowledge of You, Jesus Christ, my Lord! I know that not having these things causes me to not see clearly. For me to allow my past to live in my present causes me to be blind. So I am committed to live in my present with You, Jesus. Thank You for my wonderful life!!
end of journal note. Friend, for a new beginning handwrite this one for 21 days to rewire your brain with God's word.
The next verse, 10 is also important. Verses 5-9 won't work if 10 is not true for you. Verse 10 (NCV): "My brothers and sisters, try hard to be certain that you really are called and chosen by God. If you do all these things, you will never fall." Friend, all believers in Christ (Christ followers) are called and chosen but no one outside of this group is called and chosen. PLEASE BE CERTAIN!
Start a new life and enjoy today, fully!
Be confident, my friend (Isaiah 32:17 NIV The fruit of righteousness is peace; the effect of righteousness is quietness and confidence forever.)
Wynndy
Friday, March 2, 2012
New Beginnings!
New Beginnings Family Church. I think we have settled on the name. Last year my husband, Keevin, felt God leading us away from middle TN to start a new church. He put fleeces out to God (asking God for definite signs) for answers like where and when. Keevin received several specific pointing signs but he wanted to be sure and asked God for more--and He gave more. When we finally felt setted that we had the answers, God gave us a bonus sign in a resturant from a waitress. I looked over at Keevin and questioned him, "did you ask God for another sign?" He replied "no, did you?" I just shook my head. "I guess this is a freebie from God. Boone, NC was the where and August 2011 was the time. So we packed up and moved our camper to Boone, NC the last weekend of August. We lived in our camper until the middle of January. Now that we are settled in our new home we have begun to make more decisions toward the new church.
Keevin and I have served in lots of churches. Some of them were unhealthy and we got hurt by church people. Can you relate? We thought about our decisions to choose the churches we did. Some were callings by God as Keevin served as Youth Minister in a few. Others were by God's leading. One particular church we wanted to leave before we did but God wouldn't release us. Church choosing is a serious matter and should be lead by God as to where you worship and serve. I have shared our church history with you because of our past hurt and pain we feel there are others out there who have suffered the same. This new church is birthed with a passion to do church in a healthy way. God's healthy way.
Keevin called me a few minutes ago to tell me that he has figured out our vision statement. I was very pleased to hear what he had to say because it is already my number one goal for my personal life. You've heard of the 10 Commandments- -but since Jesus came, ministered to us, died for us, and rose from the dead (He is alive today!!!) the 10 commandments no longer apply. Why? Because when Jesus finished His work on this earth He asked Holy Dad to send us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us, to guide us, comfort us, love on us, whatever we need--He's with us. But Jesus did announce a new commandment to replace the old ones. Mark 12:30-31 (NIV): "The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." That is the vision statement for New Beginnings Family Church. This scripture in #1 on my 20 core memory verses--it is that important to be ingrained in the brain.
I like the above verse from The Message. It gives me a clearer picture of what God really wants from us. "Jesus said, The first in importance is, Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. And here is the second: Love others as well as you love yourself. there is no other commandment that ranks with these." I even combine the two versions for personal growth. No matter what church you are a member of this should be a vision statement for your personal spiritual life. You'll be amazed at how He blesses you for loving on Him.
Have you ever been snubbed? At work? In a department store? At school? At church? It happens. It happens to us and we do it to others. It happens a lot at church. It is terrible that we can be mean Christian girls. That is the ugly truth. By facing it head on we can deal with. The truth is I felt certain ladies snubbing me in the past at different churches. I used to get hung up on the idea and go paralyzed spiritually and emotionally and that effected my behavior. I was of no use to God. By employing the 21 Day Journal Notes I have been healed of the snubbing effect. But of course that didn't stop folks from snubbing me. As it happened to me again I just walked past it mentally with a little stinging felt but it didn't devastate me as before. Then recently a gentleman from one of our past churches told Keevin during a phone conversation, that the ladies of the church had snubbed me and he gave details about it. When Keevin told me about the conversation I was overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness. As I reviewed my behavior toward those ladies I could not detect any maliciousness on my part (because sometimes we cause the behavior given to us). Feelings of worthlessness surfaced so I talked to Holy Dad about it. The subject became a passion for the week. I wanted me and the Holy Spirit to conquer this devilish thing.
What I want to teach you is how to overcome whatever problem area you have in your life. First of all talk to Holy Dad about it. Cry to Him, tell Him all the details. Then let Him speak back to you and search the scriptures for verses that apply and tell you how to correct the problem area. Trust Him to heal you and lead you to do whatever it is that He asks you to do. I find it helpful to have a dictionary handy. Knowing what your problem means can help you find the answer.
As for the snubbing, Webster says: to treat with scorn, disdain, etc. Scorn means extreme, often indignant, contempt. to refuse or reject with scorn. Disdain is to regard as beneath one's dignity, scorn. aloof. And indignant means feeling or expressing anger, especailly at unjust or mean action. Do you see how I followed the dictionary for a clear picture of what really is happening here? Indignant came up a couple of times and notice the word anger in it's definition. I googled snub on the internet and it led me to psychologytoday.com. Psychologytoday.com explains that the cause is resentment--years of imagined or real episodes of disrespect or disregard. I'm talking about the people who snub you--this is why. And if you find yourself snubbing someone--take notice and deal with your own history. The same website went on to say that "resentment is bascially a refusal to forgive, an unwillingness to let bygones be bygones and bury the hatchet. We review and rehash our painful past, even as we profess to want to let go of it." Are you getting the picture? Psychologytoday.com says that resentment is an addictive state of mind---yes addictive. So often we don't realize we are doing it but we sure feel it when it is being done to us.
Now on to what God's word says. Galatians 6:1-3 (MSG): "Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." God wants us to deal with our mess and our church family members's mess. Help each other out. The person who snubs you probably doesn't know why he/she does it--but you do, now. Pray for that soul to have a softened heart and to be healed by God from the pain and hurt. Don't kid yourself into thinking that you don't have the same problem because you might--and you might not. Just keep a watch on yourself. Holy Dad wants you to forgive the one who offended you even though it feels tough to do it.
Now forget about the episode. Ask Holy Dad to help you erase the memory of it--or better yet, heal the memory with forgiveness. But as for the forgetting, take a look at Philippians 3:13 (NIV): "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Forgetfulness can be a healthy God-tool. He gives us His power and strength (other God-tools) and this would be a time to call in on them.
But church family member, have patience with God as He works on the one who snubs you. John 3:20 (MSG): "Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure." People who are full of pain will do anything to avoid pain including denial and believing illusions that they are in the right. If you've ever been addicted to something you know that overcoming addictions is hard--but possible. If you have been a follower of this blog you know that I lovingly refer to Galatians 5:22-23 as the confidence elements: love, joy, peace, patence, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But look at what's listed in verses 19- 21 and the other items listed with it (how bad they are): (MSG): "It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; and impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of communtiy. I could go on." How many of those jumped out at you--either you are doing them or they have been done to you? Do you really like that kind of life? Do you want to change it? Then do things God's way.
Doing things God's way produces this effect, Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG): "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." I like those thoughts a lot better than the previous verses. And these 2 verses sound like what I hope New Beginnings Family Church represent--all done because we love our Holy God with our total being and energies and love one another.
Friend, you may have found yourself snubbed not because you are another woman but because you are of a different skin color or nationality. Or you may have a handicap or physical impairment. You may have allowed your past pain and hurt to cause obesity or anorexia, anxiety, impusivity, etc. Folks often look down on these issues and people but that's not God's way. Look at what Jesus did and is still doing today, Matthew 9:35-36 (MSG): "Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When He looked out over the crowds, His heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. 'What a huge harvest!' He said to the disciples. 'How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!'" Friend, we are the harvest hands that He is wanting. Be healed so you can help heal others. And pray for healing of those who are hurting you--because they are hurting inside.
Friend, if I have snubbed you--please forgive me and please forget that I snubbed you. And friend, if you have snubbed me--please be assured that I forgive you and I am forgetting about it. You are free to live guilt-free of this bad thing. I love you!
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Keevin and I have served in lots of churches. Some of them were unhealthy and we got hurt by church people. Can you relate? We thought about our decisions to choose the churches we did. Some were callings by God as Keevin served as Youth Minister in a few. Others were by God's leading. One particular church we wanted to leave before we did but God wouldn't release us. Church choosing is a serious matter and should be lead by God as to where you worship and serve. I have shared our church history with you because of our past hurt and pain we feel there are others out there who have suffered the same. This new church is birthed with a passion to do church in a healthy way. God's healthy way.
Keevin called me a few minutes ago to tell me that he has figured out our vision statement. I was very pleased to hear what he had to say because it is already my number one goal for my personal life. You've heard of the 10 Commandments- -but since Jesus came, ministered to us, died for us, and rose from the dead (He is alive today!!!) the 10 commandments no longer apply. Why? Because when Jesus finished His work on this earth He asked Holy Dad to send us the Holy Spirit to live inside of us, to guide us, comfort us, love on us, whatever we need--He's with us. But Jesus did announce a new commandment to replace the old ones. Mark 12:30-31 (NIV): "The most important one, answered Jesus, is this: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these." That is the vision statement for New Beginnings Family Church. This scripture in #1 on my 20 core memory verses--it is that important to be ingrained in the brain.
I like the above verse from The Message. It gives me a clearer picture of what God really wants from us. "Jesus said, The first in importance is, Listen, Israel: The Lord your God is one; so love the Lord God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence and energy. And here is the second: Love others as well as you love yourself. there is no other commandment that ranks with these." I even combine the two versions for personal growth. No matter what church you are a member of this should be a vision statement for your personal spiritual life. You'll be amazed at how He blesses you for loving on Him.
Have you ever been snubbed? At work? In a department store? At school? At church? It happens. It happens to us and we do it to others. It happens a lot at church. It is terrible that we can be mean Christian girls. That is the ugly truth. By facing it head on we can deal with. The truth is I felt certain ladies snubbing me in the past at different churches. I used to get hung up on the idea and go paralyzed spiritually and emotionally and that effected my behavior. I was of no use to God. By employing the 21 Day Journal Notes I have been healed of the snubbing effect. But of course that didn't stop folks from snubbing me. As it happened to me again I just walked past it mentally with a little stinging felt but it didn't devastate me as before. Then recently a gentleman from one of our past churches told Keevin during a phone conversation, that the ladies of the church had snubbed me and he gave details about it. When Keevin told me about the conversation I was overwhelmed with sadness and loneliness. As I reviewed my behavior toward those ladies I could not detect any maliciousness on my part (because sometimes we cause the behavior given to us). Feelings of worthlessness surfaced so I talked to Holy Dad about it. The subject became a passion for the week. I wanted me and the Holy Spirit to conquer this devilish thing.
What I want to teach you is how to overcome whatever problem area you have in your life. First of all talk to Holy Dad about it. Cry to Him, tell Him all the details. Then let Him speak back to you and search the scriptures for verses that apply and tell you how to correct the problem area. Trust Him to heal you and lead you to do whatever it is that He asks you to do. I find it helpful to have a dictionary handy. Knowing what your problem means can help you find the answer.
As for the snubbing, Webster says: to treat with scorn, disdain, etc. Scorn means extreme, often indignant, contempt. to refuse or reject with scorn. Disdain is to regard as beneath one's dignity, scorn. aloof. And indignant means feeling or expressing anger, especailly at unjust or mean action. Do you see how I followed the dictionary for a clear picture of what really is happening here? Indignant came up a couple of times and notice the word anger in it's definition. I googled snub on the internet and it led me to psychologytoday.com. Psychologytoday.com explains that the cause is resentment--years of imagined or real episodes of disrespect or disregard. I'm talking about the people who snub you--this is why. And if you find yourself snubbing someone--take notice and deal with your own history. The same website went on to say that "resentment is bascially a refusal to forgive, an unwillingness to let bygones be bygones and bury the hatchet. We review and rehash our painful past, even as we profess to want to let go of it." Are you getting the picture? Psychologytoday.com says that resentment is an addictive state of mind---yes addictive. So often we don't realize we are doing it but we sure feel it when it is being done to us.
Now on to what God's word says. Galatians 6:1-3 (MSG): "Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived." God wants us to deal with our mess and our church family members's mess. Help each other out. The person who snubs you probably doesn't know why he/she does it--but you do, now. Pray for that soul to have a softened heart and to be healed by God from the pain and hurt. Don't kid yourself into thinking that you don't have the same problem because you might--and you might not. Just keep a watch on yourself. Holy Dad wants you to forgive the one who offended you even though it feels tough to do it.
Now forget about the episode. Ask Holy Dad to help you erase the memory of it--or better yet, heal the memory with forgiveness. But as for the forgetting, take a look at Philippians 3:13 (NIV): "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead." Forgetfulness can be a healthy God-tool. He gives us His power and strength (other God-tools) and this would be a time to call in on them.
But church family member, have patience with God as He works on the one who snubs you. John 3:20 (MSG): "Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure." People who are full of pain will do anything to avoid pain including denial and believing illusions that they are in the right. If you've ever been addicted to something you know that overcoming addictions is hard--but possible. If you have been a follower of this blog you know that I lovingly refer to Galatians 5:22-23 as the confidence elements: love, joy, peace, patence, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. But look at what's listed in verses 19- 21 and the other items listed with it (how bad they are): (MSG): "It is obvious what kind of life develops out of trying to get your own way all the time: repetitive, loveless, cheap sex; a stinking accumulation of mental and emotional garbage; frenzied and joyless grabs for happiness; trinket gods; magic-show religion; paranoid loneliness; cutthroat competition; all-consuming-yet-never-satisfied wants; a brutal temper; and impotence to love or be loved; divided homes and divided lives; small-minded and lopsided pursuits; the vicious habit of depersonalizing everyone into a rival; uncontrolled and uncontrollable addictions; ugly parodies of communtiy. I could go on." How many of those jumped out at you--either you are doing them or they have been done to you? Do you really like that kind of life? Do you want to change it? Then do things God's way.
Doing things God's way produces this effect, Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG): "But what happens when we live God's way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard--things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely." I like those thoughts a lot better than the previous verses. And these 2 verses sound like what I hope New Beginnings Family Church represent--all done because we love our Holy God with our total being and energies and love one another.
Friend, you may have found yourself snubbed not because you are another woman but because you are of a different skin color or nationality. Or you may have a handicap or physical impairment. You may have allowed your past pain and hurt to cause obesity or anorexia, anxiety, impusivity, etc. Folks often look down on these issues and people but that's not God's way. Look at what Jesus did and is still doing today, Matthew 9:35-36 (MSG): "Then Jesus made a circuit of all the towns and villages. He taught in their meeting places, reported kingdom news, and healed their diseased bodies, healed their bruised and hurt lives. When He looked out over the crowds, His heart broke. So confused and aimless they were, like sheep with no shepherd. 'What a huge harvest!' He said to the disciples. 'How few workers! On your knees and pray for harvest hands!'" Friend, we are the harvest hands that He is wanting. Be healed so you can help heal others. And pray for healing of those who are hurting you--because they are hurting inside.
Friend, if I have snubbed you--please forgive me and please forget that I snubbed you. And friend, if you have snubbed me--please be assured that I forgive you and I am forgetting about it. You are free to live guilt-free of this bad thing. I love you!
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
Friday, February 24, 2012
What am I doing?
Happy Friday, friends! And it's a warm one at that! Everyone is ready to feel spring weather and enjoy the outdoors.
To my Jacksonville, NC friends--we are saddened by a family facing tragedy of a housefire and 3 children perishing in the fire. Other family members are being treated at 3 different hospitals. Sounds like this is a God-loving family and lots and lots of folks are praying for them.
Sometimes big, bad things that happen to folks in our communities that cause folks to rally around the victims and give support and whatever they need. It's during events such as this that ministries are born. A person might discover that they are good at planning a fund-raiser for such a time. I have a friend in Murfreesboro, TN who collects furniture and clothing to help burned out families because she has had several co-workers who had that same need. Now she finds great pleasure in helping folks in bad situations.
People who are fortunate enough to discover a passion suddenly finds themselves with a purpose in life. It is a very good and satisfying feeling. It's what God intends for our lives. But we may have to clear out some inappropriate passions that lead to wrong purposes. A passion is any emotion--hate, love, or fear. It is an intense emotional excitement such as rage, enthusiasm or lust. It is also the sufferings of Jesus, beginning after the Last Supper and continuing to His death on the Cross. You can see that hate and fear, rage and lust are not the plans and designs God would have you operating under. You probably didn't know that your anger issues, hate, overwhelming fears and lust are causing you to be a not-so-confident person.
There have been 3 different people in the news that have followed their passions and had different outcomes. February is African-American month. Fox & Friends have shared good stories of folks who have succeeded in life. The story was told yesterday of a 79 year old african-american lady who had a great attitude about life. Her father died before she was 2 years old so she and her sister were raised by a single mother. Her mother taught her that life can be unfair and not always smooth. She learned that lesson early in life from her mother and it shaped how she dealt with the bad things that came up. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her twenties. She was treated and healed but had to have partial mastectomies. In her sixties she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She now has lower percentage of lung capacity as surgeons removed a lobe from her lung. But did that stop her from enjoying life? She was determined to travel somewhere that no african-american woman had been to. So a few years ago she learned how to fundraise and recieved moneys enabling her to go and enjoy the North Pole. Since then she has step foot on the South Pole. And she has another trip planned that no african-american woman has accomplished but we will have to wait until next year to hear about that trip. Don't forget that she is 79 years young.
A second person is Whitney Houston. Everyone has heard that she passed away probably from a bad combination of prescriptive meds and alcohol. She started out singing for our great God in church. Then she got side-tracted and the drugs seem to have control over the rest of her life. Drugs were her passion and became her purpose. It's interesting that her mother wrote her a letter for the day of the funeral. Cissy Houston tells a post-life Whitney that the day she was born the Holy Spirit told her that she would not have Whitney for a long time. The Holy Spirit knew what Whitney would have passion for.
A third person is the 34 year old pastor (husband and father) who is in prison and scheduled for execution in Iran because of his faith (and refusing to give it up) in Jesus Christ. Holy Dad, we ask you to give comfort to this awesome man of yours and strength to his wife and children. Please put your arms around them and tell them that everything is going to be ok. Father, I know you have a reason for allowing this bad thing to happen. Perhaps it is to shock us americans to a reality that our brothers and sisters in other countries would love it if they could worship you freely just as we do. The amazing thing is they worship You regardless of their life expectancy. I am afraid we take our freedoms for granted and do not elevate You high enough because we are not challenged. Thank You Lord for whatever it is that You do for this Iranian pastor and His family!
1Peter 4: 1-2 (MSG) says this: "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like Him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." We are a spoiled country. We are spoiled Christians. The beginning of our country was for Godly and noble purposes. But my have we traveled so far from it that we no longer are connected with the reason for the pilgrims to cross the Atlantic and suffer diseases and death and barren land that had to be fashioned into liveable habitats.
A friend of mine (from Lascassas, TN) sent me a verse for the day. It is a good one. James 1:17 (NCV): "Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows." What this is telling us is that whatever comes our way in life, whatever Holy Dad allows to happen to us, is a gift. Holy Dad gifts us with passions and purposes so we can do the things He has planned out for us. Friend, He gifts us with life made new through His Holy Word. Verse 18: "God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things He made." Wow. He wants to shape us and give us great lives because we are the most important things He made--but friend, allow Him to remake you into something great by following what He says to do in His word.
What events in your life has had a negative impact that can be turned around (with Holy Dad's help) to serve His purposes? If you have had the great pleasure of discovering your passion and purpose--I challenge you to step it up to the next level. What bad thing has control over you that keeps you from having a conscious life? Holy Dad can help with this! Beth Moore's blog contains segments that her sister, Gay, has written about her hopeless alcoholic years and the rescuing by Holy Dad who heard her cries for help. It is inspiring even in a helpless 35 or so year span. Can you guess Gay's new purpose and passion? Yep. Helping other ladies in need of help in their hopelessness. It's a good read if you are inclined to google it. Just google Beth Moore and you'll see it.
And of course I have a 21 Day Journal Note that fits well with this topic.
21 Day Journal Note # 29
Really Bad Decisions
Lord Jesus, I am painfully admitting to You today that in the past I have committed really, really bad sins. Lord I know that abortions, sexual promiscuity, fantasies, cheating, lying, gossiping, meddling into others business, stealing, physical abuse to others, abandonment, harshness, bullying others and myself, etc, are all terribly wrong. The things I am guilty of are weighing heavy on my mind and have for a very, very long time. It consumes me and controls me. I am ready to give it up and give it to You. I am reading Psalm 32:1 (NLT) "Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!: Please Jesus, help me to forgive myself! I have read in Matthew 12:32 (MSG): "If you reject the Son of Man out of some misunderstanding, the Holy Spirit can forgive you, but when you reject the Holy Spirit, you're sawing off the branch on which you're sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives." As long as I accept and not reject You, Holy Spirit, I am ok! My Lord, please help me to forgive myself and others who may have contributed to the state I found myself in at the time of my sins. My Lord, heal my wounded heart from this grief. Thank You immensely.
end of journal note. Friend, hand write this 21 day journal note once a day for 21 days to give your life new passion and purpose.
Now really start living!
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
To my Jacksonville, NC friends--we are saddened by a family facing tragedy of a housefire and 3 children perishing in the fire. Other family members are being treated at 3 different hospitals. Sounds like this is a God-loving family and lots and lots of folks are praying for them.
Sometimes big, bad things that happen to folks in our communities that cause folks to rally around the victims and give support and whatever they need. It's during events such as this that ministries are born. A person might discover that they are good at planning a fund-raiser for such a time. I have a friend in Murfreesboro, TN who collects furniture and clothing to help burned out families because she has had several co-workers who had that same need. Now she finds great pleasure in helping folks in bad situations.
People who are fortunate enough to discover a passion suddenly finds themselves with a purpose in life. It is a very good and satisfying feeling. It's what God intends for our lives. But we may have to clear out some inappropriate passions that lead to wrong purposes. A passion is any emotion--hate, love, or fear. It is an intense emotional excitement such as rage, enthusiasm or lust. It is also the sufferings of Jesus, beginning after the Last Supper and continuing to His death on the Cross. You can see that hate and fear, rage and lust are not the plans and designs God would have you operating under. You probably didn't know that your anger issues, hate, overwhelming fears and lust are causing you to be a not-so-confident person.
There have been 3 different people in the news that have followed their passions and had different outcomes. February is African-American month. Fox & Friends have shared good stories of folks who have succeeded in life. The story was told yesterday of a 79 year old african-american lady who had a great attitude about life. Her father died before she was 2 years old so she and her sister were raised by a single mother. Her mother taught her that life can be unfair and not always smooth. She learned that lesson early in life from her mother and it shaped how she dealt with the bad things that came up. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in her twenties. She was treated and healed but had to have partial mastectomies. In her sixties she was diagnosed with lung cancer. She now has lower percentage of lung capacity as surgeons removed a lobe from her lung. But did that stop her from enjoying life? She was determined to travel somewhere that no african-american woman had been to. So a few years ago she learned how to fundraise and recieved moneys enabling her to go and enjoy the North Pole. Since then she has step foot on the South Pole. And she has another trip planned that no african-american woman has accomplished but we will have to wait until next year to hear about that trip. Don't forget that she is 79 years young.
A second person is Whitney Houston. Everyone has heard that she passed away probably from a bad combination of prescriptive meds and alcohol. She started out singing for our great God in church. Then she got side-tracted and the drugs seem to have control over the rest of her life. Drugs were her passion and became her purpose. It's interesting that her mother wrote her a letter for the day of the funeral. Cissy Houston tells a post-life Whitney that the day she was born the Holy Spirit told her that she would not have Whitney for a long time. The Holy Spirit knew what Whitney would have passion for.
A third person is the 34 year old pastor (husband and father) who is in prison and scheduled for execution in Iran because of his faith (and refusing to give it up) in Jesus Christ. Holy Dad, we ask you to give comfort to this awesome man of yours and strength to his wife and children. Please put your arms around them and tell them that everything is going to be ok. Father, I know you have a reason for allowing this bad thing to happen. Perhaps it is to shock us americans to a reality that our brothers and sisters in other countries would love it if they could worship you freely just as we do. The amazing thing is they worship You regardless of their life expectancy. I am afraid we take our freedoms for granted and do not elevate You high enough because we are not challenged. Thank You Lord for whatever it is that You do for this Iranian pastor and His family!
1Peter 4: 1-2 (MSG) says this: "Since Jesus went through everything you're going through and more, learn to think like Him. Think of your sufferings as a weaning from that old sinful habit of always expecting to get your own way. Then you'll be able to live out your days free to pursue what God wants instead of being tyrannized by what you want." We are a spoiled country. We are spoiled Christians. The beginning of our country was for Godly and noble purposes. But my have we traveled so far from it that we no longer are connected with the reason for the pilgrims to cross the Atlantic and suffer diseases and death and barren land that had to be fashioned into liveable habitats.
A friend of mine (from Lascassas, TN) sent me a verse for the day. It is a good one. James 1:17 (NCV): "Every good action and every perfect gift is from God. These good gifts come down from the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, who does not change like their shifting shadows." What this is telling us is that whatever comes our way in life, whatever Holy Dad allows to happen to us, is a gift. Holy Dad gifts us with passions and purposes so we can do the things He has planned out for us. Friend, He gifts us with life made new through His Holy Word. Verse 18: "God decided to give us life through the word of truth so we might be the most important of all the things He made." Wow. He wants to shape us and give us great lives because we are the most important things He made--but friend, allow Him to remake you into something great by following what He says to do in His word.
What events in your life has had a negative impact that can be turned around (with Holy Dad's help) to serve His purposes? If you have had the great pleasure of discovering your passion and purpose--I challenge you to step it up to the next level. What bad thing has control over you that keeps you from having a conscious life? Holy Dad can help with this! Beth Moore's blog contains segments that her sister, Gay, has written about her hopeless alcoholic years and the rescuing by Holy Dad who heard her cries for help. It is inspiring even in a helpless 35 or so year span. Can you guess Gay's new purpose and passion? Yep. Helping other ladies in need of help in their hopelessness. It's a good read if you are inclined to google it. Just google Beth Moore and you'll see it.
And of course I have a 21 Day Journal Note that fits well with this topic.
21 Day Journal Note # 29
Really Bad Decisions
Lord Jesus, I am painfully admitting to You today that in the past I have committed really, really bad sins. Lord I know that abortions, sexual promiscuity, fantasies, cheating, lying, gossiping, meddling into others business, stealing, physical abuse to others, abandonment, harshness, bullying others and myself, etc, are all terribly wrong. The things I am guilty of are weighing heavy on my mind and have for a very, very long time. It consumes me and controls me. I am ready to give it up and give it to You. I am reading Psalm 32:1 (NLT) "Oh, what joy for those whose rebellion is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight!: Please Jesus, help me to forgive myself! I have read in Matthew 12:32 (MSG): "If you reject the Son of Man out of some misunderstanding, the Holy Spirit can forgive you, but when you reject the Holy Spirit, you're sawing off the branch on which you're sitting, severing by your own perversity all connection with the One who forgives." As long as I accept and not reject You, Holy Spirit, I am ok! My Lord, please help me to forgive myself and others who may have contributed to the state I found myself in at the time of my sins. My Lord, heal my wounded heart from this grief. Thank You immensely.
end of journal note. Friend, hand write this 21 day journal note once a day for 21 days to give your life new passion and purpose.
Now really start living!
Jesus' healing and peace to all, Wynndy
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