Peaceful Friday to all readers! It's peaceful here in middle TN, but on the coast of North Carolina where my family lives they are bracing for the biggest hurricane (Irene) in 20 years. Gov. Bev Purdue announced this morning on the Fox news that it may hit Morehead City, NC first. That is about 1 hour up the coast from my family in Jacksonville, NC and Camp Lejeune Marine Base. I am praying for safety for the eastern seaboard.
These folks in NC are busy preparing for diasaster and are boarding up windows, securing boats and some are evacuating the area. I grew up on the coast. I know first hand what it feels like to experience weather like this. We would stay glued to the TV for updates. Even now I am keeping an eye on this storm. I have family living down in Sumter, SC and up in Wilmington, Jacksonville and New Bern, NC. Lots of reasons to stay in prayer for safety for the coastal regions. Constant threat of storms is a normal part of life for coastal residents. Thunder storms, rain, wind, lightning. It comes with the territory. The sherrifs dept has a tough job of keeping "hurricane partiers" off the beach during these extreme weather times. I am sure the deputy sherrifs would rather stay in where it is safe instead of out in harms way protecting folks who deliberately face danger and make light of it.
Sounds like a lesson to me. Deliberately running into danger. Folks who run to the hurricane are wanting to experience a high while facing danger, adding alcohol and recreational drugs to dull their thinking capacities. Do we do similar things when it comes to bad behavior? Sure we do! Just this past week the Holy Spirit confronted me about jealousy. At first I didn't recognize it for what it was, but then I noticed a pain in my heart. I am trying to be more noticeable of my inner being so that I can stay on top of my bad behavior and correct it with God's help. So I searched God's scripture to see what it says about jealousy. I went to "Gotquestions.org" and typed in the word jealousy. After reading one section without any eye-opening answers I clicked onto the section about God's jealousy. I read that being jealous for something that God declares to belong to you is good and appropriate. Well, I thought, just maybe I am in the right this time. Afterall the thing I am jealous for is something that God designed for us to enjoy. But I still didn't feel peace about it. So I talked to my husband, Keevin. He asked me: "are you wishing that if you can't have it then she shouldn't enjoy hers?" Oh. He hit the nail on the head. That's it--I have been sinning and I need to correct this area of my life. One of the things I need to do is accept the fact of my situation and allow God to grow something else wonderful from it and move on and not regret the loss. In correcting my distorted thinking I am moving away from the danger of a known bad behavior. Bad behavior is toxic to one's life and the people we come in contact with. I am being responsible by turning away from it and seeking shelter and safety with God. Thank You Heavenly Lord!! I will be starting a new 21 day journal note to help rewire my thinking. Here it is:
21 Day Journal note # 8
Jealousy---Bad Behavior!
I felt the pangs of jealousy--like a stab in my heart. And then I reflected the pain back to the object of my jealousy. I didn't want that person to have what I couldn't have. But feeling this way definitely breaks Your command, Lord. Romans 13: 9b-10(NIV) says: "Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." Father, help me to accept the things in my life that are painful. Instead, produce something good from it. I am following Your direction and living out the plan You have for me. Thank You for steering me away from my bad behavior over to Your wonderful life of peace and love.
end of journal note.
I uncovered some interesting information while researching jealousy further. Look at this definition: Jealousy is a secondary emotion and typically refers to the negative thoughts and feelings of insecurity, fear, and anxiety over an anticipated loss of something that the person values, particularly in reference to a human connection. Jealousy often consists of a combination of presenting emotions such as anger, sadness, resentment and disgust." Does any of this ring a bell for you? It is Toxic and will erode away your good life. Hebrews 13:5-6 (NIV) says: "Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, never will I leave you; never will I forsake you. So we say with confidence, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?" And notice the list of sins that jealousy is included in Galatians 5: 19-21 (NIV): "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immoraltiy, impurity and debauchery, idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkeneness, orgies, and the like." And then there are the confidence elements found in the next 2 verses: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." So my friend, please take very seriously the jealousies that you feel. Take responsiblity to correct these areas of your life.
I assign todays journal note to confidence elements: love, peace, gentleness, self-control.
I assign todays note to confidence-busters: fearful, insecurity, anxiety, anger, sadness, resentment, disgust, powerlessness, self-centeredness, stronghold, unforgiving, wound, and jealousy.
Keevin and I are upon the transitonal weekend. Today is his last day at work and tomorrow we start to tie up more loose ends, especailly with the camper. We will say good-byes to our church friends on Sunday and feel grief for the end of one season. We are resisting Satan's temptations to worry about work and money in the coming months. Lord, we are trusting You with all of our heart! You will provide and keep us going so that we can do great work for You. Thank You Lord!!
Reading friends, have a wonderful weekend and begin to remove those toxins from your lives.
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, August 26, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
History of Hurts August 19, 2011
Hello there! I am going to start out by talking about the weather. We here in middle TN have been waking up to mid-60's degree temperatures, lately. The crispness in the air promotes freshness, newness, even stimulates us. I know we are still in the summer months but the slow drop of temperature in the mornings is a signal that fall is on the way. Another change of seasons. I am so glad God programed this earth to allow for gradual changes. It gives us a chance to readjust and get accustomed to the new atmosphere.
Keevin and I have been going through some gradual changes, too. Our story begins back last year when Keevin was restless and sensing that God wanted him to do something. Unable to figure it out he asked God to show him what was blocking him from hearing God. God urged Keevin to give up his regrets about past things--things he hadn't done and things he had done, good things he didn't try and bad things he wished he hadn't done. So Keevin gave up his regrets. He then felt free--free to be available to God. He told God "I am ready for You." Whatever, whenever and whereever. Keevin felt a strong sense that God had called him to be a pastor but when and where were still unaswered. So Keevin asked God to give him signs and God did. He gave many distinct signs pointing to Boone, NC. The whereever was to be about 6 months. God gave us time with our children and time to tie up some loose ends. Lascassas Baptist Church ordained Keevin last Sunday night. That was on the preparation list and is now checked off. Keevin told the church members that he wants to reach out to people who have been hurt by churches. We want to experience a more God-like church, one that is truly healthy, loving, non-judgemental and not at all legalistic. I know we will have alot of trial and error times to learn from but God can still turn things into good for Himself.
Keevin and I have been greatly hurt by almost all of our past churches. There was one particular church that was healthy and growing and thriving, even without a pastor for a years time. We have taken lots of mental notes of how God was in that church. I believe that God allowed us to experience these many hurts to give us a passion for the calling He has planned for us.
Hurt feeling. The normal human response to hurt is to run away from the source, withdraw or even fight against the source. Conflict. A church that promotes conflict within its core members is a mass of bad behavior and not attracting anyone to Christ. No one should be invited to a church like this. It is not a haven of unconditional love, no condemnation and forgiveness. However, the Bible talks about us holding each other accountable and walking beside each other through tough times, even if it is a time of correcting areas in our lives. Walking beside means helping someone and not hurting them, doing it with love. I feel for sure that when a fellow Christ follower mentions a particular area of concern to one another that the Holy Spirit has already tapped the person on the shoulder about the situation. Can you see how this is a "walk beside you" type of event and not a conflict or a shut-out?
But still, how many of us have experienced the correct way of dealing with our bad behavior? We all behave badly. I think we can go back further in our personl histories and discover that the same attitudes and conflicting behaviors were modeled in front of us at home, school, or around so-called friends.
Rejection, emotional and physical abandonment, abuse, put-downs, never able to please, feeling unloved, not listened to, misunderstood, etc grows us into shy, withdrawn, mousy type of people. This type of person cannot be used by God in the full way He intends. But all of this can be fixed, healed by God's word!! That leads me to 21 day journal noted # 7.
21 Day Journal Note #7
Tired of Being Mousy and Withdrawn?
John 14:27 (MSG): Peace. I don't leave you the way your're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. Don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
When I find myself in the middle of being relationally challenged I will feel Your peace. They may abandon me, reject me and even deprive me of a relationship. But You, Lord Jesus, are alsways with me. I refuse to be intimidated, mousy and withdrawn. I will not feel distraught or agitated with doubt and mental conflict. These negatives (which show up as bad behavior) are very un-Jesus-like. Instead, I will feel your peace, quietness, calmness and confidence, forever. Thank You Jesus!!
end of journal note.
I want to direct you to 2 Timothy 1:7
(NIV): For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(MSG): God doesn't want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
Can you see how God doesn't want us to be shy and timid? He wants us to be operating in His power, love and to use our self-disciplining techniques to accomplish this.
I assign this to the confidence elements of: love, peace, self-control and let's add boldness.
I assing this to confidence-busters: shyness and timidity, fearful, powerlessness, self-centered, uncertainty, unforgiving, unspiritual, wounded, anger, depression, anxiety, abandon/rejection, cowardly, critical, unsettled, weak, restless, unloved. Wow--see what you can overcome with God's word!!
Friends, be bold, loving and sensible.
Have a great weekend and worship our Wonderful, Holy God!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Keevin and I have been going through some gradual changes, too. Our story begins back last year when Keevin was restless and sensing that God wanted him to do something. Unable to figure it out he asked God to show him what was blocking him from hearing God. God urged Keevin to give up his regrets about past things--things he hadn't done and things he had done, good things he didn't try and bad things he wished he hadn't done. So Keevin gave up his regrets. He then felt free--free to be available to God. He told God "I am ready for You." Whatever, whenever and whereever. Keevin felt a strong sense that God had called him to be a pastor but when and where were still unaswered. So Keevin asked God to give him signs and God did. He gave many distinct signs pointing to Boone, NC. The whereever was to be about 6 months. God gave us time with our children and time to tie up some loose ends. Lascassas Baptist Church ordained Keevin last Sunday night. That was on the preparation list and is now checked off. Keevin told the church members that he wants to reach out to people who have been hurt by churches. We want to experience a more God-like church, one that is truly healthy, loving, non-judgemental and not at all legalistic. I know we will have alot of trial and error times to learn from but God can still turn things into good for Himself.
Keevin and I have been greatly hurt by almost all of our past churches. There was one particular church that was healthy and growing and thriving, even without a pastor for a years time. We have taken lots of mental notes of how God was in that church. I believe that God allowed us to experience these many hurts to give us a passion for the calling He has planned for us.
Hurt feeling. The normal human response to hurt is to run away from the source, withdraw or even fight against the source. Conflict. A church that promotes conflict within its core members is a mass of bad behavior and not attracting anyone to Christ. No one should be invited to a church like this. It is not a haven of unconditional love, no condemnation and forgiveness. However, the Bible talks about us holding each other accountable and walking beside each other through tough times, even if it is a time of correcting areas in our lives. Walking beside means helping someone and not hurting them, doing it with love. I feel for sure that when a fellow Christ follower mentions a particular area of concern to one another that the Holy Spirit has already tapped the person on the shoulder about the situation. Can you see how this is a "walk beside you" type of event and not a conflict or a shut-out?
But still, how many of us have experienced the correct way of dealing with our bad behavior? We all behave badly. I think we can go back further in our personl histories and discover that the same attitudes and conflicting behaviors were modeled in front of us at home, school, or around so-called friends.
Rejection, emotional and physical abandonment, abuse, put-downs, never able to please, feeling unloved, not listened to, misunderstood, etc grows us into shy, withdrawn, mousy type of people. This type of person cannot be used by God in the full way He intends. But all of this can be fixed, healed by God's word!! That leads me to 21 day journal noted # 7.
21 Day Journal Note #7
Tired of Being Mousy and Withdrawn?
John 14:27 (MSG): Peace. I don't leave you the way your're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. Don't be upset. Don't be distraught.
When I find myself in the middle of being relationally challenged I will feel Your peace. They may abandon me, reject me and even deprive me of a relationship. But You, Lord Jesus, are alsways with me. I refuse to be intimidated, mousy and withdrawn. I will not feel distraught or agitated with doubt and mental conflict. These negatives (which show up as bad behavior) are very un-Jesus-like. Instead, I will feel your peace, quietness, calmness and confidence, forever. Thank You Jesus!!
end of journal note.
I want to direct you to 2 Timothy 1:7
(NIV): For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
(MSG): God doesn't want us to be shy with His gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.
Can you see how God doesn't want us to be shy and timid? He wants us to be operating in His power, love and to use our self-disciplining techniques to accomplish this.
I assign this to the confidence elements of: love, peace, self-control and let's add boldness.
I assing this to confidence-busters: shyness and timidity, fearful, powerlessness, self-centered, uncertainty, unforgiving, unspiritual, wounded, anger, depression, anxiety, abandon/rejection, cowardly, critical, unsettled, weak, restless, unloved. Wow--see what you can overcome with God's word!!
Friends, be bold, loving and sensible.
Have a great weekend and worship our Wonderful, Holy God!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, August 12, 2011
It really works!!
Happy Friday to all!! It is a good day because God has graciously given it to us. Did you have a good week? What could you do differntly next week for a better outcome?
Keevin and I did not get the camper moved over to our house last weekend because it rained all day on Saturday. So the plan is to move it tomorrow. I will be meeting with some lady friends from church in the morning. We meet once a month to study relationships done God's way. We call these meetings Front Porch Devotions. We each bring a dish of food and enjoy the home of one of our friends. I have been encouraging them to continue their meetings and studies when I am gone as we have grown quite close and loving. They have assured me that they will. Lots of healing has taken place around our circle of discussions. I will dearly miss them. I also want to encourage you to find or start a group of church friends that you can study and share time with.
Another milestone happened today. Keevin turned in his 2 week notice at his workplace. My husband is a very hard worker and diligent and dependable. In his resignation letter he explained that God has plans for us--to move to Boone, NC and to start a new church. His supervisor said that he was going to tell God that he is not happy with His plans, but he understands why Keevin is leaving. That really made my husband feel good about his reputation.
Well I have had a nagging worry that is hard for me to explain. I am having a hard time with the fact that I will be at home in another town, another state than where my children will be at home at. Maybe it is a mother-thing. I don't know, I just know that it is an annoying feeling. So I talked to God about it last night. But first I want to share a journey with you, then I will picked back up on this story.
A few days ago I was looking up some Bible verses on Biblestudytools.com. Philippians 4: 4-7 (NIV) is # 4 of my 20 core memory truths. But look at how The Message says it: "Celebrate God all day, everyday. I mean revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Isn't that a good one!! It seemed to say alot to anxieties and what to do when it happens, so I decided to make a 21 day journal note out of it. But I paraphrased it to personalize it for my future neeeds and started my journaling.
21 day Journal note # 6: Turn Worry into Prayer
Holy Dad, I am celebrating You all day, everyday. I delight in You. I find pleasure in You. I am making it as clear as I can to all I meet that I am on their side, working with them and not against them. I am helping them to see that the Master is about to arrive. Jesus, You could show up any minute! I am not fretting or worrying. When I first sense worry in my being I will pray. I will let petitions, and praises, and thanksgivings shape my worries into prayers, letting You, Holy God, know what my concerns are. Before I know it, a sense of Your wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle me down, It's wonderful what happens when You, Christ, displaces worry at the center of my life!
end of journal note.
Now, for the rest of the story. So last night I felt a nagging in my mind about leaving the children. It was at that moment the phrase "when I first sense worry in my being" flashed in my mind. I immediately talked to God about it. He assured me that the children are happy with living here as they both have ties to keep them attached. He also reminded me that He sent His son away to live with us for 33 years and that everything turned out ok. I thanked Him.
I learned from Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian neurologist, that it takes 21 days of journaling God's truth to rewire the brain but that a person will feel the effects on day 4. As I opened up my journal book this morning I noticed that today's note was day # 5. I thought to myself "Wow!" and worshipped God for His good provisions to me. Yes, day 4 of my journal note has helped me but I will continue on until day 21 for the full effects. The funny thing is I didn't have any real big needs in my life to start this journal note but thought it sounded really good. God knew that it would be of tremendous help to me for future needs and I am thankful that He showed me His good word.
I assign this journal note to confidence elements: self-control, gentleness and peace.
I assign this jouranl note to confidence busters: unnecessary guilt, worry and anxiety, and abandonment (as I don't want my kids to feel that I am abandoning them).
Friends, I want you to continue journaling and healing. Ask God to help you forgive and be forgiven and grow and serve Him. Don't miss out on His opportunities!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Keevin and I did not get the camper moved over to our house last weekend because it rained all day on Saturday. So the plan is to move it tomorrow. I will be meeting with some lady friends from church in the morning. We meet once a month to study relationships done God's way. We call these meetings Front Porch Devotions. We each bring a dish of food and enjoy the home of one of our friends. I have been encouraging them to continue their meetings and studies when I am gone as we have grown quite close and loving. They have assured me that they will. Lots of healing has taken place around our circle of discussions. I will dearly miss them. I also want to encourage you to find or start a group of church friends that you can study and share time with.
Another milestone happened today. Keevin turned in his 2 week notice at his workplace. My husband is a very hard worker and diligent and dependable. In his resignation letter he explained that God has plans for us--to move to Boone, NC and to start a new church. His supervisor said that he was going to tell God that he is not happy with His plans, but he understands why Keevin is leaving. That really made my husband feel good about his reputation.
Well I have had a nagging worry that is hard for me to explain. I am having a hard time with the fact that I will be at home in another town, another state than where my children will be at home at. Maybe it is a mother-thing. I don't know, I just know that it is an annoying feeling. So I talked to God about it last night. But first I want to share a journey with you, then I will picked back up on this story.
A few days ago I was looking up some Bible verses on Biblestudytools.com. Philippians 4: 4-7 (NIV) is # 4 of my 20 core memory truths. But look at how The Message says it: "Celebrate God all day, everyday. I mean revel in Him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you're on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute! Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life." Isn't that a good one!! It seemed to say alot to anxieties and what to do when it happens, so I decided to make a 21 day journal note out of it. But I paraphrased it to personalize it for my future neeeds and started my journaling.
21 day Journal note # 6: Turn Worry into Prayer
Holy Dad, I am celebrating You all day, everyday. I delight in You. I find pleasure in You. I am making it as clear as I can to all I meet that I am on their side, working with them and not against them. I am helping them to see that the Master is about to arrive. Jesus, You could show up any minute! I am not fretting or worrying. When I first sense worry in my being I will pray. I will let petitions, and praises, and thanksgivings shape my worries into prayers, letting You, Holy God, know what my concerns are. Before I know it, a sense of Your wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle me down, It's wonderful what happens when You, Christ, displaces worry at the center of my life!
end of journal note.
Now, for the rest of the story. So last night I felt a nagging in my mind about leaving the children. It was at that moment the phrase "when I first sense worry in my being" flashed in my mind. I immediately talked to God about it. He assured me that the children are happy with living here as they both have ties to keep them attached. He also reminded me that He sent His son away to live with us for 33 years and that everything turned out ok. I thanked Him.
I learned from Dr. Caroline Leaf, a Christian neurologist, that it takes 21 days of journaling God's truth to rewire the brain but that a person will feel the effects on day 4. As I opened up my journal book this morning I noticed that today's note was day # 5. I thought to myself "Wow!" and worshipped God for His good provisions to me. Yes, day 4 of my journal note has helped me but I will continue on until day 21 for the full effects. The funny thing is I didn't have any real big needs in my life to start this journal note but thought it sounded really good. God knew that it would be of tremendous help to me for future needs and I am thankful that He showed me His good word.
I assign this journal note to confidence elements: self-control, gentleness and peace.
I assign this jouranl note to confidence busters: unnecessary guilt, worry and anxiety, and abandonment (as I don't want my kids to feel that I am abandoning them).
Friends, I want you to continue journaling and healing. Ask God to help you forgive and be forgiven and grow and serve Him. Don't miss out on His opportunities!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, August 5, 2011
An Identity without a Name
Hi there, folks! How's the weather where you are? It has been storming here but we needed the rain--as a lot of places do. We are entering the new school year season. My grandson went for 1/2 a day today and my granddaughter will attend for 1/2 a day for kintergarden on Monday. It will be quieter around here for most of the days but there will be thngs for me to do. Keevin and I are moving our camper over to our house and will start preparing it for the next phase of our God-assignment. Satan is playing around with me and causing me to stress out. I am using this time as a reminder that I trust God and trust Him completely. Every now and then God tests us or Satan tries to trip us up--but either way I have the Holy Spirit inside of me to make the right decisions. Thank You O Great God!!
So, I guess you are wondering how I came up with today's title. An idea came to me as I read a good little book entitled "Heaven is for Real" written by Todd Burpo. Todd Burpo is the father of a then 4 year old son. In the book Todd recounts the many stories that his son, Colton, shared with him and his wife about an experience he had with Jesus while undergoing an emergency appendectomy. I know it sounds crazy but all the things the 4 year old said was true according to scripture and this 4 year old had never heard all of the amazing things that he told about. It truly seems this little one experienced heaven and Jesus. His mom was really entrigued about Colton's "other sister". His mom and dad had never shared with him about the miscarriage his mom had prior to his own birth. And mom and dad didn't know that the baby was a girl. So his mom asked what her name was and he replied "she doesn't have a name." He also revealed that his other sister has been adopted by Jesus' Father.
So getting back to my idea about our identity. We often feel our identity is based on our name, financial status, maritial status, family lineage, sexual preferrence, educational level, career choice and even body shape. But guess what? None of those things make up our identity, they are only paths. But our identity leads us down those paths.
So what is our identity? Let's start by talking about God's creation. He has given us incredible bodies and minds and different makeups. Our individuality and uniqueness is a very big deal. It is a well-known fact that no two fingerprints are alike. We may have a "twin" out there but we have lots of differences. Our minds are different. Our life experiences are different.
Each person has 5 distinct strengths. These strengths are areas that we are drawn to and have natural abilities toward. We also have secondary strengths that are not as strong as the first 5. There are many areas of strengths and combinations. These represent so many different identities. Let me share of few of my strengths with you. For instance, I have a strong belief system and have natural abilities toward communication and absolutely love restoration.
We are all born with creativeness, however our distorted thinking systems block our minds, hence our creativeness is stifled. My creativeness is released in the form of writing and teaching, thanks to communication. Restoration explains why I have a passion for helping me and others to reach healness, forgiveness and grow into the best us for God. And my number one strength is belief. Others may have a very strong sense of belief in other things but mine is God. My whole life is done because of God, influenced by God, for God and to illuminate God to others.
There are ways to figue out who you are. The real you!! Think back to your childhood. What were your favorite and easiest subjects in school? This could be a clue to the real you. What projects or jobs were not really a challelnge but you just seem to know how to do it the first time? We can recognize areas of interest if we find ourselves asking "when can I do this again?" versus "Do I have to do this again?"
Some of your strengths may not be discovered until later in life as you may not have been introduced to it yet. It's all about God's timing. I didn't know about my gift of writing until I found myself without transportation which led to my unemployment. God used that time to help me develop my strength of communication. My writings center around my passion for healing, forgiveness and growth. But my belief steers it all toward God.
Our life experiences and circumstances also shape who we are. Our passions are often born from a tragedy or an exciting event. So you may want to ask yourself "what makes me cry or what makes my heart beat fast with excitement?"
And finally, the infusion fo the Holy Spirit. Those of us who are committed Christ followers are more than ourselves. Look at John 14:26 (MSG): "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. the Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you." That verse is a great one to add to your core memory truths. And see what else the Holy Spirit does in Romans 8:15 (NIV): "For you did not recieve a spirit that makes you a slave agian to fear, but you recieved the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" Abba means Daddy. God is our Daddy--a trusted Daddy who takes care of us--after all He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us lots of super cool things in order to live this wonderful life. Look up other verses to see what the Holy Spirit does for you.
The 21day journal note has to do with slavery to a fear. As you work on this journal note allow the Holy Spirit to remove this fear and free you to be a better you for God.
# 5-- 21 Day Journal Note: Worried about what others think of YOU?
Galatians 1:10 (NCV): Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Yes--I am free from making other people happy. Free from worrying about their opinions. I am constantly aligning myself with Your plans and directions, Father. Jesus, I am your servant and my life is better for it. Thank you Heavenly Daddy!!
end of journal note.
Friend, discover the real you!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
So, I guess you are wondering how I came up with today's title. An idea came to me as I read a good little book entitled "Heaven is for Real" written by Todd Burpo. Todd Burpo is the father of a then 4 year old son. In the book Todd recounts the many stories that his son, Colton, shared with him and his wife about an experience he had with Jesus while undergoing an emergency appendectomy. I know it sounds crazy but all the things the 4 year old said was true according to scripture and this 4 year old had never heard all of the amazing things that he told about. It truly seems this little one experienced heaven and Jesus. His mom was really entrigued about Colton's "other sister". His mom and dad had never shared with him about the miscarriage his mom had prior to his own birth. And mom and dad didn't know that the baby was a girl. So his mom asked what her name was and he replied "she doesn't have a name." He also revealed that his other sister has been adopted by Jesus' Father.
So getting back to my idea about our identity. We often feel our identity is based on our name, financial status, maritial status, family lineage, sexual preferrence, educational level, career choice and even body shape. But guess what? None of those things make up our identity, they are only paths. But our identity leads us down those paths.
So what is our identity? Let's start by talking about God's creation. He has given us incredible bodies and minds and different makeups. Our individuality and uniqueness is a very big deal. It is a well-known fact that no two fingerprints are alike. We may have a "twin" out there but we have lots of differences. Our minds are different. Our life experiences are different.
Each person has 5 distinct strengths. These strengths are areas that we are drawn to and have natural abilities toward. We also have secondary strengths that are not as strong as the first 5. There are many areas of strengths and combinations. These represent so many different identities. Let me share of few of my strengths with you. For instance, I have a strong belief system and have natural abilities toward communication and absolutely love restoration.
We are all born with creativeness, however our distorted thinking systems block our minds, hence our creativeness is stifled. My creativeness is released in the form of writing and teaching, thanks to communication. Restoration explains why I have a passion for helping me and others to reach healness, forgiveness and grow into the best us for God. And my number one strength is belief. Others may have a very strong sense of belief in other things but mine is God. My whole life is done because of God, influenced by God, for God and to illuminate God to others.
There are ways to figue out who you are. The real you!! Think back to your childhood. What were your favorite and easiest subjects in school? This could be a clue to the real you. What projects or jobs were not really a challelnge but you just seem to know how to do it the first time? We can recognize areas of interest if we find ourselves asking "when can I do this again?" versus "Do I have to do this again?"
Some of your strengths may not be discovered until later in life as you may not have been introduced to it yet. It's all about God's timing. I didn't know about my gift of writing until I found myself without transportation which led to my unemployment. God used that time to help me develop my strength of communication. My writings center around my passion for healing, forgiveness and growth. But my belief steers it all toward God.
Our life experiences and circumstances also shape who we are. Our passions are often born from a tragedy or an exciting event. So you may want to ask yourself "what makes me cry or what makes my heart beat fast with excitement?"
And finally, the infusion fo the Holy Spirit. Those of us who are committed Christ followers are more than ourselves. Look at John 14:26 (MSG): "I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. the Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you." That verse is a great one to add to your core memory truths. And see what else the Holy Spirit does in Romans 8:15 (NIV): "For you did not recieve a spirit that makes you a slave agian to fear, but you recieved the Spirit of sonship. And by Him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" Abba means Daddy. God is our Daddy--a trusted Daddy who takes care of us--after all He gave us the Holy Spirit to give us lots of super cool things in order to live this wonderful life. Look up other verses to see what the Holy Spirit does for you.
The 21day journal note has to do with slavery to a fear. As you work on this journal note allow the Holy Spirit to remove this fear and free you to be a better you for God.
# 5-- 21 Day Journal Note: Worried about what others think of YOU?
Galatians 1:10 (NCV): Do you think I am trying to make people accept me? No, God is the One I am trying to please. Am I trying to please people? If I still wanted to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Yes--I am free from making other people happy. Free from worrying about their opinions. I am constantly aligning myself with Your plans and directions, Father. Jesus, I am your servant and my life is better for it. Thank you Heavenly Daddy!!
end of journal note.
Friend, discover the real you!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Following
Happy Friday to my readers!! It is finally here. Have you made your weekend plans yet? If you haven't, don't feel bad. I'm not sure what Keevin and I will be doing but the grocery store is always on the agenda. I'm cooking a London Broil for supper tonight. I have had that piece of beef in the freezer for a couple of months wondering how to cook it. Yesterday I looked up recipes on the internet and decided that Friday is the day to do it. It is in the refrig at this very moment soaking in a marinate. I am also going to roast squash and zuchini for the first time. I get all of my inspiration from the cooking channels.
I also get inspiration from the animal channels. I have been watching The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel and have learned how to walk Rocky, my dog, instead of him walking me. Ceasar Millan advises to keep the leash pulled taut so that the dog walks by your side instead of ahead of you. He also says that dogs sense when humans are anxious. For this reason he says to keep your head up and look straight ahead. The dog learns that you are in control. If you look down at the dog he gets the sense that he is in control. Did you know that? That teaches the dog to do the bad things you don't want him to do. Allowing a dog to bark continuously and jumping up on people, etc, allows the dog to stay in a distressed state. Aggression means the dog is afraid but it looks like he is being authoritative. He acts this way for protection. Allowing him to do these things keeps him in the bad habits. Changing the way you act toward him changes him. Oh?
So I pondered on this idea for a while. I tried out the walking advise on Rocky yesterday and it works. He conformed to my standards. Could this work toward human behavior? How many people do we actually allow to treat us badly? How many people do we treat badly? Are these bad behaviors due to fear and insecurity? Anger, anxiety attacks, whinning, temper tandrums, etc--I think that we allow them to happen to us. What to do?
I asked God how I should relay this idea to you and He led me to this verse: Isaiah 58:11 (GWT) "The Lord will continually guide you and satisfy you even in sun-baked places. He will strengthen your bones. You will become like a watered garden and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing."
I have authored a Life Directive (Bible study) about relationships. My idea was to teach ladies how to navigate through relationships by changing themselves and not to change others to mold their wishes. God directed everything beautifully and it turned out well. The group I have been teaching it to has become a very loving, close-knit group of ladies. I can honestly say that we have each others back. We have encouraged each other and shared some wonderful moments and some painful moments together.
You may be asking how you can do relationships God's way. It is by following His lead. He is the leader of me. I follow Him, like the dog. Do I feel less in control than before? Do you remember me telling you that the dog acts aggressively out of fear? Well, letting God take the lead in my life takes out the fear and also lots of pressure. It is a freeing act instead of a backwards act.
As we relate to other people His ways are the ones guiding the relationships. Instead of being an enabler (allowing the other person to suck you into their misery) and encouraging misery you become less absorb by the person and more intuned with God. If you are the whinner and no one wants to put up with you, changing your focus to God allows the real, satisfied you to shine and others will gravitate to you (and God). It is a fact that anger works. Well, it doesn't have to. Ignoring anger (as much as possible), staying calm and speaking calmly diffuses the anger because the anger has lost it's fuel. In a sense--keep your head up and shoulders back in a confident position so that the other person cannot sense insecurity about you. And how do you deal with anixious people who get in your face and get you all upset? Notice their patterns. Do the things they are anxious about ever come to fruition? Learn how to watch patterns and to not react because you know the probable outcome--which is probably nothing.
Hopefully this will help you in your marriage or the relationship with your dream mate. Keep your eyes and focus on Jesus and enjoy better relationships. Now, I know that some of the above suggestions are hard without healing of relational injuries, so I suggest that you continue with the 21 day Journal notes. The above suggestions will become automatic responses to the situations.
Journal note # 4
Nix the Nag. Mix with the Hubby!
Proverbs 21:23 (MSG) Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief. Psalm 37: 3-4 (NIV) Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delignt yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Yes, I am concerned about my husband's (problem). However, I will no longer bully him about it. I am freeing myself of this duty and am turning it over to You, Lord. I trust You to talk to him about (his problem). I will do good by focusing on his good traits and loving him Being free from policing him will allow me to enjoy our relationship better. Lord, I try hard to please You and I thank You for honoring my request to help me and my husband.
end of journal note.
My friend, I encourage you to become a good follower of Jesus and learn to really enjoy the other relationships in your life.
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
I also get inspiration from the animal channels. I have been watching The Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic channel and have learned how to walk Rocky, my dog, instead of him walking me. Ceasar Millan advises to keep the leash pulled taut so that the dog walks by your side instead of ahead of you. He also says that dogs sense when humans are anxious. For this reason he says to keep your head up and look straight ahead. The dog learns that you are in control. If you look down at the dog he gets the sense that he is in control. Did you know that? That teaches the dog to do the bad things you don't want him to do. Allowing a dog to bark continuously and jumping up on people, etc, allows the dog to stay in a distressed state. Aggression means the dog is afraid but it looks like he is being authoritative. He acts this way for protection. Allowing him to do these things keeps him in the bad habits. Changing the way you act toward him changes him. Oh?
So I pondered on this idea for a while. I tried out the walking advise on Rocky yesterday and it works. He conformed to my standards. Could this work toward human behavior? How many people do we actually allow to treat us badly? How many people do we treat badly? Are these bad behaviors due to fear and insecurity? Anger, anxiety attacks, whinning, temper tandrums, etc--I think that we allow them to happen to us. What to do?
I asked God how I should relay this idea to you and He led me to this verse: Isaiah 58:11 (GWT) "The Lord will continually guide you and satisfy you even in sun-baked places. He will strengthen your bones. You will become like a watered garden and like a spring whose water does not stop flowing."
I have authored a Life Directive (Bible study) about relationships. My idea was to teach ladies how to navigate through relationships by changing themselves and not to change others to mold their wishes. God directed everything beautifully and it turned out well. The group I have been teaching it to has become a very loving, close-knit group of ladies. I can honestly say that we have each others back. We have encouraged each other and shared some wonderful moments and some painful moments together.
You may be asking how you can do relationships God's way. It is by following His lead. He is the leader of me. I follow Him, like the dog. Do I feel less in control than before? Do you remember me telling you that the dog acts aggressively out of fear? Well, letting God take the lead in my life takes out the fear and also lots of pressure. It is a freeing act instead of a backwards act.
As we relate to other people His ways are the ones guiding the relationships. Instead of being an enabler (allowing the other person to suck you into their misery) and encouraging misery you become less absorb by the person and more intuned with God. If you are the whinner and no one wants to put up with you, changing your focus to God allows the real, satisfied you to shine and others will gravitate to you (and God). It is a fact that anger works. Well, it doesn't have to. Ignoring anger (as much as possible), staying calm and speaking calmly diffuses the anger because the anger has lost it's fuel. In a sense--keep your head up and shoulders back in a confident position so that the other person cannot sense insecurity about you. And how do you deal with anixious people who get in your face and get you all upset? Notice their patterns. Do the things they are anxious about ever come to fruition? Learn how to watch patterns and to not react because you know the probable outcome--which is probably nothing.
Hopefully this will help you in your marriage or the relationship with your dream mate. Keep your eyes and focus on Jesus and enjoy better relationships. Now, I know that some of the above suggestions are hard without healing of relational injuries, so I suggest that you continue with the 21 day Journal notes. The above suggestions will become automatic responses to the situations.
Journal note # 4
Nix the Nag. Mix with the Hubby!
Proverbs 21:23 (MSG) Watch your words and hold your tongue; you'll save yourself a lot of grief. Psalm 37: 3-4 (NIV) Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delignt yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.
Yes, I am concerned about my husband's (problem). However, I will no longer bully him about it. I am freeing myself of this duty and am turning it over to You, Lord. I trust You to talk to him about (his problem). I will do good by focusing on his good traits and loving him Being free from policing him will allow me to enjoy our relationship better. Lord, I try hard to please You and I thank You for honoring my request to help me and my husband.
end of journal note.
My friend, I encourage you to become a good follower of Jesus and learn to really enjoy the other relationships in your life.
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, July 22, 2011
Best Friends Forever!!!
Hello to all my readers! We finally had a nice summer rain yesterday. It cooled things off for a while and my tomato plants drank up the water that God provided. I now have 9 tomatos and hope they ripen before Keevin and I move to Boone. I have been watering them faithfully and watching the plants and fruit grow. I just hope to get the chance to taste my efforts. My efforts. Is it right for me to claim the efforts here? The fact is God created the tomato plant and fruit and caused the rain and supplied the sun. What did I do? I bought the plants at walmart and dug holes (Keevin did this). I watered them as needed and watched them grow. My, how we take all the credit but really it is God who deserves the applause for His creation. Father, I truly am so very thankful to you for the food you provide for us. I also appologize for taking the majority of the credit and not shinning a spotlight on You.
Self-centeredness comes easily to us. It is a hard thing to see but it happens--all the time. Just when we think we are doing good God sends a message to us that goes something like this: "Hey!! I'm still here and I can hear you. You've got it all wrong. Now, please listen to Me and I will help you on this life-path. I truly love you and want the best for you. So my child, look for Me, embrace Me. Now, my love, be at ease."
That brings me to some scripture I have been wondering about. This month's reading is Romans 6-10. Chapter 9 has had me puzzled so I looked it up on Biblestudytools.com and viewed it in The Message traslation. I thank the Lord for modern translations because it greatly helps me to understand His word and what He is saying to me.
Look at Romans 9:33 (MSG): "Isaiah (again!) gives us the metaphor for pulling this together. Careful! I've put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can't get around. But the stone is Me! If you're looking for Me, you'll find Me on the way, not in the way." Paul is saying that God's message to those of us who do God-projects, yet take all the credit, and don't even converse with God about the project, are on the wrong path and He wants to make us trip on a rock. Paul calls it a huge stone. Have you ever had your way blocked by something big? Well, it is God. Whatever you are facing right now consider that it is God trying to get your attention.
Now look at Romans 9:30 (MSG): "All those people who didn't seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as He straightened out their lives." Listen to God, my friend. He wants to help you. Allow Him to straighten out that mess of yours. Listen to His Word. Read His Word. Look for Him around you. He's everywhere. As you learn more about Him you'll recognize Him. He does love you!!
Journal note # 3 Best Friend Forever!
John 14:26 (MSG) The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at My request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you.
My dear Friend, the Holy Spirit--You live inside of me. You make evrything plain and clear to me. You are making me well and whole. You are a beautiful gift from Jesus. Thank you for enriching my life.
End of Journal note. Just remember to handwrite it once a day for 21 days to rewire your distorted thinking system.
The Holy Spirit, or Holy Wonder as I like to call Him, is a huge source of wholeness and wellness. How can that be? Well, He is making everything plain to us. It is right under our noses--in the Bible. Remember Romans 9:33? God said "if you're looking for Me." Are you looking for Him? If means it is your choice. He also said "you'll find Me on the way, not in the way." Is He in the way? I feel like we treat Him that way, alot. In the way. Consider getting on His way and allow Him to make everything plain. It truly is refreshing when we have an "aha" moment. We marvel at how the "aha" is the key. My friend, He is the key. He is the real "aha". There are so many "aha's" in the Bible. Take the time during the part of the day when you are most alert and attentive. Find a quiet place so that it is just you and God. Open the Bible, let it fall open, and start reading. You'll find that your Bible reading will become more structured over time. Your passion for Jesus will grow. You will feel His love jump all over you. Ease will be a natural feeling for you. Walk His path and feel a new normal, the new, confident you!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Self-centeredness comes easily to us. It is a hard thing to see but it happens--all the time. Just when we think we are doing good God sends a message to us that goes something like this: "Hey!! I'm still here and I can hear you. You've got it all wrong. Now, please listen to Me and I will help you on this life-path. I truly love you and want the best for you. So my child, look for Me, embrace Me. Now, my love, be at ease."
That brings me to some scripture I have been wondering about. This month's reading is Romans 6-10. Chapter 9 has had me puzzled so I looked it up on Biblestudytools.com and viewed it in The Message traslation. I thank the Lord for modern translations because it greatly helps me to understand His word and what He is saying to me.
Look at Romans 9:33 (MSG): "Isaiah (again!) gives us the metaphor for pulling this together. Careful! I've put a huge stone on the road to Mount Zion, a stone you can't get around. But the stone is Me! If you're looking for Me, you'll find Me on the way, not in the way." Paul is saying that God's message to those of us who do God-projects, yet take all the credit, and don't even converse with God about the project, are on the wrong path and He wants to make us trip on a rock. Paul calls it a huge stone. Have you ever had your way blocked by something big? Well, it is God. Whatever you are facing right now consider that it is God trying to get your attention.
Now look at Romans 9:30 (MSG): "All those people who didn't seem interested in what God was doing actually embraced what God was doing as He straightened out their lives." Listen to God, my friend. He wants to help you. Allow Him to straighten out that mess of yours. Listen to His Word. Read His Word. Look for Him around you. He's everywhere. As you learn more about Him you'll recognize Him. He does love you!!
Journal note # 3 Best Friend Forever!
John 14:26 (MSG) The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at My request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you.
My dear Friend, the Holy Spirit--You live inside of me. You make evrything plain and clear to me. You are making me well and whole. You are a beautiful gift from Jesus. Thank you for enriching my life.
End of Journal note. Just remember to handwrite it once a day for 21 days to rewire your distorted thinking system.
The Holy Spirit, or Holy Wonder as I like to call Him, is a huge source of wholeness and wellness. How can that be? Well, He is making everything plain to us. It is right under our noses--in the Bible. Remember Romans 9:33? God said "if you're looking for Me." Are you looking for Him? If means it is your choice. He also said "you'll find Me on the way, not in the way." Is He in the way? I feel like we treat Him that way, alot. In the way. Consider getting on His way and allow Him to make everything plain. It truly is refreshing when we have an "aha" moment. We marvel at how the "aha" is the key. My friend, He is the key. He is the real "aha". There are so many "aha's" in the Bible. Take the time during the part of the day when you are most alert and attentive. Find a quiet place so that it is just you and God. Open the Bible, let it fall open, and start reading. You'll find that your Bible reading will become more structured over time. Your passion for Jesus will grow. You will feel His love jump all over you. Ease will be a natural feeling for you. Walk His path and feel a new normal, the new, confident you!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, July 15, 2011
Authority
Happy Friday to all!! We just love Fridays if we find ourselves off on Saturday and Sunday. It feels like free time, my time. The weekend is time for us to make our own decisions. So what plans do you have for the "your time"?
Sometimes our workweek can be a struggle because we are tired of being told what to do (unless you are the boss). As teenagers, we certainly didn't like the advise (rules) our parents gave us. And then there is the preacher and Sunday School teacher. They don't know my life and what I need. Anger. Frustration. Rebellion. Why am I so miserable around these people? And you know what? We sometimes have the same feelings toward God. Yes, admit it, we do!
Why, why, why. I am ashamed to admit that I rebell against God! But there it is-the truth, my truth. Well, friend, that used to be my truth but since I have been healed by God's word, this is no longer true.
Stll, there is the question of why. Some folks develop resentment because of controlling childhood authorities. Others may have felt invisible and totally unimportant to their parents. Physical, mental and emotional, and sexual abuse lead to bitterness. Unhealthy put-downs by your mom and dad may have caused distrust to authorities. Physical and emotional abandonment causes a disconnect all together with superior figures. If your parents were alcoholic, drug abusers, criminals, absent, divorced, depressed, angry, anxious/worriers, rejectors, etc then your home was no haven. You probably stayed away as much as possible. There are other possible situations that can cause "the why" of our rebellion. Do you claim any of these or is your reason different.
Ok, so we've gotten the big, bad truth out of the way. Whatever your truth is--please deal with it--ask God to help you forgive your authority. Get away from any danger. Ask Holy Dad to help you know why your authority treated you the way he/she did. Chances are you would be willing to forgive and console that person if you knew their past circumstances--but you may never know because they may not want to face their own pain. Sometimes our authorities want to keep uglyiness a secret and for that reaon you may never know the real truth. Just accept the fact that there was a reason for what they did, but it is not excused. Doing wrong is never excused. Consequences are inevitable but it maynot be by you.
Now what? After you are able to face your own ugliness, digest it and deal with it--try to put it up on a shelf as soon as you can and be done with it. I realize if you are just acknowledging some facts you may need time to grieve over it and that is ok but don't get stuck on it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you with this. He will--just ask Him.
The next thing to realize is that all of that mess you were in is still deep down in your subconcious. Let's help ourselves to get it out and put in God's goodness. Here is journal note #2:
#2 Authorities: Heavenly & Earthly
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NCV) I will teach you to respect Me completely and I will put a new way of thinking inside of you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put My Spirit inside of you and help you to live by My rules and carefully obey My laws. Ephesians 4:26 (NLT) Don't sin by letting anger control you. Romans 8:28 (MSG) That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Father, relationships with You and earthly authorities often are not close, intimate and comfortable. However, I am to obey them unless they are not within Biblical guidelines. I will do the right thing by showing respect to them and following their rules I will not allow myself to burst into anger from rebellion. Instead I will listen calmly to the words of my authority. I know that everything is going to be ok. I will forgive my authorities of their offenses and will remember that You, My Lord, have forgiven me of all my offenses. Thank You for healing this area of my life!
End of journal note.
Friend, work this journal note for your healing. Hand write it once a day x 21 days and be free from authority rebellion. You will feel more respect for yourself, as well.
Enjoy the healing.
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Sometimes our workweek can be a struggle because we are tired of being told what to do (unless you are the boss). As teenagers, we certainly didn't like the advise (rules) our parents gave us. And then there is the preacher and Sunday School teacher. They don't know my life and what I need. Anger. Frustration. Rebellion. Why am I so miserable around these people? And you know what? We sometimes have the same feelings toward God. Yes, admit it, we do!
Why, why, why. I am ashamed to admit that I rebell against God! But there it is-the truth, my truth. Well, friend, that used to be my truth but since I have been healed by God's word, this is no longer true.
Stll, there is the question of why. Some folks develop resentment because of controlling childhood authorities. Others may have felt invisible and totally unimportant to their parents. Physical, mental and emotional, and sexual abuse lead to bitterness. Unhealthy put-downs by your mom and dad may have caused distrust to authorities. Physical and emotional abandonment causes a disconnect all together with superior figures. If your parents were alcoholic, drug abusers, criminals, absent, divorced, depressed, angry, anxious/worriers, rejectors, etc then your home was no haven. You probably stayed away as much as possible. There are other possible situations that can cause "the why" of our rebellion. Do you claim any of these or is your reason different.
Ok, so we've gotten the big, bad truth out of the way. Whatever your truth is--please deal with it--ask God to help you forgive your authority. Get away from any danger. Ask Holy Dad to help you know why your authority treated you the way he/she did. Chances are you would be willing to forgive and console that person if you knew their past circumstances--but you may never know because they may not want to face their own pain. Sometimes our authorities want to keep uglyiness a secret and for that reaon you may never know the real truth. Just accept the fact that there was a reason for what they did, but it is not excused. Doing wrong is never excused. Consequences are inevitable but it maynot be by you.
Now what? After you are able to face your own ugliness, digest it and deal with it--try to put it up on a shelf as soon as you can and be done with it. I realize if you are just acknowledging some facts you may need time to grieve over it and that is ok but don't get stuck on it. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you with this. He will--just ask Him.
The next thing to realize is that all of that mess you were in is still deep down in your subconcious. Let's help ourselves to get it out and put in God's goodness. Here is journal note #2:
#2 Authorities: Heavenly & Earthly
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (NCV) I will teach you to respect Me completely and I will put a new way of thinking inside of you. I will take out the stubborn hearts of stone from your bodies, and I will give you obedient hearts of flesh. I will put My Spirit inside of you and help you to live by My rules and carefully obey My laws. Ephesians 4:26 (NLT) Don't sin by letting anger control you. Romans 8:28 (MSG) That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Father, relationships with You and earthly authorities often are not close, intimate and comfortable. However, I am to obey them unless they are not within Biblical guidelines. I will do the right thing by showing respect to them and following their rules I will not allow myself to burst into anger from rebellion. Instead I will listen calmly to the words of my authority. I know that everything is going to be ok. I will forgive my authorities of their offenses and will remember that You, My Lord, have forgiven me of all my offenses. Thank You for healing this area of my life!
End of journal note.
Friend, work this journal note for your healing. Hand write it once a day x 21 days and be free from authority rebellion. You will feel more respect for yourself, as well.
Enjoy the healing.
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
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