Folks, it's a chilly 45 degrees here in Boone, NC and I am feeling it. Yesterday the temperature hoovered in the 40's. I think it hoovered there because of the cloud cover. Not once did the sun shine. But today is a new and sun-shinny day and I will probably enjoy warmth created by the sun--yes! I love the sun and I love the warmth it puts out.
Why do I love the sun so much? I love the light. It is a pure light. Colors look more intense under its brightness. The sun provides warmth to my cold skin. The sun just makes me happy. I open up the blinds as soon as I can in the mornings just to see it. There is another reason I love the sun and it's an invisible reason--it provides us with vitamin d, that is if we are exposed to it.
I really do and truly love the sun. I get up around 6:30 and await its rising each morning. But after writing that last paragraph, especially the invisible part, my thoughts went to my love of another Son. Of course this is Jesus. Jesus is light. John 8:12 (MSG): Jesus once again addressed them: "I am the world's Light. No one who follows Me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in." Key words in this verse: who follows Me, and I provide. Jesus promises to give us believers in Christ a light for our lives. We don't have to question "what am I doing here?, why did this happen to me?, etc. Follow Jesus closely and you'll have answers to those questions. Jesus is warmth. I think of love when I feel warmth. John 3:16 (MSG) lovingly tells us of His warmth--This is how much God loved the world: He gave His Son, His one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in Him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life." Friend, God and Jesus love you. They love you very much! In order to feel the warm fuzzies you have to trustingly believe in them. And look what you get: a whole and lasting life, not a crazy, chaotic mess of a life. And Jesus makes me happy! John 15:11 (MSG) I've told you these things for a purpose: that My joy might be your joy, and your joy wholly mature. My friend, He shares His joy with us but there is a twist. Joy wholly mature. How does one get joy wholly mature? You get it by being serious about your pursuit of Jesus and trustingly believe all He tells you. And what about the invisible part? John 14: 26-27 (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. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught. The Holy Spirit living inside of us enriches us alot like Vitamin D but better and with more effectiveness. If you ever wanted to know the truth or to hear clarity--Holy Spirit is right there with you. Call on Him, He'll answer. Haven't you always wanted to be well and whole--He's living in you--you've got the source!
So why don't alot of us experience "The Light"? John 3:19(MSG) answers the question this way: "This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God." Uh-oh. Does that sound familiar? If you're not interested in pleasing God then you are not fully and trustingly believing in Him.
But what if you feel like you are interested in pleasing God but can't see the Light? Verse 20 says this about you: 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." Will you at least admit that you are afraid of what the light will expose? If you won't admit to that then you are truly addicted to denial, yes, denial and illusion. You lie to yourself. You have bought into Satan's lies as well. And that causes you to do bad behavior. Think long and hard about this one because I really want you to see the Light.
One area we can deal with and shine light on is being too sensitive to others emotions. The problem is we receive their negative emotions personally when in actuality they were not even considering us. They have problelms of their own that they are consumed with. And there is the familiar saying "hurting people hurt people." If we are healed from ultra-sensitivity to others emotions then we may be able to help them--at least know about what area to pray for them.
21 Day Journal Note # 15
How not to be Offended by Others
1 Corinthians 10:33 (GWT) I don't think about what would be good for me but about what would be good for many people so that they might be saved.
Proverbs 17:22 (NLT) A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.
God, You have given me the ability to be sensistive to the emotions and body languages of others. You have given me this ability to help them, not hurt me. I refuse to sabotage myself with their pain, but seek ways to help them.
end of journal note.
I hope this blog has shinned a light on who Jesus is and what He does, and that He does it for you!! Ask Holy Dad to help you trustingly believe in Jesus. He'll help you, but you've got to mean it, really mean it.
Enjoy the sunshine today!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, October 21, 2011
Friday, October 14, 2011
Good Day? Bad Day?
Happy golden fall day to you all!! How are you doing today? Hope you are having a great day and ready to celebrate something this weekend. If you are not having a good day I ask that you find something out of it to thank the Lord for and give Him your trust for the situation. Bathing everything with thanksgiving grows your trust in Him. Hearing you own voice (or inner voice) thanking His increases your trust abilities.
If your day (or life) is a mess consider that you do not yet know the outcome. Romans 8:28 (MSG) assures: "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." This "something good" happens because of our love for God. Our love for God is the foundation of our lives. When we love God every detail of our lives is important and cared for. We can be sure of this because we love God.
Are you having relationship problems with someone? Look at what God says in Colossians 3:13 (NCV): "Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you." This one is self-explanatory but I want to expound on it. Pray, Pray, Pray for you and that person. I have a specific prayer for you to pray. And remember, this is for you and the other. Mark 12:30,31 (combined versions): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart/passion, soul/prayer life, mind/intellect and strength/energies. Love others as much as you love yourself." If you are ever stuck with knowing how to pray for someone--this is the most important thing to pray for. I encourage you to pray this prayer over your mate, your children, your parents, coworkers, fellow church goers, etc. Your pastor even needs this prayer prayed over him.
When a person loves God with totality the possiblities are endless. This is when supernatual happens, unexpected blessings flow, surprises come out of left field. Your whole world is colored differently. Then you start living on purpose. You start cleaning out bad behavior from your life. Take a look at Hebrews 9:14 (NCV): " How much more is done by the blood of Christ. He offered Himself through the eternal Spirit as a perfect sarifice to God. His blood will make our consciences pure from useless acts so we may serve the living God." Life starts to feel right--and you've never felt that way before.
In case you haven't started memorizing 20 core verses I suggest Mark 12:30-31 and Hebrews 9:14 as number one and number two. They are #1 and #2 on my list and I recite them almost every night as I fall asleep. They are deeply embedded in my psyche. Talk about healing from God's word--these will do it.
Now own to more healing. For new readers: I have experienced relational healing from God's word by hand-writing scripture and journal notes once a day x 21 days, hense the 21 Day Journal Notes. Writing these out for 21 days rewires your brain and replaces the wrong info from your subconcious that has been fed to it for years. It really works. Other 21 Day Journal Notes are on previous blogs. Check them out to see if they fit your situatiion.
21 Day Journal Note # 14
Don't Beat Up Yourself!
Romans 8:1 (GWT) So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned.
I refuse to beat up myself and others for when I mess up. Jesus has already taken the beating.
Thank You Jesus for the price You have already paid. Thank You that I am not charged for this wonderful act of love.
end of journal note.
Remember the verse at the beginning of today's blog about forgiving? That applies to yourself as well. So stop beating up yourself.
News about the leaves: one fellow camper described the mountain-side that we are so fortunate to look at every day as a bowl full of jelly beans. I thought it way a cute was to look at it. Another camper was on top of his motorhome sweeping off the leaves. I can guarentee that you will not find me on top of our camper sweeping it off. If Keevin wants it done--he can do it. And the best leaf sighting was this morning. My eye caught the sight of a leaf as it fell from high up and slowly floated down to the ground. It seemed to take its time as it sorta swayed back and forth. It felt like it was moving in slow motion so that I could enjoy the journey of the leaf. Isn't God good!
You may be new to the blog and wondering "where in the world is she and why is she there?" My husband, Keevin, and I felt God calling us to Boone, NC to start a new church, so we packed up and moved here. We are living in our camper until we can move into a rental property. Hopefully then we will have space to invite folks over to study, worship and fellowship with each other. I am praying that this new group of people will love God with our totality and if they don't yet--hope to influence them toward God.
And I hope to influence anyone who reads this blog to become so confident God's way that you attract people to God by they way you act.
Enjoy the fall weather! Have a great weekend and work on those relationships!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
If your day (or life) is a mess consider that you do not yet know the outcome. Romans 8:28 (MSG) assures: "That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." This "something good" happens because of our love for God. Our love for God is the foundation of our lives. When we love God every detail of our lives is important and cared for. We can be sure of this because we love God.
Are you having relationship problems with someone? Look at what God says in Colossians 3:13 (NCV): "Get along with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you." This one is self-explanatory but I want to expound on it. Pray, Pray, Pray for you and that person. I have a specific prayer for you to pray. And remember, this is for you and the other. Mark 12:30,31 (combined versions): "Love the Lord your God with all your heart/passion, soul/prayer life, mind/intellect and strength/energies. Love others as much as you love yourself." If you are ever stuck with knowing how to pray for someone--this is the most important thing to pray for. I encourage you to pray this prayer over your mate, your children, your parents, coworkers, fellow church goers, etc. Your pastor even needs this prayer prayed over him.
When a person loves God with totality the possiblities are endless. This is when supernatual happens, unexpected blessings flow, surprises come out of left field. Your whole world is colored differently. Then you start living on purpose. You start cleaning out bad behavior from your life. Take a look at Hebrews 9:14 (NCV): " How much more is done by the blood of Christ. He offered Himself through the eternal Spirit as a perfect sarifice to God. His blood will make our consciences pure from useless acts so we may serve the living God." Life starts to feel right--and you've never felt that way before.
In case you haven't started memorizing 20 core verses I suggest Mark 12:30-31 and Hebrews 9:14 as number one and number two. They are #1 and #2 on my list and I recite them almost every night as I fall asleep. They are deeply embedded in my psyche. Talk about healing from God's word--these will do it.
Now own to more healing. For new readers: I have experienced relational healing from God's word by hand-writing scripture and journal notes once a day x 21 days, hense the 21 Day Journal Notes. Writing these out for 21 days rewires your brain and replaces the wrong info from your subconcious that has been fed to it for years. It really works. Other 21 Day Journal Notes are on previous blogs. Check them out to see if they fit your situatiion.
21 Day Journal Note # 14
Don't Beat Up Yourself!
Romans 8:1 (GWT) So those who are believers in Christ Jesus can no longer be condemned.
I refuse to beat up myself and others for when I mess up. Jesus has already taken the beating.
Thank You Jesus for the price You have already paid. Thank You that I am not charged for this wonderful act of love.
end of journal note.
Remember the verse at the beginning of today's blog about forgiving? That applies to yourself as well. So stop beating up yourself.
News about the leaves: one fellow camper described the mountain-side that we are so fortunate to look at every day as a bowl full of jelly beans. I thought it way a cute was to look at it. Another camper was on top of his motorhome sweeping off the leaves. I can guarentee that you will not find me on top of our camper sweeping it off. If Keevin wants it done--he can do it. And the best leaf sighting was this morning. My eye caught the sight of a leaf as it fell from high up and slowly floated down to the ground. It seemed to take its time as it sorta swayed back and forth. It felt like it was moving in slow motion so that I could enjoy the journey of the leaf. Isn't God good!
You may be new to the blog and wondering "where in the world is she and why is she there?" My husband, Keevin, and I felt God calling us to Boone, NC to start a new church, so we packed up and moved here. We are living in our camper until we can move into a rental property. Hopefully then we will have space to invite folks over to study, worship and fellowship with each other. I am praying that this new group of people will love God with our totality and if they don't yet--hope to influence them toward God.
And I hope to influence anyone who reads this blog to become so confident God's way that you attract people to God by they way you act.
Enjoy the fall weather! Have a great weekend and work on those relationships!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, October 7, 2011
Ever-changing creation
A very cheery howdy to all!! This is another gorgeous day that Holy Dad has given us. Thank You Holy Dad!!
I am looking out my windows this very second and am inspired by the golden oranges, yellows and reds on the mountain sides. It is beautiful. I am so honored to be here and soak in the wonderfulness of God's landscape. It is His landscape. It is His sky. It is His season. It is His sunshine or rain (whichever is happening in your area). Everything belongs to Him. He just allows us to manage whatever He has placed in our care--so take really good care of it.
A couple of days ago Rocky (my dog) and I took a walk down the road. I was getting bored with the same old walk in the campground so down the highway we went. These are country roads so there wasn't too much traffic. I was enjoying the newer view of the mountains when I was pleasantly surprised at what was around the curve. There was a driveway leading into the cutest little farm. The way it was decorated was so inviting. Orange pumpkins dotted the driveway and sidewalk to the home. At first I thought the house was a barn (and it may have been in another life) but it was a rustic-looking house. A row of pine trees lined the side of the road. The limbs had been cropped off on up high and attached to every trunk were birdhouses--soooo cute! And then walking past the next barn/apt on top- building was a pond. A pond with ducks. And this pond has a little pier with two adirondack chairs for sitting and relaxing. On the other side of the pond is a fountain type thing so that one can sit and enjoy the flowing water sound. Rocky and I just stood around and feasted our eyes and imaginations for quite a while. He enjoyed the ducks and I mentally enjoyed sitting in one of those chairs. You know, it may not be my farm but God allowed me to be refreshed by this pleasant surprise. I went back to the camper energized and Rocky had plenty of exercise and excitement. God is good!
I think that this may be the peak weekend to view the color changes of the leaves. If it isn't then next weekend for sure. I can sense God's awesomeness just by looking at His ever-changing creation. And friend, you are part of His ever-changing creation. Think about it. Your life has seasons. Babyhood, childhood, teenagehood and adulthood. Even adulthood has different seasons. Young adult, middleage and senior years. The adult years also pose other possiblities of change such as singleness, married life, parental responsibilities, caring for aging parents and retirement life. And there are other events: staying at home, school, carreer, vacations and back to stay at home with retirement age. Did you ever think about life being so un-boring? Some of us feel like we have a boring, stagnant life but actuallly we don't. It only feels that way because of faulty thinking. Others of us feel like we have a chaotic life--and maybe we do. Who can control that? Ah, yes, that would be me. But I like having my life controled and directed by God, the author of ever-changing seasons. He has the best transitions. Life is more enjoyable His way.
There is another part of life that is ever-changing. Can you guess what it is? It is our spiritual life. Our spiritual life grows, matures and enriches us. But consider this, we can get stuck in a phase of spiritual life. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 3: 1-3 (NLT): "Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to mature Christians. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food, because you couldn't handle anything stronger. And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your own sinful desires. you are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your own desires? You are acting like people who don't belong to the Lord." The question to ask yourself is: do I still look like the world, laughing at dirty jokes, making fun of people, bullying, taking a pack of paper home from work, thinking sexually about a member of the opposite sex, etc. These actions not only hold you in infancy but are visible by outsiders (non-followers of Christ). Holy Dad is dissappointed and saddend by your lack of love for Him. When we obey the most important command to love God with our total being these kinds of actions are not even considered. So, if you are stuck in infancy, what are you missing out on? A life of love and peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and the all important self-control. You may recognize these confidence elements from Galatians 5: 22-23.
Now on to our 21 day journal note. This one helped me to get un-stuck. At a not-to-distant time ago (before God's word healed me) I would find myself in a confrontation fully knowing that I was in the right but being unable to express myself clearly and confidently. My mind would freeze up in these tense situations. But now I find that I am less stressed and have a clarity of thinking when I need to stand up for the right thing. If you are brave enough to admit to a similar predicament then I challenge you to write this 21 day note once a day for 21 days to free yourself. Take it from me--it feels wonderful. I am no longer afraid of these situations.
21 Day Journal Note # 13
Fear of Rejection?
2 Timothy 1:7 (combined versions) God did not give me a spirit of fear/timidity, but He gave me a Spirit of power, love and self-discipline/sound mind.
My fear of future relational pain is from Satan. I refuse to feel this unnecessary fear. I have God's power and love infused in me. I have God's sound mind to think rationally and calmly when in the middle of being relationally challenged. I have self-discipline to use all of God' wonderful gifts and promises. Future relational pain will sting but I will not be devastated.
end of note.
Precious friend, enjoy the changing of your seasons, and please by all means change!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
I am looking out my windows this very second and am inspired by the golden oranges, yellows and reds on the mountain sides. It is beautiful. I am so honored to be here and soak in the wonderfulness of God's landscape. It is His landscape. It is His sky. It is His season. It is His sunshine or rain (whichever is happening in your area). Everything belongs to Him. He just allows us to manage whatever He has placed in our care--so take really good care of it.
A couple of days ago Rocky (my dog) and I took a walk down the road. I was getting bored with the same old walk in the campground so down the highway we went. These are country roads so there wasn't too much traffic. I was enjoying the newer view of the mountains when I was pleasantly surprised at what was around the curve. There was a driveway leading into the cutest little farm. The way it was decorated was so inviting. Orange pumpkins dotted the driveway and sidewalk to the home. At first I thought the house was a barn (and it may have been in another life) but it was a rustic-looking house. A row of pine trees lined the side of the road. The limbs had been cropped off on up high and attached to every trunk were birdhouses--soooo cute! And then walking past the next barn/apt on top- building was a pond. A pond with ducks. And this pond has a little pier with two adirondack chairs for sitting and relaxing. On the other side of the pond is a fountain type thing so that one can sit and enjoy the flowing water sound. Rocky and I just stood around and feasted our eyes and imaginations for quite a while. He enjoyed the ducks and I mentally enjoyed sitting in one of those chairs. You know, it may not be my farm but God allowed me to be refreshed by this pleasant surprise. I went back to the camper energized and Rocky had plenty of exercise and excitement. God is good!
I think that this may be the peak weekend to view the color changes of the leaves. If it isn't then next weekend for sure. I can sense God's awesomeness just by looking at His ever-changing creation. And friend, you are part of His ever-changing creation. Think about it. Your life has seasons. Babyhood, childhood, teenagehood and adulthood. Even adulthood has different seasons. Young adult, middleage and senior years. The adult years also pose other possiblities of change such as singleness, married life, parental responsibilities, caring for aging parents and retirement life. And there are other events: staying at home, school, carreer, vacations and back to stay at home with retirement age. Did you ever think about life being so un-boring? Some of us feel like we have a boring, stagnant life but actuallly we don't. It only feels that way because of faulty thinking. Others of us feel like we have a chaotic life--and maybe we do. Who can control that? Ah, yes, that would be me. But I like having my life controled and directed by God, the author of ever-changing seasons. He has the best transitions. Life is more enjoyable His way.
There is another part of life that is ever-changing. Can you guess what it is? It is our spiritual life. Our spiritual life grows, matures and enriches us. But consider this, we can get stuck in a phase of spiritual life. Take a look at 1 Corinthians 3: 1-3 (NLT): "Dear brothers and sisters, when I was with you I couldn't talk to you as I would to mature Christians. I had to talk as though you belonged to this world or as though you were infants in the Christian life. I had to feed you with milk and not with solid food, because you couldn't handle anything stronger. And you still aren't ready, for you are still controlled by your own sinful desires. you are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn't that prove you are controlled by your own desires? You are acting like people who don't belong to the Lord." The question to ask yourself is: do I still look like the world, laughing at dirty jokes, making fun of people, bullying, taking a pack of paper home from work, thinking sexually about a member of the opposite sex, etc. These actions not only hold you in infancy but are visible by outsiders (non-followers of Christ). Holy Dad is dissappointed and saddend by your lack of love for Him. When we obey the most important command to love God with our total being these kinds of actions are not even considered. So, if you are stuck in infancy, what are you missing out on? A life of love and peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness and the all important self-control. You may recognize these confidence elements from Galatians 5: 22-23.
Now on to our 21 day journal note. This one helped me to get un-stuck. At a not-to-distant time ago (before God's word healed me) I would find myself in a confrontation fully knowing that I was in the right but being unable to express myself clearly and confidently. My mind would freeze up in these tense situations. But now I find that I am less stressed and have a clarity of thinking when I need to stand up for the right thing. If you are brave enough to admit to a similar predicament then I challenge you to write this 21 day note once a day for 21 days to free yourself. Take it from me--it feels wonderful. I am no longer afraid of these situations.
21 Day Journal Note # 13
Fear of Rejection?
2 Timothy 1:7 (combined versions) God did not give me a spirit of fear/timidity, but He gave me a Spirit of power, love and self-discipline/sound mind.
My fear of future relational pain is from Satan. I refuse to feel this unnecessary fear. I have God's power and love infused in me. I have God's sound mind to think rationally and calmly when in the middle of being relationally challenged. I have self-discipline to use all of God' wonderful gifts and promises. Future relational pain will sting but I will not be devastated.
end of note.
Precious friend, enjoy the changing of your seasons, and please by all means change!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, September 30, 2011
More Friends, Yeah!!
Super Friday to everyone!! Ah, the weekend is here and looking forward to it. I had a good week (and hope you did, too) but I'm looking forward to spending time with my man.
Keevin and I are living in our camper until we can get adjusted here in Boone, then we will search for a rental property. Our long term goal is to own a 10-acre farm, grow vegetables, goats, donkies and enjoy lots of entertainment with friends, family and neighbors on the property. But for now, we are living in a camp ground. That means all of my plants are outdoors. I am hoping that the campground lady will allow me to place my plants in her pavilion should cold weather happen upon us before we are able to rent a house or apartment. So, it crossed my mind that I should watch the weather and keep up with possible frost dates. And low and behold, yesterday the weatherman says "possible snow in the higher elevations for Saturday." Yikes!!! And guess what? Last night I dreamed that it snowed on my plants. Thankfully, it was just a dream but I am coming up with a plan to temporarily protect my plants without having to haul all of them down to the pavilion just now. I am sure there are plenty of warm, sun-filled days left for them to benefit from. I promise to keep you informed of the health of my plants.
Moving here to Boone has opened up my eyes to some things. I have found myself suffering from a generalized feeling of stress. What's that about? I think it has to do with people connections. I had a conversation with God about this and I want to share it with you. It is amazing how He answered me. Listen on:
As I began journaling to God, yesterday morning, I recognized Him as the Supreme and the only true Authority. I thanked Him for being who He is. I then found myself writing "I realy can trust You!" Knowing the conflict I had within myself regarding people connections I asked Him to help me write a 21 day journal note and I thanked Him for helping me with that request. I asked Holy Dad "Lord, are there hidden things in my psyche that leads me to avoid connections with others?" I am starved for deeper solid connections but I don't dare try due to fear of rejection. That failure of pursuing others also causes me to feel worthless in terms of relationship material. As I thought more about my situation I realized that I have been blaming others. The fact is I am probably giving off a coolness vibe that is not welcoming. I have emitted that coolness vibe as a protection element, however I am really missing out on some wonderful relationships that could enrich my life. Do you resonate with my feelings at all? If you do --keep following this path. You and I are going to be healed of this.
Back to my journaling: I asked God to help me write a 21 day journal note that would draw me out and keep me out of the soggy, boggy place of seclusion. I thanked Him. At that time I just wanted to praise Him so I worte "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!" I wanted to continue but need inspiration, so I turned to the book of Psalm and scanned the first verses for a chapter that I could praise Him with. Verse 1 of chapter 27 looked good. I wrote it down and kept on writing. I am so excited about what I found that I want you to read it with me. Here it is: 1. The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? (those who reject me?) The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (O Lord, take my fear of rejection from others away from me) 7. Hear my voice when I call O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 10. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (Father, even if the most important people to me in the world reject me--YOU WON'T!!) 13. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Father, sounds like you have a lot of good things to enrich me with while living among the people you have surrounded me with) Well, chapter 27 was good, so I kept reading. Psalm 28:6 says "Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. (Lord, thank you for hearing my requests this morning) 7. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. (WOW! I told Him "I can really trust You" and now He is talking back to me and showing me His helping hand) My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Yes, I am very happy!)
And Psalm 30 is super good: 2. O Lord my God, I called to You for help and You healed me. (did you hear the word heal just as I did?) (He is going to heal us of our distorted thinking) 3. O Lord, You brought me up from the grave; You spared me from going down into the pit. (Father, You really did hear me talk about the soggy, boggy place of seclusion, didn't You?) 9. What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness? (I knew that soggy, boggy place of seclusion was doing You and me no good--but I didn't realize You would tell me about it so clearly this morning)
I don't know if you've ever experienced an instant conversation with God --but what I can tell you of my experience is that it is absolutely amazing and touching. You should give it a try!! I started out with praise verses and He chimed in with hope and encouragement and answers. I love it!
Now that brings me to the 21 day journal note that God gave to heal you and me.
21 Day Journal Note # 12
Deep, solid connections
Due to past experiences of relational injury and rejection, I find myself sinking into a soggy, boggy seclusion. It feels safe there--but lonely. God, You designed me to be a relational being but the perceived safety of seclusion seems to draw me away from others. Psalm 27:10, 13 (NIV) says: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the lalnd of the living." Psalm 30:2,9 wonderfully says: "O Lord my God, I called to You for help and You healed me. What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?" Holy Dad, You are enabling me to move up and out of this soggy, boggy place of seclusion. I feel secure living in the land with people. I am warm and friendly and welcoming. I am enjoying the times that I spend engaging the company of others. I am looking for enrichments from those I am with. I am breathing. I am relaxing. I am letting my guard down and trusting You. The real me is finally blossoming!! Father, You are awesome!!
end of journal note.
I started day 1 of this note this morning and it felt good knowing that I am exercising self-discipline to overcome my fear. Give it a try--it's really not that hard.
Confidence elements this 21 day journal note improves: love, joy, peace, kindness.
Confidence busters this one eliminates: fearful, gossip, self-centered, timid, uncertain, wallowing, unhealed wounds, anxiety, procrastination, depression, disloyalty, jealousy, dissatisfaction, uncaring, rejected, cowardly, and unloved.
What did you think about the Life Directive (Bible study) I want to write to find self-identity? The comments I received from my request in the last blog have been very helpful. Thank you so much. I still want to hear from more of you--the more comments I receive the more valuable the life directive will be.
Here's another question for you: what kind of situation makes your heart race? I'd love to hear from you. Don't forget to sign up for the Life Directive at my email address: wynndywilson@yahoo.com
All of you wonderful folks have a great weekend!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Keevin and I are living in our camper until we can get adjusted here in Boone, then we will search for a rental property. Our long term goal is to own a 10-acre farm, grow vegetables, goats, donkies and enjoy lots of entertainment with friends, family and neighbors on the property. But for now, we are living in a camp ground. That means all of my plants are outdoors. I am hoping that the campground lady will allow me to place my plants in her pavilion should cold weather happen upon us before we are able to rent a house or apartment. So, it crossed my mind that I should watch the weather and keep up with possible frost dates. And low and behold, yesterday the weatherman says "possible snow in the higher elevations for Saturday." Yikes!!! And guess what? Last night I dreamed that it snowed on my plants. Thankfully, it was just a dream but I am coming up with a plan to temporarily protect my plants without having to haul all of them down to the pavilion just now. I am sure there are plenty of warm, sun-filled days left for them to benefit from. I promise to keep you informed of the health of my plants.
Moving here to Boone has opened up my eyes to some things. I have found myself suffering from a generalized feeling of stress. What's that about? I think it has to do with people connections. I had a conversation with God about this and I want to share it with you. It is amazing how He answered me. Listen on:
As I began journaling to God, yesterday morning, I recognized Him as the Supreme and the only true Authority. I thanked Him for being who He is. I then found myself writing "I realy can trust You!" Knowing the conflict I had within myself regarding people connections I asked Him to help me write a 21 day journal note and I thanked Him for helping me with that request. I asked Holy Dad "Lord, are there hidden things in my psyche that leads me to avoid connections with others?" I am starved for deeper solid connections but I don't dare try due to fear of rejection. That failure of pursuing others also causes me to feel worthless in terms of relationship material. As I thought more about my situation I realized that I have been blaming others. The fact is I am probably giving off a coolness vibe that is not welcoming. I have emitted that coolness vibe as a protection element, however I am really missing out on some wonderful relationships that could enrich my life. Do you resonate with my feelings at all? If you do --keep following this path. You and I are going to be healed of this.
Back to my journaling: I asked God to help me write a 21 day journal note that would draw me out and keep me out of the soggy, boggy place of seclusion. I thanked Him. At that time I just wanted to praise Him so I worte "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again, Rejoice!" I wanted to continue but need inspiration, so I turned to the book of Psalm and scanned the first verses for a chapter that I could praise Him with. Verse 1 of chapter 27 looked good. I wrote it down and kept on writing. I am so excited about what I found that I want you to read it with me. Here it is: 1. The Lord is my light and my salvation--whom shall I fear? (those who reject me?) The Lord is the stronghold of my life--of whom shall I be afraid? (O Lord, take my fear of rejection from others away from me) 7. Hear my voice when I call O Lord; be merciful to me and answer me. 10. Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. (Father, even if the most important people to me in the world reject me--YOU WON'T!!) 13. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. (Father, sounds like you have a lot of good things to enrich me with while living among the people you have surrounded me with) Well, chapter 27 was good, so I kept reading. Psalm 28:6 says "Praise be to the Lord, for He has heard my cry for mercy. (Lord, thank you for hearing my requests this morning) 7. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped. (WOW! I told Him "I can really trust You" and now He is talking back to me and showing me His helping hand) My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (Yes, I am very happy!)
And Psalm 30 is super good: 2. O Lord my God, I called to You for help and You healed me. (did you hear the word heal just as I did?) (He is going to heal us of our distorted thinking) 3. O Lord, You brought me up from the grave; You spared me from going down into the pit. (Father, You really did hear me talk about the soggy, boggy place of seclusion, didn't You?) 9. What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness? (I knew that soggy, boggy place of seclusion was doing You and me no good--but I didn't realize You would tell me about it so clearly this morning)
I don't know if you've ever experienced an instant conversation with God --but what I can tell you of my experience is that it is absolutely amazing and touching. You should give it a try!! I started out with praise verses and He chimed in with hope and encouragement and answers. I love it!
Now that brings me to the 21 day journal note that God gave to heal you and me.
21 Day Journal Note # 12
Deep, solid connections
Due to past experiences of relational injury and rejection, I find myself sinking into a soggy, boggy seclusion. It feels safe there--but lonely. God, You designed me to be a relational being but the perceived safety of seclusion seems to draw me away from others. Psalm 27:10, 13 (NIV) says: "Though my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me. I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the lalnd of the living." Psalm 30:2,9 wonderfully says: "O Lord my God, I called to You for help and You healed me. What gain is there in my destruction, in my going down into the pit? Will dust praise You? Will it proclaim Your faithfulness?" Holy Dad, You are enabling me to move up and out of this soggy, boggy place of seclusion. I feel secure living in the land with people. I am warm and friendly and welcoming. I am enjoying the times that I spend engaging the company of others. I am looking for enrichments from those I am with. I am breathing. I am relaxing. I am letting my guard down and trusting You. The real me is finally blossoming!! Father, You are awesome!!
end of journal note.
I started day 1 of this note this morning and it felt good knowing that I am exercising self-discipline to overcome my fear. Give it a try--it's really not that hard.
Confidence elements this 21 day journal note improves: love, joy, peace, kindness.
Confidence busters this one eliminates: fearful, gossip, self-centered, timid, uncertain, wallowing, unhealed wounds, anxiety, procrastination, depression, disloyalty, jealousy, dissatisfaction, uncaring, rejected, cowardly, and unloved.
What did you think about the Life Directive (Bible study) I want to write to find self-identity? The comments I received from my request in the last blog have been very helpful. Thank you so much. I still want to hear from more of you--the more comments I receive the more valuable the life directive will be.
Here's another question for you: what kind of situation makes your heart race? I'd love to hear from you. Don't forget to sign up for the Life Directive at my email address: wynndywilson@yahoo.com
All of you wonderful folks have a great weekend!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Monday, September 26, 2011
More Faith Stretching
Happy Monday to all! Dear friends, I hope you had a great weekend and are refreshed to live out another wonderful week that our Awesome God has given us. We had a beautiful day of sunshine and warmer temperatures here in Boone, NC yesterday. But Saturday night and on into Sunday morning was stormy, thunder and lightening. So when the sun came out in time for church, I was happy!! Keevin's aunt and uncle, Ida and Paul, drove over the mountain from Elizabethton, TN to worship with us. It was so nice to spend the day with them. I have realized here in our new town, without the net of friends and family back home, that connections are important. Both those in presence, voice or computer are all appreciated and very fulfilling.
Keevin's job story unfolded right before our eyes during my last blog. However, the story didn't end there. Keevin showed up two days in a row for his new job with the asphalt company, however the workers were sent right back home. Why? you ask. Because it has to be above 60 degrees and not raining. So the first day was very chilly and the second was raining. Keevin and I felt very let down and discouraged but we went back to God and asked Him for a job. Ida happened to call and check on us and I sadly told her the situation. She lovingly talked to me and encouraged me. But at the end of the conversation she said she would pray for us when she got off the phone. Not long after that Keevin had the idea about calling his last boss from STS trucking company in Smyrna, TN and ask him about over-the-road jobs out of the Greenville, TN terminal, which is about 1 1/2 hours away from here. Tim was happy to help him out and promised to have him home on the weekends (when we meet for church). We were ecstatic!! Keevin admitted to me that he hadn't thought of calling STS untill that day. You know what I think? I think it was God stretching our faith. And I think God answered Ida's prayers. God could have led Keevin to consider his previous employer at the beginning but what would we have learned about our faith and have you experience it with us? Why do you think God doesn't reveal the big plan to us from the beginning? I also believe that God deals with us the same way He designed us to think and grow. Take my writing, for example. I didn't start out sounding like this. My style has evolved. If you have ever decorated a room, you will remember that one thing led to another, none of it on paper when you first started out the project. Doing life God's way is certainly not boring. It is truly a winding path.
Where are you on the faith path that God had designed for you? Look down and see where your feet are planted and go from there. God is with you and steering you in the right direction--it just may take on some twists and turns, but that's ok. It means that your life is a colorful one.
So what is today's journal note about? This note gave me the freedom to speak up for myself. The freedom I felt from this one also added the benefit of speaking up for myself in a loving way and not an angry or guilt-ridden way. It also removed a barrier of the dread of doing it, the fear of it, and possible rejection.
21 Day Journal Note # 11
Don't Keep Hurt Feelings Bottled Up Inside!
Matthew 18:15-16 (MSG) If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him--work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.
When one of my friends hurts me I will go to her and tell her how I feel. If she understands my feelings then our friendship is stronger. If she doesn't understand then I have the option to take another friend or two along so that the presence of others will help us all to remain objective and hopefully salvage the relationship. If the situation remains unresolved then it maybe time to step away from the friendship.
end of journal note.
Confidence elements that are founded by this journal note are: peace, gentleness, and self-control.
Confidence busters that are deleted from my life: fear of rejection, powerlessness, timidity, unhealed wound, unnecessary guilt, anxiety, anger, bitterness/resentement, dissatisfaction, frustration, being cowardly, unsettled and weak.
Friend, take 21 days to jot this one down once a day and discover the freedom I now have. I warn you that when you discover your freedom it will not be a dramatic feeling. You'll quietly notice that you are able to speak up unlike times past. That's when you'll find yourself doing the happy dance (or wanting to).
Now on to other matters: I have been mullilng over a new project idea and wondered if you could help. I want to write a Life Directive (Bible Study) on self-identity (who am I?) A tentative title is "Comfortable in My Own Skin". What I want from you is to know what keeps you from feeling comfortable in your skin? What stifles your life? I want ideas from you to give me directions and topics of what to read about and research God's good word for. I have lots of ideas from my personal life but you may give this life directive move substance and value. We are all in this life together and lots of us have similar situations and feelings, so please feel free to share with me and it will be in confidence. Either comment on this blog or send me a note at WynndyWilson@yahoo.com. Also, sign up for this life directive the same way-by responding to my email account or this blog and I will add you to the receiving list. Thank you in advance for your input.
Friend, I wish you a great day and week. You are what you think!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Keevin's job story unfolded right before our eyes during my last blog. However, the story didn't end there. Keevin showed up two days in a row for his new job with the asphalt company, however the workers were sent right back home. Why? you ask. Because it has to be above 60 degrees and not raining. So the first day was very chilly and the second was raining. Keevin and I felt very let down and discouraged but we went back to God and asked Him for a job. Ida happened to call and check on us and I sadly told her the situation. She lovingly talked to me and encouraged me. But at the end of the conversation she said she would pray for us when she got off the phone. Not long after that Keevin had the idea about calling his last boss from STS trucking company in Smyrna, TN and ask him about over-the-road jobs out of the Greenville, TN terminal, which is about 1 1/2 hours away from here. Tim was happy to help him out and promised to have him home on the weekends (when we meet for church). We were ecstatic!! Keevin admitted to me that he hadn't thought of calling STS untill that day. You know what I think? I think it was God stretching our faith. And I think God answered Ida's prayers. God could have led Keevin to consider his previous employer at the beginning but what would we have learned about our faith and have you experience it with us? Why do you think God doesn't reveal the big plan to us from the beginning? I also believe that God deals with us the same way He designed us to think and grow. Take my writing, for example. I didn't start out sounding like this. My style has evolved. If you have ever decorated a room, you will remember that one thing led to another, none of it on paper when you first started out the project. Doing life God's way is certainly not boring. It is truly a winding path.
Where are you on the faith path that God had designed for you? Look down and see where your feet are planted and go from there. God is with you and steering you in the right direction--it just may take on some twists and turns, but that's ok. It means that your life is a colorful one.
So what is today's journal note about? This note gave me the freedom to speak up for myself. The freedom I felt from this one also added the benefit of speaking up for myself in a loving way and not an angry or guilt-ridden way. It also removed a barrier of the dread of doing it, the fear of it, and possible rejection.
21 Day Journal Note # 11
Don't Keep Hurt Feelings Bottled Up Inside!
Matthew 18:15-16 (MSG) If a fellow believer hurts you, go and tell him--work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a friend. If he won't listen, take one or two others along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.
When one of my friends hurts me I will go to her and tell her how I feel. If she understands my feelings then our friendship is stronger. If she doesn't understand then I have the option to take another friend or two along so that the presence of others will help us all to remain objective and hopefully salvage the relationship. If the situation remains unresolved then it maybe time to step away from the friendship.
end of journal note.
Confidence elements that are founded by this journal note are: peace, gentleness, and self-control.
Confidence busters that are deleted from my life: fear of rejection, powerlessness, timidity, unhealed wound, unnecessary guilt, anxiety, anger, bitterness/resentement, dissatisfaction, frustration, being cowardly, unsettled and weak.
Friend, take 21 days to jot this one down once a day and discover the freedom I now have. I warn you that when you discover your freedom it will not be a dramatic feeling. You'll quietly notice that you are able to speak up unlike times past. That's when you'll find yourself doing the happy dance (or wanting to).
Now on to other matters: I have been mullilng over a new project idea and wondered if you could help. I want to write a Life Directive (Bible Study) on self-identity (who am I?) A tentative title is "Comfortable in My Own Skin". What I want from you is to know what keeps you from feeling comfortable in your skin? What stifles your life? I want ideas from you to give me directions and topics of what to read about and research God's good word for. I have lots of ideas from my personal life but you may give this life directive move substance and value. We are all in this life together and lots of us have similar situations and feelings, so please feel free to share with me and it will be in confidence. Either comment on this blog or send me a note at WynndyWilson@yahoo.com. Also, sign up for this life directive the same way-by responding to my email account or this blog and I will add you to the receiving list. Thank you in advance for your input.
Friend, I wish you a great day and week. You are what you think!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Monday, September 19, 2011
Keep the faith!
What a lovely day this Monday is!! God has blessed Western NC with sunshine today. Lately we have had lots of cloud cover with sprinkling of rain--not enough to water my plants. Oh well. Being that I have water means that the lack of rain is not a current problem. I am grateful that we are not suffering drought conditions here and I am praying for our neighbors across the US who do have the problem.
Yesterday, Keevin and I held the first gathering here at the campground pavilion to worship our amazing God and fellowship. We hauled the coffee maker, creamer, sugar and snack cakes to the pavilion and used our broom to sweep off the benches so no one would get dirty. We had a good time with a couple by the name of Parker, which happens to be my maiden name. We also met a new friend, Teresa, and her grandson. Teresa and I will be starting a Bible study before long and I hope she brings some of her friends and co-workers. Keevin and I don't operate by traditonal standards as most churches do and yesterday was no exception. Being that it was chilly outside, we were all bundled up in our overcoats, jeans and brogans. Not the traditional Sunday-wear. But we like it different. God doesn't care as long as we lift up His name ad praise Him.
I find myself in a writing stupor this week and I want to share with you why that is. I believe you will be able to relate and use the info for future use. Week before last we past out flyers for our cleaning business with little response. Last week Keeven began a search for a job--because we do have to eat. He was starting to stress out and I started to stress out. And we found out that there are few jobs around here (which we had an idea before moving here of that possiblity). I tried to keep my faith in God as strong as possible but sometimes it wavers. Last Tuesday we drove over to Mountain City, TN (TN state line just 8 miles from campground) to look for truck-driving companies. Not many in that area either but on the way back home we spotted one of the MayMeade plants. They do asphalt, haul gravel, etc, with dump trucks. He stopped by and the guy told him where the main office is and to go there. They had just fired 3 guys (sorry guys!) and had possible job openings. So we backtracked to the main office. While traveling back I noticed a church sign that said "exercise faith muscle." I didn't place much importance on it and shoved it to the back of my mind. Not long after that my mentor, Ida, called to check on us and she shared a story about faith in God with me. Thanks Ida!! And as I sat in the truck while Keevin was filling out an application I saw a logo in the local newspaper. It said "focus on faith." Three times God was telling me to keep my faith in Him. Keevin came out of the office and left the application there as the boss was out of the office. We drove back home. Time went on and he continued his search for a job. I would also search for one but I have to wait and see how his situation turns out because we are a one-vehicle family. Hopefully I will be able to take him to work and then find empoyement within those hours of his. Friday came and we both had break downs. I was so depressed and worried. Reality sets in and a body can't help but feel desperate. Well, the depression messed with my mind. My mind felt paralyzed and couldn't think much about anything. Have you ever felt that before? And Friday's are my blog days, but I wasn't able to write at all. Saturday morning came and I took Rocky, our little dog, out for a walk in the campground. I told God, "I trust You even if You don't provide Keevin with a job. You will make things work out!" And friend, I didn't feel much better but I did mean what I told God. We are sure that He sent us here and will take care of us and give us means to start the church for Him. Keevin and I moped about in the camper eating lunch and he noticed that he had a voice mail. For some reason his phone doesn't receive good signal inside the camper. A glimer of hope shown on his face as he listened to it. The boss of the MayMeade company had called on Saturday morning about some positions. I shouted "hallelujah"!! Granted, he doesn't officially have a job yet but there was hope and on a Saturday which is not a work-week day. Do you think that the minute I told God I trust Him no matter what was the time that the MayMeade plant boss left the message? Could be.
Even though we had job hope, my mind was still frozen from the bad chemicals that my brain had fed it from the depression and worry. That bad chemical is called cortisol. It seems to take me a while to recover from crisis-mode. So today I am trying to move past a little lag and accomplish my task of working for God.
Questions for you: How many times have you been in a mind-paralyzing state and God spoke to you and you shoved it away never to go back and admit that God was speaking to you? Have you searched for a mind-healing method that allows God's thoughts to rewire your thinking so that when you are attacked you will be able to still hear God through the paralyzing times? Are you practicing "trusting" God? Have you memorized Psalm 37:3-4 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"? Friend, God is our ruler and authority. He knows all and rules all. His thoughts are higher than our sqrawny human ones and His ways are higher than ours. It is hard to remember this when we are under attack but if we preventatively prepare ourselves we will be shielded from the harmful effects that Satan has planned.
I want to explain to any newcomers what a 21 day journal note is. Our brains and minds are fed lots of incorrect information from childhood up and that mess is soaked into our subconscious minds. Our brain becomes so accustomed to the wrong information that it registers it as truth. That in turns causes us to think distortedly. Just reading God's good words doesn't change us because our brains reject is as our truth. It is a scientific fact that we can rewire our thinking by handwriting God's word and thoughts once a day x 21 days. It takes 21 days to change a habit and our thinking is no different. It amazingly works. Handwriting triggers the brain in a wonderful way. You will feel the effects by day 4 but continue on to the 21st day for complete healing. I have been sharing the 21 day journal notes that have helped me. A lot of them have healed relational pain and have set me free from the prison that they had me in. Please, please give it a try. If you are a person who learns from unorthodox methods-such as visual or oral -then try to find a way to incorporate these 21 day journal notes into those systems.
Now for the journal note:
21 day journal note # 10
How to overcome past relational pain:
Psalm 37 (NIV) 1. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong. 7. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. 9. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
I am not fretting and worrying because of past relational pain. Instead, I am standing still before You, Lord, waiting patiently and calmly for You. I refuse to get stuck in an angry rut toward people who have hurt me. I choose to forgive them. Fretting and worrying produces only one thing and that is bad behavior. Bad behavior breaks up relationships. God is dealing with bad behavior whether it is mine or others. But since I hope in You, Lord, I will thrive!
end of journal note.
Did you notice that the scripture I used at the beginning of this blog (Psalm 37:3-4) is smack in the middle of today's journal note?
Well friend, I have a huge praise. Keevin just walked in the door and announced that he starts work in the morning at 6:30. Hallelujah!!!!!!! God is soooo Gooooodddd!!!
Please learn and employ the good things that God has so graciously showed me--and all of it is in His wonderful word.
Have a great day, Friend!!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Yesterday, Keevin and I held the first gathering here at the campground pavilion to worship our amazing God and fellowship. We hauled the coffee maker, creamer, sugar and snack cakes to the pavilion and used our broom to sweep off the benches so no one would get dirty. We had a good time with a couple by the name of Parker, which happens to be my maiden name. We also met a new friend, Teresa, and her grandson. Teresa and I will be starting a Bible study before long and I hope she brings some of her friends and co-workers. Keevin and I don't operate by traditonal standards as most churches do and yesterday was no exception. Being that it was chilly outside, we were all bundled up in our overcoats, jeans and brogans. Not the traditional Sunday-wear. But we like it different. God doesn't care as long as we lift up His name ad praise Him.
I find myself in a writing stupor this week and I want to share with you why that is. I believe you will be able to relate and use the info for future use. Week before last we past out flyers for our cleaning business with little response. Last week Keeven began a search for a job--because we do have to eat. He was starting to stress out and I started to stress out. And we found out that there are few jobs around here (which we had an idea before moving here of that possiblity). I tried to keep my faith in God as strong as possible but sometimes it wavers. Last Tuesday we drove over to Mountain City, TN (TN state line just 8 miles from campground) to look for truck-driving companies. Not many in that area either but on the way back home we spotted one of the MayMeade plants. They do asphalt, haul gravel, etc, with dump trucks. He stopped by and the guy told him where the main office is and to go there. They had just fired 3 guys (sorry guys!) and had possible job openings. So we backtracked to the main office. While traveling back I noticed a church sign that said "exercise faith muscle." I didn't place much importance on it and shoved it to the back of my mind. Not long after that my mentor, Ida, called to check on us and she shared a story about faith in God with me. Thanks Ida!! And as I sat in the truck while Keevin was filling out an application I saw a logo in the local newspaper. It said "focus on faith." Three times God was telling me to keep my faith in Him. Keevin came out of the office and left the application there as the boss was out of the office. We drove back home. Time went on and he continued his search for a job. I would also search for one but I have to wait and see how his situation turns out because we are a one-vehicle family. Hopefully I will be able to take him to work and then find empoyement within those hours of his. Friday came and we both had break downs. I was so depressed and worried. Reality sets in and a body can't help but feel desperate. Well, the depression messed with my mind. My mind felt paralyzed and couldn't think much about anything. Have you ever felt that before? And Friday's are my blog days, but I wasn't able to write at all. Saturday morning came and I took Rocky, our little dog, out for a walk in the campground. I told God, "I trust You even if You don't provide Keevin with a job. You will make things work out!" And friend, I didn't feel much better but I did mean what I told God. We are sure that He sent us here and will take care of us and give us means to start the church for Him. Keevin and I moped about in the camper eating lunch and he noticed that he had a voice mail. For some reason his phone doesn't receive good signal inside the camper. A glimer of hope shown on his face as he listened to it. The boss of the MayMeade company had called on Saturday morning about some positions. I shouted "hallelujah"!! Granted, he doesn't officially have a job yet but there was hope and on a Saturday which is not a work-week day. Do you think that the minute I told God I trust Him no matter what was the time that the MayMeade plant boss left the message? Could be.
Even though we had job hope, my mind was still frozen from the bad chemicals that my brain had fed it from the depression and worry. That bad chemical is called cortisol. It seems to take me a while to recover from crisis-mode. So today I am trying to move past a little lag and accomplish my task of working for God.
Questions for you: How many times have you been in a mind-paralyzing state and God spoke to you and you shoved it away never to go back and admit that God was speaking to you? Have you searched for a mind-healing method that allows God's thoughts to rewire your thinking so that when you are attacked you will be able to still hear God through the paralyzing times? Are you practicing "trusting" God? Have you memorized Psalm 37:3-4 (NIV): "Trust in the Lord and do good. Dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart"? Friend, God is our ruler and authority. He knows all and rules all. His thoughts are higher than our sqrawny human ones and His ways are higher than ours. It is hard to remember this when we are under attack but if we preventatively prepare ourselves we will be shielded from the harmful effects that Satan has planned.
I want to explain to any newcomers what a 21 day journal note is. Our brains and minds are fed lots of incorrect information from childhood up and that mess is soaked into our subconscious minds. Our brain becomes so accustomed to the wrong information that it registers it as truth. That in turns causes us to think distortedly. Just reading God's good words doesn't change us because our brains reject is as our truth. It is a scientific fact that we can rewire our thinking by handwriting God's word and thoughts once a day x 21 days. It takes 21 days to change a habit and our thinking is no different. It amazingly works. Handwriting triggers the brain in a wonderful way. You will feel the effects by day 4 but continue on to the 21st day for complete healing. I have been sharing the 21 day journal notes that have helped me. A lot of them have healed relational pain and have set me free from the prison that they had me in. Please, please give it a try. If you are a person who learns from unorthodox methods-such as visual or oral -then try to find a way to incorporate these 21 day journal notes into those systems.
Now for the journal note:
21 day journal note # 10
How to overcome past relational pain:
Psalm 37 (NIV) 1. Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong. 7. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. 8. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret--it leads only to evil. 9. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
I am not fretting and worrying because of past relational pain. Instead, I am standing still before You, Lord, waiting patiently and calmly for You. I refuse to get stuck in an angry rut toward people who have hurt me. I choose to forgive them. Fretting and worrying produces only one thing and that is bad behavior. Bad behavior breaks up relationships. God is dealing with bad behavior whether it is mine or others. But since I hope in You, Lord, I will thrive!
end of journal note.
Did you notice that the scripture I used at the beginning of this blog (Psalm 37:3-4) is smack in the middle of today's journal note?
Well friend, I have a huge praise. Keevin just walked in the door and announced that he starts work in the morning at 6:30. Hallelujah!!!!!!! God is soooo Gooooodddd!!!
Please learn and employ the good things that God has so graciously showed me--and all of it is in His wonderful word.
Have a great day, Friend!!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
Friday, September 9, 2011
Included!!
Welcome to all readers!! God directed you to this blog for encouragement today. I feel that most readers will be able to relate to the topic, but first let me tell you about a dream I had last night.
When I woke up I had to think twice about what I had just experienced. Was it real or just a dream? A fellow church lady came up to me and asked where all the ladies were. It was lunch time and no one could be found. It would have been super nice to have enjoyed the meal with friends, enjoying nice conversations and catching up on each other's families. And sharing meal suggestions, coupons, the latest chick flick, etc, would have been warming and comfortable. It would seem that this church has cliques. Does my dream sound familiar?
So I started to brain storm about cliques. First of all, what is a clique? It is a small, exclusive circle of people. And what is the opposite of clique? That would be excluded. Exclude means to refuse to admit, consider, etc; reject. There's that nasty word: reject! We usuallly observe this as a problem for women but men are also excluded from the cliques. My own husband has felt the sharp pain of exclusion from men, and these were men at church. Cliques occur at home, work, school, high-end department stores, etc. I feel we even exclude ourselves before we can be rejected by others, but we still place the blame on others. But why do we form cliques and why are we rejected? Cliques and rejection are symptoms. They are signs of troubled relationships. However, seeing the symptoms in our own lives can be hard to recognize since we get so used to feeling this way and expecting that kind of treatment or dishing that treatment out to others.
I recently led a group of ladies (Front Porch Devotions) in a study of relationships and one of the sessions was about relating to our fellow church members and how hard it can be. We also learned how to reach out to each other and why it is important to do so. We also discussed how this doesn't happen if we are relationship-handicapped and don't know how to do it.
Are you in a clique and exclude others from your circle? Are you the rejected one? Whichever one you are--you are a hurting soul. That's right, even if you seem to be surrounded by friends. Snubbing people and not even acknowledging their presense is exclusion and rejection. It makes you feel superior and the excluded one inferior, which is what you want. You may not want to admit it but I ask you to give it some thought. And you--rejected one, you are so afraid of being rejected that you shy away from friendships because you cannot bear the pain of rejection. I know how that feels and empathize with you but I know that you can be healed. I am healed!! God's word heals.
Let's refresh our memory of scripture from my last blog. It is Romans 13: 9b-10 (NIV): "Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." If we obey God's word and truly show love to our "neighbor" we would do no harm to our neighbor. Now look at Romans 16: 17-18 (NIV): "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetities. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." The word divisions sounds a lot like cliques, doesn't it? So what are the teachings Paul is talking about? Back up to Romans15:1-2 (NIV): We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please oursleves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Friend, that may mean that you need to build yourself up and become strong through God and His word. Verse 7 says: "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." See, Christ has already accepted you--you are not totally rejected. Rejected one--use this verse as a 21 day journal note to rewire your brain and create a good, solid foundation to live on.
And as a final note, Paul urges in verse 32 of chapter 15: "so that by God's will (something God wants) I may come to you with joy (sounds like a fun time) and together with you (did you hear the word together?) be refreshed (what an outcome)."
I hope that both the clique people and the rejected people have heard me. I believe one of you is more aware of the group you are in than the other. Think about it.
And I present to you: 21 day journal note #9
Stop being upset and fearful!
John 14:27 (AMP): Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, netiher let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled).
Jesus, I am accepting your loving gift of peace. Per Your command: I will not allow myself to be agitated and distrubed. I will not permit myself to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly and unsettled. Christ, Your gift of peace is allowing me to live calmly, confidently and wholly--Holy for You. Thank you my blessed Jesus!
end of journal note.
That was a good one, wasn't it? It really helped me to get past intimidation, agitation, etc. I realized that Jesus doesn't like that kind of behavior and it certainly doesn't look like Him. After all Christian means little Christ.
Friend consider healing and forgiving so that you can flourish and grow. Your gratitude will lead you straight into a life of service for Him--it will be a natural thing to do, so don't struggle against it.
What confidence elements from Galatians 5:22-23 would you assign to todays blog? and
what confidence-busters do you recognize in your life that can be healed and corrected?
Celebrate Jesus today!!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
When I woke up I had to think twice about what I had just experienced. Was it real or just a dream? A fellow church lady came up to me and asked where all the ladies were. It was lunch time and no one could be found. It would have been super nice to have enjoyed the meal with friends, enjoying nice conversations and catching up on each other's families. And sharing meal suggestions, coupons, the latest chick flick, etc, would have been warming and comfortable. It would seem that this church has cliques. Does my dream sound familiar?
So I started to brain storm about cliques. First of all, what is a clique? It is a small, exclusive circle of people. And what is the opposite of clique? That would be excluded. Exclude means to refuse to admit, consider, etc; reject. There's that nasty word: reject! We usuallly observe this as a problem for women but men are also excluded from the cliques. My own husband has felt the sharp pain of exclusion from men, and these were men at church. Cliques occur at home, work, school, high-end department stores, etc. I feel we even exclude ourselves before we can be rejected by others, but we still place the blame on others. But why do we form cliques and why are we rejected? Cliques and rejection are symptoms. They are signs of troubled relationships. However, seeing the symptoms in our own lives can be hard to recognize since we get so used to feeling this way and expecting that kind of treatment or dishing that treatment out to others.
I recently led a group of ladies (Front Porch Devotions) in a study of relationships and one of the sessions was about relating to our fellow church members and how hard it can be. We also learned how to reach out to each other and why it is important to do so. We also discussed how this doesn't happen if we are relationship-handicapped and don't know how to do it.
Are you in a clique and exclude others from your circle? Are you the rejected one? Whichever one you are--you are a hurting soul. That's right, even if you seem to be surrounded by friends. Snubbing people and not even acknowledging their presense is exclusion and rejection. It makes you feel superior and the excluded one inferior, which is what you want. You may not want to admit it but I ask you to give it some thought. And you--rejected one, you are so afraid of being rejected that you shy away from friendships because you cannot bear the pain of rejection. I know how that feels and empathize with you but I know that you can be healed. I am healed!! God's word heals.
Let's refresh our memory of scripture from my last blog. It is Romans 13: 9b-10 (NIV): "Love your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law." If we obey God's word and truly show love to our "neighbor" we would do no harm to our neighbor. Now look at Romans 16: 17-18 (NIV): "I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetities. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people." The word divisions sounds a lot like cliques, doesn't it? So what are the teachings Paul is talking about? Back up to Romans15:1-2 (NIV): We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please oursleves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up." Friend, that may mean that you need to build yourself up and become strong through God and His word. Verse 7 says: "Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God." See, Christ has already accepted you--you are not totally rejected. Rejected one--use this verse as a 21 day journal note to rewire your brain and create a good, solid foundation to live on.
And as a final note, Paul urges in verse 32 of chapter 15: "so that by God's will (something God wants) I may come to you with joy (sounds like a fun time) and together with you (did you hear the word together?) be refreshed (what an outcome)."
I hope that both the clique people and the rejected people have heard me. I believe one of you is more aware of the group you are in than the other. Think about it.
And I present to you: 21 day journal note #9
Stop being upset and fearful!
John 14:27 (AMP): Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, netiher let them be afraid. (Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled).
Jesus, I am accepting your loving gift of peace. Per Your command: I will not allow myself to be agitated and distrubed. I will not permit myself to be fearful, intimidated, cowardly and unsettled. Christ, Your gift of peace is allowing me to live calmly, confidently and wholly--Holy for You. Thank you my blessed Jesus!
end of journal note.
That was a good one, wasn't it? It really helped me to get past intimidation, agitation, etc. I realized that Jesus doesn't like that kind of behavior and it certainly doesn't look like Him. After all Christian means little Christ.
Friend consider healing and forgiving so that you can flourish and grow. Your gratitude will lead you straight into a life of service for Him--it will be a natural thing to do, so don't struggle against it.
What confidence elements from Galatians 5:22-23 would you assign to todays blog? and
what confidence-busters do you recognize in your life that can be healed and corrected?
Celebrate Jesus today!!!
Sisterly love to all, Wynndy
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