During Christmas I got a new hair dryer. This is one of those semi-fancy ones that has all the settings. Hot, warm, cold, cool shot button, high, medium and low. It also stated it was a ceramic, ionic hair dryer. The purpose of the ceramic is to heat up faster reducing drying time. I looked to Wikipedia for a clearer explanation on the iconic feature:
"Many also feature “ionic” operation, to reduce the amount of static electricity build-up in the hair. Manufacturers also claim this makes the hair “smoother.” Some stylists today consider the introduction of ionic technology to be one of the most important advances in the beauty industry."
My hair gets really frizzy so I was excited about this ion feature but after using it for a few weeks now I haven't really noticed any difference at all. Oh well, it's just a hair dryer. But then, yesterday, for the first time, I notice a little switch on the very top of the hair dryer. It says ion feature and the button can be switched off or on. Duh!! The default came out of the box switched to off, all I had to do was apply the button and there it was. Was the ion feature missing this whole time? No, it was right there the whole time, I just wasn't using it. I immediately thought of another area where we have what we need the whole time and sometimes wonder why it doesn't work.
It made me think about the power of Christ in our lives. When we are saved we have it within us through the Holy Spirit. Are we always using it or applying it to our lives? No. Does this mean that we don't have the power? Are we missing it? No, its there in us, we just aren't applying it to our lives.
I have now switched the ion button to "on" on my new hairdryer. But in my life am I applying the power of Christ that I already have in me? Something to think about for sure.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Jesus Comes to Us
The past few months I've felt this disconnect with God. To the point for like a month or so I didn't even go to church. Finally went and talked to my pastor about it. He was saying that Jesus never leaves us, which I knew in my head. But he was talking about how Jesus pursues us even in the midst of our doubt. Whether or not we isolate and back off from church and Christians or not. He gave two great stories from the Bible to illustrate. The stories have really stuck with me, enough that I've told them to a few people and was thinking about it again today so decided to share it here on my blog.
First he shared about how Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead, yet even in his doubt he stayed connected to the body of believers. And there Jesus revealed himself to Thomas.
John 20:25-29 (NLT)
25 The other followers told him, “We have seen the Lord!” He said to them, “I will not believe until I see the marks made by the nails in His hands. I will not believe until I put my finger into the marks of the nails. I will not believe until I put my hand into His side.” 26 Eight days later the followers were again inside a house. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “May you have peace!” 27 He said to Thomas, “Put your finger into My hands. Put your hand into My side. Do not doubt, believe!” 28 Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you believe. Those are happy who have never seen Me and yet believe!”
The second story was one I wasn't really familiar with. It took place after the resurrection, two men were walking to Emmaus and discussing all that had happened. They had left the rest of the believers in Jerusalem, walking sadly because they had thought Jesus was the Messiah but now they doubted that He was and even doubted the story that He had risen. Jesus came alongside them but they didn't recognize Him. He shared with them and then later that night He revealed who He was to them.
Luke 24:13-49 (NLT) (bold and italics mine)
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched. 44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. 49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The point of the two stories was to show that in our doubt, no matter where we are, Jesus WILL reveal Himself to us. Yes, it is best to stay connected to the body of believers and fellow Christians, but even when we walk away, He will always continue to pursue us and show Himself to us. Pretty awesome, huh?!!
First he shared about how Thomas doubted that Jesus had risen from the dead, yet even in his doubt he stayed connected to the body of believers. And there Jesus revealed himself to Thomas.
John 20:25-29 (NLT)
25 The other followers told him, “We have seen the Lord!” He said to them, “I will not believe until I see the marks made by the nails in His hands. I will not believe until I put my finger into the marks of the nails. I will not believe until I put my hand into His side.” 26 Eight days later the followers were again inside a house. Thomas was with them. The doors were locked. Jesus came and stood among them. He said, “May you have peace!” 27 He said to Thomas, “Put your finger into My hands. Put your hand into My side. Do not doubt, believe!” 28 Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you believe. Those are happy who have never seen Me and yet believe!”
The second story was one I wasn't really familiar with. It took place after the resurrection, two men were walking to Emmaus and discussing all that had happened. They had left the rest of the believers in Jerusalem, walking sadly because they had thought Jesus was the Messiah but now they doubted that He was and even doubted the story that He had risen. Jesus came alongside them but they didn't recognize Him. He shared with them and then later that night He revealed who He was to them.
Luke 24:13-49 (NLT) (bold and italics mine)
13 That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. 15 As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. 16 But God kept them from recognizing him. 17 He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. 18 Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” 19 “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. 20 But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. 21 We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. 22 “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. 23 They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! 24 Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” 25 Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. 26 Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” 27 Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28 By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, 29 but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. 30 As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. 31 Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! 32 They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” 33 And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, 34 who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” 35 Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread. 36 And just as they were telling about it, Jesus himself was suddenly standing there among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. 37 But the whole group was startled and frightened, thinking they were seeing a ghost! 38 “Why are you frightened?” he asked. “Why are your hearts filled with doubt? 39 Look at my hands. Look at my feet. You can see that it’s really me. Touch me and make sure that I am not a ghost, because ghosts don’t have bodies, as you see that I do.” 40 As he spoke, he showed them his hands and his feet. 41 Still they stood there in disbelief, filled with joy and wonder. Then he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42 They gave him a piece of broiled fish, 43 and he ate it as they watched. 44 Then he said, “When I was with you before, I told you that everything written about me in the law of Moses and the prophets and in the Psalms must be fulfilled.” 45 Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures. 46 And he said, “Yes, it was written long ago that the Messiah would suffer and die and rise from the dead on the third day. 47 It was also written that this message would be proclaimed in the authority of his name to all the nations, beginning in Jerusalem: ‘There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.’ 48 You are witnesses of all these things. 49 “And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.”
The point of the two stories was to show that in our doubt, no matter where we are, Jesus WILL reveal Himself to us. Yes, it is best to stay connected to the body of believers and fellow Christians, but even when we walk away, He will always continue to pursue us and show Himself to us. Pretty awesome, huh?!!
Garland Sloan Sheeks
ALBANY -- Garland S. Sheeks, 82, of Albany, GA died Thursday, December 29, 2011 at his residence after a valiant fight with cancer. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 2, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Matthews Funeral Home. Rev. Tom Pollock will officiate. Interment will follow at Floral Memory Gardens Cemetery.
Born January 6, 1929 in Mooresville, NC, Mr. Sheeks resided in Albany since 1949, moving from Virginia. His passion was providing students with a marketable skill and he did this with dedication and creativity as a Machine Tool Technologist for 34 years until his retirement from Albany Technical College in 1991 after which he remained an active member of Georgia Teachers Retirement Association. He was proud of his country and served in the Air Force, serving in the Berlin Airlift and during the Korean Conflict. His service to his country will be recognized with a military funeral during his interment.
He knew Christ as his personal Savior and was an active member of Sherwood Baptist Church. He loved life and history and was able to live this out through his love of camping, traveling all over the country, often taking his grandchildren with him. He was a long-time member of the SOWEGA chapter of the Good Sam Club and of the Winnebago Camping Club. He was also a big fan of the Atlanta Braves.
Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Loraine Sheeks of Albany, GA, a daughter and her husband, Pam and Mike Amos of Albany, GA. He has eight grandchildren, Hannah Bowyer and husband Ron, Thomas Amos and wife Christina, Nathan Amos and wife Jewell, Joel Amos and wife Wendy, Catherine Mutter and husband Lance, Jonathan Amos, Caleb Amos and wife Katie, and Elliot Amos. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren with a ninth one on the way.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Matthews Funeral Home.
Those desiring may make contributions, in lieu of flowers, to the American Cancer Society, 323 Pine Ave, Suite 100, Albany, GA or to Albany Community Hospice, 320 Foundation Lane, Albany, GA 31707.
To sign our online registry or send condolences to the family, you may visit Matthew's website at www.matthewsfuneralhome.com.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Distorted Views
During my lunch break today I had an in-depth conversation with someone on the phone. Afterward I spent some time just sitting in my truck thinking about our conversation, listening to the radio and watching the rain run in rivulets down my windshield. First I focused on the actual rivulets. How some seemed to run straight and some would divert for no reason. I'd watch some in an imaginary race and see which drop would win.
Then I started looking beyond the drops and rivulets and looking out the windshield. I could see outside, but noticed that everything was distorted; some things slightly, some things greatly, but all was distorted to some extent. Now if I had believed what I was seeing was how it was in reality, I would be going around thinking there were some awfully curved trees out there! But it got me thinking.
The rain was an external factor distorting my view of reality. And in my real life I have lots of external factors going on right now and realized that in the same way the rain distorted the view out of my windshield, these external factors are distorting what I see in my life and how I respond. What is true, is true. Doesn't matter how it looks to me at the time based on external factors. I have to remind myself what is real and true. Otherwise I react to the distortion and that in turn just makes my world even more topsy turvy! I memorized quite a bit of Scripture as a teen and in college and though I couldn't recall this verse word for word it made me think of it.
"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." I Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
I have to realize that even without all the current external factors, that in this life I will see in a distorted way. It is partial and incomplete. But I can trust in the fact that God knows how it is supposed to be and knows me completely. He knows my flaws and imperfections. He knows how badly I want to "fix" and "control" everything around me. He knows how my fixing it just makes it worse most of the time. Yet, amazingly, He in His infinite patience and love is still there. I can't prove it, but I know it, deep within I know this to be the truth. The undistorted truth. He does love me and wants the best for me. For now I just have to continue to trust that He sees the big picture and quit getting in His way. Easier said than done for sure. But next time I'm tempted to jump in and make things work like I think they should work or look, I'll try hard to first remember that I'm simply seeing this world in a distorted way. But one day I will see everything with perfect clarity.
Then I started looking beyond the drops and rivulets and looking out the windshield. I could see outside, but noticed that everything was distorted; some things slightly, some things greatly, but all was distorted to some extent. Now if I had believed what I was seeing was how it was in reality, I would be going around thinking there were some awfully curved trees out there! But it got me thinking.
The rain was an external factor distorting my view of reality. And in my real life I have lots of external factors going on right now and realized that in the same way the rain distorted the view out of my windshield, these external factors are distorting what I see in my life and how I respond. What is true, is true. Doesn't matter how it looks to me at the time based on external factors. I have to remind myself what is real and true. Otherwise I react to the distortion and that in turn just makes my world even more topsy turvy! I memorized quite a bit of Scripture as a teen and in college and though I couldn't recall this verse word for word it made me think of it.
"Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely." I Corinthians 13:12 (NLT)
I have to realize that even without all the current external factors, that in this life I will see in a distorted way. It is partial and incomplete. But I can trust in the fact that God knows how it is supposed to be and knows me completely. He knows my flaws and imperfections. He knows how badly I want to "fix" and "control" everything around me. He knows how my fixing it just makes it worse most of the time. Yet, amazingly, He in His infinite patience and love is still there. I can't prove it, but I know it, deep within I know this to be the truth. The undistorted truth. He does love me and wants the best for me. For now I just have to continue to trust that He sees the big picture and quit getting in His way. Easier said than done for sure. But next time I'm tempted to jump in and make things work like I think they should work or look, I'll try hard to first remember that I'm simply seeing this world in a distorted way. But one day I will see everything with perfect clarity.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Thanksgiving!
While at first glance, it has been a hard year for our family, if I look harder I can see SO much to be thankful for!
While Ron was out of work, we had all that we needed provided for us. If it was my way I would have seen how things would work out a month, or a week or even a full day ahead. But though I couldn't see ahead, it doesn't mean that God wasn't orchestrating things to take care of us. The same week Ron lost his job, I got a check in the mail from my brother. It had a note just saying God said we needed it. I called him and asked him when he mailed it, it was BEFORE he knew Ron had lost his job. So for me right at the beginning it was like God was trying to let me know all would be ok. Yes, we changed a lot of how we did things and what we did, but that isn't what got us through. He showed us in so many little ways that He was taking care of us. It came mostly in form of the little things (and one big thing). One day we were down to not having anything to eat that day with another day before payday...a little while later a neighbor called and invited us to an event at their church, that included a meal. Our power was taken care of one month and Ron had odd jobs that helped. Even some of the seemingly non-essentials were taken care of, a friend made sure that I was able to continue going to the gym, which was a great way to work out some of my stress. Then Ron got a job that he started in September. In the midst of trying to make decisions on what would be best for our family we realized a move was next. Wasn't sure where we were going to move to at first, but once again God provided the perfect place to move to. I have always wanted a Cape Cod home, but never really thought about it too much as there just aren't a whole lot of them around here. And here we are in a beautiful Cape Cod with a deck, lovely wooded lot and much more space! I wasn't that grateful at first, griping about leaving a house I had worked hard to decorate and take care of, packing up everything in the house and just the whole stress of moving. But now I'm sitting here looking around our new place and am just so grateful that I wasn't the one in charge, because I have more than I could even imagine. While the new job is lower pay, it did give him a truck to drive and pays his gas. Which is good because the car isn't currently running. So once again, circumstances we couldn't see at the time (the car not working) God saw and provided for ahead of time.
Last week I spent three days in a row taking LeAnne to the hospital for tests, thinking it was her appendix, hoping it wasn't something serious. She is ok and all will be fine, major thanks there. I have a job that allows me the time off and has sick time. Another thing to be grateful for.
So tonight, as I sit here in my recliner and look around our new place, I see my son and my husband talking and my daughter on her laptop. I smell a cake that I just pulled out of the oven while ago. I hear the washing machine washing clothing for us to wear and I feel the rising and falling of my dog's breath as he lies here next to my legs. I feel warm, cozy, happy and full. I'm thinking about how we will get up and head to my hometown tomorrow. Where over the weekend I will see my sister and her husband (whom I haven't seen since he returned from Afghanistan, another praise that he returned safely), a new niece I haven't seen yet and a lot of other family.
Yes, I have MUCH to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
While Ron was out of work, we had all that we needed provided for us. If it was my way I would have seen how things would work out a month, or a week or even a full day ahead. But though I couldn't see ahead, it doesn't mean that God wasn't orchestrating things to take care of us. The same week Ron lost his job, I got a check in the mail from my brother. It had a note just saying God said we needed it. I called him and asked him when he mailed it, it was BEFORE he knew Ron had lost his job. So for me right at the beginning it was like God was trying to let me know all would be ok. Yes, we changed a lot of how we did things and what we did, but that isn't what got us through. He showed us in so many little ways that He was taking care of us. It came mostly in form of the little things (and one big thing). One day we were down to not having anything to eat that day with another day before payday...a little while later a neighbor called and invited us to an event at their church, that included a meal. Our power was taken care of one month and Ron had odd jobs that helped. Even some of the seemingly non-essentials were taken care of, a friend made sure that I was able to continue going to the gym, which was a great way to work out some of my stress. Then Ron got a job that he started in September. In the midst of trying to make decisions on what would be best for our family we realized a move was next. Wasn't sure where we were going to move to at first, but once again God provided the perfect place to move to. I have always wanted a Cape Cod home, but never really thought about it too much as there just aren't a whole lot of them around here. And here we are in a beautiful Cape Cod with a deck, lovely wooded lot and much more space! I wasn't that grateful at first, griping about leaving a house I had worked hard to decorate and take care of, packing up everything in the house and just the whole stress of moving. But now I'm sitting here looking around our new place and am just so grateful that I wasn't the one in charge, because I have more than I could even imagine. While the new job is lower pay, it did give him a truck to drive and pays his gas. Which is good because the car isn't currently running. So once again, circumstances we couldn't see at the time (the car not working) God saw and provided for ahead of time.
Last week I spent three days in a row taking LeAnne to the hospital for tests, thinking it was her appendix, hoping it wasn't something serious. She is ok and all will be fine, major thanks there. I have a job that allows me the time off and has sick time. Another thing to be grateful for.
So tonight, as I sit here in my recliner and look around our new place, I see my son and my husband talking and my daughter on her laptop. I smell a cake that I just pulled out of the oven while ago. I hear the washing machine washing clothing for us to wear and I feel the rising and falling of my dog's breath as he lies here next to my legs. I feel warm, cozy, happy and full. I'm thinking about how we will get up and head to my hometown tomorrow. Where over the weekend I will see my sister and her husband (whom I haven't seen since he returned from Afghanistan, another praise that he returned safely), a new niece I haven't seen yet and a lot of other family.
Yes, I have MUCH to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Verses that Encourage Me
Our family has been through a lot of things this summer, and once we get a little more through it I'll blog on my summer long journey of faith. It has also changed my prayer life some. Both my relationship with God and my prayer life drastically changed when I realized that God knows everything anyway and he'd rather hear our heartfelt prayers than praying how you think you are "supposed" to. For example I sometimes pray out loud during our CR small group and I always start with the things I'm grateful for. But a couple of weeks ago I was having a bad week and a bad day...so I started my prayer with "Dear God, I feel no gratitude right now, all I can see is the bleakness of things so before I ask for anything else I am asking that you fill my heart with gratitude." Went on and prayed for the requests of our group, etc. The whole next week He reminded me how He cares and is faithful in all the little ways, little ways that I had overlooked while focusing and worrying on the big stuff. Anyway, here are some verses that encouraged me greatly along the way. (NLT, 2nd version)
I Peter 4:12,13 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through....instead, be very glad-for these trials make your partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." This verse reminds me that it is in the hard times that God can come through and show his power and I can have the joy of being a part of others seeing how God has provided for me through the trials.
Philippians 4:6, 7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." I LOVE this one!
Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who give me strength."
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
The footnotes in my Life Recovery Bible say this about those verses: "Difficulties and temptations are facts of life for everyone, particularly those of us with a background of addiction, abuse or other dysfunction. We may be tempted to return to our destructive behaviors. As we face difficult times, though, our attitude can make all the difference. James tells us to be happy as we face difficulties and temptations. This is hardly a natural reaction to a painful situation. Seeing our trials as building blocks to God's work in our life, however, may help us change our negative attitude toward tough times. We can have joy during these trials because through them we learn patience, an essential ingredient for successful recovery."
John 16:33 "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Again I love the footnotes for this verse: "In this world, especially in recovery, we encounter 'many trials and sorrows,' many of them beyond our control. These can be endured with God's help. On the other hand, some of our suffering is self-inflicted and can be avoided. In such situations, God still offers us peace as we muster the courage to make needed changes in our life. God's forgiveness and loving acceptance can give us peace as we face all of our trials and sorrows. God's power can lead us through recovery; he has already overcome all the obstacles that stand in our way!"
2 Corinthians 1:3,4 "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed."
Matthew 6:25-34 "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
I love Psalms, David is so honest in his questioning and doubts and worries, but in the midst of it he turns it into praise. I can't even pick out all the Psalms that I read when discouraged....SO many of them. I swear I believe that David was bipolar. Just read his despair and depression in Psalm 88, then the next psalm (89) he is singing praises to the Lord. He does this very often throughout the psalms. In despair and questioning where God even is, then switching to thanking and praising God in the midst of it. In Psalm 77 he even says he is too distressed to sleep and to even pray, then a few verses down he says "but then I recall all you have done O Lord" and switches to praising him.
Psalm 116:1-5 "I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: 'Please, Lord, save me!' How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!"
I like that is says he bends down to listen to us, especially at those times I feel my prayers aren't going past the ceiling.
Psalm 94:17-19 "Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, 'I am slipping!' but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
Psalm 42:5, 8 "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! (v. 8) But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."
Psalm 27:13, 14 "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Psalm 61:1-3 "O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me."
Seriously, it would take me forever to write down all the verses that David writes that show we can pray honestly to God and tell him how we really feel, yet at the same time continue to trust and believe that He will take care of us.
I hope that some of these verses encourage you as well.
I Peter 4:12,13 "Dear friends, don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through....instead, be very glad-for these trials make your partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world." This verse reminds me that it is in the hard times that God can come through and show his power and I can have the joy of being a part of others seeing how God has provided for me through the trials.
Philippians 4:6, 7 "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand." I LOVE this one!
Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who give me strength."
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
James 1:2-4 "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing."
The footnotes in my Life Recovery Bible say this about those verses: "Difficulties and temptations are facts of life for everyone, particularly those of us with a background of addiction, abuse or other dysfunction. We may be tempted to return to our destructive behaviors. As we face difficult times, though, our attitude can make all the difference. James tells us to be happy as we face difficulties and temptations. This is hardly a natural reaction to a painful situation. Seeing our trials as building blocks to God's work in our life, however, may help us change our negative attitude toward tough times. We can have joy during these trials because through them we learn patience, an essential ingredient for successful recovery."
John 16:33 "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." Again I love the footnotes for this verse: "In this world, especially in recovery, we encounter 'many trials and sorrows,' many of them beyond our control. These can be endured with God's help. On the other hand, some of our suffering is self-inflicted and can be avoided. In such situations, God still offers us peace as we muster the courage to make needed changes in our life. God's forgiveness and loving acceptance can give us peace as we face all of our trials and sorrows. God's power can lead us through recovery; he has already overcome all the obstacles that stand in our way!"
2 Corinthians 1:3,4 "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."
2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed."
Matthew 6:25-34 "That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? So don't worry about these things, saying 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today."
I love Psalms, David is so honest in his questioning and doubts and worries, but in the midst of it he turns it into praise. I can't even pick out all the Psalms that I read when discouraged....SO many of them. I swear I believe that David was bipolar. Just read his despair and depression in Psalm 88, then the next psalm (89) he is singing praises to the Lord. He does this very often throughout the psalms. In despair and questioning where God even is, then switching to thanking and praising God in the midst of it. In Psalm 77 he even says he is too distressed to sleep and to even pray, then a few verses down he says "but then I recall all you have done O Lord" and switches to praising him.
Psalm 116:1-5 "I love the Lord because he hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me; the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord: 'Please, Lord, save me!' How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours!"
I like that is says he bends down to listen to us, especially at those times I feel my prayers aren't going past the ceiling.
Psalm 94:17-19 "Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, 'I am slipping!' but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer."
Psalm 42:5, 8 "Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again-my Savior and my God! (v. 8) But each day the Lord pours his unfailing love upon me, and through each night I sing his songs, praying to God who gives me life."
Psalm 27:13, 14 "Yet I am confident I will see the Lord's goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord."
Psalm 61:1-3 "O God, listen to my cry! Hear my prayer! From the ends of the earth, I cry to you for help when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the towering rock of safety, for you are my safe refuge, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me."
Seriously, it would take me forever to write down all the verses that David writes that show we can pray honestly to God and tell him how we really feel, yet at the same time continue to trust and believe that He will take care of us.
I hope that some of these verses encourage you as well.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
The Brain is a Traitor
I have been playing around with some more writing lately and trying out other formats than what I typically write for this blog. Was trying to decide if I wanted to create a new blog to put some of this stuff on but just decided since I already have this blog, I'd just use it. So here is a poem I wrote the other day.
The Brain is a Traitor
The brain is a traitor,
Don't know what to trust.
Throughout the day the images come,
Fading and glittering like pixie dust
I hear the screech of the banshee call,
Only to realize it is just a band saw
The heart beats faster and faster
Breath comes in small gasps
Quick furtive glances behind me,
Assures that this too shall pass.
No one there, all is well
No one to see, nothing to tell.
The brain is a traitor,
Makes up all this weird stuff.
But on the outside I must keep it together,
Keep on looking strong and tough.
The brain is a traitor, don't know what to trust.
The Brain is a Traitor
The brain is a traitor,
Don't know what to trust.
Throughout the day the images come,
Fading and glittering like pixie dust
I hear the screech of the banshee call,
Only to realize it is just a band saw
The heart beats faster and faster
Breath comes in small gasps
Quick furtive glances behind me,
Assures that this too shall pass.
No one there, all is well
No one to see, nothing to tell.
The brain is a traitor,
Makes up all this weird stuff.
But on the outside I must keep it together,
Keep on looking strong and tough.
The brain is a traitor, don't know what to trust.
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