Glittery Gifts

Christmas is my favorite Holiday. I love to organize, decorate, make things cozy, and bundle up in my house. I love to give- not just 'stuff' and presents, but happiness, companionship, friendship and hospitality. When I was a tike, I would make these enormous glittery holiday cards and decorate random objects that suddenly became beautiful. A pine cone adorned with glitter and paint suddenly was the most beautiful thing hanging from the tree; string of popcorn with cranberries left out to the birds was the coolest gift; wrapping and re-wrapping my presents just because I was so excited to give them.

The traditions of Christmas can cause symptoms of coveting, greed, overspending, a spirit of busyness, or general malaise. Sometimes we can get too focused on what we're going to 'get' instead of what we're going to give. In Genesis is a great story about giving: Cain (a prosperous farmer) and his brother Abel (a simple shepherd) were called by God to give their best to God. In those days, sacrifices were the standard. Cain decided to give God his second-best crops (because he wanted to keep the best for himself). Abel brought God his best livestock. God then accepted Abel's give because it was given from a pure heart. Rejecting Cain's crops, God favored Abel's gift. The story ends with Cain getting ticked off and killing his younger brother. Whoops!

I'm not suggesting giving all your best things away for Christmas.I'm not suggesting to go buy top-dollar gifts either. This is more about the motive of your heart. People come and go, gifts to others are thoughtful in the moment and tradition of Christmas; God is eternal. What are you bringing Him? Is it your second-best? Are you trying to keep something to yourself this Christmas?

Glittery presents and beautiful gifts are of this world, they will one day be thrown away, given to the Goodwill, and eventually become buried with all our trash. Don't focus on the external.

In what ways would you change your heart this Christmas?

Be glittery on the inside too!

Gratitude Worksheet

In the spirit of Thanksgiving Day- check out this worksheet about Gratitude!

Gratitude Worksheet

Your Relationship Determines How you Feel Toward God

Check out this link from CNN about how your relationship might determine how you feel towards God.

Written by Liberty University's own: Tim Clinton and Joshua Straub.

Get Rid of Emotional Junk!

How much baggage do you carry around with you? If you could put all your emotional pains, relational hurts, and self-esteem or boundary issues in a bag- would it be heavy?

Do you think hauling all that junk around effects those around you? What about in your relationships- your marriage, parenting, dating, friendship...

Most of the time we unknowingly carry around these hurts and pains from memory lane. Other times, we simply need an "update" in our Recycle Bin of recent events. No matter the situation, we DO carry baggage. What would happen if you dropped it?

Maybe feeling like you need a resource?

Georgia Shaffer is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania and a certified life coach with over 19 years of experience. Georgia's new book, "Taking out your emotional trash: Face your feelings and build healthy relationships" is flying off the shelves! With permission from the Georgia, who would like to take a quiz to see if you need to "Dump Your Junk?!"

Here's the link to Georgia's site which includes her book information. Check it out, and take the quiz! http://www.GeorgiaShaffer.com

Falling in love with Fall...

When I was a little girl, I can remember making "leaf forts" with the leaves that our parents "let" us rake. My twin brother and I would make a skeleton out of bark, limbs, anything we could find and then stuff these colorful, crispy leaves into the structure. Believe it or not, these forts were pretty strong and actually really awesome. I can remember laying inside of one of our forts gazing up through the bright leaves into the crisp blue chilled sky. What a memory! I love fall. I love the memories it evokes.

I have had the blessed opportunity to experience the Fall Season twice. I was in upstate New York in early October where the leaves were on fire with brilliance. This week, here in good 'ole North Carolina, the trees are so beautiful and bright- they are literally distracting. I can't really drive as well as I ought because I'm focused on such beautiful, clear colors.

Someone told me the amazing chemistry behind the changing of leaves- something about the how the glucose in the leaves gets trapped when the photosynthesis stops (the signal of winter: shorter days and light). The trees "know" when to stop chemical exchange, thus leading to the changing of colors and eventually they fall off. Awesome, huh?

This season, like every other, seems so short- like it had just begun a couple days ago. Yet in a couple of weeks, these trees around me will become bare bones, exposing their skeletons to all. I could say the usual "life is short, like the seasons so enjoy it while you have it" kind of thing; I'm feeling more pulled to say simply that our earth is beautiful. Still cheesy, yet it's what I have been thinking every day when I see these colors.

The things God created, what they do, what they look like in these short seasons- are simply BEAUTIFUL.

A Gift for Today

October 6: Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

"Be willing to follow wherever I lead. Follow Me wholeheartedly, with glad anticipation quickening your pace. Though you don't know what lies ahead, I know; and that is enough! Some of My richest blessings are just around the bend: out of sign, but nonetheless very real. To receive these gifts, you must walk by faith- not by sight. This doesn't mean closing your eyes to what is all around you. It means subordinating the visible world to the invisible Shepherd of your soul.

Sometimes I lead you up a high mountain with only My hand to support you. The higher you climb, the more spectacular the view becomes; also, the more keenly you sense your separation from the world with all its problems. This frees you to experience exuberantly the joyous reality of My Presence. Give yourself fully to these Glory-moments, awash in dazzling Light. I will eventually lead you down the mountain, back into community with others. Let My Light continue to shine within you as you walk among people again."

-2 Corinthians 5:7

-Psalm 96:6

-John 8:12

-Psalm 36:9

There Once Was A Gull...

I kept wondering why most of the sea gulls had only one leg: a stump very much like a pirates wooden leg. I watched for days as these gulls would hobble along the beach, trying to balance their barrel of a body on only one full foot. Their stump would try to find a shift in the dunes just at the right place in order to create balance. These gulls couldn't even run for the take off. They somehow had adapted to simply lifting their wings and taking off from their stance.

On one of the last days at the beach, I sat watching in horror as a gull landed with both feet tangled together in fishing wire. It must have been fairly recent. He could barely walk, hobbling with little leverage. I ran back with bread to try to lure him so I could break his chains. I saw what would come of him: losing at least one of his legs. Only I could save him with the proper intervention. I couldn't do anything for the seagull and I felt horrible, sad, and powerless.

Sometimes we don't even see the fishing wire that we've naturally wrapped around our spiritual legs. Sometimes we don't even feel the effect of our slowness, our prison. What a sorry sight we must be sometimes- barely getting by with years of guilty and innocent wire impeding our forward motion. We naturally throw ourselves in traps. Sometimes we do it because the rest of the flock leads us there, sometimes because we're simply stupid.

Only Jesus can cut the bonds of your sins. Imagine the freedom!!!!! Imagine the ability to fly with both legs free. What if we quite being skeptical and fearful of His help- what if we simply surrendered to it? I ask many questions because I want you to imagine things from a different perspective. Of course it's hard to imagine a life without chains if that's all you've known.

Don't turn away.

Vegetate

Sometimes, I get home and simply vegetate. I don't watch TV, I don't get on the computer. No reading, no writing. I simply pause. What's wrong with this picture?

Nothing! After day after day of tasks and busywork, taking an hour to stop everything is OK. Is this considered laziness? Absolutely not. Laziness conjures images of

procrastination and avoidance. For us TYPE A personality folks, vegetating for a brief time period is actually recommended. This creates mental space in your brain, physical healing in your body, and a "re-balancing" effect on your perspective.

When you vegetate, try not to start creating lists- the point of pausing is to STOP thinking about tasks left undone. The point is to find this empty space (it's somewhere deep down in there). What might you find? A moment of peace? Hmm....

The perfect example: my dog Indiana Jones. He's "full steam ahead" during the day- running after squirrels, trying to climb trees, swimming in the baby pool, and generally doing his "doggy" stuff. He's a busy boy- something is always happening. But every now and again something strange happens: He goes on "Screen Saver Mode." His neck literally drops while he's standing- his eyes focused on something far away. He could stay like this for up to 5 minutes. He is pausing. Resting his neck. (this has nothing to do with him being a bird dog- although he does "point").

Some of you may have no trouble with taking 10 minutes to look into the deep space galaxy of the ceiling. Some of you may have no quarrels with veggin' out on the sofa in your living room (dubbed "The Barge"). This message is for those of us who do:

Allow yourself.

Even the Energizer Bunny takes a breather..

Facts About Adrenaline

Years ago I was diagnosed with complete adrenal failure. Apparently, due to my driven nature, I literally ran my adrenal glands dry. The little glands, located above your kidneys are about the size of grapes. They produce cortisol and help control energy levels in the body. After blood work and saliva tests, we figured out that mine were dry! They had stopped producing these chemicals. So this is why I was feeling tired so often! This is why I was so busy-natured and "energizer bunny" nonstop action. So I was doing some research about addictions, and up popped Adrenaline Addiction. I had no idea what it was- but just wanted to share!

Did you know that Adrenaline can be an addiction? It manifests in excessive television, internet usage, shopping, arguing etc. The adrenal glands were designed for emergencies only!! None of this long-term usage that we get caught up in.

Adrenal glands produce cortisol: adrenaline affects the heart; cortisol affects the brain. Stress is the root of all adrenaline addiction. There are emotional consequences to adrenaline addiction and people often experience physical consequences. The underlying cause for adrenaline addiction are:

• The need to numb painful feelings
• Crisis of meaninglessness
• Crisis of purposelessness

The symptoms of adrenaline addiction include obsessing over things left undone, feelings of guilt when idle, strong compulsion to be doing something all the time. People should face emotions directly because this can confront the underlying issues inside of adrenaline addiction.

Recovery:

People recovering from adrenaline addiction will often have important changes to make. According to Dr. Hart, worship and relaxation should offer peacefulness. Try to:

• Manage adrenaline
• Pay attention to physical symptoms of stress: sleep issues, depression, fatigue, restlessness

Some important changes to make when dealing with adrenaline addiction:

• Lifestyle changes
• Personality changes
• Enhance peacefulness
• Incorporate healthy physical changes
• Disengagement strategies
• Anger Control

Practical Suggestions include:

• Face emotions directly
• Learn to live within limits
• Create healthy boundaries
• Allow yourself to slow down: It's ok to rest!

Resources: Addiction and Recovery. Dr. Archibald Hart. Light University.

September 11

The time around September 11th is tender to our country. It's a time to remember, pause, and look ahead. I feel great sadness for all the lives that were lost on this day. The death toll of the attacks was 2,995, including the 19 hijackers. The overwhelming majority of casualties were civilians, including nationals of over 70 countries. I feel intense anger towards the action of those who planned it. Ultimately, I feel an urge to share Jesus with such people. I feel a deeper sadness longing for the souls that were lost on this day.

I feel vulnerable, uncertain, paranoid, and unsafe around this time of year: fear of another attack. Oddly enough, I always travel during this time. I see the protection our country is exhibiting, the effect this attack has tolled- a constant reminder of my safety. On the same note, I know our country has come a long way since that morning in 2001. Within my soul, I know that God's hand was protecting our country from even worse destruction on that day. Sometimes it's hard to see a kind and gracious God in attacks as horrible as this. Why does God let bad things happen to His people?

I know God is involved in everything. His love is deeper than anything imaginable. His plans are wider and higher than anyone's. I must believe that God's hand was on the pulse of the nation to bring comfort in our sadness and bring us closer. This is our God: A God of purpose, comfort, direction, compassion, and guidance. He is the One we have waited for.

God cannot be put in a box of labels. I cannot with a right mind say, "Oh- God planned this" or "God let this happen." God does big things, bigger than any of us can foresee. His ways are unknowable. I am passionate about leaning closer to Him every day. My feelings of anger, vulnerability, and uncertainty are in my sinful nature: I know that people in theirs can do bad things. My trust lies in Jesus Christ. Above anyone else in this world, He is the one that I rely on for my comfort and counsel.

In our human nature, we are capable of horrible things. We create rubble, destruction, death. This is expected of such a fallen world. We all feel the toll of other's sinful natures. We all fall ourselves. Jesus died to save us from this destruction. His nature is redemptive. No matter the sins of the nation, He forgives his children.

Looking ahead, I must accept His whisper saying, "My child, I love you. My child, I protect you. My child, I died for you."

Freedom and Flow..: Snakes and Butterflies

Check this posting out: Freedom and Flow..: Snakes and Butterflies

August 18 2010

"Expect to encounter adversity in your life, remembering that you live in a deeply fallen world. Stop trying to find a way that circumvents difficulties. The main problem with an easy life is that it masks your need for Me. When you became a Christian, I infused My very Life into you, empowering you to live on a supernatural plane by depending on Me.

Anticipate coming face to face with impossibilities: situations totally beyond your ability to handle. This awareness of your inadequacy is not something you should try to evade. It is precisely where I want you- the best place to encounter Me in My Glory and Power. When you see armies of problems marching toward you, cry out to Me! Allow Me to fight for you. What Me working on your behalf, as you rest in the shadow of My Almighty Presence.

-Rev. 19:1; Psalm 91:1"

Jesus Calling by Sarah Young

It's Ok to Question Yourself

I guess being a coach always has me asking questions. Questions to challenge, to grow, to create.

I challenge myself every day:

• How can I best be used by God?
• How can I step outside my comfort zone to show His light to others?
• When should I say yes or no?
• How can I better understand His Word in me?
• How can I use every minute to spread this Love?

I grow myself every day:

• How can I keep walking in Him?
• Why should I be uncomfortable being stagnant?
• When can I use my gifts to further His kingdom?
• What is He trying to show me RIGHT NOW?
• When is it Him and when is it me?

I create myself every day:

• When should I rest in Him?
• When should I try a different perspective?
• What does heaven on earth look like?
• How can I show His Love in a new way? See it in a new way?
• How can I capture this Joy to show to others? In what words?
• How can I express this stream of Peace that deepens every day?

Question yourself every day. Become satisfied with movement in Him. If you try to move without Him, you'll find yourself stuck, worn out, confused and broken. Only Jesus can heal and lift you into your purpose. Keep searching- Jesus' blessings are everywhere.

Chaos

We are born into a world of chaos. Pure, utter, insanity. Violence, crimes, decisions, and not to mention "free will." I've been doing a lot of thinking about our little friend, free will. Not to be confused with the great Free Willy. We come out of the womb, such a peaceful and blessed sanctuary: quiet, floating, everything is provided (unless you're a twin, like me- it was crowded). Why does it all change so drastically?

Recently, I lost a family member to cancer. Of course I was plagued with anger, questions and doubt. Why did this happen? Why isn't this person still in our lives? What is the purpose of pain? So many questions for such a complicated situation. This person didn't choose to die. There was no free will involved. It was supernatural. So why do bad things happen to good people? The classic question. I could give you pat answers- tell you something fluffy and comfy, but it won't solve the question. It's in our nature to get attached to people- it's in the recipe. When we choose to ignore this, try to do it on our own, that's when things get ugly.

Because there is only One answer. We are finite beings, beginning in the time when Adam and Eve sinned. Free will was introduced, the decay of man, and ultimately a fallen world full of evil, sin, doubt, and anger. Making mistakes, choosing wrong paths, and negative feelings are all part of the world we live in. But it doesn't have to be all bad. We don't have to choose it.

What if we live in a world where in all the chaos, God is Sovereign? What if we choose the right path? What if we can experience the love and peace of Jesus Christ? What if there was only One solution?

Life will always be hard. There is no avoiding it. I have no idea why people get sick, experience horrible crimes or hurt, or why lives end. In all this searching for the answers- I seemed to have gotten myself off track. All it did was create doubt. Inner chaos.

What if all these things that happen is God speaking? What if sometimes He speaks loudly to get my attention? What if He speaks softly or not at all in times of silence? What if it's Him?

Doubt only throws you further from your Path. Replace doubt with listening to Him. The act of searching for truth is not wrong, but may cause you to veer further from Joy.

Knitting: one stitch into another, row after row..I may never see the mistakes, the holes, unless I'm further along in my pattern. Perspective. Everyone is connected, every situation affects another. What if in all this chaos, He is constituting and guiding each stitch, each mistake, each ripple? What if the pattern, in perspective (holes and all) are unspeakably beautiful?

What if in all this chaos of stress and doubt, we find Him? What if in chaos, we find out how much more capable we are? Every day we'll face things that we cannot foresee. You can't avoid them. You have to adapt and keep going!

God created the universe to be kinetic. Every day you have to make a choice- to make it better or worse (see the Chaos theory for scientific mumbo jumbo). Of course our choosing of sin is in our born nature, but who's to say we can't counterbalance that with the nature of God? Peace, joy, understanding, provision, reflection, and FAITH.

When you're stuck, don't try to rely on yourself or you'll keep going in ridiculous circles. God created us to rely on other people (healthy ones) and ultimately to rely on Him for strength, wisdom and faith. The inner chaos is a dance. You just have to decide who is your Partner- who leads.

Crunched for Time?

'...To whom does my time belong? Typically, we view time as our own. When Jesus comes into the picture, that often begins to change. He turns us outward and begins to make us mindful of the needs of others. As we heed Jesus' call to love our neighbors as ourselves, we start to shift from thinking of time as our own to seeing time as belonging to the person in our path.

...A saying goes, 'God put me on earth to accomplish certain things. Right now I'm so far behind I think I'll never die.'

Has God given us enough time? No, not if through our busyness we are trying to find significance or fill boredom or cover pain or gain acceptance or safeguard our futures (or those of our children). However, there is all the time in the world for us to do those things to which God calls us. Time to pray. Time to enjoy God. Time to sleep. Time to further the kingdom. Even time to turn around and pick up a man walking home in the rain.

The claim that God gives us enough time to do those things to which He calls us is consistent with Scripture.

For example, Paul said in Acts 20:24, "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me- the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace."

That sounds a lot like squeezing the infinite into the finite. But not many years later, with the task still far from finished, Paul was able to write: "The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race." (2 Tim. 4:6-7).

The task remained, but Paul was true to his God-given calling within it. He did not need to do it all; he only needed to complete that part of the task that God had given him. How readily we fall into thinking 'I have to do it all, and I have to do it all NOW.' But not everything we think to do is something God is calling us to do."

-Henderson, David. Crunched for Time? How to Restore Breathing Room in Your Life. Discipleship Journal.

Buffer Zone of Silence

"When you approach Me in stillness and in trust, you are strengthened. You need a buffer zone of silence around you in order to focus on things that are unseen. Since I am invisible, you must not let your senses dominate your thinking. The curse of this age is over-stimulation of the senses, which blocks out awareness of the unseen world.

The tangible world still reflects My Glory, to those who have eyes that see and ears that hear. Spending time alone with Me is the best way to develop seeing eyes and hearing ears. The goal is to be aware of the unseen things even as you live out your life in the visible world."

• 2 Corinthians 4:18, "So we fix our eyes on not what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

• Isaiah 6:3, "And they were calling to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of His Glory."

• Psalm 130:5, "I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in His Word I put my hope."

Young, Sarah. (2004). Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence. "June 15." pg. 174.

His Yoke is Easy

"For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matthew 11:30

When I was a kid, I used to think this verse had to do with eggs, maybe an omelet? Since then I have learned the history behind this verse. If you have a second, I'd love to share:

In Jesus' time, the rabbi's would all have specific opinions, teachings, and a 'way' of doing things. They would speak the yoke of the Torah or the Law. In fact, you could kind of compare it to politicians. Each rabbi would have an opinion of what the scriptures meant, have a specific path for their followers. The rabbi's had so many interpretations of the Law, it became a burden to those trying to follow. Got it? Ok.

Each rabbi would have many apprentices in line to work with him in hopes of one day replacing him. The rabbi would allow only one at the end of a long trial period (something of ten years). The apprentices would memorize the entire Torah, starting at age ten. They would all study this rabbi's yoke, follow him from city to city, teaching to teaching. After this ten year trial period, the rabbi would then pick only one of these young boys to follow him to learn his yoke as a future replacement. can you imagine having to memorize the entire Torah? What if you didn't get picked as "The" apprentice? What would you do with your life? Would you have to learn another rabbi's yoke?

This was a complicated, rough, tedious, and intricate way of learning the rabbi's way.

Jesus came to give Life. His yoke (teaching) is easy- simply believe in Him and you will have this Life. There are no stipulations, rules, or a ten year trial period. His burden of interpretation is light. It's not something you have to carry around in your arms, or memorize, or only hope that he'll pick you. Simply believe. Love in return.

This passage is not about eggs! It's about the everlasting love of Jesus Christ which is easy to understand. There may be many interpretations of the Bible out there, but there is only One Jesus. One Way. One Love. It's easy, at the price of Jesus' crucification it's free, and in the dwelling of the Holy Spirit we no longer have to strive after a way to salvation. We can thrive in Him!

GOD IS ABLE

GOD IS ABLE

Since God is the author and creator of my limits, then it is probably OK with Him that I have limits.

He probably does not expect me to be infinite and is a little surprised when I try.

It is OK with Him if I am not all things to all people all the time all by myself.

As a matter of fact, it is probably not OK with Him if I assume otherwise.

You see, it is OK for me to have limits - God doesn't.

It is OK to get a good night's sleep- God doesn't sleep.

It is OK for me to rest- God doesn't need to.

It is probably even OK to be depressed- because God isn't.

We do not know a lot about what heaven looks like, but this much we know:

God is not pacing the throne room anxious and depressed because of the condition of the world.

He knows, He is not surprised, and He is sovereign.

It is OK if we have limits. He is able.

-Richard A Swenson, The Overload Syndrome

Jonah and the Wale- quoted from The Lonely Polygamist

"...the glistening liver upon which Jonah made his bed at night and the wash of spiky and tentacled sea creatures, dead and alive, foaming around the prophet's legs while he implored the Almighty for mercy. It took three days, apparently, for the great fish to tire of having his kidney used as a bean bag, and when Jonah was vomited up on the beach..."Oh Jonah! God's reluctant servant! Look at him there, washed up on that foreign shore! Half blind and tangled up in seaweed and whatnot. And that horrible smell? It's Jonah, people, covered with fish parts and digestive juices and so forth. It's pathetic old Jonah, pale and wrinkled like he's spent the weekend in a pickle barrel, blinking and looking around at the sand and the water and the tropical greenery and all that dazzling light after so much darkness. Imagine it, people! The ocean breeze in the nostrils, the sound of the surf and the wind in the palms. Imagine the wonder. The humble gratitude. Oh praise be my King on High, can you hear Jonah say it? Imagine the grace, the sweetness of that second chance."

The Lonely Polygamist by Brady Udall. pg. 412.

Yahweh

Garbage In, Garbage Out

Holy Moses!

By Joe Kovacs
© 2010 WorldNetDaily.com

"And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided." (Exodus 14:21)

One of the most famous stories of the Bible is God's parting of the Red Sea to save the Israelites from the Egyptian army and the subsequent drowning of soldiers and horses in hot pursuit.

But is there evidence that such an event did in fact happen – and if so, precisely where did it take place?

The issue is surfacing some 3,500 years after the event is said to have taken place with reports of Egyptian chariot wheels found in the Red Sea, photographs to document it and new books by scientists that could lead to a whole remapping of the Exodus route and a fresh look at ancient biblical accounts.

Wheel of fortune

Is this a chariot wheel that chased Moses?

"I am 99.9 percent sure I picked up a chariot wheel," Peter Elmer tells WorldNetDaily after two diving trips to the Gulf of Aqaba branch of the sea. "It was covered in coral."

The 38-year-old forklift mechanic from Keynsham, England, traveled to the region with his brother, Mark, after being inspired by videos of explorers Ron Wyatt and Jonathan Gray, who have documented artifacts that in at least one case authorities have confirmed to be a chariot wheel dating to the time of the Exodus.

"I believe I actually sat in an ancient chariot cab," Elmer said, referring to his time exploring a submerged item in what he describes as an underwater scrapyard. "Without question, it is most definitely the remains of the Egyptian army."

Yes, the Bible is completely true, but you may never have heard the spectacular, ultimate destiny God has in store for you. It's far more glorious than just floating around on clouds in heaven! Find out what you've never been told, direct from your very own Bible!

But despite all of Elmer's excitement, others who have been to the same location are not so sure what is being viewed underwater are the remnants of the great chase and urge extreme caution regarding the unsubstantiated claims.

Such intense anticipation overwhelms my waking hours. I cannot seem to grasp how God has led me to this decision. He came to give me life, peaceful life. I seem to daily get a better glimpse into this life meant for me, whether it be through a simple act of faith, advice from a friend, or simply choosing to resist temptation. I wake up feeling energized, excited, overwhelmed.

He yearns for me to experience this Life, this Path.

Green Space is important for Mental Health

Just five minutes of exercise in a “green space” such as a park can boost mental health, researchers claim.

There is growing evidence that combining activities such as walking or cycling with nature boosts well-being.

In the latest analysis, UK researchers looked at evidence from 1,250 people in 10 studies and found fast improvements in mood and self-esteem.

The study in the Environmental Science and Technology journal suggested the strongest impact was on young people.

The research looked at many different outdoor activities including walking, gardening, cycling, fishing, boating, horse-riding and farming in locations such as a park, garden or nature trail.

The biggest effect was seen within just five minutes.

With longer periods of time exercising in a green environment, the positive effects were clearly apparent but were of a smaller magnitude, the study found.

Looking at men and women of different ages, the researchers found the health changes - physical and mental - were particularly strong in the young and the mentally-ill.

Green and blue

A bigger effect was seen with exercise in an area that also contained water - such as a lake or river.

Study leader Jules Pretty, a researcher at the University of Essex, said those who were generally inactive, or stressed, or with mental illness would probably benefit the most from “green exercise”.

We would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate Paul Farmer, Mind

“Employers, for example, could encourage staff in stressful workplaces to take a short walk at lunchtime in the nearest park to improve mental health.”

He also said exercise programmes outdoors could benefit youth offenders.

“A challenge for policy makers is that policy recommendations on physical activity are easily stated but rarely adopted widely.”

Paul Farmer, chief executive of mental health charity Mind, said the research is yet further evidence that even a short period of green exercise can provide a low cost and drug-free therapy to help improve mental wellbeing.

“It’s important that people experiencing depression can be given the option of a range of treatments, and we would like to see all doctors considering exercise as a treatment where appropriate.”

Mind runs a grant scheme for local environmental projects to help people with mental illness get involved in outdoor activities.

Reference: http://www.mindfulness.com/

For I Was Hungry...

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Matthew 25:35-36

Digging a ditch for the poor- so they can have water- is digging a ditch for Jesus. Giving clothes to the naked- so they can stay warm and grow in dignity- is clothing Jesus. Inviting strangers into your home- so they can sleep and be fed- is inviting Jesus into your home. Caring for the sick and visiting prisoners is caring for and visiting Jesus. The whole Gospel is concerned about salvation for heaven and also abundant life on e

Going Through the Motions- Matthew West

This might hurt
It’s not safe
But I know that I’ve gotta make a change
I don’t care
If I break
At least I’ll be feeling something
‘Cause just ok
Is not enough
Help me fight through the nothingness of life

I don’t wanna go through the motions
I don’t wanna go one more day
Without Your all consuming passion inside of me
I don’t wanna spend my whole life asking
What if I had given everything?
Instead of going through the motions

No regrets
Not this time
I’m gonna let my heart defeat my mind
Let Your love
Make me whole
I think I’m finally feeling something

Take me all the way
Take me all the way
Take me all the way

The reason we breathe is to sing of His glory.

True Love

"I'll put you in front of me so you can see My love."

He is behind us, He is with us, He is ahead of us.

True love is sacrifice. The definition of love is Jesus Christ. Perfect Love.

"Tender Words to Tired Hearts" - UpWords - Apr. 9, 2010

"Tender Words to Tired Hearts" - UpWords - Apr. 9, 2010

April 17th 2010

From Jesus Calling by Sarah Young:

I am training you in steadiness. Too many things interrupt your awareness of Me. I know that you live in a world of sigh and sound, but you must not be a slave to those stimuli. Awareness of Me can continue in all circumstances, no matter what happens. This is the steadiness I desire in you.

Don't let unexpected events throw you off course. Rather, respond calmly and confidently, remembering that I am with you. As soon as something grabs your attention, talk with Me about it. Thus I share your joys and your problems; I help you cope with whatever is before you. this is how I live in you and worth through you. This is the way of Peace.

Psalm 112: 7, "He will have no fear of bad news;

his heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD."

Isaiah 41:10, "So do not fear, for I am with you;

do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

How Can We Not Say "Yes"?

Could it be that we try to follow in other's footsteps? Pressure? Expectations? What if being present all along; what if freedom and peace was the only a decision away? what if all you had to do was say "yes" to Him?

There is true freedom in Jesus. No one else can hold your hand (even when you choose to ignore it, or don't want it). Jesus will never give up on you.

What if you said "yes" to freedom?

There is a whole new layer on the "yes" side. Like an onion: sheer, thin, but interconnecting in independent on it's own. We know already what exists: what we can say "no" to (greed, pride, knowledge, lust...).

We only have a taste, such sweet sweet taste, of what we might say "yes" to...how can we not crave it? How can we not feel incomplete? How can we not be intoxicated with the Holy Spirit? How can we not deny His neverending love?

How can we not say "yes" to open doors to everything He has to offer? How can we turn down everlasting life?

How can we not be intoxicated, overwhelmed, submersed, blown away by Jesus' glory?

God's voice sounds like....

What does God's voice sound like? Is it a booming from the heaven's striking any and all who are in range? Does it sound like an echoing James Earl Jones? For each person, God's voice is different and unique. Beauty in the music; a baby smiling; standing firm against opposition; peace and tranquility. You will hear and see God's movement in a totally different way than the person sitting next to you will. Because of our unique backgrounds, passions, and gifts, His voice is our full portion. It's all we need!

"And he said, The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth."
- Acts 22:14

Some may say, we don't hear His voice- because we have the Bible. Don't forget His sheep hear their Master's voice! (John 10:16).

The following is an expert of an article about different ways we hear God's voice:

A still small voice. Elijah was on the run in 1 Kings 19 from evil Queen Jezebel who ordered his death, after a mighty miracle in which he challenged the prophets of Baal to call upon their God while Elijah called upon his. As a result, God consumed Elijah's altar with fire, and Jezebel's unanswered prophets were all put to death. Despite God's marvelous works, His mightiest prophet was frightened and had retreated into a cave.

1 Kings 19:11-13 says, "And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; [but] the LORD [was] not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; [but] the LORD [was] not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; [but] the LORD [was] not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. And it was [so], when Elijah heard [it], that he wrapped his face in his mantle, and went out, and stood in the entering in of the cave. And, behold, [there came] a voice unto him, and said, What doest thou here, Elijah?"

A voice in your ear. Isaiah 30:21 says, "And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This [is] the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

Conviction by the Holy Spirit. John 16:8 says that when the Holy Spirit comes, He will convict the world of sin, righteousness and judgement. In the same fashion, let's say you were about to say something really nasty to someone. You suddenly either feel a "pulling back" by the Holy Spirit to not say that nasty thing, or you sense the Lord tap you on the skull and say, "Son, that's not nice. Don't say that." The word "to convict" is also translated as "to reprove." We must be humble and accept God's reproof of our actions!

Being led by the Spirit. Romas 8:14 says, "For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." When you are in a constant state of loving intimacy with Jesus, and you not only allow Him to lead your life, but you are accutely sensitive to the Holy Spirit as how He desires to lead you, that places you in right relationship with the Lord, such that you are God's little son or daughter! The Holy Spirit may either allow you to sense His urging you in a particular direction, or may even speak to you audibly.

When reading the word, a scripture jumps out at you. In your Quiet Times before the Lord, have you ever found that - as you're reading from your Bible - a particular verse suddenly jumps out at you? There's an excitement, as you say, "Yes! That verse fits exactly my situation! That's my verse!" The Holy Spirit has a way of illuminating upon the Word and opening our eyes to understand its meaning much deeper than what we would understand as a result of an dry, academic theological head-knowledge study that has no application nor pertinence in your life or anyone else's nor has the power to tell a flea to go away? The more you take those scriptures the Lord reveals to you and hide it in your heart, the more God finds you trustworthy to give you more revelation!

What ways does God get your attention? It's that still small voice that is a tug on the heart! I see it in beautiful colors, His unfailing love and grace, and in the growth of those around me. His hand is always sweeping through the nations- just watch for the trees to move and you'll catch a glimpse into His kingdom!

Can you hear Him? Can you? Are you listening?

Source: Unknown. (Unknown). Hearing God's voice. Retrieved February 18, 2010 from http://www.tamil-bible.com/god_vce.html.

For All Those 20 Somethings!!

I realized a few years ago that this term called "Quarter-Life Crisis" is entirely real. I was flipping through some research and found the below piece (author unknown). It pretty much declares a lot of those underlying feelings and issues that a lot of twenty-somethings' begin to identify with. I personally was hit with this term and it's baggage when I turned twenty one. So many students are graduating early, wising up younger, and searching for a solid faith. This term will continue to develop and become as big as the "Mid-Life Crisis" (without the red sports car craving). I'd love to hear your feedback!


The Quarter-Life Crisis
by unknown

"It is when you stop going along with the crowd and start realizing that there are a lot of things about yourself that you didn't know and may or may not like. You start feeling insecure and wonder where you will be in a year or two, but then get scared because you barely know where you are now.

You start realizing that people are selfish and that, maybe, those friends that you thought you were so close to aren't exactly the greatest people you have ever met and the people you have lost touch with are some of the most important ones. What you do not realize is that they are realizing that too and are not really cold or catty or mean or insincere, but that they are as confused as you.

You look at your job. It is not even close to what you thought you would be doing or maybe you are looking for one and realizing that you are going to have to start at the bottom and are scared.

You miss the comforts of college, of groups, of socializing with the same people on a constant basis. But then you realize that maybe they weren't so great after all.

You are beginning to understand yourself and what you want and do not want. Your opinions have gotten stronger. You see what others are doing and find yourself judging a bit more than usual because suddenly you realize that you have certain boundaries in your life and add things to your list of what is acceptable and what is not. You are insecure and then secure. You laugh and cry with the greatest force of your life. You feel alone and scared and confused. Suddenly change is the enemy and you try and cling on to the past with dear life but soon realize that the past is drifting further and further away and there is nothing to do but stay where you are or move forward.

You get your heart broken and wonder how someone you loved could do such damage to you or you lay in bed and wonder why you can't meet anyone decent enough to get to know better. You love someone but maybe love someone else too and cannot figure out why you are doing this because you are not a bad person.

One night stands and random hook ups start to look cheap and getting wasted and acting like an idiot starts to look pathetic. You go through the same emotions and questions over and over and talk with your friends about the same topics because you cannot seem to make a decision.

You worry about loans and money and the future and making a life for yourself and while wining the race would be great, right now you'd just like to be a contender!

What you may not realize is that everyone reading this relates to it. We are in our best of times and our worst of times, trying as hard as we can to figure this whole thing out."

Source

(Unknown). Quarter-Life Crisis. Retrieved Online February 7, 2010 from http://www.cds.caltech.edu/~shane/text/quarterlifecrisis.html

For more reading on this topic, check out this article: http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bernardoh.files.wordpress.com/2007/05/st-quarter-life-crisis.jpg&imgrefurl=http://bernardoh.wordpress.com/2007/05/02/a-singaporean-take-on-quarter-life-crisis/&usg=__arHlNVAPcT8MAtd0A19WfNUPCOk=&h=642&w=1200&sz=274&hl=en&start=10&sig2=W0eJbYtOThqouZhRo8c_Hw&um=1&itbs=1&tbnid=eQ5bDfZrc2OmCM:&tbnh=80&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dquarter%2Blife%2Bcrisis%26hl%3Den%26rlz%3D1C1GGLS_enUS355US355%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1&ei=0nZvS_HxJcOXtgfG-9SMBg

Psalm 34:18-19

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.

Strong Foundation

"The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." Matthew 7:25

STAND OUT!!!

DID YOU KNOW:

The Zebra's Symbolism is Individuality. The zebra's distinctive stripes serves as a protective camouflage against predators, who are often unable to pick an individual out from the herd. For herd members, the stripe patterns, unique to each zebra, have the opposite effect of helping to identify individual zebras. This power animal thus helps us to both maintain our individuality in group settings and helps us to be supportive members of our communities. A third spiritual meaning for the stripes has to do with the integration of opposites, thus enabling us to see a deeper truth.

7 Steps to Daily Change

Step #1: Daily in God’s Word

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” –Romans 12:2

• Our Daily Bread, www.RBC.org
• Put Scripture on 3x5 Cards
• One Year Bible, www.OneYearBible.com

“The Bible was never meant to fill us with head knowledge but to change our lives.” –D.L. Moody

Step #2: Daily Give Thanks and Praise

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

• #1 most popular question: “What is God’s will for my life?” That’s up for YOUR discovery!
• Write 3 things you are grateful for today

Step #3: Daily Pray Without Ceasing

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” –Philippians 4:6

• What do your requests to God reveal about your priorities, goals, desire, and heart?
• Do you have a prayer partner?
• Continually pray Scripture.

Step #4: Daily Confess My Sins and Forgive Others

“Have mercy on me, O God, because of Your unfailing love. Because of Your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins.” –Psalm 51:1

“Forgiveness is giving up my right to hurt you back.” –Dr. Archibald Hart

Step #5: Daily Surrender My All

“So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life- your sleeping, eating, going to work and walking around in life- and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for Him.”–Romans 12:1

• Book Resource: Surrender the Heart God Controls, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss
• What is God asking you to surrender today?

Step #6: Daily Listen For God’s Voice

“Be still and know that I am God.” –Psalm 46:10

“People in a hurry never have time for recovery. Their minds have little time to meditate and pray so that problems can be put in perspective. In short, people in our age are showing signs of physiological disintegration because we are living at a pace that is too fast for our bodies.” –Dr. Archibald Hart

• Take 5 Minutes to be still with God and Journal your reflections.
• What is God saying to you today?

Step #7: Daily Believe God and SOAR

“Great and mighty things He has for me; things my eyes cannot see.” –Jeremiah 33:3

• Write out your top 3 Spiritual Gifts

“Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself.”

–Leo Tolstoy

• Keep a Spiritual Journal.
• You can become your greatest source of encouragement!
• Key to remember: Who God is, What He has done, and What He is able to do!
• Book Resource- The Life You’ve Always Wanted, by John Ortberg

We are made for divine moments!!

“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” –Ephesians 3:16-18

*Source: Professional Life Purpose Coaching Worksheets. AACC.