Charlie Rose

It's dark and raining, today. My heart is a little sad.

While planning goals that would serve as a map for my new year, I did not intend to start it with an emotional blog post.

My husband and I attended a funeral, this afternoon.

Charlie Rose: Lifelong farmer, deer hunter and fisherman. My down-the-road neighbor. His hayfield lays out across the country road from my century old farmhouse. He waved from his tractor or silver truck every time he spotted me outside. I bought sweet potatoes from him on my front porch. We alerted him when rascally kids went 4-wheeling through his field at night. A little socially awkward, he thrust his arm in front of me so I could touch where that prize winning pig had left a tooth! I imagine he would lend his help if ever we would've called. But, we did not. We would've been there for him, if he would've called. But, he did not.

Now, many in this farming countryside ask that all too often unanswered question, "Why?"

Hopeless despair is a dark prison isolating its captives while the key is in their pocket. 

Perhaps, the new mommy can't place a finger on why she's so blue. That big guy may be too embarrassed about his emotions. Maybe, it's a new season in one's life where he or she feels lost and no longer needed. There are people who suffer clinical imbalance, temporary or long-term, requiring the intervention of a qualified counselor. There's nothing wrong with that. With the grey, shorter days of winter settling in, many battle seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The despairing smile to our faces and wave from their tractors, but go home and close the door to their prison cell.

Do this one thing: Check on your neighbors. The dumb thing to say is "I don't know them," and do nothing. You -and I- may be a ray of hope piercing their darkness while there's still time.

The Dessert Menu: (suggested books and media)
God Will Make a Way by Dr. Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
Website: https://store.cloudtownsend.com/special-interests.html

REFIT LoveRules Challenge Day 23

Can we ask you to do something?  If you're not okay, SAY SO.

LOVE RULES CHALLENGE

DAY 23: 

STOP PRETENDING YOU'RE FINE.

Whether it's something small like a really funky day or something major like depression -- tell someone. Pretending you're fine is only hurting you. 

We hope each one of you has someone you can confide in, but if you don't we want you to know we're listening.  

Sometimes just getting the issue off your chest can lighten your load tremendously! 

It's the Little Things LinkUp

God created us to be social. I sure am glad! He knew this social media age was coming and that you and I would fit in nicely!

Lauren Serks, one of my fellow-sisters at I'm Fit Possible & Sweat Pink, became intentional of "taking pleasure in the little things that make us happy." Then, she made it public by inviting others to join in the quest. How wonderful!

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).

I took the scripture to heart and decided to link-up with my online fitness buddy making a pictorial note of those things that at the end of the day made me smile! Happiness is a choice! Happiness is a byproduct of being emotionally fit. Smiling is an expression of being happy.

What made me smile, this week?

Most everyone finds something cute and quirky to treasure. Sock Monkeys are mine! They are what my aunt called, "So ugly they're cute." On Sunday for my 50th birthday, my sweet daughter-in-law and son gave me a new travel mug! I've used it several times, already!





A few weeks ago, my hubby brought home a spindly Knock-Out Rose bush and planted it beside our front porch. To his delight, this week, the baby buds stretch their petals to a sunny sky. Then, Tuesday evening I won a cute garden sign at a Bunco party! The two pair nicely, don't ya think?



Upon our return from a muggy Wednesday morning run, we discovered a gift of zucs & peppers left on our front porch! Gotta love neighbors in the South!





Last night, I set-up a s'mores station for our LifeNet Life Group at church and used the new Kraft SQUARE S'moremallows! How many years have we been trying to smoosh a round mallow completely between square grahams and chocolate? Simply genius! Whoever thought of that deserves a pat on the back!

So, what little things left you smiling at the end of the day?

Say What You Need to Say

Life is too busy to let words of life go unspoken.

I love you. I value you. 

I forgive you. 

Please, forgive me.

Of all of the useless words we let fly out of our face on a daily basis, shouldn't we be purposeful with words? 

• Intentionally building a relationship. 
• Strengthening love with family. 
• Freeing someone's spirit from fears and insecurities. 
• Defusing tension...real or imagined.

Giving someone a "piece of my mind" may seemingly endow them with more than they had. But, will my words tear them down just so I feel better about myself? Life is too unforgiving.

Is it worth it?

Words need to be spoken -or written- to call out that spark of greatness in a younger person's life which they cannot see.

Was there a teacher, school guidance counselor or youth pastor who saw your potential and suggested a profession?

How about an employer or department director who complimented your hard work causing your untapped creativity to surface?

Or, what about that sweet note you received from someone when you were going through a rough spot or grieving the loss of a loved one?

Words of life offer hope. 

Without hope, people give up in despair. 

Words of life give healing to wounded spirits.

Join me in swallowing down pride or insecurities. 

Say what needs to be said.

**Proverbs 15:23

Riding with the Enemy

Needing a new and healthy looking Boston Fern for a showy, green, centerpiece in a large room, I stopped by a local roadside plant and veggie stand where they have the biggest and prettiest of everything, every year! They didn't let me down even at the end of the season. 

My helper directed me to an area out to the side where the leftover summer greenery was cramped in a tangled jumble. Together, we selected a beauty for which he cut me a steal of a deal and loaded into the backseat of my (fake) SUV. Off I went!

After the event, the fern was loaded back into the seat. With the weather mild, there was no threat of the plant dying as the car sat for a couple of days with the windows cracked, until I could unload. 

Who knows if either the fern or the storage box was the transport? It was just a short time afterwards when I noticed the web around the latch of the fold-down seat in the cargo area. I swept it down. It returned. I used a high-power vaccum to hopefully extract the little arachnid. Again, the web returned. Something in the back of my mind kept saying, " This web is different." Nevermind. It's one of those little ones. I've got road trips to make and more stuff to haul. Ugh. Spray the hole. Air the car. Go on.

Isn't that just like life? The evidence of a nuisance is there. I may temporarily rid myself of what's on the surface, but the fact remains there is trouble inside. It'll only get bigger if not dealt with. 

Past emotional wounds left to fester.

Offenses swallowed down, repeatedly.

Broken relationships. Unresolved conflict.

Bitterness. Hate. Jealousy. Insecurity. 

Eating Disorders. Fear. Anger. Depression.

Just to name a few.

We lifted the hatch. There she was clinging to life in that strong, sticky web, but still dangerous. Her colors revealed she was a fully grown, mature Black Widow still capable of inflicting pain and suffering. Now's the time to deal with the issue! How could I not?

It is unnerving to know she had been there all along. How did she manage to survive all that time? She could have hurt me. She could have hurt friends and family. All because I refused to take the time to explore what truly was the problem.

Are patterns in your own life repeated? Do you chide yourself for letting it happen, again?
Now's the time to deal with the issue! How could you not?

I Love Mondays!

Yep, that's right! I LOVE MONDAYS! That has not always been the case. In earlier (and much younger) years, I was busy doing ministry and working and building a life full of fun and energy…until Monday morning. 

Monday morning, I hated the alarm clock and people and my job. My attitude was disagreeable. Cross me and you might be reduced to a melted form of skin and hair from my glare. I would keep to my desk under a dark, foul cloud of contempt for the day. If one's life is a reflection of what's going on inside, then I was a terrible representative of a life for Christ on Mondays.

This was actually on a Monday in Northern California
when my hubby caught me taking in the
fragrance of the Sierras on the breeze!

The Holy Spirit gently corrected me about my disdain for the day. It didn't feel gentle. I was convicted. It was as if a hot, arrow tip lanced my heart. I knew I was wrong.

You know the difference between conviction and condemnation. Conviction is from the Holy Spirit whose job is to draw us back to the heart of Jesus. Condemnation comes in the form of thoughts like, "I'll never change. I'm not good enough. I feel like a phoney! Why bother?" Condemnation is one of satan's tools to get us to give up and pull away from our loving, living heavenly Father.

I wrote a note to myself for the following Monday to serve as a reminder not to settle back into the old habit. In time Monday came easier, somehow softer. A new feeling of expectation began to grow as to the possibilities and opportunities that Monday yielded.

“Work hard and cheerfully at whatever you do; as though you were working for the Lord instead of people” Colossians 3:23 (NLT).

I choose to serve God with a smile, a ready hand and a pleasant attitude, because it’s all for His glory. I desire favor and opportunities to be deployed on my behalf as align my life to the Word. Don't you?

Girlfriends-in-Ministry: A Healthy Serving of Shepherd's Pie

A number of years ago, my minister-husband asked I teach a session during a conference to address the subject of Emotions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with emotions. Our emotions express our feelings of interaction with other humans. There is no sin in having emotions. In fact, the Old Testament records our Creator’s emotions in relating with His creation, His children. By His hand and breath, He has formed us with a great well of emotions.

The problem is when our emotions run away uncontrolled and lead us instead of us leading them. Because emotions are not in a solid form, it makes them difficult to handle.

The point is not to get rid of our emotions. The point is to manage or to “shepherd” these emotions with control in the right direction.

My disclaimer:  I, too, am a person full of emotions eager to be expressed in their many forms. In the past I have allowed some emotions to be out of balance…especially when I felt someone “pushed my buttons” or too many stresses of life piled on. I am not qualified to address this topic using my reserves of knowledge. Instead, I accessed credited sources, including: Managing Your Emotions by Joyce Meyer; Happiness is a Choice by Frank Minirth & Paul Meier; Blue Genes by Paul Meier; an enlightened conversation with Elizabeth A. Jones, Licensed Clinical PH.D of Christian Counseling Center and aligning all with the Holy Bible.

Taking an expository look into a childhood nursery rhyme, we'll whip up a recipe for  healthy emotions.

~

Little Bo Peep

Has lost her sheep

And doesn’t know where to find them.

But Jesus knows and can bring them home

Wagging their tails behind them!

~

"Little Bo Peep," our miniature shepherdess, represents us (you and me).

“Has lost her sheep”… Runaway Sheep represent our emotions. Ms. Peep has lost control of her emotions. When we start living totally led by emotions, we see through a skewed filter, which distorts every word and action by others. Ultimately this distortion leads us away from or out of the will of God. Decisions made are usually knee-jerk reactions based on how we “feel” at the time. 

“And doesn’t know where to find them”… Ms. Peep doesn’t know why she can’t gather her “sheep” (emotions) or can’t seem to get it together. A person who is crippled by the symptoms of broken emotions and unable to function from day-to-day should seek professional, good-quality counsel and/or Christian psychiatric care. Don’t be ashamed to get this counseling. Drs. Minirth & Meier suggest “Christian counseling is synonymous with discipleship.”

“But Jesus knows”… Jesus is the Word. And, the Word is God (John 1:1). He is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He is everywhere at the same time (Ps 139:7-12). He is with you, now (Matt. 28:20). The Word knows everything (Isaiah 40:14, Colossians 2:2-3).

“And can bring them home”…

Step 1: Face Truth

“If you live out My word (teaching), you are truly My disciples.

And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free.” John 8:31-32

The first thing is to face the truth and not live in denial. Admitting we are hurting from emotional wounds is the beginning of wrangling those runaway sheep.

Step 2: Forgive & Forget

"Bear with each other and forgive whatever offenses you may have.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you." Colosians 3:13

Whether intentional or unintentional, offenses occur. One of the main causes for runaway sheep (uncontrolled emotions) is not forgiving someone or one’s self. If left to fester, these grudges will destroy you and your relationship with God and others. Yes, anger can be controlled. Read Ephesians 4:26.

Step 3: Spend Time in the Word

“Let God transform you by changing the way you think.”  Romans 12:2

It’s important to spend time each day reading the Word and applying it to our lives. When we constantly tell ourselves a lie, we’ll begin to believe that lie. In turn, when we read the Word of Truth, we begin to believe the Truth of the Word. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Step 4: Get Real with Family

Amnon, Tamar, Absalom & King David -  2 Samuel Chapters 13-19

Do all you can to resolve family/intimate relationship conflicts. Pray for the Holy Ghost to give you creative wisdom to accomplish this task. Spend time fortifying the family structure by promoting honest and open communication including opinions, allowing times of learning from mistakes, praising each other’s accomplishments, playing together, respecting one another, loving and forgiving to the fullest. Our children become us by actions and reactions. “Guard what has been entrusted to your care.” (1 Timothy 6:20)

Step 5: Build Friendships

"Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." 

Philippians 2:4

God created us to be social. The above verse reinforces the idea that once you get your

eyes off of yourself, your perspective will change. Develop healthy friendships with the

same sex. Many people feel a relief simply by talking to a friend who will truly listen and, if

need be, speak the truth in love. This friend would not judge nor compromise. AND, the day

may come whereby we become everything that person was to us.

Step 6: Practice Prayer

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Colossians 4:2

                                               

What could be more beneficial than intimate conversations with our Heavenly Father, the Great Shepherd? Prayer is the key to Christian living. Through prayer we access the Peace that should not exist in the chaos of this life. Through prayer we tap into the supernatural power able to save a person’s soul and heal broken emotions. The Holy Ghost can bring situations, people and our own personal weaknesses to light where we can target our prayers. Deciding to have an attitude of gratitude aligns the spirit with the will thus positioning us to receive from God. He meets us at the point of our need.

Step 7: Focus on Behavior

"God gives you the 'want to' [the will] and the ability to follow through [the act] to His

good purpose." Philippians 2:13 (SAMT - "Sam" Translation)

Just as Jesus comes to bring abundant life, Satan comes to destroy it. (John 10:10) He will always try to distort our way to the Way. By accessing the Word and good counsel, illumination occurs. We take responsibility for our runaway sheep. When you say, “I can’t,” you’re really saying, “I won’t.” God created in His image with a will to choose. We must employ self-dialogue and actions which bring positive change. We learn to choose or to “shepherd” our emotions.

“Wagging their tails behind them!” ... Wagging tails represent by-products of a process that involves a series of good choices or good shepherding. These byproducts are Joy, Happiness and Peace. “How long will it take to experience these by-products, again?” It’s your choice.

P.S.  My apologies for the eternal length of this blog post. I pray you find it a recipe you'll pass along to a friend-in-need. Please leave a comment, I would so love to connect with you!