The holidays are difficult for so many people for a variety of reasons: economics, broken relationships, addictions and the stress that envelopes life. It is exactly in the middle of these problems and issues that God is at work, showing people a different way, a new hope, the dawning of CHRISTMAS JOY!
Life is tough---nobody has ever promised otherwise. It's what happens to human beings. But the real Christmas message is this: into the middle of chaos, struggles, frustrations, pain, sorrow, and brokenness, JOY was born. GOD'S LOVE became incarnate in Jesus, and HOPE was born into a troubled world.
The problem, as I see it (tell me if you see it differently), is that many Jesus-followers have missed the contagious JOY BOAT. We try, instead, to live a life of adhering to rules, going to church, and whatever else we think will earn our way into God's good graces. Jesus has always been and still is more about relationships than rules.
I have met several new people recently who have been seeking to know God for a long time. As they tell me their life stories, we begin to see how God has been at work all along, calling them, nudging them, opening up new experiences so they could meet Him. The common theme is: "I've wanted to know God for so long."
Exactly what Christmas means: Jesus came to show us the Father. (His words). May your Christmas season be filled with God-sightings and meetings!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
FILLING up the JOY BANK
Today's readings were in Isaiah and Acts 1 and reminded me about the POWER OF GOD available to everyone who trusts in Jesus as Savior and Lord. I needed that.
The past couple of days I have been sad about several things, and allowed myself to feel that sadness. Today I was working on some of the "critical voices" in my life, where they came from, and what the TRUTH is. When I finished writing, I experienced a hint of lightness, like a bit of a load of sadness was lifted from my heart.
When Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free," He was probably speaking about Himself --- as the "truth, the light, and the way." However, whenever we admit, seek, find, understand the truth about our lives, there is a sense of freedom --- sometimes huge and sometimes just a bit.
The holidays are difficult for everyone who experiences a dysfunctional family system --- and WHO DOESN'T? Take a few moments as you prepare to spend time with your family and try these activities:
1. Write out a couple of the messages you are sure to here like: "Wow, have you gained weight?" "You need to ...." (whatever it is they they you should do). Don't forget the unspoken messages.
2. Next, write the TRUTH about what they said: "My weight is none of their business." "I need to..." (whatever you need to do for yourself).
3. List positive statements about who you are - your values - your positive attributes. Practice focusing on those things to fill up your JOY BANK, and give you some JOY STRENGTH for the days ahead.
4. When you are together and hear some negative statement about yourself, imagine Jesus with you, whispering the life-giving truth in your ears. Focus on His words, even in the middle of negative conversations.
When the holidays are over, be sure to write about what went well and what didn't. This is a long-term exercise, and takes time to become a positive habit.
BLESSINGS as you fill your JOY BANK.
The past couple of days I have been sad about several things, and allowed myself to feel that sadness. Today I was working on some of the "critical voices" in my life, where they came from, and what the TRUTH is. When I finished writing, I experienced a hint of lightness, like a bit of a load of sadness was lifted from my heart.
When Jesus said, "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free," He was probably speaking about Himself --- as the "truth, the light, and the way." However, whenever we admit, seek, find, understand the truth about our lives, there is a sense of freedom --- sometimes huge and sometimes just a bit.
The holidays are difficult for everyone who experiences a dysfunctional family system --- and WHO DOESN'T? Take a few moments as you prepare to spend time with your family and try these activities:
1. Write out a couple of the messages you are sure to here like: "Wow, have you gained weight?" "You need to ...." (whatever it is they they you should do). Don't forget the unspoken messages.
2. Next, write the TRUTH about what they said: "My weight is none of their business." "I need to..." (whatever you need to do for yourself).
3. List positive statements about who you are - your values - your positive attributes. Practice focusing on those things to fill up your JOY BANK, and give you some JOY STRENGTH for the days ahead.
4. When you are together and hear some negative statement about yourself, imagine Jesus with you, whispering the life-giving truth in your ears. Focus on His words, even in the middle of negative conversations.
When the holidays are over, be sure to write about what went well and what didn't. This is a long-term exercise, and takes time to become a positive habit.
BLESSINGS as you fill your JOY BANK.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?
My new friend was worried about me yesterday. She happened to show up just as I was dealing with my anger...dealing with it isn't exactly what I was doing---more like, FEELING IT! And when I tried to explain it to her, I cried, and she tried to understand, ask questions, and help me feel better. But she didn't understand. And she didn't make me feel better. How could she? I didn't even know what it was all about.
But I knew God would let me know. He doesn't let me stay to long in anger in anymore. I used to reside there most of the time!
And as I processed it throughout the day, and wrote about it this morning, I realized it was not about my selfish friend --- it was about a much bigger issue attached to my prior codependency, my sadness at a very broken family system, and my own pain.
I remember a therapist friend, Gail, who used to try to help me with my anger. She said, "Anger is a secondary emotion. It is more acceptable to be angry in public than to burst into tears." I didn't like hearing that, but I experienced the truth of that yesterday!
What are you angry about? Is it sadness, hurt, or disappointment? Talk to Him about it. He gets it!
But I knew God would let me know. He doesn't let me stay to long in anger in anymore. I used to reside there most of the time!
And as I processed it throughout the day, and wrote about it this morning, I realized it was not about my selfish friend --- it was about a much bigger issue attached to my prior codependency, my sadness at a very broken family system, and my own pain.
I remember a therapist friend, Gail, who used to try to help me with my anger. She said, "Anger is a secondary emotion. It is more acceptable to be angry in public than to burst into tears." I didn't like hearing that, but I experienced the truth of that yesterday!
What are you angry about? Is it sadness, hurt, or disappointment? Talk to Him about it. He gets it!
Friday, November 25, 2011
An Angry Moment
Remember the story in John 11 when Jesus goes to the home of Martha in Bethany after her brother, Lazarus, had died? The NIV says Jesus was deeply "troubled" -- at seeing His friends' sadness, and then again at the tomb. Wait a minute --- at the tomb --- He's troubled? About what? I mean, He's going to raise Lazarus from the dead. Why is He troubled?
The NLT uses the word "angry" rather than troubled...and that's even more troubling!! What's He angry about? Who is He angry at?
I think Jesus might have just been angry at Satan and death. And today I understand that. I get angry at how Satan messes with people I care about:
---a friend who divorced because of her own selfishness and because she got real mixed up in her head about a lot of things
---friends who are struggling to be free from the chains they've experienced through trauma, alcohol, drugs, sexual addiction
---children who are thrown away by their parents, abused, neglected and fending for themselves
Hope comes to me from only 1 source: His Word --- The beloved John wrote these words: "...Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world."
What's TROUBLING you about life and the world today?
The NLT uses the word "angry" rather than troubled...and that's even more troubling!! What's He angry about? Who is He angry at?
I think Jesus might have just been angry at Satan and death. And today I understand that. I get angry at how Satan messes with people I care about:
---a friend who divorced because of her own selfishness and because she got real mixed up in her head about a lot of things
---friends who are struggling to be free from the chains they've experienced through trauma, alcohol, drugs, sexual addiction
---children who are thrown away by their parents, abused, neglected and fending for themselves
Hope comes to me from only 1 source: His Word --- The beloved John wrote these words: "...Greater is He that is in me, than He that is in the world."
What's TROUBLING you about life and the world today?
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Another THANKS-LIVING Moment
I used to be afraid a lot. When we first arrived in Bangkok, I was afraid for my husband to travel to churches in outlying villages --- so many terrible traffic accidents. I was afraid for my health and the health of our 3 year old daughter. I was afraid...well, you get it.
I would have conversations with God, asking for His protection. Sometimes I even talked to Satan --- telling him I knew he was the author of that kind of incapacitating fear, and to get out. I'm certain many people would think I was crazy. But it worked. That, and reading the scripture.
As I read the stories of the Old Testament, and the promises of Jesus, my faith was strengthened. When Cambodia and Thailand were fighting on the border, I was barely aware of it. When government unrest increased and my US Embassy friends were hoarding food just in case, I didn't worry.
My fear is pretty well gone...sometimes I'm tempted to worry. When I'm done with the present job I'm doing, will the health insurance be there? Will I be able to afford to live in my house or will I need to sell it, probably at a loss?
But then I remember several things: 1. God has been preparing me for another change, yet again. I already knew I would be doing some different things in the new year. 2. God has never failed me yet. 3. God does not usually provide for me ahead of time - sometimes yes, but not often. There is always a time of uncertainty, and not knowing the details.
Where is God leading you in 2012? Will you hang back in fear? Or will you step up and watch the hand of God move?
I would have conversations with God, asking for His protection. Sometimes I even talked to Satan --- telling him I knew he was the author of that kind of incapacitating fear, and to get out. I'm certain many people would think I was crazy. But it worked. That, and reading the scripture.
As I read the stories of the Old Testament, and the promises of Jesus, my faith was strengthened. When Cambodia and Thailand were fighting on the border, I was barely aware of it. When government unrest increased and my US Embassy friends were hoarding food just in case, I didn't worry.
My fear is pretty well gone...sometimes I'm tempted to worry. When I'm done with the present job I'm doing, will the health insurance be there? Will I be able to afford to live in my house or will I need to sell it, probably at a loss?
But then I remember several things: 1. God has been preparing me for another change, yet again. I already knew I would be doing some different things in the new year. 2. God has never failed me yet. 3. God does not usually provide for me ahead of time - sometimes yes, but not often. There is always a time of uncertainty, and not knowing the details.
Where is God leading you in 2012? Will you hang back in fear? Or will you step up and watch the hand of God move?
Friday, November 11, 2011
Jumping for Joy!
Luke 10:21 says "Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit." One writer says the Greek is more demonstrative than that. It could read: "Jesus jumped for joy!" I love that picture. And why? Because God was choosing ordinary people to accomplish great things. What are you thankful for today?
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
THANKS-LIVING
Sometimes I forget lessons of the past. How about you?
For years I have encouraged our local church to celebrate Thanks-living month...and it suddenly occurred to me that I wasn't doing that so well this month. It's only 9 days into it and I've been ill, but I'm ready now. Here's just a few things on my list:
...Thankful for compassionate children. They really do care about others.
...Thankful for the experiences in my life that taught me how faithful God is.
...Thankful for opportunities to meet people from all over the world and appreciate our differences and our commonality.
...Thankful for the opportunity I had to finish my college education, even after I was an adult, and that it has made a difference in my present work situations.
...Thankful for the ability to spend time with my husband and see glimpses of the man he has been.
...Thankful, of course, for my 5 amazing grandchildren.
So are you making a THANKS LIVING list? Perhaps you will want to share it with friends or family on Thanksgiving Day. May you be reminded of God's rich blessings in your life!
For years I have encouraged our local church to celebrate Thanks-living month...and it suddenly occurred to me that I wasn't doing that so well this month. It's only 9 days into it and I've been ill, but I'm ready now. Here's just a few things on my list:
...Thankful for compassionate children. They really do care about others.
...Thankful for the experiences in my life that taught me how faithful God is.
...Thankful for opportunities to meet people from all over the world and appreciate our differences and our commonality.
...Thankful for the opportunity I had to finish my college education, even after I was an adult, and that it has made a difference in my present work situations.
...Thankful for the ability to spend time with my husband and see glimpses of the man he has been.
...Thankful, of course, for my 5 amazing grandchildren.
So are you making a THANKS LIVING list? Perhaps you will want to share it with friends or family on Thanksgiving Day. May you be reminded of God's rich blessings in your life!
Friday, November 4, 2011
LESSONS ... ALWAYS LEARNING LESSONS
An old story about a grade-school teacher: she always tried to find one thing to praise each child for as they lined up and walked out the door for the day. Little Johnny had a really tough one, and she was stressing a bit to think of something positive to say. As he got to the door, she said, "Johnny, you have the bluest eyes I've ever seen. They are beautiful!"
It is not always easy to find positive responses to difficult people --- no matter their age. Some of the things I've said this week: "You have an amazing smile!" "Do you know those dimples are called 'broken-down buxinator muscles?'" (I heard that once -didn't really check it out though!) "Great picture you drew!" "You are really good at expressing yourself." "Thanks for the drawing (of my mis-spelled name)."
Training...hard work...changing habits --- that's what it takes to find the positive things about our lives. Many of us were trained to complain. And we do a great job of it.
How much more JOY we will feel if we can look for the good, practice the positive, and watch for GOD-tracks all over the place! I'm committed to do doing better at that --- will you join me?
It is not always easy to find positive responses to difficult people --- no matter their age. Some of the things I've said this week: "You have an amazing smile!" "Do you know those dimples are called 'broken-down buxinator muscles?'" (I heard that once -didn't really check it out though!) "Great picture you drew!" "You are really good at expressing yourself." "Thanks for the drawing (of my mis-spelled name)."
Training...hard work...changing habits --- that's what it takes to find the positive things about our lives. Many of us were trained to complain. And we do a great job of it.
How much more JOY we will feel if we can look for the good, practice the positive, and watch for GOD-tracks all over the place! I'm committed to do doing better at that --- will you join me?
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