These past two weeks I have been taking the time to focus on me. What I want for me, my body, my marriage, my kids, my life. What I hope my legacy will be to those coming behind me, etc. These are things I have thought on in the past - and will continue to re-evaluate in the future I am sure, but these past two weeks have been different.
A friend, named Lucy, gave me a journal that she decorated the front with jewels and my name. Inside she simply wrote, "It is time for a new chapter." She later told me God gave her that word for me. I have thought about that, asked God what he meant and have just pondered. During this time I have also been literally cleaning out closets - mine and the kids - letting go of things I thought I would wear one day - things I can remember wearing before, etc. It is something every larger person has done - held on to what was. How significant is that in my whole life? I have held on to how things "used to be" with my husband and me - instead of focusing on "how much better they are gonna be", I have focused on "what I didn't have" instead of thanking God for all that I did have before it, too, was gone. Yeah - I have had moments that I have paused and really been thankful after someone has lost a child and then I focus on spending more time with mine - or after my grandfather died - I have been more aware of what people leave behind - in stuff and memories. (By the way - I don't want mine to be just about stuff - hence the closets being cleaned out.)
So I joined Lucy and MH in exercise classes at the local church for free. Zumba classes. LOVE THEM!!
and began going twice a week. Well, my second night of going this lady from the church that lets us have class there came up to the teacher of our class (now picture 200 women sitting on the floor of a gym about to start class with music going and an older, properly dressed women comes up and begins talking to the leader of our workout group). She spent about 10-15 min talking to our leader and then they walked together around the gym and then the lady left and our instructor turned off the music and let us know the church was asking us to leave. We were exceeding the fire code in our number of people, using too much of their paper products in the bathroom, were asked not to bring children anymore to class, we are running up the cost of their power by using their air conditioning, etc. So, class was canceled for the week and she would be looking for a new venue for us to meet in. We still gathered and prayed- which is one of the main things about this group - to be a support in prayer- and then dispersed. Was I disappointed? Oh yeah. I was finally liking something that required sweating. But no big deal, right? Did I think the church was a little over the top? Uh, yeah, but what made me laugh was how many times in my life have I run into people like that? People that become more attached to the building and things in it than the people the building is holding. I really was able to see that woman as a person that had probably put a lot of time and effort into this 'house' of hers and could see where she felt possessive.
Long story short - had this woman not had her 'hissy fit' (although this was not supported by the church and our group has been reinstated there - but we voluntarily bring toilet paper and people don't bring children) - then our group wouldn't have had a break. Had that group not had a break then Lucy might not have been motivated to find a group somewhere else - which she did at a Civic Center about 25 min away. So, we all trooped over there that Saturday morning to try out that class. Then I began to become inspired. I realized I can do what I need to for me. I can get up at 4 am and drive thirty minutes for a body pump class from 5 am to 6 am and take a shower in their showers and drive 30 min back to work. I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHO STRENGTHENS ME!!!! So, that is what I have been doing these last two weeks. This Friday rounds out week number two of exercising 6 days a week. This has led to me actually looking at what I am putting into my mouth. The women that lead the two Zumba classes have both lost over 80 pounds in the last year. One with just Zumba and diet. The other with Zumba, Body Pump and diet. I am inspired. So, since God allowed me to get an iPhone I figured I should put it to good use. I keep a log of my exact calories (right down to mayo) on it daily. I then transfer this into my journal at night. I have energy and excitement. I look forward to my day - if not necessarily to the work - I look forward to how I feel after I work out. In my mind's eye I am beginning to see me as God sees me. I guess now I want to look in the mirror and have that reflected back in every way. Not only that, but I also see it is time to set an example with my actions for my children. Not to say something and then hold myself to another standard, "because I am older", etc. That has just been an excuse to use and manipulate with.
Today I was taking out the trash at work. This is not something new for me. I have been doing this since taking this job two years ago. Today was different. I realized today I wasn't embarrassed to be taking out the trash. NOT because I have a four year college degree and I take out trash (not because I have to - I just do), but because the bags are see through. all the buildings in this parking lot are one story and glass enclosed. Everyone can see everything. Every move I feel like I am in a fish bowl. Funny thing is I am probably the only one in this whole complex that really people watches that much. Anyway - I took out the trash early this a.m. I realized halfway to the dumpster that I wasn't embarrassed of what I was carrying - I wasn't walking praying no one saw what I had in the bag. I didn't wait til the evening - put it in my car and drive it to the dumpster - I walked it.
Why is this so significant? Because to be embarrassed of your own garbage is very telling - it says we have things to hide. TruFaced is a book I read this spring that helped me begin to let go of what others think and what I think and focus on what God says. Focus on who God is. Focus on God as Abba (daddy). He already knows everything anyway - what do I think I am hiding? Just like they say in Al anon and AA - "Secrets Keep You Sick". I had a secret (not so secret) love of cookie dough, ice cream, chips and dip, diet mtn. dews, and any kind of chocolate candy - Reese's cups, mounds bars, etc - I would buy them by bags and bring them to work and share them so I could justify eating them. But then I had to walk the trash out.
I am so excited about the work that God is doing in my life. Truly from the inside out!!
Instead of ice cream I am buying sugar free jello and whipped cream. I have perfected a 50 cal bowl of both that is great and satisfying to me. Even more so when I know what I am saving in calories. I have found that a Jr. Frosty is not a punishment. I also realize that all things fat free are not good for me - I look at sugar and calories and weigh that against amount I would get to determine if I am willing to make that trade off.
Same with each choice in my day. Am I going to hound and nag? or appreciate and show love for the moment? Can I smile just because or do I have to find fault with everything? God has given my life a "do over" and I am going to get rid of the "trash" and "do it right!!"
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
The Butterfly Effect
Two days ago my youth minister from years ago - the man that stood before God and performed the marriage between my husband and myself - and a man I now would call a friend, but still hold in a place of adolescent "awe" - wrote an entry about M'Fuge. This is a camp for young people to come together, worship, be encouraged, strengthened, and serve others. He challenged and encouraged those that read his blog to pray for the impact this camp will not only have on these adolescents, but on their own families, friends, and communities when they return home.
So, having experienced camps similar in the past, I did just that. I prayed. It also got me thinking even further. God has given me a running theme over the past few years about how he uses those around me to feed into me - sometimes they feed me good food - sometimes it is rotten. Depending on my place in life - through age, maturity, education, support system, and spiritual growth usually depends on which food I receive the most of at the time - so which part of my "man" is fed more - my 'spirit' man - or my 'flesh'?
I have been shown in the most recent of years very practical ways of "paying it forward" and when I was asked to speak at a friend's 50th birthday a few years ago, on behalf of my son, I focused on how this friend and his wife had taught me this concept more than anyone else in life so far - and I began to apply it.
A few years later my church began encouraging "acts of kindness" at Christmas. We are encouraged to do something anonymously for people behind us in line or in a restaurant, etc - and never give our name - just leave the card - the card said something like, "God loves you" and then gave service times at our church. I love doing that - and as a family we started doing it even without the cards - it has been so fun!
So, I began to think of how it really does only take one person - like the book Andy Andrews wrote, "The Noticer" - to make a massive difference in the life of another - and you may never fully grasp the impact you have - EVER - until heaven. But, God knows - and He only asks for our obedience to what he asks of us. Does he ask us to pray? Open a door? Give money or time? Does he ask us to really go beyond our comfort zone and give our furniture or car? What about our best dishes or our best shoes? What about our smile? What if it really is to cash out our retirement? We are only asked to be obedient.
We are not responsible for what God does with any of our gifts, talents, or possessions - they are really his anyway - and even if we choose not to bless someone - he will still meet that person's need, we just could have had the awesome blessing of having been a part of it.
I am a living example that not only does prayer work, but youth camps help create needed foundations - and youth workers build on that. God already knows what his plan is - He also knows how he would like for it to be accomplished. But, even if our free will interferes with that, His Will will prevail - but WOW! don't you want to be a part of that awesome Butterfly Effect?
So, having experienced camps similar in the past, I did just that. I prayed. It also got me thinking even further. God has given me a running theme over the past few years about how he uses those around me to feed into me - sometimes they feed me good food - sometimes it is rotten. Depending on my place in life - through age, maturity, education, support system, and spiritual growth usually depends on which food I receive the most of at the time - so which part of my "man" is fed more - my 'spirit' man - or my 'flesh'?
I have been shown in the most recent of years very practical ways of "paying it forward" and when I was asked to speak at a friend's 50th birthday a few years ago, on behalf of my son, I focused on how this friend and his wife had taught me this concept more than anyone else in life so far - and I began to apply it.
A few years later my church began encouraging "acts of kindness" at Christmas. We are encouraged to do something anonymously for people behind us in line or in a restaurant, etc - and never give our name - just leave the card - the card said something like, "God loves you" and then gave service times at our church. I love doing that - and as a family we started doing it even without the cards - it has been so fun!
So, I began to think of how it really does only take one person - like the book Andy Andrews wrote, "The Noticer" - to make a massive difference in the life of another - and you may never fully grasp the impact you have - EVER - until heaven. But, God knows - and He only asks for our obedience to what he asks of us. Does he ask us to pray? Open a door? Give money or time? Does he ask us to really go beyond our comfort zone and give our furniture or car? What about our best dishes or our best shoes? What about our smile? What if it really is to cash out our retirement? We are only asked to be obedient.
We are not responsible for what God does with any of our gifts, talents, or possessions - they are really his anyway - and even if we choose not to bless someone - he will still meet that person's need, we just could have had the awesome blessing of having been a part of it.
I am a living example that not only does prayer work, but youth camps help create needed foundations - and youth workers build on that. God already knows what his plan is - He also knows how he would like for it to be accomplished. But, even if our free will interferes with that, His Will will prevail - but WOW! don't you want to be a part of that awesome Butterfly Effect?
Learning to Swim
So, the 12 year old inside of me reared herself again yesterday. Basically when I have been able to stop, talk to others, listen to others in similar situations, and remind myself what God says is true - despite how I may FEEL at the moment - then I see it all boils down to my pride. If pride weren't involved I wouldn't have a need to make sure "everything is going to work out", and if fear wasn't in the passenger seat screaming (due to a lack of depth perception) each time I get close to something that even smells or looks like it has the potential to hurt me eventually - and by "depth perception" I am referring ultimately to a lack of faith in the driver, Jesus. He's not supposed to be my "co-pilot". He is supposed to have the reigns. But, I digress.
I think I get Ezekiel 47 now, though, or at least the first part of it. Will I be the type Christian that only wades into their faith - or will I swim?
Thank you, Jesus, for Lucy, and for Norma. Last night I was in an meeting and people were speaking about being "humbled" again. That humility is what is needed. I literally said to myself (after admitting to the entire group I didn't want to even be there, so I knew I needed to be) that I was TIRED of being humbled!!!
Yep. A smart person would have realized that she had basically just smarted off to her parent and apologized and straightened up. Usually I am smart. Not last night - but my dear Abba Father is merciful anyway. He has been hearing my confusion of late, my anger that has been boiling to the surface from things I thought I had dealt with - and then the feelings of guilt I have had with feeling I should not be having to go through all of this again - I mean - good golly miss molly - -we just did this!! - when will I get it? Right?!
God showed me last night, through my friend Lucy, that my feeling that I know best at times (well - really most times in my personal opinion) is born of a "haughty" or "Jezebel" spirit. Hmmm. I have had the truth spoken to me enough to know if it pricks a little the person speaking is probably right. What she said didn't prick my "feelings" - it pricked my "pride" - which to me confirmed that God was trying to tell me something. Of course, I wasn't sure what it was or if I would be ready - I admitted to myself and God and Lucy - and later the group - and this was so very difficult for me....I am angry, and I am really ready to give up on this whole thing.
Give up on "recovery", "healing", "restoration for my marriage", everything. I am frustrated. I am tired. I am tired of being hurt and frustrated. I am tired of repeating the same things. I am tired of being the fool.
I even said out loud to Lucy last night that I think I might now - not before - but now - be getting angry with God. To what purpose? I know in my head it does no good - but the 12 year old wants to know why do I have to keep being stretched to the point of pain? Why isn't this (what I have already learned and gone through) "good enough"?
When did I become so all knowing and all powerful? When did God endow me with those giftings? Riiight.
Yet here I have kicked, cried, internally screamed, and ranted at the injustice of life and why things have to work out so slowly. Can't we just move this along? And while we are on that topic, don't you want to know how and where it needs to be moved, God? So, God smiled at me last night and took my "haughty/Jezebel" self to an alanon meeting. One I did not want to be at as I said before. After all, I was ready to call it a day - give up on this "program" and be done. Alanon has a saying, "it works if you work it". How true. The steps are there for a reason. In that order for a reason. Please know I learned that again tonight. I was reminded in a very real way that this "program" - or for you it may be referred to as "life" - is about PROGRESS! - not perfection or instant results. It is okay to figure out what I need and what I don't need. What I am and what I am not comfortable with. It is okay to fall, get back up and have to climb those same steps again! (Read Proverbs 24:16) God allowed me to share my heart's burdens with the group - not only did they listen, but they also shared their own experience, strength and hope. God used one woman in particular to speak directly to my hurting heart. She is in her 60s and is a functioning illiterate. She has always been very kind and encouraging to me when we have been in meetings together - I had no idea she couldn't read- reading the steps is part of our opening - lots of people pass - so I never really thought about it. But, God used her specifically to remind me last night that I am loved, I am of worth to Him, He is in control, He does hear me, He is covering all my needs - and always has - he also used her to ask me - am I really listening to Him or just spending all my time whining and stomping around and trying to fit what isn't into what I want it to be? He reminded me that what He says about me is what matters. If I let my mind replay the same negative statements to myself - about myself or my husband or any situation then I am already defeated - but if I listen to God - I won't be stuck - I can move forward - I won't sink as Peter did when he took his eyes off Jesus.
It is okay if I need a time out for me, and it is okay if I am not perfect by my standards or the worlds. Through God's grace and mercy He is sanctifying me!
Thank you, Father -
I am ready - Please help me swim!
I think I get Ezekiel 47 now, though, or at least the first part of it. Will I be the type Christian that only wades into their faith - or will I swim?
Thank you, Jesus, for Lucy, and for Norma. Last night I was in an meeting and people were speaking about being "humbled" again. That humility is what is needed. I literally said to myself (after admitting to the entire group I didn't want to even be there, so I knew I needed to be) that I was TIRED of being humbled!!!
Yep. A smart person would have realized that she had basically just smarted off to her parent and apologized and straightened up. Usually I am smart. Not last night - but my dear Abba Father is merciful anyway. He has been hearing my confusion of late, my anger that has been boiling to the surface from things I thought I had dealt with - and then the feelings of guilt I have had with feeling I should not be having to go through all of this again - I mean - good golly miss molly - -we just did this!! - when will I get it? Right?!
God showed me last night, through my friend Lucy, that my feeling that I know best at times (well - really most times in my personal opinion) is born of a "haughty" or "Jezebel" spirit. Hmmm. I have had the truth spoken to me enough to know if it pricks a little the person speaking is probably right. What she said didn't prick my "feelings" - it pricked my "pride" - which to me confirmed that God was trying to tell me something. Of course, I wasn't sure what it was or if I would be ready - I admitted to myself and God and Lucy - and later the group - and this was so very difficult for me....I am angry, and I am really ready to give up on this whole thing.
Give up on "recovery", "healing", "restoration for my marriage", everything. I am frustrated. I am tired. I am tired of being hurt and frustrated. I am tired of repeating the same things. I am tired of being the fool.
I even said out loud to Lucy last night that I think I might now - not before - but now - be getting angry with God. To what purpose? I know in my head it does no good - but the 12 year old wants to know why do I have to keep being stretched to the point of pain? Why isn't this (what I have already learned and gone through) "good enough"?
When did I become so all knowing and all powerful? When did God endow me with those giftings? Riiight.
Yet here I have kicked, cried, internally screamed, and ranted at the injustice of life and why things have to work out so slowly. Can't we just move this along? And while we are on that topic, don't you want to know how and where it needs to be moved, God? So, God smiled at me last night and took my "haughty/Jezebel" self to an alanon meeting. One I did not want to be at as I said before. After all, I was ready to call it a day - give up on this "program" and be done. Alanon has a saying, "it works if you work it". How true. The steps are there for a reason. In that order for a reason. Please know I learned that again tonight. I was reminded in a very real way that this "program" - or for you it may be referred to as "life" - is about PROGRESS! - not perfection or instant results. It is okay to figure out what I need and what I don't need. What I am and what I am not comfortable with. It is okay to fall, get back up and have to climb those same steps again! (Read Proverbs 24:16) God allowed me to share my heart's burdens with the group - not only did they listen, but they also shared their own experience, strength and hope. God used one woman in particular to speak directly to my hurting heart. She is in her 60s and is a functioning illiterate. She has always been very kind and encouraging to me when we have been in meetings together - I had no idea she couldn't read- reading the steps is part of our opening - lots of people pass - so I never really thought about it. But, God used her specifically to remind me last night that I am loved, I am of worth to Him, He is in control, He does hear me, He is covering all my needs - and always has - he also used her to ask me - am I really listening to Him or just spending all my time whining and stomping around and trying to fit what isn't into what I want it to be? He reminded me that what He says about me is what matters. If I let my mind replay the same negative statements to myself - about myself or my husband or any situation then I am already defeated - but if I listen to God - I won't be stuck - I can move forward - I won't sink as Peter did when he took his eyes off Jesus.
It is okay if I need a time out for me, and it is okay if I am not perfect by my standards or the worlds. Through God's grace and mercy He is sanctifying me!
Thank you, Father -
I am ready - Please help me swim!
Friday, June 4, 2010
For Lucy
Last evening I was given the opportunity spend some wonderful time with friends I have made here in this town and through my church. I went to a Zumba class (LOADS OF FUN!!!) with them for exercise. Afterwards we were outside discussing various things and among them God's blessings in our lives. My friend, who asked to be called "Lucy", was showing us all the car that God has recently given to her family. Now, this isn't just a car - this is a Volvo, Cross Country station wagon, leather, turbo, sunroof (my fav), etc, etc - you get the picture. She was sharing with us how God gave her a desire she had jokingly voiced, but truly knowing Lucy, you would know she would have been happy with anything her Father chose to give to her and her family. She was just filled to overflowing with this particular blessing - and to top it off - it had a FULL tank of gas!
So as we were talking I was reflecting on how God has so willingly and creatively met so many needs of mine in my life. One of the best has been through the people he has put in my life. I really really really thought that when I wrote my entry in December thanking people in my life, that I had named those in my life currently by their intitals. I went back and read it today and see that she was so right - I didn't. I KNOW what I was saying from my heart in that entry, but evidently didn't convey it very well. I also know, because of the nature of issues discussed in this blog, anonymity is important to me. So, what I want to do now is take a little time and thank my loving, provider, Jesus Christ, for the oh so many people he has placed in my life throughout the years.
Because of loss I experienced at an early age I was given the gift of letting people know my appreciation for them probably earlier than most people mature into thinking about things like that. I am not bragging. I am just stating facts. Trust me - anything positive in me or my life is only by the grace of an Almighty God!
So - beginning my senior year I began writing people and thanking them for what they meant to me. That continued into college - I especially am thankful I did this with my mom's parent's. My mom's mom was not quite sick with Alzheimer's yet and was able to truly hear my heart - and she wrote me back. Then after my kids were born I went through a period of writing people - sometimes I just call. I know people think I just get emotional and sappy, but I truly mean all I say. My life could have been SO different had it not been for God placing them in my life. Not only that, but that they responded to God's prod to serve in areas they served or move to areas they moved to or open up their home to me, etc.
Then Facebook came on the scene. When I first got on FB I tried to send a message to all my old youth workers from my home church. To let them know how much they influenced me, helped by just listening and spending time with me, etc. I am not sure it did anything for any of them, but it did for me.
So, now let me thank those God has currently placed around me - those prayer warriors, friends, ones that have provided more times than I can count in a pinch:
To Lucy: You so willingly came to my first ever small group at church. You have no idea how nervous I was about leading a small group - that no one would find mine among the hundreds - but WOW! Look at all God did from that group. The Hillcrest ministry, our friendship, your prayers for me and my family, your encouragement of me as a child of God, your living testimony of God's love. At the end of that group you gave me a journal. You had no clue I have kept journals most of my life, but you said to me that God would use my words one day - and oh how I pray that that is true!! I am so blessed to know you - your love for God, your family, and life in general. Thank you for making that call!! (and thank you so much for sharing your husband with me =) *wink*wink*- no seriously - "superman" has been a God send in so very many ways. He loves Jesus, and he so very, very much loves his wife - you two are a wonderful inspiration to the rest of us mere mortals! - and he's not half bad with my car either which is endearing in its self :ha ha ha:)
To Mel: I joke that I have done more damage to you than anything else, but look at the evolution of our relationship. God placed you in my life at a time He knew I desperately needed A person to care for my sick child when I could not. There is no guilt like a mother's guilt. Even if there is no help for the circumstances that force needing help - mom's still have guilt. You stepped in - there were days I was so jealous that you were getting to have all those "moments" with my child that I wanted to so much. To take him to the park, watch him write, read, play, smile, sing, etc. You put up with my unexplained (and on my part not always understood) moodiness with a readiness to help. You helped train our dog and have loved all my kids as if they were your own. I have watched you mature as a mom and wife and Christian and have been so thankful that God has allowed me to be a part of this with you. You have gone from employee to friend and for that I am ever grateful to God.
RM: For you and your husband's love for God - your laughter and willingness to share. For Ed's creative inspiration and his willingness to share it - no matter what or where - God has used him to inspire me! God has given me so much from that small group - solid partners in prayer - other mothers going through life with the same struggles with money, food, and "mommy issues" as me - I am forever grateful that you and Ed, were also placed in my life as a gift from God.
MG: Probably one of the first women at church, along with SC, that I felt connected with that I did not already know. You listened to my struggle that night at the retreat and have been a prayer force and example in my life since. I do not have you on a pedestal - you are just a very good reflection of God's love and power to me. I thank Him for allowing me to know you!
SC: What to say and where do I begin? You are the example I want to be. You have literally taken difficult times in your life - times you had to become creative - but stayed rooted in God and asked for his guidance -and look what he has grown!! A ministry that has quickly become spread throughout the southeast - and now you have taken it with you west - but you did not just leave behind the ability to "find good deals" - you left behind the teaching about God's provision, the importance of passing on to others, and what the Proverbs 31 woman really looks like - and that being a Proverbs 31 woman IS attainable when we are led by God. Thank you, and God bless you and your family!
Again - there are so many others - so little time - and I am poorly focused right now - just know I dearly love each and every person God has allowed to come into my life - even those that I have had "conflict" with - because those conflicts have allowed a refining inside me also. God knows exactly what he is doing. He knew the church I would need to be attending and how to get me there, He knew the people I would need speaking life into me, and how to have me meet them, and He knows where I am headed from here.
Thank you, Lucy, for spurring this on!!
So as we were talking I was reflecting on how God has so willingly and creatively met so many needs of mine in my life. One of the best has been through the people he has put in my life. I really really really thought that when I wrote my entry in December thanking people in my life, that I had named those in my life currently by their intitals. I went back and read it today and see that she was so right - I didn't. I KNOW what I was saying from my heart in that entry, but evidently didn't convey it very well. I also know, because of the nature of issues discussed in this blog, anonymity is important to me. So, what I want to do now is take a little time and thank my loving, provider, Jesus Christ, for the oh so many people he has placed in my life throughout the years.
Because of loss I experienced at an early age I was given the gift of letting people know my appreciation for them probably earlier than most people mature into thinking about things like that. I am not bragging. I am just stating facts. Trust me - anything positive in me or my life is only by the grace of an Almighty God!
So - beginning my senior year I began writing people and thanking them for what they meant to me. That continued into college - I especially am thankful I did this with my mom's parent's. My mom's mom was not quite sick with Alzheimer's yet and was able to truly hear my heart - and she wrote me back. Then after my kids were born I went through a period of writing people - sometimes I just call. I know people think I just get emotional and sappy, but I truly mean all I say. My life could have been SO different had it not been for God placing them in my life. Not only that, but that they responded to God's prod to serve in areas they served or move to areas they moved to or open up their home to me, etc.
Then Facebook came on the scene. When I first got on FB I tried to send a message to all my old youth workers from my home church. To let them know how much they influenced me, helped by just listening and spending time with me, etc. I am not sure it did anything for any of them, but it did for me.
So, now let me thank those God has currently placed around me - those prayer warriors, friends, ones that have provided more times than I can count in a pinch:
To Lucy: You so willingly came to my first ever small group at church. You have no idea how nervous I was about leading a small group - that no one would find mine among the hundreds - but WOW! Look at all God did from that group. The Hillcrest ministry, our friendship, your prayers for me and my family, your encouragement of me as a child of God, your living testimony of God's love. At the end of that group you gave me a journal. You had no clue I have kept journals most of my life, but you said to me that God would use my words one day - and oh how I pray that that is true!! I am so blessed to know you - your love for God, your family, and life in general. Thank you for making that call!! (and thank you so much for sharing your husband with me =) *wink*wink*- no seriously - "superman" has been a God send in so very many ways. He loves Jesus, and he so very, very much loves his wife - you two are a wonderful inspiration to the rest of us mere mortals! - and he's not half bad with my car either which is endearing in its self :ha ha ha:)
To Mel: I joke that I have done more damage to you than anything else, but look at the evolution of our relationship. God placed you in my life at a time He knew I desperately needed A person to care for my sick child when I could not. There is no guilt like a mother's guilt. Even if there is no help for the circumstances that force needing help - mom's still have guilt. You stepped in - there were days I was so jealous that you were getting to have all those "moments" with my child that I wanted to so much. To take him to the park, watch him write, read, play, smile, sing, etc. You put up with my unexplained (and on my part not always understood) moodiness with a readiness to help. You helped train our dog and have loved all my kids as if they were your own. I have watched you mature as a mom and wife and Christian and have been so thankful that God has allowed me to be a part of this with you. You have gone from employee to friend and for that I am ever grateful to God.
RM: For you and your husband's love for God - your laughter and willingness to share. For Ed's creative inspiration and his willingness to share it - no matter what or where - God has used him to inspire me! God has given me so much from that small group - solid partners in prayer - other mothers going through life with the same struggles with money, food, and "mommy issues" as me - I am forever grateful that you and Ed, were also placed in my life as a gift from God.
MG: Probably one of the first women at church, along with SC, that I felt connected with that I did not already know. You listened to my struggle that night at the retreat and have been a prayer force and example in my life since. I do not have you on a pedestal - you are just a very good reflection of God's love and power to me. I thank Him for allowing me to know you!
SC: What to say and where do I begin? You are the example I want to be. You have literally taken difficult times in your life - times you had to become creative - but stayed rooted in God and asked for his guidance -and look what he has grown!! A ministry that has quickly become spread throughout the southeast - and now you have taken it with you west - but you did not just leave behind the ability to "find good deals" - you left behind the teaching about God's provision, the importance of passing on to others, and what the Proverbs 31 woman really looks like - and that being a Proverbs 31 woman IS attainable when we are led by God. Thank you, and God bless you and your family!
Again - there are so many others - so little time - and I am poorly focused right now - just know I dearly love each and every person God has allowed to come into my life - even those that I have had "conflict" with - because those conflicts have allowed a refining inside me also. God knows exactly what he is doing. He knew the church I would need to be attending and how to get me there, He knew the people I would need speaking life into me, and how to have me meet them, and He knows where I am headed from here.
Thank you, Lucy, for spurring this on!!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
God and Prozac
Okay - Probably not the most wonderful of titles, but there we are. This is a struggle I have had on and off for years. Biblically I have learned SO much about familial bonds/curses that need to be broken off. Spirits we allow to take hold - like in the Bible where the demon was cast out but the acknowledgement that he would come back and legions would join. I think the warning was - you have to put something in its place. If you fill it with your old patterns then they will become more, bigger, and stronger - but if you will establish new patterns and feed them and allow them time to root then they will fill that hole. Any recovery program talks about "putting something in 'its' place". I just happen to believe that the Healer was the one that gave that step originally (and maybe again to Bill Wilson).
I guess you noticed I have been silent for a couple of months. Not because my life has been silent, but because - I guess you could say - my spirit has been silent. Or maybe my spirit has been oppressed. I am not sure. I do know that what I have been experiencing these last months was not a "rest". I have not been at rest. My prayers and words have been blocked. I have had to trust with all my heart that even then the Holy Spirit was before the Throne interceding for me. Begging God to have mercy on me. He has.
On Saturday, April 3rd, 2010, I had an encounter with the Living Christ. There is no other way to put it. I believe that since about two weeks following that event the enemy - in all his scheming lying deceiving ways - has done all he possibly can to get me to not move forward at all after what I experienced. I believe myself to have been a Christian most of my life. I remember walking the isle at my home church and asking Jesus to come into my heart. I believe I have have loved him since that day. I know I have struggled a lot with "doing right" and "being right" in my relationship with him. I didn't want to be out of favor with him. Basically - I didn't want him to ever be upset with me or disappointed. Funny thing is - no matter what I have tried to do - pray, lead Sunday Schools, serve in the nursery, serve on the mission field - home and foreign - give, give more, do more - I never felt like I was doing things quite right. To top it off I would have these "experiences" and then just go right back to having the same doubts and confusions about how I was playing it out in my life. Guess what I learned on April 3rd, 2010? I don't have to do ANYTHING.
Let that really sink in. I have had to. I come from a family with an extremely strong work ethic. Personally I don't view this as a bad thing. This work ethic motivated me to get a job at 14 (yes, paying into social security since age 14), put myself through college, pay for my car, work three jobs while in college, never default on a loan, bounce a check only three times (I know - too many, but still), pay off my credit cards (although that was a difficult lesson to learn saved for another entry all together), and work full time while having three children and a husband. Not just any children. One with chronic special needs (although more manageable - only by the Grace of an Almighty God!), and two with asthma which require many doctor visits and sometimes a hospitalization. Anyone with a family understands household duties, upkeep, yard work, laundry, grocery shopping, chauffeuring, extended family responsibilities, etc. Not to mention if you want to have friends or go to church or be involved in church groups, etc. Let's just say I thank my mother for showing me how not to give up even when I may want to.
So, where my life could have been so much different - I could have felt sorry for myself and had no one to prod me out of my self pity (thank you all my youth leaders and workers and friends), I could have dropped out of college when I got bored with it (thank you family stigma that would not allow such a thing!!), I could have walked out on my marriage the first day things became difficult (IE: didn't go my way - which pretty much would have been month two - even before I knew about the alcohol - although finding out about the alcohol made things make so much more sense!), and I could have given my first child to my mom to raise when I didn't think I was going to be able to make it through another day without hurting her (but I didn't - and again - another story for another day). Through everything God has continually placed people, songs, verses, circumstances in front of me to push, prod, and guide me into the place He wanted me to go - I see it looking back - difficult in the midst - but so easy looking back. Thankfully I know that without a shadow of a doubt now - so when I get a little disoriented in my "dark spots" I know that "the Light" is right there. Never leaving, never wavering, always guiding the way. I struggle with resting - not working. Even when I call myself 'resting' my mind will still be going. Anxious - thinking, planning, drawing, writing, etc. Sometimes this is a good thing. Sometimes - not so good. I have a freedom in knowing that God already knows exactly what is on my plate for the future. The good the bad and the ugly. Long ago he gave me a verse, Romans 8:28, and how completely life affirming that verse has been to me. I used to have it as my car tag. (Now I have Hebrews 13:2.)
All of this rambling to say - after my encounter with Christ on that Saturday. I felt and came to know a freedom like no other. I was urged by the spirit to get to know what Christ says about me. What the Bible says about me as God's word. I started this process and then sank. I cannot explain it. Almost like a paralysis. So - after much internal debate I have gone back on Prozac. Now, depending on who you talk to - myself included - you will get many different ideas of whether or not psychiatric meds should be necessary for believers. I think just like any other medication they can be needed for a certain period of time for certain reasons. If I had not worried about the "stigma" related to psych meds after delivering my first child I don't think I would have had post partum depression as long or as intensely as I did - or I would have been more willing to discuss it. But, just like other "firsts" in my life, I think God allowed me to go through that to be able to alert others to the dangers and help relieve some of the stigma surrounding taking medications.
I do love Jesus. I have recently had an extremely intimate experience in His presence. I am a saint that sins. I am a beloved child of God. Skinned knees and elbows from taking off ahead of him and all! He loves me EXACTLY how I am. He made me. He knows the gifts and abilities and talents and desires he placed inside me yet to be discovered - waiting to be fulfilled by him and with me. He knew my parents before I did. He hand picked me for my children (I really pray for them and their covering!! ;o) ) He gave my husband to me and me to my husband. While flawed - together we are good as long as we are wrapped in our Creator's Love.
I am thankful for a God willing to create Prozac for an anxiety addict like me (well - praying for reformation!!) So, to anyone else out there - struggling with something - feeling you can't admit you might need "help" - whether from a support group, medication, prayer from an elder or church leader - Please know I have said a prayer for you today. A prayer that you would find freedom in knowing that even when we think we are "doing wrong" - as a child of God, He's got you covered!! (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)
"Dear Jesus,
Father, thank you so much for always providing. Whether it is people, songs, sermons, medications, or whatever - thank you. I have no idea if anyone even reads this blog, but I know you didn't give me these words for no reason. I pray, Dear Jesus, that these words touch those they are meant to. That even the slightest tug would be responded to by that person. Father that you would prepare their heart in advance to receive the Healing your death on the cross has given. Thank you, Father, for loving us as we are - not as cleaned up, spiffed up, good enough to come before you people, but as broken, bedraggled, muddy, humbled individuals needing to be infused with your life and blood that you so freely give. I love you and thank you so much for continually blessing me and my life. Most of all, Father, thank you for releasing my words again" Amen
I guess you noticed I have been silent for a couple of months. Not because my life has been silent, but because - I guess you could say - my spirit has been silent. Or maybe my spirit has been oppressed. I am not sure. I do know that what I have been experiencing these last months was not a "rest". I have not been at rest. My prayers and words have been blocked. I have had to trust with all my heart that even then the Holy Spirit was before the Throne interceding for me. Begging God to have mercy on me. He has.
On Saturday, April 3rd, 2010, I had an encounter with the Living Christ. There is no other way to put it. I believe that since about two weeks following that event the enemy - in all his scheming lying deceiving ways - has done all he possibly can to get me to not move forward at all after what I experienced. I believe myself to have been a Christian most of my life. I remember walking the isle at my home church and asking Jesus to come into my heart. I believe I have have loved him since that day. I know I have struggled a lot with "doing right" and "being right" in my relationship with him. I didn't want to be out of favor with him. Basically - I didn't want him to ever be upset with me or disappointed. Funny thing is - no matter what I have tried to do - pray, lead Sunday Schools, serve in the nursery, serve on the mission field - home and foreign - give, give more, do more - I never felt like I was doing things quite right. To top it off I would have these "experiences" and then just go right back to having the same doubts and confusions about how I was playing it out in my life. Guess what I learned on April 3rd, 2010? I don't have to do ANYTHING.
Let that really sink in. I have had to. I come from a family with an extremely strong work ethic. Personally I don't view this as a bad thing. This work ethic motivated me to get a job at 14 (yes, paying into social security since age 14), put myself through college, pay for my car, work three jobs while in college, never default on a loan, bounce a check only three times (I know - too many, but still), pay off my credit cards (although that was a difficult lesson to learn saved for another entry all together), and work full time while having three children and a husband. Not just any children. One with chronic special needs (although more manageable - only by the Grace of an Almighty God!), and two with asthma which require many doctor visits and sometimes a hospitalization. Anyone with a family understands household duties, upkeep, yard work, laundry, grocery shopping, chauffeuring, extended family responsibilities, etc. Not to mention if you want to have friends or go to church or be involved in church groups, etc. Let's just say I thank my mother for showing me how not to give up even when I may want to.
So, where my life could have been so much different - I could have felt sorry for myself and had no one to prod me out of my self pity (thank you all my youth leaders and workers and friends), I could have dropped out of college when I got bored with it (thank you family stigma that would not allow such a thing!!), I could have walked out on my marriage the first day things became difficult (IE: didn't go my way - which pretty much would have been month two - even before I knew about the alcohol - although finding out about the alcohol made things make so much more sense!), and I could have given my first child to my mom to raise when I didn't think I was going to be able to make it through another day without hurting her (but I didn't - and again - another story for another day). Through everything God has continually placed people, songs, verses, circumstances in front of me to push, prod, and guide me into the place He wanted me to go - I see it looking back - difficult in the midst - but so easy looking back. Thankfully I know that without a shadow of a doubt now - so when I get a little disoriented in my "dark spots" I know that "the Light" is right there. Never leaving, never wavering, always guiding the way. I struggle with resting - not working. Even when I call myself 'resting' my mind will still be going. Anxious - thinking, planning, drawing, writing, etc. Sometimes this is a good thing. Sometimes - not so good. I have a freedom in knowing that God already knows exactly what is on my plate for the future. The good the bad and the ugly. Long ago he gave me a verse, Romans 8:28, and how completely life affirming that verse has been to me. I used to have it as my car tag. (Now I have Hebrews 13:2.)
All of this rambling to say - after my encounter with Christ on that Saturday. I felt and came to know a freedom like no other. I was urged by the spirit to get to know what Christ says about me. What the Bible says about me as God's word. I started this process and then sank. I cannot explain it. Almost like a paralysis. So - after much internal debate I have gone back on Prozac. Now, depending on who you talk to - myself included - you will get many different ideas of whether or not psychiatric meds should be necessary for believers. I think just like any other medication they can be needed for a certain period of time for certain reasons. If I had not worried about the "stigma" related to psych meds after delivering my first child I don't think I would have had post partum depression as long or as intensely as I did - or I would have been more willing to discuss it. But, just like other "firsts" in my life, I think God allowed me to go through that to be able to alert others to the dangers and help relieve some of the stigma surrounding taking medications.
I do love Jesus. I have recently had an extremely intimate experience in His presence. I am a saint that sins. I am a beloved child of God. Skinned knees and elbows from taking off ahead of him and all! He loves me EXACTLY how I am. He made me. He knows the gifts and abilities and talents and desires he placed inside me yet to be discovered - waiting to be fulfilled by him and with me. He knew my parents before I did. He hand picked me for my children (I really pray for them and their covering!! ;o) ) He gave my husband to me and me to my husband. While flawed - together we are good as long as we are wrapped in our Creator's Love.
I am thankful for a God willing to create Prozac for an anxiety addict like me (well - praying for reformation!!) So, to anyone else out there - struggling with something - feeling you can't admit you might need "help" - whether from a support group, medication, prayer from an elder or church leader - Please know I have said a prayer for you today. A prayer that you would find freedom in knowing that even when we think we are "doing wrong" - as a child of God, He's got you covered!! (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28)
"Dear Jesus,
Father, thank you so much for always providing. Whether it is people, songs, sermons, medications, or whatever - thank you. I have no idea if anyone even reads this blog, but I know you didn't give me these words for no reason. I pray, Dear Jesus, that these words touch those they are meant to. That even the slightest tug would be responded to by that person. Father that you would prepare their heart in advance to receive the Healing your death on the cross has given. Thank you, Father, for loving us as we are - not as cleaned up, spiffed up, good enough to come before you people, but as broken, bedraggled, muddy, humbled individuals needing to be infused with your life and blood that you so freely give. I love you and thank you so much for continually blessing me and my life. Most of all, Father, thank you for releasing my words again" Amen
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