Between Us

In a daily email that I received this morning, I read the following:

Today, I had a “moment of sensitivity.”  A moment in time where worlds seemed to collide and the reality of the situation at hand brought me to tears.  As some important decisions are in the works for our family, God is teaching me to just stop! Stop trying to control everything – stop taking trusting in Him out of the situation. 

Sitting in rest and allowing the overall peace of the potential outcomes to pour over me, there always seems to be just one part that I can never seem to let go of…of course, that is until it’s literally ripped out of my hands and followed by a dear friend who pulls the veil up over my eyes and gently whispers the reinforcing words of the God who said it first, “It’s not about you, Gail.” 

Control has been a driving ISSUE in my life ever since I was able to “attempt” controlling the outcome of everything that involved me. Me me me…I’m sure I’m not the only one that these words sound familiar to.  While the song of “what about me” plays in my head (and I chuckle at the sound of hearing Joyce Meyer say it), it has grown to be a much smaller part of me.  I was doing so well in this process that I was shocking myself. So dim the sound that I hadn’t noticed the song singing in the background.

Today, having been humbled once again, I give the control back to the ONE who owns it.  And as I sit here choosing to consider only the here and now, what to do about today, I will take the loving whispers, the freight train of humility, and restful peace that our God holds in his hands. 

Proverbs 3:4-6 (NIV)

 

4 Then you will win favor and a good name
       in the sight of God and man.

I've been wanting to write and post about something that I read in the book, "Breaking Free," by Beth Moore.  The words are poetic, strong, and true... I want to share the words of Isaiah 61:1-4 and then my  thoughts.

The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,

     because the LORD has anointed me

     to preach good news to the poor.

He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

     to proclaim freedom for the captives

     and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor

     and the day of vengeance of our God,

to comfort all who mourn,

     and provide for those who grieve in Zion -

to bestow on them a crown of beauty

     instead of ashes,

the oil of gladness

     instead of mourning,

and a garment of praise

     instead of a spirit of despair.

They will be called oaks of righteousness,

     a planting of the LORD

     for the display of his splendor.

They will rebuild the ancient ruins

     and restore the places long devastated for generations.

I read this scripture as I was also completing my course on counseling skills.  As a psychology major, I never anticpated, wanted, or even remotely desired to pursue counseling, therapy or anything close.  I have drug my feet all way to the start of this course only to find that I have been fighting against what God has called me to. The words of Isaiah 61:1-4 gave me cause to stop and wonder.  Did He really call me into counseling? He has.  Does He really want me to be the stereotypical "shrink" that just sits in an office to listen to people whine about what's wrong with their lives, not to really want to change?  No...Relieved, I thanked God.

HE has called me to be an extension of His heart.  Someone who can meet people on their level, speak to them as a child of Christ, and as the hands of God, help lift them up when they fall down and need mercy. Taken back by the overwhelming thought of such responsibility, but knowing that I can do all that God has called me to. 

Now four courses away from finally graduating with my bachelors in Psychology, with a strong foundation in Christian principles, I look forward to the doors that will open and the work that God has annointed me for.

Father, I lift up my arms in surrender to the calling you have placed before me. I pray your annointing overflow into the lives that surround me...as you continue to prepare me, Lord use me.  Break down the walls that build to protect me, keep me open to your Spirit and guidance all the days ahead.  In Jesus name, Amen!

These feelings inside…what can I do?

Overwhelmed…full of anxiety…

What can I do?

My mind wonders again and again…

Confusion amiss….what can I do?

These thoughts collide…

Heavy with stress and worries…

What can I do?

Anxiety building…

Negative thoughts are exploding…

What can I do?

Lost and running…around and around…

Overwhelmed…full of anxiety

What can I do?

Fear and worry are not of the Lord…

What can I do?

Take every thought captive

And make it obedient to Christ!

:-)

Can I just say that it can be terribly exhausting to take every thought captive, especially when it's happening ALL DAY LONG!

Someone sent these to me in a forwarded email and seeing how I LOVE and ADORE my dogs (and cats), I thought it appropriate to share with each of you. I dedicate this post to Rocky and Trinity, my darling boxer children!  (yes, they are my babies)

A Pet's 10 Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. 

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me. 

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you. 

5. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10.On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

        Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and
take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful experience
without God's critters.
 

For this week's question, it was a pretty easy guess as to the type of parent Jesus would be, but it's really not as easy as it sounds to copy His example. For Alyssa's sake, I thank God that He's a much better parent than I am because she still loves me so much no matter how much I mess up. 

If Jesus were a parent, would he be permissive, authoritarian, or authoritative with a teenager and why?

There?s no doubt in my mind that Jesus would be an authoritative parent.  He?s most certainly not the parent to just let a teenager get away with anything and would also not be the type to dominate the teen either.  Jesus would allow adjustments in His expectations due to his child?s ?capacity to take responsibility for their own behavior.? (Berk, 2007, p. 391)  Our text shares that, ? warmth, open discussion, firmness, and monitoring of the adolescents? whereabouts and activities  make young people feel cared about and valued, encourage reflective thinking and self-regulation?? (Berk, 2007, p.391)  I believe that Jesus would value those things as well.

We are given many examples in God?s word of what parenting looks like.  As our heavenly Father, we could simply look at how He parents us.   While the dynamics of what a warm discussion would be like are obviously different, we know God loves us and cares about us no matter how much we mess up.  We can talk to Him anytime and without fear of condemnation.  He speaks to our spirits firmly reminding us of the right decisions to make.  We?re given free-will, the choice to self-regulate and choose right from wrong.  All the while, He sits on His throne monitoring our every move, listening to our thoughts, waiting for just the right moment that we?ll be open to hear from Him and to receive his loving discipline and guidance.

Berk, L.E. (2007) Development through the lifespan. (4 Ed). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

In continuation of the last post....below is what I wrote for this one.  I'll tell you that to consider Jesus as a parent, really makes one re-evaluate oneself as a parent also.  Thank God for forgiveness, thank God for mercy and grace, and I thank God daily for such a wonderful gift - Alyssa.

So, as most of you know, I am currently enrolled in a Developmental Psychology course this semester.  I don't usually share my discussion questions/assignments, but since there's only four main topics this semester and they have intrigued me, I wanted to share what I wrote.  I promise they are short.

Week 1:  If Jesus were a parent of a newborn, how do you feel He would nurture the newborn?

First I have to admit to an initial thought, one that really sort of shook me up a bit.  ?Wouldn?t it be nice if Jesus were my parent?? Then I moved onto a Holy Spirit moment in my heart, ?You have better than that, Gail, you have a Heavenly Father, the God of all creation.? I think that what this showed me was a missing link, the revealing truth that I still have a hard time seeing God as my Father.  I know it to be true by faith, but still haven?t fully allowed myself to feel God?s parental love for me.

So, moving on to the question at hand.  When picturing Jesus as the parent of a newborn, I see a parent that knows the true meaning of nurture and love.  He would never say that you could spoil a baby by holding it and showing it too much attention.  Jesus would hold the baby close, caressing and speaking gently to it at every chance.  God?s word shares in I Corinthians 13 what love looks like.  As a parent, I believe that Jesus would be kind and patient, never bothered by late hour and early morning feedings and irregular sleep patterns.  He will protect and persevere even in times of testing and exhaustion; he?ll be as patient in the evening as he was in the morning never putting the baby in emotional or physical harm.  But most of all, He?ll remember that the greatest commandment is to love; he?ll love that newborn and provide for all of its needs without complaining.

So, I'm interested in what you my think...please comment to the blog to share your thoughts on this topic.

XOXO,

GAIL

The political campaigns of each party running for President of this great country can really bring on the attack and make our voters question their decisions of who to vote for.  Just when you think you know who to vote for you see a commercial, watch a debate, or see a news clip and decide that there's more to think about than you thought. 

For the first time in my adult life, I might actually vote in an election this year.  I have never before voted and honestly never felt compelled to.  I don't trust politicians and could never make myself vote for the best of two, knowing I didn't support either.  This is the first year that I have WANTED to watch every minute of the debates.  When the news channels speak, I listen.  What makes this election so different?  Still not too sure, other than it's for obvious reasons, a historical one. 

As I listened to John Bevere's series on Honor's Reward, specifically honoring the authority in our life, I will never forget him saying that no matter who wins an election, it's a God appointed position.  No one steps into the position of authority as President unless God has allowed (not chosen).  And whoever is elected deserves the respect of the nation.  He - the President - may not be who we would have chosen, but it is who God has allowed to be Commander in Chief of our country.  Whether he acknowledges God or not, he will answer to him one day and will be held accountable for each decision he makes in office.

So, who are you voting for?  You don't have to tell me, but if you're still undecided, check out these two links below.  Read about the candidates and all they are supporting and not supporting.  Don't just vote to vote; don't vote for a woman vice president, don't vote for the 1st African American president.  Vote for the candidate that will represent all that you support.  Vote for the candidate that will make the difference in this country that you hope to see come to fruition.  No matter the choice, it will be historic!  We will see a 1st one way or another and that's simply exciting.  There's something new at every turn.  Can't wait for November 4th, 2008.  We will see history in the making.

John McCain - http://www.johnmccain.com/

Barack Obama - http://www.barackobama.com/index.php

Happy Voting.....

As some of you know and some of you don?t, I attended the funeral of my grandmother, Donna Swider, last week.  She is my dad?s mom.  As I have attempted to sort my feelings, regret, sadness, uneasiness, and even relief, my heart and soul are overwhelmed.  I hadn?t seen that side of my family in just about 10 years.  No one on that side of the family had ever met Will or Alyssa prior to our visit except through pictures.  But as it goes sometimes, family was brought together and reunited over the loss of a wonderful woman. I have some thoughts that I just simply have to share.

There are few women that I know who even come close to fitting into the category of the Proverbs 31 woman.  But as they read about this woman at my nanny?s funeral tears poured down and I looked to my grandfather who just knew these words to be true.  She was most definitely a sucessful woman:

Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

10 [c] A wife of noble character who can find?
       She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
       and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm,
       all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax
       and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships,
       bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still dark;
       she provides food for her family
       and portions for her servant girls.

16 She considers a field and buys it;
       out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously;
       her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
       and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff
       and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor
       and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
       for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed;
       she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
       where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
       and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
       she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom,
       and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household
       and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
       her husband also, and he praises her:

29 "Many women do noble things,
       but you surpass them all."

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
       but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her the reward she has earned,
       and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

On Monday, September 8, 2008, Donna June Swider, after many years of hard work, dedication to raising her family, and loving her husband so well, finished her work here on earth, received rest for her weariness, and was welcomed into the city gates of Heaven and received praise for her works. 

Heavenly Father, I thank you for the opportunity to know my grandmother and spend the time I had throughout the years talking and sharing with her. May you always keep the memories of her fresh in my heart and my mind. In Jesus Name, Amen!