tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72470696161674282522024-03-15T21:12:37.268-04:00My Redeemer LivesGiselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.comBlogger1516125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-71175450667964326882024-03-13T15:30:00.002-04:002024-03-13T15:30:43.671-04:00Praying for Autumn<p>My favorite stories are those that involve characters who survive the greatest of challenges against all odds. I especially love survival stories based on real life events when actual people have endured natural or political disasters, war, violence, corruption, and all kinds of destruction, obtaining deliverance ultimately through God's grace. Edge of my seat movies where the hero is a little David archetype facing a Goliath of a challenge are my absolute favorite! I often imagine myself as that small person, completely defenseless, making a run for it despite the high waters, the stormy winds, the raging fires, a blanket of bullets, a tall mountain or a dark valley...making it through, guided by the Light of the Holy Spirit and protected by the cover of Heaven's Angels. The thrill of the adventures, experienced all from the safety of my living room at home, of course, leave me with a heart full of hope on the power of good over evil.</p><p>Have any of these types of stories come to life for you? Have you experienced these events in real life? Did you ever actually need to escape danger? Do you know anyone, personally, who has ever been that real life character trapped in a dangerous place/situation from which the alternatives were to make a break for it or perish? Do you know people who have lived through the stuff of movies, and survived to talk about it afterwards? </p><p>Have you or anyone you know encountered those moments when the Word of God that speaks about passing through deep waters and fires goes from being a powerful image to becoming painfully real...the times when finding the hiding place where He will protect us from trouble points to a literal need for God to surround us with His deliverance?</p><p>I cannot say I have experienced anything of that magnitude. Have you?</p><p>Today, there is someone I know who is living through one of these stories. The dire circumstances of the place where God called her so many years ago, and where her heart resides, have made it impossible for her to stay and the decision to flee was the only alternative to live. She is a daughter of our church for whom seeking the will of God and obeying His call has taken her to a most forgotten country that is currently in shambles, where chaos, utter disorder and confusion reign. She took a leap of faith and trusted He who brought her there, to deliver her back into safety. For days, we have prayed for her safety, and will continue to do so without ceasing until she is home again, securely, out of harms way. We hang on to His promises and claim them for we trust that all His promises are true!</p><i><b>God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46: 1</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life. You stretch out your hand against the anger of my foes; with your right hand you save me. Psalm 138: 7</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him. Nahum 1: 7</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 2 Thessalonians 3: 3</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41: 10</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrew 13: 6</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my savior— from violent people you save me. 2 Samuel 22: 3</b></i><div><br /></div><div>May the Divine Shepherd lead this young woman and her companions back to safety...may His army of angels keep watch over them and bring them home soon. We Praise the Lord that the most dangerous portion of her journey is completed, and we continue praying for a happy ending to this most compelling, real life story.</div><div><br /></div><br /><b>Psalm 57</b><div><br />Have mercy on me, my God, have mercy on me,<br /> for in you I take refuge.<br />I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings<br /> until the disaster has passed.<br /><br /><br />I cry out to God Most High,<br /> to God, who vindicates me.<br />He sends from heaven and saves me,<br /> rebuking those who hotly pursue me—[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2057&version=NIV#fen-NIV-14772c">c</a>]<br /> God sends forth his love and his faithfulness.<br /><br /><br />I am in the midst of lions;<br /> I am forced to dwell among ravenous beasts—<br />men whose teeth are spears and arrows,<br /> whose tongues are sharp swords.<br /><br /><br />Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;<br /> let your glory be over all the earth.<br /><br /><br />They spread a net for my feet—<br /> I was bowed down in distress.<br />They dug a pit in my path—<br /> but they have fallen into it themselves.<br /><br /><br />My heart, O God, is steadfast,<br /> my heart is steadfast;<br /> I will sing and make music.<br />Awake, my soul!<br /> Awake, harp and lyre!<br /> I will awaken the dawn.<br /><br /><br />I will praise you, Lord, among the nations;<br /> I will sing of you among the peoples.<br />For great is your love, reaching to the heavens;<br /> your faithfulness reaches to the skies.<br /><br /><br />Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;<br /> let your glory be over all the earth.</div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-9075460311179066692024-03-04T09:04:00.001-05:002024-03-04T09:04:14.040-05:00Reflections on the Book Winning the War on Worry. Lie #4<p> "I have to worry. OF COURSE I have to worry!!! If I don't worry, who will??"</p><p>This is my stance every single time that something slightly problematic may seem to be spotted in the distant future. I worry and panic as if by worrying I could stop it from happening or control how things would turn out. Reading the book, <i>Winning the War on Worry</i> is teaching me, however, that this attitude is not just a part of my dysfunctional mindset when facing problems. This posture is actually the result of me believing a lie from the enemy that is designed to distance me from my Heavenly Father. This position stems from lie #4: I can control the outcome by worrying.</p><p>Author Louie Giglio says that this lie from the devil tries to convince us that if we think about the situation long enough, we can control how it turns out. Therefore, we obsess! We think, and we concoct, and we mull over, and we visualize, and we machinate, and we ruminate until we believe we have covered all the angles and chewed it all over into a swallowable, sweet compote that goes down easily and to our satisfaction. In reality, however, nothing is further from the truth. By God's grace, says Pastor Giglio, the only thing we can control is how we react to things. That's it!</p><p>Remember what Jesus asks us in Luke 12: 25-26</p><i><b>Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?</b></i><p>All outcomes are up to God's plan. Worrying, on the other hand, does not accomplish anything other than the devil's plans. Is that what we want to be doing? Helping the enemy accomplish his evil plans for our lives? Of course not! So why do we worry? We worry because we have fallen into the trap of believing that worry is useful. And if you are like me, that mindset has been sculpted into your brain on granite! It's our default mode. We do it without even thinking about it. And now, we are left with the hard work of changing our reaction to problems...which is the only thing we can control. We have to replace worry with something else...but what? What is strong enough to sledge hammer that granite and pulverize it? </p><p>Pastor Giglio says, the first step is to recognize that WE. ARE. NOT. GOD!</p><p>Once we go into the worry mode and we smell the first stench of the obsession bottle opening up (remember that cologne by Calvin Klein in the 80s...sorry, I digress), we need to recognize it and pause...and say:<b> I am not God. I am not in charge. I am not in control. I don't run the show. I am simply a part of God's plan. Yet, I know He loves me. So I will pray, trust and obey</b>...and <i>release</i>...</p><p>We pause, pray, trust and release. OVER and OVER and OVER again. Yes, this is not a one time deal, my friends. You know it. We do this once, and then we go back to our default. So it requires us to be very intentional and to pay a lot of attention to our reactions. Remember, we have built a granite statue to worry, like the ancient Israelites who built those Asherah Poles and statues of Baal we see in Kings 1 and 2, which they could not, for the life of everything beautiful in the world, get rid of! No matter how many prophets God sent and how many times He spoke to them...Kings, after Kings, after Kings just could not bring themselves to destroy such idols...that is basically what we go through when trying to destroy the idol of worry that we have safely built in the high places of our inner being.</p><p>The labor is arduous and it requires constancy but most of all, it requires prayer and surrender. Prayer that the Holy Spirit would direct our path towards a life in which worry is not our first instinct. Prayer that Christ will give us His strength to surrender to God's plan, which, though inscrutable, it is, indeed, perfect! Prayer that we forgive ourselves when we fall back on our worry routine, and not experience that guilt that separates, but enjoy the mercy that draws us back to the Heart of Jesus that is ALL MERCYFUL! Prayer that we can continue to try to attempt this over and over an over again. This is how we can open the door to the peace that Jesus promised, so it can enter into our hearts, souls and minds like a hurricane, or a gushing current, cleaning up all the gunk we've built up over the years, destroying our idol of worry...to finally allow us to breathe...and let go...and be free. </p><p>"Of course I have to worry!" No I do not. Nobody has to. It's in God's hands, whatever "it" is...He already has it worked out. I am NOT God. So I'm going to step down and let Him do His thing! In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen!</p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-17074500492578818792024-02-28T12:23:00.003-05:002024-02-28T19:47:37.117-05:00Would we say no to love because it hurts?<p> Would you willingly choose to do something that you KNOW is going to cause you hurt, pain, and heartache? </p><p>Well, the answer is yes and no.</p><p>Often, when we are absolutely certain that a decision, or an action is going to give us a most piercing affliction or unsurmountable hardship, the answer is no way! Our self-preservation instincts kick in...or should kick in, ideally, right? Sometimes I wonder, though... However, there is one thing...one decision...one action...one decision to commit to an action which we willingly embrace fully knowing it will, at some point, shatter our hearts...and that is, the decision to commit to loving someone.</p><p>The reason for this seemingly irrational determination is that otherwise, choosing to say no to love would make us part of a different species...more like a piece of furniture or a kitchen appliance...an amoeba, at best.</p><p>We choose love over and over and over again regardless of how much it may hurt, because we are humans and we need love like we need air. Love is what sustains us and gives us well-being because He who made us is Love Himself, and when He selected us to be His, that was an act of unsurpassed love that demonstrates He loved us first and at that moment, He instilled His love in us rendering us incapable of not loving despite our "better/worldly/rational" judgment and knowledge. Easy! Not mind-twisting at all, right?!</p><p>Anyway...but seriously, how else would we ever know we even <i>have</i> a heart if we never get it broken?</p><p>The pain we feel when our heart aches or when it is deeply pierced due to love is what reminds us that we are alive...the deeper the hurt...the stronger the love. Losing someone who we consider only a passing acquaintance, for example, does not destroy us the way that losing a most beloved person does. Hearing the news that something bad happened to a kid at some distant school many miles away from us, doesn't disturb us anywhere near to the way it certainly annihilates us when that kid is ours. The distress we experience when we are aware of the hardship of people we know of through second-hand connections is not even close to the excruciating agony we feel when the hardship falls onto a dear, dear friend.</p><p>Deep in our hearts we know, the day we decide to love someone, that it will crush us if we ever lose them. We know with absolute certainty that the instant something horrible happens to our children (even a papercut counts here) we are going to feel it worst than if it'd happened to ourselves. We know when our dear friends go through seriously rough patches, we travel with them and experience their pain. We know it...we feel it...we fear it. </p><p>When we say the vows, it is for better or for worse, until DEATH due us apart. We walk into that union knowing death will be a part of it. When we hold our children in our arms, we know our hearts will break, just like the heart of Jesus' Mother Mary broke, because we realize our hearts don't belong to us anymore, they are in possession of the children God blessed us with. When we first meet our best friends whether it be at a school yard during recess when we were in Kindergarten or at a small group in college either because we were paired together to do a project or we were randomly thrown together as roommates, or met at a crazy party (not that college students ever go to parties, let alone crazy ones), or at a Bible study group at the home of a Pastor on Sunday evenings when we were starting out our Christian walk...we know that someday we will journey through the valleys of the shadows of tears with our loved ones...still...does knowing all this would ever make us turn our backs and say: no...I cannot commit to loving you because I know it will one day break my heart and I cannot have that kind of pain in my life? </p><p>Would we say "no" to love because it hurts? </p><p>No second thoughts. No second guessing. No regrets. Tears and all, we willingly dive into the adventure that it is to love someone because choosing otherwise would mean traversing through life empty and barely alive. After physiological needs, the need to belong... to love and be loved, is the most basic need of humankind! So, a life devoid of love, is not much of a life at all. And like the song says: love hurts. It hurts, indeed. But that's how we know we're alive. That's the human perspective.</p><p>From a Christian perspective, it works too. Suffering is the evidence we are walking with Jesus! Sharing the road with Christ means sharing in His sacrifice...sharing His Cross (Galatians 2: 20 and Matthew 10: 17-20). To be a part of His Glory we must be also part of His agony...that's just the way it works. Love hurts, but without love, there is no joy...there is no glory. Therefore, we offer our suffering back to Him to participate in His Glory at the appointed time. </p><p>The Cross is not the goal...the goal is Christ's Glory. Heartache and agony are not the goal...the goal is joy. May the One Who is LOVE guide us in our necessary walks through calvary so, when the time is full, we can also partake in the joy and glory of true Love.</p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-70640494746077927412024-02-22T13:01:00.000-05:002024-02-22T13:01:25.267-05:00Have you ever met such a human?<p> Have you ever met someone universally liked?</p><p>I mean...there are some people, I guess, who because of their achievements can potentially claim the title of being universally admired...maybe...I know I'm going to say something controversial here, but it is only an illustration (please try not to dislike me too much): I could, perhaps say I sort of admire Taylor Swift...but I do not like her. However, finding people who are liked by everyone they meet along the path of their lives...that is very rare. Not even Jesus was liked by everyone He ever met. On the contrary, right? He was put to death because some people didn't like what He said, what He did...who He was...and He is Perfect! Imagine us...imperfect, wretched, sinners...of course we are NOT going to be liked by every single person we meet (trust me, I know what I'm talking about here). Once in a while, however, there comes a person...a human, flesh and bone person, who can honestly (and usually humbly) walk around knowing that most of those who meet him or her are not going to hate their guts.</p><p>This kind of individual is typically characterized by a few traits. Among those traits or virtues, rather, we notice first a big heart so full of love that it overflows. Their hugs are tight and abundant. Their approach is genuine and caring. Then we see a cheerful personality as another commonly present feature among this person's virtues, meaning, others can most certainly count on a smile, a belly laugh, a funny comment usually self-deprecating and/or sarcastic, and a silver-lining type of attitude. They are, therefore, fun-loving, but also fun and loving. This person is empathetic, feels deeply about others and exudes generosity. They are generous with their time, money, talents, efforts, laughter and tears. In a world where so many of us feel invisible, this person makes people feel seen. The universally liked human is also smart. Behind a seemingly goofy exterior there lies a thinker whose insight always would leave you pondering...their musings always would bring about a perspective that makes those listening, pause, reconsider and wonder. They get it and they help you get it too. This combination of qualities (plus others that you may add as you think of them) make it impossible for anyone to truly dislike this individual.</p><p>Have you ever met such a person? </p><p>Does anyone's face or name come to mind to illustrate this beloved character?</p><p>Yes. Without fearing oversimplifications or false idolization, I believe that I can honestly answer yes to these questions. I had the honor, privilege and blessing of meeting someone who was not terribly disliked by anyone within the universe in which he lived. That does not mean that sometimes we might have not rolled our eyes at his comments or might have occasionally wanted to punch him on the face once in a while...but always in good fun! Not only he wasn't universally hated, he was actually deeply loved...so much so...that Jesus called him home way too soon because he couldn't spare him any longer. And now, though we rejoice he is enjoying his rewards as he has already heard, "well done good and faithful servant," we are left wandering in this valley of shadows and tears with one less shining light in our world to guide us. The voice, words and laughter are silenced, the jokes have ceased, the hands are idle. The memories, however, remain. The legacy of faith, love, integrity, joy and selflessness lives in the hearts and souls of his family and in all who knew him on this side of eternity.</p><p>Our loss is great, but his gain is bigger. We just pray in confidence that the same Jesus who saved him, redeemed him, inspired him, guided him and loved him has already welcomed him into His glory as He gives us acceptance, peace, strength and hope to continue on in this life without our friend and brother in Christ until we too, are also called home.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In memory of our beloved Sam Jones...lifting his dear wife, children, grandchildren and the rest of the Jones Clan in prayer as we mourn together the passing of someone who represented the spirit of our church. In Christ we wait. Come, Lord Jesus, come.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-62651506203460337872024-02-11T19:40:00.004-05:002024-02-11T19:40:54.626-05:00Reflections on the Book Winning the War on Worry - Lie #3<p> My Mother and Father were both major-league-worriers. They spent all of their lives while I was around, worrying about something. My Mom was afraid of everything, which caused her to worry constantly. My Dad never really made much of a distinction between a big problem and a little problem. To him, all problems were equally bad and required an equally extreme reaction. Worry framed his face. Neither of them really knew how to relax. Every single afternoon after dinner, they would both sit on a swing on the front porch of our house and ponder the day's issues. To the regular passerby, they looked as if they were chillaxing. We knew, though, that they were quietly mulling over problems and worries. I don't think either of them ever heard anyone say to them anything like: give it to God. He is in control. Let it go. Trust Him. Worrying won't solve anything.</p><p>Sigh...</p><p>I grew up in that environment. It never occurred to me to think that there was some choice involved in worrying. I never thought about the fact that there are levels to problems: some are big and some are little...what? no way...a problem is a problem, is a problem and I need to worry no matter what. I can't choose not to worry! That's crazy? Who could possibly control their emotions in such a way? NOBODY! Once a worrier, always a worrier, especially if you were born that way and into a family of worriers.</p><p>Well, apparently, that way of thinking was forged by a tradition of believing a big lie the enemy wants to spread on unsuspecting people like me. As stated by Pastor Giglio, the devil's #3 lie is precisely, "I have no choice-I'm born a worrier."</p><p>OK...I guess my lifetime of blaming genetics for my inability to exercise self-control in the arena of worrying is coming to a very abrupt end...because if Pastor Giglio is right...I've just been duped into believing that I was born this way and there isn't anything that I can do about it. In reality, even though we might have a genetic tendency toward worry...we are born again into a family whose Father does not worry or has ever worried or will never worry EVER! Like Pastor Giglio says, "there's no doubting the fact that He is concerned for us..." but He does not worry in the same sense we do. We belong to a new family where worry is a sign of mistrust. </p><p>The truth is that God's got us and all our problems. He is in control and our job is to surrender and to trust His plan and His will. HE IS ENOUGH!</p><p>When we indulge in worrying, we fall for the enemy's trap that tells us we are the ones in control. He knows we are NOT enough...so he deceives us and manipulates us into believing we are in charge because he knows we will fail and be even more miserable than when we first started worrying. The enemy knows we will forget we are not enough and will dupe us into buying the idea that we can take care of things on our own...and the vicious cycle starts and never ends...or it ends with us defeated.</p><p>Pastor Francis Chan said something similar: "Worry implies that we don't quite trust that God is Big Enough, Powerful Enough, or Loving Enough to take care of what's happening in our lives." Therefore, instead of wasting our time worrying and circling around our fears over and over and over again in a most inefficient way...let's make sure that at the first sign of worry we start moving closer to the Word so we can be under the protection of the Most High as we focus our energy and efforts on surrendering and trusting on the Center of Life, Power and Love that is Our Great God.</p><p>No matter how long we have been believing this lie, we can change our mind frame by the Power of The One Who Makes All Things New! Let's put our faith in Him and start believe the truth!</p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-37689121084236963942024-01-29T10:35:00.000-05:002024-01-29T10:35:14.506-05:00Reflections on the Book Winning the War on Worry: Lie #2<p>I have been watching many crime-style-movies lately. The "who-done-it" hooks me, and before I know it, I'm playing homicide detective. In these shows, "motive" is always an important key. The detectives are always looking for it. Until they find it, they can't build a solid case around a suspect. In many of these shows, we find out at the end, the motivation to commit the crime stems from a lie. The culprit ends up usually not being a serial killer, but a misguided individual who told a lie and has to cover it up or was told a lie and believed it...which caused him/her to an extreme reaction...usually a murder. Even serial killers' motivation and M.O. are often linked to some sort of lie in their past. </p><p>At any rate, as I continue my careful reading of Louie Giglio's book <i>Winning the War on Worry</i>, chapter 1 tells us "worry is a liar." And the second lie the enemy uses on us is: "the more you worry about it, the better your odds of avoiding it." So, "the motive" for worrying is to avoid or keep "it" (whatever "it" might be) from actually happening. At first glance, this statement didn't seem to apply to me all that much. But then, as I started to look at worry in terms of a "crime" I started to look at what my motivation for worrying might be. And the funny thing is, many, many times, I just worry for the sake of worrying. It's my M.O. I don't even know why I do. I just worry because if I'm not worried, I start worrying that there's something I need to be worried about, but I'm not sure what it is, so I start digging around until I find something I need to worry about and then I'm like, "see? I knew it!"</p><p>However, what if my incessant need to worry emerges from the fact that long ago, longer than I can remember, I believed a lie from the enemy who made me think that the more I worry, the less likely it is for that worst case scenario to happen. Therefore, I began to worry motivated by this lie I had believed in, and worry became my M.O. and it has been my habitual way of acting ever since.</p><p>How diabolical...</p><p>The truth is, worry doesn't keep anything from happening. In fact, worrying only makes things worst. It makes us panicky and when we panic, we can't think rationally. Fear makes us act erratically, and mistakes are made because we go on "survival" mode. And I don't know about you, but my survival mode is terrifying, especially to those around me. I become hysterical and destructive. I can't think and I often hurt everyone I cross paths with. The enemy knows that about me. Hence, the lie. Making me believe this lie will ensure that I am in a constant state of fret and disarray, unable to calm down and think...and pray...</p><p>What to do?</p><p>First step, like Pastor Giglio says, "become adept at spotting the lies worry tells you" so you and I can become experts at dismantling them, rendering them ineffective. Then, "lean in and trust God." Pastor Giglio continues on page 6, "one of the greatest tools to help counter the temptation to worry is recalling the faithfulness of God"...the faithfulness of God tells you, "today I will do for you what I did yesterday, and the day before, and the days before that. Faithfulness is the fuel of peace for today." Remembering God's Faithfulness and recounting all the instances in which He has delivered us and blessed us is the antidote against worry and the key to regaining His peace. </p><p>I know it is hard for someone for whom worrying is the default reaction to life's hurdles. That's why we need back up. Just like in the crime-style-movies, detectives who have the presence of mind to call for back up before engaging in something that is potentially going to end in harm, usually survive violent encounters...we worriers need to make sure we reach out to our back up at the first tingle of fear. And the first one to call, the one on your #1 spot in your speed dial is: The Holy Spirit. A quick 911 to the Holy Spirit to make His presence manifested in the situation will make the difference between succumbing to the weapons of the enemy or staying firm on solid ground. Then, reach out to your prayer warriors. Establish a small circle of sisters in Christ to whom you can always place emergency calls or texts and recruit them to lift you up in prayer and serve as a sounding boards on your struggle. And of course, go to Jesus in Scripture. Stay in the Word always. The same way the enemy does not rest or get distracted on his mission to disrupt our lives, we must stay in the Word every day, making it part of who we are, memorizing and praying without ceasing.</p><p>Well, I guess it's time to go find out who's done it this time in my current movie I have on pause :) but before that, I pray that we can stay connected to His promises of peace like a river, beyond our understanding, trusting He is the Faithful One who walks with us and tells us, fear not. In the Precious Name of Jesus, The One Who Has Overcome Every Trial for me. Amen!</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-53784100850590142442024-01-24T10:05:00.000-05:002024-01-24T10:05:23.949-05:00Reflections on the Book Winning the War on Worry: Part 2 - Lie #1<p> "You always have to go to the worst possible case scenario!"</p><p>Boy, have I heard that often in my life...sigh...I always attributed that nasty quality of mine to my negative nature. I never thought it was something I could control. I mean, how much can you force yourself to be a positive thinker, really? To me that would be like me forcing myself to be 4 inches taller than I am. I mean, how do I do that? I guess I could fake it by wearing 4-inch-heel shoes and pretending to be able to walk on those. At the end of the day, though...I'm still not 6-foot tall.</p><p>Pastor Louie Giglio in his book, <i>Winning the War on Worry</i> tells us how worry is not from God. Worry is a tool of the enemy and he uses it to manipulate us and to make us drift away from The Almighty. When the enemy uses worry to enslave us, he employs 4 lies, and the first one is: "something really bad is going to happen." It's not that bad things don't happen. They do. We have experienced that reality. We live in a fallen world and of course bad scenarios are often unavoidable. However, the trick is to remember that not because we are facing something seemingly terrible, the worst possible thing is actually going to be the outcome. Sometimes it will be and what we fear most will come to pass. But, more often than not, the horrible thing we fear might happen, does not happen. </p><p>The point is, why worry? I remember one of my first bosses a thousand years ago, used to say, "keep calm and do your job. There's plenty of time to panic later." And if we think about it, it's true! We don't know what the future holds. We may have a sense...a feeling...but we don't really know for sure. God's plan is perfect, and He has a way to make everything work out in the end. We might have to go through some tribulations for a while, but we know how the story ends: we running to the arms of Jesus...so, come what may!</p><p>There is a supernatural peace that comes to us when we surrender our fears to our Lord...and as such, precisely because it is supernatural, it doesn't come naturally. It comes by allowing the Holy Spirit to take over our thoughts and by filling our minds with Scripture. So when the hard times do come, we are prepared and we trust that Jesus will equip us to face it, and above all, that He will be going through the fire and high waters with us.</p><p>I don't know how effective I will be at modifying my perspective from worst-case-scenario to "I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength." But I am glad to hear that by being aware this is a lie from the devil, I can recognize it when it threatens to overtake me with its darkness. Once I recognize it is the enemy trying to defeat me, I can invoke the Holy Spirit to guard me and lead me back to His Light.</p><p>In the meantime, I cling to the hope that is Jesus. And as I learn to immerse myself into His Word and trust it more and more each day, I know He will rescue me. In the Precious Name of My Lord and Savior Who is Truth. Amen!</p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-88919786440595513492024-01-22T15:41:00.000-05:002024-01-22T15:41:17.787-05:00Reflections on Book Winning the War on Worry<p> "You worry too much. Just enjoy the ride!" </p><p>Someone told me that many years ago. To tell you the truth, I had no idea what that meant. I still don't think I'm 100% sure I understand the idea of seeing life as a "ride" which I should enjoy and not as a valley of darkness and fears that I must constantly fret about. How does one even begin to approach life like that? I have no idea. I guess, maybe, looking more closely to the analogy of a "ride" could bring some light into this matter...let's see...a ride...a ride...</p><p>Well, I don't ride horses or motorcycles or skateboards. I have not been on a bicycle in decades. I do, however, ride in cars...but better yet, my mind just went to rides at amusement parks. I do enjoy those very much! We didn't have amusement parks in Panama when I was growing up down there so I never really experienced the thrill of a good ride until I was in my early twenties. I still remember the first time I rode in the Steel Phantom at Kennywood! WOW!</p><p>I think I passed down my love for amusement park rides to my sons. They practically grew up riding them. I remember pushing Grant and then later Dylan on our little umbrella stroller around many parks, and as soon as they were tall enough, they began to ride. One of my favorite memories was of the first time we took them to Disney. Dylan was only 5 years old. We were in line to ride the Tower of Terror and Dylan asked Dan: "Daddy, are we going to die?" Poor child...it was terrifying, indeed, but he did it and we all survived. It was exhilarating! We still continue to go to amusement parks as much as we can. Last year we went to Universal and we stood in line for 2 hours to ride the new Hagrid's Magical Creatures Motorbike Adventure. It was probably the best ride I've ever been in. It was surprising and unique. Not much like any other. Of course, now I have to take something like Dramamine or Bonine to keep my lunch steady inside my tummy...but I enjoyed every bit of that ride...hmmm...</p><p>Why am I able to enjoy these crazy rides without worrying one bit about anything?</p><p>Let's see...I don't worry about a thing because I trust that the amusement park has taken every precaution to make sure the rides, while scary, are totally safe. I trust that even though the climbing is steep, the turns are crazy, and there are many bumps along the way, at the end, I will land without harm. Well...I wonder...if I can trust the corporations that own the amusement parks (which only care about profit) to keep me safe...why can't I trust My Amazing God, who wonderfully and carefully made me and loves me so much that He sent His Only Son to save me? </p><p>Perhaps the reason I can blindly trust Kennywood, Disney, and Universal but have a hard time fully trusting the God of All Creation is because I'm believing the lies the enemy feeds me about God and His Goodness. </p><p>Louie Giglio in the book, <i>Winning the War on Worry</i> points out something in chapter 1 that really got to me. He says: "We've already established that the root of worry is fear. And fear doesn't come from God. Thus, at the heart of worry is the devil. And Scripture is clear - the devil is a liar." (page 1)</p><p>He adds: "worry isn't just a bad habit. Worry is an enemy tactic - a strategy built on lies that are designed to rob you of peace and tear your mind to pieces." (page 1)</p><p>There you have it. I don't think I ever heard this message any clearer. Worry is NOT from God. On the contrary. He wants us to trust Him completely to the point that we worry about nothing because He is in charge...our lives are in His Hands...the most capable and trustworthy hands ever. But we do worry. We worry because the enemy is skillful and he knows how to infiltrate our defenses in ways that are often imperceptible to us. And if we are not aware of this truth, or we allow ourselves to forget it, we begin to believe all the lies he feeds us and worry takes over. </p><p>Well, I am deeply grateful to the Holy Spirit for guiding authors like Pastor Giglio to write about this topic. And I'm deeply grateful to my dear friend for bringing this book to my attention. And, above all, I'm most gratefully delighted for the love of My Lord and Savior, whose patience is inexhaustible and whose care is unending. I pray that as I read this little book I can finally understand that it is possible to worry less and enjoy the crazy ride of this life more. In Jesus' Precious Name, the Name that deserves all of our trust. Amen! </p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-29542289031249133242024-01-21T15:29:00.002-05:002024-01-21T15:29:39.031-05:00Struggle with Worry? Maybe the Next Series of Posts Can Help<p> Struggles with worry? Me? </p><p>Nah!!!</p><p>HA! I don't struggle with worry. I embrace it...I look for it. I worry even when there's nothing to worry about thinking, why...thinking, maybe I should be worried about something. Yep, worry is me, alright...deep sigh...</p><p>When my dear friend brought up the book <i>Winning the War on Worry </i>by Louie Giglio, my first thought was..."yeah right? like that's a war I can win...sure..."</p><p>I'm ashamed of my inability to trust God's power completely.</p><p>But, I bought the book. I've read the introduction. And I'm ready to put on the Armor of God to fight in this war, because I'm sick of being oppressed by fear and worry. It's about time I stop my defeating attitude and dive into the arms of Jesus, the One Who Has Defeated evil and exposed all his tricks. It's about time I surrender to Christ, trust His promises, and let Him scoop me out of the pit I've dug for myself.</p><p>As I read this little book, I'm going to try to use this space to process my reflections and sort my thoughts. I hope it is useful to whoever is reading my musings and maybe we can walk together on this road to freedom, guided by the Light of His Presence. In the Precious Name of Jesus we pray. Amen!</p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-60022478722475811332024-01-02T21:53:00.000-05:002024-01-02T21:53:45.728-05:00Fellowship: 2024 Word of the Year<p> I'm not sure what happened, but I blinked and 2023 was over. The last few months went by so fast that my head is still spinning. In the whirlwind of things, I have not had very many moments to sit down and write...and I'm not sure as to why...but there's no time for regrets, right? So here I am...on the second day of 2024 talking about my word for the year. And the word is: fellowship.</p><p>My word for last year was "genuine."</p><p>Unfortunately, I have to admit that I was not able to keep to it 100% of the time. However, I can honestly say that I did have very special moments of genuine fellowship which made me realize the importance of this practice. The moments that stand out the most revolved around book chats. I was blessed with being a part of two book chats, one over the summer and one in the fall, which gave me plenty of opportunities to fellowship with dear sisters in Christ and see friendships blossom as we grew closer to one another and to Christ. I also had chances to fellowship with my own family as we shared super special moments driving through Arizona, surrounded by a beauty so intense that moved us to worship. </p><p>But, what is fellowship, and why is it important?</p><p>Well, briefly, the word fellowship is derived from the Greek word koinonia. Koinonia can be defined as “holding something in common” and is specifically used 20 times in the New Testament (e.g. Phil. 2:1-2, Acts 2:42, 1 John 1:6-7). Koinonia describes the unity of the Spirit that comes from Christians’ shared beliefs, convictions, and behaviors. When those shared values are in place, genuine koinonia (biblical fellowship) occurs. This fellowship produces our mutual cooperation in God’s worship, God’s work, and God’s will being done in the world. (Grace Theological Seminary)</p><p>Fellowship is an integral part of Christianity and it is a tool that the Holy Spirit uses to help us grow in our faith. Through that unity that emerges when Christians gather together and share their beliefs, convictions and way of living, the body of Christ, the church becomes stronger and so do individuals. Think about it. Has it happened to you that sometimes you are at a Bible study or maybe even just casually having a conversation with some sisters in Christ and there is a discussion of a topic or a passage of Scripture that you thought you were very familiar with, and all of a sudden, you hear insights on that topic or particular passage that you never thought about before, making the whole thing completely fresh and new? That is the gift of fellowship. </p><p>There is a reason the Bible calls us to fellowship with other believers. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1: 9, "you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." We are invited to partake in the divine fellowship of the Trinity between Jesus, The Father and The Holy Spirit, our most perfect example of perfect Koinonia. It is in this unity that we experience a glimpse of paradise here on Earth. </p><p>Well, 2024 is here, and it is my prayer that I can be intentional about participating more intensely in Christian fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. May we all walk in the Light together, as 1 John 1: 7 says,</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">And as we walk in the Light, may we encourage one another, bear each other's burdens, and make each other better, as iron sharpens iron. In the Precious Name of Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Happy New Year!!!</div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-70502937102039541562023-11-07T07:56:00.001-05:002023-11-07T07:56:21.730-05:00Keeping the Sabbath Holy<p> With the falling leaves comes the season of busyness. School is well underway, sports banquets are planned, festivals and craft shows crowd the weekends and endless errands usher in the holidays. Believe it or not, the end of the year is near and before we wrap our heads around the fact that 2023 will be history soon, 2024 will be here. As I'm thinking of all this, I decided to re-read chapter 7 of the book <i>Holy Hygge. Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow, </i>by Jamie Erickson...the chapter on rest.</p><p>Who has time to rest when Thanksgiving is just 2 weeks away?</p><p>Well...according to Our Maker...we better carve out time to rest, because it is not a suggestion. It's a command! A command that He modeled, Himself when He finished creating. Like author Jamie Erickson reminds us, "for six whole days, God masterfully crafted a sanctuary that would reveal His glory. For six whole days, he worked. But by the seventh day, His work was finished. It wasn't just done. It was complete, lacking nothing. In response, He rested. With purpose, God set aside His work, and in turn, set apart the day. The seventh was unlike the previous six; it was holy. In the same way He had blessed the animals and humans, God blessed the day of rest." (p. 169)</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done. Genesis 2: 2-3</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The seventh day was, indeed, like no other during the creation process. It was a blessed day...a holy day...the first holiday ever! The only day we can be certain that God actually rested. He is the God of order. Everything He does is purposely done. Nothing is random in the Hands of God. He rested, perhaps not so much because He was tired, but because He wanted to show us what a balanced life looks like: working diligently and methodically for 6 days and setting aside a day to be restored in mind, spirit and body. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">How hard is it to achieve this balance? VERY! Just ask a working outside-the-home Mom of young children...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But...how necessary is it? VERY! Just ask a working outside-the-home Mom of young children...or...anyone?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like the author of <i>Holy Hygge </i>suggests, we live in a hurry-up/rush, rush society. You drag your feet, you get replaced. You don't hustle, you stay on the bench. You don't get busy, you don't get promoted. You don't move, you don't get noticed. But there is an antidote to the madness: being intentional about setting aside a day to say no. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of us cannot keep Sunday as our day of rest for different reasons. However, we need to take a good, intentional look at our calendar and see which day would be our sabbath. Then, work in creating a routine that allows us to accomplish the critical things that need to be done around that day we set apart, so when questions about commitments come up, we can say, "not on my sabbath." Easier said than done, I know. But not impossible. And we probably won't get it perfectly taken care of right away either. But we need to strive for it. It's God's commandment...and the reason this, seemingly curious idea made it to the law was because God knows us, He knows our limitations and He knows we need it in order to function properly. Let's not forget about it. Let's not skip it.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As we rake the last autumn leaves on our yard, and get ready to jump into the holidays, let's remember to keep the holy day, holy...even if the best we can do to start is to set aside part of it, until we figure out our routine, always under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, cooperating with Him, as He shows us the way. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Prayer:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dear Lord, I know I can't do this alone. I need Your strength to help me figure out how to keep the Sabbath Holy. I am often overwhelmed by all the responsibilities that seem to fall on my shoulders. Help me open my eyes to realize the truth of what I really need to do and to discern what you have placed on my to-do list. May my work be done unto You, Lord...not unto me. Give me the understanding to know what You have designed for me to do as supposed to what my pride decided it was my lot. Show me what I need to release, and what I need to receive in Your Precious Name, Lord Jesus, so my life can reveal a glimpse of Your eternal desire to restore us. Amen!</div><div style="text-align: left;">(prayer inspired by the prayer found on page 191 of the book <i>Holy Hygge</i>) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-89530543333429776382023-10-10T10:48:00.000-04:002023-10-10T10:48:53.795-04:00The Right Clothes to Wear <p> I've been thinking about clothing a lot, lately. Perhaps it is because I've gained so much weight during the summer that nothing fits...maybe it is because I've been watching reels on social media about the latest fall styles, what's in and what's out for women over 50...or it might even be because I'm using retail-therapy to treat my discontent...</p><p>Between you and me, I think it is all of the above.</p><p>The thing is, I've been spending way too much time and money trying to figure out the right clothes to wear so I'd feel comfortable with myself and with who I am at this point in my life. And I'm beginning to see that I might be on the wrong track. </p><p>Recently, I read a devotional that spoke to me on this junction. It talked about a concept called "slow fashion." It explained how this "slow fashion" movement encourages people to slow down and take a different approach to the dictates of the fashion industry. Instead of letting oneself be driven by the need to always have the latest look, slow fashion encourages us to select fewer, well-made and ethically sourced items that will last. The writer of the devotional linked this idea to the truth presented in Colossians 3: 12 <b style="font-style: italic;">Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. </b>In other words, put on Christ! Forget about the latest trends, and join the slow journey of sanctification that leads to a peace without understanding, knowing who we are and feeling confident and secured in our identity as children of the Most High. </p><p>All of these ideas reminded me also about our beloved book, <i>Holy Hygge. Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow</i> by Jamie Erickson, more specifically, about the chapter on contentment. The author says that our lack of contentment usually comes from the enemy's attempt at distorting our perspective. (p. 155) We fall for the devil's tricks and start believing that if I could only change my circumstances: get a better job, a nicer house, well-behaved kids, a good husband, friends, boss, body, clothes, health (etc.) life would be bearable. The truth is, however, the proverbial grass will "never feel green enough or warm enough or fill-in-the-blank enough this side of the second Garden of Eden." (p. 155) We are not in Heaven. Life is not supposed to be perfect here on this earth. But, it is supposed to be abundant!</p><p>Jesus holds our hearts, and our souls, and our bodies and who we are in His Hands. Our identities are safely guarded in Him, and even though the enemy wants to steal our sense of security, and threaten our contentment, we need to remember what Jesus promised in John 10: 10</p><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i><b>The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.</b></i></div><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">The thing is, the real definition of an abundant/full life is not what the world thinks it is. We find out what it means as we walk with Jesus every day, on the path that God has laid out for each one of us. As we walk on it, instead of allowing discontentment to bring us down, we need to remember what author Jamie Erickson says: "find ways to be grateful for what IS instead of always looking ahead to WHAT IF...[and] let us change perspective. Let's walk in truth, serve others, and live with gratitude. Let's not waste another minute complaining about the weather [our health, our bodies, our clothes, our house, our jobs, our kids, our husbands or lack of thereof]. Let's just learn to put on better clothes." (p. 165)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I don't think I'm going to find the right clothes to wear by watching reels on Instagram, or by shopping on Amazon until I'm broke...slow or fast fashion aside, I pray the Lord awakens in me the desire to become who He has designed me to be, as I choose clothes from the wardrobe He has already so graciously given to us: His Word. In the Precious Name of Jesus, the One Who Clothes us with His Righteousness and Love for His Honor and Glory. Amen!</div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-18497428025924308722023-09-30T10:52:00.002-04:002023-09-30T10:52:45.653-04:00Refresh Others and You'll Be Refreshed, It's a Promise!<p> Is it possible to say no to stress, and just live a relaxed life? A life without rush...without worry?</p><p>I have been exploring this question for a while now. In my pursuit to freeing myself from stress, I've been contemplating the possibility of enacting in my life the idea that: "you can't always change your circumstances; but you can change your perspective." But I have to admit, I'm still struggling to accomplish it fully. Perhaps it is because my personality doesn't lend itself for a "just chill" attitude. I'm a natural born overreactor, and my default is to panic. The summer book chat, where we read <i>Holy Hygge. Creating a place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow</i> by Jamie Erickson, allowed me to take a few small steps forward in the direction of changing the perspective from which I see things...and for that I am very grateful.</p><p>The book does not contain a magic formula, a secret recipe, a 5-easy-steps to a stress-free life or anything like that, but it helped me understand that maybe, a way to break the chain of worry and stress is by focusing on Jesus and on His people, rather than on myself.</p><p>The author points out how the concept of <i>holy hygge</i> derives from a desire to create community, invite closeness, build well-being, and celebrate the everyday (p. 15) as we open ourselves to the body of Christ so we can share our burdens, and encourage one another. After all, Scripture commands us to do just that:</p><i><b>1 Thessalonians 5:11 — Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>Philippians 2:3-4 — Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.</b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><i><b>Proverbs 27:17 - “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another”. </b></i><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Proverbs 11: 25 - A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div>Look at the last verse again, Proverbs 11: 25b...<b style="font-style: italic;">whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. </b>That is a promise, my dear! That refreshing we are so desperately seeking, is contained in the act of refreshing others along the way. By giving of ourselves we find the abundant life, just as Jesus gave it all, to pay it all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Like the author says, practicing <i>hygge </i>from a Christian perspective may help us set our gaze in the right direction, and offer practical application to what we learn in Scripture...a kind of companion for making a home where people can feel their way toward God and find Him...a physical tool that reflects our spiritual life and invites others into a relationship with Christ. (p. 18)</div><div><br /></div><div>The concepts in the book <i>Holy Hygge </i>will not magically allow me to free myself from stress so I can live a chilled life. But I'm sure that by helping me forget about me, and setting my gaze on others as I grow closer to Jesus, will, definitely allow me that change of perspective that I've been looking for all my life.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>What practical changes and real steps might you make/take in your life to help you become an encourager who refreshes others?</b></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-47065223597495410902023-09-02T14:27:00.000-04:002023-09-02T14:27:59.185-04:00Comforting the Hurting Part II<p>I open my eyes and it's pitch black. How is that possible? It's 6:00 a.m. Just a few days ago, 6:00 a.m. was still brightly shining with the morning sun in all its glory! What happened?</p><p>sigh...</p><p>Darkness always catches me by surprise this time of the year. I get so used to summer with its early mornings and long evenings...that when fall starts creeping in...I'm never prepared.</p><p>"Once, upon the last day of a golden summer..." there was a middle-aged woman and her melancholic view of the arrival of autumn...anyway...</p><p>As my process of saying goodbye to summer is underway, I'm back on chapter 5 in the book <i>Holy Hygge </i>by Jamie Erickson. This chapter has several thought-provoking insights on the topic of suffering and comforting those who are going through the valleys of the shadows. The author relates going through hard times to experiencing winter in her place of residence. She explains how winter in Minnesota is not her favorite season, especially being a transplant from the valley of the sun in Phoenix, Arizona. She went from a place that gets 200+ days of sunshine to an area that doesn't even get 100. Winters are, therefore, her wilderness...her valley of hurt...the metaphor that she uses for times of struggle and difficulty. And I can totally relate!</p><p>One of my favorite quotes says:</p><p>"Sometimes in God's love for us, He walks us through the bleakness of winters, not around it. He knows that in our emotional poverty, we will lean harder, cling tighter, trust longer while sitting in pain than in pleasure. our winters will make us desperate for Him and the comfort only He can provide." (p. 134)</p><p>WOW!</p><p>It is winter, not summer, that will create the best conditions for me to grow closer to Christ. It is in our winters when we truly appreciate how He wraps us in the comfy blanket of His presence. It is in our winters when we truly experience the deep gratitude for how He provides the sustenance that we are unable to get for ourselves. It is in our winters when we truly have the deep awareness of how He walks with us, and often carries us in the warmth of His arms. It is in our winters when we realize our profound need for His angels, the people He has placed around us, to be by our side.</p><p>The second question in our little survey during our summer book chat asked:</p><p><i><b>When I was in need of comfort, I wish someone had______________ </b></i> </p><p>So often, we just don't know what to do or say to offer a bit of comfort to those going through their own winters. So often, when we ourselves are the ones in the middle of our winters, we don't even know what we need from those willing to help us out. That's why we thought it would be a good idea to compile a list to keep handy for when we should communicate our own needs for comfort as well as for when we need to extend actions of comfort to those in their seasons of hurting. So, here's a brief summary of some specific actions of comfort that might get overlooked in the midst of the struggle:</p><p>First of all, it is important to mention that the majority of the respondents had nothing to add to this list of "I wish someone had..." mostly because "We have a loving church," as it was noted. Personally, I have to absolutely agree with that statement. In my own spiritual winters, the church has been present and active to provide for my well-being. It is a magnificent blessing to be a part of such a loving and caring church family, so Amen to that! However, we did get some very valuable insights that I believe will help the body of Christ represented in our beloved New Bedford Church, be the arms, hands, feet and heart of Christ in an even deeper way.</p><p>The comments we received all revolve around one word: Remember.</p><p>Remember my beloved who is gone...allow me to remember them, and...remember me.</p><p>In our desire to help those hurting, sometimes we might try to have a posture of: "life goes on" or "it's time to move on," when we are in the presence of the one suffering the loss. However, as we experience loss, life does go on...but never in the same way. Life is forever altered, and "moving on" will never mean, going back to the way things used to be. That will never be the case. Maybe superficially, but we will always walk with holes in our hearts that will only be filled when we are reunited with our beloved departed once again in a heavenly reunion. In the meantime, it is important to remember the person that is no longer with us. Those needing comfort due to loss of a loved one want to keep them alive, if not physically, at least in our memories. There isn't anything quite more comforting than to hear stories about those who have gone before us, who we loved so dearly, out of the mouths of those around us. Those stories are like looking at photographs or watching a home video where we "see" them again...and that feels just like a comfy blanket in the middle of a harsh winter.</p><p>As part of remembering those left behind after a loss, some of the suggestions were very practical. For some, help with taking care of the daily chores could be an excellent way to offer comfort. Helping with the laundry and the cleaning are small things we can do to help in the process of healing. Bringing meals several weeks after the loss has occurred is a great idea too. "In death sometimes so much arrives in the beginning." [But] "it is nice 6-8 weeks down the road when someone still 'remembers' and the dinner is so very appreciated." </p><p>Another practical thing we can do is to invite the one in need of comfort to go out to have lunch or to do some kind of activity, even if just a walk at a nearby park. The ability to get out of the house and be among others, sharing a meal, breathing fresh air, listening to the hustle and bustle of life could be very comforting when the time is right for it. And it constitutes another way to create opportunities to remember. And of course, pray. Prayer is one of the most effective ways to extend comfort to others as we connect with the source of all comfort: </p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18: 20</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I open the blinds and smile! </div><div style="text-align: left;">There are blue skies and sunshine outside. It's a bit chilly still, but I can predict the sun will warm up my skin if I step outdoors. I know winter will come eventually, but I'm hanging on to summer for as long as I can. I'll get my flip flops and go for a walk, confident in the fact that the Lord will hold me closer when there's nothing but snow and gray skies out my window...and so will my church family, as we walk through our seasons together. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-60161241637864323432023-08-30T20:03:00.001-04:002023-08-30T20:03:39.641-04:00Comforting The Hurting<p> Someone you know faces a tragedy, a life-altering event, a profound loss, a catastrophic circumstance that to them feels as if the floor had been removed from under their feet, leaving them endlessly falling into a bottomless abyss...what do you do? What do you say?</p><p>Regardless of how close the person going through the difficult situation is to you...regardless of the depth of the pain experienced...knowing exactly what to do or what to say is not easy. BUT it is crucial. It is crucial that we react with our utmost compassion and overflowing love, because the person going through the incident has a very specific set of needs, that if not met, they can cause lasting hurt that is not easily mended. </p><p>I'm not a psychologist or a psychiatrist or a bereavement expert or anything close to an authority on matters of loss and grief. But, one doesn't have to be to know that how we respond to those who are hurting is extremely important to help them along the process of grieving so they can finally begin to heal. Again, I'm far from a specialist, and all I can do is speak from my own experiences with grief, but there is comfort in knowing that we do not walk alone. Therefore, I believe sharing our experiences can be beneficial to all involved. This is why, when we read chapter 5 in the book <i>Holy Hygge</i> by Jamie Erickson, the facilitators thought it would be important to have a way of communicating our thoughts. Chapter 5 is the chapter dedicated to comfort. And if you are anything like me, that is probably one of your most heavily highlighted chapters, right?</p><p>As part of our group reflections on this very special chapter, the facilitators asked participants to answer 2 questions:</p><p><b><i>1. When I was in need of comfort, I really appreciated it when someone __________________</i></b></p><p><b><i>2. When I was in need of comfort, I wish someone had _______________________________</i></b></p><p>The questions yielded valuable insight that we would like to lay out here for all to gain more understanding and practical ideas that could help us have some guidance as to what to do or say when confronted with the reality of hurt whether in ourselves or among those around us, and have a clue of how to comfort them. </p><p>Among the things that were appreciated we found that receiving cards and frequent notes of encouragement and prayers were common among those who answered the questions. The action of reaching out is the key here. Reaching out to the hurting. The message is: do not let them hurt alone. Prayers are always the most effective responses when in need of comfort. But, perhaps the action of prayer should be accompanied by the action of reaching out and praying <i>with</i> the person. Calling and texting and praying alongside with the one who is going through the difficult situation seemed to be critical responses that were much appreciated. </p><p>On this same topic of reaching out, those who shared their answers with us communicated their deep appreciation for hugs. Embracing someone who needs comfort is an act of solidarity that expresses our willingness to be vulnerable right by their side, and maybe a bit further...as we hold each other closely, we communicate our willingness to help carry the hurt. So let's never underestimate the power of a hug. </p><p>Listening was another important, highly appreciated element. Sometimes, when we are hurting, some of us prefer to keep it all inside. Talking about our pain with others, however, is crucial to the healing process. It is the escape valve that allows the toxicity of our hurt to exit our soul and our heart and our minds. Therefore, finding that one person we can talk to is key...and if we are that person...knowing how to just be quiet and listen may represent the first step in helping the hurting to begin to heal.</p><p>Of course there is a time for everything under the sun, so there is a time to be quiet and listen as well as there is a time to speak. And, among the responses that people appreciated we found that when the hurt involves losing a loved one, they love to hear others talk about their memories of that person with them. From my own experiences with loss, when I hear others talk about my loved ones is like lighting a candle that allows me to see and remember that they were, indeed, real. That it wasn't a dream. My beloved departed really existed and was loved by others beside me. That brings a touch of joy in the midst of my pain.</p><p>Visits and meals are high ranking among the responses too. Again, I believe all these practical actions lead to the need to feel connected when we are going through something painful. And for those of us who tend to withdraw...it becomes super valuable and urgent for those around us to reach out and show that they are there...ready to catch us, as the arms and legs of Jesus, Himself...angels among us, bringing us back to the land of the living. And what best to show we are there than to visit and bring some comforting food?</p><p>This is a brief summary of the answers to the first question. Let's leave it here today so we can meditate on the ideas that were so candidly shared. In the next message, I will summarize the answers to the second question, to help us be prepared for when we need to be moved to action.</p><p>In the meantime, may we remember that our Divine Comforter makes all things new, even in the middle of our bitter seasons of life. May we always remember we do not walk alone. The sustaining presence of the Holy Spirit goes with us as well as those He has placed around us. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen!</p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-74878856924563158742023-08-19T08:59:00.000-04:002023-08-19T08:59:02.961-04:00Rest = Release, Readjust and Receive<p> The school year is about to start and with it, millions of teachers all around the United States are letting out a groan. We look back at the fleeting memories of our summer break and we wonder, where did the time go? I love being in the classroom...but it is exhausting. Regardless of what some may say, teachers DO need the break. Otherwise, retirement age for educators would be 35 years old. I know I would never make it to 60+ if I didn't have my summer break. </p><p>The thing is that work never ends when school is in session. It follows us wherever we go, 24/7. Anyway, sorry for the whine...maybe I should just have some cheese and crackers too. </p><p>At any rate, all this whimpering about the end of summer break and the beginning of the school year (boo hoo) brought me back to the second to last chapter in Jamie Erickson's book <i>Holy Hygge. </i>This chapter is on the topic of rest. And I love it!</p><p>I've always felt guilty whenever I rest. There is so much to do...how can I pause and rest? (including during summer break). I agree with the author when she writes: "as women, we live hurried lives. Our days are long, and our to-do lists are even longer. We often feel tossed into the deep end, and we never seem to have enough time or energy to come up for air. Our physical and mental busyness has spiritual repercussions. We're asphyxiating our souls." (p. 175) WOW! Regardless of our occupations, teachers, business people, healthcare personnel, homemakers, entrepreneurs, mothers, sisters, daughters, friends, single, married, divorced, in-between, women in general, all women I believe suffer from permanent exhaustion. And I believe most of it is caused by us thinking we just can't rest.</p><p>There's a 2011 movie called <i>I Don't Know How She Does It, </i>with Sarah Jessica Parker which touches on this subject. One of my favorite scenes is when she is lying in bed awake thinking about a study that found out that 60 some percent of women with young children don't sleep through the night, and that they are puzzled about what causes it. She says something like, "well they could've asked me...it's the list." Then she goes onto the endless litany of things that are in her list. I don't think it is only women with young children who can't sleep through the night. I think most women are plagued by this ailment. </p><p>It is not only the to-do list. In my case it is the combination of the "to-do" and the "to-worry-about" lists which keep me awake at night. And...the thing is, my biggest source of fatigue and over-weariness is my lack of faith. I discovered this truth when I read Erickson's words on pages 177-178, "just as the wandering Israelites had to trust God to keep the double portion of manna fresh on the Sabbath, you must have faith in God's ability to sustain you by obediently forfeiting your labor for a time. When you intentionally set aside a portion of your week to ignore the urgent emails, let the dishes pile up in the sink, and disregard that time-consuming errand, you're not being lazy. You're confidently placing the tasks of tomorrow into God's hands and confessing that His grace is sufficient for today...Sabbath rest is a tithe of time allowing you to release the burden of a completed to-do list to God and receive the gift of His favor for your obedience."</p><p>To rest doesn't mean we don't care. We still care for our loved ones who need us, but with a trusting attitude, "releasing our congested schedule to Him." The act of faith involves "releasing and receiving." And I would add also, readjusting. We release our calendars/agendas/lists/fears/worries and receive His peace as we readjust the way we live the other six days of the week...the way we say yes and no to new commitments...the way we carve out time for praise and worship every day...the way we listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit...the way we trust that He is with us, and that we are not alone.</p><p>I could just keep quoting things from this chapter on rest. It's all so good and so relevant, but that's not my intention here. My goal is to actually remind myself that I need to keep the commandment and have a holy rest. The enemy is the one making me think I cannot do it. My lack of faith is causing me to believe his lies. Pausing is not a sin. It is part of the promise of an abundant life. It is part of the promise of freedom.</p><p>The school year will begin, and the work will pile up, but I will keep this chapter handy whenever I feel myself being crushed under the stress of an all-consuming work, praying my faith will increase and I can release, readjust and receive for a more balanced state of mind...and less groaning and whining from my end. </p><p>May the Holy Spirit help us to keep the Sabbath Holy with the realization that it is for freedom that Christ has made us free. Amen.</p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-77726430192607543422023-08-16T12:40:00.000-04:002023-08-18T16:15:45.145-04:00Let Us Light Our World Together<b>Go Light Your World</b><div>Lyrics by Christopher M. Rice<br /><br />There is a candle in every soul<br />Some brightly burning, some dark and cold<br />There is a Spirit who brings fire<br />Ignites a candle and makes His home</div><div><br />Carry your candle, run to the darkness<br />Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn<br />Hold out your candle for all to see it<br />Take your candle, and go light your world<br />Take your candle, and go light your world</div><div><br />Frustrated brother, see how he's tried to<br />Light his own candle some other way<br />See now your sister, she's been robbed and lied to<br />Still holds a candle without a flame</div><div><br />Carry your candle, run to the darkness<br />Seek out the lonely, the tired and worn<br />Hold out your candle for all to see it<br />Take your candle, and go light your world<br />Take your candle, and go light your world</div><div><br />We are a family whose hearts are blazing<br />So let's raise our candles and light up the sky<br />Praying to our Father, in the name of Jesus<br />Make us a beacon in darkest times</div><div><br />Carry your candle, run to the darkness<br />Seek out the helpless, deceived and poor<br />Hold out your candle for all to see it<br />Take your candle, and go light your world</div><div><br />Carry your candle, run to the darkness<br />Seek out the hopeless, confused and torn<br />Hold out your candle for all to see it<br />Take your candle, and go light your world</div><div>Take your candle, and go light your world</div><div><br /></div><div>This was the song we used to wrap up this summer's book chat on Jamie Erickson's book <i>Holy Hygge. </i>We gathered around a "fake" firepit, held candles and listened/sang this poignant song. The words floated around our church's fellowship hall, resonating in our minds as a call to action...a much needed call to action. Our world needs our light...the Light...and if we don't carry it into the darkness...who will?</div><div><br /></div><div>The song starts by reminding us that there is a candle in every soul. And indeed, there is. Jesus Himself talks to us about it. He is the Light of the World (John 8:12) and since He is in us, we have His Light too, and we are supposed to let it shine! He told us so in His Sermon on the Mount:</div><div><br /></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5: 14-16</b></i></div></i><div><br /></div><div>However, the question is: what's the state of our candle? Is it brightly burning? Is it dark and cold? Is it somewhere in the middle? Is it high upon a stand? Or is it hidden under a bowl? Honestly, at this time, I don't know what the state of my candle is...</div><div><br /></div><div>I know darkness has not and will never overcome Light (John 1: 5) No matter how much the world rejects the Light because they love darkness, Light wins! But in the meantime...what am I doing with my Light? I worry it might be too dim or too hidden. I worry it is not powerful or even visible enough for others to see it. I think of my surroundings at work, for example and I think, what can my little light do here, all alone? And I get even more discouraged. I feel so helpless.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other day, however, I read a brief devotional in <i>Our Daily Bread</i> that addressed this in a very encouraging way. It reminded the readers that being "the light of the world" is not a solo act. And it pointed to Ephesians 5:8 where Paul calls believers "children of light" and how we should live as such. Then it went on to explain that, "being light in the world is a <u>collective effort</u>, the work of the body of Christ, the work of the church." And that when we get discouraged, "thinking our life testimony is just one little dot in a midnight culture of pitch black, we might take assurance from the Bible that we are not alone. Together, as God guides us, we make a difference and glow a brilliant light." Like Paul continues to say, we must take advantage of every opportunity and <i style="font-weight: bold;">"be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." </i>Together as one church, one body.</div><div><br /></div><div>Today, as I remember our big circle of about 30+ women gathered together around the glowing, fake firepit, each one carrying a candle and singing "songs from the Spirit" I see this coming to life. I see the power of our individual lights when they are not one single dot in the dark, but many dots coming together to form something bright and beautiful. I see how it is impossible for darkness to overcome the Light. </div><div><br /></div><div>We are not one single dot on the vastness of the night sky. We are, "an easily recognized group of stars that appears to be located close together," a constellation. And there is a brilliance in a constellation that is impossible to deny.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we each carry our candle, together, we can certainly light the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>May the One Who Is The Light help us carry His candle that is in our souls alongside other believers so we can let it shine brightly in the darkness of the moment that we live in. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-16193250599822300052023-07-27T11:25:00.003-04:002023-07-27T11:25:43.975-04:00Comfort in Suffering<p> Once again Jamie Erickson's book <i>Holy Hygge </i>has deeply moved me. This time it was chapter 5, dedicated to Comfort the one that touched my heart. It is not comfort as in being physically at ease in your favorite chair or having enough money in your bank account to not have to worry about expenses. It is comfort as in easing/soothing one's feelings of distress, pain and grief. Needless to say, it was a profoundly challenging chapter to read and digest.</p><p>If you have never lost anyone close to you yet, please make sure you go and give all your beloved a big hug and a kiss, and tell them you love them. At least, send them a text or give them a call...because we never know when the crushing claws of grief may grab us, threatening to rip our hearts and souls to pieces.</p><p>Topics about loss, suffering, pain and grief are way too gut-wrenching and often make us very uncomfortable given the raw vulnerability that such hurt typically leaves in our core. Depending on our personalities and on our individualities, bringing up this topic can be just plainly difficult. Many of us avoid it because it is too much. Many of us don't want to expose our wounds. We try to move on, but in reality, the wound is not healed regardless of how many years have passed. My Dad died almost 11 years ago and I still have a hard time talking about it. Fifty years is not long enough to soothe the heart of a mother who lost a child. Twenty two years is but a vapor for someone who left things unsaid to her Mom before she passed. Thirty years carrying the regret of not saying one last "I love you," to the spouse who left this world in a hurry is not sufficient to appease the mind. It's just not an easy thing to talk about openly. It's too heavy...</p><p>I believe, however, that healing is possible on this side of Heaven. It might not be complete and full, but enough to allow us to live the rest of our lives with our eyes on eternity and our feet on the ground. But, how? I think the way to healing is Hope. Like I read in the devotional, <i>Our Daily Bread, </i>"Biblical hope is much more than mere optimism; it's an absolute certainty based on God's promise, which He will never break." </p><p>We go back to Scripture and we find comfort in the confidence that Jesus' words are true!</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? John 14: 1-2</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">We read about His promises in Paul's words,</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-14</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">And again, we read what Jesus says:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3: 16</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">And we realize that "hope is a golden cord connecting us to heaven. This cord helps us hold our head up high, even when multiple trials are buffeting us." (<i>Jesus Calling</i> by Sarah Young) We find His promises in the Bible and we cling to them with the confidence of someone who trusts that His word is true, and that His love is real. <i>That</i> is Hope...that is the Hope that heals the wounds caused by loss. We surround ourselves with the Word and with those who believe in His promises, our brothers and sisters in Christ and together, holding each other, walking shoulder to shoulder, leaning on each other, carrying each other, we discover joy again...the joy that Hope brings. Hope helps us remember that the "road we're traveling together is ultimately the highway to heaven." (<i>Jesus Calling</i> by Sarah Young) And we don't walk that road alone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">May God's word penetrate our mind, body and soul so we can cling to the Hope that is the Person of Our Lord regardless of our circumstances, our loss, our pain, our grief or any of the bumps on the road. Amen!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-17672207948075298292023-07-19T08:28:00.001-04:002023-07-19T08:28:08.761-04:00Contentment<p> "An ocean-front beach condo!" That's pretty much my standard answer every time I'm asked one of those icebreaker questions such as: name your favorite vacation spot...or...what would you buy if you'd win the Powerball...or where would you want to retire...or if you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live...etc. </p><p>Owning a beach-front condo or visiting for a long stay or a short stay or just longingly looking at one on my TV screen is one of those long-standing dreams I've had for the last 30 years. Actually, it doesn't even have to be at the ocean...it could be by a lake...not even a great lake...some nice pond would do...well...maybe not, but a nice body of water that I can just sit and stare at would be OK. The way the prices on water-front properties are lately, though, make me think that dream will stay a dream forever. And the thought of not being able to enjoy the breathtaking beach views brings a lot of disappointment to my heart. Therefore, to compensate for my shattered dream of owning a beach place or living near one, I spend considerable amounts of time and money planning our <i>next </i>vacation by the water. This summer, since Dan has been blessed with summers off, I really went a bit overboard. I'm loving it, but our budget has been stretched so thin, I'm afraid rice and beans will be in our menu for the rest of the year.</p><p>The truth is, I have a restless spirit that is constantly longing for what's <i>next</i>...for a place to escape...for the elusive wave that will shake off my inability to just sit still and settle comfortably in one place. After reading chapter 6 of Jamie Erickson's book <i>Holy Hygge</i> I believe my issue is that I have a sort of discontentment that is deeply rooted in my heart, and it is time I surrender it to the Cross. </p><p>I believe I have to accept the fact that the hole in my heart will never be filled with a beach condo or a lake house or a deck overlooking an infinity pool. That emptiness is not about disliking the place where God has placed me or thinking He made a mistake when bringing me here. I have not been missed matched. I'm just longing for home, and my true home is not on this side of Heaven. My longing is not of this world and its material things. The hole in my heart is God-shaped and only He can patch it up. </p><p>I've known this for a long time, but reading this chapter has made it so clear, I just want to cry.</p><p>Like the author of the book says:</p><p>"I could move to Timbuktu. It wouldn't really matter. Despite the location of the patch of grass I call my own, it will never feel green enough or warm enough or fill-in-the-blank enough this side of the second Garden of heaven. That longing for something better or best is a remnant of Eden - a chronic case of heart-burn that's been plaguing humanity since the first forbidden bite. Because you see, the enemy knew even then that if he couldn't steal our faith, he could at least try to distort our perspective."</p><p>And, it is all a matter of perspective: how we see things. Like when we go to the eye doctor and get a new prescription for glasses, our perspective needs adjusted on a regular basis as well. Discontentment can dig up a rut so deep that it swallows us once we fall into it, keeping us from seeing, making us believe <i>this</i> is it. In reality, we can step out of that ditch and discover the blessings that have been hidden due to our distorted view of our surroundings. Not owning the dreamed ocean front condo means I'm free! I'm free to plan visits to a wide variety of different ocean front properties around the world! If I had my own, I would be stuck having to go to that same one every vacation I take. My finances are free since I am not enslaved by a lender that shackles my wallet with monthly mortgage payments. My mind is free since I don't have to constantly worry about maintenance, home owners association payments, repairs, renters, and the myriad of complications that come up with homeownership. I'm free to keep planning trips that become lifetime memories of exciting adventures otherwise not possible. </p><p>I know this is just a silly example, but contemplating the lessons in chapter 5 of this little book has reminded me that there is always a blessing behind every unrealized dream. We just have to wake up, open our eyes, put on our new glasses, see it and give thanks for it. </p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4: 12-13</b></i></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-67782399502692670442023-07-16T14:14:00.000-04:002023-07-16T14:14:56.148-04:00Mistakes<p> Last Wednesday, we had another really exciting book chat meeting for Jamie Erickson's <i>Holy Hygge </i>book, and I have to say, I enjoyed it thoroughly! I pray everyone in attendance was able to hear the Holy Spirit speak and received blessings from the two chapters we studied.</p><p>It's really interesting how this little book can be both light but also insightful. </p><p>One of my favorite parts of the evening was when the question was asked about purchases that might have been mistakes. I shared one of mine in great detail...but I have many others that popped into my mind as I was thinking about this topic. What can I say, I like to shop. And among my favorite shopping experiences are those that involve something for the house. I get these ideas in my head about how a certain corner or wall in our house would look so much better if only I could get X thing to make it perfect. I hardly ever have money, so often, I end up just buying a very cheap version of what I had in mind, just so my vision would come into reality. And many times, I end up regretting the purchase and having to either return it or donate it. </p><p>I could share many examples. This practice frustrates my dear husband very much...especially, because, usually, I buy the items without telling him. He is too nice to fight me on them. But, recently, he did tell me that he is tired of me buying things that later end up in the Goodwill box. He said I have to learn the art of waiting: waiting until we save up the money to buy a quality item (or until I forget my idea and desist...which I know would be his prefered option). </p><p>Sometimes, the purchase is too big, and I have to live with the mistake for a long time... Sometimes, it's worse: others have to live with it for a long time. The particular example I'm thinking about was Dylan's bed. It was shortly after we moved to Slippery Rock. He was going to get his own room, and I wanted to make it special by getting him a new bed. My vision involved one of those beds that were kind of like a loft, sitting up high so we could put a desk underneath or a reading nook or something really cool. I've seen an IKEA room decorated just the way I wanted it, and if I could just have bought that showroom right the way it was, I ... I mean...Dylan would have been the happiest kid alive!</p><p>Of course, we didn't have money for buying a full IKEA bedroom set, completed with cool storage and wall art. So, I went to the Walmart website instead. In there, I found what looked like a good compromise. It wasn't a loft bed, though. It was more like a bunk bed. The top was a twin size and the bottom was a full size bed that turned into a couch. How cool is that! right? Well, the nightmare began when the box arrived. It weighted a TON. Poor Dan. He wanted to put it together right away so Dylan could have a bed. When we finally got the extremely heavy boxes upstairs, Dan opened them only to realize that there were about 10,000 pieces. OK, I am exaggerating. It was more like 2,000. I couldn't believe it! Then, of course, it took several nights of Dan working on the stupid bed after work, and several mistakes, before the bed was ready to be used. By then, Dylan had been sleeping on the floor in Grant's room for maybe 2 weeks. </p><p>Finally, there it was, the bed was up, the kids tried it, and were excited for about a minute. It was so uncomfortable...it was like sleeping on a bed of nails. I tried adding more padding to the mattress, and fluffy pillows and comforters...but nothing worked. The good thing is that Dylan was still young...but the bad thing was that Dylan was still young. There was NO WAY on this side of Heaven that Dan would even let me talk about getting rid of the bed. That bed was in that room to stay. Dylan actually slept in the guest room for a couple of years, until he decided to brave his bed again. </p><p>9 years later, Dylan figured enough time had passed, so he ask for a new bed for Christmas, and this past year Dan said yes. But then, the terrible realization of having to put the monster apart came over him...but...the good news was, we listed it for sale on the Facebook Marketplace and the stupid bed sold in a couple of hours! That was enough motivation for Dan to get his screwdriver and disassemble the 2,000 parts. He was nice enough to take pictures and organize all the parts very neatly so the new owners would be able to put it back together again without much trouble. </p><p>Dylan got his IKEA bed (not a loft, but a cool one, nonetheless) and I began to learn my lesson: stop being restless and wait in the Lord.</p><p>It's funny how today at church, Pastor Dan gave an amazing sermon that touched on certain aspects that apply to this situation. He was preaching on Psalm 84 and on how we have a home like no other. I can stop striving for something better. There is no need. I already have my perfect home in Him. Creating an atmosphere of peace where there is enough space for Jesus and where there is room for the gospel to be shared is what I need. Other than that, it becomes superfluous and actually dangerous. I don't need to keep up with the latest trends on HGTV. All I need is to remember that,</p><div style="font-style: italic; text-align: center;"><i><b>Better is one day in your courts</b></i></div><div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i><b>than a thousand elsewhere. Psalm 84: 10a</b></i></div><div style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">May He who has given a home to the sparrow, show us that He has made a home for us as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-69438967237545382312023-07-08T10:55:00.005-04:002023-07-08T10:55:59.006-04:00Seasons<p> I love to read, but I don't really have much time for it during the semester. I bundle all my reading for the summer. This is another reason why I look forward to summer SO MUCH! It is my absolute, most favorite season. Listing the reasons that I love summer with such intensity would take volumes...so I won't...I'll just say one: summer reminds me of home. On the other hand, winter...I couldn't even begin to mention the reasons I dislike winter...just the thought of it makes me want to vomit (I hope I haven't offended my winter-fan-friends). Fall makes me way too melancholic and spring is riddled with allergens that make my life miserable. So summer is not only my favorite season, but the only one I truly like.</p><p>The reason I'm thinking about this is because, as I was reading chapter 3 of the book <i>Holy Hygge</i> by Jamie Erickson, which is on the subject of well-being, I read something that really spoke to me. As the author discusses the importance of self-care, and how it is not selfish to carve out time to "plan for you," in order to be able to care well for others, she talked about how her Mother in Law told her to reserve a hobby that she enjoys, for the winter months in order to help her cope better with the awful Minnesota cold season.</p><p>The author relates what her Mother in Law told her in this quote: "A hyggelig hobby, she said, would not only help me survive the winter, but it would also help reshape my feelings about the season even before it arrives. I'd be able to look forward to that time instead of confronting it with a sense of dread." (p. 94) </p><p>Wouldn't that be nice? To anticipate the arrival of winter (or fill-in-the-blank-season) without dread...sigh...maybe, I should take her advice and save some of my reading for the cold months? That could be a step in the right direction, I think.</p><p>Seasons, however, are not just limited to the spinning of the Earth around the sun. Nature often works as the perfect analogy for what we go through in life. As we all have experienced, our lives go through different seasons too. Some are cheerful and bright. Some are not. What a blessing it would be to look forward to all of our seasons regardless of how awful they may seem, wouldn't it? As with the idea of reserving an enjoyable hobby for the season of the year that we already know we don't like/appreciate/love/look forward to in order for us to actually stop dreading it, how marvelous it would be to discover a way to survive the difficult seasons in our lives without fear/disappointment/hurt/heartache...sigh...</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>There is a time for everything,</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>and a season for every activity under the heavens. Ecclesiastes 3: 1</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">I believe the point of this most beloved passage of Scripture is to demonstrate that there is purpose in everything we experience. Nothing is wasted in God's economy. He designs every single part and detail of His plans for each of His children and for the whole universe for a reason and with a point. Nothing is left to chance or caprice, including the seasons in which our heart is pierced with pain. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like the author says about the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3: 1, "it indicates an ordained purpose; something, or more specifically Someone, outside of yourself who determines the time and eternal reason of this moment. You and I can keep wasting time watching the clock, hoping a particular season will pass quickly, or we can embrace every moment, knowing God has an eternal purpose for them all." (p. 95)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I know I cannot anticipate all the rough seasons I will experience in my life, so it is not easy to prepare for them. But one thing I can do is to stay close to the One Who Knows and Determines every spin of my world. Therefore, something that can help us keep our eyes upon Jesus is to stay in the Word and in fellowship with His body. Together we can survive our less-than-ideal seasons as we remind each other that God has a purpose for everything.- praying boldly and without ceasing, holding each other's hands and seeking His face -. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">May the Holy Spirit open our eyes and allow us to see the point of what we are going through...the lessons...the grounds...the reasons, as much as we are supposed to figure them out. May He give us awareness that we are not alone as we walk through the fires and high waters, for He is right there with us, leading us and showing us the way. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Question: What's your least favorite season? What hobby or activity can you reserve for that season to help you enjoy it more? What additional ideas could help us cope when we go through difficult "seasons" in our lives?</b></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-64349988190179315752023-07-06T10:36:00.001-04:002023-07-08T09:35:44.032-04:00Love it or List it<p> I enjoy watching home improvement shows...I know...what can I say. One that I used to watch a lot was called <i>Love it or List it. </i>That show frustrated me, though, because in most of the episodes I watched, the owners ended up "loving" the house...ugh...that drove me crazy. Even the spouse who wanted to move initially, would end up "loving" the remodeling so much that they would also be convinced to stay.</p><p>I couldn't stand it! so I had to stop watching it.</p><p>Strange, right? I know. I just get anxious when it comes to the thought of getting too attached to a house. If you ask Dan, he'll tell you that the phrase: "let's sell the house," comes out of my mouth at least once a day...every single day. I have issues...I know...</p><p>Anyway...as I read chapter 4 in the book <i>Holy Hygge</i> by Jamie Erickson, I started to think about this thing...and something in the book made me pause and consider my particularity when it comes to my aversion to the thought of getting attached to a house. The author says:</p><p>"We've forgotten what it feels like to be at home in our homes." (p. 113)</p><p>Is that what has happened to me?</p><p>It's not about the house, how big, beautiful, stylish, organized, cleaned, etc. etc. it is. Like Erickson reminds us, for the most part of His life, Jesus was basically homeless...but He knew how to make a home, because He <i>is </i>home. The life of Christ shows us that a home should provide "an atmosphere where heavy-hearted people can unleash their burdens, find refuge, and be fully fueled and supported so they can go back out into the fray and do God's work in the world." (p. 113) Home is where the Light of the World shines to make darkness retreat and where God is revealed to all who come in.</p><p>I don't know if I have ever made a home...</p><p>My focus has always been on the building, the house, the material things inside of it. I don't know if I have ever, truly placed my energy into shaping the spiritual aspects of home. I lost my childhood home in my early forties and that has caused me to reject the thought of getting attached to a house...but...has that heartbreaking incident also caused me to ignore the fact that home is where the heart is? Have I neglected the cultivation and nurturing of an atmosphere that promotes well-being? Have I forgotten to invite Jesus to dwell in my house?</p><p>Perhaps, it is time for me to "love it." Maybe it is time for me to stop being afraid of losing the house, and just direct my efforts to creating an atmosphere that reflects the holiness of the Spirit who dwells in it as I honor Him with everything that goes on inside my home. Like the book author says: "from the movies we watch to the songs we listen to, from the money we spend to the activities that command our best attention - every yes and no we give with our time, talent, and budget should declare that Christ is an unseen but ever-present participant in the culture of our home." (p. 121)</p><p>It is time to remember that a house is nothing without Jesus. Therefore, I should take the author's advice and "be in the Word, and make the Lord my focal point." </p><p><b>Question to ponder: Besides being in the Word on a daily basis, what other things can we do to "love" our homes and make them show that Jesus is the center, the focal point?</b></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-49880088194064970302023-07-04T11:03:00.001-04:002023-07-04T11:03:05.342-04:00Hospitality and Relationships<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13: 2</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<p class="MsoNormal">I have not had much experience in the area of
hospitality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I do enjoy the
idea of opening my home to be the house of gatherings, for some reason the
opportunities just don't seem to present themselves more than on rare
occasions...or so I've thought...the thing is...I need to pause and think about
this a minute: what is the proper approach? Am I supposed to passively wait for
opportunities to show up...knocking at my door, pun intended...or...am I to
actively seek out opportunities to open my door without waiting for people to
come knocking?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While reading the first couple of chapters of the book Holy
Hygge by Jamie Erickson at our church's summer book chat, my mind has been
filled with endless thoughts and questions about how my own insecurities and
self-consciousness might have kept me from carrying out the command to
hospitality which we have been given since God first welcomed Adam and Eve to
that very first home He so lovingly made for us.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Chief among all these ponderings, is the question:
"what is my definition of a stranger?"<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is a stranger just the random person off the
street with whom we have no connection or have ever met? Or could it also be
the high school classmate whom we haven't seen in thirty or forty years? Could
it be our children's childhood acquaintance whom we have never had a chance to
meet as an adult? Maybe it is our next-door neighbor, with whom we have hardly
exchanged a few distant <i>hellos</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I’m thinking more and more that the definition of “stranger”
should probably extend all the way to passing acquaintances, people with whom
we are loosely connected, but are not part of our inner circle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The author of the book reminds us how Jesus
had concentric circles of connections (p. 64-65).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was and is intimately connected forever
in that example of perfect fellowship that is the Holy Trinity: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the human realm,
though, while Jesus walked on this earth, He had a tight band of brothers: Peter,
James and John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Immediately next to that
close circle, was the next loop: the rest of His disciples, partners in
ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, there was the outer
loop, the multitudes…the strangers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Were
they really strangers, though?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can Our
Emmanuel, Our God With Us really have strangers among Him? Can we?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Jamie Erickson suggests that, based on the life of Jesus and
on how He related to people around Him, “our social connections should fall
into one of three categories: encouragement, discipleship and evangelism.” (p.
65)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this scenario, nobody is truly a
stranger since each person God puts along and around our path belongs to at
least one of these three rings of social connectedness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In the circle of encouragement, I need to have those close
friends, my Peters, Johns, and James.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the ring of discipleship will be what the author refers to as my “mother-sister-daughter
relationships.” (p. 67) These connections are not literally demarcated by blood
lines, not at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would be really
losing on this one if that were the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I never had daughters and my mother has been gone for 23 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I do have spiritual mother-figures and I
know I can find daughters in every corner, if I keep my eyes open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then, there’s the evangelism ring, and that’s
the multitudes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s where all the “strangers”
among me fit. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">It's hard, though…opening my “home,” whereas it is my
literal house or the home of my heart, soul, mind, time and wallet to “strangers,”
especially those with whom I do not agree or find difficult to love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is very hard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m goo guarded.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to reveal my vulnerabilities and
insecurities to anyone, let along “strangers.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But, if I want to get better at loving Jesus, I have to love those He
has placed around me as I make my feeble attempts at encouraging, discipling and
evangelizing. (Erickson, p. 74)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
all…I don’t want to miss the chance of entertaining angels, right?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What could be some practical ways in which we can fulfill
the command of hospitality to all our circles of social connections in order to
encourage, disciple and evangelize?<o:p></o:p></p><br /></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-28020990765644985612023-06-14T15:36:00.000-04:002023-06-14T15:36:57.032-04:00Fond Memories<p> Yesterday, I read a short devotional that at the end asked a couple of questions which were very relevant to this moment in my life. The first question was:</p><p>1. What place holds fond memories for you?</p><p>Even though I have several places that hold fond memories for me...there is one that stands out as the first one that pops into my head when a question like this comes up: the country of my birth...Panama. As it happens, I'm at a point in my life where I have lived longer in the United States than I lived in Panama. But...the years I lived there were formative and there is no way I can forget them. No matter what, I will always carry Panama in my heart as my first love. I try to go every year. This year, I've been blessed to have gone twice. As a matter of fact I just came back the day before I read this question, and of course, that was my answer. </p><p>God destined it for me to be born and raised in this tiny Central American country, even though He had also designed it for me to leave it in my mid twenties. But He knew I would always hold it in a special place in my heart. My memories of this special place involve childhood playtime, teen-dreams and young adulthood plans colored by blue skies with the sound of the ocean always in the background, bright sunshine and never ending warmth...the smiles and the voices of my loved ones who have already finished their journey on this earth plus those who still remain...the smells of greasy foods and spicy rice...and the taste of cold Coca Cola and sweet lemonade. The memories of my Mother's perfume and my Dad's after-shave, and the tight embrace of those who hate to see me leave one more time saturate my mind day and night...</p><p>Am I sad God's plan involved for me to make a life somewhere else, far, far away? Sometimes. But the core of the answer to the next question is what makes life bearable: </p><p>2. How might you make new memories today?</p><p>The beautiful truth is that the Lord allows us to make new and precious memories every time and in every place for as long as we are willing and keep an open mind. Becoming a visitor in my home country has been a hard pill to swallow (and I can't even swallow pills)...but the new memories I have been able to make for the last, almost thirty years are what have shaped who I am. The voices and laughter of my sons playing in the background when they were little boys...their hugs and presence now that they are almost all grown up...the very fact they exist...the steady hand of my faithful companion, walking alongside, the beauty of summer, the allergies in the spring, the melancholy of fall and even the quiet serenity of a snowy evening inside a warm home...the friendships...the church...the job...the hope...are all around new, deeply fond memories that this not-so-new place now hold.</p><p>Is it hard to make a life in a new place? Yes. Is it impossible? Not, it is not. The Lord's plan is perfect and in His wisdom, He knows exactly what we need in order to become who He designed us to be. After all, earth is not our forever home. And I'm grateful, He has promised we will one day have that...no more goodbyes...when He calls us to our last move.</p><p style="text-align: center;">Photos from Our Last Trip to Panama</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqeqY21PHOXN20CrauKQPCpOhpYJro_s-aKIcVSjwbYSLb-HEfNo8pSoGXN9ZtPljb-7YTTMVnVCd0Cnoz9c90qjfgLztzta8kkynMPOnZ2k8XvF_TgkZUFnTnhG2zcpaBYKxBzySwuEq7fJ8GZ_lqjDNUxoZs34qN36wTMJ-qyY1vaTkL_stdoFqag/s3968/20230603_093639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="3968" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxqeqY21PHOXN20CrauKQPCpOhpYJro_s-aKIcVSjwbYSLb-HEfNo8pSoGXN9ZtPljb-7YTTMVnVCd0Cnoz9c90qjfgLztzta8kkynMPOnZ2k8XvF_TgkZUFnTnhG2zcpaBYKxBzySwuEq7fJ8GZ_lqjDNUxoZs34qN36wTMJ-qyY1vaTkL_stdoFqag/s320/20230603_093639.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MvF8HDTgP1Vyn_6qfD21BPYBjcOuqB0agOM_yqBFml4JloBbfbKFbu6YJuP8JbZ4D9lIkLKOHJDxFLkuSVN8J6nV5XlrOq6K1WfHZvU-hF_FOO3P6tc6wplef2iG8Krb9cqkkrtq3MBZVCZp3cU7GdWsg6QFm42Z8QCCysJgSGxA6QxE1HZRlrC0sA/s3968/20230603_101227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="3968" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0MvF8HDTgP1Vyn_6qfD21BPYBjcOuqB0agOM_yqBFml4JloBbfbKFbu6YJuP8JbZ4D9lIkLKOHJDxFLkuSVN8J6nV5XlrOq6K1WfHZvU-hF_FOO3P6tc6wplef2iG8Krb9cqkkrtq3MBZVCZp3cU7GdWsg6QFm42Z8QCCysJgSGxA6QxE1HZRlrC0sA/s320/20230603_101227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhP6ofbPFTxW5BS7Kg_FtVNhGKdNc3yZnptH5stXO1oqjgn912NzrTp4etEy5MardfJKaOa3FY_sxc0Vybw0eTWAXQsj79O_tgjtvBmBatbINultKW6jsET9Zda2z5iwFkboEQ0VMhirwFkns4SHvanKbktgW3r4jbQpNQruQMk-D4CYWqa28XazI4Q/s4032/20230603_200334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1816" data-original-width="4032" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinhP6ofbPFTxW5BS7Kg_FtVNhGKdNc3yZnptH5stXO1oqjgn912NzrTp4etEy5MardfJKaOa3FY_sxc0Vybw0eTWAXQsj79O_tgjtvBmBatbINultKW6jsET9Zda2z5iwFkboEQ0VMhirwFkns4SHvanKbktgW3r4jbQpNQruQMk-D4CYWqa28XazI4Q/s320/20230603_200334.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Uj42YNYCbtLstKZDFyRx0uQzfil1_p3Y7aUphFfaOkg8u3slUhprlXKwWGVkKvOfecE_22RvsGX3e3CybDWQrdgYyLXoYU-ML_OSK_mjV8f9trx3M3Fyxk0h9qIL-LyV2R4HpghsI_PLVkuFnaKMlLSAXYQ5BlVUAiJLx4eUBoZzR92m0wegy15Nw/s3216/20230608_180416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3216" data-original-width="1448" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE0Uj42YNYCbtLstKZDFyRx0uQzfil1_p3Y7aUphFfaOkg8u3slUhprlXKwWGVkKvOfecE_22RvsGX3e3CybDWQrdgYyLXoYU-ML_OSK_mjV8f9trx3M3Fyxk0h9qIL-LyV2R4HpghsI_PLVkuFnaKMlLSAXYQ5BlVUAiJLx4eUBoZzR92m0wegy15Nw/w150-h333/20230608_180416.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGd3C2-6D7ItUXdAYx3XBu0j2xm4wpMHZdt7wL7b9BpIq_QMAW6w_yP0-O5t6cXp9MGN8xSMwvx4xRaQ1d0e5WQQQX1KqeT4q4GbYfVrGUwUPB4wxMnhskXgBSwfWIEgGay7guNhhcKeU-FAybLzF71c3yX3KcRB7-pzQh5brdNGOX5BH5U1gW2TTEw/s4032/20230610_064830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="1816" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGd3C2-6D7ItUXdAYx3XBu0j2xm4wpMHZdt7wL7b9BpIq_QMAW6w_yP0-O5t6cXp9MGN8xSMwvx4xRaQ1d0e5WQQQX1KqeT4q4GbYfVrGUwUPB4wxMnhskXgBSwfWIEgGay7guNhhcKeU-FAybLzF71c3yX3KcRB7-pzQh5brdNGOX5BH5U1gW2TTEw/s320/20230610_064830.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqpD589Itk8Lq_R6VxBVc-GiO74dD8-3RlSepl3ykcl77lz0gyZbQXfMXqbFFVOvy16ao9bDY3sILoAisC-UHUSDLojDGpseWtFPsIGlr2Wo-d0-VqQZWX0JDPLLbD0RqTNYVl86afrFhAvTTrul3DSe9wYakC2IipnfQmydqpDkgA-qJn3Xx4aB7Jg/s3968/20230610_101711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1784" data-original-width="3968" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqpD589Itk8Lq_R6VxBVc-GiO74dD8-3RlSepl3ykcl77lz0gyZbQXfMXqbFFVOvy16ao9bDY3sILoAisC-UHUSDLojDGpseWtFPsIGlr2Wo-d0-VqQZWX0JDPLLbD0RqTNYVl86afrFhAvTTrul3DSe9wYakC2IipnfQmydqpDkgA-qJn3Xx4aB7Jg/s320/20230610_101711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp287J8Nsg94FciFFcbIPwSBehiZG_aqeOwgwSznGMYezUnVCVWsATqWFomQ5uxqujcik8WH4PlLStGLosHRx3L4h8KbneUNSc6QkC5Lror6uaqdODYVdWJpoWrQt2fYkDwWdwfdNbYoZJioa4xctEnDGKLSKXUnfUPzxiFvkMYQLD94E6cf534QCzRA/s1600/IMG-20230607-WA0015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1600" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp287J8Nsg94FciFFcbIPwSBehiZG_aqeOwgwSznGMYezUnVCVWsATqWFomQ5uxqujcik8WH4PlLStGLosHRx3L4h8KbneUNSc6QkC5Lror6uaqdODYVdWJpoWrQt2fYkDwWdwfdNbYoZJioa4xctEnDGKLSKXUnfUPzxiFvkMYQLD94E6cf534QCzRA/s320/IMG-20230607-WA0015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7247069616167428252.post-56072936857649803642023-05-12T08:29:00.001-04:002023-05-12T08:29:36.313-04:00The Divine Gardener Knows<p> I am NOT a gardener. But I do appreciate the countless life-lessons that derive from gardening. God's creation is a hands-on classroom, indeed. So, every summer I make, rather pathetic attempts at planting stuff. Most of my efforts yield disappointing results...probably due to the fact that I have no clue what I'm doing. This year, though, I did a bit of research before I decided what to plant. In doing so, however, I found out information that helped me with an earlier effort that had also ended up in catastrophe. </p><p>A year ago, I decided to be brave and resolved to make a friend who needed cheering up, a planter with succulents. Rather than just doing what I usually do, which is buy an arrangement made by expert hands, I figured I wanted it to be special, so I made it myself. I found this really colorful and pretty clay planter which I thought would be perfect! Then, I bought a couple of species of succulents and planted them. How hard could it be, right? After all, some of them are cacti. If the desert doesn't kill them, how could I, right? WRONG! </p><p>I thought I was so smart. It turns out I wasn't. Soon after I planted them, they started to rot and die. Soon, the whole thing was a miserable mess and I didn't know what I was doing wrong. I put them outside...that didn't work. I kept them inside, that seemed to be a bit better, but no real improvement. I water them. Gave them light...even talked to them. I asked them, "whatup"? But they didn't answer...so I gave up. Fast forward to this year, as I was researching about my current endeavors, I saw the beautiful planter, sad reminder of my previous failures, and almost without thinking, I googled "how to grow succulents." Well, the first thing I read was: "DO NOT OVER WATER or they will ROT! Only water when the soil is bone-dry."</p><p>Well, needless to say, I felt so dumb. Of course they can't be over-watered...they are desert creatures. So I went and got a couple more which looked just exquisite. Pulled out the sorry-looking skeletons of what once was something beautiful, and planted the new ones. I'm happy to say that my diligence has paid off. It's been over a month and they are looking radiant! I found a perfect spot where they get plenty of sunlight and I wait until the soil is dry before I water. I keep moving them so they grow straight as they turn toward the sun, and I tell them how gorgeous they are. I believe I might even be able to actually present them to my friend as a worthy gift after all.</p><p>All I needed to do was to familiarized myself with the plants. I needed to know them, find out about their needs, so I could provide for them in a manner that would make them grow and thrive. It is very difficult to nurture that which we don't know. What seems right for some, is completely wrong for others, and if we don't care enough to know...we end up doing more damage than good. No water? What do you mean, a plant doesn't need much water?! In my amateur gardening skills, that was completely counter-intuitive. But I didn't know what the right conditions needed to be for these plants to prosper...</p><p>Good thing God knows us inside and out. He knows what we need and what we don't need way better than we know ourselves. We complain and reject our circumstances, but God is a Divine Gardener who is fully knowledgeable on the subject of us...and what seems wrong to us, is exactly what we need so we can eventually grow and bloom. He plants us where He wants us, because He knows that's where we need to be. It's just that simple. </p><p>I pray that next time we feel unseen, unknown, un-cared for, unloved, we remember that we are in the hands of the Gardener Who not only planted us, but designed us, and that He knows exactly what He is doing in our lives for our benefit and prosperity. In the Precious Name of Jesus. Amen!</p><p> </p><p><b>Bible Verses on Being Known By God*</b></p><div><b><br /></b><div><i><b>Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. Psalm 139:1</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:2</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Psalm 139:3</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. Psalm 139:4</b></i></div><div><i><b><br />I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14</b></i></div><div><br /></div><div>(*From https://www.estherdorotik.net/blog/31-bible-verses-about-god-knowing-us-and-unconditional-love/)</div><div><br /></div></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07656476297687939131noreply@blogger.com0