Patience... is possible even for a Taz!

Oh, man this morning was not a good morning. To start with it began an hour sooner than usual. And, then it did not go as planned. (a futile exhibit of flesh to control things that are not in the realms of its authority) I suffer terribly from the misconception and self deceiving thought that if I work hard enough and plan well enough I will be able to avoid troubles and unexpected displeasing situations.. (ha ha ha ha!) So to say that the flesh over took me this morning is an understatement. Patience is the fruit of the spirit I lack the most and want desperately to obtain at least as much as a 5 year old. Luckily I have learned when my spirit is ugly and my light is not shining, my mouth needs to stay closed!! and I was able to at least control myself enough to just appear "not happy" and blame it on the time of the morning. (I am NOT a morning person). But, I facebooked and received some inspiring to get in the word this morning and this is what I found:

Love is patience, kind, not self-seeking, not proud, not rude, rejoices in truth, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (ut oh!!!, so impatience is opposing to love--that is not good)

Patience: "Waiting on God" Several good scriptures and devotions in my "Mom's Devotional Bible" NIV http://www.zondervan.com/ Genesis 27 the story of Rebekah rushing things and deceitfully making things happen her way and the damage she brought to her family. Served as a quick and sharp object lesson.

Proverbs 12:20 There is deceit (misconception, false or half truths) in the hearts of those who plot evil,(meannes, darkness, unloving) but joy for those who promote peace. (contentment, quietness and gentleness)

Well, I really started looking in the spiritual mirror {ew...very icky} and found a few "blemishes" that have been festering and needed care. Here are a few of the verses I came across and are using to handle these pesky fleshy erruptions.

A nutty thing I realized F-L-E-S-H backwards, is Huh,{that mean irritated sound "we" make} S--E--L--F{like when you look in a mirror!!} is SELF!!! that explains alot!

Patience is waiting..on God! (He is patient, loving, in control, it is in His timing) ut oh....

Planning involves us trying to figure out things, predict things and control things (hmmmm. I see where this is going :( } Wisdom is God's thinking, knowledgable and perfect.

Proverbs 3:5-6
TRUST (ut oh) in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. {Like a interstate!!}

Some other scriptures I looked up:
Ephesians 1:17-18
Hosea 11:1-4 (Patience in things turning around and in getting justice)
Acts 28:30-31 (Patience when feeling trapped and useless, questioning purpose)
Psalms 23:1-3 (One of my favorite passages!, such a biblical picture of life)

And lastly the one I am still chewing on...

Psalms 40:1-5 (my 2cents and application)

I waited patiently for the Lord; (ummm, o-kay)

he turned to me and heard my cry (whine,complain)

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

out of the mud and mire;

he set my feet on the rock (His word!)

and gave me a firm place to stand (accountability and friendly encouragement to get in the word and clean up the attitude, get off the throne!)

He put a new song in my mouth

a hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

and put their trust in the Lord.

Blessed is the man (or women!)

who make the Lord his trust,

who does not look to the proud,

to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, O Lord my God,

are the wonders you have done

The things you planned for us (Oh, yeah!!)

no one can recount to you; {count your blessings not your calamities}

were I to speak and tell of them,

they would be too many to declare (Phillipians 8-9 "Whatever is..think about such things")

Facebook is not all just goofing off...Ministering is going on too!

Many people (who have not tried) facebook feel like it is just another way people waste time and goof off. Some people that use facebook have similar feeling, but it is a tool or opportunity that you have to control, utilize and purpose to be productive and to glorify God, if not it could just be a waste of time, another temptation to share or say things that are not filled with love and godliness. Well, there are awesome applications that actually are productive and spiritual.

Facebook has been a productive and encouraging addition to my life and when used properly has increased the connection with our family and friends that live out of state. We have been able to share silly and minor events in our life that we would not have been able to share with those that do not use email (I know, it is strange but there are those who don't) but the facebook is so much easier and quicker to share. It has consolidated files and made storage easier, connecting and reconnecting with friends has been so much fun and filled a need very easily.

There are bible applications, you can send scriptures encouragers (like cards but have a scripture on them), there are bible translations you can read, there is an awesome Bible study with the Greek text, it teaches you to translate, you can listen to the greek being read. Study and share your notes with friends. And, there are christians that are sharing encouragement and the great revelations God has given them as they study. There are several people who post notes of spiritual messages, many christian blogs.

Here is one person that I have met through facebook that inspires, shares the words and lives for Christ and professes it through facebook.

Debbie Griffith wrote:
I’m passionate to help others see who Jesus is by sharing my stories which bring a testimony to God’s power in my everyday life. Jesus promises in John 16:13, "When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide us into all truth." Well it’s only through the surrender of self to Christ that truth becomes more and more understandable...and it's a continuous surrender, not a strike of lightning and everything makes sense.

It’s also a great reminder for those of us who are passionate about loving others into the kingdom. We have to be careful not to be so far from the people of the world that what we say becomes incomprehensible to them. It’s being in the world but not of it. So we can't close our eyes and block off the bad things that are happening, pretending children aren't abused or that adultery isn’t committed. We must choose to fight evil, not with our power but by His Spirit with love and truth…everyday.

What a great Truth, encouragement and a message that is seen by all of her friends, and their friends and.....

God can work through us in ways we do not even think about, as long as we are walking, talking and doing things that can bring him glory.

Are you trying to maintain relationship? Do you want to start new ones?

What minor steps can you take to make your life glorifying and accessing to others?

What do you do to share your testimony (the story of what Christ has done for you (Salvation) and is doing for you?

How do you minister to others?

If you have questions, need help finding applications or figuring out things, comment below, email me or find me on facebook I would love to help you "utilize" facebook for good and see its potential.

Story of Restoration: Wynonna is healing and rising up!!!

I am so excited about Wynonna Judd's personal comeback. I identify alot with her in her weight struggles and personality (somewhat). I loved her music and followed her story. I really love how she was open and honest about her decisions, good, bad and ugly. She became proactive and through it all she professed her faith in Jesus Christ. Well today she was on Good Morning America and looked great. No her weight is not magically gone and she is not conforming to societies image she should be, she is developing herself. She looks happy and healthy and is shining.

check out her new album that debuts today, http://www.aceshowbiz.com/contest/wynonna_sing.html

The saying money can't buy you happiness was shown with her struggles, and even shows sometimes your problems are just bigger and hidden more when you have money. It takes work to overcome and persevere but, it has to be done.

"Fristers" Women of Strength Bonding

Being a women means so many things today. Different things to different folks. I personally long for the sisterhood I use to see when I was little. I love the old movies where the women were like sisters. Titus 2 is a passage in the Bible that teaches this kind of relationship is what God had in mind for women. Why don't we have it today? Lack of humbleness, Lack of deep and gut wrenching honesty and transparency, Lack of trust.

If we decide it is possible to have this bond. I strongly believe in the Mentor relationship and like everything else I have to do it the "DOT" way. I personally select my mentors. I use to ask the people "officially" to take on the task of teaching and training a thirty something to be more godly and gentle like them. {Oh, the shock, fear, and slight confusion in some of the poor victims, especially the few that have been "younger") This became a very awkward conversation. So I have just elected those that I see exhibiting the traits and skills I want and pray for a door to swing open and allow us to work together without the awkward and stressfulness.

I have recently seen how a change in spirit and in mind (praise!!!) God has provided, "Fristers" Friends who are like Sisters and it is kind of cool sometimes we get together on Fridays!!! :). The best part is the ones that are Christians, we are truly Sisters in Christ, and despite what happens throughout our lives here on earth, we will always be together. My favorite song about friends is the Michael W. Smith song "Friends are Friends forever". (it is on the playlist player, scroll down and look for it)

This video really says the same thing, I loved the pictures and the essay is great! Enjoy and embrace your "fristers". I love when we get confirmations of our current direction and a glimpse of the purpose of a struggle or difficult change.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

Don't Quit God Cares and will restore you....

You may feel beaten down and chipped away, but... "you are being built to be acceptable to GOD"!! Ask God a question and get an answer and a promise! And he does not lie!!!

There are those times when you feel the waters rise and the wind of confusion blow. The heaviness of fear weighs you down and you just want to dig a hole in the sand and go underground for awhile, but...what can I do to help, so many are discontent, discouraged, hurt, lonely, because of those that are ANGRY, Despairing, selfish, mean, dishonest and deceitful.
A little voice says, "NO!.. Do not give up, Don't Quit"
Check out this awesome slideshow of the famous unknown authored poem "Don't Quit", http://www.thedontquitpoem.com/

No your not hearing things, if you are saved it is the Holy Spirit (or Jesus) depending on your docrtinal beliefs. Scripture is trying to set you free from your bindings of fear and the limitations of your understanding. (For me it is very limiting at times, I have discernment and clarity of an infant other times I am running at the speed of light and actually KNOW where I am going and what I am supposed to be doing {Note: I did not say "what I am doing" ha ha}.

Times like this I Peter jumps to mind: Two passages help me aline my thinking and get stepping in the right direction. I Peter 2:1-5 (NIV) {my paraphrase or definition from Random House dictionary to add more emphasis and direct meaning}

And this is the word that was preached to you. {I have told you this once} Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice {meanness, desiring harm or injury} and all deceit, hypocrisy {looking like you have a desirable or publicly approved attitudes, beliefs, principles, etc. that one does not posses; pretending to be something your not; going with the flow then critizing them later} envey, {sense of discontent or jealousy with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, wanting someone elses things or advantages}, and slander of every kind {malicious, false, and defamatory statement or report}. Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good. *As you come to him, the living Stone--rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him--you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.*

Well, using Random House dictionary I added the {definitions} and as we look back over the passage it is clear to see why conflict and tension are abounding in us and through out society today. We are not acting right, we are not following the scriptures we love to quote and the book we carry around with us. We need to really read it, define the words and make sure we understand them. A teacher I had as a child said "When you read a scripture if you do not feel like it is talking to you, if you do not see God telling you to do something, keep reading!" Look this over and see what God is saying to you. God has brought me to this passage over and over and I read, and cry, and question and stop at the first part, because I always thought the verse 4 about the stone was a separate "section" but read it together and it adds to the passage, it hold the promise, the comfort, the compassion!!!!

I Peter 5:5 .... "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble"

I Peter 5:6-10 Humble yourserlves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he care for you. Be self-controlled and alert, Your enemy the devil (not your brothers and sisters) prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. AMEN!

We are chosen by GOD!!! We are being built into a spiritual house to be an offering of spiritual sacrafice acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We are under construction, and God is finishing a work in us. Sometimes construction is not pretty, and there are losses and tear downs, but when it is done, it is like a jewel! We will be a jewel in heaven someday. So as Lenny Cravitz song "Bring it On" says...
God is in control!.. Check your heart and your steps, your diet. and know that Your God Reigns. Banquet at the table, try to share the joy and the light and know "the Lord is good".!!!

School Humor: Interview without asking questions and Counseling without giving advice

What an interesting semester!!! (I mean that with all the sarcasim I can muster up).

This semester I have 4 online classes:
Advocacy, Counseling, Developmental Psychology and Sociology.. yep you read that right! Psychology and Sociology ONLINE and in the same semester!!! (what was I thinking??) Lots of writing in both classes, term paper in both classes, Ughhhh :(. Sociology is the most challenging of the two. 5 lecture questions that need to be answered each week and a 1,600 word discussion question. Oh my.... 1,600 words is alot of words!!!! and the "textbook" is from wikipedia and is somewhat sketchy and vague. The discussions have been VERY strange, some people simple restart the questions. In the syllabus it suggested our responses be 300 words. The variation of writing styles is amazing. The questions have been interesting and quite hard to respond to. This weeks question was "Do you think a culture can be completely uninfluenced by other cultures in the United States? Why or Why not? and what would they need to do to be able to do this?

Advocacy and Counseling I thought, okay the instructor I am familiar with from last semester. I understand her style and expectations. The textbooks are up-to-date and written by knowledgible professionals this should be easy and they seem to be going fine. I have done Advocacy work before and just this past summer so I felt good about it. The Counseling I have wanted to do for years, have reviewed many case studies and have worked with counselors before so felt pretty good about that too. Already had Ethics class and know all the do's and don'ts. Looking forward to learning techniques and some philosophy stuff and getting on with the semester. Both of these classes have had really good discussions so far and are going really well.

My traditional class is providing my challenge and was a surprise to me. Interviewing I thought was going to be an easy class for me. I can talk one on one, I know it is the core of counseling, talking with the client and getting background and current information. Listening to the client talk about things they want to work on. Here comes the surprising and challenging part. In this kind of interviewing, you do not ask questions. What??? How am I going to get the information I need to help the client? Well, here lies the funny part (always looking for the humor :) In counseling they believe that each person has the ability to solve their own problems and therefore we just let the client guide and direct the conversation. The less we say the better. And one of the techniques we use is silence!!! sit there and look at the client and not say a word. {You have got to be kidding me...} Oh!! the best part is we do not explain our "techniques" to the client and to top it off we are going to sit in a face to face position that is very awkward. Oh man everytime I walk in the building my heart races a mile a minute. I hate face to face, eye to eye contact when I am not sure what is coming. (yeah, yeah. predicting.. it is my control issue),

I have been the client and left a counselor thinking the person was rude, insensitive and disconcerned with helping me because they said very little and sat there starring at me for long periods of time. I talk alot (too much for some people) and can only imagine how awkward it is going to be to sit facing someone who is having trouble talking and watch their body language and eye gestures and not be able to ask questions to help stir the conversation. We do use "encouragers" and reflective statements but for the most part the client is to do all the talking and when we do say something we have to try to avoid the 4 No..No..'s of counseling: Opinion, Advice, Judgment and questions. Questions should have been my first name, and advice is helping right?? Judging and giving my opinion is not too hard to avoid, but the subtle opinions, inferred judgments are going to be hard to avoid. "That was really a shame he lost his job" (Maybe they were happy they lost their job. or maybe it will be fine he is out of work)

I have to do an interview and record it to be played in class for everyone to grade and give feedback for me to improve my techniques. Oh...man, panic attack. 20 minutes sitting face to face, trying to listen without taking notes, not ask questions and not give any advice. Wow... I am so not looking forward to this assignment. and we have to do it twice and then the final tape has to be video.

Hoping as the weeks go by things will start to gel and make sense. Right now it is a bit overwhelming doing all the reading and writing for these classes. Trying to work on the term paper for sociology as it is a gradual progect and we have parts due each week. Hopefully the semester will end as well as last semester did and this will just be a temporary ripple in the pond of my educational quest.