Enjoy devotionals, respectful satire, stark honesty, humor, and warmth.
Deep Roots
Deep roots. It’s what it’s all about.
Moses therefore said to them, “Wait, and I will listen to what the Lord will command concerning you.”
Numbers 9:8
Becoming Real & What I’ve Learned
I was honored to recently accept the President position with Cascade Christian Writers (formerly Oregon Christian Writers) and we just finished an amazing Summer Conference at the Canby Grove Christian Center. We also held the award ceremony for the Cascade Christian Writers Contest. “We welcomed 170 contestants who submitted 251 entries to the 2023 Cascade Writing Contest this year. Contestants represented 35 states, Switzerland, Jamaica, Australia, and two Canadian provinces.” (1) Congratulations to all the finalists and winners!
Whoa. (Yes, just in case you thought OCW was just for Oregon peeps.)
I’m so very thankful to my amazing team. This conference and the awards would not have happened without them. To my very cool Board members (most prefer to be unnamed), I am so grateful for you and your year-round work. I would also like to send a curtsy to Summer Conference Director Christina Suzann Nelson, Sue Miholer, Amy Earls, Linda Kruschke, Donna Hues, Keynoter Amanda Dykes, numerous faculty members (30 workshops that you can order to watch if you want, along with the Keynote sessions and the agent/editor panel) and to the amazing mass of volunteers who worked very hard on putting on the best Summer Conference Ever! You are incredible! I thank you and am humbled to be at your side, serving.
I thought you might enjoy the devotional I wrote and read at the conference opening and also some conference pictures of the amazing time that we had. Of course, if you were at the conference, you’ve already heard this. But if not, I hope that you enjoy it.
My first writer’s conference was in Wheaton, Illinois at “Write to Publish”. I paid the fees and almost asked for my money back. Even sitting in the car getting ready to go into the building, I wanted to drive away. I forced myself outside, up the stairs, and into the lobby where I felt like a stranger but smiled, got my nametag and browsed the bookstore. All around me were people greeting and hugging each other. It seemed everyone knew someone – except me.
Worship was great and my first class, awesome. My anxiety was at an all-time high going into an agent appointment. But God took care of me in the most amazing way. He gave me a very kind agent and I about floated out of the auditorium afterwards. Finally, I received some confirmation that I was where God wanted me to be!
I not only received several confirmations that week at the conference, but I also soon recognized the truth. God had brought me to my true tribe. These were people who totally “got me”. Such a blessing when so many family and friends couldn’t quite understand why I was always spouting concepts, book ideas, passions I wanted to get out to the world and other odd tidbits. And that doesn’t even count the times when I’m writing and respond with a “huh?” and look up, truly confused, because I’m so buried in another world. Yes, my family has had to repeat questions many times, as well as occasional requests for dinner. (oops) Even last week, the dryer buzzer went off twice while I was writing. “There’s no way that was 50 minutes! That was like, ten!” But no, it was 50 minutes both times.
Here are some things I’ve learned in my writing journey.
1. I learned that unless I am using the gifts that He generously gave to me, I am not fully worshipping Him. Romans 12:6 says “Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to use them accordingly.” There have been times in my life when I haven’t been able to fully use my gifts and times in my life when, due to trauma, I was unable to use my gifts effectively. When I chose to make changes in my life and heal from my trauma, God asked me to return to writing as part of my healing. “This is who I created you to be.” He whispered to me. “Beloved, you are mine.”
It is a part of our calling to do as He asks us, with what He has bestowed on us. As I use my gifts, the fullness of God becomes rich to me, I am the closest to Him, I am outward-focused on others instead of inward-focused on just myself (anxiety) and I also can make (with his help) a little impact for the Kingdom.
All part of His plan.
2. Secondly, I learned that sometimes the seeds we plant take a lot of time to harvest. I can get discouraged sometimes in God’s waiting room. When will my writing make a difference? An impact? And how can it when it seems like no publisher even wants it? In Mark 4 we learn the Parable of the Seed that is thrown in varied places on the ground. A seed either flourishes, gets choked out from weeds/thorns or dies from lack of nourishment. Sometimes, we don’t see the results of planting our seeds, but results ALWAYS happen when we plant according to the Lord’s desire – even years or generations later. I’ve now been privileged to learn that my efforts HAVE helped others, often weeks, months or years later. You will receive this too.
As we know, without seed planters there are no plants, no gardens, no jungles…and no reason for bees. Without seed planters there is no food to nourish us and no
trees to clean the air. Did you know that according to the Arbor Day Foundation, in one year a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange? Yes, that is how important seeds are, not to mention the spiritual seeds we plant as we exercise our gifts. Go forth and plant seeds.
3. Thirdly, I learned that my writing will not make an impact unless I “became real” as we learn in “The Velveteen Rabbit”. To remind you of the passage (because I’m quite sure you’ve all read it at least once), I will include it here. (2)
“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”
“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”
“Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit.
“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”
“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?”
“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
And then later…
The Rabbit sighed. He thought it would be a long time before this magic called Real happened to him. He longed to become Real, to know what it felt like; and yet the idea of growing shabby and losing his eyes and whiskers was rather sad. He wished that he could become it without these uncomfortable things happening to him.
God is in Control
God uses our situations, traumas, pain, suffering and hurts in our lives to better other people – if we accept His assignment. It is the ultimate message to Satan that God is in control. And it is the biggest blessing in our lives when we use our experiences to assist others. It is part of becoming “Real”.
I want to leave you with a piece of scripture-perhaps one of several you might ponder this week.
Psalm 139: 1-18 (David) 1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. 7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. 17 How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God! How vast is the sum of them! 18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.
(1) Quote by Jennifer Anne Messing
(2) “The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams, Public Domain
Photos by Karen Barnett, Julie McDonald Zander and Yours Truly
Sound of Slavery (thoughts from Sound of Freedom movie)
How can I not see a movie when it is both said to be “well done” and a subject I write about? A movie LONG overdue in being shown to the public? I battled with this. My hesitations had to do with the same reason I’ve hesitated to watch “The Chosen”. (Which is why I struggle with the fact that many Christian organizations are using it as small group curriculum.) By doing so, am I supporting Angel Studios and therefore funneling money to the LDS community and their very-focused, recent concentration on becoming mainstream and attractive to the general public? And if so, how is that being responsible as a Christ-follower?
Not that my two tickets (and the purchasing of a “God’s Children Are Not For Sale” t-shirt – YUP, you know I HAD to get one of those) will make a drop of difference in their financial pot. It’s the concept of it, of course. And knowing where my responsibility lies – and where it ends.
I expect there will be push-back on this post. And as I have said to many, I have several LDS friends from school and I have nothing against them. They are good people. I even suspect that some are indeed followers of Jesus and I will see them in heaven someday. But the theological differences are still there, as they always have been, the most integral one being that the Bible says it is the one and only Word of God (Revelation 22:18-19), written by man but inspired by God (2 Peter 1:21). Whereas, the LDS church believes that The Book of Mormon is also scripture from God (see #8 here). And the second being that LDS believes the Father and Jesus Christ are separate entities – Christians believe in what we call the Trinity. More on that here. Of course, there are other beliefs they have that I do not have, and do not find biblical (being a spirit before birth, levels of heaven, eternal marriage and more).
I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the Mormon church has been trying very hard the past few years to become “mainstream” – appearing to accept all, a wonderful place to raise a family, excelling in wisdom and maturity, having access to things of God that no one else has, etc. The master of lies. And as Christians, in our desire for quality programming that speaks “Jesus”, we’ve rushed to not only support them, but to join the efforts of spreading the word. This is extra complicated as the writer and director of the Chosen series is none other than Christian Dallas Jenkins, son of author Jerry Jenkins. We are indeed, confused, but have no doubt of the LDS goal – to recruit more. So for me it comes down to that, can I support Angel Studios by bringing the “Chosen” into my home? No.
Would my brother Rick, who worked in the Christian film industry, was the most detailed (and blunt) critic I know (next to Barbara Nicolosi), who craved and worked towards excellence in Christian films and was a staunch and firm lover of Jesus have watched “Sound of Freedom”?
I suspect he would have. And I finally did as well. You know, the older I get, the more I realize there is more that unites us as human and less that divides us – at least that is what I want to see. As many of you also know, I have family members in the LGBTIQA+ community. Do I believe that they won’t see Jesus someday? No, because very simply, it is not my place to judge. That job is for God and God alone. The assignments He gave ME are to 1) Love God and 2) Love my neighbor as myself. I do and I do.
I especially love this verse:
Romans 14:1-4
As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.Well doesn’t that about say it all? I’m thinking so.
I believe that God does not want us to appear “preachy” to those who do not believe as we do. Here’s an example: I was raised to avidly
“call people out” (errr, “show them the error of their ways”). In other words: MAKE SURE THEY KNOW THE TRUTH SO THEY DON’T GO TO HELL. I might, after all, be the only Jesus they ever see!!! Well guess what folks, if we are preaching, pushing and condemning others and that is indeed the only Jesus they ever see, we ARE in trouble! No wonder Christians get a bad rap. The Lord flat out tells us multiple times in the Bible that He is the only judge. The only ruler. The only King of the entire WORLD.
Who am I to stand on a platform and say “shame on you” (and particularly when I am also a sinful human)? It is none of my beeswax as we said in the old days. (Sorry to the LDS friends with whom I held great debates with in junior high and high school).
If I choose to stand on a platform and choose to say “shame on you”, then I am also choosing slavery. And not only that, but I am placing others that I am judging into slavery as well.
So back to “Sound of Freedom” (sorry for the distraction. I actually got distracted twice and decided the second one was another full post so took it out) …yes, it was very well done. It is the quality (mostly) that I hoped for and it does (finally) have enough backing to bring attention to the very subject that has eaten away at my heart for years. I disagree with the people posting “going to see a movie doesn’t change things” because at the start of it all is education. We cannot make changes until we educate. Which of course, is the purpose behind “Innocent Lives“. I absolutely agree with and appreciate the sad stats at the end because they are important!
-More people are enslaved now than when slavery was legal.
-The UNITED STATES is the top consumer of sex slavery.
Those facts, my friends, are the sad, sad truth. This is WHY I felt so called to write “Innocent Lives” and “Innocent Voices”. I was once one of those who thought human trafficking only happened overseas. Thank goodness that people in Hollywood fought the masses to call attention to human trafficking, kidnapping and sex slavery. I am praying that a multitude of people will now understand, and seek change.
At the end of the movie, Jim Caviezel shares with us from real life. “Steve Jobs once said the most powerful person in the world is the storyteller,” He said. “Abraham Lincoln credited Harriet Stowe when she wrote Uncle Tom’s Cabin – this powerful story inspired millions to rise up and fight against slavery. I think we can make Sound of Freedom the Uncle Tom’s Cabin of 21st century slavery.”
Let’s do it!
#soundoffreedom #soundoffreedommovie #innocentlives #humantraffickingawareness
Abuse Resources
Many of these resources come from ARMS, an organization I highly recommend. Their free HER JOURNEY classes were essential to my healing, even when I was still in an abusive relationship. But there are some additional resources from other places, as well.
I want to note here that the abuse is a PATTERN of power and control used to manipulate another person. I say this because as you review the following you may wonder, “am I an abuser? Sometimes I do some of those things on the Types of Abuse chart!” We all DO use controlling behaviors at times and if God is talking to you about working on that, please do. But unless you are using those controlling behaviors consistently, in order to control another person or the outcome of a situation, you are not likely an abuser.
FOR LEADERS, PASTORS, COUNSELORS
Abuse Information Packet for Leaders and Pastors
Why We Never Recommend Couple’s Counseling in Cases of Abuse
Article: The Church’s Response to Abuse
Book: On The Frontlines of Abuse: Strategies for the Faith Community by Stacey Womack
Book: We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis by Mary DeMuth
Book: A Cry for Justice: How the Evil of Domestic Abuse Hides in Your Church by Jeff Crippen and Anna Wood
Book: Setting the Captives Free: A Christian Theology for Domestic Violence by Ron Clark
FOR THOSE WONDERING IF YOU ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
15 Early Warning Signs of Abuse (helpful for teens who are dating, but also for adults!)
Types of Abuse (you might be surprised!)
FOR THOSE WHO KNOW OR SUSPECT THEY ARE IN ABUSE
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lysa TerKeurst
Book: Why Does He DO That? By Lundy Bancroft
Book: The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It by Leslie Vernick
Book: The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to recognize it and how to respond by Patricia Evans
Highly recommend the following programs for women, even if you are not and especially if you are not leaving your abusive situation:
ARMS, Free Her Journey Classes
Flying Free with Natalie Hoffman
The Conquer Program with Leslie Vernick
NOTE: Celebrate Recovery and Mending the Soul both have sections in their program intended for abuse survivors but I have not personnally taken those programs.
If you are a man seeking to heal from abuse, I highly recommend the following counselor who also offers virtual services. Also, consider contacting your local domestic abuse resource for resources for men or those who identify using a fluid gender.
Bonnie Ronstrom, Willow Life Coaching (specializes in narcissistic abuse; offers virtual services), Email
FOR THOSE WANTING TO HELP SOMEONE ELSE
Article: How to Help a Survivor
Book: Helping Her Get Free, by Susan Brewster
Note: The links for the books above are an affiliate links through Amazon.
How to Respond When Wronged
This morning I was re-reading the complete story of Joseph. Although we often hear of his plight (thrown into a pit and sold into slavery by his brothers, jail time for something he never even did), we seldom hear the other details of the story. Yes, God did use Joseph’s plight for good. He used the atrocious actions of his brothers to save them, and save a nation when famine would have killed them all.
But Joseph was human, of course. And through his story, I was reminded of how to respond when I am wronged.
Anger + Stubbornness- When Joseph’s brothers first approached him for food, he tossed them into a holding cell for three days. He later set it up to look like Benjamin stole silver. This waylays the brothers on their second journey home as they are falsely accused and then promptly returned to the city.
Anger is a natural emotion that God has given us and it often has positive results when used appropriately. Although God tells us to not sin in our anger, He feels it himself and fully expects it of us. It is a step when processing through many things-including grief, wrongdoing and pain. It is OK to feel anger when we are wronged. It is OK to cry out to God and lament the pain of being falsely accused, looked down upon or stepped on. He understood Joseph and He understands you and me.
Grief + Joy- Three times during this story, Joseph either turns away from his brothers or leaves the room to go elsewhere. He weeps after he sees his brothers for the first time in years and when he finally sees Benjamin, his full-blooded and younger brother. He weeps again when he tells his brothers who he really is. In Genesis 45:2, he weeps so loudly that the Egyptians hear him and Pharaoh’s entire household learns of it.
I don’t believe that Joseph was any more emotional than the rest of us. But I have had a similar experience when, after years of turmoil, it was acknowledged by family members that they had been misled, and in fact now understood I had a certain family member’s best interest at heart. I cried too.
Forgiveness + Graciousness- Joseph was gracious to his brothers in spite of their sin against him. He sent them home not only with extra provisions but he returned their money to them as well. Later, after he had revealed himself, he provided goods in excess for his family and then moved them to the area where they lived a prosperous life.
Have I been gracious to those who have wronged me and falsely accused me? I need to do better with this one. In the story, Joseph’s graciousness to his brothers has a direct result on their conscience. God used Joseph’s graciousness in bringing his brothers to repentance. Is it possible that when we “go the extra mile”, “take the high road” and treat others better than they have treated us that God will reward that in some fashion? I believe so. He shows us this in the story of Joseph.
Faithfulness + Loyalty- Joseph wasn’t perfect by any means. But it is clear throughout his lifetime that he remained close to God during the multiple, discouraging trials that haunted him. Although he definitely responded as a human might to these situations initially, he always came back around to trusting and yielding to God. As he did this, it allowed God to turn these situations to good for those involved and future generations.
When I remain irritated and unforgiving, God cannot work in my life to turn the trials to good. My stubbornness waylays His goodness, just like Joseph planting the silver waylaid his brother’s journey. Like a patient Father, God waits for me to come around. And when I do, He rewards that with an emotional release from those who irk me, a knowledge that I am right with God and His precepts and the ultimate peace in my heart. And that opens the door for Him to speak to others about it too.
Does My Sin Affect My Prayers for Others?
Proverbs 15:29 The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous.
It’s not always easy to write insights from the Lord. And for me, nasty pride can certainly get in the way. Often I learn my lessons through failure and writing about them to others…so then I have to admit to them. 🙂
I suspect you understand exactly what I mean.
God’s given me hints throughout life that he hears my prayers and blesses me more when I am following fully what He wants of me. This makes perfect sense. But what I didn’t realize until a few weeks ago is that my prayers for others might also be affected when I am not fully being obedient.
Recently, I finally gave in on something that God had asked me to do. I mean, not only did He ask, He sent hint after hint after hint that this is what He wanted to do. Ongoing. For several months. And I fought it with all that I have. Have you guessed that I am stubborn? Sigh. I should have known that I wouldn’t have full peace until I was obedient.
It did not completely surprise me that God started answering more of my prayers for myself when I finally gave in.
What surprised me is that He started answering my prayers for other people. For instance, I was helping a gal who was in a custody suit for her child after a very abusive marriage. Her former husband was being manipulative and abusive and the courts believed him. Between him and his attorney, they had not only convinced the courts that she was crazy, but they had taken her child away a year ago. She’d been unable to see or talk to her child since. In spite of me helping her try to get representation and praying fervently with her week after week after week, everything continued to go downhill. Until last week. One of our prayers was finally answered-just as she was ready to give up. She now has hope.
At a weekly class that I hold, three other women came forward and said that God had answered our prayers from the week before. And that was just the beginning. There became so many “answers to my prayers” that every time I turned around, there was a new one. And in addition, an area of my life that had not shown progress for years suddenly made a turn for the better within days.
Deuteronomy 28:1-2 says “Now it shall be, if you diligently obey the Lord your God, being careful to do all His commandments which I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. All these blessings will come upon you and overtake you if you obey the Lord your God:…” I will let you read the rest of the verse as there are some interesting things that meant a lot in that day (blessings of crops, etc) but would likely be a bit different these days.
Now are these answers to prayer due to ME? Absolutely not. Nothing to do with me. Only the mighty power of our Lord God who wanted to show me that He truly does bless those who fully obey Him.
I struggle with some guilt now, of course. Would more of my prayers for others have been answered if I had been obedient earlier? Several times in His word, God specifically mentions blessings for future descendants due to acts of obedience. Have I been the block in some of my descendants fully accepting the love of God for them? 🙁
I experienced the other side a few days ago. I had been having pain in an area and a specific ultrasound showed nothing. A new ultrasound with different parameters was ordered for next week. But on Saturday after I had prayed for the ladies in my morning Zoom group, one of them requested to pray for me. I felt comfortable so shared some of what has been going on. She prayed for me and can you guess what happened next? My pain disappeared. It’s been gone now for two days.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
Psalm 145:18
Thank you, Lord.
Just…Read the Instructions, Julie
Having planted sugar snap peas for many, many years, I am an expert. Or so I thought.
Why read the instructions? I don’t need them. I’ve planted them each year, sometimes twice a year, for over 30 years! I plant them a couple of inches apart and each year carefully take the time to construct a support system for each row usually consisting of garden poles and string. I pound the posts into the ground with a hammer to ensure steadiness, as peas need a ton of support. I’ve worked with thick string and thin string. For two years now, I’ve been trying to get rid of my roll of thin string so have doubled it for strength purposes. I can’t wait to buy thick string.
What on earth got into me when this year, I read the BACK of the package?! I have no idea. Or maybe my husband read it and relayed it to me. Possible.
What did it say? “Plant two rows about six inches apart and construct ONE supporting structure between the two for both rows to use.” (Or something of the like)
HUH?
I’ve found myself doing this in my spiritual walk, as well. Having been a believer since the age of 4, have I not “read it all”, “done it all”, “practiced it all”? There is nothing in the Word that I haven’t read!
Some say that BIBLE should stand for “Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth”. It is our guide and manual. God’s Word was not just applicable a few thousand years ago. He made it to last and it is as befitting to our issues today as it always was. There is not one problem we face that is not addressed in His book. In addition, there is power within the words in the Bible. Speaking the name of Jesus aloud chases Satan out. Memorizing scripture means that when we need it the most, certain verses will echo in our heads. The voice of our Lord.
I don’t know about you, but I am certainly reading the scriptures more during this time of world chaos-a habit I will strive to keep up even after the world seems safer.
“How can a young man/woman keep their way pure? By guarding it according to your word. . . . I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:9, 11
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Timothy 3:16-17
Question I’m Pondering This Week: Is there written scripture in heaven?
Anxiety Rules
Last week, one of our Pastors preached on anxiety during the holiday season and I learned a few things. As you know, many of us struggle with anxiety. In fact, it is the number one disorder affecting 40 million adults in the United States (or so they say…ever wonder how they come up with that?). We also know that in young people, with the addition of a ton of screen-time, more social isolation, trauma within families, etc., now have a much higher rate of anxiety in their lives than ever before.
I John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.”
This verse is not new to me and likely not new to you, if you have struggled with anxiety. What have I learned from it over the years? I learned that fear is NOT from God, it is from Satan. This helps me to pray it away and claim Jesus’ name when I am feeling it. In addition, I learned that fear and love cannot coincide. I’m still working on that one.
Here’s some of what he said that made me muse:
- “Fear has to do with punishment”. I’ve not delved into that phrase very much. The Pastor brought it up as related to a past event. In other words, at some point, we experienced punishment because there was a consequence associated with a happening, event, attitude or action. I appreciate this viewpoint and I believe it is part of being trauma-informed and understanding that trauma re-wires the brain and affects our future actions until we receive healing and can work on rewiring the connections to have more healthy responses.
- In his own life, he has learned to ride the anxiety out, instead of frantically trying to find a way to deal with it. As it comes, he reflects instead of being fearful, as anxiety always has an ending point. In addition, because “perfect love casts out fear”, he is able to ask himself, “who or what is more important to me at this moment than the love of God?” I guess this goes back to the part of the verse that says fear and love cannot coexist. You know, the part I’m working on.
I realize that speaking point two points right back at me. I’m okay with that. I know that God says worry is wrong. In Matthew 6:25, Jesus said, “For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life..”. However, we have to pay mind to the outside influences. Some of us have trauma in our past or our present. Many people struggle with grief, especially around the holidays. There are legitimate reasons why people struggle with anxiety.
Billy Graham says: “If we trust in our worry more than we trust God we are sinning by our lack of faith in God, who has given us the richness of His constant abiding presence, for those who put their faith in Him. Counter your worry by thinking about the things you do not worry about.”
By allowing anxiety, am I trusting my worry more than God?
I am making myself some anxiety rules. Won’t you join me?
- I accept that I have some anxiety/stress in my life.
- I acknowledge that God doesn’t want me to be anxious, afraid or stressed.
- I continue to work on healing in my life and because self-care has been wayward as of late, I will get back to making myself a priority.
- When anxious, I will remind myself it does not last forever. I will remind myself of God’s presence and his intense love for me. I will remind myself that EVERYTHING is in His hands and that I choose to trust Him. I will say this aloud if needed to redirect my brain.
- I will go to Him in prayer. I have a feeling He might be waiting for me to do so more when I am anxious than at any other time.
- I will look for a way to serve someone else in that moment. This could be writing an email of encouragement to someone, sending a card or picture, calling someone who needs me, making a meal for my family, walking my dog, etc. Anxiety is self-absorbing, even though we do not mean it to be. Serving another (even the dog) takes my focus off of me.
Voices of the Dead
Eleven months ago when my brother passed over to heaven, my good friend Karen sent me a beautiful flower basket. It was overflowing with plant goodness and although I know I took pictures, of course, I can’t find those today. Here is the basket today. I’m so glad that I saved it, as many plants do insist on continued life. When the first one came up this time, we pulled it out of the garage. When it snowed, it temporarily went back in!
Do you believe that the dead speak from heaven?
My daughter is convinced that red-tailed hawks are the spirit animal of her father, who passed in 2013. Without fail, these birds have appeared on special days and she even got a tattoo to commemorate this. When they appear, she feels peace and knows that her father is there.
“This is God’s way of telling you He loves you.” I tell her.
I see a few occasionally, and recently I realized that these sightings that I have as well are also sometimes on special days. Recently when my middle son and fiancée announced their engagement, I looked out my bedroom that evening to see one sitting there, after never seeing one in our neighborhood before. And haven’t since either. His dad won’t be here to see the wedding, and experience holding our very first granddaughter. I can only hope that someday there will be a very big reunion in heaven. That someday he will get to meet and hug all of his descendants.
Why is this on my heart? Well, since Rick died eleven months ago, I’ve had a few dreams with him in them. And in each dream, he was either unable to speak or wouldn’t speak. My friends on Facebook also agreed-they also had dreams about loved ones who have passed-but they didn’t speak.
Never before have I been without hearing from my brother for a year’s time.
But last night was different.
In last night’s dream, we had kiddos roaming around us. And he was holding one on his hip. And I got a half-hug (since one arm/hip was occupied). I told him that I loved him. And then he clearly said: “I love you too. Hang in there with me. This is how it needs to be for a while. Be strong.” He then pulled away and talked about how this next section in these children’s lives was so very important and how he wanted to make a forever impact on their lives. The second part of the conversation was very typical of him and reminded me of how he would talk of his passion to change Hollywood and impact the industry for Jesus.
The first part, I’ve not heard before.
Well, perhaps I have. When I was a single mom a long time ago, he was so proud to give me a framed picture of a migrant pea worker who was a single mom and literally moved farm-to-farm to pick and provide for her kids. I questioned it at the time. Since then, many have told me the story behind the photo and that he was saying to me:
You are strong and courageous.
I am. I will be. And although the tears are close today, I know that I will see him again. I take comfort in that.
The Roundabout Rumpus
I don’t know if you remember when roundabouts first came to be. According to Wikipedia, the very first was in 1907. I don’t remember back that far, but I do remember that when one arrived in the small town I grew up in, people were surprised and not necessarily happy about it. What was even more confusing, apparently, was the etiquette one should use when using a roundabout.
Complaints About Roundabouts
Fast forward many years and they are much more commonplace. In fact, my route from the highway to my current home has four to maneuver. They are a pain but do work the way they should-most of the time. It’s common to see complaints on our town’s community/group boards of people not using them well or not making the best choices. We’ve all experienced people zipping around them without looking or yielding. Sometimes large trucks are a hassle (and slow tractors). And within the cars, I’ve literally seen people become nervous when approaching a roundabout- like it’s a thousand feet rope bridge strung over a cavern that they must tiptoe over without shoes. Some approach the pause area cautiously and then look back-and-forth, back-and-forth.
Yes, both directions.
Signal When Exiting Roundabout
It never dawned on me to use a turn signal when exiting a roundabout until I saw the suggestion on our community Facebook board. It made a lot of sense and it seemed to me, might help address the main issues. Now, I’m not recommending that you rely on someone else’s turn signal 100% of the time. I suspect we’ve all had that experience and were sorry that we did. But when someone signals within a roundabout that they are exiting and THEN also turn their wheels that way, it appears pretty safe to assume their exit.
I like to lead by example and about twenty percent of the time, it’s made an impact. I’ve had several cases where the car in front of me or behind me does not signal at first even though they are taking the same turn off that I am. But I DID signal and then one of them (and one time both of them) began signaling for future roundabout turnoffs.
John 13:15-16
In John 13:15-16, our humble Lord Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. He served them by this act of hospitality and humility. He told them, “I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.”
There are many more examples of leading by example in the Bible. Here is an example of a faith so well-lived that words were not always necessary. “Paul knew of a church that set a wonderful example for the other churches when he was writing about the Thessalonians ‘And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere so that we need not say anything.’ (1 Thess 1:6-8)”
Am I being the best example outside of the roundabouts? To my children, family, and even to my neighbors? I think I could do better at this. What about you?
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from Me, or seen in Me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:9
Vaccinate ME! No-Don’t! (Covid Vaccine Ramblings)
All holidays will be canceled this year, if things continue as-is. With COVID 19 cases rising, and ICU’s close to full, we’ve been told by the State of Oregon that Thanksgiving celebrations should be limited to 6 people. From a maximum of 2 households. A vaccine, however, is on the way.
Our County in Oregon is in a two-week freeze. A freeze that I suspect will last far longer than two weeks. Bars and restaurants are back to carry-out only as of tomorrow. Work-at-home options are supposed to be implemented again and stores will be limiting the population inside.
The Run on Toilet Paper
That’s right, folks. Once again, the TP at our local Costco is GONE-all the paper products are.
It’s not a disease to play with. My youngest and I were both at the doctor today. Fortunately, our symptoms do not indicate COVID so they didn’t even test us.
But here are the facts:
- There were only two widely spaced chairs in the waiting room
- They asked us to use hand sanitizer as soon as we walked in
- I was required to wait in the car while youngest was checked
- Medical personnel were fully decked out in protective gear (and have been for months).
It was a big reminder that this is a serious issue and that the numbers are growing. The news channels are full of doom and gloom.
Annoying and depressing.
Today in separate exam rooms, the youngest and I were offered counseling. With some coaching, medical personnel admitted that they are offering it to everyone. Not a bad thing. But certainly an indication of the sadness and anxiety of our world right now. I’m glad they offer it to all.
“But since you brought it up”, I said. “Could I get a small increase on my anxiety meds?!?”
To Vaccinate or Not
I’ve avoided vaccines for 10 years. When I saw a naturopathic doctor a few years ago, she could see (using iridology) the metal that had been left by receiving vaccines and the damage done by them. I have also found that continuing my weekly chiropractic adjustments and supplementing my diet with probiotics and extra Vitamin D provides increased immunity. I don’t even get the flu anymore. Before I put those measures into place, I got the flu at least twice a year.
There appears to be much controversy about the upcoming vaccines. When I asked on Facebook who was going to get a vaccine, over 75% of people either said “no” or that they were going to wait. Some brought up that the vaccine may have fetal tissue in it. Others want to wait and see if there are odd side effects or danger in the vaccines-especially as they’ve been developed in such a rush.
My friend Grace says “For a virus with a survival rate of 99.97%?!? No thanks.”
Vaccine Reactions
Some friends responded that they have reacted to vaccines and meds before so they will also wait. I get that-as I’ve also had that experience. My buddy Michele, who is pro-vaccine, put it this way: “I’m pro vaccines, pro masks and pro all sanitary measures, yet… In order to get a good quality vaccine, it requires years of trial/error research, and even then, the viruses and bacterias are evolving and mutating so fast that even a good quality vaccine would be effective for one strain and not another. So no, I’m not taking a shot on this one in particular.”
On the other side, many friends in high-risk categories said they will get it as soon as it’s available. Covid is not worth the risk to them.
No matter your view, it’s apparent that getting this vaccine will be a big decision for some people, and not a choice to be taken lightly. I encourage you to do your research, balance the pros and cons, and take those you love into consideration. And however that weighs in for you, be kind and nonjudgmental to those who feel differently.
This is the land of choices, after all.
A man who is kind benefits himself, but a cruel man hurts himself.
-Proverbs 11:17
Do You See Jesus In Your Fire? How to Handle Trials
Trials and tribulations. In Daniel chapter 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are thrown into a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to an idol provided by King Nebuchadnezzar. In his wrath, the king orders the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter than usual. His helpers bind the legs, feet, and hands of the men and toss them into it. The two guards that carry them to the fire both die from the heat.
The three Christ-followers surely would burn to a crisp.
We All Have Trials
There have been a lot of fires in our world. Are you walking through one now? Are you sick of COVID, sick of wearing a mask (me!), discouraged, and maybe a bit angry? Perhaps the election went backward for you and on top of that, you are having family, relationship, or job issues.
We all get discouraged. We all have trials. And sometimes, in a year like this one, that discouragement goes painfully deep.
Let me tell you about Cina. She fled from an abusive marriage, the courts mandated that the kids have to stay with their father, and she has been living in her car on the streets of Portland for two months while she works the programs she needs and also works her regular job. She cannot go to a homeless shelter. They require her to be unemployed and absorb herself into the programs there. As much as she needs a roof over her head, it seemed backwards to her to give up her employment to do so. She will need the income to help support her kids. This is a huge trial-much larger than many of us will ever have.
Waiting List For A Shelter
Cina is on the waiting list for some other shelters but nothing has opened up. She has met with numerous people, completed mounds of paperwork, all to no avail. Every waking moment that she is not working at her jobs and programs, she is looking for resources. Winter will soon be here and in a weekly group we hold, I’ve prayed for Cina for about four weeks that God will intervene and provide her with a safe place before the cold weather hits.
Nothing happened. For a long time. And then something happened last week. I saw a breakthrough in Cina. She admitted her defeat, she put aside her pride, she opened up more and she started working on herself. As we again prayed for God’s relief in this situation, a brilliant light appeared. As long as I provide a reference and Cina continues to work on what she needs to do, a nonprofit organization in Portland will pay for her apartment deposit, and three months of rent. She will be off the streets by Thanksgiving and her children will get to come live with her.
Jesus Standing In The Fire
In Daniel 3, King Neb was shocked to see that not only were the three men walking around within the fire free from the ties that had bound them only minutes before, but that Jesus stood in the flames with them. Calling them truly the “servants of God”, he called them out of the fire.
They walked out untouched. Not a hair was singed. And unlike those of us who survived Oregon Burning, they didn’t even smell like smoke.
Sometimes God seems a bit quiet in all the racket of this year. We might even wonder if He is there. At times, it takes all our faith muscles to BELIEVE that He is with us in our fire. And we wonder “well can’t you make it more obvious like you did in the fiery furnace?”
I Will Never Leave You Alone
Did Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego know that Jesus was in the fire with them? Although I have seen illustrations that imply that the four men visited with each other in that hot fire, the scriptures are not clear on this fact. They don’t say that the men in the furnace saw Jesus. Only that King Neb did. Perhaps before they realized they weren’t burning to death, the three men grew terrified, wondering where God was now.
I can’t imagine the panic of being bound and thrown into a fire. Can you? And yet Jesus met them there, just like he meets you and me when the fires of life grow unbearable and we cry out in pain, seeking mercy and relief. When we wonder where He is, we can be assured that He IS there. For He has assured us, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Jesus is with you in your fire. Do you choose to see him? Open your eyes, admit your need for Him and seek Him fully (bear fruit). He will answer you.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should abide: that whatsoever you shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it to you.”
John 15:16