Sharing a Beautiful Christmas Story with You!

How befitting is it to have the snow coming down as I tell this story.

Many of you have followed the events of Jim Hefty. It was a very difficult time for our friends Jack and Joyce Covell. Jim was her brother. I will need to actually go back to the time that Jim Covell passed away on April 27th of this year. Jack's brother died of an aneurism that took everyone off guard. John graduated from high school with Jim. There was so much to deal with on all our fronts. One of the plants that Jack took home was something that looks like an Azalea plant or bush. What was interesting about that plant was; no matter what Joyce did, it would not bloom. Moving on into the story we know that not too long after Jim's passing, her brother Jim, age, 62 fell to cancer and was in the hospital from June to November 29th.

Already tired and trying to work through all the visits to the hospital and help with his business - His State Farm business was right next door to hers. Here they were also trying to work through Jim Covell's estate.

And then, on Thanksgiving weekend, the family began to say their goodbyes. Jim had a lot of favorite things in life, but snow ranked up right there at the top. Two minutes after his passing, it began to snow in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. The family saw that as a sign that Jim had passed onto Heaven and was smiling as the snow began. They all drove back to Auburn to Raymond and Dorothy's home. As they all stood outside, the heavens opened up with snow thunder and lightning. They all smiled knowingly through their tears.

Not to long after Joyce was walking by the plant, now in the house, there they were . . .blooms! Everyone in the family were astonished. Especially since it was now winter and it is a summer plant.

And, if that wasn't enough to warm our hearts. . . the Christmas story.

It was Christmas Eve and John and I were invited to eat with Raymond, Dorothy, Jack and Joyce. Her dining room was breathtaking. Each place setting surrounded in greenery wreaths. We had all sat down, prayed and then Joyce unfolded another chapter in the communication they have experienced with Jim. Now I have always wanted to have something spiritual happen during Christmas Eve and here it was. I thank God for such a GIFT!

Joyce relayed the story of Jim's daughter-in-law Jackie. (married to his son Miles Hefty) They have two sons. One, named Coulter, age 6. Every night Jackie listens to their prayers before bedtime. One night not long ago, Coulter was praying and mentioning his grandpa. Suddenly, he stopped and started smiling. Eyes still closed, he began a conversation with his grandpa, Jim. He would stop at certain points to ask his mother, "Don't you see him, he is right here?" She decided to let him continue. You had to be there, and I can't begin to duplicate the wonderful exchange of words between them. Coulter wanted to know if Jesus was right there? Yes. Is other Jim there with you? Yes. What do you do there? Can you play football? Yes, there is every kind of thing you want to do. Can you come back to us? No! I am healthy and walking and happy here, Coulter. Coulter exclaimed, "I want to be with Jesus." Some day we will be together. Coulter started laughing. Jackie asked him why? He just ran into Jim Covell and knocked him down. Going quiet again, he asked his grandpa if he could come there right now? "No, you take care of your mom, dad, and brother. You spend time with Jesus, tell others, and someday we will have lots of time together."

Whether you believe this kind of interchange or not, you could feel the warmth, the truth of it in the room. It was the Perfect Gift. I knew that I knew, that I knew.

Only topped by Sunday at church. The CLC choir sang Fall On Your Knees and Handel's Messiah - Halleluiah Chorus. What a wonderful way to end 2011 after a big year of extremes.

I don't know what you want for 2012, but I want more of Our Lord Jesus. May He touch us all and bring Conviction (truth), Commitment and Change!

CELEBRATING JESUS THIS SEASON!

As I think back to Christmas Eve 1973, I am shocked by how long it has been since I came to ask Jesus in my heart!

You do the math!

But, Christmas Eve was the beginning of a very impacting week. Through a very intense conflict that afternoon, I went to church at the United Methodist in Auburn at 11:00 PM.
I sat there in shock and wonderment. It was quiet, dark and the music was breathtaking.
However, in my mind things were not. I remember vaguely that we went to my mothers that afternoon for Lefsa and opening presents. And, now sitting in this spiritual setting I was making amends and coming to grips that a prayer I had issued earlier that summer was coming true. "Lord, if you really are who they say, then show me!" I certainly wasn't expecting that a conflict of this magnitude could bring about a new birth.

Not only the celebrated birth of Jesus, but my own. By weeks, end, the conflict had been resolved and I was on my knees. The rest, as they say, was history.

Thank you Jesus, for surprises that wake us up and bring new life. Every year I try to think of how I could pay it forward or celebrate that moment. I haven't found any answers to that. So this year I thought, do things that symbolize the birth and gobble up those moments. So I started Nov. 23rd downtown Ft. Wayne. Every sermon and accompanying music has had meaning. Christmas get together's that started last week, and all of them this week. It is my commitment to be in the moment that started this entire journey.

This morning they did something different. They spelled out the pregnancy and celebration of birth for Jesus on FACEBOOK. Sound pretty silly? It wasn't. It brought tears to my eyes. Just the idea that people - Joseph and Mary, and friends were talking about the pregnancy, marriage, and birth.

Let us take this moment whether significant of where you accepted Jesus, and be in the every moment. To heck with shopping, decorating, eating, and all those parties. They are fun, but keep in mind who started that festive and enriching beginning. He wanted us to celebrate, be kind, forgive, and impact each others lives. And, He wants us to remember why?

Two weeks from today - it is almost over as a holiday. For us it needs to just be the beginning.

A Whole New Week!

Time does march on, doesn't it?

Today is Monday and I think about how rainy it is, I look out at the Land of the Black Sticks and wonder what the Hefty family is thinking and feeling today.

Mixed emotions I would imagine. A very bright light in their family has been extinguished. And, yet, he becomes the first Hefty to stand with Jesus in Heaven and is running and walking like new. I will be sharing some very pointed learning's from this weekend later.

I will be talking about the differences between Compassion, sympathy, and empathy. You will be surprised how they differ and how we might use them in our life everyday.

QUITE THE WEEK!

What an interesting week. How to describe that each day held surprises, losses, gains, and many ah-ha moments.

Monday I realized that I could raise up from a chair or from anywhere and not have to wait several seconds to move forward without pain. It was glorious.

Tuesday, at 12:30, God miraculously took Jim Hefty home with Him. Joyce would tell you when they stopped life support, less then a minute later, he was gone. And, then it began to snow. Jim loves snow. He is obsessed with the winter time and loved best taking his family snowmobiling. Later as they congregated at their parents home, they were all standing outside and it began to thunder and lightening spread across the heavens. They believe it was Jim celebrating and clapping to be free from his horrendous ordeal. Free and dancing in heaven. Thank you Dan and Brenda Bishop for staying the course and making sure Jim know for sure he was headed to be with our Lord.

Wednesday we awoke to a gorgeous morning of marshmallow snow accumulation. Even I had to admit to the beauty. And, believe me I don't get excited anymore about snow accumulation.

Thursday I thought a lot about that story of how to keep someone alive in your heart when they pass. An old Indian said - "to keep that someone, or even your favorite animal alive in your heart you need to talk about them, and talk about them, and talk about them." Jack and Joyce came for dinner and we talked way into the evening about Jim and all the funny, ornery things he did in life, his high love for family, how he championed people; held a high integrity for business and was always there for Joyce, no matter what. It was so special.

Friday - today - just experiencing that life is quite spontaneous isn't it? That is how we learn and grow. All the while God is walking it with us. Deut. 31: 8

As we think about this season, the reason for it, let us celebrate Him and only Him. It is ALL there is. He is ALL there is.

THE PERFECT GIFT!

It has been awhile since I was on. Between dealing with the start of a bulging disk and the holidays, I have been remiss. I am doing quite a bit better. The Pain is decreasing and Dr. Steve says I am balancing out quickly. Suck it up! My massage therapist said, hold your stomach in and it will help things go back together, it is called strengthening the core. I say - Boo Humbug! That is hard to do.

I must say that kicking off this season has been really sweet. We got out of our nightly comfort zone and went downtown Wednesday the night before Thanksgiving. We ate at Champions the restaurant down at the Stadium. Then traveled over to the Festival of Trees. We went at 6 PM which is a trick everyone needs to know. Everyone else was at the lighting of the Santa. I got some really beautiful pictures as a result. We also got to listen to the Children's Choir sing beautiful carols. Afterwards, we looked at the old W & D window action figures and finished with Fireworks at the Parkview Stadium. It was fabulous.

We look forward now to a night at the former "Castle" (library) at University of St. Francis and then the Christmas Pops.

While I was sitting there in the Embassy auditorium listening to carols I thought about how does one really want to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This was one way, and then I picked up this writing and want to share it with you.

"THE PERFECT GIFT" (I dedicate this to Jim Hefty who won't be here this Christmas, but will stand in perfect victory and free from cancer with His perfect Gift - Jesus Christ.

I shall tell you a story, so true that you'll sing. It's a story that speaks of the greatest True King. It was promised He'd come to us long long ago. He's the promise of God and the Love He would show. This Gift came to man in the humblest of ways. Though He once sat in Heaven in brightest arrays. Foretold by His Prophets in a time long ago, This Way of Salvation for His people to know. You see God's Perfect Gift is for each and everyone, For people of every race, tribe, and tongue. And, the Gift that God gave was the Sum of His Parts, It's still here for the taking if we'll open our hearts.

God's Gift came as a Child to this dark fallen globe, Though born in a manger He deserved a Royal Robe. But though a child in the flesh, in His Heart lived a King, Sent to save us from our sins, Oh the joy it would bring! See this Gift does for man, what man simply can't do, To save us in life and in death see us through. For He came and He lived and He showed us the Way to find our home in Heaven forever to stay.

To know of this Gift that was God's Perfect Choice, is the Reason for the Season, and a Reason to rejoice! So celebrate God's Love and your Family and Friends1 But don't miss the "Gift" in Whom all else depends.

He's Jesus Christ the Savior and Redeemer of man, He's loved us from eternity and was God's Perfect Plan. To save each man and woman, each child and every soul, so come to Him and trust His Name, let Jesus make you whole.

by Bill Frauhiger 11-12-2011

DON'T YOU LOVE GOD'S BEAUTY!

Couldn't help myself. I have another one I wish I could share from my phone. Walking down the beach at Jekyll. Blue sky and no one around. Water, 80 degrees and beautiful sand. Can you tell I need a vacation?

As I sit here and look out the window I see "The Land of the Black Sticks!" Some people laugh when I say that, and it is my own coinage. The sky is blue, however, and I have the doors open. Dakota and I will take a walk here pretty soon, and hope the hunters are gone for lunch. Dakota kept bucking me this morning. She did not want to go outside. And, then I heard it, the distant roar of men hunting deer. Okay, this is it, we are not moving into a new season. Here is where I get to cowgirl up. I don't do ovens, pap smears, and winter. There is nothing - oops, I forgot mammograms. There is nothing worse than this group of items for me.

Of course, after reading my devotions I have to recant and say, okay Lord, your will, not mine. I came across Exodus 14: 13 and 14 this morning. It has been awhile since I looked that verse up. it was a major set of verses that I memorized back in 1983. I was in my masters program at University of St. Francis. We had just purchased a hatchback Honda that was fairly new. It had power brakes and power steering. I was on my way to school on a rainy morning. Over on 52, there used to be a steel bridge. As I crossed it, a dog stepped out in front and I blew the horn, but nothing. I over corrected and ended up in the ditch on my side. God's is awesome when He writes on our page. A hatchback means you pull a lever and walk out the back of the car. Which I did. The dog was deaf and blind and had gotten out of the neighbor's house. When they pulled the car out, the frame was not bent and I drove it home. Sound good! Well, two things began to happen. No matter what I incurred on the road, I could not blow my horn. It was like I was in suspended automation. And, that whole summer, everything from tree limbs, to kids on bikes, to animals came in front of my vehicle. I could not blow the horn. The panic was getting out of hand. I cried out to the Lord and one morning there it was. Exodus 14: 13 and 14.
"And Moses told the people. FEAR not; stand (firm, confident, undismayed) and see the salvation of the Lord which He will work for you today. For the Egyptians you have seen today you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace and remain at rest."

Is that not fantastic. There are a zillion do not fear's in the Bible, but this one just came flying out at me. The enemy had been using my phobia to bring anxiety and the idea that this was going to happen again. I claimed those two verses, memorized those two verses and claimed victory. God's promises are true. What a peace I received from that. Am I over the horn blowing thing. That has been years ago. I still have a moment of freezing, but I have gotten better. The main point for me was, I would never see that Egyptian again. And, I didn't.

Hope your weekend is beautiful and remember suit up, remember God's promises, and tell others.

LIGHTER SIDE!

Thought it might be the day to take a lighter side. It feels like I am always looking for what we don't do right, and maybe we could take a break this week.

What a gorgeous weekend it has been. Just taking in God's fall beauty as it ends the season; causes us to think how blessed we are with the different seasons. I hear a lot of people who leave this area and go out west complain about how their seasons are all the same. Same temperature - hot. No brightly falling leaves, and beautiful snowy trees. No spring rebirth of flowers and green leaves, and of course, summer breezes.

The other evening, my friends Lori and Valerie took in a gorgeous sunset from the famous DeWitt porch. Lori and Rick had this porch built two years ago and they use it almost year round. It has a heater for the fall and winter. A See through curtain to break the wind, complete with surround sound, and lovely furniture. What a delight that was to share with two forever friends. We ate, (with jackets on, but toasty to say the least. We got caught up on our busy lives and watched another God treat - his sun going down. I admit, I miss both the sunrise and sunset from our home view.

Friendships are another of God's creation and I am grateful for mine.

Have a blessed week and remember our creator.

John 14: 27

WHILE WE'RE BLOWING LEAVES. . .

LET'S BLOW OFF THE FATHER OF LIES!

John 8: 44

"You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for her is a liar and the father of lies."

The context of any chapter, of course, needs to be read in its context. I chose to single this out, because I encounter the brunt of this statement in my counseling, and in my life. The friends and family I encounter on a regular basis.

Joyce Meyer was talking about that this morning in her devotion on The Confident Woman. What impresses me the most about this life we all live is that there is the truth and there is the lie. We have that choice each and every day. I truly wish I could give that as a Christmas present to the whole world. The gift of being able to get up each morning and KNOW the truth and live it in ease and style. Confident and without compromise. However you cut it, I can't do that. We can, however, practice and practice and practice the truth. And, how do we do that most of the time? We know the enemy and how he operates. Many theologians and others will argue that if you know Jesus Christ and He is your personal Savior, you never have to worry about the enemy. He can not penetrate your life. I totally disagree. That is why I teach Putting on the Armor - suiting up - being aware, processing the Word, and knowing God.
We need to know the language of our enemy. His lies. How does he get by with tripping us up? We generally understand "free-will", but it still irritates me that Adam and Eve got so tripped up. They are our first step to understanding that it is going to happen to us as well. Know God - Trust His Character. This is our mantra and platform. So, then, when we do get tripped up with a lie it will come easier and easier to BLOW it off. Visualize a powerful leaf blower. Keep it in your tool belt of armor. Test the lie. I John 4: 1/4. God will be there to show you the truth.

DON'T LET THE ENEMY FILL YOUR YARD FULL OF LEAVES (LIES)! Have your tool belt ready at all times. We know he is always looking for a loophole, or place to get a foothold.

I remember JUST ONE OF MANY he pulled on me. Back in 1982 I called the University of St. Francis main office to check how many credit hours I had to go yet. They name it off, and I immediately went into a deep depression. I wanted to quit, go start something else. I was sitting in the top of the Bass Mansion library and I heard God in a small voice say - "GO TO THE OFFICE - do inventory, don't believe this." I did and they had missed 15 hours. I was a first semester senior, not junior. That is just one of hundreds. I have become a veteran of "inventory" and checking lies out.

I promise you I don't spend all my time on that, but I am ready. So can you be ready!

PERSEVERANCE! Trusting God's Character!

UPDATE: The Winning the Battle excerpt will be next week - November 6th.

II PETER 1: 1-11

This needs to be a series all by itself. Every verse. This will be a preamble to that down the road.

Peter is writing about a very serious intent here. The intent would be to drive us to holiness. In today's world that is a huge chuck to absorb. I realize now, that when I started this book in January ("I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying!") it is really all about Perseverance. I want to connect with women and let them know we need extra supernatural amounts of Perseverance. We have all heard that word and yet, do we take understand what it means for us individually? So, what does it mean? Peter is telling us to be steadfast in everything we do. To have endurance in all life's trials, patience beyond all imagination?

Let us look specifically at verse 6: "And in (exercising) knowledge (develop) self control (develop) steadfastness (patience - endurance), and in (exercising) steadfastness (develop) godliness (piety)." Amplified version

NIV - "and to knowledge; self control; and to self control, perseverance, and to perseverance, godliness;"

Putting that altogether, it says to me; Peter wants us to develop a trust for the character of God. The real question is: Can you hang on long enough to see Him work in your situation and life? Can you exercise, the knowledge and truth that God promises us his protection and deliverance? Can you exercise the self control it takes to endure through, believe and practice His peace for what is going on? All good questions. I talk to lots of people and 2011 has been a rough year. Everything from loss of work, to death, cancer, illnesses, political scares, weather phenomenons etc etc.

God's Word says He hears us. God's Word says, hang on I am coming. God's Word is the truth. So then, I need to take a big breath and TRUST that He goes before me, He marches with me. He never fails, forsakes, or leaves me (us). Endurance and Perseverance means I need to sit back, pray, and trust for His outcome. He never fails. He always loves, He always forgives, He always delivers.

What do you need deliverance from today? Lack of trust, too much fear, too impatient?

Let us look deeply into the character of God and see we can get through anything with Him.

comments can go to:
shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com

WINNING THE BATTLE!

Ever wonder which battle you should win? Considering that the majority of us are not in a REAL war zone, we do have to consider that our world around us can sometimes be that event. Interesting that I am sitting here pondering the idea - "Don't you ever have anything positive to write about?" Is everyone going through something? Aren't there some people who have a great thing happening; like going on vacation, or going on a missionary trip?

Winning the Battle will be a chapter near the very end of my book, "I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying." It is spearheaded by a guest writer friend of mine. The title is quite a huge one to write about. From my perspective, it is an every day suiting up and putting on the Armor of God! J.E. goes into a deeper realm of reaching women who get displaced in the Jar of life and cover themselves quickly with the lid. That lid keeps things out and also keeps things in. I will be exploring this title from her chapter soon. It is a positive approach because we learn how simple it can be to win the war with the tools we already possess.

COMING SOON!

HAVE A GOOD WEEK - SUIT UP - DON'T FORGET!

REFLECTIONS!

Reflections can mean just about anything. For Dakota it is a reflection of herself in the Lake James water. Her very favorite place. It is taking movies of her getting in the water, so I can look at them later. I do admit, that I wonder each time up there, is this the last time?

It can be reflecting on one's past and making determinations about the special learning's and how you changed. It can also mean "Wow, I still haven't got that!"

It can mean, reflecting on one's future and also wondering what do I still need to learn and will I get it? What is in God's plan for my life? There are a lot more questions there, I believe then about what we have already experienced.

And, without a doubt there is a lot to reflect on when God takes special people away to be with Him. I have been reflecting a lot on John Martin Smith and his wife Bobbie leaving our community at this time. John just had a two hour lunch with John Martin Tuesday, they sat and planned a Carriage House to be built in John Martin's back yard on the farm. How they would move in their summer, and let Thom and Jama take over the Brick. John got right down to business and did a rendering of the Carriage House and had it almost done Wednesday evening. And, then everything changed. a good friend, a gracious kind human being and his good wife Bobbie were taken away. People that brought so much to our community. People who cared about our community. People who changed things in our community because of that love.

In reflecting on the why, and why now, it soon becomes evident. That it is life and things can't always go on forever. I remembered thinking back in 2002 that my parents would certainly go on forever. They had so far. Dad was 90 and climbing ladders to clean out eaves. They went anywhere they wanted and did whatever they wanted. Never ill, never even a cold. And, then it stopped as suddenly as a doctors visit. Out of the clear blue, you realize, this isn't going to last forever.

God brought a peace this week to my heart in remembering that life is for the living, so live it well and always bring glory to God in your living well. John Martin and Bobbie both did that. My last contact with them at the fair, I thought, how gracious and full of life are these two. John Martin with all his ideas and plans. So, now I reflect that it is the bottom line to living your life. It won't change. God never changes. Live your life full and large all to the glory of the Lord.

We can always remember and glory in what these two people brought, how they mirrored life for God. I want that too. Thank You John Martin and Bobbie Smith!

CAN YOU KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN?

Matthew 11: 28/30

28:Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).

29: Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls.

30: For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.

In studying a study of Hebrews today, I remembered something from 15 years ago when studying this whole Yoke and rest thing. From there I began to see that whole journey thing in another way. A new way! I want to share this with you, and pray it opens up some new vistas for you as well.

Years ago we learned about the yoke of oxen. There is always two at the head of the group. Of that two we have one who is the lead, most experienced Oxen. The study back then illustrated how the lead oxen is Jesus and we can rest in that co-pilot position. Jesus faces ALL of our life's events with us. As I had pointed out once before in Deut. 31: 8 - He goes before us and He marches with us on every road of our map. We do not have to fear failure, being forsaked, or abandoned.

As I visualized being in that safe yoked place with my high priest, lead oxen who knows the way and knows what we face at all times, I saw my eyes closed. I chuckled. How typical for me. When things are going to fast, and are too scary I close my eyes.
I remember a trip through downtown Chicago with John. I sat on the floor, eyes shut.

If we TRUST God, have FAITH in God, BELIEVE in His safety and outcome; then should we not keep our eyes open?

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE! JESUS CHRIST!

And, that my friends is the truth about coming to Him when you are heavy laden. He will face all that gives us labor and fears. Let us then, keep our eyes open to SEE how He works it all out. He will probably get on a road less traveled. But, no matter if it is the one most traveled, He still takes us there in victory. We win, the enemy losses.

LETTING THEM SWIM TO YOU!

As I thought about what I wanted or needed to share with you today, I have to share something I heard today.

Visualize sitting in a boat out in deep waters. Why you ask? I have to agree with Pastor Stuart that sometimes we look for deeper waters in our spiritual life. A new book, music concerts, special targeted workshops, anything to spruce up our own spiritual level. So, what if we see someone on the shore that needs to hear about Jesus and they are waving at you. What do we normally do? We wave back and bid them to swim out to us. Think about that a minute.

Putting my own spin on this today - because it is very convicting to acknowledge that we can miss an opportunity to share our God with others, so easily.

I don't know about you, but the older I get, the more I am likely to say, "Hey, come on out, the water is great, I have plenty of snacks, and the sun is so much warmer here out of the wind." The more it is convenient, the better. Geesh! Shame on me, or any of us that take the easy way out to share our Lord with those who need Him most.

My prayer for each one of us is that we ask God to help us become bold and unafraid. Remember, when we put on the armor of God, we need to have the shoes of "being prompt and ready" to do whatever brings glory and honor to Him. We have the authority, He never wastes anything. HE NEVER WASTES ANYTHING!

So, no matter how you think you bungled it, you didn't. He turns everything we intend for good to His good.

SIDEBAR: Along with this theme, I want us to remember the widows of this world. When my cousin's wife, Nancy was here Monday, we had a moment on the 2nd floor of the ACD Museum. It reminded me of the time when Cheryl Sheeler, ten years ago, said - "Shirley, we need to talk about our husbands. It is a healing thing to be able to do that. No one seems to want to do that with us!" Nancy verified that she can talk with a group who has lost their husband, but not when you are with couples. Another thing that says, "Hey come on out, swim out to me and let's talk." My commitment then became to write to her and I asked a page full of questions about my cousin Denny. I promised to call and let her talk about him as I need to know more about him too. It is that whole thing about, we don't want to make them cry or feel bad. I want to commit to being more real, more ready, more prompt about others. It is easy to do that in the counseling office, but what about outside?

Who needs you today to talk to them?

Let's be prompt and ready to serve God.

A FALL NOTE!

Just a few days away and it becomes a new season. One of my favorite. I think it is the way the sun falls to earth. Its almost like its sleepy. Muted and hazy like colors make you just want to sit in the grass. The sun hits our water on the pond differently. I have tried often to capture it on film. It is impossible. I promised one year to put this gorgeous fall picture of the sun on the lake, glistening and glittery so I could see it in January with snow and ice everywhere. (It doesn't help on those days - by the way) There are different smells too!
You swear someone is burning leaves, but it can't be time yet! Fall has a softer gentler touch. If I didn't know better I would say Fall is trying to soften the harsh winter that is, or could be lurking just weeks away. I don't enjoy the sweeping or blowing of leaves so much. They all congregate at my front door. I have to check the front door every time a client comes, because they really pile up there. But, it is no matter how you put it, a very beautiful time. I have hundreds of pictures of the same date, different year and how the trees turn early or late. We have an Ash tree that we have saved. I am going to take a battery of pictures this year, because it won't be long and that tree will have to come down. It has been there 41 years. Dan Pfister keeps belting the top part together where it is splitting and John has kept the ash- boror away several times. I always know when it is October 16th - The Ash tree is completely gone - announcing winter is on its way. Last year it was two weeks behind.

All of that to say - seasons are for our enjoyment. Seasons of our lives are for our enjoyment. Contentment reigns when we are 12 and enjoying the fun of throwing leaves and fall parties. Or when we are 35 and living each day to its honor as before God. The age of 60 wasn't even to bad. But, I have got to say, I am actively looking for the tarnish remover in my 70's. It is a time we all have to make a decision, even though we see the finish line coming up, we need to live each day all to the glory of the Lord.

I do give Him the glory too, when I realize that my cousin Denny's wife, Nancy will be visiting in my home Monday. Denny died of brain cancer last year. I did get to visit with he and Nancy at their beach home near Manizita Way, Oregon. The picture as I stated was my crown and glory. Its just a thousand feet from where they live. I would never have believed you - had you told me she would be coming east and in my living room this coming Monday. Now all I have to do is start praying about God's intervention to bring Denny's sister Gwen, and her husband Doug out here. That would be another major miracle. It is these kinds of things that propel us forward in each season of our lives. Find it, it is there.

Eph 4: 21/24

WHAT DELUSIONS DO YOU SUPPORT?

Ephesians 4: 21/24

Did I get your attention with that one? The older I get the more I wonder about that question. I listen to people every day and learn how easy it is to get side-tracked and going down the wrong track. Let me support that by showing you God's Word!

Vs 21:
Amplified version

Assuming that you have really heard Him and been taught by Him, as all truth is in Jesus (embodied and personified in Him),

VS 22:

Strip yourselves of your former nature (put off and discard your old unrenewed self) which characterized your previous manner of life and becomes corrupt through lusts and desires that spring from D E L U S I O N;

VS 23:

AND BE CONSTANTLY RENEWED IN THE SPIRIT OF YOUR MIND (HAVING A FRESH MENTAL AND SPIRITUAL ATTITUDE!)

VS 24:

And put on the nature (the regenerate self) created in God's image, God like) in true righteousness and holiness.

I had originally thought I would entitle this - "Let us have a good old-fashioned Strip Party!" But I knew you would freak out, or some of you anyway.

From our previous look at the Armor of God, the Authority of God and claiming that authority, here is our really huge and difficult reality. Let us NOT be held hostage to delusions. I was impressed here by the word because I suddenly saw things differently then before. Delusions come in all sizes and flavors. Delusions come through how we see someone, reacting to a comment they made, getting offended, and or seeing something and acting upon it. It is so multi-performance it took my breath away. But, if we put on the armor of God, if we renew our mind each day, and stay obedient to taking off anything that can possibly contaminate us; think about it! Life would be so much easier then it is. It wouldn't be perfect, because we aren't ever going to be perfect, however signing up for being more like Him every day would help.

Proverbs 1: 7
"The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice part of knowledge (its starting point and its essence); but fools despise skillful instruction and discipline."

It is the most important thing we do every morning. We wake up and we have a choice. To get up to the tomb or to the resurrection. The resurrection being our first choice brings on the responsibility of asking God to help us be a blessing today. To think only His thoughts, to give glory and honor to Him through our actions and thoughts. It is huge. It is something to pray about each and every morning. "Help me Lord take captive all thoughts, all delusions. Bring me only truth. Show me how to live each day resembling You."

TRIBUTE TO 41 YEARS!

In reflecting on 41 years together with one man, what can you say? When you start out, you think about all the midnight, candlelight suppers, walks in the moonlight, kids, grand-kids, vacations, new cars, family holidays with lots of good food and fellowship.

Well, as you all smile, it hasn't always been that. It never is. However, it is a journey. Tough as that journey may have been at times with annoying manly habits, there are way too many good things to remember.

Thank you John for always providing for us!
Thank you John for always coming home when you said you would!
Thank you John for learning how to say I am sorry!
Thank you John for the integrity and mirror you set for us all!
Thank you John for keeping our home looking ALWAYS mowed and cleaned up!
Thank you John for always supporting my adventures and misadventures!
Thank you John for always complimenting and making me feel like an important girl in your life!
Thank you John for all the ways you taught me to stop, look and listen!

And, not to bore everyone with all the good you brought to the table over 41 years, Thank you for the confidence I have always had - that you had my back.

HAPPY 41ST - TO ONE ANNOYING, SLOW DRIVING, BUT FANTASTIC MAN THAT GOD SURELY PUT IN MY PATH!

Love Shirley

BESIDES THE ARMOR, AUTHORITY. . .

(Evidently I am supposed to leave this picture of the Armor up - I went in to change it and no deal.) Hmmm!

This week, I want to introduce another part of the Armor - we looked at the physical parts of our armor, we talked about the authority, now let us add to the mix another big component. GRACE - SUFFICIENT GRACE!

11 Cor. 12: 9 Amplified Version

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you (sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully); for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and show themselves most effective in (your) weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me!

Two things jump out at me here. 1). Sufficient against any danger and enables me to
BEAR THE TROUBLE MANFULLY.

That is why we suit up everyone! The armor of God prepares and is our protection from evil and His grace enables us to bear it all, bear all the trouble manfully. I love that. No matter what the journey is that we are on, we now see that scriptures from Philippians 4: 7 - where He talks about how His peace transcends all understanding. WE can't figure it out, we can't do it on our own, and most of all we can't man it by ourselves. He enables us to do all things through Him who strengthens us.

Our job then, is to put on the Armor of God, each day, suit up with His authority. Luke 10: 19. And, KNOW that his Grace enables us with power and strength to deal with
each trouble.

2). That Christ (the Messiah) may rest \ pitch a tent over and dwell upon me.
Visualize that for a moment. The peace, the comfort, the protection, the deliverance of that blows my mind.

Dwell on II Cor. 12: 9

and, please remember - Let's stay in His Armor, Authority, and Grace.

BESIDES THE ARMOR, AUTHORITY. . .

TAKE HEART! I AM! Mark 6: 50

. . .Stop being alarmed and afraid."

Armor could be really heavy I suppose. I have never put it on, but when you see it in old movies or on those old religious movies, it seems too hard to put it on and walk it in. Cleaning it would be okay, but putting it on and actually walking in it would be quite over-whelming. What do you think? It is, of course, our metaphor to suit up and be prepared for every day living. Here is my point. Just a reminder that there will be some days you just don't feel like suiting up. You will even forget to take aim. To stand firm and hold your ground. It is okay. When I wrote about putting on the armor, it was for you to have in your tool belt. We need to stand firm and hold our ground. I am reminding you to keep your tools and wits about you. He has given us the power and authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. The more reminders, the better.

Memorize the armor, memorize your verses and that is how you will HOLD YOUR GROUND. You will get faster and faster at remembering to suit up. Not to worry the enemy will give you many opportunities to remember. This past week, I had to remind myself several times over situations thrown my way. Can you imagine the field of soldiers if we kept it together every day?

I got caught up with the above verse as a follow up for our putting on the armor.

In the old testament He tells us again - Exodus 3: 14 "And God said to Moses, I AM
WHO I AM and WHAT I AM, and I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE; and He said, You shall say this to the Israelites, I AM has sent me to you." Mark 6: 50 . . .TAKE HEART! I AM!
Don't be alarmed or afraid.

Isn't that our battle cry? It should be. Then suit up ladies. Nothing will be too heavy, right?

PUTTING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD EVERY DAY!!!!!

Recently, I was impressed to look at some of my old handouts and either redo, or throw them out. The very next day, I was doing a devotion and I slowly, carefully, and meticulously read Ephesians 6: 10 - 18.

The handout that you see on the right side of this blog is a remake, thanks to my artistically minded husband. However, I see some of the type is a little too small. If you would like one sent to you, please email me at shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com and I will send you a copy via email, or through the mail.

When I went through this in the amplified Bible, I could see things I had not seen before.

It forced me to think long and hard about why do we need to put on the Armor of God and what specifics are in there for us to catch hold of.

It is important because while God has a plan and will for your life, so does the enemy and when you recognize that as well, you will get serious about putting on the Armor of God. He gave this passage of scripture to us for a reason. Henceforth, the scriptures along the right side of your upper handout.

I am convinced that sharing this with everyone is tantamount to our daily walk in Christ. I notice this year that keeping a mindset to take captive thoughts that are evil, judgmental, pride-filled, opinionated, and mean-spirited takes a lot of awareness. Our enemy has stepped up his pace, and now we need to.

1). Helmet of Salvation - It is our protection through acceptance that Jesus Christ died to set us free.
2). The Breastplate of Righteousness must be seen as our Biblical application of daily integrity, backbone to do the right thing, and be seeking adaption to be more like Jesus every day.
3). The Belt of Truth - is always - always - always about seeking truth, knowing God's truth through knocking at His door until we get it!
4). The Shield of Faith is our acceptance and trust of belief. It is our authority.
5). The Sword of the Spirit - God's Word. John 14: 6 " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." It cuts through every lie, or half truth we hear or speak. You might hear someone or even yourself say - "Well I know its wrong, kind of, but. . .!" He is the truth - no swapping out for anything else. His Word stands as the total Truth of life forever and ever.
6). The Boots of or shoes of Peace. Here is where I finally came to grips about this business. If we are marching, standing firm for God, how can we be wearing shoes of peace. Maybe you already understand it. Here is what I came to grips with regarding the whole concept. It really is the consistency of ready God's Word, applying (being obedient) to His Word. Standing Firmly in place. Holding our ground. Taking ground back from the enemy. Being prompt to respond when we are aware of things "not so good" going on around us.

The morning I read this and decided I needed a new handout, I then went to church. It was good. On the way home, I got a thought, a pride-filled thought. I let it take off for three days without even blinking an eyelash. Whoa! I do not like sharing that. I do pray you see how important this concept is. It is my passion to teach this and reinforce it often. It is way too easy to get off center and then wonder what happened. We need to pray for our country, our politicians, as well as, our families.

STAND FIRM -SWORD UP - LEAN FORWARD - SPEAK YOUR AUTHORITY OUT LOUD - BE SWIFT (PROMPT)
READY TO PUT ON THE ARMOR OF GOD.

LUKE 10: 19 - talks about how He has given us the authority and power to tread on the serpent, scorpions and ALL OF THE ENEMY and that no harm will come onto us.

Remember, the enemy has stepped up his pace to destroy you, and isn't it awesome that we have a God who also steps up His pace. We win in the end!

Let's do it!

CROSSING THE BRIDGE IN CONFIDENCE!

Psalm 91: 11

"For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service)."

How true this is, as women today, we are constantly trying to cross that bridge. We are beating ourselves up because we feel like we aren't getting it all done. Which brings up all that failure, looser feeling. However, I do believe the key to crossing that bridge is one step at a time until we can experience the figurative ability to fly over those invisible battles. (Trials)

We do know intuitively that these battles are raging. What happens sometimes, I believe is that we just get caught up in the drama of trying to fix it all ourselves. We forget that we are not alone. You have heard the tongue in cheek and also on cop shows. . . ASSUME THE POSITION! Remember the bridge. Remember the lady that got down on her knees and asked for help. Assuming the position is what gives us wings to fly over or walk over with confidence. In Luke 10: 19 I love how He talks about our authority and power to tread on serpents and scorpions. I put verses like these on 3 X 5 cards and have them at my fingertips when I freeze up. Another good one to print out is Psalm 91: 11 and 12. It is always a good thing to absorb and understand the supernatural power of our God and how it is ours for the asking. It is true, everyone, that that all encompassing power is from Jesus. He gave us all we needed freely when He gave Himself up on that Cross. He has that wonderful unconditional love for us and He sees our worthiness when He looks at us.

AND THAT IS OUR CHALLENGE ISN'T IT? ABSORBING GOD'S GRACE, HIS UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR US. HIS PROMISES ARE FOR EACH ONE OF US.

Accept that God loves us (you-me) as we are and take in how much He adores you. We will never be perfect like Him, but let us be women after God's own heart.

Psalm 63: 8 "My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to you; Your right hand upholds me."

"No Trial you face is new to God!"

Bottom line: When things get chaotic, we not only have His promises that He stands with us, He marches with us, and we have our sisterhood to call on. We can get across the bridges in life with Him and our friends.


NEXT WEEK: PUTTING ON THE ARMOR OF GOD, AND UNDERSTANDING WHAT THAT REALLY MEANS!
(I finally put more teeth into that piece on the Armor of God, Ep 6: 10/18, and saw some new things I want to share with you.)

(All scriptures come from Amplified Bible)

Until I get some help with how to make comments on here, you can always let me know or ask questions on shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com

A PIECE FROM MY BOOK. . .

I Hate it When My Soul is Crying!

A book for women who hurt quietly and cry behind smiles!


I find this absolutely mind blowing. In the jungle called “life”, I see women
running, back and forth in total chaos, trying to figure a way out! Like in the picture, they feel trapped in clear bottles. They can’t climb the sides, and they can’t jump high enough. They can’t breath. And, they remember their mothers saying, “Keep A Lid On It, Sister!!! Don’t let anyone know you are messed up.”
Every place they run they see no escape from the chaos. They fall captive to the insanity of their minds. It is during these moments they begin to wonder, hoping, and praying for relief. They look all around expectantly and suddenly see peace and serenity; there ahead of them is a beautiful waterfall. It is in the distance with a rainbow in the gully. It appears to be paradise. They run with excitement to the bridge looming before them. They struggle with their brokenness, feelings of stress, and that they almost do not have the strength to carry on anymore.
The bridge is made of rope and old wood. As they reach the middle of it, it weakens and seems like it will collapse from the sheer weight. Each one grabs the rope sides of the bridge for help, but there is none. One cries out about how they shouldn’t be going over such a weak bridge. “What are we doing?” Another screams out to God, “We are not meant to die on this broken down bridge!” One other woman just falls to her knees and weeps. “Take me home, Lord, right now!” Just as quickly as she called out, she suddenly regained her confidence and claims to the rest, “Wait, we can make it across together if we just join hands, follow me!” Step by step they gingerly made their way across and fell into the plush grass. Immediately, they all started rolling down the hill, laughing and screaming joyfully as if children once again.
After a little silence, one remarked sheepishly, “Why do you think we fell apart in the middle of the bridge?” No one answered!


What they did not see going on as they stepped foot on that bridge was the raging war that was taking place all around them. Angels were fighting to keep the bridge sturdy and their enemy Satan trying to use his claws to destroy the bridge. Each step they took was an angel's hand under their foot. The beautiful part was seeing them sacrifice their lives together so each one could reach the other side. They couldn't see any of this above them. And, they weren't aware they were doing that until they reached the other side. When the woman got down on her knees and prayed, the angels built a wall of protection around them so they could cross. Even though the women would encounter war again someday, the angels would be there at their beck and call.

Psalm 91: 11 "For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service)."

submitted by guest writer Lyn (J.E.) and edited by Shirley Faith.
Part two and finish of Chapter Two (NEXT)
Comments can be submitted to: shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com

PART TWO - YOU CAN'T HAVE A PITY PARTY. . .

AND BE POWERFUL TOO!

It really is the "day" and "age" to be guarding your heart and mind. I am impressed to continue on with this mindset management, because there are many distractions in today's world.

Again - Proverbs 4: 23

"Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you guard, for out it flow the springs of life." Amplified Version

Today I want to emphasize the need to set your mind against what the enemy sends your way, and what your own mind will conger up. What is the first thing that pops into your mind every morning? "Well, it is a brand new day, and I am so excited to roll out and get started!" My wager is, and I don't make a practice of wagering, that you are NOT thinking that. Or, maybe you are warring with yourself to even get up? In general, many of us start thinking about someone or things we need to do. Would you be willing to admit that the first thought sets the tone or "mindset" for the day?

Joyce Meyer got me to thinking this week while listening to one of her CD's. I did not like what she said. However, I am going to develop this concept and take it seriously. She challenged me by saying, "Is your mindset for the day, pride-filled or spirit-filled?" Oops. What would pride-filled look like. Are we controlling, judging, speculating, manipulating, opinionated, unforgiving, negative, cynical, offended________________you fill in the blank? Guarding our mind does take vigilance and discipline. Thinking of the positive on each score isn't totally human, but it can be obtained for the majority of the day.

Waking up can sometimes begin the war to even roll out, or for some a minor conflict. "I just plain don't want to get up, I went to bed late, or I just feel lazy. So What?" And, for some it starts the play over in your mind of what you were worried about the night before. I admit that what I watch before bed makes a HUGE difference on my dreams and how I sleep. Consequently, then, how I wake up. I don't dare watch murder mysteries, Dateline mysteries or anything like that. My commitment has been to find an old time comedy on cable, or read. The other half of my new commitment is to monitor those first thoughts in the morning. It is true, it can start our whole day off on the wrong foot.

Last Monday, I made up my mind that even if I could not go outside, I would not do my usual negative spiel about the weather this summer. It was my best week. I got my article ready to be sent. All the contacts necessary for that. My book cover is designed and only one more chapter to type on the book. Cleaned out drawers, went to the gym, had lunch, when I got cabin fever, went places. That has been a huge turn around for me. And, the bottom line is simple. It is a CHOICE to CHANGE your MINDSET!

Whatever you are dealing with, what are you thinking? Evaluate it, make a decision to change it. What positive thing can you say or do regarding your situation. It is what it is, manage it. It is surprising isn't it, what one thought can do?

YOU CAN'T BE PITYFUL AND POWERFUL AT THE SAME TIME!

What a very HOT time we have going! We are inside "cooling" our jets this afternoon. Hope all you all' are safe and cool!

Got to spend time with Steve Ohning, Lisa his wife and son Carson yesterday! Steve was 11ish, his son Carson's age, when we met him. He lived down the road and wanted to mow our yard. The rest, as they say was history. He would even fix the tractor for us if it broke. They have a son Ryan 21, and Carson who loves baseball and not mowing, is 11.
We had a lot of lake time, fellowship and eating too much for Steve's 40th Birthday. There is never enough time for all the people you want to spend time with, that is for sure. Happy year, Steve.

**************************************************************************************

When you do any reading or listening to Joyce Meyer, this one statement always comes up and I truly believe that it is true. You can't be pityful and powerful at the same time. Seems like an easy choice doesn't it? Just be powerful. When I think about some people in my life right now and how easy it is to choose the pityful choice, it makes me very sad. It really gets hard to pull up those boot straps and beat up the enemy who is causing that attitude. Things and Satan can certainly seem higher then any mountain you need to climb.

Col. 3: 1 and 2 says - "Set your mind on only those things above!" Seems simple, but it isn't always. How in the world can we rise above, take the lid off, and put on boxing gloves. It can be done you know. You do need to stay consistent and vigilant to God's Word and know "The enemy is all about using F E A R and false evidence that appears real - in order to get us to follow our feelings". Once we fall into that cracked fretting, fussing, stewing, and steering mind set - he has us right where he wants us.

We need to absorb and keep ourselves wrapped tightly in knowing how much He loves us unconditionally. We can always use a prayer team, or a good friend who holds us up during times like this, but ultimately we must hang tightly to our Lord and God. He has a much bigger whip and can strike those iron chariots out of our way. After all, He says in Jer 29: 11 that He has thoughts and plans for our life. Ones that bring us hope, deliverance and plans that won't harm us.

In my book "I Hate It When My Soul Is Crying", one guest writer illustrated how when crossing that bridge that wavers and looks scary - too scary to cross - please remember that over head are warring angels sent to fight your battles and keep you safe until you cross to the other side. Don't you love that? Visualize it. Absorb the power (POWER-STRENGTH) of that picture. Live it! Choose to live it!

THINGS WE DIDN'T SEE COMING!

Just think of all the blessings and gifts that God has "rained" down on you. Family, friends, your church, trips, careers, things you loved volunteering for, grandchildren, music, flowers, His whole creation.

Thant is what we need to think about - I started thinking about all the things I didn't see coming over the last 10 years. We sure didn't see 9/11 coming. Our parents, or even children who died that we couldn't have predicted. You were sure one child or another would turn out a certain way, and the other did it, not the one you predicted. Parents going to heaven the way they did. Things we just didn't sign up for happened.
And, then I had to turn all that around to the beginning. The fountain of blessings and special gifts, resources we didn't expect, friends we made, people who we came to know Jesus because of our words or actions. Once again it proves that how we respond to things in life is so much better then how we react. We have so much to contribute each day.

Get up tomorrow and ask God who you can rain His love down on and go where He is tomorrow. Let us think carefully and diligently about going where He is tomorrow (today) and minister. Interesting concept to think about going where He is tomorrow and not what is He going to do in my life today, isn't it?

CONCENTRATING ON THE POWER!

Hope you all had a great weekend. Goodness it certainly was warm enough.

Today, I am convinced that reading through the Bible every year, in one fashion or another is really THE most important thing we do. Some people have reported to me "Well, I already know what is in there, why do I have to go over it and over it again?"
After 38 years of reading some parts of it every day, I can speak to that issue this way.

II Timothy 1: 7 This is a verse I have read over the last three decades several times.
In these years I have had to deal with many convictions and ask God for help to change.

Amplified version:

"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity (of cowardice, of craven and cringing and fawning fear), but (He has given us a spirit) of power and of love and of calm and well-balanced mind and discipline and self control."

A friend made the statement yesterday "I wish I knew how to do it!" This verse came up and I noticed something new. He has already given each one of us the power, and love, a calm well-balanced mind, discipline and self control. We already have it! I emphasize this, because I notice that so many, including myself, look at the timidity, cowardice, craven and cringing fear part of ourselves. Then we ask the question, "Well, if I just knew how to do it!" "I have tried before, but it just doesn't happen for me."

One of my many glitches in life has been sweets. I have looked and looked for magic bullets. Special appetite suppressants, diet books, and exercises that will help with this issue. Ten years of looking, spending dollars on things I didn't need to. When I finally got the power and self discipline together, and stopped three weeks ago, guess what? God honored that action and has shown me the other half of that verse.
Plus Deut. 31: 8. He goes before me, He marches with me. Stop retreating out of fear and discouragement. He has already given us the power. Geesh! Concentrate on the Power, the love, the ability to exercise discipline and self control IN ALL THINGS!

Sweets are just the tip of the iceberg. I can't believe how that has changed my eating habits and perspective about Glitches.

God rules, and is awesome to respond to obedience. May we all use this for whatever part of our lives we need answers about.

Got a prayer request that seems to go unanswered. Believe in the power God has to change in His timing. Go on about your business and life. He knows, He Does, He is!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY COMING!

What a beautiful day! I trust you are enjoying the sun and perfect day to work out in the yard.

We had a "ghost" mower yesterday! Our neighbor figured out our mower was not working and came right down and finished the dam for us. What a great thing to have neighbors like that. Thanks Jim!

It is a day to be content in "whatever" place you are experiencing. You could be flying all around your house, organizing and cleaning out. You could be mourning the passing of someone close, you could be mowing, getting ready for a garage sale, wondering what has happened to your family, finances, or any kind of great news. Whatever your day is today, remember that God is your Captain and He guides, teaches, leads, guards, oversees, works all things together, gives grace, mercy and walks with us in all our journeys.

Psalm 25: 4 and 5
Deut 31: 8

PERSONAL UPDATE!

What a week! And, I might add what a May and June. Nobody saw all these surprises coming. God did! Wow, here He is leading us across the bridge - warring angels fighting the enemy all the way across and we didn't even know it.

In the book I never have time to write, I illustrated the story of girlfriends crossing the bridge - some in fear, some slowly making their way over, and others skipping way ahead. It has been a really long crossover since May 1st, when our friends Jack and Joyce lost Jack's beloved brother Jim. It was at the Walmart store of all places, where he said goodbye and began a very arduous crossover to the other side of living without him. Then another friend became paralyzed and ended up in the hospital the end of May and is still there learning to walk again. Our neighbor down the road, a cancer survivor just contracted pneumonia. John had the surprise of his life (we did together) when they announced a 4 CM melanoma had to be removed. Surgery was last Tuesday and John came home same day. They took two lymph nodes and have pronounced them clear. Two days later, Joyce's brother (the other half of Hefty State Farm with her) became paralyzed and had to be entered into Parkview as of last night. His mass on the spine turned into Lymphoma. They could not get it all.

It reaches way beyond stepping up to the plate, and or put your big boy/girl pants on sometimes. This is where we have to cling so tightly to the Master Jesus, we can't breath. He has to do the breathing for us. He has to load us up on His back and carry us forward.

Pray with us as we hold our friends up as best we can. It took me three days to recuperate from being at Goshen and the stress of wondering - what will our day end up looking like. We all need to hold each other up. Something's cookin', wouldn't you say? We need to cross over the bridge in full assurance that God has sent all the angels necessary to guard and guide our steps.

Romans 8: 28
PS 18:33
Deut. 31: 8

WHERE DO YOU PLACE ASSURANCE!

Life certainly gets interesting on occasions, you must admit. Seems like I get to test that assurance thing a lot in the last several years. No need to get lax or comfortable I always say!

Thursday morning I was preparing for another tooth extraction. I have become a regular at the Dentist specialist who works on all those kinds of specialties. Have I mentioned that I am not a good patient for those "special" kind of professionals. I did ask some good friends to pray and don't you know that morning during my devotions came this "coincidental" phrase. "Rest your assurance on God's love in your heart - NOT on the fear in your mind!"

Well, that took care of any whining, or drama I could invent about the situation. So, I marched myself right in there and remembered people were praying. He was done in record time, I took 1/10 the pain medication, and no dry sockets or other complications that usually came my way from being there.

On top of that he gave me two months to make a decision about an implant or live with the double hole. On top of that, I needed my assurance in the right place as John goes to Goshen Tuesday for Sun Melanoma cancer removal. Whew! I am exercising every phrase, every scripture, and every prayer partner today. God's coincidences are so awesome are they not? We don't have to pace, fret, fuss, or stew. He is always looking out for us, so our job is what? Rest on the assurance that God is in your heart, and not on the fear in your mind.

PS 18: 33

GETTING TO THOSE HIGH PLACES!

Sometime you will just have to take time and read ALL of Psalm 18. It is about how God sees the crisis or high stress decisions we get involved with. And, what does He do? He comes ROARING down on the scene. It reminds me of an Eagle who just saw someone messing with the newborns in their nest. You can hear the ROAR, envision the FIRE-BREATHING nostrils, and swoosh; the scene has been saved, fixed, and protected. In particular, I use Psalm 18: 33. Amplified version. "He makes my feet like hinds feet (able to stand firmly or make progress on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble); He sets me securely upon my high places."

Couldn't have said it better myself. I remember back many, many years ago when I felt that God was pointing out Psalm 18 to me before we went on vacation that spring. My question was, "Why are you pointing out a rescue here, what is going to happen?" Then I dismissed it and when we arrived home, safe and sound I breathed a sigh of relief. "Not so fast, Shirley!" Monday night after John's first day back at work, I saw it front and center. There was a faction out to unseat my husband at his career then. I went to Chapter 18, re-read it, and prayed. "God, I will trust that you knew this, you came, and you conquered." By Thursday, it was over and God answered me prayer about "Just give us ten more years." The spring of 05, John retired.

I tie that together with many other verses, but this morning I wrapped my head around John 15: 4 "Dwell in Me, and I will dwell in you. (Live in me, and I will live in you.) Just as no branch an bear fruit of itself without abiding in (being vitally united to) the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you abide in me."

THE VITALLY UNITED IS OUR KEY ISSUE HERE. Be absorbed in the Word, Trust in His Word, Fall back or fall forward into His Promises. He will rescue you, He does see everything. He will work all things together for good for us. I believe that. So, then when I need a High Place, I know He will lift me there, I will Hide under His wing until it is safe.

I have learned so much since I had to take of my parents and manage their lives until the end. I got a PhD when John had cancer. So, when we got to have a year and some months off from Pet-scans, I didn't mind, John didn't mind. Should we have called and asked why we haven't been there following up? Yes? But we didn't. We didn't trust did we? So when I was prompted of the Holy Spirit to write Dr. Doug, I did. He remembered that John's last doctor had moved to another location. In one week, he had seen to John's scheduling, and a new doctor to take his place (as he is moving to Indy). And, how did God work Ps 18 here again? Dr. Doug called us before the appointment and told us everything was clear. He knew we would be anxious. What doctor do you know who would do that? God prompted him and then it all worked out to see him and get hugs all the way around before his departure.

Hinds feet are good. God gives them to us when we ask.

John 15: 7. "If you live in Me (abide vitally united to Me) and My words remain in you and continue to live in your hearts, ask whatever you will, and it shall be done for you."

Holy Spirit - rain on us - guide and show us how to live with Hinds Feet for High Places.

MAKING LEMONADE OUT OF A LEMON!

You have heard this a million times!

How could I bore you with such an "old" statement? Doesn't everyone have to learn to do that whether we want to or not? It does follow that Biblical statement that Paul made in Phillipians 4: 12

"I know how to be abased and live humbly in straightened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty and live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency and enough to spare or going without and being in want.

Phil 4: 13 goes on to say "I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me (I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self sufficient in Christ's sufficiency)." Amplified Version

It is what it is, deal with it!

When you make lemonade you have to squeeze the lemons. The juice comes out willingly sometimes and sometimes not. It depends on the age of the lemon. The lemon could be really fresh, or have been around for awhile. Situations in life do require us to get squeezed a bit, don't they?

Our lifestyle, too busy, family, friends, lack of finances, job, confrontations, tiredness, death, illness. Many, many scenarios can squeeze the life out of us, or we can make lemonade.

This past month has been one of many squeezings. Just about everything on the list has been a squeezing me and then you add the weather. Driving through monsoon weather capped it off for me last Wednesday - loosing our annual Saturday night cookout to the weather didn't help. However, I decided to apply the term being "content in whatsoever place you are." I decided to squeeze out quickly and freshly to make lemonade. There has been physical death this month, dreams of accomplishing that went away, conflict resolution, and loss of time. Helping friends with their losses, counseling people and their losses, and what should have been spring rains bring May flowers, just didn't happen.

Whatever your squeezing is this Memorial weekend- summer kick-off; just remember Phil 4: 12 and 13. And, that we can DO all THINGS in HIM who STRENGTHENS US! Also, that promise is His truth for us. Oh, while we are at it, let's add a little sugar free sweetener to this pitcher of Lemonade. Our smile and Thank You's to the One who provides answers, solutions and helps us deal with whatever it is. He is our FREE get out of the pit card. Laugh, Love, and live Loud! He will walk it with you! Deut. 31: 8.

FACING IRON CHARIOTS!

Hello again, and praise God for the sun yesterday and today. Feels like we live in Seattle around here.

Today I want to share something I wrote 30 years ago, but I still love this analogy.

"What Iron Chariots are you facing today?" Maybe none. Even though I highly doubt that, because on some level we can turn in any direction and see more Iron Chariots then we can comprehend.

Deut. 1: 20 (Amplified Version)

"When you go forth to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and an army greater than your own, DO NOT be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you."

As I mentioned, we all have a battle here and there that seems like the solution, or back up help can never undo. I listened to Fox News (which sometimes - is that good or is that bad)? The worry over Medicare for all ages looms large in the horizon. What will our grown children and our grandchildren face?

We have family members that are in serious financial trouble, have medical problems, have a family member who died and you are left to clean up after them, unsaved friends, and family. This is for you D.G. - "I am 70, but I like to think I am 18 with 52 years experience!" But reality prevails. What will happen to us in the next 15 years. Ah, yes. . .DO NOT be afraid, The Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.

Egypt, now that is another metaphor I like. Name your Egypt. Is it fear of the future, is it worry over finances, your grandchildren, what will happen down the road?
Many of us read the Bible and look at it as truth. That was then, this is now. I disagree. Look for what God is telling you in these passages that pertain to you today. Had I been that "lookout" person who went ahead to see what was happening and come back with information. . ."yep, let's run everyone!" "There are too many iron Chariots, the army is huge, and you should see the size of those horses!"

It is all about perspective. God wants us to have perspective. If He, in fact, works ALL things together (Romans 8:28 through 33) then I need to embrace, put that on like another skin, and trust He is with me (you)(us).

Tough, but true. No excuses. Take no hostages truth. If we win in the end, let us gear up for here. Deut. 1: 20. Learn it. We need all the reinforcement we can get.

HOW BIG IS YOUR BUT!?

No, you don't need to report me to the FCC. It is B U T! That part of our daily language that always seems to include a B u t!.

But, if I only had time to do everything I need!

But, if I just had time to spend in prayer with God!

But, if I just had time to read the Bible!

But, if she just wouldn't act like that, or he!

But, if the preacher would just stop talking about money!

You get the jest. I heard this at church last week, and I can't get it out of my mind.

My favorite saying is, "Well, but. . .!" See some personalities just mean well, but they never quite come out and say what is really keeping them from doing something, they know they should. And, of course, something they shouldn't.

I was impressed by how much we use that term to explain away what we rationally and actually try to cover over. It is hilarious.

In my counseling I tell couples, there are three words we need to take out of our vocabulary every single day. Want to take a guess at what they are, if you don't already know?

Why, always and never. These three words get the b u t going on next. But, why am I supposed to take those out? I need to show him/her how right I am! Yep! But, she just doesn't get it. But, she is always late to everything and it makes me late too. But, he never listens to me. But, my kids always want to know why about everything and it is driving me nuts.

Why, always and never brings out the "Shoot out at O. K. Corral!" We become instantly defensive and come out of the corner ready to duke it out, even if it is just our little kid on the inside of us, we're ready to fight.

Always is absolute - Never is absolute. He or she may - most of the time be late, but not every time. See, there was a but! They are also defensive mechanisms that bring everyone out ready for a showdown.

I Peter 1: 13/18.

Be obedient, pursue God with all your focus. I and 11 Peter are full of how we are to conduct ourselves in our short life here. I now say there are four words that need to be taken out. However, as humans, we know we will slip up, B U T, be reverent and full of your own awareness. Hear yourself, evaluate what you say and hear. Take it to God and confess. "Ask for a new mouth!" - as Joyce Meyers would say. I add, with a new spirit. It is also good to plead for spiritual surgery sometimes.

I love Anna Bells's coined words for her young grandson. "He is a Holy Handful!" I also believe we can be a Holy Handful for God. Let us THINK, CONSIDER, PONDER what we are about to say each and every day. I also love Psalms 70. It says "Come in Haste, Lord Jesus!" I agree - but, my trigger has a short fuse, and I don't always do that careful evaluating. BUT, it is my commitment today and I hope you will to, agree to be watchful, pursue obedience and let the Holy Spirit thread good positive language skills through the person God made us to be.

**It is my commitment very soon to blog on Wednesdays and Sundays. TBA

SIX WORDS THAT DESCRIBE YOUR LIFE!

What if someone asked you, maybe even the Lord our God, what six words best describe you?

Why six - you ask? Someone ask a prominent life affecting icon - a write/author, "Write a short book containing six words, can you do it?" "Something that best describes your life. It may even be put on your grave marker."

It turns into an art form of thought and draws your focus to perfection. Several examples can be used.

"I truly did it my way!"

"Saw it, reached it, celebrated it!

I am working on it.

"Risked life, failed some, celebrated victories!"

"Meant well, failed some, celebrated victories!"

Anyway, I heard that today, and it has a lot of merit to examine oneself in life. Life can end suddenly and we won't get to evaluate or desire a "do-over"!

Risked it, is definitely a perfect fit for me. I am also going to work on my high need to find the solution and go until I know. Maybe they both mean the same. I certainly failed some, but I am seeing many victories today - God is answering prayers like never before. We are approaching the end times I am convinced. it is highly important that we reach others for God. Be passionate in your prayers for family who are resisting God, for friends that are resisting God and all peoples who resist the one and only God.

What six words best describe your life? If you can't come up with it, this would be a good time to ask God to show you how to be His servant on this earth.

SOMETIMES WE DO!

Have to make our own Spring! Here it is April 30th, John is in his winter coat fixing the broken water line, the deck is all set up for someone to sit on and enjoy, but it is too cold to go out there. You look out the window and see all the beautiful silk flowers I put out A MONTH AGO! and you look up and see what? The Land of the Black Sticks. The Bradley is one month behind, and I can prove it. April 4th of 2010, it was out and gorgeous. Peaked April 11th. Red buds and Rhododendrons were out and peaking by April 11th. I can barely see purple and the Rhododendrons are out now. Bradley is just getting there. What the hay!?

So, we just have to keep our eyes on the FAKE azaleas and other things. Thinking about putting the side by sides on Facebook to prove to everyone WE'VE BEEN ROBBED!

Oh well, like I tell lots of people a lot of times, get your big girl, big boy pants on and go with it. I am not always a good sport.

This has been a very different week. They all seem to be anymore. So many changes, so many losses. Yet, we learn don't we. We learn that ultimately God is always in control. Sometimes we use that phrase and don't take it seriously. It is to be taken seriously. He is always there for whatever we go through or about to go through. Who knew last Sunday when I was walking Dakota on Jack and Joyce Covell's property that when I looked over at the house, I saw their gathering for dinner. The men were outside and Jack's brother Jim had just arrived with his fiancee Suzanne. John, Jack and Jim have known each other their whole lives. Jack and Jim's dad was John's doctor. Jack is a retired doctor. John and Jim graduated high school together. A couple times a month, Jack, Jim, John and John Hursh go for pizza at the Pizza Forum.
And, so I looked over and saw Jack and Jim conversing and ready to go in for a big fancy meal that Joyce prepares every year at Easter. I thought - how nice, the whole family is together (22 of them) and that is so special. Who knew! It would be their last with Jim Covell. Monday night the guys got together and ate pizza. Who knew it would be their last time with Jim Covell. They kidded him about how he needed reading glasses and John Hursh even bought him a pair so he could read the menu.

Wednesday, Jack and Jim as usual went to their two hour lunch date. Jim didn't feel so hot, but continued on. They ate, and decided they needed a few things at Walmart. Jim collapsed inside Walmart, and later died at Lutheran Hospital - Ft. Wayne. He was having an aneurysm. They took him to surgery but it was too late. People have these type of shocks everyday around the world, but when it comes to your back door, it just flies over our heads. God give Jack and Joyce (family and friends) all the grace and strength there is. These two guys went to lunch every day, every gun show in the tri-state area and mowed their huge properties together. Sometimes we do just need to
take stock of every day and make sure it brings glory and honor to God. Everything we think and do. All our responses, all our losses, all our weather irritations, all our everything to God. He will bring SPRING - he always does. No matter where we need it, or what form it comes in - He will bring Spring and a rainbow.

WE MUST NEVER FORGET!

As I pondered on Good Friday, Sunday's Resurrection, it brought up a lot of things that troubled me last week.

A woman that was going through her cancer scare in 2008 along with John, passed away Thursday. How does that work anyway? But when you turn it around, what better time to go and spend eternity with Christ.

I had other thoughts about friends who lost their elderly mother and their beloved dog all in the same three day event. My hairdressers beautiful Piraneese (spelling) 11-year-old dog is passing away from lymphoma cancer. They struggle with putting her down and so we talked about that whole loosing, death, and dying routine. My Dakota is 11 years old and going blind. I think constantly about that moment when I have to make a decision about her. It made me angry. It made me sad. It made me remember the day I was driving through Churubusco and I started talking out loud. "Hey, you people, don't you know my dad walked these streets too. He ate over there at the restaurant, bought groceries at the Super Value." It felt like no one knew, or remembered, or cared he was once here. My hairdresser brought up a great point. She talked about the Indian culture and how she had heard this story. It was the story of an old Indian who was about to die. He told his family not to cry, just continue to tell stories about me, keep me in your heart, and others as well.

I could get into that. That is why we have family pictures sitting around, I have a million pictures and little movies of Dakota everywhere. I have her on my I-Phone. And, my family as well. We just don't have to forget them when they go, we must remember them by sharing them with others.

That is why Jesus is so alive today - He is risen today so we could tell stories about Him. We must never forget to tell others about His saving grace. Where would we be without that Great Story. Honor your pets, your family, your God. Never Forget to Tell the Story of how much they (He) did for you and what they (He) means to you.

Celebrate a risen Savior everyday!

CONVICTION - COMMITMENT - CHANGE!!!

You know, full disclosure can be quite overwhelming. It can be very convicting and all we want to do is run an hide. Can you imagine back in that day on Palm Sunday when Jesus got on the donkey (sign of peace in those times) and rode through town, what was he thinking? He knew. They didn't. Actually as the research indicates, they thought he was instilling peace - role modeling the power of peace in that nation. The Romans were riding in from the other side of town on their great big white stallions and were role-modeling POWER! We are in control, back down, be quiet, stop yelling and singing!

Jesus, on the other hand, is thinking about what He will have to endure next week on Good Friday. He was convicted to do His job for His Father. He was committed to do His job so the world could be changed from sin to peace. He was certain that His horrible beating, death, and resurrection would CHANGE the world forever. It was the only way.

He told them, speak out, or the stones will cry out. Luke 19: 28 through 40. Read it.
The stones were grave sights. The Jews believed, that their ancestors would raise up and come in with Jesus. The Romans are shouting, be quiet. Jesus insists that we rise up and speak out to celebrate the truth. With others.

In my practice I use this Three C's concept for all kinds of issues. Conviction is important. It keeps us honest. It brings us to commitment to Change. We certainly do not have to be whipped, crucified, and resurrected as Jesus was; no one could ever go through all that - only Jesus. However, what we can do is ask Him to show us His plan for our life. Show me where I need to clean it up. Show me where I need to commit my life to be a new creation. Show me where I can sign up for CHANGE. Change that comes only from inside. Jesus Christ being there on the inside. Is He?

PRUDENCE! AN AHA MOMENT!

WHAT A GREAT DAY! Got to enjoy it all, even reading out on the deck. Who knows when that might happen again.

Okay, when I used the term Flashlight aha! moments, it is a term that indicates how God shows us our path each and every day. Think of it as He has the flashlight and He is illuminating the way to all our learning's and ultimate growth. Read Psalm 25. He guides, He teaches, He protects, He delivers. It was truly a Flashlight moment this week when I was reading Joyce Meyer's Confident Woman (a daily devotional). Now the word Prudence has never EVER, never EVER even a close distant thought to my mind. After all, I wouldn't even name a parakeet that name. What does it mean? Anyway?

Oops - it means thinking before you act. It means balance of thought and action. Using careful and cautious planning. Joyce has been talking this whole month about the Proverbs 31 - woman. Her entire platform is one of prudence. oops!

When I came home that morning after work out class it was my simple plan to find a larger gym bag, get that accomplished and quickly head off to the office. I had a very aggressive work plan ahead of me and yet it turned into a three hour plus cleaning and sorting frenzy. How the heck did that happen? That was NOT prudence. Sure, it is spring and spring cleaning is always a good thing, but, what was I thinking? It all became quite clear, that prudence or balance of plans was something God wanted me to look at and evaluate. Prudence or balance of life application plans are very important. He wrote about it in Proverbs 14: 7 and 8. It covers all areas of our responsibility each day. So the question and or flashlight moment was . . . Are we emotionally driven when we veer off track? It can also happen when we shop, when we put off something to do other things that catch our eye. Some call it procrastination. I was all pleased with what I did until I remembered my earlier study. I had to admit, there is some serious praying that needs to go on regarding emotionally driven distractions. Case in point. The gym bag. Whoa! I did not like this new revelation.

I needed to go back and think, in that frenzied moment, STOP! Look at what you are doing. STOP! Okay, leave things, go into the office for two hours, come back, and assess the situation. Decide if it is important to finish today, how can I plan to finish up the rest of these spring sortings? Sounds silly to some of you doesn't it? Some get it. Interesting that I have worked with many clients on how to do that very thing. "Moderation in everything, I always say!" I even helped them write up "Things to Do" sheets and they found it very affective and thanked me. So again, I say, going back to the drawing board is where I am headed. How had I gotten so off track? If you are having the same issue then learn your own flashlight moment. I also hear from clients and friends about how they can't even get emotionally driven to go over the line. Consequently, they have a lot of complaints in the home about what piles of things are taking over the house. Balance today seems harder and harder. I believe to a point that it is having too many things to choose from. There seems to be so many more things to accomplish in any given day. John and I talked at great length Friday night about how intense everyone seems to be with life. And, I must raise my hand and say - "Got to step back and take a good look at balance - prudence!"

Where do you fit in any of these thoughts and sharings?

WAIT - WHAT HAPPENED TO SPRING?

Goodness, I was wearing two layers of coats yesterday at this time. Now we are mowing, wearing tee shirts and tank tops. Oh! that is right, I live in Indiana. Tomorrow, I could be back to coats again.h well,

Anyway, I trust you are enjoying a sunny, warm, personality turn around day!

I know I need one. A personality turn around. Ha.

Friends are coming back from Arizona, going to San Antonio, coming back from Georgia and Florida. What is wrong with this picture? Oh well, I will pretend I am in Florida today. So, if you are looking for some awe inspiring tid-bit, guess what? I am going outside to play - I will be back later.

Want to share another aha moment I had this week. One of those flashlight moments.

RIDING THE WAVE!

Makes you wonder what I was thinking when I wrote this title.

Actually, when you look at the picture, you have to know that I am one of those people who pushes the envelope and rides the wave. My optimism, of course, is enveloped in the idea, that whatsoever you think in your head and heart, will automatically appear! Sun, Warmth, planting, rowing a boat, swimming, having people over for grilling and all those neat things. It hasn't worked for me so far. Getting out there in 45 degree weather and running around without my coat all day - didn't impress old man winter one bit.

So, the literal translation for riding the wave isn't always about going to the ocean and riding the wave. It has many other meanings for me. It is the moment you see the temperature rising and you go and put your face to the sun, it is a joyous moment of learning you are going to be grandparents, or get a brand new puppy, get a new job, see a relative you haven't seen, watch swans leave the lake and fly off into the sun. Riding the wave, is contentment for whatsoever place you are in, and knowing a special spiritual "ah - ha" moment of learning, or even experiencing birds trying to nest nearby.

It can also be a glorious moment when you lead someone or hear that someone came to know Jesus as their personal Savior. Today, Pastor Stu asked a question that took me off guard. Maybe it will you too! "Does God trust you to share Him with others?" Whew! I took the wave down to the bottom for a minute. I pray this challenges you like it has me. To know God, to speak God, and to live God is an awesome responsibility. But, nevertheless, it is ours to share God with others.

I Peter 3: 15 - "But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy (and acknowledge Him) as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully."

I pray that you will be challenged and excited and ride the wave with me.

God's blessings on you all.

REMEMBER! IT IS UP TO YOU. . .

TO FIX YOUR FUTURE, SO IT DOES NOT REFLECT YOUR PAST!

Isaiah 43: 18 and 19 (Amplified Version)

Do not (earnestly) remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.
Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.

Nothing is as clear as this conversation that God is having with us through the prophet Isaiah. Most counselors, or pastors, or care givers will say - "Get Over It!" "Stop thinking about it, it is doing you no good to think that way."

Fretting, Fussing, Stewing, and Steering seems to be such a fan favorite, however. We really believe, somehow, that we're doing something when we worry and fret over things.
If we let it go, then nothing will be done.

God is clearly saying here, it is up to you to fix your future. But, what does that look like. For me it is going to Him and saying. . ."This is way over my head, but I AM WILLING to be convicted, committed and changed." "I AM WILLING to do turn this over to you and be a part of your leading and directing, God."

The Alcoholic's first three steps says - I Can't,(do this God by myself) You can, go
ahead(Help Me!)

It is acknowledging that you have something you need to turn over to God.

It is Confessing and repenting of it.

It is Accepting His help. Trusting Him to help you fix the future.

I like this phrasing because, of course, it is new, but also because it truly clicks in today's world. Today's generation loves entitlement. Something, or someone owes them everything. God invites any and all generations to realize, that we first need to realize - we are responsible to need and want our future to be good. Not everyone has a sordid or unhappy past. However, I will speculate, nearly everyone has something they want to hang onto and fix themselves. After all, it won't get done unless I do it. God is not working fast enough on it. Whatever it is.

Today's world likes to hear It is up to you to fix your future. . .what they need to get is that there is a huge silent partner who says "I will make a new way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." So the hook is, knowing God, speaking God, and living God. "Okay, so I need to forgive my step-father for the things he said to me and did to me. How can I fix that, so it won't reflect my past?" Go to God, Go to counseling (if need be), forgive, and be a person of peace in your future. This is a subject I need to write about at great length. I see that. Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could have been different!!! It is moving forward with God's Word, God's Grace, and God's Leading. Believing that He will put all that garbage on mute, and you move forward in contentment and peace.

Fretting - from I Hate It When My Soul is Crying!

FRETTING

Switching off the Glitch of Worrying!


“What are you doing?” my husband asked with that tone he gets when I am doing something he doesn’t understand. “You need to know that our neighbors dog is going to the bathroom in our yard for the third time today!” I announced with disgust and purpose. “And, further, I don’t understand why he has to come all the way over here to do that!”
World-class fretters have to analyze everyday happenings in their life. Sound familiar? Well, why does the next-door neighbors dog do that? I need to know and take immediate action regarding. This is a passion and a platform of mine. It is something I need to share with you and help you identify as well. It is a glitch of mine. I have processed this glitch every day of my life. And, because I processed that with God out of frustration and finally turning it over, is why I want you to know there is hope.



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Fretting –
Shirley Faith Souder

The reason it is even more important today then it was 30 years ago, is, I see us as women in crisis today. We seem to be living in a great reality TV show. Maybe it is, and we don’t know it yet. I am serious. The current financial, political, chaos we are experiencing is really happening. We need each other; We need God more then ever. We need to join arms and walk with caution, clarity, and purpose over that bridge – trusting God that he has all the angels necessary in battle over us.
Winning. We just need to put our heads down and cross over.
As women of today, no matter what age we are, or level of relationship to God, many of us are feeling overwhelmed, trapped, unworthy, confused, and scared. When you are a fretter, you worry, obsess, and desperately want control over every situation. Why, you ask? Because things have so changed since the middle 80’s. As a counselor of thirty years, I have seen people’s lifestyles making dramatic and bazaar changes. In the 1980’s women wanted men to talk, communicate, and pay attention to them. Women wanted to be significant and noticed. They especially wanted their spouses, significant others, and their leadership in the work place. Women got excited about their ability to multi-task at home and in the work place. They worked on their self-esteem and leadership styles. In the 1990’s I saw a new trend take place. I received many more requests from the men who wanted to come to counseling. They wanted to understand what in the world had happened to their world as they used to know it. They hunted, they gathered, they had the last word. Also in the mix, came multi-marriages, more blended family issues, and spiritual warfare requests. I had to facilitate and arbitrate married couples meeting at State Police Posts to exchange children for the weekend. Too many 911 calls were placed over heated fights between families. One woman came to me after seven marriages, wondering if she was insane. One of those marriages was to a homosexual and his former lover tried to kill her.

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Fretting
Shirley Faith Souder

I had no manual for that one, not even a Bible verse. I referred her to a psychiatric hospital.
Then there was the famous 1999 year, when everyone came to counseling because of the computer shut-down scare. And, if that was a challenge and journey, the September 11, 2001 which changed us all forever. From that moment on, if you weren’t a fretter/world-class worrier, you soon became one.
The first decade of the millennium from 2000 – 2010 has also taken on a whole new level for fretters, us all really. The political problems, health care, economic turn downs and corporate America has also not been friendly to families. The whole working 24/7. Four days on and four days off. Four nights on and four nights off. One of my clients works from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m. He sleeps two hours, then gets up with his 18 month old daughter and wife to see them off to work and day-care. He then tries to sleep from 7 to 1 p.m. But admits it is hard, because four alarms and sleeping through phone calls, keeps him from quality sleeping at all.
They both have strayed and now want to restore their relationship. So many rocky roads this day and age to fix.
This is why I write about this subject. We need and want to live our lives with carefreeness, peace, joy, happiness, and to be excited about life again. Looking forward to Saturday – date night with your wife, or husband. Reading that fun book you have that just sits there. Taking some courses at the local college on photography or gardening. However, what we experience instead is, taking big sighs every 10 minutes, laughing at something, but only pretending, wanting to sleep a lot, drink alcohol, watch shows we shouldn’t. We have so much on our mind about kids, grandkids, parents that are ailing, our jobs, our husband or wife and whether they are faithful. So what do we do, we fret!



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Fretting
Shirley Faith Souder

We want to fix everything, police everything, and direct traffic constantly. Instead we see ourselves standing in that jar with the lid on it. Life – people – they just won’t listen. What can I do? I hate this. I hate my life. Where is God?
“Why do I have to feel like I am swimming in syrup?”, a friend of mine asked a few weeks back. She loves God, has a close personal relationship, yet her lifestyle influences her to feel stuck in a vat of syrup.
In praying and studying these many questions over the years and looking at our lives these days, I am convinced that managing our emotions has become a doctorate level event. My clients seem to be surfing the net to find other people to talk to. They look to see how other people are living and in the meantime get caught up with them in a web of deceit. There are multiple relationship living styles, high school girls are getting caught up in homosexual experiments, blended families turn into an octopus of elephants in the living room. My own step-granddaughter has eight to ten Christmas’s every year. I begin to understand why the very young are experiencing depression, eating disorders, bi-polar episodes just to name a few.
There is no quality time, no personal quality time, and we look for red bull energy drinks, and calm down pills for the evening in order to sleep. We do yearn for God’s Word, we even understand Psalms as David poured out his frustrations and pain. But, when will God soothe my crying soul?


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