You didn't really think I wouldn't jump the gun did you?
Until tomorrow - How to fix your future without it reflecting your past.
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
"OUR GIFT TO OTHERS. . .
AND OURSELVES" IS:
Giving them (and ourselves) Permission to NOT be perfect!
There are times each and every day that we may be experiencing the need to forgive someone for offenses. It could be a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a boss, and a person of leadership in the church.
When I was challenged this morning to think about whether I was answering God's call on my life or even dreams about my life, it caused me to reflect.
What is my dream - and you have heard me say before, I believe I do have the platform that has been there since I can remember. The Pollyanna in me is to get an "aha" moment and then want others to share my wonderful growth moment. Last year I worked on glitches. Glitches can be quite amusing or they can bring great depression. I decided to make them amusing and work hard to bring prudence and balance to those major changes.
And, so, what does this have to do with forgiveness? It is a BURNING desire to talk about it, to write about it, and to counsel with it in my practice. I could read a dozen Psychology magazines and utilize all those tools, and it wouldn't do half the Holy, permanent work that Embracing Emotional Forgiveness does. I wrote an article and used too many words. I have just resubmitted my 1500 word article to a magazine. After I put it in the mail, I realized, I need to write a handbook on this most important tool of God's guidelines for living a victorious life. I read about it from other authors, but never how to Embrace Emotional Forgiveness. I praise God that He put in my life, Pastor Harold Graham 22 years ago. The Holy Spirit gave him the formula One of peace and contentment in whatever circumstances we are living.
Let's look at Mark 11: 25/26.
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your own failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings."
God's Word is perfect and truth. And, so we know we have to forgive on a logical, black and white level. I am here to tell you, however, you don't always forgive from the emotional part of your being. 22 - years after I learned about this issue, I know what I am saying. We do NOT give people in our lives permission to be imperfect. We hoard and fantasize what we would do if we had the nerve. Oh, and especially if I weren't a Christian.
Our gift to the people in our lives is the gift to be imperfect. I will be writing this handbook and sharing some of those excerpts. I will let you all know when it is done and you may request a copy for a very nominal fee. (Paper costs etc.) Take this very important message to heart and watch God honor your relationships and life.
I Thess. 5: 11
"Therefore encourage (admonish,exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing."
Do you have people you need to take off the hook? God will show you.
Part Two 3-11-12
shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com
Giving them (and ourselves) Permission to NOT be perfect!
There are times each and every day that we may be experiencing the need to forgive someone for offenses. It could be a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a boss, and a person of leadership in the church.
When I was challenged this morning to think about whether I was answering God's call on my life or even dreams about my life, it caused me to reflect.
What is my dream - and you have heard me say before, I believe I do have the platform that has been there since I can remember. The Pollyanna in me is to get an "aha" moment and then want others to share my wonderful growth moment. Last year I worked on glitches. Glitches can be quite amusing or they can bring great depression. I decided to make them amusing and work hard to bring prudence and balance to those major changes.
And, so, what does this have to do with forgiveness? It is a BURNING desire to talk about it, to write about it, and to counsel with it in my practice. I could read a dozen Psychology magazines and utilize all those tools, and it wouldn't do half the Holy, permanent work that Embracing Emotional Forgiveness does. I wrote an article and used too many words. I have just resubmitted my 1500 word article to a magazine. After I put it in the mail, I realized, I need to write a handbook on this most important tool of God's guidelines for living a victorious life. I read about it from other authors, but never how to Embrace Emotional Forgiveness. I praise God that He put in my life, Pastor Harold Graham 22 years ago. The Holy Spirit gave him the formula One of peace and contentment in whatever circumstances we are living.
Let's look at Mark 11: 25/26.
"And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him and let it drop (leave it, let it go), in order that your Father Who is in heaven may also forgive you your own failings and shortcomings and let them drop. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your failings and shortcomings."
God's Word is perfect and truth. And, so we know we have to forgive on a logical, black and white level. I am here to tell you, however, you don't always forgive from the emotional part of your being. 22 - years after I learned about this issue, I know what I am saying. We do NOT give people in our lives permission to be imperfect. We hoard and fantasize what we would do if we had the nerve. Oh, and especially if I weren't a Christian.
Our gift to the people in our lives is the gift to be imperfect. I will be writing this handbook and sharing some of those excerpts. I will let you all know when it is done and you may request a copy for a very nominal fee. (Paper costs etc.) Take this very important message to heart and watch God honor your relationships and life.
I Thess. 5: 11
"Therefore encourage (admonish,exhort) one another and edify (strengthen and build up) one another, just as you are doing."
Do you have people you need to take off the hook? God will show you.
Part Two 3-11-12
shirley.faith.souder@gmail.com
Sunday, February 26, 2012
GORGEOUS DAY!
23 Days to Spring and 13 days to Daylight Savings Time!
Actually, I keep waiting for winter to arrive. It was very cold on Friday and Saturday. I put on my heaviest coat for those kind of days to walk Dakota. I couldn't get warm. Anyway, I wait with baited breath for the 6 to 9 inch snows and nothing happens. We have been talking already about new outdoor flower holders and that I would like to grow Asparagus. Yet. . . when is it going to happen?
It was a wonderful time meeting Myles, Calder, Dawson and again, Jackie Hefty. Jim Hefty's son and family. Joyce Hefty-Covell had a luncheon for us yesterday and we all enjoyed looking at the published piece about Calder's Special Talk with Grandpa Jim.
What an inspiring young Christian family. A reminder to us all about what it means to raise your children, this early, in their life to know Jesus Christ.
What an honor to have been able to write their story. If anyone would like to read it, please email me at shirley.faith.souder@gamil.com.
Have a wonderful week.
Actually, I keep waiting for winter to arrive. It was very cold on Friday and Saturday. I put on my heaviest coat for those kind of days to walk Dakota. I couldn't get warm. Anyway, I wait with baited breath for the 6 to 9 inch snows and nothing happens. We have been talking already about new outdoor flower holders and that I would like to grow Asparagus. Yet. . . when is it going to happen?
It was a wonderful time meeting Myles, Calder, Dawson and again, Jackie Hefty. Jim Hefty's son and family. Joyce Hefty-Covell had a luncheon for us yesterday and we all enjoyed looking at the published piece about Calder's Special Talk with Grandpa Jim.
What an inspiring young Christian family. A reminder to us all about what it means to raise your children, this early, in their life to know Jesus Christ.
What an honor to have been able to write their story. If anyone would like to read it, please email me at shirley.faith.souder@gamil.com.
Have a wonderful week.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
OOPS! 30 DAYS TO SPRING/20 DAYS TO DLSVGSTIME!
As you can see, I am without new pictures this week. I do have a picture of a skim of ice on the lake, but oh well! Last year at this time, we had 60 degrees, for two days, and then this week we got ice and six inches of snow. This coming week it will be a year since Logan left for Arcosanti. That just doesn't seem possible. The news with Logan now, is that, he has come full circle. He has seen the importance of the educational system. He is taking his GED and SATS by March 10th. He and Ailsa will go to North Michigan University to start Medical Training this summer. Very happy about his change of mind.
Jordan is taking a real turn for a 14 year old. He presented a new idea to Innovations in Ft. Wayne. They asked him to present to IPFW and he has become a part of that group that meets now. He is the youngest participant. His idea you ask? A type of 50 inch screen for the ability to work on your computer and watch TV.
So, how are you enjoying another spring day in February? Of course, I thought about uncovering the deck furniture. I have to admit I wonder if we are going to have a weird spring and summer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Moving on, I want to talk about lining up your vision in life with God. Is what you are doing in agreement with God's plan for your life?
Habakkuk 2: 2 NIV
Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
Interesting way to say, write down what you are doing and want to do. Are you doing it, or just talking about it? Are you thinking about it, planning it, or is it just sitting there without the motor running?
I sat down and wrote it out. It turned into four pages. I broke it down into small groups of what I was doing with my life's work. I also wrote about my passion for writing. I wrote about the vision of speaking, and what I was all about as a person. Did it line up with God's plan for me? Was I actually doing it for Him, or myself?
When you write, I believe, things come out that you had not even thought about. It is a wonderful exercise to think about who you are and what you do as a child of the King.
Ask Him is it truth that what you are doing is for Him? Search hard for wrong or right motives. I found one wrong one and lifted it in prayer. I am happy to announce that I felt good that I had put a paragraph together that states what I do and want to do which is, help people grow closer to God. To find Him, to reach for Him, and get the victory. Even when some don't do that, I can say I did give them the tools to keep at it (whatever that is) until you know, that you know, that you know. Whether it is in a conversation at Walmart, at the dinner table, in a counseling session, with a friend at lunch, no matter what. . .I have to help people reach their maximum potential. To reach and find God. To be the best they can be. Do yourself a wonderful spiritual time and talk to God about your vision and His for your life.
Jordan is taking a real turn for a 14 year old. He presented a new idea to Innovations in Ft. Wayne. They asked him to present to IPFW and he has become a part of that group that meets now. He is the youngest participant. His idea you ask? A type of 50 inch screen for the ability to work on your computer and watch TV.
So, how are you enjoying another spring day in February? Of course, I thought about uncovering the deck furniture. I have to admit I wonder if we are going to have a weird spring and summer.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Moving on, I want to talk about lining up your vision in life with God. Is what you are doing in agreement with God's plan for your life?
Habakkuk 2: 2 NIV
Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.
Interesting way to say, write down what you are doing and want to do. Are you doing it, or just talking about it? Are you thinking about it, planning it, or is it just sitting there without the motor running?
I sat down and wrote it out. It turned into four pages. I broke it down into small groups of what I was doing with my life's work. I also wrote about my passion for writing. I wrote about the vision of speaking, and what I was all about as a person. Did it line up with God's plan for me? Was I actually doing it for Him, or myself?
When you write, I believe, things come out that you had not even thought about. It is a wonderful exercise to think about who you are and what you do as a child of the King.
Ask Him is it truth that what you are doing is for Him? Search hard for wrong or right motives. I found one wrong one and lifted it in prayer. I am happy to announce that I felt good that I had put a paragraph together that states what I do and want to do which is, help people grow closer to God. To find Him, to reach for Him, and get the victory. Even when some don't do that, I can say I did give them the tools to keep at it (whatever that is) until you know, that you know, that you know. Whether it is in a conversation at Walmart, at the dinner table, in a counseling session, with a friend at lunch, no matter what. . .I have to help people reach their maximum potential. To reach and find God. To be the best they can be. Do yourself a wonderful spiritual time and talk to God about your vision and His for your life.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
WILDERNESS MENTALITY!
Deut. 1: 6-8
When you read this story, you get caught up with all the whining and fear that went on.
God supported and encouraged them to move on in their journey and not get caught up in fear of change.
Isn't that truth in our daily lives. I see it every day. So many get so fearful of change, even if they have to sit on the other side of the sanctuary instead of where they always sit. I used to laugh at that. I do not laugh anymore. The first time I had to move because some people were sitting where I always sit, was quite a revelation. It was all I could think about during the entire service. And, I love change. Wilderness mentality is about how difficult it is for us to change and get out of the rut we get in. It could be where we sit at church to making a decision about our career, marriage, or a way we parent. It is always a surprise for me to see how long it takes to get someone to accept change. I have a friend who has been so miserable for 30 years. That person is just now clearly stepping out to take a new journey. I am so glad I didn't hold my breath for 30 years, while I watched that wilderness journey. Love and unconditional forgiveness must take place. Asking God for forgiveness, granting yourself forgiveness, and the event that has caused that wilderness attitude.
In Joshua 10: 1/15, God stopped the sun so Joshua could have time to completely defeat the foe. So in the midst of that difficult change and fear of what is ahead, go with the one who can stop the Sun. God! You can with Him defeat the foe completely.
When you read this story, you get caught up with all the whining and fear that went on.
God supported and encouraged them to move on in their journey and not get caught up in fear of change.
Isn't that truth in our daily lives. I see it every day. So many get so fearful of change, even if they have to sit on the other side of the sanctuary instead of where they always sit. I used to laugh at that. I do not laugh anymore. The first time I had to move because some people were sitting where I always sit, was quite a revelation. It was all I could think about during the entire service. And, I love change. Wilderness mentality is about how difficult it is for us to change and get out of the rut we get in. It could be where we sit at church to making a decision about our career, marriage, or a way we parent. It is always a surprise for me to see how long it takes to get someone to accept change. I have a friend who has been so miserable for 30 years. That person is just now clearly stepping out to take a new journey. I am so glad I didn't hold my breath for 30 years, while I watched that wilderness journey. Love and unconditional forgiveness must take place. Asking God for forgiveness, granting yourself forgiveness, and the event that has caused that wilderness attitude.
In Joshua 10: 1/15, God stopped the sun so Joshua could have time to completely defeat the foe. So in the midst of that difficult change and fear of what is ahead, go with the one who can stop the Sun. God! You can with Him defeat the foe completely.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Beautiful Day!
Hope you are all enjoying this gorgeous day!
It has been a very busy day and this is to announce I will be back later.
34 more days to Time Change - Spring Forward and 44 days until SPRING! Wow.
It has been a very busy day and this is to announce I will be back later.
34 more days to Time Change - Spring Forward and 44 days until SPRING! Wow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)