painting by Barbara Shipman
Monday, November 30, 2009
Friday, November 27, 2009
Friday Funk
I have a confession to make. Despite the holiday season we are enjoying, I am in a funk. I know. I know. It's the day after Thanksgiving. My heart should be overwhelmed with gratitude. But it's not. In fact, my attitude smells like rotten eggs right now. Why, you ask? Several contributing circumstances could be listed. I am behind on my grading, even though I have been working every free chance I can. The computer, which I was so eagerly hoping to replace with a Black Friday laptop today (yeah, that didn't happen), has me wanting to commit electronic homicide. I even find myself talking to it, as it if it's primarily function is just to frustrate me. I am overwhelmed, overworked, and overstimulated, and my hormones are probably not helping either. So, I come at this p0sting with an grumbling spirit, and a pitiful attitude that says, "When do I get a break?" Yes, I am dealing with jealousy. Why is it that everyone else gets more than one day off for Thanksgiving, but as a full-time working mom, I barely even get that? Why is that the job you get recognized for the least, with no pay raise (heck, you don't even get a paycheck) and no vacation time, and no weekends, is the job that every says, "Oh, you're just a stay-at-home mom." And why is it that the students that should be most appreciative of the opportunity to go to a Christian University (yes, Christian) can be the most whiny, entitled students I deal with.
Okay. OKay. I am going to close my eyes and reassess. I don't want to become a hypocrite, and no one likes a whiner. SO, I am here to say that despite how I feel right now, I have an amazing life. Yes, being a mom is draining, tough, often times, thankless. But would I trade it? NEVER. I am blessed that I could have our daughter. I am thankful for a job that allows me to stay home, that surrounds me with godly professors who support and challenge me. I am thankful for the chance to do something I love, something I am paid for. I am thankful for a husband who cares,... really cares. For a family who is fun, yes, fun to be around. LOVE those Hanleys. I am thankful for health (...albeit more physical than mental these days) ;) and sleep (I get more than I used to), and the hope of a Savior who doesn't give up on me (even though He has every right to). I am thankful for my computer (that although it drives me insane, it still allows me to get my job complete). I am thankful for sunshine, warmer weather, sweet kisses, chocolate, homemade bread, books, laughter, card games, and hope. So, forgive me for my rotten attitude; it is sweetening up a little. :)
Okay. OKay. I am going to close my eyes and reassess. I don't want to become a hypocrite, and no one likes a whiner. SO, I am here to say that despite how I feel right now, I have an amazing life. Yes, being a mom is draining, tough, often times, thankless. But would I trade it? NEVER. I am blessed that I could have our daughter. I am thankful for a job that allows me to stay home, that surrounds me with godly professors who support and challenge me. I am thankful for the chance to do something I love, something I am paid for. I am thankful for a husband who cares,... really cares. For a family who is fun, yes, fun to be around. LOVE those Hanleys. I am thankful for health (...albeit more physical than mental these days) ;) and sleep (I get more than I used to), and the hope of a Savior who doesn't give up on me (even though He has every right to). I am thankful for my computer (that although it drives me insane, it still allows me to get my job complete). I am thankful for sunshine, warmer weather, sweet kisses, chocolate, homemade bread, books, laughter, card games, and hope. So, forgive me for my rotten attitude; it is sweetening up a little. :)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
WW: Holiday Anxiety
Because of strained family relationships, for some of you holidays are not pleasant times, but events weighed with the tension of trying to avoid confrontations. Arguments can erupt, opinions clash, and understanding is elusive. Ironic how some must endure--what should be the most joyous time of the year--holidays with people they like to be around the least.
Fortunately for us, we are blessed with great family. But sadly, that is not the case for most. So, if you are struggling to see Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas as times to look forward to and are just "trying to get through," let me encourage you with some words from Scripture.
Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
The Message puts it this way: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
In false perception, I used to think that if I offered everything up to God in prayer, that peace would come because He would modify the circumstances that were causing the anxiety. That rarely happens. It's not about the circumstance. The peace of God comes when our minds are focused on Him and not that which is perpetuating our fear or anger. He whose mind is fixed on Him will be kept in perfect peace.
Imagine yourself in a battle scene--Lord of the Rings perhaps. You are surrounded by evil, evil that wants to make you miserable, destroy your joy, take your very life. Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety is an understatement. You hardly know what to do. You pray, but you feel no different. The Orcs are closing in on you, laughing, taunting you with swords. You continue praying, but you turn yours eyes toward your Commander, the King of the warriors. His might is unmatched, his skill incomprehensible. No worry etches his brow. He is not afraid. You do not doubt that he is more than capable of protecting you. And instead of glancing back at all the evil, you keep your vision focused in His direction. Our perspectives change and our fears will calm when we keep our eyes fixed on our warrior.
Through the anxiety of strained relationships, unpleasant confrontations, and misunderstanding people, remember that there is one who "gets you," loves you fully, and desires to be near. When you feel yourself overcome with anxious thoughts, turn your eyes toward our Ultimate Warrior, our Lord. May His peace guard your hearts and minds.
Fortunately for us, we are blessed with great family. But sadly, that is not the case for most. So, if you are struggling to see Thanksgiving weekend and Christmas as times to look forward to and are just "trying to get through," let me encourage you with some words from Scripture.
Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
The Message puts it this way: "Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."
In false perception, I used to think that if I offered everything up to God in prayer, that peace would come because He would modify the circumstances that were causing the anxiety. That rarely happens. It's not about the circumstance. The peace of God comes when our minds are focused on Him and not that which is perpetuating our fear or anger. He whose mind is fixed on Him will be kept in perfect peace.
Imagine yourself in a battle scene--Lord of the Rings perhaps. You are surrounded by evil, evil that wants to make you miserable, destroy your joy, take your very life. Feeling overwhelmed with anxiety is an understatement. You hardly know what to do. You pray, but you feel no different. The Orcs are closing in on you, laughing, taunting you with swords. You continue praying, but you turn yours eyes toward your Commander, the King of the warriors. His might is unmatched, his skill incomprehensible. No worry etches his brow. He is not afraid. You do not doubt that he is more than capable of protecting you. And instead of glancing back at all the evil, you keep your vision focused in His direction. Our perspectives change and our fears will calm when we keep our eyes fixed on our warrior.
Through the anxiety of strained relationships, unpleasant confrontations, and misunderstanding people, remember that there is one who "gets you," loves you fully, and desires to be near. When you feel yourself overcome with anxious thoughts, turn your eyes toward our Ultimate Warrior, our Lord. May His peace guard your hearts and minds.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Tuesday Trips: Imagine...
Imagine yourself here, under this tree. You're walking around, hearing the crunch, crunch under your feet. Your view turns upwards as you scan the blue peeking through the vibrant yellow. Leaves are thrown up all around you, shuttering against the Indian summer breeze, cascading around like petals. You fall to the ground and make snow angels in the leaves, and let the warm sun rest on your closed lids. You are still; you hear nothing but the faint chirp of a Cardinal and smell the leathery smoke scent of autumn. Your friend joins you, offering you a cup of hot cocoa. As you sip, you reminisce and laugh from your gut. Your soul feels free, rested, and you are now ready to walk home.
Monday, November 23, 2009
To Carry Your Love
This morning I was listening to Caedmon's Call (it's been a long time) and looking through the world vision gift catalog. This past year--and even more so in the last few months--God has been stirring my heart to see the needs of his people (most specifically of children). Perhaps it is because I am a new mom or perhaps it is because my heart has always been sensitive to the innocent, but I have been convicted about the surplus of "things" that I have when so many are without the barest necessities. Who needs another purse or pair of earrings when I can take those funds and make sure that a child has clean drinking water and food?
Although this post may not seem to line up with the theme of the blog, I'd argue that few things bring more peace, joy, or fulfillment to your spirit than giving to someone else in need. Too often the crux of our "problems" and complaints stem from a lack of gratitude and perspective from what we really have. Now, I'm not saying that there are not legitimate struggles in your life, but on the whole, Americans don't really understand what true need looks like.
So I'd challenge you to do something radically different this Christmas season. Instead of giving gifts that people don't really need or will forget about in a month, and instead of receiving more stuff you don't need, consider giving to a child this year. You can check out the World Vision page by going to www.worldvisiongifts.org. In fact, you can even personalize a card to the gift honorees. May God encourage your hearts to carry His love.
Although this post may not seem to line up with the theme of the blog, I'd argue that few things bring more peace, joy, or fulfillment to your spirit than giving to someone else in need. Too often the crux of our "problems" and complaints stem from a lack of gratitude and perspective from what we really have. Now, I'm not saying that there are not legitimate struggles in your life, but on the whole, Americans don't really understand what true need looks like.
So I'd challenge you to do something radically different this Christmas season. Instead of giving gifts that people don't really need or will forget about in a month, and instead of receiving more stuff you don't need, consider giving to a child this year. You can check out the World Vision page by going to www.worldvisiongifts.org. In fact, you can even personalize a card to the gift honorees. May God encourage your hearts to carry His love.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Pull Along...
Since I had such a satisfying weekend, I'm just not ready to jump into a Monday "mood"... so, I guess I won't. Mellow Monday is out; pull along the weekend. In the essential holiday spirit, is it not fitting to just view this whole week as a fun time? ...Even though I do have to work the same amount of time? ;) But after all, Thanksgiving is only four days away.
So, I thought I'd see what is most meaningful to you. When you dream about the holidays and relive childhood memories, what comes to mind?
For me it is the Macy's day parade, baking several homemade pies, the scent of cinnamon, and one particular plaid shirt--a favorite. I think the whole preparation time at home with Mom and sitting with Zach in the living room made more of a festive impression on me than the actual Thanksgiving dinner event.
So, I thought I'd see what is most meaningful to you. When you dream about the holidays and relive childhood memories, what comes to mind?
For me it is the Macy's day parade, baking several homemade pies, the scent of cinnamon, and one particular plaid shirt--a favorite. I think the whole preparation time at home with Mom and sitting with Zach in the living room made more of a festive impression on me than the actual Thanksgiving dinner event.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Thanksgiving is a week away!
For today, I decided to pull up one of my old articles that was published a couple years ago. Here is a link, if you want to check out WT online. http://wtonline.ag.org/features/having_a_thankful_heart.cfm
Otherwise, here is the text in full. Let me know what your thoughts are.
Having a Thankful Heart
The Scriptures tell us to give thanks always—not just when we feel like it. For most of us, it seems a lot easier to make demands or complain to God rather than joyfully remember all He is doing. Only an eternal perspective will allow us to view our lives in a way that always leads to thanksgiving.
Recently, one of my friends and I started e-mailing “thanks for” lists back and forth to one another. We wrote a “thanks” for washing machines, sunshine, hammocks, fresh strawberries, laughter, memories. The list could go on and on.
Since then, my friend and I have gotten out of the habit of writing these lists, but every once in a while, I will pray only words of gratitude to God. When I do this, joy begins to move through my heart and I am reminded again of how great our God is and how abundant His blessings are. Thanking Him for the ability to get up and walk on healthy legs and see with healthy eyes does a lot for putting my “bad day” in perspective.
In 1 Chronicles 23:30, King David commands the people to “stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening” (NASB). What an incredible way to start every day; what a life-giving practice to establish. Psalm 50:23 says this: “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; if you keep to my path I will reveal to you the salvation of God” (NIV).
The use of sacrifice in this text emphasizes an interesting point. Giving thanks is not always easy. Yet our praise and gratitude do not have to be directly tied to our emotions. Despite difficult circumstances and trials, we can choose to offer our words and hearts to God in gratitude. It is a discipline, a way to actively captivate our thoughts before the Lord. Often, our circumstances will naturally pull us toward discouragement, a complaining attitude and a lack of joy. But if we refuse to be passive in our thought lives, offering up words of gratitude instead, we often find that God renews our hope.
You can take a few practical steps to realign your thinking. When you find yourself dwelling on the negative, pull out a piece of paper and spend one minute writing down things you are thankful for. Nothing is too big or small for the list; just write it down. Take the list to God as a prayer offering, asking Him for the strength to think with gratitude.
Another idea involves your interaction with people. Most complaints come from the negative views all around you, so if someone hurts, disappoints or frustrates you, take that person to the Lord. Ask Him to give you the eyes to see them as He does, and then choose to remember all the ways that person has impacted, changed or blessed you. When you’re consciously grateful for someone, it is difficult to have a critical spirit toward her. Paul entreats Timothy with this request: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them” (1 Timothy 2:1, NASB).
Take the Word of God as a challenge, reflecting on all the writers who spoke about having a grateful heart. Remember that these men were not perfect, but they chose thankfulness. They decided to offer gratitude beyond their circumstances.
God often uses ugly situations to develop beautiful character within us. The next time you are confronted with the decision to complain or to praise, choose to focus on the positive. Take the opportunity to thank God for what He is doing and what He will do.
For today, I decided to pull up one of my old articles that was published a couple years ago. Here is a link, if you want to check out WT online. http://wtonline.ag.org/features/having_a_thankful_heart.cfm
Otherwise, here is the text in full. Let me know what your thoughts are.
Having a Thankful Heart
The Scriptures tell us to give thanks always—not just when we feel like it. For most of us, it seems a lot easier to make demands or complain to God rather than joyfully remember all He is doing. Only an eternal perspective will allow us to view our lives in a way that always leads to thanksgiving.
Recently, one of my friends and I started e-mailing “thanks for” lists back and forth to one another. We wrote a “thanks” for washing machines, sunshine, hammocks, fresh strawberries, laughter, memories. The list could go on and on.
Since then, my friend and I have gotten out of the habit of writing these lists, but every once in a while, I will pray only words of gratitude to God. When I do this, joy begins to move through my heart and I am reminded again of how great our God is and how abundant His blessings are. Thanking Him for the ability to get up and walk on healthy legs and see with healthy eyes does a lot for putting my “bad day” in perspective.
In 1 Chronicles 23:30, King David commands the people to “stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening” (NASB). What an incredible way to start every day; what a life-giving practice to establish. Psalm 50:23 says this: “He who offers a sacrifice of thanksgiving honors me; if you keep to my path I will reveal to you the salvation of God” (NIV).
The use of sacrifice in this text emphasizes an interesting point. Giving thanks is not always easy. Yet our praise and gratitude do not have to be directly tied to our emotions. Despite difficult circumstances and trials, we can choose to offer our words and hearts to God in gratitude. It is a discipline, a way to actively captivate our thoughts before the Lord. Often, our circumstances will naturally pull us toward discouragement, a complaining attitude and a lack of joy. But if we refuse to be passive in our thought lives, offering up words of gratitude instead, we often find that God renews our hope.
You can take a few practical steps to realign your thinking. When you find yourself dwelling on the negative, pull out a piece of paper and spend one minute writing down things you are thankful for. Nothing is too big or small for the list; just write it down. Take the list to God as a prayer offering, asking Him for the strength to think with gratitude.
Another idea involves your interaction with people. Most complaints come from the negative views all around you, so if someone hurts, disappoints or frustrates you, take that person to the Lord. Ask Him to give you the eyes to see them as He does, and then choose to remember all the ways that person has impacted, changed or blessed you. When you’re consciously grateful for someone, it is difficult to have a critical spirit toward her. Paul entreats Timothy with this request: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them” (1 Timothy 2:1, NASB).
Take the Word of God as a challenge, reflecting on all the writers who spoke about having a grateful heart. Remember that these men were not perfect, but they chose thankfulness. They decided to offer gratitude beyond their circumstances.
God often uses ugly situations to develop beautiful character within us. The next time you are confronted with the decision to complain or to praise, choose to focus on the positive. Take the opportunity to thank God for what He is doing and what He will do.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Worry-free Wednesday
Music contains some persuasive powers over my emotions. Even without words, the melodies can conjure up feelings of sadness, elation, rage, or energy. One song that has been a classic favorite over the years is Louis Armstrong's What a Wonderful World. It just makes me happy. Perhaps it's the combination of lyrics and music. Who knows. But seemingly, the only disadvantage to the song is how short it is. I always thought numerous verses could have been added, and it's always over long before I am ready for it to be.
I see skies of blue, clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night... and I think to myself... what a wonderful world.
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying "how do you do?"... They're really saying, "i love you,"
I see babies cry; I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself... what a wonderful world.
So, if you could add a verse to this song, what would it be? Do share.
I see skies of blue, clouds of white, the bright blessed day, the dark sacred night... and I think to myself... what a wonderful world.
The colors of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky, are also on the faces of people going by. I see friends shaking hands, saying "how do you do?"... They're really saying, "i love you,"
I see babies cry; I watch them grow. They'll learn much more than I'll ever know. And I think to myself... what a wonderful world.
So, if you could add a verse to this song, what would it be? Do share.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Tuesday Trip
Take a trip down memory lane or make a new memory with your child--or any child--by blowing bubbles together. Although Maddie is very young and is nowhere near mastering the delicate art of blowing, she loves to touch and pop each bubble that floats down around her. This afternoon I pulled out her 2 1/2 liter of bubbles (which I got at Walgreens for $1.50 by the way) and we laid a beach towel out on the floor (because of the nasty weather outside). Such delight. Such simple delight. So, that's your exercise for the day. Some time this week blow some bubbles. Money and weather are no excuses and as all these postings attest, it only takes ten minutes for a some simple rest and bliss.
Monday Meditations
The Carpenter's song has always resonated with me as I am a lover of sunshine and weekends. So when Monday raises its unattractive face to me, I grown and want to pull the covers up higher. Monday presents me with catch-up chores, piled laundry, and "stacks" of papers to grade. And today, of course, the sun is suffocating behind grey clouds. Motivation is gone. Despite all these circumstances, I can't just whine and complain and choose not to work. Well, I guess I could. But what good would that do? The work still has to be done, and prolonging it doesn't eliminate the burden.
So, I choose to turn my heart toward God and ask Him to give me motivation for the day despite its lack of inspiration. I need hope. I need joy.
Taken from a book I am reading by Terri Blackstock is a prayer I want to share with you. Her book, Hope for the Weary: Soul Restoration, is full of short, manageable essays that take you through some of her personal experiences, relating her walk with the Lord. She begins and ends each section with a verse and prayer.
Dear Lord: How grateful I am that I can place my battered and bruised soul in your
hands and it will be healed and restored. I need that to happen every day. What a
good and faithful and discerning Father you are. I praise you for you have redeemed
me and made me your own. Lead me beside still waters and into green pastures, I
pray. Keep your hand on me and restore my soul. Amen (Blackstock 71).
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
~Psalm 51:12
So, I choose to turn my heart toward God and ask Him to give me motivation for the day despite its lack of inspiration. I need hope. I need joy.
Taken from a book I am reading by Terri Blackstock is a prayer I want to share with you. Her book, Hope for the Weary: Soul Restoration, is full of short, manageable essays that take you through some of her personal experiences, relating her walk with the Lord. She begins and ends each section with a verse and prayer.
Dear Lord: How grateful I am that I can place my battered and bruised soul in your
hands and it will be healed and restored. I need that to happen every day. What a
good and faithful and discerning Father you are. I praise you for you have redeemed
me and made me your own. Lead me beside still waters and into green pastures, I
pray. Keep your hand on me and restore my soul. Amen (Blackstock 71).
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
~Psalm 51:12
Friday, November 13, 2009
Fun Friday
"Laughter is the shock absorber that eases the blows of life."
The three most important keys on a Microsoft computer.
The three most important keys on a Microsoft computer.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Thankful Thursday
Depression and anxiety have been frequent--and unwelcome--intruders throughout various stages of my life. Speaking truth to myself helps alleviate the fear and apathy, but turning my heart toward gratitude makes it nearly impossible to focus on defeat. Saturating your thoughts with thankfulness will inspire you to see your life in a different hue. So, let me encourage you. Take time to thank. Start a list and keep it up every week, especially when you are feeling discouraged or overwhelmed. Complaining becomes quite the challenge when you are thanking God for all He has done and all that He is.
I have a book entitled, 10,000 Things to Praise God For, and it just lists nearly everything you could come up with to praise God for. So, take ten minutes and write out a list of your own. Hopefully my short list here will inspire yours at home.
*God's presence
*overstuffed couches
*electricity
*fellow Christians in China
*the ability to see
*library books
*a child's first Christmas
*freedom from guilt
*strong bones
*snowflakes that cling
*pumpkin pies
*soft cotten T-shirts
*God's raising us up on eagle's wings
*maples trees in autumn
*galaxies
*free refills
*sunroofs
*light for darkness
*time to stroll
*potluck dinners
I have a book entitled, 10,000 Things to Praise God For, and it just lists nearly everything you could come up with to praise God for. So, take ten minutes and write out a list of your own. Hopefully my short list here will inspire yours at home.
*God's presence
*overstuffed couches
*electricity
*fellow Christians in China
*the ability to see
*library books
*a child's first Christmas
*freedom from guilt
*strong bones
*snowflakes that cling
*pumpkin pies
*soft cotten T-shirts
*God's raising us up on eagle's wings
*maples trees in autumn
*galaxies
*free refills
*sunroofs
*light for darkness
*time to stroll
*potluck dinners
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Worry-free Wednesdays
In honor of those who breathe easier with routine, I am going to have a couple of weekly-themed posts on Wednesdays and Thursdays.
I pray that this blog is a blessing to you, granting you a few moments of rest and redirecting your thoughts to a more godly perspective. May He continue to work in you what He started.
As is customary, I am currently reading five different books right now. One of them, The Power of Positive Thinking, has given me some encouraging tidbits to practice. The chapter, "How to Break the Worry Habit," has a 10-point "formula" for bringing our minds to more faithful truths. I'll just share a few of them today.
1. You became a worrier by practicing worry. You can become free of worry by practicing the opposite and stronger habit of faith.
2. Pray, "I place this day, my life, my loved ones, my work in the Lord's hands. There is no harm in the Lord's hands, only good. Whatever happens, whatever results, if I am in the Lord's hands I am taken care of and His grace is sufficient." (modifications)
3. One reason you are a worrier is that your mind is literally saturated with apprehensive thoughts, defeat, and gloom. To counteract, mark every passage in your Bible that speaks of faith, hope, happiness, glory, radiance. Commit each to memory. Say them over and over again until these thought saturate your subconscious mind. Then your subconscious will return to what you name it, optimism, not worry (Peale 124).
Here are a few that I have put to memory that have helped me with anxiety:
"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Do not fear nor be dismayed." Deut. 31:8
"The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; of whom shall I dread?"
"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is. 41:10
"...He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul." Ps. 23: 2b
I pray that this blog is a blessing to you, granting you a few moments of rest and redirecting your thoughts to a more godly perspective. May He continue to work in you what He started.
As is customary, I am currently reading five different books right now. One of them, The Power of Positive Thinking, has given me some encouraging tidbits to practice. The chapter, "How to Break the Worry Habit," has a 10-point "formula" for bringing our minds to more faithful truths. I'll just share a few of them today.
1. You became a worrier by practicing worry. You can become free of worry by practicing the opposite and stronger habit of faith.
2. Pray, "I place this day, my life, my loved ones, my work in the Lord's hands. There is no harm in the Lord's hands, only good. Whatever happens, whatever results, if I am in the Lord's hands I am taken care of and His grace is sufficient." (modifications)
3. One reason you are a worrier is that your mind is literally saturated with apprehensive thoughts, defeat, and gloom. To counteract, mark every passage in your Bible that speaks of faith, hope, happiness, glory, radiance. Commit each to memory. Say them over and over again until these thought saturate your subconscious mind. Then your subconscious will return to what you name it, optimism, not worry (Peale 124).
Here are a few that I have put to memory that have helped me with anxiety:
"The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you nor forsake you. Do not fear nor be dismayed." Deut. 31:8
"The Lord is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the defense of my life; of whom shall I dread?"
"Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Is. 41:10
"...He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul." Ps. 23: 2b
Monday, November 9, 2009
Dead Man
"Dead to the world." Perhaps that phrase is not as negative as it may first appear. Becoming dead to the cares of the world, if even for ten minutes a day, will help you feel alive again. Although my relationship to yoga is still near infant stage, I have found the dead man's (or corpse--one of those words I hate to use) pose extremely helpful. Here's how you rest in this pose.
~ Dead Man Pose
Lie down comfortably with your legs outstretched (drape a blanket over yourself and dim the lights). Let your feet roll out. Relax your shoulders and place your arms with palms facing up.
Close your eyes and be still.
Slowly inhale, breathing all the goodness in the world and slowly exhale, expelling all the worries and fears for the day.
Relax each part of your body starting from your forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, shoulders, arms, chest, pelvic area, thighs, legs, feet.
Continue to inhale and exhale allowing the tension to be drained away.
For more poses and helpful breathing techniques visit this short blog clip: http://hubpages.com/hub/15-MinuteYoga
~ Dead Man Pose
Lie down comfortably with your legs outstretched (drape a blanket over yourself and dim the lights). Let your feet roll out. Relax your shoulders and place your arms with palms facing up.
Close your eyes and be still.
Slowly inhale, breathing all the goodness in the world and slowly exhale, expelling all the worries and fears for the day.
Relax each part of your body starting from your forehead, cheeks, chin, mouth, shoulders, arms, chest, pelvic area, thighs, legs, feet.
Continue to inhale and exhale allowing the tension to be drained away.
For more poses and helpful breathing techniques visit this short blog clip: http://hubpages.com/hub/15-MinuteYoga
Monday, November 2, 2009
Too Serious
The word responsibility is one I strongly identify with--to the point of placing my significant value in how responsible I was that day/week. Of course, responsibility is up for various interpretations and those that toot their horn and say, "I'm so responsible," often take on the tasks and obligations of others--even when they shouldn't.
Although I cannot speak for everyone, at the core of my issue is a need to be in control. I lack the trust in others or God, thinking that it's all up to me. "I've got to be responsible. Someone has to do it, and you know it's going to be me. If I don't do it, no one will." Or "If I don't do it, it won't get done 'right'." Ultimately, I am playing God and taking myself far too seriously. As someone so appropriately worded, "When I take myself too seriously, I am not taking God seriously enough."
When I find that I have become too "diligent," the practicality of life suffocates any sense of humor or playfulness. I forget how to just have fun (and not feel guilty); I forget how to laugh at myself (because of course there is no room for error), and overall, I am a miserable person (to others as well).
So, in an attempt to regain my sense of balance, I have to shift my perspective. And recite to myself, "I am not that important. God is still God; I am not. And it's okay if it isn't done perfectly or if I take a little break."
For those that really struggle with delegation, because they are afraid of how the task may be completed, Norman Vincent Peale suggests visiting a cemetery every week. Many of the men and women resting there once believed that the world rested on their shoulders, but life continues on. And the only one who continues to remain is the Lord God.
Here is another suggestion for you when you find that you have become too serious and have lost your playful ability to relax. Pick up a coloring book and a box of crayons (yes, by yourself) and color a picture for ten minutes. It's incredible how the pulse will slow and the tension will ease when we do something childlike. Don 't think about all the tasks you have to do or the guilt that is nagging at your subconscious; just let yourself think about the picture, and the colors, the wonder that God gave us color and the ability to imitate creation. We are imaginative creators who can play and laugh and enjoy life--gifts from Him (not the enemy). So let yourself play, and remember not too take yourself too seriously.
Although I cannot speak for everyone, at the core of my issue is a need to be in control. I lack the trust in others or God, thinking that it's all up to me. "I've got to be responsible. Someone has to do it, and you know it's going to be me. If I don't do it, no one will." Or "If I don't do it, it won't get done 'right'." Ultimately, I am playing God and taking myself far too seriously. As someone so appropriately worded, "When I take myself too seriously, I am not taking God seriously enough."
When I find that I have become too "diligent," the practicality of life suffocates any sense of humor or playfulness. I forget how to just have fun (and not feel guilty); I forget how to laugh at myself (because of course there is no room for error), and overall, I am a miserable person (to others as well).
So, in an attempt to regain my sense of balance, I have to shift my perspective. And recite to myself, "I am not that important. God is still God; I am not. And it's okay if it isn't done perfectly or if I take a little break."
For those that really struggle with delegation, because they are afraid of how the task may be completed, Norman Vincent Peale suggests visiting a cemetery every week. Many of the men and women resting there once believed that the world rested on their shoulders, but life continues on. And the only one who continues to remain is the Lord God.
Here is another suggestion for you when you find that you have become too serious and have lost your playful ability to relax. Pick up a coloring book and a box of crayons (yes, by yourself) and color a picture for ten minutes. It's incredible how the pulse will slow and the tension will ease when we do something childlike. Don 't think about all the tasks you have to do or the guilt that is nagging at your subconscious; just let yourself think about the picture, and the colors, the wonder that God gave us color and the ability to imitate creation. We are imaginative creators who can play and laugh and enjoy life--gifts from Him (not the enemy). So let yourself play, and remember not too take yourself too seriously.
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