Ah… I finally have time to write. I have been so busy I missed this most! Anyhow, my blog is about control. Enjoy!
We cannot have control over everything. Why do we try? What is it about wanting to know everything minute by minute? Why must we create a ticking time bomb in our minds? It is like this—we search and search for where the ticking sound is coming from because we are afraid of the “BOOM” disaster. Right? We know a hardship is quickly approaching and we eagerly want to know whats going to happen, what will be affected by it, who are all that are involved, what did I do wrong, how can I fix it, where did it begin, how will it end, etc. Such problems can come from many different circumstances: finding out you have cancer, money problems, addictions, every possible problem you can think of. We want to gather as much information but for what? What will it do when we have all the pieces but become perplexed and in turn eliminate the possibility of any peace within your heart? We must truly “let go and let God” of a “control” that we cannot “control.” In that action alone, it can bring more peace within your heart then trying to grasp full control of your situation. It is when we let God know that we are worried and stressed that He can be great in our most weakest or confused state of being. The beauty of not being in control is allowing Jesus to take part in our lives by giving up that which we most selfishly grip tightly to—our lives. By confessing and trusting God to be in control no matter the outcome, we can find comfort and peace beyond the physical experiences we will encounter. When God becomes the only source we look to, we can rest in the mist of the storm of life and what it brings. The key to overcoming the daunting hurtles of trying to obtain full control of our own lives is having FAITH in Jesus. Having such faith will allow you to understand that if Jesus is in the boat with you while a massive storm surrounds you, YOU WILL BE OK!
Read this to see how Jesus handles a similar situation with His disciples:
Mark 4:35-40
35 As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” 36 So they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). 37 But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.
38 Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?”
39 When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. 40 Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Hope this makes sense
Friday, May 13, 2011
Thursday, March 17, 2011
"God's Love for You, God's Love for Me"Personal Bible study on God's love for us
I pray that you ... may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and longand high and deep is the love of Christ (Ephesians 3:17-19).
If you aren't sure about God's love for Us—or about God's love for you—you aren't alone.
(Note: This free online Bible study is adapted from the biblically-based book Who Do You Think You Are?.)
When counseling with people suffering from anxiety or depression, I often take them to one of my favorite passages in the Bible: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). I love this verse because it says why we can cast our anxiety on God—because he cares for us. Imagine that! God, the creator of everything that exists, actually cares for you and me!
Do you experience God's love for us? Or do you sometimes think you are all alone in the world? Or that God doesn't love you? If so, you are not alone. Multitudes of people today, Christians and non-Christians, have similar thoughts. This was also true when Paul was alive. Look at what he said when he prayed that the Ephesians would deeply know God's love.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:16-21).
The Ephesians did not fully grasp God's love for them. If this is true of you, too, prayerfully study the following Scriptures on God's love for you. As you read, ask God to help you believe and accept the wonders of his mighty love for us.
Accept God's love for us and the new life Jesus offers.
Jesus offers each of us a walk with God and a fullness of life that is not possible without him. As he said, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), and "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He also said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Jesus' death, resurrection, and offer of eternal life is the greatest manifestation of God's love for you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
If you have not been born again—that is, if you have not become a Christian—let me invite you to surrender yourself to him now, for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). Give your life to God by accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Let me invite you to read the following as a prayer.
Dear Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sins and accept me as your child. I invite you to be my Savior and the Lord of my life. I surrender myself to you in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.Click here to learn more about salvation (or how to be "born again").
Meditate on Bible verses that illustrate God's love for you.
Make it a project to grasp how much God loves you. Read the following verses slowly and prayerfully, and ask God to make them real to you.
Write three of these verses on God's love for you on a piece of paper and carry it with you. Then read them from time to time, each time asking God to help you more fully understand his love for you.
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever (Psalm 52:8).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:13).
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9).
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).
Pray this prayer about knowing God's love for you daily.
In addition to meditating on the above verses on God's love for you, print the following out or copy it on a piece of paper and read it as a prayer two or three times a day. (It is based on the prayer for the Ephesians about knowing God's love for us that you read at the beginning of this study.) Read this and other scriptures on God's love for you whenever you start to feel down.
I pray, Father, that out of your glorious riches you may strengthen me with power through your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. [Adapted from Ephesians 3:16-21]
Keep praying this prayer until you grasp the reality and the wonder of knowing that God truly loves you!
Respond to God's love for you.
The greatest sacrifice someone can make for another person is to die for him or her. Jesus did that for you and for all of us so that we could fully know God's love for us. Read this brief Bible study on becoming reconciled with God to better know God's love for you. There's nothing more strengthening than to bask in God's love.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
If you aren't sure about God's love for Us—or about God's love for you—you aren't alone.
(Note: This free online Bible study is adapted from the biblically-based book Who Do You Think You Are?.)
When counseling with people suffering from anxiety or depression, I often take them to one of my favorite passages in the Bible: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you" (1 Peter 5:7). I love this verse because it says why we can cast our anxiety on God—because he cares for us. Imagine that! God, the creator of everything that exists, actually cares for you and me!
Do you experience God's love for us? Or do you sometimes think you are all alone in the world? Or that God doesn't love you? If so, you are not alone. Multitudes of people today, Christians and non-Christians, have similar thoughts. This was also true when Paul was alive. Look at what he said when he prayed that the Ephesians would deeply know God's love.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge-that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:16-21).
The Ephesians did not fully grasp God's love for them. If this is true of you, too, prayerfully study the following Scriptures on God's love for you. As you read, ask God to help you believe and accept the wonders of his mighty love for us.
Accept God's love for us and the new life Jesus offers.
Jesus offers each of us a walk with God and a fullness of life that is not possible without him. As he said, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35), and "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He also said, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again" (John 3:3). Jesus' death, resurrection, and offer of eternal life is the greatest manifestation of God's love for you.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
If you have not been born again—that is, if you have not become a Christian—let me invite you to surrender yourself to him now, for "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved" (Romans 10:13). Give your life to God by accepting Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Let me invite you to read the following as a prayer.
Dear Lord, I confess that I am a sinner. Please forgive my sins and accept me as your child. I invite you to be my Savior and the Lord of my life. I surrender myself to you in the name of Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord.Click here to learn more about salvation (or how to be "born again").
Meditate on Bible verses that illustrate God's love for you.
Make it a project to grasp how much God loves you. Read the following verses slowly and prayerfully, and ask God to make them real to you.
Write three of these verses on God's love for you on a piece of paper and carry it with you. Then read them from time to time, each time asking God to help you more fully understand his love for you.
Your love, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies (Psalm 36:5).
How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings (Psalm 36:7).
Within your temple, O God, we meditate on your unfailing love (Psalm 48:9).
But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever (Psalm 52:8).
But you, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Psalm 86:15).
Give thanks to the God of heaven. His love endures forever (Psalm 136:26).
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).
The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness" (Jeremiah 31:3).
The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing" (Zephaniah 3:17).
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends John 15:13).
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love (John 15:9).
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:35-39).
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved (Ephesians 2:4-5).
Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God (Ephesians 5:2).
But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:4-5).
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins (1 John 4:9-10).
Pray this prayer about knowing God's love for you daily.
In addition to meditating on the above verses on God's love for you, print the following out or copy it on a piece of paper and read it as a prayer two or three times a day. (It is based on the prayer for the Ephesians about knowing God's love for us that you read at the beginning of this study.) Read this and other scriptures on God's love for you whenever you start to feel down.
I pray, Father, that out of your glorious riches you may strengthen me with power through your Spirit in my inner being, so that Christ may dwell in my heart through faith. And I pray that I, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that I may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. [Adapted from Ephesians 3:16-21]
Keep praying this prayer until you grasp the reality and the wonder of knowing that God truly loves you!
Respond to God's love for you.
The greatest sacrifice someone can make for another person is to die for him or her. Jesus did that for you and for all of us so that we could fully know God's love for us. Read this brief Bible study on becoming reconciled with God to better know God's love for you. There's nothing more strengthening than to bask in God's love.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
How to Find Inner Peace: 5 Timeless Thoughts
1. Simplify.
“The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that places harmony in one’s life.”Peace Pilgrim
Making thing simpler has certainly brought a lot of inner peace to my life. So, a few of my favorite suggestions on how to simplify your life:
Use a limited to-do list. Only 2 or 3 of the most important things.
Set limits. Set limits for daily checking of inboxes. I do it only once a day. Set time limits for small decisions and make them within seconds after you have thought about them to avoid procrastination and overthinking. Set time limits for tasks such as 15 minutes each day for answering emails or for using Twitter. Set a limit for commitments and say no to be able to feel less stress and produce better results.
Remember to “keep things extremely simple”. I have written down that sentence on my white board and it is a daily and constant reminder that helps me when I lose my way.
2. Accept.
“Acceptance of others, their looks, their behaviors, their beliefs, bring you an inner peace and tranquility – instead of anger and resentment.”Unknown
When you accept what is you stop feeding energy into resisting what is. You don’t make a problem more powerful and sticky in your mind. Instead, somewhat counter intuitively, when you accept what is it loses much of its power. It just is.
And you feel stillness inside. Now, accepting what is doesn’t mean to give up. It just means that you put yourself in a better position take action if necessary. Because now you can see more clearly, you can focus your energy towards what you want and take the appropriate action to change your situation.
3. Forgive.
“Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.”Gerald Jampolsky
By accepting what is it is much easier to let go of things and to forgive what has happened.
Forgiveness is important because as long as you don’t forgive someone you are linked to that person. Your thoughts will return to the person who wronged you and what s/he did over and over again. The emotional link between the two of you is so strong and inflicts much suffering in you and – as a result of your inner turmoil – most often in other people around you too.
When you forgive you do not only release the other person. You set yourself free too from all of that agony.
One thing to keep in mind is to not just forgive others but also yourself. By forgiving yourself – instead of resenting yourself for something you did a week or 10 years ago – you make the habit of forgiveness more and more of a natural part of you. And so forgiving others becomes easier too.
Also, what you think is a question of forgiving others you may sometimes – after some time and inner struggle – discover is just as much, if not more, about forgiving yourself rather than the other person.
4. Do what you enjoy.
“Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you’ll have more success than you could possibly have imagined.”Roger Caras
When you do what you enjoy there is a natural peace that arises within. You are in alignment with your outer world. This also leads to a lot more success than if you have a lot of inner turmoil and really don’t care that much for your work.
One of my favorite tips for finding things you enjoy or love doing is simply to explore life. To be curious and try things out and see what you think of them. This can bring many insights both about yourself and about how things really are when you do them rather than when they are just theories floating around in your head.
If you have read my ebook The 7 Timeless Habits of Happiness then you know that there is a whole chapter in it about finding and doing what you love with exercises and tips for further reading. So if you haven’t checked out the book yet, go to this page for instructions on how to get you own free copy.
5. Be careful with your inner peace.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”St. Francis de Sales
By using the tips above and by living in the present moment you can find a lot more inner peace. Not only during days when things go as planned. But also on days when your world is upset and things aren’t so easy. On such days your inner peace will be very useful to help you make good decisions and to get things done. So be smart, stay calm and be careful with your inner peace.
“The simplification of life is one of the steps to inner peace. A persistent simplification will create an inner and outer well-being that places harmony in one’s life.”Peace Pilgrim
Making thing simpler has certainly brought a lot of inner peace to my life. So, a few of my favorite suggestions on how to simplify your life:
Use a limited to-do list. Only 2 or 3 of the most important things.
Set limits. Set limits for daily checking of inboxes. I do it only once a day. Set time limits for small decisions and make them within seconds after you have thought about them to avoid procrastination and overthinking. Set time limits for tasks such as 15 minutes each day for answering emails or for using Twitter. Set a limit for commitments and say no to be able to feel less stress and produce better results.
Remember to “keep things extremely simple”. I have written down that sentence on my white board and it is a daily and constant reminder that helps me when I lose my way.
2. Accept.
“Acceptance of others, their looks, their behaviors, their beliefs, bring you an inner peace and tranquility – instead of anger and resentment.”Unknown
When you accept what is you stop feeding energy into resisting what is. You don’t make a problem more powerful and sticky in your mind. Instead, somewhat counter intuitively, when you accept what is it loses much of its power. It just is.
And you feel stillness inside. Now, accepting what is doesn’t mean to give up. It just means that you put yourself in a better position take action if necessary. Because now you can see more clearly, you can focus your energy towards what you want and take the appropriate action to change your situation.
3. Forgive.
“Inner peace can be reached only when we practice forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past, and is therefore the means for correcting our misperceptions.”Gerald Jampolsky
By accepting what is it is much easier to let go of things and to forgive what has happened.
Forgiveness is important because as long as you don’t forgive someone you are linked to that person. Your thoughts will return to the person who wronged you and what s/he did over and over again. The emotional link between the two of you is so strong and inflicts much suffering in you and – as a result of your inner turmoil – most often in other people around you too.
When you forgive you do not only release the other person. You set yourself free too from all of that agony.
One thing to keep in mind is to not just forgive others but also yourself. By forgiving yourself – instead of resenting yourself for something you did a week or 10 years ago – you make the habit of forgiveness more and more of a natural part of you. And so forgiving others becomes easier too.
Also, what you think is a question of forgiving others you may sometimes – after some time and inner struggle – discover is just as much, if not more, about forgiving yourself rather than the other person.
4. Do what you enjoy.
“Never continue in a job you don’t enjoy. If you’re happy in what you’re doing, you’ll like yourself, you’ll have inner peace. And if you have that, along with physical health, you’ll have more success than you could possibly have imagined.”Roger Caras
When you do what you enjoy there is a natural peace that arises within. You are in alignment with your outer world. This also leads to a lot more success than if you have a lot of inner turmoil and really don’t care that much for your work.
One of my favorite tips for finding things you enjoy or love doing is simply to explore life. To be curious and try things out and see what you think of them. This can bring many insights both about yourself and about how things really are when you do them rather than when they are just theories floating around in your head.
If you have read my ebook The 7 Timeless Habits of Happiness then you know that there is a whole chapter in it about finding and doing what you love with exercises and tips for further reading. So if you haven’t checked out the book yet, go to this page for instructions on how to get you own free copy.
5. Be careful with your inner peace.
“Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.”St. Francis de Sales
By using the tips above and by living in the present moment you can find a lot more inner peace. Not only during days when things go as planned. But also on days when your world is upset and things aren’t so easy. On such days your inner peace will be very useful to help you make good decisions and to get things done. So be smart, stay calm and be careful with your inner peace.
But not with God…
On my way to work I started reflecting on a couple of minor inward struggles that I face, as we all have short-comings. I started to think, “If I were to tell people, how would they react?” Think about the things you say under your breath, our thoughts, our actions in private, our addiction’s, etc. I then begin to feel fearful because I know that some, not all, would judge, misinterpret, or ignore me. There is an underlining human fear that is married with letting people know our weakness or “sin(s).” Therefore, we, or in I this case, do not express to our brothers or sisters our struggle(s) out of fear. But, we do not have to have this fear with God. The beauty of God and what Jesus did for us is a miracle. When we come before the Father, we can open ourselves completely before Him and HE DOES NOT JUDGE. His love and forgiveness extends to the deepest part of our soul. Upon confiding in Him, He penetrates the heart with understanding and grace.
I find that the more open I am with God, even when I know that He knows everything, it is easy for me to deal with my load. Learning to leave my struggles, thoughts, words, etc, at the cross is a blessing, a humbling gift from Jesus. Of course its good to talk to someone you trust about whatever it is you need to. Luckily I have a great husband and wonderful family that are good listeners and help me out. If you know me, then you know that I am all about keeping it real. God, rudy and my family help me keep it real! LOVE IT!
Anyhow, this quick note is to express that we do not need to have humanly fears with God. He loves us so much that Jesus came to us in human form, as a slave; dying a criminal’s death. His humbleness and love is so great that He would wash the feet of His disciples. DUDE, you reading this? You get that? Jesus would wash the feet of His disciples. Look, he is the Son of God. He loves us to the point of simply serving us AND THEN…. Dying for us. THEN… he rose from the grave to break the ugly chains of sin and all that is coupled with it. So, today, I am living without humanly fear before God. I am going to open my heart and allow Him to do what He came here to do. And I will worship Him for He is good and worthy to be praised. AND… when I fear, I will say silently… But not with God! AMEN!
I find that the more open I am with God, even when I know that He knows everything, it is easy for me to deal with my load. Learning to leave my struggles, thoughts, words, etc, at the cross is a blessing, a humbling gift from Jesus. Of course its good to talk to someone you trust about whatever it is you need to. Luckily I have a great husband and wonderful family that are good listeners and help me out. If you know me, then you know that I am all about keeping it real. God, rudy and my family help me keep it real! LOVE IT!
Anyhow, this quick note is to express that we do not need to have humanly fears with God. He loves us so much that Jesus came to us in human form, as a slave; dying a criminal’s death. His humbleness and love is so great that He would wash the feet of His disciples. DUDE, you reading this? You get that? Jesus would wash the feet of His disciples. Look, he is the Son of God. He loves us to the point of simply serving us AND THEN…. Dying for us. THEN… he rose from the grave to break the ugly chains of sin and all that is coupled with it. So, today, I am living without humanly fear before God. I am going to open my heart and allow Him to do what He came here to do. And I will worship Him for He is good and worthy to be praised. AND… when I fear, I will say silently… But not with God! AMEN!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
How to Help Someone Who is Having a Seizure
While Rudy and I were watching the NCAA championship game at Duke, a student had a seizure. Luckily Duke Med students were close and knew what to do. All I could do was stare and be frightened at what I was seeing. HOWEVER, I was good for something; I helped get the address of the location. But as far as helping the individual, I was unsure!
Here are steps for your info in what to do to help a person having a seizure:
1. Know the circumstances under which you should call for emergency medical services.
2. Become familiar with different kinds of seizures.
3. Ease the person to the floor so they don't fall.
4. Make sure the person is breathing.
5. Protect the head with a pillow, cushion, jacket, or any soft object
6. Move furniture and other obstacles out of the way
7. Check for any kind of ID card or medical jewelry.
8. Loosen any constrictive clothing unless they're jerking too much (ties, belts, shirt collars).
9. Get privacy -- urge people to move on and stop staring; close the door.
10. Monitor the person's condition until they regain consciousness.
11. Put the person in the recovery position.
12. Write down any details as soon as you get the chance.
http://www.wikihow.com/Help-Someone-Who-Is-Having-a-Seizure
Here are steps for your info in what to do to help a person having a seizure:
1. Know the circumstances under which you should call for emergency medical services.
2. Become familiar with different kinds of seizures.
3. Ease the person to the floor so they don't fall.
4. Make sure the person is breathing.
5. Protect the head with a pillow, cushion, jacket, or any soft object
6. Move furniture and other obstacles out of the way
7. Check for any kind of ID card or medical jewelry.
8. Loosen any constrictive clothing unless they're jerking too much (ties, belts, shirt collars).
9. Get privacy -- urge people to move on and stop staring; close the door.
10. Monitor the person's condition until they regain consciousness.
11. Put the person in the recovery position.
12. Write down any details as soon as you get the chance.
http://www.wikihow.com/Hel
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The thorn in my flesh
Last night I stayed up quite late talking to my husband about life. He asked me a question – “if you could have one wish, what it would be?” I thought about it and replied, “I guess it would be to re-live my childhood and have a normal one.” I briefed over my childhood with him, as I have done many times before, and gave a quick explanation as to what I “wished” I had and what I have to live with for the rest of my life.
Because of my experience growing up, I now live with, what Rudy titled it last night, a “thorn in my flesh.” Rudy was talking about Paul and the torment he faced -- “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7. I know that affliction came to Paul from or by a messenger of Satan. Just as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:1-12), God allowed Satan to torment Paul for God’s own good purposes and always within God’s perfect will. I fully get that but man… what a struggle it is-- to be tormented everyday! Seems like the purpose of the thorn in the flesh is to keep us humble and seek God; to always be in tune with the spirit of conviction. But we can see that Paul learned from this experience the lesson that dominates his writings: divine power is best displayed against the backdrop of human weakness (2 Corinthians 4:7) so that God alone is praised (2 Corinthians 10:17).
But what of the helmet of Salvation from the Armor of God? God has promised us brings us hope. God does not lie. Our hope is based on Him. A Christian with the helmet of the hope of salvation will not get confused with the fleeing pleasures of sin. Oh… but I do… the torment exist and breeds in my mind. But I know that God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "Put on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place and shelter in the storm. Hidden in Him, I can count on His victory, for He not only covers me as a shield, He also fills me with His life. AMEN!
I know that it is impossible to change the past and wishing to do so can prolong the “healing” process. But what I do know is that I can always fall back to God and His pure and holy word; keeping myself open to Him. After all, he knows my name. He knows my every thought. He see’s each tear that falls and he hears me when I call. So… as imperfect as I am; tormented by my experiences, I know that I am not stuck in a place I cannot get out of, where no one can hear me. I have God, His word, my family and the body of Christ that can and will be there for me if I should become overwhelmed by my torn.
For now, I will try this armor thing on and hopefully it’s not too big for me. If so… I guess I’ll have to grow in it! (wink wink)
Because of my experience growing up, I now live with, what Rudy titled it last night, a “thorn in my flesh.” Rudy was talking about Paul and the torment he faced -- “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7. I know that affliction came to Paul from or by a messenger of Satan. Just as God allowed Satan to torment Job (Job 1:1-12), God allowed Satan to torment Paul for God’s own good purposes and always within God’s perfect will. I fully get that but man… what a struggle it is-- to be tormented everyday! Seems like the purpose of the thorn in the flesh is to keep us humble and seek God; to always be in tune with the spirit of conviction. But we can see that Paul learned from this experience the lesson that dominates his writings: divine power is best displayed against the backdrop of human weakness (2 Corinthians 4:7) so that God alone is praised (2 Corinthians 10:17).
But what of the helmet of Salvation from the Armor of God? God has promised us brings us hope. God does not lie. Our hope is based on Him. A Christian with the helmet of the hope of salvation will not get confused with the fleeing pleasures of sin. Oh… but I do… the torment exist and breeds in my mind. But I know that God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "Put on the armor of light," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place and shelter in the storm. Hidden in Him, I can count on His victory, for He not only covers me as a shield, He also fills me with His life. AMEN!
I know that it is impossible to change the past and wishing to do so can prolong the “healing” process. But what I do know is that I can always fall back to God and His pure and holy word; keeping myself open to Him. After all, he knows my name. He knows my every thought. He see’s each tear that falls and he hears me when I call. So… as imperfect as I am; tormented by my experiences, I know that I am not stuck in a place I cannot get out of, where no one can hear me. I have God, His word, my family and the body of Christ that can and will be there for me if I should become overwhelmed by my torn.
For now, I will try this armor thing on and hopefully it’s not too big for me. If so… I guess I’ll have to grow in it! (wink wink)
Friday, February 26, 2010
Human Trafficking
Before you read my blog, please read the website article below. Please note that the content in the article is very disturbing and caution is advised. I will disclose my reason for posting it in my blog.
Sad right? Well… this blog is to help you become aware of the worldwide epidemic of human trafficking and how you can contribute to the awareness which can ultimately aid in its ending. By definition, human trafficking is the commerce and trade in the movement or migration of people, legal and illegal for the purposes of slavery, prostitution, forced labor and servitude. The 5 year old “adopted” African boy was “trafficked” through the adoption system for the purposes of sexual slavery. This problem is overwhelming on a monumental scale and the percentages of the victims are not accurate because the crime can be difficult to detect in the forefront.
Below are highlights according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS) from January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cshti08.htm
It might seem impossible to track the predators/criminal and locates victims/survivors. It is insinuated that if the victim is not found w/I 48 hours of being trafficked, they will most likely never be found. Please do not lose faith or hope for the rescue of these innocent woman and children! The way that you can help is by being observant in your community. Below are easy actions you can do that might save lives of these types of victims:
Be observant in your community and look for these signs:
Hotline:
If you think you have come in contact with a victim of human trafficking, call the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline at 1.888.3737.888. This hotline will help you determine if you have encountered victims of human trafficking, will identify local resources available in your community to help victims, and will help you coordinate with local social service organizations to help protect and serve victims so they can begin the process of restoring their lives. For more information on human trafficking visit www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.
References:
Below is a list of movie or gatherings that can give you a deeper insight into human trafficking:
Cargo: Lost Innocence, movie, documentary - http://www.cargoinnocencelost.com/home.html
Trade, movie - http://www.tradethemovie.com/
Taken, movie - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taken_(film)
Conference - http://www.prostitutionconference.com/
Websites -
http://www.bsccoalition.org/index.html
http://www.captivedaughters.org/index.htm
http://lahumantrafficking.org/
http://www.prostitutionresearch.com/
http://www.sagesf.org/
Sad right? Well… this blog is to help you become aware of the worldwide epidemic of human trafficking and how you can contribute to the awareness which can ultimately aid in its ending. By definition, human trafficking is the commerce and trade in the movement or migration of people, legal and illegal for the purposes of slavery, prostitution, forced labor and servitude. The 5 year old “adopted” African boy was “trafficked” through the adoption system for the purposes of sexual slavery. This problem is overwhelming on a monumental scale and the percentages of the victims are not accurate because the crime can be difficult to detect in the forefront.
Below are highlights according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics from the Human Trafficking Reporting System (HTRS) from January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2008: http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/abstract/cshti08.htm
- 1,229 alleged incidents of human trafficking were reported to the task forces from January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2008
- Most (83%) of the reported incidents involved allegations of sex trafficking. Labor trafficking accounted for 12% of incidents, and other or unknown forms of human trafficking made up 5%
- Information on the number of suspects was available for 475 alleged human trafficking incidents. Among these, task forces reported 871 known suspects and arrest data on 216 suspects.
It might seem impossible to track the predators/criminal and locates victims/survivors. It is insinuated that if the victim is not found w/I 48 hours of being trafficked, they will most likely never be found. Please do not lose faith or hope for the rescue of these innocent woman and children! The way that you can help is by being observant in your community. Below are easy actions you can do that might save lives of these types of victims:
Be observant in your community and look for these signs:
- Strange noises (i.e. screaming, yells, etc) coming from nearby house
- Many men coming in and out of a home
- Different women or children being rushed into the home.
- If you or anyone might be experiencing these symptom w/I your/their community, please contact 911 and report it.
Hotline:
If you think you have come in contact with a victim of human trafficking, call the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline at 1.888.3737.888. This hotline will help you determine if you have encountered victims of human trafficking, will identify local resources available in your community to help victims, and will help you coordinate with local social service organizations to help protect and serve victims so they can begin the process of restoring their lives. For more information on human trafficking visit www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.
References:
Below is a list of movie or gatherings that can give you a deeper insight into human trafficking:
Cargo: Lost Innocence, movie, documentary - http://www.cargoinnocencelost.com/home.html
Trade, movie - http://www.tradethemovie.com/
Taken, movie - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taken_(film)
Conference - http://www.prostitutionconference.com/
Websites -
http://www.bsccoalition.org/index.html
http://www.captivedaughters.org/index.htm
http://lahumantrafficking.org/
http://www.prostitutionresearch.com/
http://www.sagesf.org/
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