August 2008

31.8.08

Can Your Marriage Be Saved?

Are you recently divorced, but finding yourself dreaming about or thinking about your ex? Are you remembering some of the qualities that originally drew you to him? Are both of you still single? What would you say if I told you there's hope for your terminated marriage?

The following article, written by Dr. David Hawkins, will, I pray, encourage you. His books, Dealing with the CrazyMakers in Your Life: Setting Boundaries on Unhealthy Relationships and The Relationship Doctor's Prescription for Better Communication in Your Marriage will also give you valuable information as you make your decision.

Can This Marriage Be Saved?

Jack and Barbara were happily married—once upon a time. However, their seven year marriage spiraled inexorably downward as conflicts tore them apart. They chipped away at one another about finances, discipline of their three children and frequency of intimacy. She often used biting words when angry, and he slammed doors and spun out of the driveway. Finally, Jack decided to end their turmoil by moving out.

I counseled Jack as he vacillated between signing divorce papers and thoughts of reconciliation. I watched as he struggled to move forward with his life. His left brain methodically plotted out the course of his life, while his right, and more emotional side, lost footing and settled into an enduring sadness. Letting go of his marriage was not as easy as signing the rental agreement on an apartment across town.

Talking to Jack, it became clear that he was not finished with his marriage. He left angry and depleted from years of “unfair fighting.” Although tired of hours of blaming and accusations, he shared, “There was a lot more to our marriage than those times of conflict. I miss her smile, her sense of humor, her tenderness. I miss the way she could make up our home. You ought to see my apartment now. It looks like a train wreck. The macaroni and cheese was no special treat for dinner last night either.”

Jack agonized over the loss of his marriage, wondering if it might be possible to span the incredible gap between he and his wife. We talked about what it would take to bring them back together—not to endure more years of heartache, but to recreate and renew their relationship. We decided to send Barbara a card inviting the possibility of talking. We agreed upon a purpose; opening dialogue with no pressure for reunification. He had changed and his heart was ready to talk again. He sent the card.

Barbara received the card, immediately recognizing his handwriting. She laid the card on the table and prepared a cup of tea. She was surprised at the flutter she felt as she looked at the envelope. She felt an odd mix and annoyance and excitement. Would this be a welcoming note, she wondered, or possibly another one of Jack’s scoldings for the way she had handled some situation with the children? She slowly opened the note. The card had a picture of autumn leaves in golds and browns with the words, “A Season of Hope.” Inside, Jack had written a note.

“Barbara. Time seems to have tamed a lot of emotions. I am surprised at how I feel compared to how I felt three months ago. I am not sure what I want to say, but would like to begin talking with you again. My heart is softer. I can see where I was wrong, and have no need to blame or attack you. I wonder if you feel the same. I wonder if you have second thoughts about our marriage. Would you like to talk? I will call you in a few days to see if you want to meet for a cup of coffee. A latte can cure a lot of ills. Love, Jack.”

Today Jack and Barbara are talking about reconciliation. They’ve participated in painful, but healing therapy with me. With them, and perhaps with you, it requires careful consideration. Solomon says, “When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider.” (Eccl. 7:14) These are certainly times requiring careful consideration. Here are a few suggestions:

Are you overreacting to times of trouble? It is tempting, when times are bad, to believe that everything is bad. When emotions are high, things get blown out of perspective. Battle lines are drawn and enemies are made. One must be careful to keep things in perspective. Love blossomed powerfully once and can again.
Have you considered your part in the problem? While it may be satisfying to blame everything on your mate, playing the victim, this is usually a very simplistic appraisal of the issues. What do you bring to the situation? What are you really like to live with?
Have you sought out expert advice on your problem? This does not mean talking to friends who are likely to side with you and take up an offense against your mate. It means finding an objective listening ear who will evaluate the full extent of the problem, point out troubling patterns of interaction and ways to handle conflict effectively.
Have you been careful to fully forgive past problems? Assuming there has been a change in behavior, and a repentant heart, you may need additional work to let go of grudges and anger, remembering forgiveness is a process, not an event.
Have you both made amends for past wounds? Making a sincere apology is certainly a beginning, but it may take much more than that. Deep wounds do not heal quickly and often require special counseling assistance.
Have you remembered that there are no perfect relationships? As you considered throwing out the old in hopes of something new, please remember that the grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but it still needs to be mowed. There will be problems in every relationship and, as the Apostle James says, these problems can be a catalyst bringing us closer to the person Christ wants us to be. (James 1:1-2)

The prospect of reconciliation with someone who has hurt you can be daunting. Perhaps you have moved into a place of calm and safety after experiencing a stormy marriage, and like a startled turtle, are reluctant to poke your nose out again. But, is it possible that with a little time, perspective and God’s grace, reconciliation could happen?

Submitted with Gratitude by April Lorier

APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women to be all that God designed them to be! She first gained recognition as a children's rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. Her book God's Battered Child: Journey From Abuse to Leader is available on her blogs and in online stores.

Inspiration and Encouragement
Whispers from God's Spirit

College Denies Religious Court Credit

OK, let's be aware of what is going on in our colleges. If you are a Christian, this will be important to you. Our Guest Writer has an issue that he shares with us.

I am steamed about this one. I read this story (found at http://www.sfgate.com/) today on KLove.com. Below is a snippet of the article...

SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge says the University of California can deny course credit to applicants from Christian high schools whose textbooks declare the Bible infallible and reject evolution.

Rejecting claims of religious discrimination and stifling of free expression, U.S. District Judge James Otero of Los Angeles said UC's review committees cited legitimate reasons for rejecting the texts - not because they contained religious viewpoints, but because they omitted important topics in science and history and failed to teach critical thinking.

Otero's ruling Friday, which focused on specific courses and texts, followed his decision in March that found no anti-religious bias in the university's system of reviewing high school classes. Now that the lawsuit has been dismissed, a group of Christian schools has appealed Otero's rulings to the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

"It appears the UC is attempting to secularize private religious schools," attorney Jennifer Monk of Advocates for Faith and Freedom said Tuesday. Her clients include the Association of Christian Schools International, two Southern California high schools and several students.

Click Here to read the rest of the story...

I have a huge issue with this. The college claims that students should not receive credit for their classes because "they omitted important topics in science and history". What about classes that fail to teach the Bible or creation. I think that those classes omit "important topics in science and history". I am so sick of people misconstruing the intent of the First Amendment. It does not saying anything about separation of church and state - it has two clauses: (1) the Free Exercise Clause that prevents the government from passing any law that would interfere with one's right to worship or exercise their religion and (2) the Establishment Clause that prohibits the government from taking stances on issues as to put one religion higher than another or to establish a national religion.

In this case I think the judges ruling violates the constitution. He has established that classes that leave out important aspects of science such as evolution are not OK, but classes that leave out important aspects of science and history such as creation are OK (violation of the Constitution in my opinion). Had this been a class that taught on a Hindu principle such as reincarnation I don't think we would have an issue.

This makes me so mad. Let's at least be fair. I say we teach it all or don't teach anything. Either teach creation with evolution or don't teach evolution at all. Its only fair!

(c) 2008 by Guest Writer, Andy Clark of Today's Christian

Submitted with gratitude by April Lorier

Inspiration and Encouragement

Whispers from God's Spirit

28.8.08

Searching for Someone Who Could Unfold My Life

How many years did I try unfolding my life and straightening out the chinks in it? Those who have experienced years of abuse keep trying, but without help it is an almost impossible job. Through the years, I had many therapists, counselors and shrinks. But the problem was that each one pushed the theory that they were the ones who would lead me to healing.

I distinctly remember a female shrink who was going to help this abused wife. Not being shy, I asked her how many times she had been married. With a shocked look on her face, she finally said, "More than once." I never went back to her. If she couldn't take care of her own life, how could she possibly be my answer? I was only 20 years old, but I had enough common sense to know she was not my answer!

Did I ever find someone who knew me better than I was able to know myself? Someone who could lead me to healing? Yes! And I wrote this poem to Him.

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
While in my hands they fade and die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I think I have wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in Him for His leading
Each moment of every day.
I will look to him for His guidance
Each step of the pilgrim way.

The pathway that lies before me,
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust Him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

Written a long time ago, (c) 1974-2008 April Lorier

successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. Her book God's Battered Child: Journey From Abuse to Leader is available on her blogs and in online stores.

Tools of the Lord

Today's post is from CJ Christian Counseling Center and is presented with written permission. I do hope you will enjoy it!

Today, Christine, my wife, called and asked a pastor of a church for help on the behalf of one of his church members that was in a dire situation. Unfortunately, the lady was located half way across the country from us and we were unable to directly intercede on her behalf. Instead of being grateful that the pain and distress of one of his congregation members was being brought to his attention, he went off on a tangent about counselors that think they are qualified to counsel people because they take a "quickie counseling course", knowing nothing of her qualifications. Mind you also, she was only trying to get the lady help and was not criticizing the way he ministered to his flock.

Christine was taken by surprise at his response, but like the pro that she is, did not launch into a tirade of her own about his qualifications to be a preacher and not being able to take care of his own flock. God stopped her mouth from the fierce rebuttal grabbing at her tongue. Anyone who knows Christine knows that this had to be the work of the Lord, because only he can stop her from a fierce defense when she is offended. Afterward, she offered that the preacher was one of God's ministers and they are not above the petty feelings of man such as arrogance, jealousy, and pride.

Starting her own Christian Counseling Center has been an eye opening experience. First off, it is not exactly easy, or cheap, to start a nonprofit organization. Second, trying to keep operating funds is also a large challenge. Even though we can charge a fee for our service, most of the people who really need help cannot pay the fees no matter how reasonable they are. The first thing a most business owners would say is "no pay, no play". That is not what Christians do; we are supposed to help our fellow man, even if he cannot pay. We are doing this to help people, not to get rich.

What makes a Christian Counselor qualified to counsel others? Is it how long you have been in school? Is it how you lived an unblemished life? What makes a counselor qualified to counsel and guide others is their ability to listen to their client and then gently help them to make the right decisions to live their life.

Counselors do not tell clients what they should be doing, but help them discover what they should be doing. In the case of Christian Counselors, we use the structure and principles that God has shown us in the Bible.

Counselors do not judge others, that is for God to do. If we are successful in our guidance, our clients will find themselves closer to God, find forgiveness, peace and happiness in the Lord, and learn to start dealing with any and all emotional scares that many people find they have. Counselors who have lived and dealt with these issues and have come out on the other side, know and understand what their clients are dealing with. It is not always as easy to be as compassionate if you don't truly understand their pain. Also you have a better insight with more of the issues a client may be faced with. "Don't judge a man until you walk a mile in his shoes".

It would be hard for a rich man to know what it feels like to be without money and food to feed your family. A good counselor understands that you personally may not be able to help every client, but as a good Christian, will help them find the help they do need. Christine spends a lot time trying to locate help for others around the country.

What makes a pastor qualified to preach to others? Is it how long you have been in school? Is it how you lived an unblemished life? Being a pastor can be one of the hardest and loneliest jobs in the world. People constantly want to lean on their leadership during a crisis, and always are looking for advice. When a pastor needs help, who do they turn to?

I know the pastor answer is "the Lord", yet I've seen the human side of a pastor who lost their spouse and could not get past it, possibly even shook their faith to some degree. Sometimes knowing that the Lord has a plan and that their spouse is with the Lord is not enough. Sometimes the human side of a pastor flows out like a flood.

Pastors also find the same failings as other people such as loneliness, selfishness, arrogance, jealousy, and pride. The pastor mentioned at the front of the article said that he was not qualified to counsel the members of his congregation. Then is he qualified to lead his congregation? The answer still could be yes, but it depends on how he addresses the issues of the individuals in the congregation.

I believe a major function of a pastor is to guide his congregation, but not all men can be all things. When I was younger, my pastor was debating with my class miracle healing versus going to a doctor to be cured of an illness. My pastor explained to us that he believed that doctors and medicine were "Tools of the Lord". This made perfect sense considering, "all good things are of the Lord".

If a pastor chooses not to counsel the members of his congregation, then what does he do when they seek out his help? Hopefully, he doesn't just ignore their problems; I would like to believe that he would refer them to a Christian Counselor. I said Christian Counselor specifically, not just because my wife is one, but because you do not know the principles a non Christian counselor may employ. After all he may use Zen, scientology, Buddha, or even something more devastating to one's soul.

A Christian Counselor is a "tool" that can be very valuable to a church or even an individual. Still, a word of caution, not every "Christian Counselor is qualified". I've seen a few that probably needed counseling themselves, luckily none so far that were actually certified, though I am sure they exist. Make sure the counselor does use the bible in context.
Many innocent people have been placed in danger because of so called Christian Counselors that have misled people. Most importantly, get to know the heart of the Counselor. Make sure they are in it for the client, not themselves. Most of all pray to the Lord.

Christian Counseling Center is a Christian Counseling group that helps others find peace in their lives through the Lord. We are equipped to deal with just about every emotional issue or everyday life issues.

We care about you. Our website is CJ Counseling.

(c) 2008 Guest Writer, Mark Mueller

Submitted 2008 by April Lorier

Inspiration and Encouragement ANDWhispers from God's Spirit

25.8.08

"Dancing With The Stars" Tutorial

Dancing With The Stars is one of the shows I never miss. It will open Monday, September 22 (8:00 pacific time) with a two-night premiere, 2 hours each night. So to prepare you for the dances and the rules, here are the "have-to" criteria on each dance.

Fast F

acts: Cha Cha

The Cha Cha is a cheeky, lively and flirtatious dance. It has a catch-me-if-you-can atmosphere, and is light and bubbly.

It has a distinctive syncopation where 5 steps are danced to four beats hence the 'One, two, cha cha cha' description.

The dance is originally from Cuba.

Distinctive moves: Cha Cha

Triple steps (Chassez) and rock steps are the basic components of the Cha Cha. Since the Cha Cha is derived from the Rumba and Mambo dances, Cuban Motion is an important aspect of this dance as well as maintaining quick compact steps. Cuban Motion describes the hip motion resulting from the alternate bending and straightening of the knees.

The dancers should synchronize movements, working in parallel with each other.

The New Yorker is a characteristic move, where a dancer steps across their partner and checks to change direction.

Fast F

acts: Fox Trot

During the summer of 1914, actor Harry Fox was appearing in shows in New York with Yansci Dolly, in an act of Hammerstein's. Soon people at the Jardin de Danse on the roof of the New York Theater began copying the act that Harry was putting on downstairs, leading them to refer to the dance as "Fox's Trot."
The foxtrot is a very smooth dance and there should be no jerkiness. It is a dance with many continuously forward or backward moving patterns which are straight and well aligned on the competition floor. It is called the Rolls Royce of the standard dancing styles because the smoothness that is required.
The timing is very important. It should be: slow, quick, quick, slow. The dancers should drive off on the slow and let the quicks take care of themselves. This makes it a very difficult dance.

Distinctive moves: Fox Trot

The Weave - the weave is six quick steps in a row, all taken on the toes. Quick steps are generally taken on the toe, slow steps on the heels.
The Feather Step - when the man steps outside the girl.
Look out for the zig zag patterns that the dancers create on the floor.

American Smooth Style:

On Dancing with the Stars the couples will be dancing an "American Smooth"-style Foxtrot. The American Smooth style means couples can break the traditional ballroom "hold" throughout the performance allowing more open movements, including under arm turns. Think Fred and Ginger.

Fast Facts: Jive

Jive is a rhythmical and swinging dance which was influenced by the Boogie, Rock & Roll, African/American Swing and the Lindyhop. The roots of the Jive are in New York's Harlem.
It is the fastest of the Latin dances and should show lots of kicks and flicks and twirling of the woman. Although on first impression it might look like the feet are all over the place in every direction, the feet/legs should actually be under the body and the knees should always be close together.
Jive doesn't move around the dance floor like other dances.

Distinctive moves: Jive

The basic movement is chassez to the left chassez to the right and a rock step (changing weight from one foot to the other).
Look out for the flick, ball, change movement - where you stand on one foot and kick down at the same time.
Look out for the distinctive kick action in jive where toes are always pointed to the ground when kicking.
Watch out for the American Spin - when the man lets go of the lady and lets her spin on her own.

Fast Facts: Mambo

A fusion of Swing and Cuban music, its invention has been attributed to Perez Prado, a Cuban musician who introduced it at La Tropicana nightclub in Havana in 1943.
Being incredibly complicated and athletic in its original form, the Mambo had to be slightly watered down to accommodate even the most accomplished dance hall regulars.
Mambo bands developed intense rivalries as to who could create the best mambo rhythm. Players like Ellington, Gillespie and Bob Hope were all part of this friendly competition.
Today the dance is making a comeback and is performed in the American Rhythm category in ballroom competitions.

Distinctive moves: Mambo

Passionate and sensual dance, all about the hips.
The accentuated hip movements makes it quick in its action with sharp staccato steps which are interspersed with contrasting more free flowing movements
While rhythmically moving backwards and forwards to the beat, dancers use the hips to bring movement lower into the knees.
Flirtatious, raunchy, down and dirty

Fast Facts: Paso Doble

The Paso Doble on the competition floor should create a Spanish Bull Fighting atmosphere. The Paso Doble is the dance for the Man, which allows him to fill the "Space" with strong three-dimensional shapes and movements danced with "Pride and Dignity."
The woman's role varies depending on the intepretation of the dance. The woman can take the role of the matador's cape, the bull or even the matador at different times within the dance.
Characteristics of the Paso Doble are the "Marching" flavor given to the steps and the cape movements creating the required tension between both dancers.
It is one of the only dances that is danced only in the ballroom world.
It is one of the most dramatic of the dances.

Distinctive moves: Paso Doble

Look out for chassez cape - the man using the woman as the cape to bring her around.
Apel - this is when the man stamps his foot - this should be very strong. The man would stamp his foot as if he was trying to attract the bull's attention (the bull often gets distracted by the crowd in a bull fight).
There are strong Flamenco influences in the dance where the use of castanets is simulated.
The arpel is a commencement of a movement with the stamping of the feet where the man and woman walk in separate directions.

Fast Facts: Fox Trot

During the 1920s, many bands played the Foxtrot too fast and some couples couldn't keep up. Over time, a faster version was born, absorbing extra elements of ragtime such as the Charleston. This led to the creation of what we today call the Quickstep.
This is a light, bright, twinkling and happy dance with tricky footwork. Quite sporty in its delivery as it is very springy and fast paced.
The basic feel is slow, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick. The majority of the slow should be taken on the heel; the majority of the quick should be taken on the toe.

Distinctive moves: Fox Trot

The characteristic motion of a quickstep is an up-and-down swing motion. This rise-and-fall motion must be done at a fast pace.
It is important to move powerfully and positively across the floor while remaining light on the feet.
Two bodies moving in the speed of the quickstep require first of all a high level of synchronization and understanding about leg tension and use of the ankles. During execution of the "tricksteps," both dancers need the same tension of feet and legs.
There needs to be lots of work on the balls of the feet and lots of spring from the feet.
To achieve the right musical interpretation, the timing of the "Slows" should be slightly extended to force a sharp action in the ankles in the "Quicks."
Look out for the facial expressions. They are not compulsory but help to capture the essence of the dance.
Also watch out for Runs - quick little repetitive movements/steps.

Fast Facts: Rumba

A dance that tells the story of love and eroticism between a man and a woman
The Rumba relies on the age-old premise of the lady trying to conquer the gentleman by means of her womanly charms. Incorporating all the elements of teasing and withdrawal, it is considered the most sensual of the Latin dances.

Distinctive moves: Rumba

The Rumba should portray romance and therefore have good interplay between the dancers.
In this dance the emphasis is on the body. Hip actions are produced by controlled transfer of weight from foot to foot.
Look out for figure-eight hip rolls - this is a hip roll where the hips alternate in a forward movement.
There are lots of slow stylish body shapes in the Rumba.
When it comes to the footwork, look for a straightening of legs, and swiveling action in the feet.
The walks should be strong and direct.
The body never stops changing its shape.
No heel leads - the dancers must not walk on the heels of their feet; they are on the balls of feet only.
Look out for the Cucaracha step - rock to the right or the left, then replace and close.
Look out for the Fan position - the woman goes on the man's left side at arms length and at 90 degrees to the man.

Fast Facts: Samba

The Samba is an all-out party dance with origins from Brazil's Rio Carnival. It is made up of many different South American dances incorporated into one. It is very rhythmical with lots of hip action.
Walking Samba steps and side steps are the basic components of this dance. The major characteristic of the Samba is the vertical bounce action. Steps are taken using the ball of the foot. The accomplished dancer is made to look effortless and carefree with knee action, body sway and "pendulum motion."

Distinctive moves: Samba

The Basic step is a Volta (a crossing action in front of the body, where you step across with the bounce). You will see a bouncing action predominantly through the knees.
Look out for the Samba roll a rolling movement from the waist up. The upper body circles as you create a six-step turning group.
Many Sambas have a move called a Botafogo, which is a traveling walk with a change of direction from left to right or right to left.
There should be lots of outstretched arms.
The samba has a distinctive climax, it ends with throwing of heads back and arms splayed out to side.
There should be a good balance of moving steps and stationary steps.

Fast Facts: Tango

The gauchos (cowboys) of Argentina wore chaps that hardened from the foam and sweat of the horse's body, causing them to walk with flexed knees. Of a night they would go to crowded night clubs and ask ladies of the night to dance but since the gaucho hadn't showered, the lady would dance in the crook of the man's right arm, holding her head back. Her right hand was held low on his left hip, close to his pocket, looking for a payment for dancing with him.
No rise and fall in the steps. This should be a very level, flat dance. The legs are therefore always slightly flexed (i.e. the knees should be slightly bent at all times).

Distinctive moves: Tango

The Tango is a very emotional dance and this should be conveyed.
Must see lots of clipped movements.
The action must always be staccato.
Look out for sharp head turning and stops.
The hold is different in the tango. The man's left arm is more towards head level. The general hold is far more compact and the couple are much tighter together.
Walks - Should be done with the heels leading.
Rock turns - the dancers should rock while turning.
Look out for the Links - these are the sharp movements in-between the walks (the head turns from the girl). These are also known as staccato movements.

Fast Facts: Viennese Waltz

The Waltz developed in Central Europe from the Austrian dance known as the Landler. The fast whirling of partners held as if in an embrace shocked polite society. The music of Johann Strauss and the famous ballrooms of Vienna popularized the faster version known as the Viennese Waltz.

Distinctive moves: Viennese Waltz

Sweeping turns that gracefully move around the floor characterize this dance. The Viennese Waltz is known for its rotational movement, which is simple and elegant.
There should be no foot rise on the inner turns.
Rotating and swinging spatial movements.

Fast Facts: Waltz

Considered the mother of present day dances, the Waltz began in southern Germany in the 17th century. The popularity of the Waltz dance grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the 20th century. It is the basis for many dances and is popular today all over the world.
The basic components of Waltz are walking steps and side steps. "Rise and Fall" and "Body Sway" are some of the styling characteristics which make the simplest Waltz steps and patterns elegant and beautiful.
A sentimental and romantic dance, it is characterized by soft and round movements and its swing and flow. ***

Distinctive moves: Waltz

An action that must be visible at any competition level is the Waltz Pendulum action, an action comparable with the movement of a bell clapper. The Waltz must contain the right level of up-and-down swing in balance with the required spatial movement.
As in all dances, dancing from the supporting foot is essential. The "moment when" to start rising from your supporting foot is crucial in the Waltz.
There should be lots of rotation.

*** American Smooth Style:

On Dancing with the Stars the couples will be dancing an "American Smooth"-style Waltz. The American Smooth style means couples can break the traditional ballroom "hold" throughout the performance allowing more open movements, including under-arm turns. Think Fred and Ginger.

Source: ABC News, Submitted by April Lorier

"Gossip-Free" Pastor Kevin Hester's Message

(Readers, yesterday I received a comment on one of my blogs and I'd like to reprint it here.He is referring to this article I wrote.)

"Hey, have you heard? Oh, you’ve just got to hear this!" What do you do when you hear those words? It’s almost like a beautiful three course meal when you’re absolutely famished. Your interest is definitely peaked. Your mouth begins to water. You’re anticipating that first bite, a juicy morsel and your hunger must be satisfied.

Gossip is absolutely delicious, addicting in its way, but it can have devastating consequences for its victim. That’s why I (Pastor Kevin Hester) have challenged people around the world to go “Gossip Free”. What? You say. Gossip Free? I can’t do that. Well, you may not be in good company necessarily, but you definitely have a lot of it.

The Book of James says,” If any man could bridle (or control) his tongue he’d be a perfect man”. Not one of us has ever been able to tame our tongue and we’ve all participated in gossip about another person, business, church, political leader etc. If we are going to commit to being gossip-free it is important to clear up any questions or blurred lines concerning gossip.

I have defined gossip as

sharing negative information about another person or entity, whether the information is true or false, when neither the speaker nor the listener are directly involved in a resolution to an issue.

I do understand that there are times when it’s necessary and right to share information about another person. Sometimes information needs to be shared in order to protect someone (or a business or church) from harm. When it becomes necessary to share negative information, it ought to be done with a heart of love toward that person, preserving as much of that person’s dignity as possible and it ought not be shared outside of the scope of necessity. I have shared the Gossip Free Challenge around the country and I would be lying if I said I haven’t found those who are not at all interested in addressing the issue of gossip; but I have found many more who have seen the devastating effects of gossip and they are excited to see that somebody is taking a stand against it.

Is there a “High cost to Low talk”? The following stories will give you enough evidence for you to decide for yourself. I received a phone call from an elderly lady in Texas, who had gotten out of Church and become an atheist because of gossip she had encountered in the church.

I spoke with a lady in Indiana who shared that her nephew had been an excellent student and was active in high school, but the gossip became so bad at school and on-line, that he left the public school system and is now being home schooled.

A young man from the Midwest shared how gossip about him became so vicious and had such lasting effects that he had been contemplating suicide.

I have been told of businesses that have been ruined, churches that have split (some even closed) because of gossip. Employees have been fired for gossiping and others have lost their jobs because of gossip that was spoken about them.

Families have been split, friendships have been destroyed, and communities have been forever changed by gossip. The devastation is simply too rampant to list. It’s very clear that gossip truly is a tool in the hands of the thief who comes forth to steal, kill, and destroy.

The eight day challenge goes on (We didn’t want this challenge to end on Aug. 15). If you would like more information about the Gossip Free Challenge, you can visit us at gossipfree .You can also find out more about the church I pastor by visiting Go To The Sanctuary.

I am also making myself available, along with my wife, to present this challenge to churches, businesses, school classrooms, teams etc.

Thank you, Pastor Kevin Hester, Coloma, Michigan

Submitted 2008 by April Lorier

Inspiration and Encouragement
Whispers from God's Spirit

24.8.08

It Is All About Focus!

Is there anyone in the world who does not know who Michael Phelps is? I marvel at the wisdom of his mother during his formative years. Knowing she had an ADHD child who was constantly getting into trouble, she deliberately set out on a path to channel his excessive energy. Between her and her husband, Michael went on to break Mark Spitz's record of seven gold medals won at the 1972 Olympic Games. Michael is now a 14-time Olympic gold medalist (the most by any Olympian), currently holding seven world records in swimming.

How did he do it? It is all about FOCUS.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24)

I have enjoyed watching the amazing athletes compete in the Summer Olympics. US swimmer Michael Phelps’ performance at the Olympics was truly impressive. He accumulated more gold medals than any other athlete and broke world records every time he hit the pool. Those who know him credit his success to his remarkable focus on his sport. Sure, he’s naturally talented, but he also works hard to do one thing: win.

We’ve seen this type of focus in other athletes: Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning and Lance Armstrong come to mind. They all illustrate the potential for individuals to excel beyond normal expectations to achieve greatness.

Interestingly, most great athletes attribute much of their success to an influential person in their lives. Earl Woods and Archie Manning were both father and coach to their sons. Phelps was recently quoted by ESPN as saying, “I don't think I could be where I am today with any other coach," Phelps said. "He's so intelligent in this sport and cares about every one of his athletes. He's so thorough. He's always on top of things. I'm fortunate to have a coach like him.”

He’s talking about Bob Bowman, the American swimming coach. Another swim coach said, "Bob teaches him, advises him, guides him, pushes him."

All of us can achieve remarkable things in life if we are focused. Granted, it will likely be on a smaller stage than the Olympics or The Masters, but we can truly be who we were created to be if we will set our goals, work to achieve them and refuse to be distracted by the obstacles in our way.

To do this, it often takes someone to teach us and guide us. Yet, coaches are not always there for our comfort. Like Bowman, they will push us and challenge us to be better. Christians look to Jesus Christ as our “life coach.” His words constantly push us and challenge us. By focusing on His principles, He has enabled me to become far more than I could have on my own. Any success I have had in life is directly attributed to His “coaching.”

"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God," Jesus said. (Luke 9:62) Like an Olympic athlete, once we set our course to follow Christ, we don’t turn back; we press forward with our eyes on the ultimate goal. We prepare mentally and spiritually to finish the race that is our lives with nothing less than “gold” in mind. Like the U.S. athletes that wrap themselves in the American flag at the end of a race well-run, we are wrapped in the glory of Jesus Christ as the music of heaven celebrates our efforts. There is no greater glory than to hear the Lord say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

Following Christ is more like a marathon than a sprint, so we must set our eyes on Him every single day and

...throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12:1b)

The beautiful thing about the Christian life is that even if we stumble, we are not out of the race. We are not competing with other people. We are measured according to God’s expectations while being carried by His grace. There is no silver or bronze, only gold. And it’s waiting for each of us if we will just stay in the race. Like the apostle Paul, we must forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called us heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)

Are you ready to focus your eyes on the prize today?

2008 April Lorier

Inspiration and Encouragement
Whispers from God's Spirit

21.8.08

Where Is The Line Between Enabling and Christian Helping?

This post has been moved to Godwoman.

19.8.08

God Eats Pop Corn

The air is cool--the wind blows softly--the dogs are asleep on my lap. Finally, there is peace, a moment to myself.

As I flip through the Bible, I say "the Bible", because it's not "my Bible". Strange as it may seem, there is a difference.

~~~~~

In my Bible, I know where everything is. I can open it to the book I want just about every time--give or take a few pages. My Bible is the one I use everyday. It has my personal notes, my thoughts, and my prayers written on its pages-a textbook and journal all in one. I even know what side of the page I will find the verse I am looking for. I know it well, too well.

On the other hand, "The Bible", is a Bible that sits in my library of Bibles and is handy when mine is not close by. It is foreign to me, however, and I don't know where to find anything. Before I open it, I examine it and then open up to where I think I should be. To my surprise, I am way off. If there is anything that bothers me, it's not knowing exactly where each book of the Bible lands based on the size alone. The other problem with this is it seems so generic; a big book filled with many little books - just words on a page. It is unfamiliar, too unfamiliar.

~~~~~

Still flipping, I decide I want to read the book of Philippians--a book on brotherly love. Four chapters packed with wisdom, encouragement, and a beautiful picture of the humility and humanity of Jesus.

Just one problem; it's not where it's supposed to be! Nevertheless, going to the Table of Contents is out of the question and it's not because I'm stubborn, I'm just testing my memory:

What was that I learned when I first tried to memorize the books of the Bible?

After staring down at the pages a moment, it comes to me: God Eats Pop Corn.

G = Galatians

E = Ephesians

P = Philippians

C = Colossians

Thank you, Jesus! All I had to do was find Galatians and I was there. Now I'm ready to read. The cool breeze had a calming affect, making it easy to close my eyes for a quick prayer.

~~~~~

Not only was this Bible not my Bible, it was also a different translation, thus being twice unfamiliar. The translation I was reading is called, "The Message" - a reader's version, also known as a paraphrase. It is designed for people who have never read the Bible and want to get the "gist" of its message. In many ways, it reads like a novel - extremely unfamiliar, surprisingly refreshing.

These are Paul's words to the believers in Philippi:

If You've gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if his love has made any difference in your life, if being in a community of the Spirit means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-then do me a favor: Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.

Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead. Don't be obsessed with getting your own advantage. Forget yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand.

Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself. He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what. Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human.

Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process. He didn't claim special privileges. Instead, he lived a selfless, obedient life and then died a selfless obedient death-and the worst kind of death at that - a crucifixion." Philippians 2:1-8

Wow! The words jumped up at me so fast, I almost choked.

"Forget about yourselves long enough to lend a helping hand."

It doesn't say it that way in my Bible. Mine says, "Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others." (NKJV)

I get it. Don't be selfish, think of others as well. So how often do I do this? And is it only after I take care of myself? Surely Jesus thought of himself last. In my mind, I know this. In my theology and scripture memorization I know this, but how long do I forget about myself to help others? Is it long enough?

Suddenly, I realize I have so much more to learn. As I close my eyes and ponder this amazing find in the Bible, I drift off to sleep. I'm not sure how long I slept with my dogs cuddled on my lap, but when I woke, my desire to renew my mind with a fresh reading of God's word was stronger than ever before. I am thankful for the unfamiliar and the sweet conviction of the Holy Spirit which brings me to a place of humility before my Lord Jesus as I am washed clean by the water of His word.

Sometimes we are too comfortable. We have confidence in what we know, and it cripples us.

I must disagree with the idea that "The Message" translation of the Bible is only good for new believers or people who want to get the gist of its message.

I am convinced it is also good for those of us who have read and reread the Bible - especially for those of us who have a special one we call our own.

It is important to have a teachable spirit; one that is open to the new things God has for us. The word of God is alive and active, it convicts, encourages, and challenges those of us who claim to follow Jesus.

I want to remember that God Eats Pop Corn. Reading a different translation on occasion just might be the solution.

s rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. Her book God's Battered Child is available on her blogs and in online stores.
Inspiration and Encouragement
Whispers from God's Spirit

18.8.08

God Loves To Talk Part 2

(continued from Part 1)

To recap, we were discussing how much our loving Creator loves to communicate with us, not just listen to our hurried prayers (our "to-do" lists). We were getting ready to have our special time with Him in Part I, and now as we are remembering who God really is, and how much He loves us, we continue.

Praise Him

As you are beginning to think about God and remembering when you first met Him, talk to Him about what you are feeling. Talk to Him about how grateful you are that He saved your life. That Jesus died for your sins though He did no wrong. Tell God how you are grateful because of all that He has done in your life. Remember all the bad times He brought you through and all the prayers that He's already answered. And, if He has not answered any (yet), thank Him that He is taking the time to listen to you today. Express your confidence and faith in God. Tell Him how you know that He is capable of solving any problem you might bring His way; that you know that He is God, alone, and though your problems seem so big to you, remind yourself that they are just tiny specks in the huge kaleidoscope of this thing we call life. And, remind yourself that since He created the heavens and the earth and all that is within these two realms, you know that He can easily remedy your little situation. Remind yourself of how big He is and how small your problems are compared to His Greatness. Tell Him again how grateful you are that He is going to provide an answer to in response to your prayers.

Ask For Forgiveness

As you praise God, you will begin to be reminded of your own unworthiness. And it's okay, because we are all unworthy. It is simply impossible to be in the presence of such a Holy God and not think of every word, conversation or deed in where you said or did the wrong thing. It is impossible not to remember the times when you disobeyed God or clearly did things you knew He would not approve of. Reflect (momentarily) and then repent of all those things. Try to be detailed in your recount to God and offer Him complete access to your heart to clear up any wrongdoings on your part. It's very important at this point that you do not try to hide or minimize your sins to God. He knows all you that you have done - He just requires that you admit to those things to Him so that you can understand the significance of what you've done. Ask Him to forgive you for all that you remember and for all the things that you cannot. Accept His open-handed forgiveness of your sins and let those issues go!

Tell Him Your Problems

Now you are ready to share your problems, issues or concerns with God. You have prepared your heart and your mind, you have been cleansed of your sins and can boldly approach the throne of grace. You can feel confident at this point, knowing that He will hear you and that He will answer your prayers. So, talk to Him. Tell Him about everything that's on your mind. Yes, He already knows about it all, but it helps you to get it all clear in your mind. Take as long as you need to tell Him your story, to talk about who did what, what was said and why you have a problem with it. Clearly ask Him for what you would like to have happen in this situation, but always with the provision that you are more than willing to let His will override yours. Say something like, 'God, I would like to get that promotion, but if it is not Your will, then I accept that I will not get it.' And remind yourself at this point that everything God does is for a reason (even if we don't understand why) and, if He says no, there is a reason for that as well! You have to remember that He sees so much more and so much further than we ever could. So, if He says yes, no, maybe, maybe later, or never, accept it! Know that He only does things for our good and faithfully accept His decision as such. And then thank Him again for listening to your prayer.

Listen!

This is the most overlooked part of prayer. Listening to God. We talk and talk and talk and talk and never take the time to listen to what He has to say. How should you listen to God? You stop talking. You stop talking, you wrap your prayers up, you thank Him and then you stop everything else. Sit tight, because this is where it sometimes gets tough.

Now, you listen! And you wait. And you hope that this is the time He chooses to respond. And, in your waiting, you think positive thoughts and remain in good spirits. Don't try to think about too much, just maintain an internal silence into which He can speak. Hum a little if you want, think a bit about what He has done, but, mostly - wait. And in your waiting, know one thing with confidence - God will answer, though it may not be when you expect it to be.

Wait at least 10 minutes for God to respond. And, if you wait and wait and wait and still don't 'hear' anything - don't lose hope! Worship Him and Praise Him as outlined in the last two steps and come back later to try again. And, if that doesn't work, come back later and try again. And, if that doesn't work, well you get the point, right? Keep trying until you 'hear' from God.

And how do we 'hear' from God? God communicates to us in many different ways in one-on-one prayer. He will sometimes put a thought into your head. He sometimes places a song within your spirit. He will sometimes give you a scripture that will send you straight to the bible to dig out its deeper meaning.

He sometimes gives you a vision or a sudden picture of something or someone in your mind. It's very important that you take away exactly what He says or exactly what is in that scripture, picture or vision - don't add or take away anything. Many times people ask, does God speak in an audible voice? Scripture tells us that this very rarely happens, but don't let that discourage you. God did and does indeed speak, but it may not be the way you expect it to be. So be open to however He chooses to 'speak' to you.

Reflect

After God has responded to your prayer, take time to reflect on what He has said or shown you. Be sure that it was God. How can you be sure that it is God? There are a few good clues. Know that God will never contradict anything that's in His Word, so you need to have a good working knowledge of the Bible.

He also will not tell you things designed to tear you down or make you feel worse about yourself, without any directions about how to improve or do better. God is a God of comfort, love and peace. He will not say anything that contradicts these characteristics. If He tells you that you need to work on some things, He will also tell you that He will be there to support you in your efforts. Rest assured - He will never leave you alone with your problems. At times, you might receive news that is not so good, but even with this news, He offers comfort - Himself. He has promised you that the Holy Spirit will provide you with comfort in your time of need to lead, guide and to teach you.

It's also good to reflect because it cements in your mind what God has just told you or shared with you. You don't want to forget or misplace one single word that comes out of the mouth of God or forget any insight that He has given you Lastly, thank Him for sharing His wisdom and time with you and accept whatever He has told you faithfully and with an obedient spirit.

Worship Him

Last, but not least, make sure you spend the last few minutes of your time with God in worship. What is worship? First of all, only a true believer can worship God. It says in the bible that you must worship God 'in spirit and in truth'. Worship, then, is a spiritual exercise. Worship can best be described as an intimate communion with God. It can be wordless, it can be done in dance, it can be in song or it can be done with outstretched hands, with your fingers upward, palms facing God (indicating that you are magnifying God, not in the receiving mode). It is an adoration of God above and beyond your everyday, normal experience. It is a beautiful, uplifting experience that fill your spirit with enough of His love to face any problem you might be having.

Thank Him

You have thanked Him many times during this time or in these multiple times of prayer - but make sure you thank Him one last time. Thank Him for answering your prayer, for listening to your prayer, and for whatever else your heart leads you to thank Him for. He is worth it and it helps you to have an attitude of gratitude towards God.

So, in closing, remember: God is a communicator, not just one big ear. He wants to talk to you - to whisper into your spirit those private truths that will make a difference in your day.

Remember: He gave you two ears and one mouth, and while He loves to hear from you, He loves even more for you to want to hear from Him!

2008 April Lorier APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse

and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women to be all that God designed them to be! She first gained recognition as a children's rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. Her book God's Battered Child is available on her blogs and in online stores.

Inspiration and Encouragement Whispers from God's Spirit

17.8.08

God Loves To Talk!

God loves to talk! Had you ever thought about that? He is a communicator. Way back in Genesis, He said, "Let us make man in our own image." Who was He talking to? Himself? No! To the other two members of The Trinity!

Now the fact that God is a communicator puts a whole new spin on this thing called "prayer". If you are anything like me, you rush in, give God your "to-do" list, thank Him for His blessings, and whoosh! You are out the door! Now what if your best friend treated you that way? How long would you be best friends?

It dawned on me one day that "Chatty Kathy" (me) was doing all the talking, and I began to ruminate on the subject of prayer. This is what I came up with.

Before You Pray

It would be helpful if, before you pray, you develop an understanding of who God really is. You must recognize and acknowledge that you are communicating with the Creator of the entire Universe! He is Awesome! He is Majestic! Also, understand before going into prayer that there are many, many things that we can never fully know about our Creator. So approaching God in prayer should be a careful, well-thought out venture. Of course, at times it will be necessary to pray quickly over some urgent matter, but, for the most part, you want to devote regular time to prayer and communion with God. Know that as time goes on and your relationship with God develops, it will be easier and less intimidating for you to pray, but if you have not had much success with your prayer life in the past, this may be a good time to re-think your concept of God.

Next, in order to hear from God, you must be in the mind frame to listen. Too often we approach God with the idea that we are going to tell Him all about our problems, but rarely do we approach Him with the idea of listening to what He has to say. Let me ask you this - wouldn't you like to spend serious time with God not only praying, but actually receiving what He has to say? In order to do this, you must remember that praying to God is not only a time to air out your problems, but a time for God to talk to you as well. In other words, it's a two-way street - a dialogue, not a monologue.

So, after you have mentally prepared yourself to pray (recognizing what an Awesome God we serve) and you have prepared yourself to listen, you are ready to pray! Following are steps that will help to ensure the time you spend with God is productive for both you and for Him:

Find a Place To Be Alone

Find a place where you can be alone. Your 'secret' closet may not be just an expression, but a real place where you retreat to get away from the hustle and bustle of the house. Any place is fine (even outside) if it is relatively free from interruptions. Find somewhere away from all the distractions, and turn off the telephone (and the cell phone, and the pager and the Blackberry and the Palm) and the television set. Turn your phone or ringer off and, if necessary, leave it in another room so that you will not be tempted to answer it or check for messages. Close any open doors and shut any open windows. If you're outside, find a quiet spot or put on some headphones, a baseball cap or sunglasses. You want to spend this time enclosed with God, focused only on Him.

Take Your Time

Give yourself as much time as you can with God. An hour is great, and a half hour will suffice as well. And, when you get there - relax! Think to yourself, I'm not going anywhere. Take a moment to enjoy your surroundings - the peace, the serenity. Remind yourself that you are going to live for the moment, forget about everything else and truly enjoy the presence of God. Take deep breaths. Breathe in deeply through your diaphragm... Breathe out... Feel your body relaxing. Remind yourself why you are there - think of how much you are looking forward to hearing God's voice; think of how you much you long to be in close communion with God. Think of how much it would truly mean to you to understand what God has planned for your life. Take another deep breath. Prepare to meet God.

Set the Mood

If you were inviting a friend to dinner or children to your child's birthday party, would you invite them over to a dirty house? Of course not! You would spend days or hours cleaning your house, decorating and buying party or dinner supplies. Why then don't we make those same preparations for God? You hear people talking about inviting God in, right? But how do you do that? Think about what God would like - play some nice gospel music. Light some candles for intimacy. Make your secret closet nice - make sure it's not cluttered, messy or dirty. Not only will it distract you, it will not foster the mood of anticipation and excitement you need to communicate with God. God will meet you where you are, but wouldn't it be much better to greet God in nicer surroundings? Put on some aromatherapy and have your bible in reaching distance. Prepare your surroundings as you would for any honored guest. Make sure that you have prepared a place for Him as you invite Him in.After all, this is special time for you, and you want to enjoy it.

Get Comfortable

Find a comfortable position to pray in. The bible is filled with examples of individuals standing up, laying down or praying in other ways (Jonah prayed from the belly of a fish!). Find a position that is comfortable for you and you alone - don't be guided by what other people have told you is right or appropriate. It's okay to lay prostrate, stand up, relax leaning against the back of a couch or sit cross-legged on your bed or on your floor. Find some pillows. Dig in. Whatever works for you in this case will also work for God. It will also put you in a better mood for when He arrives. Don't spend one second worrying about form or fashion - arrange yourself in a position that you can easily remain in for a good 20 or 30 minutes, because you won't be going anywhere any time soon! And if you should fall asleep, don't worry about it. God knows how to reach you!

Clear Your Mind

You have a hundred things on your mind. Things that you've done that day, things you need to do and things you wish you had time to do. If you're anything like most people, you don't just have one to-do list, but several categories of to-do lists! One for home, one for work, one for the kids, one for your family, one for school, one for church, and one for your spouse. It's good to be busy, but having too many to-do lists can cause too much confusion which makes it much more difficult to hear what God is trying to say to you. Learn how to center yourself and clear your mind. Here is a simple exercise. If you have a candle lit, focus on that little flame that is swaying back and forth. Slowly drop all other thoughts from your mind as you watch the different colors in the flame - blue, orange, yellow, and white. Marvel at this thing that God has done - bringing such beauty to such a small, little flame. Now is a good time to think about God. Not talk to Him, but think about Him. Think about when you first met Him - where were you? How old were you? What did His presence feel like to you? Revel in those memories and begin to let them warm you from the inside out. God is wonderful! Remember the first time you discovered that for yourself.

(continued in Part 2)

2008 April Lorier

APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse

Inspiration and Encouragement

Whispers from God's Spirit

13.8.08

Is There Really Such a Thing as "Christian Counseling"?

This post has been moved to Godwoman.

12.8.08

With Pride, We Present The Wit of Teresa Ortiz

Today I am very proud to present the wit of Teresa Ortiz. Raised in So. California in "gang territory", Teresa has moved from "gang girl" who thought she knew everything (but had no real confidence) to head of In Season Ministries, a ministry for women. I first met Teresa on SearchWarp where she showed up with a heart to write, but no real skills. There was something so humble about her that I felt compelled to reach out and help her over and over. Little by little, Teresa, a female who wouldn't know correct grammar if it hit her, began turning into a decent writer. With more encouragement from me and other members of SearchWarp, she began to blossom.

She recently submitted this article to SearchWarp and it was featured on their Front Page and received over 3,000 reads/comments. I was so proud of her I thought I was going to burst! I am reprinting it here (with her written permission) because I want others to be encouraged. If you have a dream and all the odds are against you, it does not matter! All it takes is grit, work, and asking God to bless your efforts. He knows your heart, so there's no conning God! So, without further adeau, here is the wit of Teresa Ortiz!

A Conjunction an Adverb and a Preposition
What do These Have to do with Writing?

The other day someone sent me an email in response to something I had written. He said I was an encouragement to him and he was looking forward to reading more from me. No harm here, this made me feel good. The problem is he went on to tell me that I was a "prolific writer".

What in the heck is that? I had to ask someone at work the other day, because I was too lazy to pull out my dictionary. Sure, I have heard this word before and though it is somewhat of a sophisticated word, it never applied to me, so why look it up? Now that I know it means abundant, or continuous, or more of--is it even a compliment?

This was three days ago and I haven't been able to get it off my mind. It is time for me to confess; I have no business writing. What was I thinking? I mean really, I don't even know the basics.

What is a preposition? What is a conjunction? Should these words be capitalized? Let's see, noun equals person, place or thing-okay, well the last time I checked prepositions and conjunctions were "things", so I suppose I should have capitalized them.

The only thing I remember about conjunctions is the old Saturday morning cartoon, "Conjunction-junction, what's your function….something, something…phrases and clauses." What is a clause? Does it have something to do with Santa?

Have I mentioned that I failed English class three times? It was the teacher's fault, I'm sure. The tests were ridiculous--seriously; allow me to give you an example:

Instructions: Please breakdown the following sentence.

"Hector was outside playing with his brown Chi-Wawa."

Um, well, there is this boy and his name is Hector and um, he is outside playing with his brown Chi-Wawa.

I got an F. What other way can you breakdown this sentence? What didn't I get?

Eventually I passed the class--thanks to Tim, who sat in front of me, and willingly shared his answers in exchange for a back rub. It was a small price to pay.

So here I am, all these years later. What is the deal? If I would have known then, what I know now. Would I pass the test today? Um, well, I think his name is still Hector, and unless he went inside, he is still playing outside with his brown Chi-Wawa. Although, Hector is probably an old man by now and his Chi-Wawa (spelled chihuahua) must be dead, so does it really matter?

Okay, fine--I won't be lazy. Let's see what my trusty dictionary has to say.

Conjunction = A joining; or being joined together; union; association."

What? This sounds like marriage to me. What does this have to do with proper grammar? No wonder I failed.

As for an adverb, "Any of a class of words used generally to modify a verb, an adjective, another adverb, a phrase, or a clause…"

Gee, thanks Mr. Webster, of the New World, it's all making sense now.

Finally, the preposition "In some languages, a relation or function word, as English in, by, for, with, etc."

So let me see if I have learned anything new:

Hector = Noun

Was = Preposition

Outside = Adjective

Playing = Verb

With = Preposition

His = Pronoun

Brown = Adjective

Chi-Wawa = Dog

How did I do? What can I say, writing is a gift.

Proudly submitted 2008 by April Lorier

APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women t

o be all that God designed them to be! She first gained recognition as a children's rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan. Her book God's Battered Child is available on her blogs and in online stores.

Inspiration and Encouragement

Whispers from God's Spirit

11.8.08

Self-Help Books - A U-Turn Back To SELF

For as long as I can remember, I've been a self-help book junkie. Hey! I had lots of problems left over from childhood abuse to solve! At the same time I was reading self-help books, I was listening daily to The Old Fashioned Revival Hour with Rev. Charles E. Fuller and studying my Bible. I wanted help and I didn't care where it came from!

I'll never forget the day I sat in Carrows alone, eating lunch as I opened my freshly purchased copy of Scott Peck's The Road Less Traveled. His first chapter begins with these words: "Life is difficult."

Scott Peck had me at difficult. This I knew. All my life, I'd struggled with poor self-esteem and crippling, uncontrollable fears. Yet in my family's conservative Christian circles, a good Christian never needed therapy—ever. Self was to be denied, not embraced.

Peck goes on to say life isn't supposed to be easy; difficult is OK. Reading hungrily as I ate my meal, I suddenly felt less lonely than I had in a long time.

Later, when I headed to college and self-help groups to discover "God's will for my life," I gravitated toward bookstore self-help shelves, seeking answers in secular titles that promised healing for my wounds—Codependent No More and Taking Responsibility. What was my justification for this interest?

I was fixing myself for God! And if it took a U-Turn Back to Self, so be it.

I continued to read self-help throughout my 40s. But after years of chasing the self-help dream, I faced a serious marital crisis. At the prospect of becoming a single parent, I found myself turning to God—not my books—for the answers I desperately needed.

Don't get me wrong; secular self-help isn't without some sound psychological insights. But too often these insights come wrapped in falsehoods. Here are four that popular self-help gurus promote—and that Christians should avoid.

1. You should put you first.

In Take Time for Your Life, author Cheryl Richardson writes, "When you practice extreme self-care and put yourself first, you are then fully available to others without resentment or anger."

At first glance, Richardson's words are a simple call to establish healthy boundaries, permission to get off the merry-go-round of people pleasing. When I was younger, I ate up such advice. Self-help told me I'm special—and I should treat myself as such. But then I encountered people who didn't understand, care about, or even like me. Without an inflated sense of self-worth, my attempts to put myself first seemed obnoxious and ridiculous.

God established the truth about my personhood in Genesis 1:26, when he says, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness." I, along with the rest of humankind, am an eternal spirit of immense potential created in God's image. Ironically, self-help gurus have it backwards: I don't learn to value myself by selfishly ignoring the value of others; it's in identifying their value that I begin to learn how tall I truly stand. So when I meet people mastered in the art of self-love and self-promotion, I confirm their hunches: "Yes, you're full of remarkable possibility, but then so is everyone else, including me."

2. You should set aside any draining or burdensome relationship.

This second principle is a natural conclusion of the first. If your primary focus is to serve your best interests, then you must abandon whatever—and whoever—stands in the way of accomplishing that end.

A friend once voiced these sentiments: "We know how to rid our houses of unnecessary clutter. But we haven't figured out how to clear out the clutter of the bonds that drain our lives."

In my bitterest, most self-pitying moments, I've dreamed of giving a great number of my relationships the old heave-ho. Yet Christ didn't model this type of behavior. In fact, contrary to what self-help recommends, he didn't gather around himself a band of cheerleaders. Instead, he built radical relationships with Peter, a disloyal follower, Judas, a scheming betrayer, and Thomas, a doubting downer. In fact, Thomas was the type of person Jay Carter, author of the self-help guide Nasty People, calls an invalidator.

Fortunately, Christ doesn't hold to this view. In God's economy, loveliness happens when we love less-than-lovely people. In the last several years, at least three difficult friends about whom I'd privately grumbled came to my aid, especially in the midst of my marital crisis. When I refuse to toss away people who drain or invalidate me, sometimes I bless, but even more often I'm blessed.

3. You can fix yourself by yourself.

Rhonda Britten's frankly titled book Change Your Life in 30 Days opens with: "Congratulations. You have decided to embark on a sacred journey to find your true self. By picking up this book, you have committed to making dramatic changes in your life in the next 30 days. I'm asking you to dedicate this month to your self." Her congratulations underscore a tantalizing offer: Do as I say, and you, all by yourself, can get results.

If the core message of secular self-help is selfishness, then the core method is self-generated transformation—the promise of the quick fix. I'd love to believe willpower and a bit of knowledge alone are a force strong enough to do anything.

So would my friend Ashley, the quintessential can-do person. Prior to her second son's birth, she'd been able to conquer her weight challenges by herself. But this time was different.

Ashley needed help. She put down her self-help diet books and joined a weight-loss support group. She soon discovered that on her own, she'd fought only half the battle—a change in appearance. Through her support group, she faced the truth about her diet and exercise habits. After 20 weeks in group meetings, Ashley lost 20 pounds and obtained the tools to effect permanent transformation.

I'm not discrediting the power of the written word to help people make positive life changes. But contrary to self-help's assertion, change isn't easy. Read Ecclesiastes 4:12, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." The connection of relationships—to God, to others, and, yes, even to myself—facilitates the tough, disciplined work of seeing truth, learning lessons, and living them out in everyday life.

4. You are wholly good.

The inspirational book Simple Abundance calls readers to find beauty, simplicity, and their "authentic self", a term in many self-help tomes.

In the book's January 30 meditation, author Sarah Ban Breathnach invites readers to visualize the reflection of their authentic self in a golden mirror. She describes this self: "She is the highest reflection of your soul, the embodiment of the perfect woman who resides within, and she sends you love to light your path."

In other words, if your life's a mess, it's not because of any inherent flaw. Rather, through life circumstances or bad influences, you've lost touch with your true, excellent nature. All you need for bliss to return are directions back to yourself.

I can't believe the basic story line of self-help—that I'm deeply, independently, solely wonderful. Once again, Scripture tells the truth—the whole truth. Not only am I an eternal being made in God's image, I'm also a fallen creature, broken beyond my ability to understand or repair. Jeremiah 17:9 says, "The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?" The next verse gives the answer, "I the Lord search the heart."

In the end, self-help can't fix me, because self-help doesn't know me. God alone searches my heart and sees my full potential for good and evil. In my search for healing, this truth gives me a new frame of reference: Jesus. He, not my "authentic self", knows the way and the truth, and only He can guide me to the life I desire.

I still have to deal with life's complications. And while I believe secular self-help books can have some place in helping a Christian, they shouldn't compose your primary support network. That should be made up of God, and people and books that point you in wise, godly directions.

Don't make any self-help book your Bible, or any self-help guru your God; you've already got both.

Right now, self-help doesn't have much place in my life. For a long time I believed the world's wisdom that I was on a small journey with a big hero, me.

Now I see I'm on a big journey with a truly spectacular hero, Jesus Christ. I never want to forget that.

(c) 2008 April Lorier

APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women t

Inspiration and Encouragement
Whispers from God's Spirit

7.8.08

Anything With Two Heads is a Freak

This post has been moved to Godwoman.

8-8-08 Gossip-Free Challenge Begins!

Tomorrow is the beginning of an eight-day "gossip-free" challenge that is sweeping the nation, thanks to Pastor Kevin Hester of The Sanctuary Baptist Church in Coloma, Michigan.

If you think about it, it is a great idea as a challenge. Can you go even one day without either speaking gossip or listening to it? Not if you watch television, read magazines and newspapers! Most of the media is built upon gossip!

Pastor Hester is challenging his congregation and Christians across the country not to participate in gossip for at least eight days. The campaign is called, "Gossip Free" and is set to begin on Friday, Aug 8, 2008.

Gossip is a timeless problem that is warned about in the Bible, fills the pages of countless magazines and even glamorized on television shows like "Gossip Girl."

Pastor Hester believes there is nothing attractive about gossip.He says gossip is devastating and the Bible says we are not to do it. He points out that it is listed right next to murder in the "seven things God hates".

Three years ago the rumor mill turned personal for Hester. He became a victim of malicious gossip and the experience changed his life. Now he is launching a campaign against it.

Hester and his church have distributed some 2,000 "Gossip Free" bracelets along with his "Gossip Free" booklet.

"We're challenging people to go eight days, from speaking gossip and from listening to it," he said.

While many believe that gossip is just harmful chatter, Hester begs to differ. He says it can be like cancer. If you don't take care of it early, it just grows and grows until ultimate destruction occurs.

Response to Hester's "Gossip Free" challenge has been tremendous and has attracted national media attention, and scores of emails from people across the country.

"Every few hours I check my cell phone and I'll read emails and one came across how a lady who's been a chronic gossiper for 40 years was just so encouraged by the movement that we're doing right now that it's changing her life," Hester said.

Residents of Coloma know going gossip free is not going to be easy.

Jennifer Moore said, "It's hard to keep from it completely, but this reminds me everyday."

Moore's 14-year-old son, Joey sees gossip as a sin.

He sees gossip as a sin, but points out God forgives sins. He says if you are ready to be forgiven for them he thinks the first step would be try going gossip free.

Some local businesses are also embracing the challenge to rid their workplaces of toxic talk.

Rebekah Trosper is a member of Hester's church and a department manger at the Benton Harbor Walmart. She introduced the "Gossip Free" challenge to her co-workers.

"We have associates trying challenging each other trying to see who's going to gossip first," she said. "They are taking it seriously. It's already reduced the gossip in the store."

So, my question to you, dear reader, is: Are YOU willing to take the 8-day "gossip free" challenge? You might want to check out the Gossip-Free Site. But remember, the start date is 8-8-08.

April Lorier | Related Posts

6.8.08

Recovery - Using Both Sides of Your Brain? Why Not?

Did you know using both sides of your brain is an excellent way to move through abuse recovery? It's a way to move through the time line. We are, like God, creative beings.

When I was going through the first years of recovery, I wrote poetry. It was my way to express my pain in allegory form, using metaphors that could not be easily understood by my parents or anyone else. I have several abuse-recovery friends that moved through recovery by the creative act of writing (fiction, poetry, etc.)

Also, at one point, I did collages: gathered pictures from magazines and glued them to a framed board. I was a way of "seeing" what my life had been and what it could be. The piano at the top of this page is a prime example. (The image was copyrighted in 1989 by me, and I ask you to respect its copyright.)

Fortunately, I was musically talented and one of my "super highways" through recovery has always been music. Like the graphic says, "Music Always Takes Me…" Where ever I need to go emotionally, mentally, and spiritually, it is usually music that is my vehicle. I have my MP3 Player going constantly because it makes me focus. I believe whole-heartedly in music therapy because I have used it on myself for many years!

I have other friends who are very creative seamstresses, quilt-makers, and cooks and making jewelry, ceramics and painting. These activities are creative and force them to use both sides of their brain.

I started learning Adobe Photoshop in the 1980's and when I work for months on a compilation (like the image above), it relaxes me unbelievably, and I feel absolutely no stress. When my eyes were in better shape I would work in Photoshop from morning until bedtime and never know how the time went so fast! During that time, I had no perception of problems that I would have otherwise been stressing over (and I had plenty of those!).

God, the Master Artist, created us to be creative. Those who use only the analytical side of their brains are usually the ones who never become whole!

What medium are you creative in? There are hundreds of ways to express creativity! Do you have a bent for arranging flowers? How about decorating rooms? And you men, do you love woodwork? Landscaping? Oh, the list is so long!

Whether your abuse was physical, sexual, verbal, mental, or emotional, the same rule applies: heal through creativity!

(c)2008 April Lorier

Author of God's Battered Child: Journey From Abuse to Leader, April Lorier offers her Christian view on domestic abuse, issues of society and of women, politics, divorce recovery, books, and modern-day "Christianity." The daughter of a pastor, her perspective is sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking, but always a helpful faith-based resource for seekers of emotional and spiritual growth.

4.8.08

Child Abuse Recovery, Part 4

Psalm 18:2-3 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and my horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies. KJV

Adults who have been abused as children often carry the emotional, spiritual and even physical pain in their adult lives. The same holds true for those that have been sexually abused. We carry it; the memory of the abuse becomes a part of us. I've carried so much shame all my life for what happened to me. My anger turned into a deep rooted depression. I carried that depression all my life until I started releasing it through my writing.

I noticed that when I was working on my first book of poetry that my depression was lifting. Much of my poetry had to do with expressing my thoughts and feelings. There was one poem in particular that helped me. It was a poem about being forced by my father to have an abortion. My mom never had much to say about it, but she didn't stand up for me. Then after the deed was done, she said I was a murderer. No, they were the murderers. They both murdered my spirit back then. They not only murdered my unborn child, but they murdered me to a degree.

Back then, parents either sent their kids off to have unwanted babies, or they took them to have an abortion. My family wanted to keep the illusion that they were perfect and had nothing to be ashamed of. Apparently I had brought shame onto them for getting myself pregnant. That abortion was nearly 40 years ago, yet that loss is still so ever present in my mind. There is nothing I can do to bring back the little one I lost; but I wrote this poem in honor of all the little ones that were forced by someone else to be aborted. I am in no way judging anyone who has an abortion by her own choice, but for those girls, and women that didn't have a choice to keep their little ones. This poem is for them.

The Little Ones

Let us pray for the little ones

Who do not have a voice.

Let us stop the murder

Of those that have no choice!

Let us pray for God to rein;

Come, Lord Jesus, Come.

Do not allow your innocent ones

To suffer violently

Before they're even born.

Let us pray for God to rein,

God, save your people;

Make an everlasting change.

Start with every heart, one by one.

Let us pray for the little ones

Who do not have a voice.

Parents think they are doing the right thing for their children when they push them into terminating a pregnancy; however, if the one who is pregnant doesn't want to end the pregnancy, I think the parents owe it to their daughter to listen. There are always other options if the daughter wants to keep the child. I would never force my daughter to have an abortion against her will. I know the trauma that I went through for more than 30 years. I don't beat myself up anymore for having the abortion.

I gave my baby a sex, I think of my baby as a female. I believe she is with God now, and I also believe she will greet me when I get there. You can read the story about that time in my life here, called My Biggest Secret.

(c)2008 Charlene Collins, Guest Writer for Today
(This is part 4 of a series she is doing. The rest of it can be found by clicking on her Associated Content name.)

2008 April Lorier | Related Posts APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women to be all that God designed them to be! She first gained recognition as a children's rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan.

3.8.08

Loss of Greg Laurie's Son Felt Worldwide

Mega-church pastor Greg Laurie gathered with friends and family, Friday, Aug. 1, to remember the life of his son Chris, who died July 24 in a car accident.

Chris Laurie was killed July 24 in a freeway accident involving a state-operated truck. Since his death, church members and supporters have sent an outpouring of condolences to the family, noted by almost 20,000 responses on Pastor Laurie's blog.

Laurie pastors the 15,000-member Harvest Christian Church in Riverside, Calif. In the 1990s, he began holding his popular Harvest Crusades, which has drawn more than 3.6 million people.

Just four days after the accident that claimed his son's life, Laurie assured his congregation that his faith remained firm. Click play to watch excerpts from Pastor Greg Laurie's address to his church about his faith and his son's death, courtesy of Harvest Christian Fellowship.

Watch Low Band

"I still believe," Laurie said. "I couldn't think of any place I'd rather be today than at church, worshipping the Lord."

Visitor Brandon Hess said he was inspired by Laurie's comments on Sunday.

"When I heard him the other day a few days after it happened, the first thought that came to mind is the story of Job. I was very encouraged and inspired to hear Preacher Greg maintaining his faith in Jesus Christ. We still believe!" Hess wrote.

Chris Laurie, 33, was driving alone in a carpool lane on the 91 freeway when he ran into the back of a street cleaning truck. California Highway Patrol officials say he was traveling at a "high rate of speed" and didn't have time to stop. The state vehicle had been equipped with flashing lights and warning signs that road work was taking place.

Police records also revealed that Chris had had a history of speeding, and two car-pool lane violations in the area the accident occurred.

Despite his run-ins with the law in the past, Pastor Laurie said his son had "really committed his life to Christ in the last two years of his life" and that "he was using his gifts for God's glory."

Chris had recently started conducting a Bible study in his home and had often helped with stage presentations at the church.

Associate Pastor John Collins remembered Chris as "tender-hearted. He grew into a husband and father and into a fine person and individual," he said.

Collins added that supporters worldwide have flooded the church with e-mails and phone calls, including Rick Warren, author of "the Purpose Driven Life" and pastor of Saddleback Church.

Friend of the family Mark DeMoss said he will always remember the love and support Chris and his father had for one another, despite being under the public eye.

"I have watched many children grow up in the spotlight and shadow of prominent religious leaders; some have not handled it well,'' he said. "Christopher Laurie did and finished his life doing what he and his father loved - working side by side in the church this family has given its life to."

Chris leaves behind his wife, two-year-old daughter, and unborn child. He is also survived by his brother, Jonathan.

Sources: Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register

2008 April Lorier | Also seen on

World's Strongest Hillbilly Ministry

Steve came to the Lord from a life of abandonment, drugs, alcohol, and insecurity. He had always been physically strong, and he prayed God would bless him as He blessed Caleb with more strength in his "old age" (Steve was 36!) than he had in his youth. And God did.

Steve is a man who believes God gives all of us tools, and it is our responsibility to use those tools to glorify the Giver of them. His wife wrote to the "Tonight Show" and as a result, Steve was on national television. They didn't realize they were going to get a sermon from God's Word, but they did!

Steve McGranahan is like many "unusual" ministers out there. We are living in a time when ministers must use unusual approaches to get people's attention. And he definitely does do that! His ministry is called Heaven Bent Ministry and it is filled with humor, truth, and unbelievable acts of strength. Even his website is funny!

I looked all over for a video of Steve performing as "The World's Strongest Hillbilly" but couldn't find one for days. (You'd think YouTube would have it!)

Finally, on The Christian Broadcast Network, I found one. And I share it with you today as entertainment, but even more, as a reminder that God has gifted every single one of His children. And He does expect us to use those gifts! Here goes the redneck gospel!

See? No excuses for not ministering, are there? We may not be the world's strongest hillbilly, but we do have special gifts given to us to equip us to minister for God and bring glory to His Name.

2008 April Lorier | Related Articles

APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women to be all that God designed them to be! She first gained recognition as a children's rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan.

2.8.08

New Beginnings for April Lorier

This is the week of new beginnings for me! Over the years, as I was Executive Director of COPE, Inc., I have received so many snail mails and emails from wounded people, and I've been answering them privately. Now it's time to answer them more publicly (names will be withheld) so other readers can benefit from the questions and, hopefully, from the answers.

The Post's title will not always begin "Dear April..." but will be answered by me. The caricature you will see was done by a handicapped man whose fingers do not work as they did before some very serious surgery. Just goes to show you there are no limits if you are properly motivated. His name is J. Moreno, Jr. and he is for hire, should any of you want caricatures done. (He's very reasonable!)

If you want to contribute to the "Dear April" help column, the address is at the bottom of this page. You can be anonymous, if you like, and I'll assign you a name that fits your predicament (like "Lost and Alone in Lodi")

The posts will appear on the Godwoman blog once a week, in the "Help for Women" Category. That way, we will mix it up a bit, and even have some real live professionals from all walks of life as guest writers.

I am looking forward to launching this new endeavor, and I hope it brings inspiration and encouragement to you as you make your new beginning!

1.8.08

So, How Are You Sleeping These Days?

How are you sleeping at night? Are you bragging because you can get by on 5 hours per night? Do you not understand how important sleep is to your brain's ability to function?

From Starbucks, to Red Bull, to No-Doz, Americans are showing signs of addiction to caffeine. Sixty percent of us drink a cup of coffee a day. On average we will drink 52 gallons of soda this year. And Starbucks—they get a whopping $5.3 billion of our collective dough.

Whether we are chemically stimulating because we do not get enough sleep, or whether the caffeine itself is depriving us of precious rest, we are also sleeping less than ever before. Americans get an average of six and a half hours of sleep a night, a 25 percent drop since the early 1900s. No wonder we are stressed. And as if we needed any more help depriving ourselves of rest, scientists may have found a drug that will eliminate sleepiness.

According to a recent article in Wired Magazine, "A nasal spray containing a naturally occurring brain hormone called 'orexin A' reversed the effects of sleep deprivation in monkeys, allowing them to perform like well-rested monkeys on cognitive tests."

Personally, I would rather not take a chemical that helps me perform like a well-rested monkey. But the prospect of a chemical that could reduce sleepiness without the side effects other stimulants are known for could have far-reaching repercussions.

While the drug is still many years away from reaching pharmacies, it reminds me how important it is to examine the trends facing society from a biblical rather than a purely cultural perspective. We live in a culture today that spurns rest.

Whether it is working later hours to have more spending power or commuting longer distances to live "the good life," or just staying up too late to watch more TV, the truth is people are ready to skip rest to do it all. For most people, the only thing that makes this choice a dangerous one would be the potential health risks and the side effects we feel the next day. Eliminate the health risks and side effects, and ta-da!, no problem.

But what about for Christians? God built rest into the very rhythm of creation. Keeping a day of rest made His top-10 list. And believe it or not, rest serves a purpose - a divine purpose. It reminds us that God is in control. What happens when you cannot finish everything that you think you need to get done and your body is telling you, "you have to go to sleep"? You are thrown into a situation in which you must depend on God.

Rest reminds us that there is Someone we can rest in. And our need for rest is adaily reminder that we are finite creatures and must trust in an infinite God.

We cannot do it alone. And in this way rest is also a picture of the great work of salvation we are offered. We can work all we want, and we will never earn salvation. Jesus did the work for us. The writer of Hebrews puts it this way: "There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest . . ." (4:9-11a).

So here's a question for you: How are you doing at resting? It may say more than you realize about how you are doing in trusting God.

2008 April Lorier | Related Posts

APRIL LORIER - So. California. An award-winning poet, inspirational author and speaker. A survivor of both child abuse and adult domestic abuse, April inspires women to be all that God designed them to be! She first gained recognition as a children's rights crusader while successfully fighting for the passage of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), which was signed into law by Ronald Reagan.

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