February 21, 2012

Stones and Light

Time to start afresh. That is how I feel. It is so easy to fall into old patterns. There is something about the telling – the confessing – that brings about a desire for renewal. The exposure makes one feel accountable and therefore, open and eager for change. Things hidden in darkness have a way of keeping us stumbling. But once brought into the light, a freshness occurs and growth can take place. (We see this in class every week!)

 

Daniel, when praising God, said, ‘…He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him.”

 

In the Ultimate Journey, we ask God to reveal deep and hidden things. He knows what hides in our hearts. He knows. So what we are doing here is being brave and asking him to reveal it. Asking him to go into the darkness and show, by His light, what He wants us to know.

 

Richard J. Foster, in his book, Sanctuary of the Soul, writes: “To help us in our confession we may want to picture a path littered with many rocks. Some are small pebbles, others are quite large, and still others are almost completely buried so that we cannot know their size. With compunction of heart we invite the Lord to remove each stone, for they do indeed represent the many sins and sorrows littering our lives. One by one our loving Lord picks them up, revealing to us their true character and offensiveness. To our eyes some look big and others small, but the Lord helps us to understand that when lifted the smallest pebble has the same weight as the largest boulder. Some rocks that represent sins committed against us need to be dug out of the ground. While this is painful, it also brings healing. When we see the path completely clear, we rejoice in this gracious work of the Lord.”

 

When I did this I felt compelled to ask God to forgive me or to help me forgive others for each sin he revealed. It was so refreshing because when we were finished, the path was clear! I was on a clean, clear path to HIM. How cool is that? The familiar path, full of bumpy rocks, was no longer enticing. I plan do this often, asking God to show me what is getting in my way to Him and to the freedom He longs to reveal.

 

Keep praying and inviting God to do His work. What JOY to find a clear and clean path into His presence!!

 

                                                                                                                                   from the desk of deane watters

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Tuesday, February 14, 2012

  Sermon by Jill Briscoe, a beautiful woman of God shares

about caring for your soul with truth of God.

Click on link below:

http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=CUzwpM8yrVI

 

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Am I Listening To  Me?

Something beautiful came into focus for me today.

It was the first day of The Ultimate Journey for three women, and for me the facilitator. One of the things we do on this day number one is write a letter to the little girl we used to be. We do this to connect to that one who long ago started the process that led us to be the adult person we are today. She is pretty important, but most of us have left her long ago, not even thought of her for years. On this day we try to go back to her so that we can understand more of our beginnings and sift through the years for a clearer perception of today.

So as my pen started scratching out this letter I found myself writing something like: “Since I have started writing more I seem to be more satisfied with you.”

There was more but this led me to realize that writing is something that nourishes me. It is something that I find pleasure in and gives me a sense of satisfaction. But it has been one of the things I have put off as being something I just “don’t have time for.” When I read what I wrote it made me realize that when I push that away I am actually telling myself that what I need, and feel is not important. This has led to a discontentment that shows up in other areas as well.

When I write daily, I like myself better. Hmm…sounds kinda wacko…but this truth really became clear for me today.  Paying attention to my heart (in lots of areas, not only writing) enables me to be more content with me. I suppose it is kind of like the little girl who really needs to be held by her mother. When mom understands this need and welcomes her into her arms, that little girl feels content because her need to be nurtured has been met. She feels lovable and satisfied and good about who she is. I think this can clear the way then, for that little girl to pay attention to others because she is not so focused on herself because her own needs have been met.

Does that make sense? Strangely enough, it is crystal clear to me and I will be paying attention in the days to come to try to understand it even more.

 

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Tuesday, January 31, 2012

True Identity

 Do you know your identify? Your true identity? It seems so often we allow ourselves to be defined by outside circumstances, our own performanceor the perceptions of others. Given these unbearable standards, it is no wonder we find ourselves not able to measure up, to meet the demand or to ace the impossible.

Through whispers of accusations that seem to come from all sides, we can allow ourselves to hear constant lies: “You don’t have it together…You live the life of a fake…Your heart isn’t in the right place…You aren’t the right person for the job…”

 And yet, if we listen closely, we can hear another Voice that whispers affirmation. And this Voice speaks true identity over us: “You are loved and fought for….your life means more to me than the world…you are pure in my sight….I delight in you.”

Think about yourself. What causes you to glow, to reverberate with something deeper and more beautiful than you can describe? Do you have compassion that spills over for others? Do you have a strong sense of justice and mercy? Does your heart instantly open for loved ones? These are all attributes of your Creator, freely bestowed and uniquely given.  For you.

 You reflect HIM. Your true identity can be found in Him, and likewise His attributes can be known through you. These characteristics are your true form, made perfect in His hands and crafted precisely and uniquely for you.

Rest easy in your true identity. No “failure” in this world can break that mold, for you are the child of a King.  And that is a worthy calling.

Contributing writer Emily Muhlbach

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Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Breaking Free

   Kim Wallace and her husband Joe

(Joe also serves on the House of Hope Board of Directors)

As a wife and mother of 10 children, Kim Wallace still makes the House of Hope a priority in her very busy life. Why? Because she believes that God is working in the House in a real and active way. She doesn’t just believe this. She’s seen it happen.

Kim was invited to teach at the House of Hope after meeting Lenchen and Melody, who were drawn to her abundance of joy and love, and her gift for teaching. As Kim taught classes at the House of Hope, she says she could feel God working in her life: “Because of the changes I witnessed in other women, I gained the courage to face the fear and resentment that I retained from my past…It was a slow shedding of the past and the courage in God to embrace all that he had in store for me.” Kim credits that transformation with her family’s decision to adopt children from Africa. Something she believes she would have been too afraid to do otherwise.

But it’s not just the change God worked in her life that has Kim coming back to the House of Hope, it’s the change Kim’s witnessed in others. Kim’s sister in law was addicted to drugs and alcohol—determined to commit a slow suicide by drinking a fifth of vodka a day. In an attempt by family members to save her, Kim’s sister in law was brought to the House of Hope, where she began taking classes. “There has just been a dramatic change in her life,” said Kim. “If it weren’t from God it would be unbelievable. My sister-in-law is a different woman. She’s letting go of the self-hate and resentment she used to have and that is from God. “

Because of the changes she’s seen in the women who come to the House, Kim continues to recommend the House of Hope to her friends and family. “Everyone who walks through the doors of the House of Hope understands that God is using this place to touch the lives of women and help them find dignity and freedom.”

What is happening at the House of Hope that makes it so powerful? Kim knows the answer. “Jesus is what’s happening at the House of Hope,” she says. “I think Jesus is so sick of seeing women walking around without dignity. He’s working through the House to create a place of love and peace—a place that allows for freedom.”

“This place is the real deal,” says Kim. “God is changing lives here.”

Written by:

Contributing Writer Liz Lenz 

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

CONTROL. . . who’s got it?

Have you ever found yourself at the mall thinking, “if those were my children they wouldn’t act like that”.   Or maybe you’ve had lively conversation with friends emphatically stating, “If I were in charge, I can guarantee things would be different.”

While those statements in and of themselves may not be wrong, they may reveal something in the heart of every one of us that, if not dealt with, will result in a life of frustration, fear, and disappointment. Hardly the full life Jesus promises in John 10:10.  

The desire to CONTROL. We want it!  But who has it? 

 Draw a circle.  Now, list all the things that fall into your circle.  House, job, children, husband, volunteer work, family, church, etc.

Look at that list and think about what in that list you really have control of.  Do we have control over our children, our husband, even our job?

While they indeed are a part of our domain and we have authority and responsibility, we must understand what things we have control over as followers of Christ. 

 Draw another circle.  I encourage you to write statements like; my thoughts, my words, my ROLE as a mother, my ROLE as a wife, my ROLE as a friend, and so on.

These are the things, by God’s grace, we have control of.  While I can be a part in behavior modification in another person’s life, I cannot transform a heart.  That is the LORD’s work.  My work is to submit myself to the leadership of the Holy Spirit as it relates to my role as a wife, mother, friend, co-worker, church member. 

 As women, we tend to get fearful and then want to control.  We must constantly encourage one another in the things we do have control of.  When we discipline ourselves in this manner, we can be free in our relationships.  Another person’s response is not our responsibility when we are submitted to God in that relationship. 

“Father, I submit myself to You and invite You to love well those around me as I function in my role as wife, mother, and friend.  I trust You to lead me in my words and actions and to protect my heart and mind when those around me respond in ways that are hurtful. I trust Your goodness towards me and those in my world.  In Jesus name, Amen. ”

 

 

 

Contributor Lenchen Raeside

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Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Be Our Shepherd!

Here is a lovely picture for you today: Psalm 28:8-9.

The LORD is the strength of his people,

   A fortress of salvation for his anointed one.

Save your people and bless your inheritance;

Be their shepherd and carry them forever

What would it look like for a shepherd to carry his sheep?

     He might carry one who is wounded, exhausted, weak, or sick. He wouldn’t look down and say, Get going, sheep! You are made to walk and so I expect you to do it! No, I envision him leaning down, expressing care, checking out the wound or trying to understand why this little sheep just can’t keep up. After he understands, he slowly envelopes the little sheep in his arms to safety. So now, when David is praying in this psalm he is likening God to that shepherd and asking him to be the shepherd of his people. He acknowledges that the LORD is the strength of his people – just like that shepherd provides the strength for that little sheep.

David asks God to pick up and carry, be the strength of his people, forever. As I listen to story after story from wounded, exhausted, desperate women, I think of this verse. Perhaps God is longing to reach down and pick us all  up and hold us close to his heart – forever.

He sees the pain.

He knows the source.

He has a plan for the solution.

But for now, he holds us close to his heart. God wants to be God. He wants us to let him carry us and get us where he knows we need to go.

Oh Lord, be our shepherd and carry us forever!

 

 

 

 

 

November 28, 2011                                                                       

Comfort

Coping mechanisms that lead to hiding or believing lies spring from the unmet need for comfort. The need for compassion and comfort are basic human emotional needs. If we lack true comfort, we will search everywhere for it and possibly attach to some temporary comforts that may become addictions.

This week I tried to be more aware of the need to comfort the women in my class. I tried to validate their pain.  “I’m really sorry that happened to you.” “That really stinks!” “That must have felt so lonely or disrespectful or sad or….” And what I got in response was a blank stare, minimizing or denial.

The words of validation or comfort appeared to be a foreign language!  Those were not words heard in their past and a shield of protection had been built up in their hearts. They could hardly take in the comfort offered. In turn they could not offer it to their own hearts. It seems they didn’t even know it was missing. Being numbed by denial, perfectionism, isolationism, codependency, and fear felt normal. And when offered a way out of these, they weren’t sure they wanted to go.

I was surprised and deeply saddened. But I’m determined to equip them to rescue their uncomforted little hearts in ways that are healthy and freeing.

As a facilitator I want to model how to know and get what my heart needs. I want to understand my hunger for comfort and to examine how I seek it. So, I’m looking into myself.

When I am sad, hurt or afraid, what do I do to feel better? Do I eat, read too much, demean or isolate myself, get too busy, clean the house, call a friend, smoke a cigarette, complain & whine, go to the internet, play solitaire, go shopping, spiritualize it away, ignore it, get depressed…how many more ways can I list the ways we run?

I hope this will help me lead the women in my class to go on the same search to find ways to comfort themselves that are healthy, full of freedom, and long lasting.

 

I found a few VERY comforting verses to help me along the way:

 

May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant. Let your compassion come to me that I may live, for your law is my delight. (Psalm 119:76-77)

 

I long to dwell in your tent forever and take refuge in the shelter of your wings. (Psalm 61:4)

 

But I have stilled and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with its mother, like a weaned child is my soul within me. (Psalm 131: 2)

 

 

 

 

 

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October 19, 2011

Today I have been thinking about listening. In my morning devotions today I read…

 

“How is your dialogue with God doing lately? Have you considered actual dialogue with God, where He speaks and you listen, then you speak and He listens? Are you spending time actually listening? You have to be quiet, still your heart, and listen.

Read His word, and listen. Do His will, and listen. He will speak to you –through the Scriptures, through a person, through an experience, by an impression in your mind. God speaks in the way that you can best hear Him.”

 

Identifying the lies I have a tendency to believe is the desire of my heart. To do this I have to stop…and listen! Really, what have I been thinking about? Who have I been listening to? What comes out loud and clear? Am I listening?

I want the truth so that when my mind moves in a direction that is false, unsure or despairing, I will have a place to move to…a place that is truthful. So I’m making up a list of lies that I have heard this week in my classes and truths that speak to these lies. Knowing the truth allows God to change our thinking.

• Lie: I am worthless. Truth: My value is determined by how God views me, not by what others think or what I think of myself. (Deut 14:2) “Out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the Lord has chosen you to be his treasured possession.” (Psalm 139:13) “…for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb…”
• Lie: I don’t matter to anyone. Truth: God is my Father! (John 1:12) “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
• Lie: I am all alone. Truth: Jesus is always with me. (Hebrews 13:5) “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Matthew 28:18, 20) “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘…And surely I am with you always to the end of the age.”
• Lie: I’m not good enough Truth: Because of Jesus and His work on the cross, I am deeply loved, completely forgiven, fully pleasing, and totally accepted by God. (1 Cor. 6:11) “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
• Lie: Nobody loves me. Truth: God loves me greatly. (1 John 3:1) “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
• Lie: I am helpless. I can’t change. Truth: God is my strength! (Isaiah 41:10, 13) “Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I am your God. I will strengthen you: I will help you; I will uphold you with My victorious right hand…I am holding you by your right hand–I the Lord your God, and I say to you, Don’t be afraid; I am here to help you.”
• Lie: I am a bother. Truth: God cares deeply for me and wants me to come to him with all my needs. (1 Peter 5:7) “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
• Lie: I am unlovable. Truth: God loves me; always has, always will. (Jeremiah 31:3) “I have loved you with an everlasting love…”

I have books that help match lies and truth, but I really think the best way to find what the lies are is to listen. What scriptures will answer the deep need for truth that lies within? Go to scripture. Ask God to direct you to these truths…and Listen.

We need to acknowledge also that it is God who does the healing and the changing of minds. This is His work. This is no magic formula. His truth in our minds allows Him to free us from the lies. Praise Him!