That’s personal. . .

January 30, 2012 | Faith: Knowing Christ, Just me

This morning, I listened as a teacher shared this view of Psalm 23 and it reminded me all over again of why I love my Savior.

The Lord is my shepherd — that’s personal.

I shall not want — that’s provision.

He leads me beside still waters — that’s rest.

He restores my soul — that’s healing.

He leads me in the path of righteousness — that’s correction.

I will fear no evil, for He is with me — that’s protection.

He anoints my head with oil, he prepares a table — that’s blessing.

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life — that’s grace.

I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever — that’s eternity.

What about the “good” one?

January 28, 2012 | Encouragement for Today, Q&A: Dear Friend

Dear Suzie,

I loved your devo on the prodigal child, but could you share some light of encouragement regarding those of us that keep the faith and  who are trying continually to be obedient to the father? We suffer because we are neglected and in need of encouragement.

Not the prodigal child (more…)

When your child is in trouble

January 24, 2012 | Encouragement for Today, Family: Nurturing Family

If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome!

Your child is in trouble. Maybe you suspect it. Or maybe it’s obvious to the world. And you’re worried.

What can you do? (more…)

Lesson from a yellow slip and slide

January 23, 2012 | Family: Nurturing Family

She was buck naked. She had drank enough water from the plastic kiddie pool that her little belly looked like a watermelon.

Her twin brother had on a diaper. It weighed as much as he did, swaying with a gallon of water.

The oldest  had on her bikini, a tight bow wrapped at the nape of her neck. While her younger brother and sister ran at the yellow slip and slide with abandon, throwing themself with arms out like super man, she timidly ran at it and slid on her bottom, a look of sheer delight on her face.

I was wearing a swimsuit. My hair was wet, sort of. The kind of wet that comes from a flailing water hose. It was mashed with Dawn Liquid dish soap where I had accidently got the soap in my hair.

We were laughing. A lot. The Dawn Liquid made the yellow slip and slide a rocket, their little bodies flying as they squealed in delight.

And then the car drove up.

Three church ladies stepped out. They were wearing dresses. Their hair was fixed.

I looked at my self, my body bearing the marks of three babies born in 19 months. What would they think of my naked child with the watermelon belly. My son with the 10 lb. diaper. My daughter who had somehow managed to take her top off in spite of my well-tied bow at the nape of her neck.

“Can we come in?” one asked.

That’s when panic set in.

(more…)

To live free: perspective can change everything!

January 20, 2012 | Feelings: Intentional freedom

The other day someone responded harshly in a conversation.

And a couple of hours later, there it was. Still pestering me. The reality is that I care for this person, and it was simply a quick emotional response to an emotional topic. It had nothing to do with me, really.

I asked God to help me put it into perspective.

How big was this, really?

Yes, it stung, but it wasn’t big. It just felt big for a moment, and then felt bigger the longer I nurtured that feeling.

Was it important enough to pursue?

In this case, the answer is no. But sometimes it is. There have been times that I have walked away in the heat of the moment. Perhaps emotions were high. Someone was hurting, or raw, or the timing just stunk.

But if it’s important, then we can go back and start the conversation fresh at the right time, with the right frame of mind, and with hope toward healing and a willingness to work through it.

Was it worth the energy and thought that I was giving it?

Flame, flame higher and higher. That’s what can happen when we feed a hurt feeling. It grows beyond its rightful size and consumes energy we can devote to things we really love.

Did I play a part?

Is there something said or done that might be done differently? In some instances, this is not the case. But as I examined the above conversation, I realized that I could have worded my point differently. This one change might have changed the entire course of the conversation.

To live free: Perspective is powerful. Are you willing to change yours?

Quote: You and I do not see things as they are. We see things as we are. ~ Anonymous

Just you and God: Is it time to shift your perspective? Do you feel stuck? Grow through this by asking God to change your focus.

The real monster

January 18, 2012 | Family: Nurturing Family, Feelings: Intentional freedom