Taking the Difficult Road

The need to extend forgiveness is such a huge burden being borne by many of the people I talk with. Very few "presenting problems" include "I need to forgive someone." But more times than not, it's not long into the conversation before it's fairly obvious to both counselor and counselee that there are some forgiveness issues that need to be dealt with that are causing grief, pain, anxiety, anger, fear, depression, and a whole host of obstacles to healthy, joy-filled living.

Anne Jackson talks about forgiveness and reconciliation in a recent post. Her musings are well worth reading, and I would encourage you to take the time to read through the dialogue that follows to get a feel for what people are struggling with. Chances are you won't have to read too far before you'll come across something that resonates deeply within your own life experience.

Bottom line?

Until I forgive, that person still wields some sort of power over me, calls the shots in my life, and nudges Jesus from His rightful place on the throne. He alone is the only One who has the right to powerfully impact the deepest part of who I am.

Reconciliation?

That's another story. That usually takes time. And that's ok. Jesus said that "by their fruits you'll recognize them" {Matthew 7:16}. Some people are not safe for us to be around - they cause us emotional, mental, spiritual, or physical damage because they, themselves are not healthy and whole.

For others, the journey to reconciliation might be 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. The most important thing is that we can stand before God, agreeing with the Apostle Paul when he wrote, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" {Romans 12:17}.

Isn't it time to allow the Holy Spirit to mend your hurting soul? To release the perpetrator who has brought you such great heartache - and still controls you in so many ways? To choose to take the difficult road toward forgiveness?

Just as Jesus did as He traversed that long, horrific path to Calvary.

Forgiveness? Reconciliation? It probably won't be easy. But it can be done. He showed us how to do it.

I know it's possible.

Been there, done that. More than once.

Linda

A "Creeping Separateness"

ave you been married for awhile? After years of living together, it's not unusual for a "creeping separateness" to subtly intrude into your commitment to each other.

Why are you surprised? The relentless 24/7 demands of childcare. Work schedules that collide. Intrusive relatives or friends. The growing stack of unpaid bills. Urgent health issues. Ongoing church activities that demand attendance. Varying interests. Unexpected choices. Annoying habits. Questionable preferences.

And then there are all those disappointments, great and small, that gathered along the way that were never fully addressed.
Without purposeful focus and attention, a wall gets built, brick by brick. You don't even know it's happening. Or maybe you do, but you don't care all that much anymore. The energy your marriage requires imperceptibly erodes, slowly but surely.
The result? Your love, commitment, and passion slip silently away. And you begin to look for affirmation and companionship elsewhere.

Wake up! And read on to discover how to embrace your differences, build intimacy (it's not all about sex), and enthusiastically invest in the life-long commitment that you made way back when ...

Re-Focus. Re-Calibrate. Re-Commit. Today.
Linda

Burden-Bearer ... or Armchair Observer?

"Awake, O Lord! Why do You sleep? Rouse Yourself! Do not reject us forever. Why do You hide Your face and forget our misery and oppression? We are brought down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. Rise up and help us; redeem us because of Your unfailing love"
- Psalm 44:23-26.

Who among us hasn't been moved by the images and stories we've viewed in recent days? Are we content to sit and sadly observe? Or are we ready to rise up and help carry the load?

1. BE INFORMED. Do keep up with what is happening. But also keep in mind that Haiti's tragedy and recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint. Put some parameters around your TV/radio/internet usage so that you won't become overwhelmed.

2. PRAY. We're so quick to say we'll do this, but how many of us are passionately faithful intercessors? Keep a pen and paper by your remote control, and write down specific people or situations that touch your heart. Ask God to use this tragedy to turn you into a prayer warrior.

3. GIVE. There are many organizations that are dedicated to bringing relief and hope. Choose an established one that has a proven track record of service. We at Creekside Ministries are honored to be connected to Samaritan's Purse through the ministry of our colleague, Brent Carl.

- A NY congregation bears burdens -

So don't be content to be an armchair observer. "Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ" - Galatians 6:2.

Interceding with you ~
Linda

"Fluff is Out, Depth is In"

Women's Ministry.

The good news? The next generation is interested in substantial, deep, relational experiences that draw them into a more passionate relationship with Christ and provide opportunities to reach beyond their own walls.

The bad news? Change is coming and for some, change hurts. If we've been in leadership, we might feel personally attacked as our ideas and methods are questioned. But if we want to meet the heart-felt needs of the next generation, we're most likely going to have to completely re-evaluate and re-haul what we do and why we do it.

In her insightful article, Brave New Women: The Transformation of Women's Ministry in the 21st Century Culture, Meagan Taylor shows us clearly that a new day is coming in women's ministry. "Fluff is Out, Depth is In." Younger women are busier than ever, more work outside the home, and they are selective to what they turn their energies to.

They are rejecting the traditional, mandatory events that have been the bread and butter of women's ministries in the past ... the teas, retreats, game nights, craft-parties, and events that have little purpose beside the event itself.

They are looking for heart-changing spiritual formation opportunities and life-altering relationships. And they are seeking the communities and gatherings that will take them there.

If you're interested in where women's ministry is heading in the days ahead, be sure to download this valuable resource. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see how this vital lifeline evolves and unfolds!

Applauding our daughters' passion for the deeper walk ... and hoping they'll still have time for a cup of tea together ~

Linda

We Get to Choose!

I love Philippians 4:4-9. These verses provide godly perspective and powerful hope as I talk with women who struggle with the lies they believe. We work hard together to throw out the old tapes that play relentlessly in their heads. Evil, worn-out voices that tell them that they will never amount to much, that they are losers, failures, unforgivable, or are of little value.

We have a smorgasbord of choices as we begin another year. Much of what happens in life is out of our control. Much of life demands a response to some very difficult situations that we never would have chosen in a million years. And the hard truth is that as much as we try to manipulate, finagle, twist, and fix, the only thing we really control is our response to what happens around us.

My human nature pulls me to a pessimistic place. It springs from fear. Most likely under house arrest, Paul reminds me to look at life through lenses of gratitude. Of expectation. Of confidence of Christ's presence and His desire to influence beneficial change in my life by the power of the Holy Spirit.

I love that Paul tells us that we have choices.

Lots of choices!

We can choice to rejoice -

or we can choose to whine.

We can choose to give our troubles to God -

or we can choose to haul them around.

We can choose to be anxious -

or choose practical paths that lead to a peaceful spirit.

We can choose to think about life optimistically -

or choose to always view the glass as half empty.

We can choose contentment -

or we can choose greed and envy.

We can choose empowerment

by the power of the Holy Spirit -

or we can choose to try to wing it on our own.

We can choose to trust that God will meet all our needs -

or choose to believe that we're not going to make it through the week.

We can choose to be victors in Christ Jesus -

or choose to see ourselves as victims.

"Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him. For the Lord is your life"

- Deuteronomy 30:19-20.

I know that my choices not only affect me, but all the people in my world ... most importantly, my children and grandchildren. I want to model a joyful, godly, victorious life and leave a legacy of value that brings honor to the One who saved my soul. I'm working hard at choosing the options that will continue to take me there.

Will you join me?
Linda