Archive for March, 2006
Connecting with God According to Our Design
TrueU.org | Men’s Hall: Sacred Pathways: Loving God According to the Way He Made You:
“Are you increasingly frustrated by a ‘one size fits all spirituality’ that most definitely does not fit you?
Don’t despair! Scripture and the history of Christian tradition reveal a remarkable diversity of personal devotion. Here are nine spiritual pathways for you to consider as you seek to love God according to the way He’s designed you.1
The Naturalist
In Psalm 19:1, David extols nature’s ability to awaken our cold hearts to God’s warm presence: ‘The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork’ (NKJV). The apostle Paul spoke of a similar reality in Romans 1:20a when he wrote, ‘For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.’ “
This is an incredible article to help one who feels abandoned by God as well as to encourage peacemaking amongst Christians. It discusses 10 ways to experience God and adore Him as a result. Most of us are blends and change our patterns as we age. However the call is to worship, read the Word, and pray regardless of when or how it is done.
March 30, 2006: 11:38 am: RosFriendship,
Philosophy
The Mind/Heart Debate in Decision-making
But the Lord Establishes His Steps
But the Lord Establishes His Steps
:
“what was this my heart was doing? It was starting to
imagine what it might be like to be part of such an adventure.
No! Bad heart! Do not think about that. My head leapt
into action, explaining to my heart that it must not do this. It
must be practical! There was money and fame, and, oh, tithing!
Yes, you would tithe more with a good job. And you would use
your fame and influence for Christ! What a platform you’d have
for evangelism as a handsome news person!
Head was doing good. That tithing thing was brilliant. Heart
had quieted down a bit, especially when head played the
‘platform’ card. Good move, head. Wait. Heart is saying
something about adventure again %u2014 about when else am I
going to have a chance to be a part of something like this?
You’ve got no spousal prospects, no family to provide for in the
immediate future, no big financial obligations. Head said
what about our Jeep? Heart said what Jeep?
Head said that Jeep we were going to buy as soon as we got
out of college and got a decent job? Heart said that could
wait. Head said but a camper trailer? Heart said you
love camping. Head said $250 a week? Heart said
it’s more than you make now. Head said you are
trying to ruin me. Heart said I’m giving you life, and life
abundant.”
This is a good illustration of the discernment of courage/faith over practicality.
March 29, 2006: 10:49 am: RosSexuality,
Teens
Sex Education
Sex Talk Starters:
“Curiosity about sex will not go away if it is never discussed. In fact, avoiding the subject can make sex seem even more mysterious and exciting. Be sure to balance discussions by talking about the positive aspects of sex within marriage as well as the responsibilities that come with it.
Point out the positive.
There is a direct link between low self-esteem and high-risk behaviors such as drug use, early sexual involvement, and other self-destructive behaviors. Compliment your children when they are doing what is right and help them set positive goals for the future. Help your children build self-esteem based on character, unique talents and positive accomplishments. Make sure to show your appreciation and pride for all they do right before offering constructive criticism about what to avoid. When they make mistakes, talk about how to earn back your trust. Never leave them feeling hopeless.
Give your child good reasons for making positive, healthy choices.
Adolescents tend to make decisions based on feelings instead of logic and experience. Often, they believe they know everything and can be hurt by nothing. Their attitude is, %u201CI need it now!%u201D”
Using the Bunny to Teach Easter Character Qualities
Finding Easter in Bunnies and Baskets: What Is a Real Easter Bunny?:
“Use a rabbit picture, a stuffed bunny or even a real one (if you are adventurous) to teach some of the characteristics of Jesus that we should all try have. By adding a Bible verse to each quality, you will create a true Easter Bunny.
Real Easter bunnies:
are white as snow because Jesus takes all sin away (Isaiah 1:18b).
are gentle, kind-hearted and forgiving (Ephesians 4:32).
have big ears that are quick to listen (James 1:19).
have big eyes to look carefully and choose what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
have no voice for complaining or arguing (Philippians 2:13).”
The Origin of the Mind/ Heart Split
TrueU.org | Focus Institute: The Journey of 18 Inches:
“These expectations were not only met, but surpassed beyond my imagination. What I didn’t anticipate was passion behind the intellect %u2014 a heart to accompany a probing mind. You see, within our first week at the Institute, my classmates and I were given a challenge to make a journey during our time at Focus on the Family: a journey of 18 inches, the distance between one’s head, and one’s heart.
I began to realize that instead of avoiding that which makes me uncomfortable %u2014 which makes me feel deeply %u2014 I should embrace it, even if it causes me to hurt. Because that is Jesus’ heart.
You see, we encountered so many deep issues hard issues: Yet for once in my academic career, I wasn’t taught to suppress and ignore my emotions regarding such issues, but to allow my heart to break in the midst of them.”
This is a good article showing the root of the intellectual/emotional split. However I do not completely agree we are supposed to enter into everything painful. Sometimes that is God’s protective heart warning us to avoid something which is not His will.
How Much is too Much Friendship with the Opposite Sex?
SIngle Female Seeking Home Ownership
SIngle Female Seeking Home Ownership
:
“When you don’t have parents or parental figures limiting the
time you spend with your sweetheart (as well as supervising how
you spend that time), you’re likely to spend too much time with
too little (commitment) in return. As Maken writes, ‘just as
familiarity breeds contempt, access breeds complacency. Our
solo living arrangements send a signal to men that they can
have access into our lives and apartments at any time.’ In the
past, ‘men married because they realized that their access to
women was going to be constantly monitored by their
parents.’”
Although I do not agree with the some of the article it does make a good case to guard your heart against unmotivated men towards commitment.
Clubhouse Magazine
Clubhouse Magazine:
“Jesus may not walk up to you on the playground tomorrow.
But once you pray and ask Him into your heart, He%u2019s with you every
day in the truth of His Word and in the presence of His Holy Spirit.
And He still wants you to tell the people around you about Him.
One of the last things Jesus told His disciples was to %u201Cgo and make
disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and
of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19-20).
Telling others about Jesus Christ doesn’t have to take an
in-your-face approach. Jesus demonstrates with Andrew and John
that it can be a simple invitation: %u201CCome and see for
yourself. Then when Andrew wants his friend to understand
Jesus power, he simply says, Come and see.
You don’t have to preach, be a Bible scholar, hand out tracts or
participate in public demonstrations to tell others about Jesus. It
doesn’t take arguing, arm-twisting or demanding just a simple
invitation of Come and see.
Can you think of someone to invite to Sunday school, a youth
meeting or church service? If you do your part by inviting others, the
Holy Spirit is guaranteed to work in their lives . . . just wait and see!”
The Implications of Rejecting your Femininity
TrueU.org | Women’s Hall: XX, XY:
” I said something I thought would win my male passengers over, something mean: ‘I think a girl wrote these directions.’ I sold out my fellow women in an effort to get in good with these guys %u2014 ‘Aren’t girls stupid?’ For some reason, I thought that would make them like me.
I know I’m not the first woman in history to think she can compete for acceptability against other women by mocking all things traditionally feminine, and I won’t be the last. Last year, I caught the end of an episode of MTV’s Made in which a girly girl had been ‘made’ into a varsity football player, exulting, ‘The guys on the team don’t see me as a girl anymore. They see me as a football player, an equal.’
She didn’t want a jersey. She wanted to be as good as the guys at something, to compete on a guy’s playing field %u2014 literally.
Fighting the Power
I think what the MTV girl and I experience is more than just feeling like we need to prove ourselves. Somewhere, there’s also a belief %u2014 even if only half held %u2014 that being different equals being inferior or less important. It’s an idea that’s been around for years, causing some people to reject gender difference altogether.”
This is an excellent article on our teen girls, in particular try to develop friendships with guys. I do not agree that sex is a sole cause of the denigration of women. It depends on the heart motivation behind it.
I Can’t Hear from God
Office Hours: The Lord Told Me (Part 2 of 2)
Office Hours: The Lord Told Me (Part 2 of 2)
:
“‘I said pray John 18 and 19. Pray the words themselves. The first day you might pray the first few verses of chapter 18, and so on. Take your time. Linger over the verses. Let them dwell in your mind. Rest in them. Rest in God. Offer the verses to Him. Pray them. Let Him pray them in
you.’
‘That’s a kind of prayer?’
‘A very ancient one, used by both Catholics and Protestants. It’s called lectio divina, ‘divine reading.””
This is an inspired article! It discuses our heart motivations/vows in the blocks we have receiving from God. It has steps to practice the presence to strengthen christian our spiritual selves. this could be helpful in the controversy or walking in the spirit vs legalism. as well it could help spouses to love one another increasingly from the depths of their souls.
Giving and serving
Ten Percent Tithe, 100 Percent Generosity:
“The poor widow came along, quietly giving only a
minuscule fraction of what everyone else had given.
Her offering hardly made a dent in the treasury plate,
yet Jesus commended her above everyone else. Why?
Because she gave out of her need. She gave all that
she had %u2014 her entire income %u2014 and she gave it away
gladly, trusting in her heavenly Father to provide.
This story shows that God is not concerned with the
exact amount of money you give but the attitude with
which you%u2019re giving it. God wants us to give, like this
widow, even in times of need, because it causes us to
depend on Him to provide. This enables us to see Him
work in unimaginable ways!
Giving Out of Love
Have you experienced the feeling of caring about
someone so much that you wanted to do anything you
could to please that person? In your desire for her
happiness, did you forget completely about yourself?
This is a tiny picture of how God feels about us. If we
are capable of even a hint of selfless love, in all of our
imperfections, how much more does the Creator of the
universe, the essence of perfection know how to
shower us with good things? (See 1 Timothy 6:17-19.)
Where would we be if God%u2019s generosity to us
depended on our deserving it? What a fix we would be
in! %u201CIt does not, therefore, depend on man%u2019s desire or
effort, but on God%u2019s mercy%u201D (Romans 9:16). Knowing the
extent to which we are loved should compel us to love
others in the same way.”
This article stresses the heart posture in giving.
March 23, 2006: 11:09 am: RosParenting,
Teens
Philosophy of raising Teens
You Can Survive the Stormy Teen Years: Don’t Rock the Boat:
“Save your big guns for those crucial confrontations.
Try hard not to hassle your kids.
Ask yourself this question: ‘Is it worth risking everything of value to
enforce a particular standard upon this son or daughter?’ If the issue is
important enough to defend at all costs, then brace yourself and make your
stand. But think through those intractable matters in advance and plan your
defense of them thoroughly.
The philosophy we applied with our teenagers
(and you might try with yours) can be called ‘loosen and tighten.’ By this
I mean we tried to loosen our grip on everything that had no lasting significance,
and tighten down on everything that did. We said ‘yes’ whenever we possibly
could, to give support to the occasional ‘no.’ And most importantly, we
tried never to get too far away from our kids emotionally.
Also, try hard
not to hassle your kids. They hate to be nagged. If you follow them around
with one complaint after another, they are almost forced to protect themselves
by appearing deaf. And finally, continue to treat them with respect, even
when punishment or restrictions are necessary. Occasionally, you may even
need to say, ‘I’m sorry!’”
A good model for parenting teens to adulthood.
March 22, 2006: 10:04 am: RosChildren,
Philosophy,
Theology
How to Have Grace-Filled Relationships
The Value of Full-Time Moms: Grace-Filled Relationships:
“Defined rules and expectations. Boundaries are stated and are there to help people grow. People aren’t there to serve the rules.
4. Open and honest dialogue. Messages and feedback are clearly communicated with words, not hints.
5. God as the Source. Our sense of value comes from God, not from the behavior of another person.
6. Children as joy-givers. Enjoy letting your kids explore, imagine and make mistakes.
7. Accountability. Rather than use blame to punish and control wrong behavior, teach responsibility for ones own choices.
8. “Head skills.” Thinking is used for the purpose of learning, not for defending oneself.
9. Valid and useful feelings. Recognize emotions as opportunities for family members to connect and support one another in making wise choices in response to how we feel.
10. Outside/inside matching. Private life is the same as public life. Rather than putting on a front, families are concerned with how healthy their relationships are. What is real is more important than how things look.”
Balance Between Grace and Disciplined Commitment
Loving Christ While I Cheer for the Yankees
:
“But the answer is not to keep away from sports. Rather, it is
to ‘take sports captive and make them obedient to Christ.’ What
transforms sports devotion into a transforming activity is no
different than anything else - a Christ-like posture of
knowing that all we do will either move us further along the
journey or drive us back. Where one ends up in this spiritual
journey is determined by that delicate and well-known balance
between God’s unmerited grace that fuels all of our lives, and
our disciplined commitment to live in a manner consistent with
that grace. We work toward this balance by humbly cultivating a
life of devotion in prayer, Christian community, study of
Scripture, and service. That is what will enable us, more and
more, to bring every part of our lives under Christ’s reign.
A theologian recently wrote that what the church needs
desperately is a theology of things such as sleep, eating,
working, and leisure 2. I
would add sports to the list. As Christians we need to cultivate
an attitude of theological reflection about those very things that
fill up most of our daily hours. “
the article begins slow, but makes great points that could be applied to the dilemma even putting a person above God
March 20, 2006: 8:01 am: RosChildren,
Parenting
The Adoption Option from Foster Care
Thinking About Adoption?: Foster Care Adoption:
“Even babies may have emotional issues because of their lack of attachment to a caregiver, but the problems become more pronounced with age. (Newborns may show distress after losing all the familiar sounds of the womb.) All children need love, yet they may have to be taught how to give and receive it, starting with the knowledge that you can be trusted. Many foster children have learned that caregivers aren’t forever.
Be prepared to consistently love and accept the child, even when she tests your willingness to do so, but maintain high expectations for respect. When you adopt an older child, you might have to help him unlearn emotional survival skills acquired from being abused, neglected, rejected, moved from home to home, or feeling like he doesn’t belong anywhere.”
March 19, 2006: 9:58 pm: RosChildren,
Parenting
Children and Eating from the Heart
Dietary Recommendations for Children and Adolescents::
” Parents should remember that they are responsible for choosing foods that are eaten and when and where they are eaten. The child is responsible for whether or not he or she wants to eat and how much. Two natural parental impulses, pressuring children to eat and restricting access to specific foods, are not recommended because they often lead to overeating, dislikes, and paradoxical interest in forbidden items.142,143 “
This is a good point so parents aren’t trying to control their children but providing healthy structure.
When You Are Overwhelmed by The Needs of Your Child
Discipling Your Child as a Single Parent: Enoch: The Challenge to Walk With God:
“Enoch: The Challenge to Walk With God
Enoch chose to walk with God when he became a father: “After he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God” (Genesis 5:22).
When Enoch looked at his firstborn baby’s chubby cheeks, rosebud mouth
and curling eyelashes, and when that little fist wrapped tightly around Enoch
finger, his childs physical, emotional and spiritual needs must have overwhelmed
him. So Enoch began walking with God. And Enoch kept on walking with God one
day at a time, 365 days a year, for 300 years.
Enoch still made time to walk with God every
day.
When, like Enoch, have you faced more responsibilities than you could handle?
Did death or divorce force upon you the incredible burden of raising your children
alone? Then, like Enoch, start walking with God.
When I’m home and weather permits, I walk with a couple of friends for
two and a half miles. We abide by two basic rules when we walk: We must walk
at the same pace, and we must walk in the same direction. The same rules apply
to walking with God.
Enoch chose to walk at God’s pace, which meant moment-by-moment obedience
to His will.Disobedience, neglect or ignorance of that Will would cause him to
get out of step. In addition, Enoch had to walk in the same direction God walked,
which meant moment-by-moment surrender to Gods will. He couldnt
go in his own direction. Enoch could not insist on his own way or he would
find himself on a path different from Gods.”
An excellent article on the importance of modelling.
March 16, 2006: 12:41 am: RosChurch,
Philosophy,
Theology
The Uncondtional Love/Acceptance of God
Being Seen
:
“Too wonderful, indeed. I
love how J. I. Packer expands on this thought in Knowing
God by writing, ‘There is tremendous relief in knowing that
His love to me is utterly realistic, based at every point on prior
knowledge of the worst about me, so that no discovery now can
disillusion Him about me, in the way I am so often disillusioned
about myself, and quench His determination to bless me.’
But God has searched us and He knows us
and He pursues us with a determined and passionate love. The
truth is, if life were a big game of Hide and Go Seek, even your
best hiding place could never keep you hidden from the God
who created you and loves you. He not only sees you. But he is
seeking you. Experience the thrill of being found by Him.
“
March 14, 2006: 1:01 pm: RosChildren,
Parenting,
Theology
Difficulties in Bible Memorization
Why Can’t I Memorize?:
There are some good tips so the Word is part of your day, transforming you more into God’s image. However I disagree strongly with negative consequences being used in this manner.
Encouragement for Those Struggling with Depression
A Fresh View of Blue: Thoughts on Depression
:
“The Catholic theologian Henri
Nouwen believed that our wounds can be a source of healing for
others. Not only do they help us to become compassionate, but
they humble us. As we work toward healing in our own lives, we
can help bring healing to others.
For Smith, part of integration involved accepting the fact
that depressive episodes might come and go for the rest of his
life. In the same way that an alcoholic must come to terms with
the unhealthy way in which their body responds to alcohol, so
too, a person who is prone to depression can prepare
themselves for the possibility of another bout later on.
Perhaps the most hopeful aspect of this book is that Smith
(after losing a job and a girlfriend) ultimately becomes realistic.
He realizes that he may not ever be able to work a typical
40-hour week, although he can lead a productive life. He
marries a woman who is able to be primary breadwinner, and he
works from home writing, cooking, cleaning and gardening. Both
he and his wife thrive. Although their solution is obviously not
workable for all, his realism is refreshing.
He’s not the only person who has struggled with depression
and found a way to a productive, if unconventional life.
Historically, many of the people who made the greatest
contributions to society struggled with depression or bipolar
disorder, including Michelangelo, Isaac Newton, Emily
Dickenson, Gerard Manley Hopkins, and Winston Churchill. Two
of our nation’s most influential presidents also suffered from
mental illness - Abraham Lincoln and Theodore
Roosevelt.”
March 13, 2006: 8:57 am: RosDating,
Friendship,
Theology
God’s Desires for Your Life
Focus on the Family Magazine: Dusting Off Dreams:
“1. Reflect on long-held dreams, and determine what still excites you. God’s purposes for your life were planted in you before you were born. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). So get back in touch with early dreams. Maybe being a missionary doctor is out of the question, but the missionary or medical field still interests you. See what’s available for you to
do. Your long-ago interest in being a teacher might show up in teaching Bible studies instead of working in a classroom.
2. What’s been tugging at your heart lately? Have a great idea for starting your own business? Feel a longing to touch lives through speaking, writing or mentoring? Ready to see more of the world? Heart tugs are often the way God gets our attention for the next step in His plan for our life.
3. Ask God to give you the desires of your heart for this season. When we commit our dreams to God, He will sort them out and give them back to us. Much of that completion may be in the second half of our lives.
4. Start taking a step
in the direction of your dreams, and see what happens. Like my friend Gail who is taking chemistry to get ready for nursing school, sometimes you have to take a few small steps before the big step. What needs to happen now for your dream to start becoming a reality? Just as the Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first, the best is often yet to come. Count on God’s direction to lead you step-by-step in pursuit of your dreams.”
March 11, 2006: 4:23 pm: CalSexuality
So much for hair on your knuckles and other theories…
Frequent (Daily) ejaculations counter prostate cancer.
The study suggested that frequent ejaculations may decrease the concentration of “chemical carcinogens which readily accumulate in prostatic fluid” and may reduce the development of crystalloids “which have been associated with prostate cancer in some.”
This is a strong counterpoint to the, “Hair growing on knuckles,” and, “Retention of life force,” theories/arguments against ejaculation.
Obviously, this does not address the addictive component many find in sexuality (Including masturbation) but it fits well with other medical findings/disastrous fundamentalist experiments in zero ejaculation that have been seen.
Apparently, the male body was designed to have sex — and lots of it.
It is also worth noting that other studies suggest that ‘having a variety of partners or frequent sexual activity’ could increase the risk of prostate cancer by 40 per cent through the risk of STD.
A Movie about Adolescence
Failure to Launch:
“Tripp is an emotional con man, pretending to own his parents’ home, as well as the boats he borrows to romance his girlfriends. His modus operandi is to act the playboy until he tires of a woman or she gets too serious, at which time he takes her home to meet the parents, discover the truth and dump him. Paula isn’t any more noble, profiting from the deception of emotionally fragile guys she’s hired to date. But by the end we’re expected to sympathize with Tripp as if he’s some kind of victim rather than a cad finally getting a taste of his own medicine.”
It makes some points about various ages. Empty nesters have grown to have a fear they will not be liked for themselves other than for their children. The emptiness of the single’s life can be falsely thwarted by being impatient/losing respect for oneself by pren-marital sex. Genuine grieving to the Lord must occur. It discusses that men become bored often or lose interest once a woman becomes to serious. The guy often uses the line that no one will get hurt. It is just for fun. However the contrary is try and the woman is left feeling shame/confused. In my case this was true.
March 8, 2006: 11:36 am: RosDepression,
Uncategorized
Sanoviv Alternative Health Care Medical Institute treats obesity, diabetes, Parkinsons Disease with holistic medical treatments - Why is dental health so important?
Sanoviv Alternative Health Care Medical Institute treats obesity, diabetes, Parkinsons Disease with holistic medical treatments - Why is dental health so important?:
“Mercury is the most poisonous, non-radioactive, naturally occurring substance on this planet. It is far more toxic than lead, arsenic, or cadmium and the World Health Organization has stated that there is no known safe level for mercury. It is classified as a neurotoxin. Mercury can readily cross the blood-brain barrier, and can seriously impair the health and function of the brain and central nervous system. It has been implicated in a number of emotional and psychological problems such as memory loss, mood swings, anxiety, and depression, as well as some severe diseases and disorders including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, ALS and Parkinson’s disease.
Exposure to mercury can also damage the endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, enzymatic, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary systems. It can interfere with, and overload the natural detoxification pathways of the liver, kidneys, skin, and intestine, depleting the body of critical antioxidants. Mercury is linked to autoimmune disease and allergic reactions.”
March 7, 2006: 10:58 am: RosChildren,
Parenting
Stainglass Candles
Clubhouse Magazine:
“Make snowflakes with the tissue paper squares by
folding them, cutting out different shapes and unfolding
them.
Mix a little water in the glue. Use the paintbrush to
spread it evenly on the outside of the jar.
Press the tissue snowflakes to the jar. (You can
overlap the edges to cover the jar completely.) Let the
glue dry.
Brush an even layer of glue over the snowflakes. If
you want some sparkle, add a little glitter to the glue.
Let it dry. Make more stained-glass luminaries by
following the above steps.
Pour about an inch of kitty litter or sand in each jar,
and put in a candle. When night falls, have an adult
light the candles and decorate the outdoors.”
March 6, 2006: 10:26 am: RosChildren,
Parenting
Smart Stepparenting: Be Patient!
Smart Stepparenting: Be Patient!:
“stepfamilies don’t begin to think or act like a family until the end of the second or third year.1 Furthermore, Patricia Papernow, author of the book Becoming a Stepfamily, discovered that it takes the average stepfamily seven years to integrate sufficiently to experience intimacy and authenticity in step relationships.2
Fast families can accomplish this in four years, if the children are young and the adults are intentional about bringing their family together. However, slow families, according to Papernow, can take nine or more years. In my experience, very few adults come into their stepfamily believing it will take this long. They want a quick, painless blending process. In fact, if they had known the journey would take so long, they might not have signed on in the first place.”
This is a helpful article discussing the patient needed to win the hearts of step-children. It could even take nine years.
Thinking and Walking by Faith to Experience God
Office Hours: The Lord Told Me (Part 1 of 2)
:
“Because I don’t mean just thinking. I mean thinking with a
difference trusting God to make things clear in His own
time, thinking in a spirit of adoration, of dependency, of trust.
That includes trust that He is, in fact, changing your mind.’
‘That can’t be biblical.’
‘Can’t it? In Romans 12:2, Paul writes ‘Do not be conformed
to this world but be transformed by the renewal of your mind,
that you may prove’ that means ‘discern’ ‘that
you may prove what is the will of God, what is good and
acceptable and perfect.’ Do you see what he’s saying? He seems
to think that the key to ‘proving’ or discerning the will of God
isn’t getting a certain kind of experience in the mind,
but getting a certain kind of mind. Paul wants our
minds to be ‘renewed’ through surrender to His will.’
‘Are you just saying that I should listen for
thoughts instead of feelings?’
‘No, I mean that you should let your mind rest in God, that
you should let it abide in Him.’
‘Like, ‘Okay, God, my mind is all ready, so drop some
thoughts into it’?’
‘Not that either. He made your mind to think, so
don’t let your mind just lie there - think. But
think in His presence. Does that make it clearer?’
‘A little.’
‘You see, up to now you thought that you just had to open
up your feelings. Actually you have to open up your whole
person, including your powers of intellect and judgment.’
‘I’m beginning to get you. But that sounds scary.’
‘Sure it does. Before you’ve just waited for a jolt of
experience, an interior ‘happening.’ What I’m suggesting is to
walk by faith. It is scary at first. But it’s actually closer
to God.’”
Afffirming Children
Age-Appropriate Praise: :
“By focusing on the effort, you will help your child transition into the real world where self-motivation is essential to success and where a job well done is often appreciated but very rarely rejoiced over. “
Positive Self-Talk
Talk To Yourself:
“Scientists have discovered that self-talk sends the
same chemical messages to your brain as actual
experiences do. In other words, a negative thought
can make you feel as awful as a bad experience.
And unfortunately, most of us have lots of negative
self-talk chattering away in our heads.
Positive self-talk, on the other hand, can help you
appreciate yourself, set goals and handle problems. But
learning to “Chear” your own self-talk and then changing
the negative messages to positive ones takes practice.
Think of it as training for a big event. Practice increases
the odds of success.
Fight Back With Questions
Certain thoughts can trigger a flood of negative
emotions, leaving you frustrated, angry or unhappy.
Fight back by asking yourself questions. For example:
Words/Phrases To Watch Out For
I have to . . .
Ask Yourself: Why do I have to? What will
happen if I
don’?
I can’t . . .
Why? Do I want to? What will it take to learn how to do
this? What am I afraid might happen?
This isn’t fair . . .
Is it really unfair? Why? What can I do to influence a
change?
I never . . .
Really? Or does it just feel that way now?”
I believe part of this is good, yet it doesn’t address needing God’s perspective to counter the lies. /
: 2:56 am: CalNews,
Rants
Renewal of Patriot Act Passes Senate
Los Angeles Times
The below image says it all…

(With thanks to George Orwell — 1984.)
Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both.
-Benjamin Franklin
March 1, 2006: 10:25 am: RosPhilosophy,
Theology
Praying for God’s Will
TrueU.org | Student Lounge: Troubling God With the Small Stuff:
” it’s important to understand that asking for help in Jesus’ name means that the request agrees with God’s character and will. We’re not granted endless wishes to fulfill selfish desires. In fact, if we truly follow God and seek to do His will, then our requests for help will be in line with what He wants for us.
Your Most Important Habit
The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. (David in Psalm 28:7a)”
Balancing work with Family
Answer:
“Husbands and wives who fill their lives with never-ending volumes of work are too exhausted to take walks together, to share their deeper feelings, to understand and meet each other’s needs. This breathless pace predominates in millions of households, leaving every member of the family frazzled and irritable. Husbands are moonlighting to bring home more money. Wives are on their own busy career track. Their children are often ignored, and life goes speeding by in a deadly routine. Even some grandparents are too busy to keep the grandkids. I see this kind of overcommitment as the quickest route to the destruction of the family.”