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Sea the tranquility

Before coming to Christ, I often felt alone. I imagined myself floating down the river, freaked out at where I was headed, so much so that I lived a life of chaos, clinging and grasping at the straws of addiction and sticks and logs of co-dependance, scrambling to find a way out, to no avail. Fearful that I would be whooshed all the way down to the sea where gigantic monsters would eat me alive, only to die with no point to any of the journey.

When we are disconnected from God (the worst is when we are so delusional we think we are still connected!) we tend to justify our actions and reactions to life. We act like wild animals caught in a trap, snapping and biting at those who are trying to help. We don’t understand that our reality is jacked up, our perception is completely skewed and we allow emotions to cloud truth.

When I am feeling scared, irritable, discontent or just plainly BLAH, I find that my acceptance of a person, place or thing is out of my reach. I can find no rest or serenity until I accept that person, place or thing as being exactly the way it is supposed to be at that moment.

NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING HAPPENS IN GODS WORLD BY MISTAKE.

In the book of 1 Samuel, we read of Saul, the first king of Israel and the rise of a young David.

But an evil spirit from the Lord came upon Saul as he was sitting in his house with a spear in his hand. While David was playing the harp, Saul tried to pin him to the wall with his spear, but David eluded him as Saul drove the spear into the wall. That night David made good his escape. 1 Samuel 19:9

The point I find interesting is that the evil spirit came from God. Just remember, nothing happens by mistake. What seems a life and death issue in today’s world, usually isn’t, it is just our emotions freaking us out and dramatizing every little detail. When things truly are life and death for us, as long as we stay connected to God through Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we understand that things happen for reasons outside of ourselves and it is easier to accept and thus live a life of sane and happy usefulness no matter the circumstances. We can do that when we stay close to God through prayer, rest and surrounding ourselves with the right influences.

I pray no matter YOUR circumstances, you can turn to God for strength and security. All will be revealed in time.

How many are your works, O Lord!
In wisdom you made them all;
the earth is full of your creatures.
There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number-living things both large and small.
There the ships go to and fro, and the leviathan, which you formed to frolic there.
These all look to you to give them their food at the proper time. Psalm 104:24-27

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IS YOUR CHURCH JUST ANOTHER TALK SHOW?

Last week, Pastor Seth, Lead Pastor of Evergreen Community Church published Evergreen’s CODE, a series of statements that illustrate Evergreen’s core values; the common thread being our vision; to share the story of Jesus with Relevance, Imagination, Compassion and Excellence. Evergreen staff work very intentionally and unapologetically to feed lost souls the R.I.C.E. of Jesus.

WE ARE A HOSPITAL NOT A CATHEDRAL. We believe Jesus came for average, broken, addicted, messy people; not religious people. Therefore everyone is welcome, no one is perfect and anything is possible. We are a safe place for a dangerous message.

All over the gospels the Word of God tells of who Jesus hung out with, what he was sent to accomplish and who he was sent for. Religion is a collection of cultural systems, belief systems and world views that relate humanity to spirituality and to moral values. At Evergreen we try to look through Jesus’ views, NOT WORLD VIEWS. Anthropologists John Monoghan and Peter Just explain religion as,

“it seems apparent that one thing religion helps us do is deal with problems of human life that are significant, persistent and intolerable.”

Is religion bad? Of course not! There are lots of good practices and tips and habits that we can learn, adopt and practice to improve our lives. For instance, the Oprah Religion has many positive attributes. But religion isn’t Jesus Christ. And if churches are not preaching Jesus Christ, if they are not adopting the values of Jesus Christ, then they are just another talk show. EVERGREEN IS NOT PART OF A RELIGION. IT IS PART OF A MOVEMENT OF GOD.

We attempt to meet people where they are at and allow Jesus to move them so they don’t stay where they are at.

Who is ready to put on a candy striper uniform and join the movement?

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DON’T BELIEVE WHAT YOU THINK

YOU CAN’T ALWAYS BELIEVE WHAT YOU THINK.

Yup. I know. This concept from Proverbs 14:12 is hard to wrap the brain around:

There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death. (AMP)

See, when I make choices I absolutely need to ask questions and get help outside of myself in the form of prayer and council and process with those I trust and respect. I cannot trick myself into thinking that I know what is best, that I got it handled on my own. I can never think that I am above needing God’s love and grace in my life.

Remembering that we can’t always believe what we think is also helpful when making decisions and in dealing with conflicts. Let God determine the truth, not our finite selves.

If I forget to let Jesus lead me in ALL things, I tend to look to human weapons in dealing with conflict. When we try to meet our own needs, working independently of God we turn to manipulation, gossip, slander ridicule, threats, blame, nagging, deception and silence. These tactics are a cycle of dysfunction and need to be immediately rebuked. Here are some things I try to do to rebuke my human weapons:

Courageously speak up with questions.

Remain in a teachable spirit, not looking for what is “fair” but what is truth.

AND MOST IMPORTANTLY- Design your own private time with God.

Others can pray for us. Others can encourage us. But if we don’t make space DAILY to get with God alone, we aren’t going to experience the life change God wants for us, our church and our community. At Evergreen we understand that the Church of Jesus Christ is the only hope for the world. But if you think that me eating healthy in hopes that you lose the weight (but you are still stopping at Mickey D’s every other day!) can happen, it’s time to stop believing what you think! Life Change cannot happen without YOUR intention. Miracles cannot be seen without YOUR surrender. YOUR own walk with God will not happen with another’s legs.

HOW WILL YOU PRIORITIZE TODAY?

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Decisions, Decisions

“Oh Gross- this milk is chunky!” My husband gagged his way to sink.
“Dude- why did you drink that milk in the fridge, it’s totally expired!” I laughed.
“Why didn’t you tell me it was spoiled?!”
“You didn’t ask.”

When we seek answers only after a decision has been made, it really only serves as a reminder of how wise we COULDA been had we asked BEFORE the choice. In essence, how stupid we are for drinking the curdled milk in the fridge? How could this have been avoided?

MAKE OBSERVATIONS. If my husband had checked the expiration date prior to drinking from the carton, he probably would have saved himself from a mouth full of sour tapioca. How often could mistakes be avoided if you had only paid attention to your surroundings and the people in it?

ASK QUESTIONS. Do not assume you can assume anything in life. Without proper communication, systems in working environments break down, relationships crumble and frustration and heartache ensues. To make better choices you should always ask questions, seek council OUTSIDE of yourself. You can’t always believe what you think.

The way of a fool seems right to him, but a wise man listens to advice.- Proverbs 12:15

And lastly, this instance could have been avoided with some clutter prevention:DON’T LEAVE EXPIRED MILK IN THE FRIDGE.

What criteria do you keep in making choices?

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Breakdown the Block

Do you ever ask yourself, “How did I get here?” or, “Didn’t this happen last year? (last week? yesterday?) Don’t we sometimes, all of a sudden, find ourselves on a path or in a situation we didn’t think could happen to us and certainly never saw coming? Or ignored it even if we did see disaster ahead? Last week I wrote on ignoring trouble hoping it will go away in “Trouble DeConstructed”

Today, here is one very simple statement, that if you are someone who struggles with making the same mistakes over and over again, and you can recognize the potential in this statement, can change your life.

Your past points to the fact that you are MORE susceptible in this area (insert your sitch here) THAN THE AVERAGE PERSON. Consequently, YOU CANNOT be content with AVERAGE BOUNDARIES.

Seriously. If you can grasp this concept, if you can admit that you CANNOT put yourself in that position, your life can change. When you admit that you can’t go to that bar. That you can’t say yes to everyone. That you can’t spend money like that. Instead of telling ourselves that we CAN’T- we tell ourselves that we SHOULDN’T and in essence giving ourselves permission to do just that which we SHOULDN’T DO! For example:

“I shouldn’t have that second piece of cake, but little Johnny just graduated.”
“I shouldn’t go hangout with the booty caller, but I’m lonely.”
“I shouldn’t have this shot of tequila, but I had a rough week.”

Instead, swap the “shouldn’t(s)” with CANNOT.

“I CANNOT have that second piece of cake, but thank you for offering.”
“I CANNOT hangout with you, Mr. Booty-caller, I value my relationship with God more than my time with you.”
“I CANNOT have this shot of tequila, it makes me physically ill and do very stupid things.”

See the difference?

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your christian brothers and sisters all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.” 1 Peter 5: 8-9

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Trouble DeConstructed

 

Have you  ever ignored trouble hoping it would just go away?
In college I got my first credit card.  It had a whopping $500  limit.   Over time (hmmm-within a year I’m sure!) I “whittled” that $500 to an available balance of zero.  And then preceded to  ignore the credit card statements that came to the dorm room every month.  I was hoping trouble would go away and that credit card company would just forget all about ‘lil ol me.  I mean, c’mon what is the big deal anyhoo?  $500.00?  Dang, that’s nothing!  My friend down the hall had $10,000 racked up of cd’s and clothes, so my trouble is -in the words of Sinead O’Connor- NOTHING COMPARED TO YOU!  And anyway, it is the credit card companies fault for giving a college student with no income a card in the first place!  Not my fault.

 

What trouble have you found yourself in?

 

“Oh, it’s not THAT bad, I  know people that do meth like it’s going out of style, a little pot won’t hurt.”

 

“Drugs are bad, but Beer doesn’t hurt anybody!”  I’m not THAT bad.  I only swear a little.  I only lie on my taxes  a little.  I  only spend a little.   And anyway, I work hard, don’t I DESERVE a little fun?”

 

We try to get as close to the line between right and wrong all the while justifying, minimizing and just plain LYING TO OURSELVES because we assume we miss out on the fabulous party that happens on the spider’s silk tightrope between the dichotomies

 

I pray we can all admit that  trouble is a fact of life for everybody- a fact to be understood and dealt with. When we begin to deal with our trouble in partnership with God’s grace, trouble turns into unimaginable blessings.

 

Indeed, that was  the essence of A.A. itself: trouble accepted, trouble squarely faced with calm courage, trouble lessened and often transcended. -Bill W.

 

Jesus found himself  in the worst kind of trouble. Pharisees hunting him down.  Friends deceiving him. Sorrow plaguing him.

 

“Going a little ahead, he fell on his face, praying, “My father, if there is any way, get me out of this.  but please, not what I want. You, what do you want?”- Matthew 26:39

 

Jesus’ trouble, by God’s great grace, turned into the most unimaginable blessing to EVERYONE thereafter that is willing.  Willing to do God’s grace.  Willing to face trouble.  What are you willing to look square  in the face today?

 

 

 

 

 

 

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inteGREATion

“And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. -Titus 2:7

Can a person’s character change? The answer is simple. Yes. But the first thing needed is an honest look at your character. Well, actually…first you need to define character. Character is the inherent complex of attributes that determines a persons moral and ethical actions and reactions; a person of good repute. You need to want to change your actions and reactions to life. You need to see something about your current behavior you don’t like and the desire to be different from the former you outweighs the standard you have been allowing yourself to live. If you are honest with yourself about the need to change, there is hope!

I wanted to be someone that lived with integrity, an unbroken completeness with nothing wanting or simply put, doing what I say I am going to do. This matter of integrity is often practiced when you don’t want anything in return for the favor performed. But I would make choices like this…years ago my sister needed help moving. I said I would help. But when the day came, the excuses came. Well, she is ALWAYS moving, she got HERSELF into this mess. SHE didn’t pack the way I told her it would be easiest. Blame, excuses and justification for NOT doing something you said you would help with. Travel further down this rabbit hole with me a minute. I did help that day. But I did it with such a bitter heart, such a condescending air about me, that the poison emanating from my very presence was so hard on everyone, my help was more a hinderance and I have not been asked to help again. My reputation precedes me, and not in a way I want to be seen. And that day was like 10 years ago! What happens when no one asks you to actually follow through on anything is your character of integrity atrophies like a limb that doesn’t get used and eventually falls off from the rest of the psyche and you know, deep down, you are NOT a morally sound person. How many occasions have you thought or acted like this?

We are constantly making decisions to be morally sound people. Your decision to cut someone off on the freeway out of spite says something about your character. Your decision to tell someone else’s good news is just as gossipy as airing the dirty laundry of another. A dishonest person lacking integrity tries to get away with doing the least amount of work for the most accolades. The book of TITUS is one of the shortest letters Paul wrote but it is packed with great reminders on how to live a life of good character.

Who wouldn’t want a good reputation preceding them? It takes honesty, open-mindedness and willingness to live differently. Real change can happen. Real goals can be accomplished. Real life can be lived.

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Reflect Effect

If we are patient and persistent, we will learn much about ourselves and why we feel and act the way we do. -The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, pg 65.

To be persistent means to continually recur to the mind; to be retained. A habit is formed by persistently putting into practice the hobby, task or trade you wish to perfect. In order to make a lasting effect on your physical health, you need to exercise consistently. In order to play the guitar you must put hours into practicing. In order to know yourself better you must persist in finding the source of your feelings and actions. How do you do this? Here are some things to try for self-reflection…

Make a List of Character traits. While waiting for God to reveal the next step, try waiting patiently (which means without complaint) by focussing on intentional self-reflection time. During a few moments right now, make a list of the top three character traits you feel you possess. For a complete list of traits to get you started, CLICK HERE In order to determine what will work best for your life, in your current circumstances and coupled with your character traits, you can set yourself up to use those traits as assets and not liabilities. Someone who is fiercely loyal can also hold a grudge and may be unable to forgive if decieved. If someone is tenacious it may mean they make the same mistake over and over again forgetting that tenacity is preventing them from getting out of their current problem. Tenacity can turn to insanity very quickly if your actions are not reflected on properly.

Go to the Word. We cannot figure out ourselves without turning to the word. Getting close to God automatically gets us closer to the selves we were meant to be. By turning to the word we deflect negativity and reflect God’s glory.

You are my refuge and my shield. Your word is my source of hope. -Psalm 119:114

Do Something Fun.

Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-Rejoice! -Philippians 4:4

You cannot share what you do not experience. In order to live a life a faith, and show others the way to faith, joy should be a common part of your day. Take a class learning something you always wanted to learn but never did. Jump out of a plane. Learn to dive. Turn the music up real loud and dance around your house. (I recommend trying this when no one else is due home for at least an hour!) Trying out new things or revisiting old hobbies is the most fun way to figure out self.

What will you try today?

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The Ess[s]ence of Humility

Drawing closer to the face of God is the most important work of a Christian’s life. You absolutely cannot progress toward a deeper relationship with God without Christ and you absolutely cannot progress toward Christ without humility. I used to (dang, still do!) confuse humility with humiliation. Humans often fight being humble with three things and it is these three things that keep us from God. You have to be willing to let go of old attitudes which block humility, three of which are:

LOW SELF ESTEEM- You need to retrain your brain to cut out any negative self-talk. In John 8:44 the Word tells us the devil is the father of lies. God wants you to focus on things that are worthy of praise, not things that are worthy of complaining. Another way to combat negative self-talk and thought is to give yourself daily amounts of self-care. This could mean a walk in the woods, a bike ride with the kids or simply soaking your feet in sudsy hot water. The intention of self-care is to rest in order to hear the word of God.

STATUS-SEEKING- This last weekend, EVERGREEN’S Children’s Pastor, Sara Estenson shared a sermon titled PARENTING FROM THE HEART You become a good parent when you shift the focus off what others do and think and onto what God would have you do in your circumstances.

Then He said to them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. For he who is least among you all-He is the greatest.” -Luke 9:48

Jesus is settling an argument among the disciples as to which one of them would be the greatest. Compare and despair is a phrase common in the rooms of A.A. and is meant to stifle the need to seek approval and status through things not of God. Pastor Sara candidly shared that YOU are a child of God and in order to stay close to the father, you need to TRUST, ABIDE AND SEEK HOLINESS. To seek holiness is not striving to be better than your neighbor, it means to seek God’s wisdom for your life so you can be useful to your neighbor.

SELF-RIGHTEOUSNESS- The tendency to justify your actions, excuse your bad behavior is human nature. It is also human nature to, at the core of your soul, understand the wrongness of selfishness. This is why shame, guilt and humiliation comes to define humility to many. Forgiving yourself needs to be at the top of any list of inventory in order to make solid, lasting change. If you cannot forgive yourself, you will not recover from self or develop the deep relationship with God that He, and the core of you, desires. Admit it.

By attending any church who speaks the Gospel, shares Jesus, and studies the Word of God, you can learn to improve on these principles. If you actively practice living your faith, you learn how to balance out positive self-worth while remaining humble.

“My Father Creator, I am now willing that you should have all of me, GOOD and BAD. I pray that you now remove from me every single defect of character which stands in the way of my usefulness to you and my fellows. Grant me strength as I go out to do your bidding. In Jesus Name, Amen.” -Alcoholics Anonymous, pg 76.

ARE YOU WILLING FOR GOD TO HAVE ALL OF YOU?

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Kingdom Surroundings

When you preoccupy your mind with God’s word, you go a long way toward shutting out temptation.

Keeping a preoccupation of God means to be God-conscious as much as possible; reading scripture, studying it with others, writing about your feelings around what you are learning and then practicing how to live what you learn.

“For Behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you]” -Luke 17:21 (amp)

This verse can mean many translations of application in many different contexts. On a personal level it means God is ALWAYS with you even when you can’t feel His presence. And yes, even when life isn’t going the way you want or expected it to. It means the Holy Spirit is in you (if you let it) and that nothing is impossible with God. It can also mean, look among your friends, family and influencers; God uses others to speak wisdom and truth to you (be careful though, Satan likes to use these same circles of influence to speak lies and spread disease!)

People also use this verse to illustrate leaders of the church that may be sitting right in front of you. The point with each area of context is this; God surrounds you. To surround is to envelop completely. It means the area in which something exists or lives. If you allow Jesus into your heart, fully, the keys to the kingdom are yours…no matter the outcome.

In the gospel of Luke, this verse is illustrating a question posed to Jesus by the pharisees on the coming of the end of the world (…why does R.E.M. STILL come to mind with this?!) Take a peek at the entire chapter and reflect for yourself. When and where IS the kingdom of God?