God: Your anchor during changes...

Below is a story from one of my closest friends & spiritual sisters. Enjoy!   
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God: Your anchor during changes...

In less than a month, I'm packing up my belongings and driving 1,300 miles to start a new job. I have So Many Feelings. I'm excited to see God work in this way after months of praying and waiting for this opportunity. I'm sad about all the Good I'll be leaving behind. I'm nervous about the uncertainty that lies in a new place. Will I make good friends? Will I like my new job? With those thoughts, I turn to the Bible which has wisdom on many of life's adventures and challenges.

In the book of Deuteronomy, God gives the Israelites instructions on how to take possession of their promised land. They decide not to go, after hearing reports about the dangers along the path, even though God had already assured them they would not be defeated by the obvious obstacles. Their leader, Moses, says this in response:

"..Do not be terrified; do not be afraid of them. The LORD your God, who is going before you will fight for you, as he did in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert. There you saw how the LORD your God carried you, as a father carries his son..." Deuteronomy 1:29-31 [NIV]

With fear in their hearts, the Israelites decided not to follow God's path. They wandered the desert for forty years, when the journey should have taken eleven days. Many of them died on the way. That is really... sad. And Moses had given them a simple solution to help them get over their worries: To remember that God would fight for them because he already had.

And that's what I'm going to do. And that's my advice to any one who is dealing with a Big Change or a Hard Time. I can trust that God will take care of me in this new land, because God has already carried me through so much more than this. So many of the good things in my life are not things I was initially pursuing when I started college. I wasn't planning to become a Christian, to do my current job, or to pursue a graduate degree in social work. And yet, I wouldn't change any of it. Some practicals that are helping me through this time are:

1) Taking the time to write down things God has provided for me;

    specifically things that I was not planning or expecting.

2) Praying and staying vulnerable with God and close friends about my fears

3) Being flexible and open to opportunities that appear,

    and trusting that 'my path' isn't the only way to go

3) Focusing on this: "This hope [Jesus, God's promises, God's love]

    is strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.." Hebrews 6:19 [NLT]

Everything is going to change quickly. The big things: my church family, my friends, my job -- and the small things: my furniture, my cute apartment, my local hangouts. I quickly imagine that the change of these Constants will rock my world. However, the truth is only God is strong enough to anchor my life. I already feel refreshed knowing I can cling to Him to keep sane during this time.

"You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head... I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!" -- Psalm 139:5, 7 [NLT]

God can not be contained in a box, so luckily, I don't have to figure out a way to fit him in the car.

Doxasoma® & Prayer Breathing

In my seemingly never-ending quest for better health, I have found that I really enjoy yoga. It calms me after a long day and stretches my muscles extremely well. Normally, when the instructor (usually on a video) would suggest visuals to 'see a golden bubble of light around you and in your core know that you are divine'...well, I'd just focus on the Spirit or pray.

But sometimes, don't you just get tired of filtering?!  I sure do. So I went searching for exercise programs that focused on the One True God. That's when I came across 'Doxasoma®.' Their website states that, "DoxaSoma® is a physical practice which incorporates elements of stretching and strength building with prayer, worship and reflection upon the Word of God. The word DoxaSoma® is comprised of 2 Greek words: Doxa, meaning "praise or honor" - Soma, meaning "body." DoxaSoma was developed in 2000 by Angela Doll Carlson, an ACE certified personal trainer."

YES! This was just what I was looking for...yoga type exercise with a focus on the Truth. I've also found some DVD's for walking at home with a Christian focus. It's been great to push myself in exercise and have scriptures pop up on screen. HA.

Anyway, it was during one of these work outs with a focus on God where I was first introduced to what I generally describe as prayer breathing. Basically, it's repeating silently some scripture or prayer in one full breath. For example:

Breathe in: " My help comes"

Breath out: "from the LORD"

or

Breathe in: "Jesus is the"

Breath out: "bread of my life."

or

Breathe in: "Be at rest"

Breath out: "O my soul."

I use prayer breathing a lot at work, or when I'm stressed, or even when I am sad and prayers of any sort of length escape me. A quote by an unknown author says, "When you own your breath, nobody can steal your peace." I want God to own my breath and I want even my time of exercise to be a way to connect with Him. If you've found exercsie programs with a focus on God, please share...I'm always looking for more.

Tears Are Not Created Equal

Today I came across an article called, "How to Stop Yourself from Crying." It gave 31 different techniques to help you stuff your emotions when you feel like crying. As a repenting 'emotional stuffer'...well, I find this article extremely sad.

After becoming a Christian, I developed a bunch of questions to help myself get in touch. (You can find that post here) I very much desire to be soft hearted. God has given me great victory in this area since now I'm more apt to share my emotions and even my tears with others! Although, just last week, I found myself getting emotional while I was driving and I actually snapped my fingers and stopped crying. So, needless to say...I still have a long way to go in learning not to stuff.

Some of you have no problem crying...so this might seem an odd topic but I know there are other 'tough' girls who have somehow bought into the lie that crying is a weakness. In Psalm 56:8 it's written, "You [LORD] keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book." So for you girls like me...go to biblegateway.com and look up the words, 'tears' to see who talks about their tears and how often they share them. It is OKAY to cry and show your emotions. This study has encouraged me so much in remembering God created me and he created you to be soft-hearted.

For the Geek:
Here's a bit of scientific information you might find cool. These articles show that not all tears are created equal: "Not all tears are of the emotional variety. In fact, three types of tears exist, all with different purposes. Basal tears are omnipresent in our eyes. These constant tears are what keep our eyes from drying out completely. The second type is reflex tears, which serve to protect the human eye from harsh irritants such as smoke, onions or even a very strong, dusty wind. The third type of tears are emotional tears. It all starts in the cerebrum where sadness is registered. The endocrine system is then triggered to release hormones to the ocular area, which then causes tears to form. In fact, one study collected both reflex tears and emotional tears (after peeling an onion and watching a sad movie, respectively). When scientists analyzed the content of the tears, they found each type was very different. Reflex tears are generally found to be about 98 percent water, whereas several chemicals are commonly present in emotional tears. [Article link here]

Another source expanded on this and said, "It's been shown that tears associated with emotion have higher levels of some proteins, and of manganese and potassium, and hormones, including prolactin than mere eye watering. Manganese is an essential nutrient, and too little can lead to slowed blood clotting, skin problems, and lowered cholesterol levels. Too much can also cause health problems. Potassium is involved in nerve working, muscle control and blood pressure. Prolactin is a hormone involved in stress and plays a role in the immune system and other body functions. Its involvement in tears may help to explain why women cry more than men." [Article link here]

Obviously, we NEED emotional tears for our health! When you are tempted to stuff your tears, remember they serve a purpose, one that God created and even keep us in continued good health!

Be a faucet, not a drain

This visual really helps me. I have to remind myself so often, "Hey, me....be a faucet not a drain." It can be so easy to be a complainer. This is something I really have to watch out for in my character. Sometimes I find myself complaining about negative things others have shared with me and then realize I've never even experienced it! Weird. Well, we all know what a drain does. Put simply, it empties but a faucet on the other hand...fills! 

Today I'm looking for ways to "fill" those around me? Would you take this challenge with me to find two people to encourage, inspire or cheer? Here are some scriptures & quotes for thought.

Everyone smiles in the same language. ~Author Unknown

Skipping gives the adult a well-deserved break and lets the inner child be in charge for a while. ~Opal Montagne

One filled with joy preaches without preaching. ~Mother Teresa

Laughter is an instant vacation. ~Milton Berle

Jumping for joy is good exercise. ~Author Unknown

You're never too old to do goofy stuff. 

~From the television show Leave it to Beaver,

spoken by the character Ward Cleaver

Go ahead...smile alot at people today! Let your inner child & fun personality fill others with laughter! Today, I imagine that God has turned on the faucet handle full blast with the intention that I fill others up and refesh them. I hope you'll join me. 

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works."

Hebrews 10:24-25

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”

Ephesians 4:29

“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

Becoming a New Creation (pt 2)

Today is a part two the lesson from yesterday. Enjoy! 
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Caterpillar Background continued:

Eat and Grow
The butterfly’s next stage of life after the egg is a larva, which we also know as a caterpillar. In this stage, the caterpillar can grow to 5 times its original size and is constantly shedding skin to accommodate its new body. Its main purpose in this stage is to eat and grow. The little caterpillar stores energy that prepares it for the transformation. We must do the same.

Scripture Breakdown of Isaiah 55:1-3

Becoming a new creation is NOT self help or self improvement. It’s allowing God to recreate you and bring you into union with himself. What does that require of you? First, simply “Come.” Go to him, “give ear,” “listen.” Read his word and put it into practice, get to know him. The imagery is beautiful! He says “you who have no money, come buy and eat” That’s the real God. Constantly beckoning us though he knows who we really are and what we have to offer. Not much.

The promise is, if you go to him, your soul will live! Deep down inside, a full meaningful life is what we all really want. We just don’t know how to get it. If Satan can have you constantly recalculating from relationship, to job, to new fad diet in search of fulfillment, you miss out on the true answer. Going to God.

My Personal Story -

It’s important for me to share that there will be obstacles. It may be other people and what they think of you, your schedule, or maybe your very own feelings. As women, our emotions can influence us powerfully. Something I “eat” to help me push past this is a scripture in Jeremiah that says “the heart is deceitful above ALL things and without cure who can comprehend it?" This verse helps me to realize that DESPITE my feelings, which God says lie to my face, I can pursue him. Make this decision.

We’ve always viewed the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly as a beautiful thing yet if we view it on a biological level, it’s actually quite gross and uncomfortable. Some organs are growing, others disappearing. Tissue and exoskeleton are being broken down. Let's face it, change can be uncomfortable but don’t mistake comfort for peace. Comfort often fights against peace. None of us here would support a caterpillars decision to stay a caterpillar because it was too afraid, lazy, busy, or uninformed to take steps to becoming a butterfly. Let's not accept that from ourselves or each other. God has a beautiful plan for your life. Allow him to transform you.

A Practical? Get to know God through prayer and studying your bible. If you need help, ask someone you trust. God rewards humility!

Becoming a New Creation (pt 1)

I've asked some young women who are learning amazing lessons in their walk with God if they would be guest bloggers sometimes for Silver Trumpets. As is the case today, every once and awhile you'll read thoughts from someone besides me. Prayerfully this will create an even richer experience! Below is a story from a very inspiring and faithful sister in Christ who shared at a recent "Women's Day" celebration. 

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The butterfly was chosen as the visual representation of our theme “A New Creation” because it undergoes a very famous transformation from caterpillar to butterfly. I believe we can learn a few things from its life as we explore the question, “How do we take steps towards becoming a new creation?”

Examine Your Foundation:

A Caterpillar's Background 
The butterfly’s first stage of life is an egg implanted on a leaf by its mother. The mother takes great care in choosing where to lay her eggs because once they’ve hatched the caterpillars begin to eat the leaf. Certain species can only eat specific leaves, so if the mother puts the eggs on the wrong foundation this could result in malnourishment and even death. I believe it’s the same for us spiritually so our first step in becoming a new creation is examining our foundation.

My own story - I never went to church growing up and only occasionally read the bible. My image of God was based on here-say and insecurities. I viewed him like a judge; pleased with me when I was good, disappointed and angry when I was bad. I needed to have people think well of me so I could think well of myself. This attitude lead me into a lot of lying and manipulation. Even when people did love me, it rarely felt real, because I believed I MADE them love me by creating someone they would love instead of being myself. I didn't know if they loved the real me. One day I was met by a young woman named Savanah. We studied the bible and with God’s word, plus her example making it real, I realized my life was built on:

1. A god I created that could be manipulated into loving me through my good works
2. Upholding my image
3. Maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain

Scripture Breakdown of Matthew 7:24-27

The two individuals in these verses chose different foundations and it made ALL the difference in their lives. They had more in common than not. Both heard Jesus’ words, both were building houses, and both encounter storms. I used to think this scripture was about a person who believed in Jesus and one who did not. Not so. What made one wise and one foolish is that one “put his [Jesus] words into practice” while the other did not.

We are building something whether we realize it or not. "Sand" can come in many forms not just disbelief. Other examples are laziness, fear of change, fear of being exposed, ignorance of the truth, holding onto comfort, “too busy” to get to know God, self reliance etc...

Two great questions to ask yourself is, “Does God’s word guide my life? Am I lead by my relationship with him?”

God’s desire is to give you a full, meaningful, and inspiring life which is free from sin. Becoming a new creation begins when YOU acknowledge that you have been building on the wrong foundation; which is any other foundation besides Jesus and his teachings.

to be continued...tomorrow's post will be part 2!

Speaking God's Word

Today, since it's Good Friday, I desired a simple post. Because repetition works well to secure something deeply in our hearts and minds, I thought I'd encourage you with a simple repetition I do. Based on Deuteronomy 23:5, speak this sentence out loud, with conviction, and repeat while each time stressing a different word.

The Lord, my God, loves me.

The Lord, my God, loves me.

The Lord, my God, loves me.

The Lord, my God, loves me.

The Lord, my God, loves me.

The Lord, my God, loves me!

May today be filled with joy for you as you hold onto this scripture with conviction. I hope you'll look for other verses to speak today as well. :)