Be the change

                      

Faith Beyond Life

              
There is a reason for everything that happens. Every event that occurs whether good or bad is an opportunity to learn, grow, be blessed and be a blessing. Even the seemingly unexplainable!

One of the most moving books I've ever read was 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper. Piper tells the account of a fatal car crash and what transpired afterward. There were several others there besides him (rescue personnel, police officers and bystanders) who each saw the scene differently and took away a different perspective. All of them agree on one thing. There was a miracle that happened that day! Jesus was there through it all. Watch the video and even if you're not an avid reader, make an exception and read this book. You will not be disappointed!

In the book, Don mentioned thanking the pastor for staying with him, praying and holding his hand. The pastor admits to Don that he couldn't have held his hand because one arm was detached and the other was pinned under the dashboard and steering wheel in the front. The only way the pastor could reach him was from the rear seat of the car. Don knew that he did indeed have his hand held throughout the entire ordeal! Awesome!

                                      

Angels Unaware

                                  


An elderly woman leaves the grocery store with her sackful of needed items for the dinner she was planning that night for her grandkids who were coming to visit. In the rush to do her shopping and get home she forgot to put in her hearing aids. "It's just a block away. It'll be alright just this once. I walk to that store all the time. It will be fine." As she is crossing the intersection heading back home she is preoccupied with thoughts of her recipe. Did she get everything she needed? A quick glance with her less than perfect vision and off the curb she stepped to cross the street not hearing the car barreling toward her! Suddenly she felt an arm around shoulders and a forceful tug pulling her back just as the car sped by. She looked up to see a young man of about 15 years old asking her is she was alright as he helped her pick up the groceries that had fallen from her bag."You're an angel!" said the old woman to the teenage boy.

From the beginning of time there has been talk of angels. The Bible tells us of the heavenly beings and how they are agents of God to be guardians, soldiers and messengers. There has been talk of angels in human form. There has also been stories of humans actings as angels when they allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to do extrodianary things to help others.

The photo above is part of a heartwarming story of a family spared from murder by angels that "watched them sleep as if guarding them". A group of God's messangers sending a silent message to the would be killers that this family was not going to be harmed on this night!

http://angels.about.com/od/YourAngelEncounters/a/Guardian-Angels-At-Work.htm


                

Above is a picture of a crashed car burning after an explosion that happened late one night. A nearby neighbor who was a retired nurse and medic heard the crash and rushed to help. His brother was nearby and met him at the scene. Together, they broke the back glass, crawled into the car and freed the trapped driver. What they did to save that person makes them both angels! That in itself is amazing but there's more. Much more was at work that night. Another 'angel' helped and then dissapeared as if in thin air! I like to call it angels helping angels!

http://angels.about.com/od/YourAngelEncounters/a/Angel-With-A-Fire-Extinguisher.htm

In today's society we get so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives; so busy with "stuff" that many times we miss the 'miracles' that happen all around us. Some happen that are very dramatic and unexplainable like a stranger appearing from nowhere to give assistance only to vanish without a trace. Some happen just by one of us mortal humans taking the time to show compassion, listen to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit and acting with the boldness of God's Spirit in us!

Jesus told his disciples all those years ago and he is telling us now, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." - John 14:12-14

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! - Hebrews 13:2

An Open Heart: Life Lessons From God

                        

Everyone knows that adversity and heartaches are as much a part of life as breathing itself. All of us have had moments in life when the good days seem like a distant memory and the bad days cause a struggle that is nearly unbearable. If you claim belief in Jesus and have confidence in his power, you can take comfort and draw strength from him. Many times, during these dark phases of life, questions fill our minds; “why me?, why now?” or “what did I do to cause this?” Other times we find ourselves hard at work seeking the Lord’s will and trying diligently to carry it out with obedience. During these times, the pain is not necessarily felt in the process we go through to do what he asks but is very closely tied to the blessings that result from that obedience.

I recall a time when I was trying really hard to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit by supporting a close friend with her decision to move out of state. She had endured many difficult times in her life before I met her one year ago. She had a deeply compassionate heart and a true love for God but the wounds from her past had yet to heal. As I was getting to know her, I felt a connection that I believed was created by God and placed there to allow me to minister to her. Month after month went by until, despite her fear of allowing anyone near, we became close friends. An opportunity arose for her to move in with her brother, reduce her debt and even go back to school. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, she would have to uproot her life and move hundreds of miles away. I prayed that God would provide her with healing, protection and provision and I knew that this move was part of his plan.

When she told me of her plan to move, I was filled with mixed emotions. I knew it would be the beginning to a positively changed life for her. I also knew that I ran the very real risk losing contact with a friend that I had grown to love like a sister. So, when I thought about the direction both of ours lives were going and God’s will for each of us, I found myself asking ‘why’. Not so much why she had to move. I knew he wanted to answer my prayers to prosper her and this was his way of doing it. I asked ‘why’ for more personal reasons. I knew God had called me to show love, open my heart and life as well as speak the word he gives for specific people and do for them according to his leading. The blessings I see in others as well as my own life are incredible. Seeing God set a person up on his foundation and strengthening them to stand on their own and then fly is awesome! To be allowed to be any part of that is truly overwhelming.

Now, with that said, my question is, “Lord, why does following your will and gaining so much blessing have to be tied to so much pain-pain that almost takes my breath away at times”. He gently reminded me, “You can’t have one without the other. Vulnerability is necessary to connect at such a deep level, but it also allows for pain. If you take the vulnerability away, you also take away the ability to ever do what I have called you to do.” It was at that moment that I understood the term ‘bittersweet’. Even though I still felt the intense sadness of loss, I also felt the Lord pouring his love on me and through me. I knew that he had both of us in his keeping. I didn’t know what the future would bring but I knew that the Lord has an abundance of blessings set aside for each of us. I realized that the key to his blessings wasn’t necessarily in getting to a particular destination in life but in following God’s will and guidance throughout the journey to that destination.


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copyright Morning Glories 2009

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We are all meant to REALLY live

Pretty Walls-Depression in Disguised

                                     

As night falls, Carey stands in her closet trying to decide on what to wear. In just a couple of hours she would be in a room full of friends, family and other well wishers congratulating her on her latest and greatest achievement. She had finally reached her goal of becoming an associate in the highest rated law firm in Branson County. She had dreamed of this day and worked so hard and now it was here! This bright, shining moment was not the only envious aspect of her life. No, Carey was the girl everyone liked and wanted to be around. In fact, many people considered her a “bestie” because she had a pleasant smile, contagious laughter and an ability to put others at ease. Carey had a dream life-one that others would view as having every quality necessary to make a person happy.

Yet, as she stood alone in her closet debating on whether to wear the little black Vera Wang dress or go more casual in her Lucky jeans, an overwhelming emptiness overcame her as she melted into a heap on the floor, sobbing uncontrollably! She had moments like this; many more than anyone ever knew. She tried to do all the ‘right things’. She got an education, landed the dream job, lived in a reputable neighborhood, had the finest of things but she still could not fill the dark hole that remained deep inside that seemed to never go away.

At times this pit in her soul seemed to be attached to a voice in her head that even taunted her with thoughts of, “You’re nothing. You’ll never be good enough! No one really loves you, just what you can do for them. You are nothing, have nothing and will always be nothing!” As she tried to pull herself together, stretching and pulling to get herself up out of the floor, she stood upright and met herself face to face in the mirror on the closet door. Before she knew it, she heard a loud voice say, “and you’re ugly too”. Then she realized it was her own! "How could this be? Why do I not feel any better? After all I’ve done and all the work I’ve put toward making such a great life, I should feel great about it, about myself!" Yet, nothing had really changed on the inside. She never told anyone of the struggle she dealt with on a daily basis. “No one would understand. They’ll think I’m a freak or just not want to be around me because it will bring them all down. Then I’ll really be alone! No, you can handle this on your own! So, stop being so weak and get it together!” She told herself this while looking at herself in the mirror. She splashed some cold water on her face, pulled herself together, chose the Vera Wang and continued getting ready for her ‘big night’.

Carey had such a perfect life. How could anything be so serious that would cause such a reaction seemingly out of the blue? The truth is, Carey had a secret. She had wounds from her past that had yet to heal, which were affecting her greatly as an adult. She came from a very strict upbringing and as hard as she tried she never felt completely accepted by her parents, especially her father. She was also a little on the heavy side as far as her weight for her age and height but was meticulous in all her endeavors and made all A’s and B’s in school. Yet, her father would never give her praise and took the ‘tough love’ approach in the thoughts that it would “make her stronger, better” and somehow show his love for her more. He was a very stoic man and did not know how to show affection. As a little girl, Carey would often be at a friends’ house and would watch her friends’ family interact with each other. Many times she would have to leave abruptly saying she suddenly felt nauseous and had to be excused. The reality of it was that she was so envious of the relationship she saw that it overwhelmed her as she burst into tears. “Why can’t that happen to me? Am I so bad that I don’t deserve that? What else do I need to do to be worthy of that kind of love?” These questions never really seemed to be answered and remained with her into adulthood. They are the same questions that would come flooding her mind as a sudden tidal wave from the depths of her soul just to leave her a sniveling mess in the middle of the floor! “I can’t let anyone see me like this! What would they think? Why am I being such a baby? I have everything-a life of which others only dream! No, I’m being silly and just need to get over it!” This is a form of coping she had developed and perfected over time, or so she thought. It worked to keep her going and others from ever knowing about her constant internal turmoil. The problem is that, as long as no one knew, then no one could help. This cycle left her alone with her pain and struggle, empty and lonely.

People put up pretty walls as a façade to hide their pain, guilt and shame. Pretty because these walls are adorn with smiles and sometimes even equipped with laughter, pretty clothes, pretty houses-pretty lives. People build these walls in order to divert attention from the disturbing and sometimes devastating reality of the lives that torment them to an alter existence they believe will be more easily accepted by others.

The above story was fictitious but sadly the situation happens everyday. This is known as depression and avoidance and can lead to serious consequences, self harm and even suicide if extreme enough. People going through this experience tend to not reach out for help and attempt to deal with it on their own as to not ‘bother’ others with their problems. Some even find a kind of comfort in their hidden darkness that would be quite disturbing to the rest of us. This is why it is so important to see the signs and symptoms of depression and act on your loved ones behalf.

Signs of Depression

• difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions

• fatigue and decreased energy

• feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness

• feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism

• insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping

• irritability, restlessness

• loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex

• overeating or appetite loss

• persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not ease even with treatment

• persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings

thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts

Warning signs of suicide with depression:

• a sudden switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy

• always talking or thinking about death

• clinical depression (deep sadness, loss of interest, trouble sleeping and eating) that gets worse

• having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, like driving through red lights

• losing interest in things one used to care about

• making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless

• putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will

• saying things like "It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out"

• talking about suicide (killing one's self)

• visiting or calling people one cares about

http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression

To find help and treatment for you or someone you love call you primary care physician for evaluation or referral to a mental health professional. For help in crisis situations, call 911, local emergency room or the national suicide hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).

After the crisis, continued support is vital. Local support groups are available and routine counseling therapy is also very important. There is help. There is hope.

http://cammyshawn.hubpages.com/hub/Pretty-Walls
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Depression

                         

There is so much pain and sadness out there in the world! Many people deal with depression so strong that it's disabling. These people work with us, living in our neighborhoods, go to our schools and pass us on the street hiding behind sad eyes and forced smiles. People need hope. Those of us that know Jesus can show them that hope if we just take the time to notice their suffering and reach out to them.