As Seasons Change, So Do Our Lives

Posted on April 22, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“But God was always there doing the good things that prove He is real. He gives you rain from heaven and good harvests at the right times. He gives you plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy”— Acts 14:17(ERV).

 Across the nation, winter has clung tenaciously, refusing to give in to spring, which officially announced its presence on man’s calendar last month. However, that hasn’t stopped early-blooming flowers, like Phlox and Hyacinths, from revealing their faces. These two plants, growing in my flowerbeds, withstood recent cold snaps, including some light snow several weeks ago.

However, these early spring flowers do not last long. My Hyacinths are already fading. but the Phlox hasn’t yet reached its peak. Other perennial flowers in my beds will begin to reveal their beauty soon and as I add colorful annuals, the blooms of both will provide a harvest of splendor and joy. They also provide nutrition for bees, butterflies and birds, gracing my life with their presence.

Although I appreciate each season, working in my flowerbeds in the spring and summer bring a peace that only those who love getting their hands dirty in God’s good earth can understand. We are the ones who eagerly anticipate the delivery of new flowers, shrubs and trees to local nurseries and home improvement stores. We listen to the weatherman, praying that his forecast will announce the end of winter weather, even if the calendar claims the arrival of spring.

Just as the seasons change in nature, the seasons of our lives change as well. Our marital status may change. Our children will grow up and leave home (hopefully). We’re hired for a job but then laid-off.  Our parents will pass away. We move to a different house or community because of status changes, including job moves, downsizing or divorce. We face critical health issues or lose a loved one unexpectedly. We look in the mirror each morning and see new wrinkles and grey hair, if we still have hair.

Recently, a friend and I were discussing the upcoming move of neighbors with an elementary-aged son who is not looking forward to leaving his friends. We both agreed that it is probably easier on younger students to adjust in a new school system than for older ones. However, I can recall being uprooted at age 16 to move almost 600 miles to a rural area where my mother had been raised. My sister and I adjusted well, even though we had to leave childhood friends behind.

In any aspect of our lives, we will move from a place of security into the unknown. Embracing those changes in our lives can be difficult. However, if we see these changes as opportunities for growth, anticipating what God will do next in our lives, we can adjust, with His help. He will provide whatever we need in any season of life, just as He provides whatever nature needs to flourish.

Find a way to embrace the beauty of each new season of your life. Know that nothing stays the same forever, except our Heavenly Father.

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Weathering the Storms of Life

Posted on April 16, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble”— Psalm 46:1(NIV).

For my first 16 years, I lived in Louisiana where preparing for a hurricane meant boarding up windows, stockpiling fresh water and non-perishable goods, checking the first-aid kit and having other necessities on hand. Residents were urged to have an evacuation route before the storm hit.

After moving to Oklahoma, it became necessary to prepare for another type of storm—a tornado. With a tornado, the window of opportunity to prepare is not as wide as it is with a hurricane. Therefore, a different plan of action is required. While an emergency kit and a family communications plan are encouraged, one must be constantly alert to changing weather conditions. Tornadoes can spawn rapidly so advance warning is crucial.

While it’s important to be prepared and to know what to do in case of an emergency, unexpected catastrophic events can occur without warning. We think our lives are running smoothly when an unpredictable storm leaves a path of destruction and suffering behind.  Life’s storms can come in the form of a cancer diagnosis, job loss after years of being a faithful employee or unexpectedly losing a loved one in an automobile accident. Living with someone who has a drug or alcohol addiction, the death of an elderly parent, having a child diagnosed with an incurable disease or experiencing the death of a spouse can shake up our world, leaving us grasping for hope.

We have a checklist to prepare for natural disasters. But what about a life storm? Are you spiritually prepared to weather the storms that come your way? Being spiritually grounded means we can face calamity with a peace passing rational understanding. Even in the midst of pain and suffering, having the right resources to guide us through the storm will result in calm.

How do we spiritually prepare? By spending time in conversation with God each day, listening for His voice, we will naturally turn to Him in prayer in the midst of any emergency. Prayer brings comfort and peace, sustaining us when we need it the most.

Second, having knowledge of scripture helps bring solace in times of trouble and can be an important tool during times of darkness in our lives. My favorite is the 23rd Psalm. Another is Romans 8:38-39: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Finally, to be spiritually prepared for the storms of life, we need to participate actively in a community of faith. By worshipping on a regular basis and investing in the church with our financial gifts, time and talents, we have a family of faith to support us in times of trouble.

When we are spiritually prepared, we can say confidently, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

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Are You a Loser?

Posted on March 11, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ” Philippians 3:7 (NIV).

“I think everybody should get rich and famous and do everything they ever dreamed of so they can see that it’s not the answer.”

When I read the above quote in “Guideposts” magazine, I was more than surprised at the source. Why? Because I am seeing a trend as more celebrities figure out that fame and fortune is not the answer to a joy-filled life. Actor Jim Carrey, famously known for some distasteful movie roles, is the man behind the quotation. I admit Carrey’s a brilliant actor. His statement gave me hope.

Hope is what we need in a fallen world. The standard dictionary definition of hope is “to feel that something desired may happen.” Those two words, “feel” and “may” are vague. For example, we might say, “I hope it will not rain on Saturday because we have a baseball game,” or “I hope my car will start today because it’s been giving me trouble.” We might also say, “I hope I get that job because it means a bigger paycheck.”

However, in Scripture, the word, “hope,” has a precise meaning for believers. According to the Hebrew and Greek translation of the word, hope is an indication of certainty. “Hope,” according to the scriptural use means “a strong and confident expectation.”

A synonym for expectation is anticipation. Romans 8:24-25 states, “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one also hope for what he sees?  But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.”

What do you await eagerly? Is it the next sporting event? Maybe it’s the release of a highly-publicized movie everyone’s talking about or the next big thing in technology, soon to be replaced with an updated version, leaving that one obsolete?

Many believe that Christianity is on its way to becoming obsolete. A 2012 Pew Report revealed that one in five adults in this country have no religious affiliation. Theories abound with the rise of those claiming “none,” when asked about their association with a religious institution.

Can the church, made up of imperfect people, be one reason for this decline? Many rebel against an institution that does not practice what it preaches. Without attacking any church or group of individuals, I would like to challenge devout churchgoers to examine their lives in light of Christ’s command to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

The philosopher Socrates said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Lent is a time for self-reflection, a time to examine your life, and ask questions like, “Where is God on my priority list?” “Am I willing to make sacrifices in order to grow in my relationship with Him?” “Do I attend church out of social duty or do I really want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, losing everything for His sake?”

Will you say, “Yes?” The answer will determine your future.

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What are you doing for Lent?

Posted on February 6, 2013 by 4Seasons2013

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you” James 4:8 (NRSV).

Do you desire a deeper prayer life? Why not dedicate Lent 2013 to trying a new spiritual discipline: prayer journaling? I have been keeping a prayer journal for more than 10 years.

If I could choose the most important differences in my life since I began keeping a journal each morning, it would be the following:

  • A peace like no other. When my world and the world around me is in turmoil, I know where my peace comes from.
  • The knowledge of who I am and whose I am. I spent most of my life living up to other people’s expectations. Now, I live for Him.
  • Contentment with who I am and what I have. Many of us live our lives in discontent and seek things outside of God to satisfy that longing that can only be filled in a relationship with Him. Material possessions will never satisfy.

For a limited time, until February 28, purchase a copy of “Journaling with Jesus: How to Draw Closer to God,” and the companion workbook, “The 40-Day Challenge,” for only $23, which includes postage. Contact me at carolaround@yahoo.com to find out how to get your copies.

For more information about my book, check out http://journalingwithjesus.com/about-the-book/ and read more about the benefits of prayer journaling by checking the archives to the right.

 

“If a journal answers one question, it is
‘What is God doing in my life?’”
–Jan Johnson, author of
Enjoying the Presence of God

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Get Ready, Get Set, Let’s Celebrate

Posted on December 2, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son,and will call him Immanuel”–                   Isaiah 7:14 (NIV).

Has Christmas lost its meaning for you? Could it be the over commercialization that has led to Christmas décor vying for shelf space with Halloween costumes in September? What happened to Thanksgiving? In the rush to lure consumers to start shopping earlier each year, as evidenced by major stores opening on Thanksgiving Day, marketing strategists appear consumed with squeezing every last dime out of us to up their profits.

While I am not opposed to free enterprise, I am saddened by the materialism that pervades our country. One major chain even started running Christmas commercials several weeks before Halloween. If we allow ourselves to be caught in this flurry of consumerism, preparing to celebrate Christmas can lead to stress as our to-do-list begins to take over the season. You might just start asking, “Where is the joy in Christmas?”

What if our focus changed from fancy parties and gift exchanges to the most wonderful celebration of all—the birth of our Lord Jesus? Elaborate plans? Not needed. Simplicity is the key to a joy-filled season.

Instead of being overwhelmed by mountains of additional tasks in an already busy world, we could choose to celebrate the babe born in a manger. His birth is a miracle. While we may not understand the mystery surrounding His arrival over 2,000 years ago, observing Jesus’ birthday is a reminder of God’s great love.

Instead of shopping until we drop, what if we assessed what we already have? I would hazard a guess that we all have more than enough. What if our more than enough became a blessing to someone in need?

When my sons were young, I can recall shopping for Angel Tree gifts. After they selected an angel from the tree set up in a local store, I allowed them to choose the presents for a child who might otherwise go without.

Another family tradition at Thanksgiving and Christmas included purchasing groceries for a family in need. While my sons may not have understood the importance of helping others when they were so young, I know it influenced them. Grown now, they continue to seek out opportunities to give to others.

Recently, my youngest son purchased breakfast at a doughnut shop for two young men in military uniforms. When I told him how proud I was of him, he replied, “I learned it from you, mom.”

My oldest son recently helped to fulfill the wish of a young Texas boy with a terminal illness. Posting the 12-year-old’s request for a gentle horse on Facebook, my son located the right horse at the right price—free. An outpouring of love from my son’s connections on the social media website also led to the boy’s receiving a saddle, bridles and spurs—everything he needs to be a cowboy.

Want to bring a new richness to this year’s Christmas celebration? Try putting Christ at the center.

Coming soon: Carol’s new book, “Sola Fide: by FAITH alone.”

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What do you lack?

Posted on November 19, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name”—Psalm 100:4 (NIV).

One of the things I like about technology is being able to stay connected with others. While I sometimes groan about our fast-paced world, I love keeping up with like-minded individuals through Facebook. On November 1, I noticed a 40-Day “thanks”-giving challenge. Each day in November, people began to post those things and people for which they are grateful. I joined the challenge and began posting daily.

During November, we celebrate a national day of thanksgiving, always the last Thursday of the month. This American holiday is a time to remember and give thanks for all of our blessings. For many, however, it’s the only day of the year they feel led to express their gratitude.

Did you know that one of humanity’s most powerful positive emotions is gratitude? Several years ago, psychologists started studying the science of giving thanks. What they discovered might surprise you. When you count your blessings, it makes you happier, even during difficult times.

Psychology professor Michael McCullough has studied people who were asked to be thankful on a regular basis. “When you stop to count your blessings, you are sort of hijacking your emotional system.”

Research by McCullough and others has revealed that giving thanks is a powerful emotion, feeding on itself. McCullough says, “Psychologists used to underestimate the strength of simple gratitude. It does make people happier. It’s an incredible feeling.”

Another psychologist, Maryann Troiana, has her clients keep a gratitude journal. By listing daily what they are thankful for, it changes their attitude and outlook on life. Agreeing, psychology professor Robert Emmons says, “It is important to focus more on the people for whom you are grateful. By concentrating on what life would be like without the good things, especially people like our spouses, you begin to realize just how grateful you are.”

Grateful people “feel more alert, alive, interested and enthusiastic,” Emmons says. “They also feel more connected to others.” Emmons, who has written two books on the science of gratitude, often studies the effects of using a gratitude journal.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, Paul writes, “Be cheerful no matter what; pray all the time; thank God no matter what happens. This is the way God wants you who belong to Christ Jesus to live.”

Thank God no matter what happens? Surely, Paul was joking. What if we lived each day in gratitude for what we do have? What if we recalled the ways He has taken care of us in the past? Instead of complaining about those things we lack, what if we began to take an inventory of our simple treasures and conveniences like family, friends, food, shelter, electricity, a vehicle, our health and more. The list is endless.

While we can be blindsided by life’s unexpected burdens, we can choose to give thanks in all circumstances. Each day should be a day of thanksgiving to God and a lifestyle among God’s people. What are you thankful for today?

Coming soon: Carol’s new book, “Sola Fide: by FAITH alone.”

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Who Needs a Hug Today?

Posted on August 27, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience”—Colossians 3:12 (NIV).

When I am away from my ten-year-old dog for several hours, he greets me at the door and lavishly covers me with kisses and a hug. Recently, my youngest grandson observed this ritual affection, and said, “Taco sure loves you, Nana.”

I didn’t have to teach my beloved pet to love me. Like God, he loves me unconditionally. Like God, Taco demonstrates his love and devotion in many ways, including the hugs I receive. How does a dog provide a hug when he has no arms to wrap around me? He tucks his head underneath my chin and leans his small body into mine.

An Internet search about the power of hugging turned up the story of a woman who lives in south India. Amma, which means “mother” in her native language, has dedicated her life to helping others through the simple gesture of a hug. At the writing of the article in 2007, Amma is said to have blessed and consoled more than 26 million people throughout the world. Many know her as “the hugging saint.”

When people learn Amma is visiting in the area, they go out of their way to meet her. She seems to have tapped into a deep and essential need that we all have—a need for affection and the human touch.

“Love is not ordinary,” Amma says. “Love is what sustains life. Whatever we do it is only to get love. There are two types of poverty in this world. The first one is, you know, financial. The second is poverty due to lack of love, the second one is more important. If we have compassion, we will automatically help.”

Hugging not only helps the receiver but benefits the giver as well. While we take our mental and physical health seriously, trying to improve our daily lives with exercise, healthy eating and even supplements, we often overlook one simple thing that scientific studies have shown to be effective in keeping our heart and mental outlook healthy. It’s the power of a simple hug.

Scientists have discovered that we are “hard-wired” to thrive as social animals. Further research reveals that daily hugs actually lower the output of cortisol, a stress hormone, and increases the two “feel good” brain chemicals, serotonin and dopamine.

A hug has been known to break down barriers when words cannot. We can bond with a hug and find comfort in this simple human interaction. This gesture towards another human being is easy and costs nothing but a simple act of caring and kindness.

My Internet search also revealed the following top ten benefits of hugging: costs nothing, boosts your immune system, builds self-esteem, fosters self-acceptance, alleviates tension, helps curb appetite, saves heat, is portable, requires no special setting or equipment and best of all, it feels great.

Who needs a hug from you today? Give one, get one. It’s that simple.

Take “The 40-Day Challenge.”  Go to www.carolaround.com and download your e-book today, available free until September 9. Email your comments to the author at carolaround@yahoo.com.

 

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Climbing Out of the Pit

Posted on July 15, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Do not fear, for I am with you;
Do not anxiously look about you,
for I am your God.
I will strengthen you…
I will uphold you”—Isaiah 41:10 (NASB).

 

Depression affects about 19 million people in the United States every year. In the past, depression was a taboo subject. People didn’t talk about it because of the stigma associated with the word. If someone had a “nervous breakdown,” the family hid the truth from the prying eyes of the community.

Thankfully, today, depression is out in the open. Many of us have felt sad or alone at some point. However, when the sadness becomes overwhelming or lingers for a long time, it may be a sign of depression. Depression symptoms can include insomnia, anxiety, dismal mood, panic, thoughts of suicide, loss of energy/weight/joy/libido/love for life. It may conjure up images of people staring through a window at a drizzly day.

Depressive illness, which is a medical condition, isn’t like that Monday-morning I-hate-to-go- back- to-work feeling. It’s not the down-in-the-dumps feeling you have when your return from a vacation to find your house in disarray because your hot water pipes burst. Depression is a medical fact, like breaking a leg, only the broken part is in the chemical circuitry of your brain. Depression can affect people’s ability to work, study, interact with others or take care of themselves. It can be caused by imbalances in brain chemistry but can also be triggered by stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, and personal loss as well as school or relationship difficulties. Healing doesn’t happen overnight.

In my early 40s, I was diagnosed with depression, triggered by marital problems. My mother fought it most of her adult life. If you have a family history, an event can activate the depressive state. For me, healing required counseling and medication. However, one of the greatest tools to healing has been my prayer journal.

Writing down my thoughts in a letter to God has helped me to see how valuable I am. My self-worth took a nosedive in my 40s when my husband (at the time) wanted a divorce because he was attracted to another woman. The fact that the woman was 20 years his junior didn’t help my self-esteem either.

I sought self-worth in other things, including an extreme weight loss and rigid exercise routine, shopping for new clothes because I’d lost 55 pounds, a complete makeover which included a new hair color and seeking approval from others.

Through prayer journaling, I have been able to unravel the reasons my marriage failed. I have also come to realize that God loves me for who I am. I don’t have to prove anything to Him. As I have overcome my depression, He has replaced it with joy.  Psalm 30:11 says, “You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy.”

The opposite of joy is sadness. However, it’s hard to remain sad when your joy is found in the Lord.  Nehemiah 8:10 says, “Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

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How Can You Connect with Non-Christians?

Posted on May 24, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” – James 4:8 (NKJV).

 In today’s technologically-connected society, networking has never been easier. I would hazard a guess that it began with the computer and then the Internet. However, we could probably trace it back to several earlier inventions like the telegraph and telephone. It really doesn’t matter. However, the proliferation of communication devices now available to us can be overwhelming.

In fact, some of these new means of connecting can actually cause disconnect. Take, for example, email. According to the website, pingdom.com, there were 3.146 billion email accounts worldwide in 2011. Email is great for all kinds of reasons because it creates instant communication anywhere in the world as opposed to snail mail. However, for establishing personal relationships, it leaves much to be desired and miscommunication is always a problem when you can’t see someone’s expression and, once you hit the “send” button, you can’t retrieve it.

Text messaging is another example. It’s a great tool for instant communication. However, miscommunication arises when you send short, snappy answers. Without seeing the other person’s body language, you can misinterpret the meaning.

What gives life meaning? A personal relationship with our Abba Father is the beginning of a meaningful, joy-filled life. He desires an intimate, authentic relationship with each of us. Sitting on a church pew, praying, singing and listening to a sermon every Sunday morning does not automatically translate into a deeper relationship with the One who desires a heart connection with us. While those things are part of our spiritual growth, spending quality time with Him each morning before our day gets hectic is the key to becoming a mature Christian.

Setting aside the first fruits of your day in Bible and devotional reading and journaling your prayers and thoughts to God is one of the best ways I know to grow in your faith. I began prayer journaling over 10 years ago, pouring out my heart to Him on the written page and it has led to a closer walk with Him. Why is it important to have a more intimate relationship with God? In John 15:4, Jesus tells us, “Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Therefore, if we want to bear fruit and lead others to understand the wonderful grace of God, we must abide in Him. Through an authentic relationship with God, we can have a deeper connection, which will translate into a more caring, natural communication with others.  While non-believers are often alienated by “Christianese,” most can relate to the trials we all face in life. Sharing your personal journey borne through a healing relationship with Christ leads to real connections. However, we must first build a personal relationship with our Abba Father by spending quality time with Him in Bible study and prayer journaling. When you draw close to Him, He will draw closer to you.

(For more information, how-to’s and inspiration about prayer journaling, go to www.journalingwithjesus.com)

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Why Should You Keep a Spiritual Journal?

Posted on May 14, 2012 by 4Seasons2013

“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”                  –Romans 12:12

      For more than 10 years, I have sat down each morning with my Bible, a book of devotions and my journal to spend time with my Heavenly Father. This quiet time is God’s time, the time I devote to communicating with Him. During our planned meeting, my focus is on Him. After reading scripture and devotion, I pour out my heart to Him in my journal. Whatever is on my mind or weighing heavily on me finds its way onto the blank pages. Inked on those lines are also words of affection for His character and His compassion.  My words of praise are whispers in His ear just as He speaks softly into my heart.

Why should you keep a spiritual journal? Here are seven reasons:

  • Documenting your prayers in a journal frees you to be more authentic with God. He knows your heart and thoughts anyway. If you look up the definition of authentic, you will find the following: genuine, real, not fake, reliable and trustworthy. Now, look up the antonyms or opposites of these words. You’ll find these words: counterfeit, fake, false, unreal and untruthful. Do any of these words describe your relationships with others? With our Heavenly Father, we don’t have to fake it. We don’t have to prove we are worthy of His love. We just have to accept His wonderful gift of grace.
  • Looking back at your entries can help you trace your spiritual growth. Occasionally, I open the box containing my previous prayer journals. I am humbled when I read my earliest entries and then fast forward to the current year. It reaffirms for me that God cares for His children.
  • Keeping a daily prayer journal can help you understand the nature and will of God. However, it requires you to slow down and take time to listen for His voice.
  • Keeping a daily prayer journal reminds you for whom and for what you need to pray. Your journal is also a place to record those things for which you are thankful.
  • Recording your prayers gives you a written record of them so that when you need encouragement, you can look back and see that God is always faithful, even when we aren’t. It helps us to remember God’s power displayed in our lives.
  • Prayer journaling forces you to take time on a regular basis to communicate with God and make sense of the craziness in your daily life. It helps you gain perspective on what is important.
  • Journaling can be an accountability tool, allowing you to record your promises to God. Have you ever made a promise to God and then promptly forgotten because of life’s craziness? I know I have. Using your journal as an accountability tool is not only a way to help record your promises but also a way to remind yourself of your commitment to God. He knows and forgives our forgetfulness. Use your journal to help you keep your promises.
    I challenge you to try prayer journaling for 40 days! Will you take the challenge?
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