Embracing the Waves of Change

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Wow, we are just a couple of days away! Whew, grab your coffee, or whatever you’re having and come on inside. I still have so much to share with you

before our celebration is here…but I won’t keep you long! Grab your SOF too, and let’s tie some knots in our strand of faith about change!
So as we have been planning and working together for this celebration, we have experienced some of the greatest challenges regarding change…unbelievable! God has such a great sense of humor and knows me well. He wants me to continue to talk from my heart to yours, to speak from experience transparently.

As I was researching some of the greatest challenges as it relates to change, I couldn’t believe how many I’d encountered and gone through; some I sailed through and some I crawled through, completely on my knees, with much resistance! :-)  Many researches do these stress scales based on life-changing events and for each change, the assess the amount of points  (I don’t know how they come up with the point system) allotted for that event. On this particular site, this group of psychologist/psychiatrist had approximately 63 life changing events and while I won’t give you all 63 – we’d be here all day! – I thought it would be interesting to list the top ten stressors/life changes and their point value.

1. Death of a spouse was given the highest point value: 100!
2. Divorce was next with a point value of 73.
3. Marital separation was next with a point value of 65
4. Imprisonment – hmmm, I wonder how many of these were marriage-related – with a point value of 63
5. Death of a close family member tied with #4
6. Personal injury or illness scored 53
7. Marriage itself had a score of 50, confirming marriage is tough…but is also a beautiful teacher in the classroom of life, if we are willing to learn!
8. Dismissal from work was scored at 47
9. Marital reconciliation – hmmm, that’s interesting scored at 45. Could insecurity, fear of failure be why that’s even a stressor?
10. Retirement is the last of the 10…but there are some other good ones, and retirement tied with marital reconciliation at 45.

Now, I don’t wish to leave you with stress…so let me give you a powerful quote about change…and I pray you will join us for this life-changing event on how to embrace change…oh, and don’t forget, there’s a concert featuring Bryan Duncan and brunch too!

Progress is impossible with change and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything!

(George Bernard Shaw)

Get your tickets today…they’re $5 more at the door!  

http://chicklitpower.com/events/anniversaryparty/

Love,

Evinda

Paws for Coffee Hour

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The expression “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” originated in 1534, in a book John Fitzherbert's The boke of husbandry.  The meaning behind it is that puppies are teachable and trainable while older dogs are unwilling and less apt to be trained.  Many have used this phrase to illustrate how getting people, especially seasoned ones, to change their habits or acquire new skills is impossible.

My four-legged babies have definitely proved this statement to be false, and I challenge you to do the same.  Through them I have discovered that this statement simply isn’t true if your heart is soft and willing to learn.  I have also learned that life is an experiment, to push the limits and test what is possible.

I have seen this first-hand with my 12-year-old Golden Retriever, Corey.  In dog years, 12 is pretty old.  He has cataracts and sometimes walks with a limp; recently he barks randomly like he hears a mailman somewhere.

When Logan (my husky) was smaller I started to train him to sit, stay, and speak.  You may have seen the video of him saying “I Love you” in my first blog.  It took him many tries and lots of treats to say the phrase.  Corey sat through the process but started to notice that Logan got a lot more treats than he did.  Corey wags his tail and sits still, sometimes lays down on command but that was about all he wanted to learn…until he noticed MORE TREATS for the dog who could talk.  Huskies are vocal because they are friendly, pack animals.  Golden’s are friendly too, more loyal and watchdog like. They prefer back-scratches to conversation, until talking = more treats.

Corey interrupted our training by growling, then barked three barks – 1 short, 1 medium and then a longer one for emphasis.  I was shocked; he was proud.  He also got a treat.  Logan has moved on to more tricks and Corey tries to keep up. 

The lesson here is never stop learning and growing. Try something new or refine a skill by:

• Reading
• Researching
• Volunteering
• Taking a class
• The list goes on….

A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel (Proverbs 1:5).

Don’t wait to create a bucket list; seize the moment!

Jen, Corey and Logan

Tuesday’s Trench Lessons 4 Life

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Hello again friends! Thanks for returning for this hopefully thought-provoking topic. As I write this, I want to let you know that I am going to be speaking in generalities. It may not apply to you, but I think we can see how this may apply to many in the world we live in. Please grab your shovels and your water bottles as we climb down into the trench today.

There is a term used when a child is undernourished, and does not grow and develop properly: “Failure to Thrive.” In general, babies who fail to thrive don't receive or cannot take in, keep, or use the calories that would help them grow and gain enough weight. One of many causes that doctors have discovered cause this is lack of touch. Babies need touch to survive. It helps them grow, develop, adapt, trust, and feel secure and comforted. It decreases the probability of illnesses and promotes good health emotionally, physically, and psychologically. Touch helps babies bond to Mom, Dad, and other family members. What amazing powers touch has!

As we grow, often times the amount of touch we receive dwindles. We become big kids and think we don't need comforted when we get injured. We don't want our friends to see Mom or Dad giving us a hug either! How embarrassing! Then we hit the teenage years, with our attitudes, and looks to kill. Some days, the only time our parents want to touch us is to wring our brat necks! Many parents still show love, and still give us touch, but compared to our infant days, there is pretty much no comparison. After all, we don't fit comfortably in their laps anymore. :-)

Now we are into our adulthood. We might not see our family too often anymore. Mom might only be able to give us hugs once a year because she lives so far away. We may have had a falling out with our Dad, and no longer receive any type of touch from him at all. As an adult, we may have a significant other that we receive loving touch from. We possibly have good friends that we also receive touch from, the hugs when we greet, or when we are having a bad day, their arms around our shoulders while sitting together watching movies or sharing a laugh.  Then there are times in our lives we may not have a significant other, or might be low in the friend department. What does our physical touch look like then?

There is the handshake when meeting someone new, the occasional brush of hands when paying for something, the accidental bump on a crowded street. In some cases, the touch in our life may have turned from positive to negative, i.e., an abusive relationship or a mate that ignores our needs, sexual harassment at school or in the workplace.  With all the negativity in the world, we have been set on edge. What secret motive does that person have, or what horrible thoughts are going through their mind as they are attempting to touch us?

Think of the last time a stranger touched you. How did you feel? Now think of the last time that you touched a stranger. What caused you to do so? How was it received?  I thought that I mostly enjoyed touch. I like to be hugged. I like to shake hands. Sometimes I like an arm around my shoulder. I have become more aware of myself these past few months, and I realize that I am not as comfortable with touch as I thought. I don't feel comfortable with people walking directly behind me. I dislike when someone has their hand on my shoulder for an extended period of time. I feel unnerved when a hug continues after I have tried to pull away.

For the most part, a stranger’s touch just seems, well, strange! But what would this world be like if the touch of a stranger felt welcomed? Imagine if embraces and gentle slaps to the back or shoulder felt natural. Better yet, what would it be like to not question why someone touched you?  The peace that we would feel from everyone's healing touch would be overwhelming!

Jesus physically touched everyone He came in contact with. He healed with touch. He touched the untouchable and the unlovable. In Mark 8:22-25, we read of the blind man that was healed by Jesus' touch. Touch is so vital in this story. Lack of sight increased the blind man's sense of touch. Jesus lead him out of town with touch, healed him with touch, and comforted him with, you guessed it, touch. So this week, let us strive to be like Christ, and share positive and comforting touch.

Until next week, I love you.

~Lea

Jenn’s Journey from Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Another week has passed.  I spent a few days away, in the mountains. There is something about being in nature's beauty that gives a new perspective. Every now and then, we need that. Thank you for joining me for a few minutes away from it all this morning!

There was once a man who had 100 sheep. His job was to shepherd these animals and watch over them. Each day he led them to pastures plentiful with grass, and to streams of cool water. He kept a watchful eye out for wolves who might hunt them. If a sheep was hurt, he bandaged the wound. Each evening he rounded them up and took them home, to shelter and safety. At the gate, he counted the sheep to make sure each one was back where it belonged. One night his count came up short by one. He counted again. Sure enough, only 99 had come home.

Of course, he was immediately concerned. He hurriedly locked up the 99 and went out, weary though he was, to search for the lost. Frightened cries led the shepherd to a ravine, and a mass of thorny bushes. Finally, the lamb was rescued, comforted, cleaned up and home safe with the other sheep.

As the story goes, the lamb had wandered away from the flock and ended up lost. Has this ever happened to you? Have you felt separated and lost from what is safe and familiar? Do you ever feel you are down in a ravine, trapped with no way out? I certainly have. Life has a way of doing that to us...sometimes by our own choices, and sometimes by way of others foisting their choices on us. Whatever the situation, it can seem hopeless and as if those thorny bushes are closing in.

I am here to tell you, it is not hopeless! There is Someone who notices that you or I have gone missing. He knows our stories…the good, the bad and the ugly. He is out looking for us and He wants to bring us home. He longs to bandage up our wounds and set us back on the right path. He has done this for me so many times. If you've ever been crying out, and a friend calls at the right time, or a touching song plays on the radio, inspiring words jump out at you from a book you are reading, or you just feel a comforting Presence, you've been found by the Shepherd.  He will treat and heal that which has wounded us. He does not leave us alone, or afraid.

The story above can be found in Luke 15:1-7. It's one of Jesus' parables. It is a beautiful story. Wherever you are today, may you be blessed, knowing He has found you!

Until next week,

Jenn

Faith Filled Fridays From Croley’s Corner of Chicklit Power

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Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. Psalm 86:11

Good Morning! So thankful today is Friday and I’m off to a great start; literally while walking, yes another walking blog. Grab your coffee, journal and let’s see what He has for us today!

Just recently my husband and I were on vacation and we still continued to do our daily walks.  I seemed to notice all the cracks in the sidewalk from small ones to large ones that were filled with all kinds of debris. I know it sounds pretty strange, but I seemed to notice them more than usual. I was trying to concentrate on where my feet were landing; however, I was distracted for a few seconds long enough while trying to avoid stumbling or falling and then it happened! I walked right into a divot and down I went. I first looked to see if anyone saw me and then checked to see if I was hurt and thank goodness my husband was there to help pick me up and that’s all it took for me, spiritually!!! 

Have you ever tried walking with someone and your steps were not in sync and you then find yourself out of step you try to skip a step or two just to gain the same walking stride as the person you’re walking with? Although there have been times I’ve found myself lagging behind and I too have had to skip or hop a bit in order to find myself in step with my husband. We chuckle about walking in harmony and swinging our arms in the same motion trying to get back in sync with one another; yes, that’s considered walking in unity!

In the book of Ephesians Paul beseeches us to walk worthy of the calling in which we were called. He’s appealing to every believer to fully understand the process needed to attain unity and spiritual maturity in the Body.  He then goes on to tell us to walk in love, to walk in the Light and finally to prepare ourselves for battle.

You say ”Battle?” Yes, you and I battle the flesh day in and day out, even that can be challenging, but so thankful for God’s word that abides in us. John 15:6-10

Every principle that He has given us to live by is found in His word in order for the cracks in our lives to be filled. Be filled with unity, love, walking in the Light of Christ, walk in wisdom having the bond of peace for there is one body, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all.”

If we are we walking worthy of our calling; “with ALL lowliness and gentleness with long suffering bearing one another in love” then we can honestly say we are truly walking in unity. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! Psalm 133:1

Till next week …Remember to keep Him close to your heart.

Love Deb

Embracing the Waves of Change

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Thanks for stopping by for Coffee Hour and this mini-series, Embracing the Waves of Change with a special invitation to learn how to do so! Grab your coffee, or your favorite beverage, and your Strand of Faith and let’s go learn some more about change!

I had this vision a week ago that has everything to do with change and it helped to confirm the value of change, as well as the necessity for it: picture a body of water…standing water, non-moving water. From a distance, it may look peaceful, and possibly even pretty. But when you get up close and peer down into the water, it is anything but pretty. In fact, it may even repulse you as you even begin to imagine what is beneath the surface of those murky, dirty and often green waters.

Why does standing water look so unkempt, untouched, dirty and grimy? Could it be because there is nothing new being poured into the water to move the water?  It takes change to create change!

What prevents us from allowing change to change us, remove us from a state of staleness, preventing us from hitting a wall of burn-out? Oh, Coffee Hour friend, please prayerfully consider this invitation which will talk about not only the necessity of change, but how to embrace it so to be like new…daily!

See you there!

Evinda

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Paws for Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour @ Chicklit Power...

Welcome back to our Paws for Coffee Hour, a series which will hopefully touch every emotion…with the beauty of love, the kind of love every soul should experience…unconditional love. And there’s laughter, too, such pure, uninhibited laughter that comes from an honest place within each of us. Grab your coffee and your Strand of Faith, and let’s go talk more about the love of our four-legged child(ren).

So it seems that there are a lot of posts on Facebook from people who have lost their family pet, their companion, for some, their best friend. Oh, just thinking about losing mine rocks my heart in a way that is definitely frightening; it’s as if a piece of me will go when either of our four-legged babies finish living out their lives. Could it be that God uses pets to teach us how to love and play nice “’til’ death do us part”?

I’ve had my little Baraka Evinda since she was a baby and God has blessed me with her life in uncountable ways for almost twelve years now. Whenever I even think of losing her, saying good-bye to her, I shudder inwardly, literally shake my head not, and my shuddering moves to the outside…if my thoughts linger there. 

Oh, I can get so frustrated with her at times, and her step-brother who came to us when she was six. As a matter of fact, a month after getting Sparky, we began to worry that little Baraka wouldn’t accept him, love him, let alone play with him, so we prayed for that to change…and we waited two months and then, finally, relentless Sparky began to get a few paws in the face, a couple of chases around the house, and soon the house was filled with playful banter and happy barks. As mean as little Baraka Evinda has been to Sparky, Sparky has been oh so unconditional and has taught her how to play nice. He never, ever gave up on her, but waited for her to return his efforts to communicate love and playful bantering. Talk about two complete opposites!  And little Baraka-Evinda, well, guess she finally learned to apply Romans 12:18: As much as it depends on me/you, live peaceably with others…this goes for dogs, too, you know! :-)

So if you have lost a four-legged companion, a dog who knew and loved you, not matter what, of if you know of a friend who has lost such a love…this poem is for you.

Until Death Do Us Part…

There are two kinds of love – no, there are three

The love of people, pets, and the love of Jesus for you and me

Of course the most dependable is God’s love for it never dies

But second behind His love is the love from a pet that never lies

I think God uses pets to teach us how to feel

To experience the emotions of life, their love is so surreal

In some ways I think pets mirror the love of God and His Son

For the love from a pet is unconditional, no matter what we’ve done

There’s a sort of bond like no other that forms with our four-legged friend

A contentment just being with them that we wish would never end

Loyalty and faithfulness are the trademarks they leave behind

Taking a piece of our heart when they go, lingering forever in our mind

It’s funny how they become a very important part of our family

Drawing laughter from the inside out, enhancing any memory

I am dreading the pain that will come one day when I must say good-bye

To that faithful friend who saw me through so many seasons of my life

I can’t imagine what it will be like to have to live my life without that love

But now I know what it’s like to have experienced this gift from God above

So as the memories linger of saying good-bye to ____________ who loved you so

Cling to all the laughter and love experienced when you are feeling low

Thank God for the memories created, the love from your amazing friend

For you are richer having experienced the kind of love which had no end …

Crying with you and for you …

Love,

Evinda, Baraka-Evinda & Sparky