Shadows

Tim taught on worry yesterday in church and it was so good. He shared that the definition of worry is to divide the mind or to strangle and knot up. None of those seems desirable yet worry is almost akin to a spiritual discipline for some.

One of our favourite books to read to our kids when they are little is Bedtime For Frances. Frances is a badger with a very vivid imagination. Frances is not a fan of bedtime and she finds many excuses to avoid actually laying down and going to sleep. One episode involves her being convinced there is a monster in the corner and she works herself into a tizzy. After being sent back to bed for the umpteenth time, Frances realizes that the monster that seemed so large is just actually her little bathrobe which has cast a shadow. Not much to actually be afraid of!!

One of the most powerful things that Tim shared yesterday (in my humble opinion ;O) ) was when he said that worry gives a small thing a big shadow! I loved that because it is so true. Worry causes us to take something that is often times not even a big issue and allow it to cast a much bigger shadow than it should be capable of casting. Even if it is a big issue in our lives, we can still be tempted to let it take on a life of its own by not reigning our minds in the way we should.

When you look at the true meaning of worry, it really does seem counter-productive. We are causing ourselves to have a divided mind and be strangled and tied up by worry instead of trusting that the Lord is in control and is taking care of us. We have to wrestle thru in our hearts and come to the conclusion that either He is trustworthy or he is not. It doesn't mean we're not ever going to have concerns or worrisome thoughts, but we can choose to not pitch a tent, make a fire and camp out in the midst of that worry.

Luke 12:25

And which of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life’s span?

Lord, I don't want to be a woman who allows worry and the cares of the world to define me. I don't want to allow a small thing to cast any big shadows in my life. May I choose to take my thoughts captive and filter everything thru the lens of your sovereignty and care. Help me not be found with a divided mind for then I shall be unstable in all my ways and that is truly no way to live. May I choose to live in the shadow of the cross rather than the shadow of my fears!!

I'm retreat-bound so I'll see you next week!! Thanks for praying for our time away!! XOXO

Today is my 27th anniversary!! 27 years ago today, Labour Day Monday, I surrendered my life to the Lord!! I am so thankful for all He has done in me and thru me in those 27 years and can't imagine a life lived without Him!! \O/

Happy Sunday!!

Measured Words

With Tim being a pastor now, we are heavily involved in the lives of many people on a daily basis. I love it, but it is tiring. I told Tim the other day that one of the hardest parts of this job is the need to measure every word that comes out of my mouth.

Many conversations are centered around very heavy topics and people are coming to us for advice that can have lasting implications. For instance, one girl called me the other day because she has to make some important medical decisions about her mom. While I was so honoured to have gained this woman's trust, I found myself confronted with the fact that the counsel I gave was regarding the very life of another human being. Not exactly light conversation.

And then the need for confidentiality is a very real issue. Unfortunately Christians, who should be the most confidential people around, can actually be some of the biggest gossips you'll ever find. It can be lonely to look around and realize there are VERY FEW people you can really bounce things off of, seek advice from or share your heart with without the risk of it becoming fodder for the grapevine.

There are so many verses that speak to the tongue that it must be an issue near and dear to the Lord's heart...

Proverbs 15:2

The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, But the mouth of fools spouts folly.

Proverbs 15:4

A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.

Proverbs 18:21

Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 21:23

He who guards his mouth and his tongue, Guards his soul from troubles.

James 1:26

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.

James 3:5

So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!

These verses are just a sampling of scriptures that address our tongue and the blessing or curse it can be in our lives and in the lives of others!! The reality is that those of us who lead are held to a higher standard, but all these scriptures are written for the common man or woman as well. Joe Blow and Suzy Q are still very accountable for what comes out of their mouths even though they may not be in a position of leading others. How much stronger would the body of Christ be if we would just work a little harder to get one of the smallest parts of our body truly under control?

There is a children's rhyme that is often sung as a defense against the onslaught of hurtful words. I am sure you know it. It goes like this...

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.

That may actually be one of the biggest lies we ever grapple with from a very early age. In actuality, bones will heal much faster than the heart wounds that words inflict. We can recite this little ditty in our best sing-songy voice, but never out-run the sword that pierces our heart as the words are flung in our direction. Words have one of the greatest abilities to hurt like nothing else ever will, but they also have the ability to bring healing that echoes into eternity!

Lord, may I never take lightly the issue of controlling my tongue. May I always keep, in the forefront of my mind, the reality that I have the ability to speak words of life or words of death into the lives of others. Lord help me remember that as people are looking to me for wise counsel there is a desperate need to prayerfully consider what comes out of my mouth before I utter the first word. And Lord, when it is all said and done, may You find I have been faithful in this area of being wise and measured with my words!!

Psalm 19:14 ~ Let my words and my thoughts

be pleasing to you, LORD,

because you are my mighty rock and my protector.