Take Root and Write

He Speaks Through His Spirit

2010-07-29T00:30:00-04:00

It often feels as if the pastor is speaking directly to me during his sermon. Does that ever happen to you? I wonder how the Lord can send a different message to each of our hearts when presenting the identical material to a group. Even as I write this sentence I have to chuckle, after all, the same Bible has spoken divine messages to different people for over 2000 years!

The Holy Spirit is not limited by our finite minds; he is supernatural. The Spirit knows our hearts. He motives and has the capability to take one sermon and touch thousands of hearts in a thousand different ways; that is truly amazing.

If I struggle with anxiety or guilt, he has an antidote. If fear overcomes me, he is my strength. If I experience depression or feel lonely, he comforts me. God is my All in All. This statement frequently perplexes people: how can He be everything we need every second of every day?

How does he give us everything we need at all times? Well...in many different ways, but basically it all comes down to his presence through his Spirit. The Spirit speaks to our hearts through the Word of God, offering us comfort and wise counsel. The Spirit assures us of His love when we fail or doubt His goodness. How many Christians silently suffer from spiritual doubt? Too many! He wants to reassure us and strengthen us in those times; not condemn us.

But how can he? We can't see him or touch him; he speaks to the depths of our hearts instead of with an audible voice. So how does he turn our grief into joy, and sorrow into laughter?

"The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted and proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners...to comfort all who mourn...and provide for those who grieve...to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair" (Isaiah 61:1-3 NIV).

The "Spirit of the Sovereign Lord" does all this. He binds up those who are broken and suffering; those held captive by the pain of rejection or loss. He releases us from the darkness of depression, and fills us with praise instead of despair. The Spirit does all this for you.

"God is our refuge and strength; an ever present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea" (Psalm 46 NIV).

Sometimes he comforts us through his people, like friends or family. On other occasions he comforts us with his Word or a sermon. I'm sure some of you have even felt his loving embrace mingled within the words and melody of a song. Just as our Lord is eternal, likewise his means of reaching us are endless.

Therefore, we must get to know Him through His Spirit.

"But I tell you the truth: It is good for you that I (Jesus) am going, unless I go away (back to heaven after he has been crucified and resurrected from the grave) the Counselor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you" (John 16:7 NIV).

God is able to be our All in All through the Counselor. And, the Counselor is available to us through Jesus Christ. If you have never invited the Holy Spirit to live inside your heart, he longs for the opportunity to lavish his love upon you. Perhaps you extended the invitation long ago but it's been years since you've acknowledged him. He has not forsaken or abandoned you. He is eager to shower you with comfort, peace and security. Trust in Him, he chose you.

What Does A Christian Look Like?

2010-07-28T00:30:00-04:00

Beautiful One, what does a Christian look like? I suppose the answer is not as simple as the question itself.

This last week I watched the drama unfold in the life of Mel Gibson. Like many others, I was somewhat dismayed and discouraged at the events surrounding him. The one thing I can safely say about Mr. Gibson's present circumstances, is, as awful as they may be, I despise the cycle he has gotten himself into more than his actions.

Beautiful One, many good people do bad things. The old line,"hurting people, hurt people," may sound like a cliche, but it is very true.

How can a Christian man who had been married for almost three decades, raised seven children, and produced a movie glorifying God (The Passion of the Christ), be sitting before us in the court of public opinion battling the woman who had a part (along with him) in destroying his first marriage?

How did this man get to where he is? Has the body of Christ yet endured another black eye?

If he were really a Christian, would he be in this mess? Is it possible to belong to the Lord while living a life that is a chaotic mess? Would a real Christian do and say hurtful things? The answer is yes.

Mr. Gibson is not the first man that has fallen and he won't be the last. The only difference with him is that we have a front row ticket as his downward spiral plays out on the world stage.

But there are many Christians out there, silently suffering trouble on the home front. Does it mean we are not people of faith? Does our trouble define us? Do our actions prove our Christianity or disprove it? No, it just proves that every Christian is an imperfect being trying to follow a perfect God.

The Bible says;"The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7 NIV). That is good news, especially to those of us who have fallen a few times in life.

The harsh reality is that the world sees our actions and uses it to judge our proclamation of faith. Christians are under more of a microscope when trouble arises. How many times have we heard people say Christians are hypocrites? In reality we can all are hypocrites, but maybe it's a matter of being strong in certain areas of life, but weak in others. It's not always hypocrisy; sometimes it's us walking in our weaknesses.

Maybe we don't struggle in our marriage, but we squirm in our parenting, or vise versa. Maybe we are wonderful at church on Sunday, but by Monday we are the office tyrant or gossip. Maybe we tithe, yet cheat our taxes.

There is always a contradiction in the life of any believer, always. Just look at Moses, called of God, yet he murdered a man out of anger. The apostle Peter, loved, absolutely loved Christ, yet when trouble came, he denied knowing him. Elijah did great things for the Lord, yet wallowed in self pity and depression. Is Mel Gibson, so different from these men of God? Maybe. Maybe not.

Isn't it ironic that nothing can justify Mel's actions, if they are true. Nothing but the Passion of Christ - His shed blood!

Selah!

Beautiful one, I have been there, I know exactly what it is to be laid low by my own doing. There is nothing worse than when we come face to face with our own wickedness or weaknesses and suffer. Sometimes it's better suffering at the hands of someone else, at least we know we didn't cause it. However, facing our own demons can be the hardest thing to do, and many don't ever do it! They continue to go about life tangled up in chains; wounding anyone in their path.

But when the hour on the clock of the appointed time falls on us, and God allows a spotlight to shine on our darkness, it is not to destroy us. It is to allow us to see just how far down we can fall, because apart from Him, we can do nothing!

Beautiful One, God sees our heart and step by step washes it, and re-creates a new heart within us. Depending on how willing we are to submit to the process will determine the amount of pressure we will endure through it.

And we should be advised, if we belong to the Lord, He will bring us up. But if we are stubborn, he may put us down first! Publicly or privately, whichever will be more effective.

What does a Christian look like? If you believe with all your heart that Jesus died for your sins and rose again, then just go look in the mirror right now, the face you see is what a Christian looks like. With every attitude, shortcoming and success that face beholds, the good, the bad, and the ugly, that's what a Christian looks like.

For God knew us before we were knit together in our mothers womb, and He called us by name, not by our actions! (Jeremiah 1:1 NIV)

Beautiful one, just believe! And remember with God, all things are possible, but apart from Him, we can do nothing!

The Spiritual Liberty of Light

2010-07-27T00:35:00-04:00

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is; there is liberty" (2 Corinthians 3:17 NASB).

Dawn lights the beginning of each new day for those fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of it. Dawn first sees darkness clothed with bright stars surrounded by light, as the darkness fades light expands into a new day (Isaiah 9:2-3).

The Holy Spirit takes us out of darkness igniting our perception in order to catch the light of the message of Jesus Christ. Just as a caterpillar transforms into a butterfly believers transform by the light of the Spirit. The providence of spiritual enlightenment is a natural process when the Spirit indwells and filled us. The filling of God's Spirit enables us to carry out our purpose under any circumstance, however it does not mean life is without tensions. It does not mean that we are free from our internal duality.

Pondering:

I've been a Christian all of my life. How come I can't let go of bitterness? Sometimes, I feel like I'm not a very good Christian.

Coaching:

We have two opposing natures, our spiritual nature and our sin nature, these two opposing forces are in constant battle one against the other both determined to be the victor; a battled that wages in us until death.

The Holy Spirit indwelling and filling us means we are given tools to cope, a will to stand tall, and peace in the middle of inevitable storms when trials touch our life.

Many of us were raised in Christian homes with good parents who took us to Church and taught us to live high-quality lives. Even though we are influenced by childhood, the eventually of our life choices are not based on the effect our parents had on us. We make a choice to totally surrender to Christ or to give Him a part of our heart. Depending on those carefully selected choices, we inherit their potential outcomes.

Both God and Satan are usually involved in the suffering of Christians. God's purpose is to purify and strengthen us. He wants to make us better. Satan's purpose is to pervert and weaken us. He wants to make us bitter. Some of us struggle with looking toward the light of Jesus in order to find our purpose. A few find their purpose early-on however most of us waver in our relationship with Christ by taking control of our life back from Him. The Spirit speaks but we are determined to be in control therefore, we cannot hear His voice. The message our sin nature cleverly sends in that we need to be in control, it feels natural.

When we take back control we become stuck in an endless middle ground wondering aimlessly without any control at all and without purpose. So, what is it going to be . . .better or bitter? The answer is in the choice of a willingness to give up bitterness to become better through the providential light of the Spirit. He will help us release whatever is holding us back in order to be better instead of bitter by His regenerating work of filling us with a new purpose (1 Thessalonians 4:8)

"The people who were sitting in darkness saw a great Light, and those who were sitting in the land and shadow of death, upon them a Light dawned" (Isaiah 9:2-3 NASB).

When we hold onto bitterness we take control out of God's hands placing ourselves back in darkness. When we surrender ourselves completely to His control He gives us the wisdom to understand what control really means. It means, by releasing bitterness we are unchained in order to walk in enlightenment and understanding. God's control means our life is exactly where He wants it to be; He is preparing us for our lives objectives. None of us will ever find our true resolve until we surrender bitterness and our desire to be in control to the one who controls the cosmos.

The Road to Liberty:

Suffering make us mature (James 1:1-15)
Scripture study makes us mature (James 1:16-25)
Sincerity makes us mature (James 2:1-13)
Service makes us mature (James 2:14-26)
Sound speech makes us mature (James 3:1-18; 1:26-27)
Submission makes us mature (James 4:1-17)
Simplicity makes us mature (James 5:1-6)
Steadfastness makes us mature (James 5:7-11)
Soul winning makes us mature (James 5:19-20)
Supplication makes us mature (James 5:12-18)

How can we learn endurance unless our patience is tried, trials produce endurance making us better not bitter. Ultimately, God's purpose is that we become mature through suffering in order to learn how to become peaceful in the middle of trails.

Challenge:

Are you ready to visit dawns' light even when darkness surrounds the light in your life? Are you willing to shed your bitterness like a caterpillar so you can transform into a butterfly? I challenge you to walk the road of endurance through the Holy Spirit, let Him guide you toward - - The Spiritual Liberty of Light.

What Gets You out of Bed?

2010-07-22T13:18:51-04:00

Do you have a burden for single women? How about troubled teens? Are you energized to open your home to others and make them feel welcome? Do you like comforting folks by bringing them meals or sending them cards?

God wired each of us for a purpose. I'm wired to encourage hurting Christian women find hope. Do you know how you're wired? Do you know your heart's passion?

In other words, what gets you out of bed other than the need for a caffeine fix? Do you know? What about your Christian friends, who may be struggling emotionally, financially or physically? Do they know their God-given purpose? Their unique fit?

If not, then you need to find out and so do they.

Often we Christian women balk at the notion God has a special purpose for us. We think we're just moms, or just wives, or just this or just that. Rather than embracing the blessing that God lavishes us with His love, we mutter, "Pish posh." Have you been there? I have.

Decades ago as life's dark side of depression strangled me -- yes, I was a Christian at the time -- I didn't think I had anything to give or even had worth. As I grabbed onto God's hand and as He pulled me from the pit, He taught me many truths, one being "you matter."

He gave me purpose and a purpose. In fact, every Christian does. "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do" (Eph. 2:10, NIV). Yes, God made you beautifully, for He "doesn't make junk," as an old bumper sticker aptly reads. And He created you to do good works, the ones He selected just for you.

You.

Knowing how God uniquely made you helps you invest your time and giftedness effectively and to avoid burnout. When to serve God and others in your ministry fit, you feel fulfilled because you are joining God in his work in the way he made you.

Here are snapshots of Christian women who serve according to their heart's passion. See if any resonate with you.

Kim teaches Sunday school to preschoolers, showing them the love of God through simple Bible stories, songs, and Jesus "tea parties."

Deb has a decorative flair. She beautifies her church's worship center at Christmas and Easter, making it inviting to regular attenders and visitors.

Tanya cleans the homes of elderly folks in need a helping hand and conversation. She drives them to doctors visits too.

There are synonyms for "heart's passion." You may prefer the terms one's burden or one's calling. It is the thing that excites you and moves you to action. You know, it's what gets you out of bed in the morning.

To determine your heart's passion, reflect on these questions:

If I could change one thing in the world, what would it be?

What do other Christians say I'm particularly good at?

Which of the following classifications of people tug at my heart? Homeless people; women who've had abortions; impoverished families; couples in healthy marriages; children with learning disabilities; substance abusers; families of prisoners; the elderly; the ill; women (or teens) in emotional pain; gifted children, other: ___________.

Look over your answers. Do you see a theme? If so, write down: I believe my heart's passion may be _____________.

Stuck?

Then think over tough times in your life. Many women discover that God uses their past to help others. For instance, a woman whose parents had a rocky marriage or who divorced may be called to encourage children from broken families. Another woman whose father made the military his career may ache to comfort lonely wives of servicemen.

Probably the best way to discern your heart's passion (and to encourage your Christian friend to do the same) is trying a variety of ministry experiences, both in and out of the church, and discover the ministries in which you:

Are the most fulfilled.

Seem to be the most effective.

Receive affirmation from other Christians.

Most important, ask God to which ministry He is calling you. If after prayer, you're still not sure where God has called you, try a ministry that interests you and begin.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5).

Another helpful tool is a spiritual gifts survey. Knowing your spiritual gifts guides you in discovering your ministry fit. While many are available for purchase or on the web, I like the survey by LifeWay Christian Resources. You can take the survey online, or send me a contact message and I'll get you a copy.

When you discover your God-given calling as well as your spiritual gifts, you'll make a difference. So will the hurting women you encourage. "I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul" (Ps. 31:7).

The Grass Is Not Always Greener

2010-07-22T00:30:00-04:00

A few weeks ago, my husband and I began planning our family vacation. We discussed several fun places to visit. After contemplating for a week, we agreed to return to our hometown. As part of our plans, we scheduled activities for the family, for kids, and for adults only.

We booked reservations at a hotel we like and mapped out some of our favorite restaurants. Things were falling into place and the dayof our departure was rapidly approaching; we were ready to enjoy time with our friends and family back home.

However, the day before we were to leave, my excited anticipation was usurped by sadness, misunderstanding, and anger. As our departure approached, little bothersome things opened the door for the devil to manipulate me. Thankfully in my quiet time, God allowed me to see that the grass is not always greener on the other side. If I water mine, it will be green too.

One situation morphed into and mountain from a mole hill. Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say that it involved family, but it started between my husband and me. Before I knew it, my siblings were involved, and I had difficulty seeing my circumstances clearly and the rest was, as they say history. It all ended well as I saw the things in me that needed to be addressed, and I chose to rid myself of behavior that hadn't been fair to my husband.

I had selfishly judged my husband and been influenced by my family's unfair perception of him. The Bible tells us not to judge. For with the same measure of judgment that we give, we also shall be judge. Family members have good intentions. However, that does not always make them godly intentions.

You may be in a situation where family members insert their insights into your marriage. They speaking against your spouse because they are more concerned about you. However well meaning they are, do not fall victim to their mentality. Their perspectives are not yours. Pray and ask God for direction. Remember, the enemy does not always come in a red suit brandishing a pitchfork. Be careful, because you may forfeit your blessing by focusing on your burden.

As God continued to give me revelation, my heart was at peace, and I released the unfair words that had taken root in my heart. My husband is not perfect, but neither am I.

As you strive for oneness in your marriage, keep family members at a reasonable distance. They are subjective when it comes to your marriage. Understandably they are inclined to see your side, when God sees you and your husband as one. They may cause your godly perception to turn into evil intentions. This may end up in you disobeying God through divorce.

Do not allow them to talk down about your husband. Thank God for Grace. Where would we be without it. What God has joined let no man put asunder. God made each an everyone of us. He knows our up risings and our down-settings. God has worked a miracle in all of our lives.

I understand that there may be times when you are tempted to quit. You may even think there is some better fit for you. Work with what you have. Perfect the marriage that God gave you. The grass is not always greener on the other side. If you water yours, it will be green too.

Spiritual Garmin

2010-07-21T00:30:00-04:00

Guest Writer - Penny Franklin

Summer 2010 is here and winding down! Before school was out, the big question was, “What are you doing for the summer?” Of course we have Vacation Bible School planned, and are renewing our memberships to the zoo, aquarium, and the parks. We are also planning a few small trips, one of which will be to Grandmother’s house.

Last summer, our grandparents came to visit us; we had fun showing them our new home and all the great attractions sprinkled around New Orleans. When the time came for them to leave I walked them out to their car for our final good-byes. It was then that my mom said something really interesting. It was in response to me asking them if they needed directions getting back to the interstate that would take them home.

Mom said, "Oh no, we're going to turn on this Garmin, select HOME, and we'll be good to go!" I didn't get the impact of what she said until I got back inside and had my morning prayer time.

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life". (John 14:5-6 NIV)

How many times have you had "no idea" how to get somewhere or navigate a new path in your life? When we were new to New Orleans, before even pressing the gas pedal, we turned on the Garmin, a navigation system, to show us exactly how to get to all the places we needed to go.

A Garmin is a wonderful piece of equipment when trying to find your way around unfamiliar territory. After using it for a few days, it’s hard to imagine anyone living without such a modern convenience, especially when navigating new places.

This wonderful box of technological genius mounts right on a car's dashboard so you can see the map without taking your eyes off the road! But, as if that's not enough, it also talks to you! Periodically, it verbalizes your location and provides step-by-step instructions of any upcoming changes in direction! In fact, you just about have to turn the volume down or mute it to avoid unnecessary commentary every time the car moves. Additionally, techno-wiz, Mr. Garmin, loves to inform his followers of restaurants, gas stations, shops, or any other attractions in the area. If you need a break from traveling, you can stay on your assigned path and not deviate just to find a place to rest.

After waving good-bye to my parents, I felt confident that their Garmin would get them home on the best path possible. I walked back into the house and thought, wouldn't it be cool if we could have a Garmin for our lives?! Something that would sit in a place that we could easily see, something that would speak step-by-step directions and that might even show us places to rest along the way?!

Thomas told Jesus they didn’t know where to go or how to get there. Have you ever said this to Him as well? Whether it involves everyday life or a new season you are experiencing, Jesus told Thomas, and tells us today, that He is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life”.

Jesus is our Spiritual Garmin! Put Him (His Word) in a place that you know you're going to see. In other words, turn Him on before you even start your day. Read His Word and let Him speak to you before you even press the gas pedal of your week! We can get to going so fast most days that we even forget that we need Him for step-by-step directions! I think too often we either don't turn Him on or when life gets too confusing we just hit MUTE on our Lord!

A Garmin tells you of surrounding places of entertainment, rest, fuel and even the specifics of where you currently are, but nothing compares to Truth and Life! We all struggle like Thomas, often wondering what path is best for our journey through life, but we can learn from this confused disciple. He asked, "How can we know the way?" I have asked this question many times myself; the answer is found in Jesus alone.

How do you put this in to practice?

PRAY - Turn on the power button to Jesus
LISTEN – Turn up the volume; listen to Jesus
READ - Read the Bible (God’s instruction manual) daily and journal if that brings your thoughts closer to Jesus.
ASK – Inquire of God if you don’t understand something (He’s can answer questions like the best customer service representative when a piece of technology gets tricky).
SEEK – Look for the Truth and Life that only Jesus can provide.

Put your Spiritual Garmin to good use…it is ready and waiting. Be ready to follow the way that Jesus, the ultimate Mr. Garmin, takes you. I promise you will be able to approach any journey with confidence and that you will reach your destination on the best path possible.

About Penny

Penny is a Pastor’s Wife and Women’s Minister who is currently serving on staff and alongside her husband at Journey Christian Church in New Orleans, La. She is the mother of a beautiful 6 year-old girl and very active 3 year-old boy. She adores her family and considers them her most important ministry! She has a heart for women to truly know the love of Christ. She mentors and disciples women in cities dotted across the country and currently writes devotionals that are sent to both men & women coast to coast.

Do I Need A Personal Retreat?

2010-07-20T00:30:00-04:00

"Please pray for me," a lovely young homeschool mom asked me at church last week. "It's the middle of July and we are still finishing up last year's work. I feel so overwhelmed."

I smiled and offered a word of encouragement.

Later on that night, another mom contacted me on facebook. She was frantic. There was so much going on with discipline issues for her two sons that she could not focus on planning the next year.

"Please pray for me!" she begged.

I could go on and on. The economy has some of my friends who have been raising children, keeping their homes, and homeschooling at home for years, to have to get part-time jobs. Reluctantly, they left their home to earn some extra money. They continue to homeschool, but it is more challenging.

Another friend is dealing with health issues. Does she have cancer or is the lump benign? What do the homeschool books say about that?

Are You Ready?

It is almost time for the new school year to start, time to purchase school supplies, time to start a brand new school year. You may still be recovering from last year. In fact, your children may still be finishing up last year's schoolwork. You may be facing significant issues that are rocking your faith or testing your character.

We can shift into autopilot to do our lesson plans, purchase curriculum, buy supplies, and get everything ready. But is our heart ready for the new year.

I love homeschooling, but I can sometimes find it hard to focus the way I want to. In the past three years, I have lost my mother and father after helping them through difficult health issues. It was hard to take care of my parents and so much harder to lose them. I cannot tell you the miles and hours I logged in my minivan, traveling back and forth to be with my parents for another surgery or medical test. When I lost Mom and Daddy, the emotional pain was, and still is, intense. Nothing prepared me for the sorrow that I would feel after they died.

Homeschooling was hard. It was hard to focus sometimes. Homeschooling was not up to my usual standard of excellence and, often, I felt guilty. Can you homeschool effectively with a heavy heart?

My friend, Miriam, going through a painful relational struggle, admitted to me, "I don't even want to homeschool this year, but I know if I put my children in public school, things will just get worse for my family."

I nodded my head because I agree with Miriam. We sometimes think that everything needs to be "perfect" for us to homeschool effectively. We don't realize how much we are a blessing to our children by being with them 24/7, listening to their dreams, praying with them, reading the Bible together, showing affection, and modeling the Christian life for them.

When times are rough, stay the course. Read books together aloud. Focus on the most important subjects. Major on the majors and minor on the minors. But maybe, you need more than to just hang on. Maybe you need to be refreshed and encouraged by the Lord Himself. What about a personal retreat?

A Personal Retreat

To take a personal retreat, you need a quiet place for a few days, a comfortable place to stay, worship CD's, inspirational books, and your Bible.

Summer is a great time for a personal retreat because you can get last minute deals on nearby hotels who have cancellations. Or you might be able to stay a few nights in a friend's house while her family is on vacation.

Plan to spend plenty of time resting and sleeping so that your body is refreshed. You may consider fasting or, at least, eating healthy while you are away.Don't forget to exercise. Long walks along the beach or in the woods can refresh your spirit and get your blood circulating.

Spend time worshiping with worship CD's and reading Scripture aloud. You might want to do a personal Bible study on a topic that interests you. Ask the Lord to refresh your spirit. Bring along books that will minister and encourage you--not books that will overwhelm you and add tons of stuff to your "to do" list.

Cover the school year ahead with prayer, committing it to the Lord and asking him to fill your heart with faith. Pray for His perspective and heart for your family and the teaching ahead.

Don't feel awkward or scared if you have never been alone with the Lord before. . .it is wonderful! You might just want to start with a day or half-day. Whatever you choose, get away with God and let him refresh your heart.

It is Not Your Fault

2010-07-20T00:20:00-04:00

"Am I lovable? Am I huggable?" is the heart cry of every child. Yesterday I gave a boy twice my size a hug. He was hanging out with youth before the church service started. He was in the crowded room but not really connected to anyone. I had cried for him the previous day, when I heard he'd being taken to juvenile court. He was going before a judge because he lost control and beat his sister. Why would I cry for a big kid who had just beat up his sister? He has fetal alcohol syndrome. When his mom was pregnant and he was in her womb, she drank and drugged.

This teen did not put one glass of liquor to his lips, but he will always be marked by effects of his mom drinking while pregnant. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is not a birth defect, but it creates irreversible damage to the baby. The symptoms vary but include: heart defects, joint deformities, sleep problems, learning disabilities, poor impulse control, extreme nervousness, high adrenaline strength, and sudden rage.

Many times these babies are neglected, abused and placed into foster care. While most who foster or adopt are loving adults, often they will struggle tremendously trying to help the child adjust. Many people who are born with illnesses or disease that cause abnormal or even destructive emotional behavior frequently live a painful life of never feeling like they can fit in.

Deep internal desires to control their thoughts or behaviors are sporadic causing guilt, anger and thoughts of suicide. Every child wants to be loved and to love others. When a person realizes that they hurt the people closest to them, the very people in life trying to help them, it is emotionally crushing. No easy solutions are available.

Several types of mental illness are genetic Others are a result of hurtful behavior of the caretaker or traumatic life experiences. Schizophrenia, Bi-polar, and extreme depressive disorders are a few mental illnesses that do not always develop from being abused. Quite often disorders can be a combination of abuse and genetic predisposition causing a cycle of irrational behaviors and thoughts.

Diagnosis by a psychiatric doctor is essential to ensure the patient gets proper medical attention to lessen or eliminate symptoms that cannot be controlled therapy alone. Many times a person cannot cope with the rigors of therapy if they do not have stabilizing medication. Being willing to taking medication can be a real hurdle to overcome, especially for Christians who believe taking psychiatric medication is equated to spiritual weakness or even sin.

A person suffering from mental illness needs to embrace the fact that their illness is not their own fault. I am not saying they are not responsible for their action or they can't take necessary steps toward recovery. Mental illness is a horrible, debilitating condition that cannot be controlled simply by trying harder or praying more. No one would tell a person with cancer, diabetes, or thyroid disease to have more faith in God and to not get medical treatment, nor would they blame them for getting sick.

While a person does not choose to be mentally ill, they can choose to be responsible for their mental illness and to do everything they possibly can to be stable for themselves and their family. They must surrender the situation to God and listen for His direction for healing. Obedience to God is the key to being free from guilt. When you surrender to God, you give Him the ultimate responsibility for the outcome.

By the grace of God, I walked 20 years through the healing process of being mentally ill. It took me over thirty years to accept the fact that my abusive childhood caused me to have a mental illness. While my condition was not my fault, being obedient to God was my responsibility.

I had to learn that every person is unique. No one treatment plan or medication is perfect for every person. While God requires some people to slowly process specific parts of their past to gain the most glory and treasures through deep spiritual learning, He can choose to heal another by breaking through controlling disabilities in quick spiritual deliverance.

Life will never be fair. None of us were promised a rose garden of wealth, health and personal bliss. What each of us were promised by God is that He will never leave us nor forsake us and He will heal us when we run to Him. In running to Him we must be willing to grow spiritually, allowing Him to take what was meant for evil in our life into the very thing that will conform us to the image of Christ Jesus. This is how Romans 8:28 is fulfilled, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."

God proclaims in Scripture, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts" (Isaiah 55:9 NASB). We may not understand why God allowed something to happen to us, nor why we are having to do a particular something to be healed. It is OK to not understand everything. What is important is that we trust God and know that He understands everything perfectly and is in totally in control.

Rainy Days

2010-07-19T00:30:00-04:00

Dear Child,

Life depends a lot on your outlook. Rainy days are usually seen as disappointing. "Oh, no," the girl sadly pouts, "I can't ride my bike. It's raining." Many happy events planned for outside are viewed as disasters when the rain tumbles from the sky. "Why, of all days does it have to rain?" the bride utters holding back a flood of tears. When perfect plans are changed even by a simple rain shower, a sense of resentment and blame is often felt. "God, I prayed. How could you let it rain?"

Is it any wonder that I am hurt by how easily you are moved to distress by unwanted rain, but you see the poor and needy and don't shed a tear. You are not moved to crying out to me when sin is all around you, but you want me to come to your rescue when raindrops fall from the sky. Is the plans of your day more important than the hurts that come to people in the world because of unrepentant sin?

You see the rain, but do you also see the teardrop that fell from the child last night that lost her innocence while she laid in her bed. You hear the thunder roar, but do you also hear the child pleading for her father to abandon her. "Daddy, please don't leave. Daddy, please!" she desperately pleas.

I send rain to bring nourishment to the plants of the soil and the animals to be quenched in a hot dry day. The earth gets a nice fresh cleansing, and it knows I will faithfully bring the sun again to shine brightly for its needs. Are you lacking in faith of my sovereignty and provision? Are you so selfish you care more about the weather than a broken heart?

Life is a balance that does not revolve around you. Before you begin to complain pause to see My outlook. You will find the the Son is always shining brightly even on the stormiest of days. And you will develop a sensitivity to what is really important in Life.

Lindy Abbott 2010