Go have a look at my latest blog entry on my newest blog:
http://athrivingkingdom.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Monday, July 09, 2012
The latest in our household
Dear friends,
As we emerge from this heat-wave, through which the Lord has taught both me and Paul many things, we are excited about His leading in our lives. I am going to keep this very short with a few links that you can look at on your own time to glean a more comprehensive picture of what is happening with us.
Prayer requests:
1. Full-time job for Paul.
2. God's perfect leading and provision for us in every area of life.
3. God's favor and breath of life on the following:
Praises:
1. We are getting increasingly connected to our new church. Visit their ever-changing website:
2. Our garden is thriving even amidst a squash bug attack. I've put up about 15 quarts of dill pickles and frozen bags of zucchini.
Upcoming training:
Paul and I are praying about and hoping to be able to take a SOZO training this month here in Kansas City. (see our church website above for that link)
We long to join with you and your journeys in life, love and faith in Jesus! Please keep us up to date on how we can be praying for you!
By grace alone in Jesus,
Arden
Wednesday, July 04, 2012
Squash bugs
Last weekend, we discovered that squash bugs had invaded our garden. Being the novice gardeners that we are, we thought we'd dodged the proverbial bullet with these critters, but alas, the invasion, and now war, is on. Thus far, they seem to be winning, but our persistence in searching day by day seems to be paying off.
Today, as I searched, I found a large squash bug in the process of laying eggs. For a brief moment, the sensitive mom side of my welled up...VERY brief lapsing moment...and then the killer side of me came raging forward. I grabbed the momma and squished her, and then proceeded to smash all of her babies. Yes, I am a baby killer.
Hunting for these bugs has been one of the most challenging gardening events ever. After killing momma and her babies, I searched for eggs and bugs on other leaves and came across an entire colony of just hatched squash bugs, which look like small black spiders. I quickly smashed those as well as they tried to skitter away.
Leaves on our pumpkin plants are turning yellow as a result of the bug invasion, and we are praying that our pumpkins don't get infested on the inside, which is what these darn bugs do. The fruit looks beautiful on the outside and then you cut it open only to find rot on the inside.
The Lord is using this whole experience to paint a very real picture of the reality of sin as well as the evil one. I'm convinced that squash bugs are a result of the fall of man...and therefore are from the pit of hell. They do NO one any good at all and only bring death and destruction. Like sin, they hide under the leaves of plants, laying numerous eggs in the hidden-ness of the leaves, and thus from one momma sin, is produced a whole plethora of sinful issues. Once these bugs hit, they are REALLY hard to get rid of...how like sin in our lives. We open the door to something that seems harmless, or we know it's bad (one bug), and then the entire inside of us becomes rotten to the core. Sometimes on the outside, we look healthy and "ok"; but look inside and there is rot due to sin.
The enemy is like a roaring lion, prowling around looking for whom he may devour. He's constantly looking for ways to plant eggs that will destroy us. We have to be vigilant about removing the eggs so that sin does not run free and take over, ruining our lives.
I must admit, that after the first day of killing bugs and smashing eggs last weekend, I was very discouraged. The next day, I didn't even want to go out to the garden because I was afraid to find more bugs and egg colonies. In my heart, I just wanted to avoid it and hope it would go away. How true is that of our hearts sometimes with regard to sin: we know it's there, but we don't want to deal with it. I mustered up the strength and went on a bug-hunt. Sure enough, I was smashing and destroying bugs and eggs. My heart began to shift.
The next day I was excited to get out to the garden to bug-hunt! I want to rid the garden of any infestation of squash bugs and I will turn over every leaf to find every bug and destroy them as I am able. Just as with sin, this is a war, fought daily, and the lives of our 'fruit' are at stake.
Today, as I searched, I found a large squash bug in the process of laying eggs. For a brief moment, the sensitive mom side of my welled up...VERY brief lapsing moment...and then the killer side of me came raging forward. I grabbed the momma and squished her, and then proceeded to smash all of her babies. Yes, I am a baby killer.
Hunting for these bugs has been one of the most challenging gardening events ever. After killing momma and her babies, I searched for eggs and bugs on other leaves and came across an entire colony of just hatched squash bugs, which look like small black spiders. I quickly smashed those as well as they tried to skitter away.
Leaves on our pumpkin plants are turning yellow as a result of the bug invasion, and we are praying that our pumpkins don't get infested on the inside, which is what these darn bugs do. The fruit looks beautiful on the outside and then you cut it open only to find rot on the inside.
The Lord is using this whole experience to paint a very real picture of the reality of sin as well as the evil one. I'm convinced that squash bugs are a result of the fall of man...and therefore are from the pit of hell. They do NO one any good at all and only bring death and destruction. Like sin, they hide under the leaves of plants, laying numerous eggs in the hidden-ness of the leaves, and thus from one momma sin, is produced a whole plethora of sinful issues. Once these bugs hit, they are REALLY hard to get rid of...how like sin in our lives. We open the door to something that seems harmless, or we know it's bad (one bug), and then the entire inside of us becomes rotten to the core. Sometimes on the outside, we look healthy and "ok"; but look inside and there is rot due to sin.
The enemy is like a roaring lion, prowling around looking for whom he may devour. He's constantly looking for ways to plant eggs that will destroy us. We have to be vigilant about removing the eggs so that sin does not run free and take over, ruining our lives.
I must admit, that after the first day of killing bugs and smashing eggs last weekend, I was very discouraged. The next day, I didn't even want to go out to the garden because I was afraid to find more bugs and egg colonies. In my heart, I just wanted to avoid it and hope it would go away. How true is that of our hearts sometimes with regard to sin: we know it's there, but we don't want to deal with it. I mustered up the strength and went on a bug-hunt. Sure enough, I was smashing and destroying bugs and eggs. My heart began to shift.
The next day I was excited to get out to the garden to bug-hunt! I want to rid the garden of any infestation of squash bugs and I will turn over every leaf to find every bug and destroy them as I am able. Just as with sin, this is a war, fought daily, and the lives of our 'fruit' are at stake.
Monday, July 02, 2012
Colorado and the East coast
I am among the many thousands of people who think, "This will never happen to me!"
This past week in Colorado, raging fires tore through residential areas of my hometown of Colorado Springs. I spoke with my cousin who was on pre-evacuation orders. She said she was grabbing heirlooms and our grandfather's old medical bag.
It turns out that over 300 people lost their homes, a few people lost their lives. Many were completely unprepared to evacuate, and as we now know, that is downright NOT GOOD!
On the east coast, in the middle of one of the worst heat waves in the nation, millions were/are without power. For the elderly, those with small children, etc., this would be a great time to grab a 72-hour to-go bag and drive to the nearest hotel or motel that does have electricity.
An acquaintance of mine has a suggestion which you can listen to HERE.
I also have an even better suggestion, in my opinion of course. Why should you have to spend time shopping around, collecting all sorts of items you would need for a "go bag" when they are already expertly put together FOR YOU? Follow this LINK to find pre-assembled emergency "go bags" for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people. You not only have the essentials in there like some water and food, but toilet paper, first-aid supplies, etc. It's so convenient, and all you need to do is grab it and go.
My husband and I have a 2-person 72-hour bag from Shelf Reliance that is inside our house. We have just ordered 1-person bags to keep in each of our cars just in case we have to get out and we are not at home. We are also making copies of all important documents to put in the bags as well.
How much wiser and better is it to be prepared than not? Make the investment NOW, so that later, you can help others who have not prepared.
This past week in Colorado, raging fires tore through residential areas of my hometown of Colorado Springs. I spoke with my cousin who was on pre-evacuation orders. She said she was grabbing heirlooms and our grandfather's old medical bag.
It turns out that over 300 people lost their homes, a few people lost their lives. Many were completely unprepared to evacuate, and as we now know, that is downright NOT GOOD!
On the east coast, in the middle of one of the worst heat waves in the nation, millions were/are without power. For the elderly, those with small children, etc., this would be a great time to grab a 72-hour to-go bag and drive to the nearest hotel or motel that does have electricity.
An acquaintance of mine has a suggestion which you can listen to HERE.
I also have an even better suggestion, in my opinion of course. Why should you have to spend time shopping around, collecting all sorts of items you would need for a "go bag" when they are already expertly put together FOR YOU? Follow this LINK to find pre-assembled emergency "go bags" for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people. You not only have the essentials in there like some water and food, but toilet paper, first-aid supplies, etc. It's so convenient, and all you need to do is grab it and go.
My husband and I have a 2-person 72-hour bag from Shelf Reliance that is inside our house. We have just ordered 1-person bags to keep in each of our cars just in case we have to get out and we are not at home. We are also making copies of all important documents to put in the bags as well.
How much wiser and better is it to be prepared than not? Make the investment NOW, so that later, you can help others who have not prepared.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Colorado ablaze
Monday, June 25, 2012
To take offense or not to take offense; that is the question.
Over a month ago now, I began posting a series of blog posts connected to my journey away from cessationist theology and into, what I believe, a more fully biblical perspective on the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
After posting three blog entries, I received a phone call from someone who was offended by one of my posts. The interesting part in all of this is that someone ELSE had actually read the blog, jumped to a false conclusion, took up an offense, called another person and told them to read the blog, and that person drew his/her own conclusion, took up an offense even though the blog entry had nothing to do with them, and subsequently called me. This person didn't call to get clarification but to sever ties.
In order to maintain peace according to the Bible...do everything within your power to maintain the bond of peace....I deleted all three blog entries having to do with my spiritual journey. A friend of mine in response said, "Why did you do that? Your heart was right and what you wrote had nothing to do with anyone in particular or even collectively? You should be able to write what the Lord is teaching you." I agreed with this friend, but I sensed that Holy Spirit was encouraging me to take the low road and honor the Lord in this way. In the process, I had to come before Jesus and see if I was offended by what had happened because quite easily a seed of offense leads to more offense if one does not pluck the seed for that nasty weed out quickly. I was not offended, but just saddened by the unfolding of the entire scenario. The Lord reminded me, however, of His Truth:
"Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18:7)
and again,
"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!'" (Luke 17:1)
These are powerful words because in both cases, Jesus declares WOE to those through whom offenses come. I don't want to be one who causes offense; thus, I deleted the posts because I was being misunderstood and someone else took offense and then through them, others took up offenses. In the end, it's the responsibility of the people reading not to take up an offense over something that has nothing to do with them, but in the light of the love of God, it is my responsibility to do everything within my power not to put a stumbling block in the way of my brothers and sisters.
Some may ask, "So why even address this? Let it drop." If the issue only involved one person, I would do so, but sadly, it involves a whole group of people, and out of love and honor for them, I sensed the need to clarify, even though not asked, that my blog entry had nothing to do with any individuals or groups of people...it was simply a reflection on my personal journey with the Lord. I apologize for any misunderstandings which may have unfolded as a result of me sharing my heart. I bless all those involved and hope that the Lord brings His bride into unity in the Spirit for the days ahead when we will need each other like never before.
After posting three blog entries, I received a phone call from someone who was offended by one of my posts. The interesting part in all of this is that someone ELSE had actually read the blog, jumped to a false conclusion, took up an offense, called another person and told them to read the blog, and that person drew his/her own conclusion, took up an offense even though the blog entry had nothing to do with them, and subsequently called me. This person didn't call to get clarification but to sever ties.
In order to maintain peace according to the Bible...do everything within your power to maintain the bond of peace....I deleted all three blog entries having to do with my spiritual journey. A friend of mine in response said, "Why did you do that? Your heart was right and what you wrote had nothing to do with anyone in particular or even collectively? You should be able to write what the Lord is teaching you." I agreed with this friend, but I sensed that Holy Spirit was encouraging me to take the low road and honor the Lord in this way. In the process, I had to come before Jesus and see if I was offended by what had happened because quite easily a seed of offense leads to more offense if one does not pluck the seed for that nasty weed out quickly. I was not offended, but just saddened by the unfolding of the entire scenario. The Lord reminded me, however, of His Truth:
"Woe to the world because of offenses! For offenses must come, but woe to that man by whom the offense comes!" (Matt. 18:7)
and again,
"Then He said to the disciples, 'It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!'" (Luke 17:1)
These are powerful words because in both cases, Jesus declares WOE to those through whom offenses come. I don't want to be one who causes offense; thus, I deleted the posts because I was being misunderstood and someone else took offense and then through them, others took up offenses. In the end, it's the responsibility of the people reading not to take up an offense over something that has nothing to do with them, but in the light of the love of God, it is my responsibility to do everything within my power not to put a stumbling block in the way of my brothers and sisters.
Some may ask, "So why even address this? Let it drop." If the issue only involved one person, I would do so, but sadly, it involves a whole group of people, and out of love and honor for them, I sensed the need to clarify, even though not asked, that my blog entry had nothing to do with any individuals or groups of people...it was simply a reflection on my personal journey with the Lord. I apologize for any misunderstandings which may have unfolded as a result of me sharing my heart. I bless all those involved and hope that the Lord brings His bride into unity in the Spirit for the days ahead when we will need each other like never before.
Ark International
I am getting to know some very quality people here in Kansas City, down-to-earth, real, giving, loving, caring, and very aware people who are fun and exciting to be around. Janet and Everett Marsh head up an amazing group of folks called ARK INTERNATIONAL (click on the name to open the link to their website).
They are knowledgeable, helpful, fun-loving, and the real deal kind of people who want to see others in this city and in the nations well-prepared for such common things as power-outages due to any kind of storms coast to coast, unexpected "surprises" like needing to evacuate your home due to raging forest fires or flooding, and whatever else life may throw at people. Their goal is to equip people physically, emotionally and spiritually to be ready and reduce the stress levels that always accompany these kinds of situations.
Have a look at their website as they have an excellent training coming up at the end of this week which may be of interest to you.
They are knowledgeable, helpful, fun-loving, and the real deal kind of people who want to see others in this city and in the nations well-prepared for such common things as power-outages due to any kind of storms coast to coast, unexpected "surprises" like needing to evacuate your home due to raging forest fires or flooding, and whatever else life may throw at people. Their goal is to equip people physically, emotionally and spiritually to be ready and reduce the stress levels that always accompany these kinds of situations.
Have a look at their website as they have an excellent training coming up at the end of this week which may be of interest to you.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Do you eat food?
You may laugh reading this blog post, but I'm serious. Do you eat food?
Here's my follow-up question: How much food do you throw out in a month because it has gone bad in your fridge or expired on the shelf?
If you are an average American, you throw out 25% every year! If that doesn't make you sit up and read further, maybe being more specific will...it did me:
Monthly food budget: $400
Average amount tossed out: $100
LOSS: $100/month X 12 = $1200/year!
So, essentially, the average American household is flushing $1200 down the drain or tossing it in the garbage, and quite needlessly. If you simply redirected that amount of money toward THRIVE FOODS....LINK HERE then you would be doing 3 things:
1. Saving money on your food budget.
2. Eating healthy, non-GMO foods.
3. Saving time because of not running to the store so often.
Click on the link above or right here: http://www.shelfreliance.com/ArdenCz3 and get started today!
Oh, plus, there's the added bonus that you could become a consultant yourself and earn income. Can you say it's a win-win situation?
Why am I blogging about this on my personal blog? Because I believe it in so strongly, and I am hoping to start my friends and blog readers on a path to healthier living and eating! Eventually, I'll have a THRIVE blog, but for now, click, browse the site, contact me, or just go ahead and place an order. My initial suggestions for those who may be skeptical are to order the following:
1. Pantry size can of instant milk. (Run a blind taste test with your family and see if they can tell the difference)
2. Pantry size can of whole egg powder. (No more running to the store to get eggs for that recipe)
3. Pantry size can of any fruit that you love...try them dry and then try them rehydrated. My personal favorite is the blueberries!
4. Any of the THRIVE EXPRESS meals...very quick, no preservatives, non-GMO, and GREAT for busy families!
What better time than now to give it a try? What will you lose? Nothing! What will you gain? Health, time, and savings on many levels! Have fun and begin your THRIVING LIFE!
Here's my follow-up question: How much food do you throw out in a month because it has gone bad in your fridge or expired on the shelf?
If you are an average American, you throw out 25% every year! If that doesn't make you sit up and read further, maybe being more specific will...it did me:
Monthly food budget: $400
Average amount tossed out: $100
LOSS: $100/month X 12 = $1200/year!
So, essentially, the average American household is flushing $1200 down the drain or tossing it in the garbage, and quite needlessly. If you simply redirected that amount of money toward THRIVE FOODS....LINK HERE then you would be doing 3 things:
1. Saving money on your food budget.
2. Eating healthy, non-GMO foods.
3. Saving time because of not running to the store so often.
Click on the link above or right here: http://www.shelfreliance.com/ArdenCz3 and get started today!
Oh, plus, there's the added bonus that you could become a consultant yourself and earn income. Can you say it's a win-win situation?
Why am I blogging about this on my personal blog? Because I believe it in so strongly, and I am hoping to start my friends and blog readers on a path to healthier living and eating! Eventually, I'll have a THRIVE blog, but for now, click, browse the site, contact me, or just go ahead and place an order. My initial suggestions for those who may be skeptical are to order the following:
1. Pantry size can of instant milk. (Run a blind taste test with your family and see if they can tell the difference)
2. Pantry size can of whole egg powder. (No more running to the store to get eggs for that recipe)
3. Pantry size can of any fruit that you love...try them dry and then try them rehydrated. My personal favorite is the blueberries!
4. Any of the THRIVE EXPRESS meals...very quick, no preservatives, non-GMO, and GREAT for busy families!
What better time than now to give it a try? What will you lose? Nothing! What will you gain? Health, time, and savings on many levels! Have fun and begin your THRIVING LIFE!
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Diatomaceous Earth for your garden
As my husband and I expand our garden this year, we realize that critters abound who are set on destroying all of our hard work. Many folks recommended a natural insect killer called food grade diatomaceous earth, or food grade DE. Thus far, we have seen great results in keeping the destructive critters away. I am not good at explaining how DE works, but I want to send you to a DE LINK that I know you will find helpful and extremely informative! The gentleman 'in the know' is named Paul Wheaton, and I'm thankful for his expertise!
The Bait of Satan - by John Bevere
I'm still reading the FABULOUS book by John Bevere called The Bait of Satan. This is my second reading and I'm being challenged again, and encouraged at the same time.
In a nutshell, the bait is offense. From the garden, where the serpent planted the seed of offense in both Adam and Eve's hearts...offense toward God, who appeared to be 'holding out' on them...much of what we deal with in life, including sin (see post below this one) is based in offense. I will not go into book detail here; you will have to read it yourself.
I'm saddened by people who take up offenses. I've been saddened when I myself have taken up offenses. Yet even more frightening to me is when people are looking for offense. Someone will read something or hear something and look for any hint of some sort of connection to something so that they can pick up an offense. Sad, sad, sad.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a precious friend about this topic, and he said, "It's just sad because where is the ability to express an opinion or even express the truth?"
I"m laughing because I have to ask myself this: "Am I offended when someone takes up an offense over something I say or write that was not intended to offend?"
Finally, I'm reminded of one who took up NO offenses, but many CHOSE to take up offenses in response to things He spoke: Jesus. Everything He said was life-giving, even when He brought 'correction'. Oh that I could speak the truth in love and not be moved if people are offended by what I say. I do know this, I need to grow in the area of speaking in love. The deepest desire of my heart is to bring LIFE, to speak the life and hope freedom that can only be found in the LIFE-GIVER Himself: Jesus!
In a nutshell, the bait is offense. From the garden, where the serpent planted the seed of offense in both Adam and Eve's hearts...offense toward God, who appeared to be 'holding out' on them...much of what we deal with in life, including sin (see post below this one) is based in offense. I will not go into book detail here; you will have to read it yourself.
I'm saddened by people who take up offenses. I've been saddened when I myself have taken up offenses. Yet even more frightening to me is when people are looking for offense. Someone will read something or hear something and look for any hint of some sort of connection to something so that they can pick up an offense. Sad, sad, sad.
Yesterday, I had a conversation with a precious friend about this topic, and he said, "It's just sad because where is the ability to express an opinion or even express the truth?"
I"m laughing because I have to ask myself this: "Am I offended when someone takes up an offense over something I say or write that was not intended to offend?"
Finally, I'm reminded of one who took up NO offenses, but many CHOSE to take up offenses in response to things He spoke: Jesus. Everything He said was life-giving, even when He brought 'correction'. Oh that I could speak the truth in love and not be moved if people are offended by what I say. I do know this, I need to grow in the area of speaking in love. The deepest desire of my heart is to bring LIFE, to speak the life and hope freedom that can only be found in the LIFE-GIVER Himself: Jesus!
Old verse, new levels of understanding
I was on a walk with my sweetie yesterday when we passed by a church's sign on which was written an age-old verse in a bit more modern-day language:
"Sin is paid by death..."
The more traditional version is: "For the wages of sin is death."
I meditated for a minute or two on this newer translation, allowing it to sink in deeply. Death itself pays us when we sin continually and repeatedly. So, I began to contemplate what that 'death' really looks like because there certainly is a lot of sin in the world around us (and we too are sinners), but we don't see 'literal' death happening every time someone is engaged in sin. So, I've concluded the following about what this "death" looks like as a result of sin:
Death in relationships and life to conflicts of every kind.
Death in motivation to move forward in life and life to lethargy, passivity and general malaise.
Death in perspectives on life and situations and life to moroseness and directionlessness.
Death in vitality and life to laziness.
Death in selflessness and life to self-centeredness.
Death in Spirit-filled living and life to living out of our soulish nature.
Death in life-giving thoughts and life to stinkin' thinkin'!
NOTHING good results from sin....nothing. The devil truly is a liar, but we have bought into his lies and given ourselves over to that which ushers in death, and in doing so, instead of being carriers of life, we are carriers of death.
Sorry this is such a heavy blog post....but the reality is that many people seem to think they can engage in sin and be "ok" because they are not seeing 'death' in the traditional way resulting. In fact, they believe they are gaining life, but it's a completely false reality.
I will end with the second half of that verse:
"But the GIFT OF GOD is ETERNAL LIFE in Christ Jesus!"
God Himself has given us a way OUT of sin and it's a GIFT to be received, which brings nothing but LIFE! That gift is Jesus, the eternal one, living, moving and breathing inside of us when we choose, by grace, to walk in Him!
Monday, May 21, 2012
How do you deal with pain?
We live in a fallen world. This is a sad but true reality. Yes, there is redemption, always hope and even when wronged, we can choose to forgive. Forgiveness doesn't change the reality of the fallen-ness, it simply sets the forgiver free.
I've been having to do a lot of forgiving recently, and I've had to ask for forgiveness. Something that strikes me as continually challenging in Christian cultures is the way that people talk about forgiveness and the way they walk it out. Myself included.
I wish I understood even 1/100th of God's heart toward people...then I would really walk in the freedom that forgiveness brings.
There's an old addage which remains true: hurt people hurt people...or even better put: hurting people hurt people. Even if we don't want to, we hurt people simply by virtue of being a living person on planet earth. The key is how we deal with that hurt.
Do we turn our backs? Do we say "it doesn't matter". Do we dismiss those people who have hurt us or those we love and as my good friend used to say: FIDO: Flush It and Drive On. I believe in FIDO in some cases, but when you do it out of hurt rather than out of health, it is emerging out of deep-pain.
So, how do we deal with pain? There is one who endured the most brutal pain anyone could ever imagine...betrayal, beating, mockery, false accusation, and death on a cross. His response: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Do we speak this over our situations and over those in our lives who have caused us pain? More importantly, do we speak this over ourselves when WE have caused others pain? The greatest truth in all of this is this: Our God is the God who is the promise-keeper, and He has kept and will keep every promise He has ever made! He knows every heartache, every wrong word spoken, every dream dashed, every brokenness in every person's heart, and His promise is to make ALL THINGS NEW!
Tapping in to the grace and mercy of God in the midst of pain is one of the most wonderful adventures we have been afforded as believers in Yeshua! Only God can do the God-things in our lives, and as we let Him, He will transform us into His likeness, from glory to glory, that His glory will be manifest on the earth in and through us!
I've been having to do a lot of forgiving recently, and I've had to ask for forgiveness. Something that strikes me as continually challenging in Christian cultures is the way that people talk about forgiveness and the way they walk it out. Myself included.
I wish I understood even 1/100th of God's heart toward people...then I would really walk in the freedom that forgiveness brings.
There's an old addage which remains true: hurt people hurt people...or even better put: hurting people hurt people. Even if we don't want to, we hurt people simply by virtue of being a living person on planet earth. The key is how we deal with that hurt.
Do we turn our backs? Do we say "it doesn't matter". Do we dismiss those people who have hurt us or those we love and as my good friend used to say: FIDO: Flush It and Drive On. I believe in FIDO in some cases, but when you do it out of hurt rather than out of health, it is emerging out of deep-pain.
So, how do we deal with pain? There is one who endured the most brutal pain anyone could ever imagine...betrayal, beating, mockery, false accusation, and death on a cross. His response: "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."
Do we speak this over our situations and over those in our lives who have caused us pain? More importantly, do we speak this over ourselves when WE have caused others pain? The greatest truth in all of this is this: Our God is the God who is the promise-keeper, and He has kept and will keep every promise He has ever made! He knows every heartache, every wrong word spoken, every dream dashed, every brokenness in every person's heart, and His promise is to make ALL THINGS NEW!
Tapping in to the grace and mercy of God in the midst of pain is one of the most wonderful adventures we have been afforded as believers in Yeshua! Only God can do the God-things in our lives, and as we let Him, He will transform us into His likeness, from glory to glory, that His glory will be manifest on the earth in and through us!
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Learning curves as we grow
I am learning that I still have much to learn, especially about loving friends. You would think that as a life-long communicator and teacher of communications of many sorts that I would be an expert by now. However, I realize that I am not, and even more-so, that I have a long way to go when it comes to how I communicate so that what I say is not misinterpreted.
I love learning curves that bring me closer to the Father's heart for others.
Friday, May 11, 2012
My two cents worth...for what it's worth
Status updates and posts have been popping up all over social media in the wake of President Obama's announcement that he supports gay marriage. I thought about posting a thoughtful status update on Facebook but then considered how my perspective might be misconstrued in light of the topic. And so, while I am going to post this blog entry on Facebook, I am giving more than just a short, pointed thought, and I would welcome and love to have thoughtful, intelligent, respectful, loving discussion with anyone willing to engage in such exchange.
So, had I posted a Facebook status update, it might have read something like this:
"I support the biblical view of God, the biblical view of God's love for humanity, the biblical view of the brokenness of all of humanity (including my own brokenness), the biblical solution to that brokenness, the biblical view of love, and the biblical view of marriage."
Now, I am keenly aware that, given the recent announcements by both the President and Vice-President of the U.S., my perspective will appear to be out of the supposed 'mainstream' of U.S. society on that last point. Possibly, but really, my views on all the points above quite often don't jive with 'mainstream U.S. society'. My views do express Truth, though, as I am reminded every day of my own brokenness and the brokenness of those around me. I work and live with broken people because I work and live on planet earth, and because I look at myself in the mirror every day. And that is why the message of the Gospel is such good news to me and every person on this wonderful planet because it is grace, mercy, love and healing for every broken part of every person.
Let's face it folks, whether our brokenness is alcohol addiction, a propensity toward gossip, unfaithfulness to our heterosexual spouse, addition to pornography, same sex attraction, violent and physical displays of anger, involvement in human trafficking of any kind, cheating on our taxes, or just plain unloving words spoken toward another because of our own insecurities, we're all broken and in need of redemption.
Thankfully, the biblical view of redemption includes healing for all of the above and much more. The two statements I cling to often when faced with dilemmas such as our nation and our world are facing today are these:
So, had I posted a Facebook status update, it might have read something like this:
"I support the biblical view of God, the biblical view of God's love for humanity, the biblical view of the brokenness of all of humanity (including my own brokenness), the biblical solution to that brokenness, the biblical view of love, and the biblical view of marriage."
Now, I am keenly aware that, given the recent announcements by both the President and Vice-President of the U.S., my perspective will appear to be out of the supposed 'mainstream' of U.S. society on that last point. Possibly, but really, my views on all the points above quite often don't jive with 'mainstream U.S. society'. My views do express Truth, though, as I am reminded every day of my own brokenness and the brokenness of those around me. I work and live with broken people because I work and live on planet earth, and because I look at myself in the mirror every day. And that is why the message of the Gospel is such good news to me and every person on this wonderful planet because it is grace, mercy, love and healing for every broken part of every person.
Let's face it folks, whether our brokenness is alcohol addiction, a propensity toward gossip, unfaithfulness to our heterosexual spouse, addition to pornography, same sex attraction, violent and physical displays of anger, involvement in human trafficking of any kind, cheating on our taxes, or just plain unloving words spoken toward another because of our own insecurities, we're all broken and in need of redemption.
Thankfully, the biblical view of redemption includes healing for all of the above and much more. The two statements I cling to often when faced with dilemmas such as our nation and our world are facing today are these:
"Today, you will be with me in paradise."
and
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
Both of these were spoken by a broken man on a cross who had every right to respond in the opposite spirit, but chose the HOPE-FILLED perspective of His Papa. The first statement is utter grace extended to a man who, in the world's eyes, 'deserved' what he was getting - death on a cross. This man knew his own brokenness and in his own words, cried out for mercy and grace and received it. His ways were not the ways of the Kingdom and he knew it; deep down, he knew it, and reached out to the only One who could extend mercy: The Son of the King Himself. I love that man's words:
"Remember me..."
Take that first word apart: RE-MEMBER...put me together again...I'm broken...lost...have chosen my way over and above the ways of Your Kingdom, and it has led me here...please re-member me...put me back to my true identity, the way I was intended to be.
And it was the man Jesus, the Son of God, the gracious, merciful, loving, kind, gentle, powerful, righteous One, who looked out over broken humanity and made a bold proclamation:
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
It wasn't just about their actions in that moment; this statement, I believe, was a prophetic declaration from the place of forgiveness, the cross, for every person there that day and every person to come.
The key is seeing the two statements together. Forgiveness is available as is healing, but we must bring our brokenness to the only One who can heal our broken hearts, and thus our broken lives. Then and only then can we walk in true identity, true freedom, true wholeness because only then are we one with the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the authors of life.
So, as I put my hand in the hand of the only One who can RE-MEMBER me, I extend my hand to all who recognize their own brokenness; I have one thing to offer: love, and the longing to have them walk into the loving, healing arms of Papa, whose embrace brings life, healing, true identity, and love immeasurable!
Wednesday, May 09, 2012
All the blessings of friends
This sounds super cliche, but the older I get, the more I realize that the most important things in life are the people God has blessed us with in our lives. Some of those amazing people have read one or both of the books I've written (so far), and here's what they have to say about Walking Forward - Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness and The Senders:
“Arden is passionate in all she does. She has a heart for missionaries and those who support them. "The Senders" specifically recognizes and applauds this behind the scenes group of people that make it possible for missionaries to do what God has called them to do. She also has a longing to see the broken healed. Her first book "Walking Forward" is a helpful tool for those individuals to begin that process of healing. She is a blessing to us all.”
Arden is a detailed, yet concise writer who displays the importance of the Body of Christ coming together as a whole to not only be sent but also to send in her book titled, "The Senders." She captivates the readers eye through her personal experiences and her desire to include various perspectives of those who have sent out missionaries. I highly recommend Arden's book titled, "The Senders". I believe this is the beginning of a new wave of missions on the rise that will cause the Church to rise to another level of involvement of God's redemptive plan for all mankind to know HIM and make HIM known.”
Arden is a remarkable woman who has labored as a teacher in the U.S. and Europe, and has tremendous insight into the application of gospel principles to modern living. Her book The Senders reflects a side of modern missions rarely studied - the sacrificial and committed support that is required to send a missionary abroad, and a look at the people who provide that support - their motivations, their character, and their hopes for making the world a better place.”
“I am writing on behalf of Arden Czaszewicz to highly endorse her character, her work and her two books, "Walking Forward-Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness" and "The Senders". Sincerely, Mary Kay Ohaneson-Laughton”
“I came to know Arden on a trip to Kansas City. As two professionals passionate about education, we hit it off immediately. I have read her books and feel they are valuable to Christian audiences. I highly recommend both books.”
“Arden is a brilliant author. When she teaches you a lesson you remember it when the conversation is through. She's a person after God's own heart and the anointing the she has on her life will have an impact on your own.”
“Arden is a gifted writer and storyteller. Her two books are a gem for those who want to grow in their faith. I have enjoyed reading them both and look forward to her next effort. She is an inspiration and has much to teach all of us!”
If, after reading these comments, you are curious to know more or get your own copies from the author, e-mail me at tmhunarden@gmail.com
To God be the glory!
“Arden is passionate in all she does. She has a heart for missionaries and those who support them. "The Senders" specifically recognizes and applauds this behind the scenes group of people that make it possible for missionaries to do what God has called them to do. She also has a longing to see the broken healed. Her first book "Walking Forward" is a helpful tool for those individuals to begin that process of healing. She is a blessing to us all.”
Arden is a detailed, yet concise writer who displays the importance of the Body of Christ coming together as a whole to not only be sent but also to send in her book titled, "The Senders." She captivates the readers eye through her personal experiences and her desire to include various perspectives of those who have sent out missionaries. I highly recommend Arden's book titled, "The Senders". I believe this is the beginning of a new wave of missions on the rise that will cause the Church to rise to another level of involvement of God's redemptive plan for all mankind to know HIM and make HIM known.”
Arden is a remarkable woman who has labored as a teacher in the U.S. and Europe, and has tremendous insight into the application of gospel principles to modern living. Her book The Senders reflects a side of modern missions rarely studied - the sacrificial and committed support that is required to send a missionary abroad, and a look at the people who provide that support - their motivations, their character, and their hopes for making the world a better place.”
“I am writing on behalf of Arden Czaszewicz to highly endorse her character, her work and her two books, "Walking Forward-Discoveries in Freedom and Forgiveness" and "The Senders". Sincerely, Mary Kay Ohaneson-Laughton”
“I came to know Arden on a trip to Kansas City. As two professionals passionate about education, we hit it off immediately. I have read her books and feel they are valuable to Christian audiences. I highly recommend both books.”
“Arden is a brilliant author. When she teaches you a lesson you remember it when the conversation is through. She's a person after God's own heart and the anointing the she has on her life will have an impact on your own.”
“Arden is a gifted writer and storyteller. Her two books are a gem for those who want to grow in their faith. I have enjoyed reading them both and look forward to her next effort. She is an inspiration and has much to teach all of us!”
If, after reading these comments, you are curious to know more or get your own copies from the author, e-mail me at tmhunarden@gmail.com
To God be the glory!
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Spring flowers
Springtime is one of my favorite seasons of the year...along with everyone else on the planet probably. This spring is very special as my husband, Paul, and I celebrate our one-year wedding anniversary, and prepare for many years ahead together.
A while back, I wrote a post about knock-out roses and how significant that word, 'knock-out', is to me and to us. As you can see in the pictures above, our knock-out roses are flourishing and present a picture to the world of the Lord's goodness to us and what He thinks of us!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Walking in Freedom
"There is a way that seems right to a man...."
This morning, I am reminded of my utter and complete dependence upon the Spirit of God. You see, I know the truth about my own heart and that outside of Christ and a living, ongoing connection with the Father through Holy Spirit, I can easily be deceived.
When I was a Young Life leader years ago, I remember a talk a fellow leader gave in which this story was told.
"A mother was trying to drive home a lesson to her teenage son who wanted desperately to go see a very questionable movie. He claimed that everyone was going to see it and that there was only a little bit of questionable material in it, and why did she have to be so strict? His mom decided to make her son and his friends some brownies, and in the process, drive home her point.
The son and his friends came into the kitchen when the smell of the freshly baked brownies filled the house. They waited with eagerness as his mom placed the pan of brownies on the table and began to cut pieces for each of them.
"Before you dig in, I want to let you know that I decided to add an extra ingredient to this batch. I added just a little bit of dog poop that I picked up in the back yard this morning. Oh, don't worry, it's all mixed in, and really, it was just a tiny little bit, and you probably won't even taste it; really, it's no big deal. Enjoy the brownies boys!" she declared as she served up each plate.
The boys fell silent and looked at each other and at the freshly cut, wonderful smelling brownies in front of them, and then proceeded to leave the kitchen, not touching the brownies."
Please don't get me wrong...I am not advocating any sort of legalism or nit-picking...rather, when the Spirit of God points out something that is not right, are we willing to listen to that voice over and above the 'popular' voices around us? Are we willing to take the challenging road, which is sometimes lonely, but is always the road that leads to higher discernment in the Spirit? Are we willing to hold fast to that which is True? To Him Who is Truth?
Food for thought...and no pun intended.
This morning, I am reminded of my utter and complete dependence upon the Spirit of God. You see, I know the truth about my own heart and that outside of Christ and a living, ongoing connection with the Father through Holy Spirit, I can easily be deceived.
When I was a Young Life leader years ago, I remember a talk a fellow leader gave in which this story was told.
"A mother was trying to drive home a lesson to her teenage son who wanted desperately to go see a very questionable movie. He claimed that everyone was going to see it and that there was only a little bit of questionable material in it, and why did she have to be so strict? His mom decided to make her son and his friends some brownies, and in the process, drive home her point.
The son and his friends came into the kitchen when the smell of the freshly baked brownies filled the house. They waited with eagerness as his mom placed the pan of brownies on the table and began to cut pieces for each of them.
"Before you dig in, I want to let you know that I decided to add an extra ingredient to this batch. I added just a little bit of dog poop that I picked up in the back yard this morning. Oh, don't worry, it's all mixed in, and really, it was just a tiny little bit, and you probably won't even taste it; really, it's no big deal. Enjoy the brownies boys!" she declared as she served up each plate.
The boys fell silent and looked at each other and at the freshly cut, wonderful smelling brownies in front of them, and then proceeded to leave the kitchen, not touching the brownies."
Please don't get me wrong...I am not advocating any sort of legalism or nit-picking...rather, when the Spirit of God points out something that is not right, are we willing to listen to that voice over and above the 'popular' voices around us? Are we willing to take the challenging road, which is sometimes lonely, but is always the road that leads to higher discernment in the Spirit? Are we willing to hold fast to that which is True? To Him Who is Truth?
Food for thought...and no pun intended.
Monday, April 23, 2012
"Thou shalt not...." (Continuing Confessions)
Over the course of my 20+ years of teaching, I ran the gamut when it came to how to run a classroom. My first year, I had a list of about 15 rules that I expected the students to follow and obey. Most of them were "thou shalt not" types of rules. Not only did it end up pitting the students against me as they tried to see how far they could push the envelope, but it kept me on my toes continually watching out for infringements and then having to remember to be consistent in punishment for each student. The next year, I reduced the number of rules to about 10. That seemed to ease the load a bit, but there was still the spirit of "thou shalt not" pervasive in my classroom, no matter how much I tried to build positive, life-giving relationships with my students.
Finally, and I don't remember what year this was, I heard a seasoned teacher say that she had one guideline in her classroom: "No one has the right to keep the teacher from teaching or other students from learning." Now some may say that this still sounds like a "thou shalt not", so let's reword it one more time: "The teacher shall be given the privilege of teaching and the students shall be given the privilege of learning." When I adopted this one guideline in my classroom, both teaching and learning sky-rocketed. At any time a student "mis-behaved", the only thing I had to say was, "Do you want to allow me to teach, please?" or "Would you please give Tommy the opportunity to learn?"
My rules and guidelines early on in my classrooms were correct and true. But they set up an atmosphere of mistrust and pressure to 'perform' on everyone's part. Once I adopted and implemented the 'one-rule' guideline in my classroom, everyone could get down to the business at hand: teaching and learning.
I wonder if in some ways, when Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets rest on these two commands," that He was implementing a way to live out the new Covenant, bought with His blood. The Pharisees tried to regulate morality and their understanding of spirituality. Jesus turned it all upside down, but because there tends to be a bit of "pharisee" in each of us, we like to return to that which is comfortable and that which we can control. Instead of living by the Spirit, because where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom, we fall into a new kind of law-giving way of functioning, which ultimately stems from an orphan spirit.
I tried all day long to justify my classroom rules, reminding the students that the spirit behind them was love and care and concern for them; really, though, I was afraid of losing control of the classroom, and the rules were a way to shroud that fear that not even I was aware of at the time.
Don't we do this to each other in the Body of Christ? We place a lot of "thou shalt nots" on one another, stating that the 'spirit behind them' is love, but in reality, there is an orphan grasping for some sort of boundaries within which to work. Jesus Himself knew that the only boundaries we needed were the two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." Love is at the heartbeat of God for His children, and calling them forth into their full identities in the Father and into their sonship and daughtership in the Holy Spirit.
So often in my classrooms over the years, with my one guideline in place, I was able to say very quickly and concisely to a student who was misbehaving, "Susie, I'm not able to teach right now," and immediately, Susie knew and did not feel condemned or embarrassed because I didn't point out this that or the other in her, but rather what I needed. Similarly, I would state, "Eric, is John able to learn right now?" Again, almost immediately, without me having to state the negative, both Eric and John would come back to 'center' and we could proceed in moving forward toward the goal.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." "It's for freedom that Christ has set us free." My goal in my classrooms was to create life-long learners; is it our goal in the church to create life-long lovers of God? Then let's allow Holy Spirit to lead and guide and do what He wants to do in our midst to bring revelation of the Father and the Son and create passionate lovers of God and lovers of each other in the family. My goal as a follower of Jesus is to help people walk in freedom in the Spirit by pointing them and connecting them to Jesus.
Finally, and I don't remember what year this was, I heard a seasoned teacher say that she had one guideline in her classroom: "No one has the right to keep the teacher from teaching or other students from learning." Now some may say that this still sounds like a "thou shalt not", so let's reword it one more time: "The teacher shall be given the privilege of teaching and the students shall be given the privilege of learning." When I adopted this one guideline in my classroom, both teaching and learning sky-rocketed. At any time a student "mis-behaved", the only thing I had to say was, "Do you want to allow me to teach, please?" or "Would you please give Tommy the opportunity to learn?"
My rules and guidelines early on in my classrooms were correct and true. But they set up an atmosphere of mistrust and pressure to 'perform' on everyone's part. Once I adopted and implemented the 'one-rule' guideline in my classroom, everyone could get down to the business at hand: teaching and learning.
I wonder if in some ways, when Jesus said that the two greatest commandments are "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets rest on these two commands," that He was implementing a way to live out the new Covenant, bought with His blood. The Pharisees tried to regulate morality and their understanding of spirituality. Jesus turned it all upside down, but because there tends to be a bit of "pharisee" in each of us, we like to return to that which is comfortable and that which we can control. Instead of living by the Spirit, because where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom, we fall into a new kind of law-giving way of functioning, which ultimately stems from an orphan spirit.
I tried all day long to justify my classroom rules, reminding the students that the spirit behind them was love and care and concern for them; really, though, I was afraid of losing control of the classroom, and the rules were a way to shroud that fear that not even I was aware of at the time.
Don't we do this to each other in the Body of Christ? We place a lot of "thou shalt nots" on one another, stating that the 'spirit behind them' is love, but in reality, there is an orphan grasping for some sort of boundaries within which to work. Jesus Himself knew that the only boundaries we needed were the two greatest commandments: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love your neighbor as yourself." Love is at the heartbeat of God for His children, and calling them forth into their full identities in the Father and into their sonship and daughtership in the Holy Spirit.
So often in my classrooms over the years, with my one guideline in place, I was able to say very quickly and concisely to a student who was misbehaving, "Susie, I'm not able to teach right now," and immediately, Susie knew and did not feel condemned or embarrassed because I didn't point out this that or the other in her, but rather what I needed. Similarly, I would state, "Eric, is John able to learn right now?" Again, almost immediately, without me having to state the negative, both Eric and John would come back to 'center' and we could proceed in moving forward toward the goal.
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." "It's for freedom that Christ has set us free." My goal in my classrooms was to create life-long learners; is it our goal in the church to create life-long lovers of God? Then let's allow Holy Spirit to lead and guide and do what He wants to do in our midst to bring revelation of the Father and the Son and create passionate lovers of God and lovers of each other in the family. My goal as a follower of Jesus is to help people walk in freedom in the Spirit by pointing them and connecting them to Jesus.
Monday, April 09, 2012
Continuing - Confessions of a Former Cessationist
True confessions: (I have since repented for all of the following)
I judged people who raised their hands during worship. I thought it was overly emotional and unnecessary.
I judged people who shouted things like, "Praise You, Jesus!" "Glory to God!" "Hallelujah!" Shouting was rude, disruptive and not biblical, or so I thought. Then I read: "Let' us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms," in Psalm 95.
I judged people who waved banners or flags during worship services. Then I read Psalm 20:5 where it says, "We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!"
I judged people who danced during worship services...where IS your reverence for our Holy God? Then I read 2 Samuel 6:14 where "David danced before the LORD with all his might."
I even judged those worship services where a woman got up to preach the sermon, thinking that this too was unbiblical. Then I had a precious brother and pastor in Hungary walk me through the scriptures and show me that women can be teachers too, and when properly covered by a man and men in the church, women can bless the body with their teaching gifts.
My judgements were off the scale for those people who supposedly fell over during a service when someone prayed for them...I was sure that the person who put his hand on their head pushed them down, or the person was faking falling down. And even if someone was faking and doing a "cd" (courtesy drop), that was between them and God, and did not change Who God is or what He is doing in people's lives and hearts.
I judged those churches where people clapped their hands and sang loudly...but secretly, in the depths of my being, I wished that we in our church would sing songs through more than one time, and there were times when the desire to clap would begin to well up inside of me, but I worked hard to squelch it, out of supposed reverence.
Indeed, I suppose you could say that I was one of the most judgemental people in the church OF the church. Finally, as I began to explore the Scriptures, I learned much more about not only how judgemental I was, but also how wrong I was on every point above.
Probably the most amazing growth in my life has come in the past 8 years as I have released control to the Lord, watched Him break out of the neat little boxes I tried to put Him in and through it all, pour out His amazing love and grace.
Now, the challenge is not to swing to the other end of the pendulum and judge the place and perspectives that I once held. God is a big God, full of fresh revelation, and He has healed my heart and will continue to show me His Truths!
I judged people who raised their hands during worship. I thought it was overly emotional and unnecessary.
I judged people who shouted things like, "Praise You, Jesus!" "Glory to God!" "Hallelujah!" Shouting was rude, disruptive and not biblical, or so I thought. Then I read: "Let' us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms," in Psalm 95.
I judged people who waved banners or flags during worship services. Then I read Psalm 20:5 where it says, "We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners!"
I judged people who danced during worship services...where IS your reverence for our Holy God? Then I read 2 Samuel 6:14 where "David danced before the LORD with all his might."
I even judged those worship services where a woman got up to preach the sermon, thinking that this too was unbiblical. Then I had a precious brother and pastor in Hungary walk me through the scriptures and show me that women can be teachers too, and when properly covered by a man and men in the church, women can bless the body with their teaching gifts.
My judgements were off the scale for those people who supposedly fell over during a service when someone prayed for them...I was sure that the person who put his hand on their head pushed them down, or the person was faking falling down. And even if someone was faking and doing a "cd" (courtesy drop), that was between them and God, and did not change Who God is or what He is doing in people's lives and hearts.
I judged those churches where people clapped their hands and sang loudly...but secretly, in the depths of my being, I wished that we in our church would sing songs through more than one time, and there were times when the desire to clap would begin to well up inside of me, but I worked hard to squelch it, out of supposed reverence.
Indeed, I suppose you could say that I was one of the most judgemental people in the church OF the church. Finally, as I began to explore the Scriptures, I learned much more about not only how judgemental I was, but also how wrong I was on every point above.
Probably the most amazing growth in my life has come in the past 8 years as I have released control to the Lord, watched Him break out of the neat little boxes I tried to put Him in and through it all, pour out His amazing love and grace.
Now, the challenge is not to swing to the other end of the pendulum and judge the place and perspectives that I once held. God is a big God, full of fresh revelation, and He has healed my heart and will continue to show me His Truths!
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