Young In Him

Thanks for Suffering?

2011-11-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

Recent attendance of continuing education offering by Dr. Nick Hall brought to light some interesting food for thought. The lecture focused on mental health and brain function. The part that really got my attention was how the brain is built to positively manage trauma, stress and suffering if one chooses to employ the following disciplines.
1. Maintain a sense that I have some control of the situation troubling me.
2. Have the ability to predict the outcome of the current stress.
3. Develop a realistic optimism that the current trauma will be an eventual benefit.
As a Christ follower, I have learned the hard way that I really have no control over any situation, but He has all the control and power to work all things for my good when I ask and wait on His resolution. His control is enough for me.
Believing the promises in His Word when I am stressed out due to negative circumstances, have given me a rock of predictability for positive outcomes. I may not know what it will look like but I do know He has my back.
Realistic optimism has taught me that even though I don't win every round, over the long haul I am growing in my failures and learning not to take every wounding personal.
"There's far more to this life than trusting in Christ. There's also suffering for Him. And the suffering is as much a gift as the trusting." Philippians 1:29 As I reflect on all I have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day, I am adding suffering and trauma to the list. As well as the fact that He is in control, His promises are true and He is at work in me to bring a free and abundant life.

What if??

2011-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

Thank you Mountain Press, for the front page photo of Dema the tiger and Nia the baby orangutan. In the photo, they are almost nose-to-nose with peaceful intent, peering into one another’s eyes. The caption notes that they are inseparable playmates and this behavior would not happen in the wild.
The tiger would be a predator of the orangutan and the orangutan would be fearful of the tiger. However, they both suffered abandonment and in their emotional need are finding comfort and joy in a new paradigm.
Do you suppose there is a deeper message here for humans? What human being has not suffered abandonment or rejection directly from someone or from past generations in the course of living? The human response is to put up walls, collect old baggage and develop prejudices against others. Withdrawal, anger, self-pity, self-hatred and other negative emotions might be collected into our luggage of life.
Perhaps a better way is demonstrated by these two beautiful creatures. Maybe willingness to accept differences and work together with respect for one another is helpful to move past the negative. These two animals appear to have moved on.
The picture and story seem to indicate that they have found joy in living despite the past hardships they have experienced and their differences. Dema and Nia have become peaceful companions despite what instinct would tell them, to fear and destroy.
The community of Roseto, Pennsylvania, demonstrated the health giving effects of close relationships up until the 1970’s. It is true that the members of this community shared cultural similarities but the uniqueness and education of each individual was valued and even celebrated.
If you lived in Roseto during this time, you would often share a household of 3 generations, you knew your neighbors and shared with them, and differences were acknowledged, addressed and solved. You would have difficulty finding stories about prolonged inter-personal conflict.
Faith, fun, fellowship and food were an essential part of each day. People were nourished by other people and social networking was an important part of each person’s free time. Most tables were typically graced with foods containing refined carbohydrates and high cholesterol fats. Astonishingly, these people enjoyed greater cardiac health than any other community in the area.
Cardiac mortality for men between the ages of 55 and 64 was near zero and for men over 65 the cardiac death rate was half the national average. These people became the object of a national study because their mortality rates were higher than the national average despite unhealthy diets.
The study found that the practice of respect, honor and fellowship with one another brought greater health and more satisfaction of life. The practice of families eating together, neighbors visiting together, and community participation in worship as well as events brought corporate peace as well as personal peace.
What if as an individual, I work on building and deepening personal relationships? What if I take seriously the admonition that our spiritual enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy life but that God wants us to have abundant life despite difficulties? What if I really start to believe that relationships with people who love God and one another are life giving?

These choices could bring greater life in my home, family and community. Church denominations might join together. Competitive businesses might look for ways to help one another. Democrats and Republicans might agree. Communities might experience a great healing and refreshing. Children and grandparents might be better cared for, family feuds might end and divorce rates might fall. Creativity in all areas probably would flourish as individuals no longer focus on hurts and pain but have renewed energy to be imaginative and inventive.
How many of us have prayed, “Thy will be done on earth, even as it is done in heaven.” Could this story of Dema and Nia be a little hint from Father in heaven?

Broken Body, Broken Heart? Dig Deeper

2011-09-24T05:57:00.000-07:00

Nancy could no longer ignore the pounding headaches and wooden like feeling in her feet when she got out of bed in the morning. "What's up with this body malfunction?" she wondered with growing concern. Anyone who really knew Nancy would tell you she ate healthy, exercised, and worked hard to keep her life balanced and free of stress.
Searching out her symptoms on the Web narrowed down her suspicions that something was awry in her nervous system. Reviewing the health histories of her grandparents turned up 3 of them who had Alzheimer's, a disease of the nervous system. And then there was that research article that highlighted not enough B complex vitamins can cause too much homo cysteine in the brain leading to Alzheimer's.
A consultation with her physician confirmed some absorption problems in her digestive system as well as vitamin B deficiencies. By admitting she had a problem, praying for guidance, seeking help and digging deeper; Nancy got her diagnosis and solution to bring her physical body back into order.
Through other broken body and broken heart experiences, Nancy had learned to dig deep to learn God's Wisdom for healing answers. She had learned the prescription that had yet to fail her in Proverbs 3:5-8. "Trust God from the bottom of your heart;don't try to figure everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in every thing you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil! Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life!"

Love and Boundaries

2011-08-18T06:48:00.000-07:00

Marsha agonized over her daughter Julie's victimization as a child. Julie's father had abused her verbally all of her growing up years causing her unresolved physical and emotional pain. When they would talk, Julie made sarcastic comments to her mother concerning Marsha's poor relational choices. Marsha had apologized to Julie for her poor choices and the harm done to her daughter and was ready to move on to a more hopeful future for both of them.
Marsha asked herself, "Is Julie's inability to move on a good reason for me to forfeit my personal peace and well being by allowing these comments to continue?" Marsha knew that if she truly cared about herself in a healthy way, it was time to set a healthy boundary between the two of them. In the next conversation they had Marsha said to Julie, "I love you Julie and I don't think it would be best for me to hang out with you for right now. This won't be forever."
In setting this boundary, Marsha feared permanent rejection from Julie but also had the greater hope that God would teach both to look at Him and through Him find true peace, unity and healing.
During her prayer time, Marsha was directed to Psalm 45 and was excited to find verses 10-15. From the Message Bible she prayed for the both of them, "Now listen, daughter, don't miss a word: forget your country, put your home behind you. Be here -the King is wild for you. Since He's Lord, adore Him. Wedding gifts pour in; rich guests shower you with presents." Her wedding dress is dazzling, lined with gold by the weavers; All her dresses and robes are woven with gold. She is led to the King, followed by her virgin companions. A procession of joy and laughter!
Marsha's great hope was that King Jesus would bring them both to this place of joy and laughter, in His time and in His way. She could courageously rest in this loving boundary with Julie and prayerfully trust God's love and faithfulness to both of them.

The Intimate Penny

2011-07-21T12:19:00.000-07:00

Andy stepped out the door into the first light of the rain sodden day to take his morning jog. The I-Phone earplugs were pumping powerful strains of music scores into his ears like "Transformers", "Gladiators", and "Pirates of the Caribbean". Most days these tunes energized him as he ran and reminded him of the loving and powerful presence he hoped that day from His loving Father God.
Today he was especially burdened by thoughts such as, "Will I succeed at work today?", "Will my brother overcome the cancer?", "Will those party animals in the apartment beside me ever stop?" His mood and hope matched the weather. Suddenly, he was thinking about the penny game he played.
When Andy would find a penny on the ground, he would read the words, "In God We Trust", etched on the penny. He had grown to believe these findings were personal reminders to him that Father God was providing for him and protecting him and his concerns.
Andy longed for "man to man" talks that he was not able to have with his busy earthly father. Today especially, he was needing to know if his concerns and burdens were being heard and acted on. "Wonder if I will find a penny today?" Andy thought.
As he stepped into the elevator to take him back to his 4th floor apartment,a broad grin brightened his face as his eyes fell on the penny that was lying on the elevator floor. Father God did hear and He was working on Andy's stuff! His loving Father knew his most intimate thoughts and concerns. Andy was filled with fresh hope for the day and reassurance that God's promises can be trusted.
"Is anyone crying for help? God is listening, ready to rescue you. If your heart is broken, you'll find God right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath. Psalm 34:17-18 The Message Bible

"Boundaries"

2011-06-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Ladies,
Check out this upcoming 12 week study.

"Boundaries- When to Say Yes and When to Say No"
Materials written by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Answers questions like - Can I set limits and still be a loving person?
How do I answer someone who wants my time,love,
or energy?
Why do I feel guilty when I consider setting boundaries?
Enjoy the instructional DVD followed by small group sharing.

Offered on Thursday nights starting July 7th in Tavernier, Florida.
For more information e-mail Bonnie Young at bonnie@younginhim.com

Is Your DreamTired, Worn Out or Energized and Alive?

2011-05-21T07:22:00.000-07:00

Were you brought up to receive love through accomplishments or were you loved even when you failed? Are you afraid to live out your dreams because you might fail and receive criticism or do you move forward with courage doing the things you feel led to do without thought of criticism or failure?
Let's look at Jesus. He knew His Father in heaven loved Him and He knew the dream He was living out was to die for our mess, our guilt so we could be energized and alive to live out our dreams for Him. Even His best friends thought He was a failure and deserted Him after He died. But they didn't realize the end of the story until later. His mighty, loving Father brought Him back alive and the dream became reality.
Our suffering and obedience are to be expected as we pursue our dreams. So get up from your tired, worn out place and look to the Father who loves you unconditionaly. Thank Him for the struggles, for Jesus faithfulness of pursuing His dreams and walking in victory for you and me. Thank Him for His energy, His life and His endurance placed in you. Thank Him for the realization of your dream that is coming through Him!

Life is Hard but------

2011-01-23T09:59:00.000-08:00

It’s all swirling about them. Relationships strained to the breaking as financial burdens increase. Random attacks on police, politicians and the public bringing grief and suspicion of what each day might bring. The endless snow, ice and cold seem to reinforce there is little hope left to warm their hearts.
Joe and Mary’s relationship had successfully survived many problems but the present pressures are pushing them wide apart. Why was this happening? They remembered a happier time with less bad news, less to anticipate with fear, and more of life they felt they could control to their benefit.
Through their combined strength, talents, attractiveness, charm and manipulation, they had made many of their dreams come true. Suddenly the window of opportunity seems to be cracking and ready to shatter???? What is there to rely on?? What is to be their hope??
“Don’t let the wise brag of their wisdom. Don’t let heroes brag of their exploits. Don’t let the rich brag of their riches. If you brag, brag of this and this only; that you understand and know me. I’m God, and I act in loyal love. I do what’s right and set things right and fair, and delight in those who do the same things. These are my trademarks. Stay alert! It won’t be long now when I will personally deal with everyone whose life is all outside but no inside.” Jeremiah 9:23-25 The Message Bible
Joe and Mary have a choice! Continue to look at people, events and their circumstances through the lens of the world or pull up a chair with God, get to know Him and learn how He wants His love, justice and integrity brought into each relationship and every situation. Listen, learn and then do it!!!

Best Advice for 2011

2010-12-30T08:16:00.000-08:00

Jesus is the greatest key to a healthy and happy spirit life we will ever have. No matter what your religious or spiritual beliefs, study the person of Jesus and be amazed. He has good news if your are poor, healing for you if your heart is broken, freedom if you are stuck in unhealthy
relationships, pardon if you have messed up, unconditional ongoing love if you perform for love, a way to escape if you are not safe, and solutions for the most difficult problems.
Jesus hates oppression and loves fair dealing. His promises to you are true and trustworthy. He simply asks that you would seek Him above all else and He rewards those who diligently seek Him and follow His ways, not a religion.
Get with people who are also seeking to know Him and His ways. People with whom you can share honestly and confidentially. People who are not trying to fix you but are pointing you to Him for your solutions. Wishing you a Happy and Peace filled New Year

What to do With the What Ifs?

2010-12-16T06:02:00.000-08:00

She is 90 and filled with life, love, her pet dog, gardening and independence. Then a traumatic stroke suddenly robs her of life and there is no time for good-byes and good wishes.
Those who love her start with the, "What if I had done this,or that or the other? Maybe the outcome would have been different. Maybe she would still be with us." Along with those thoughts and words come the debilitating guilt, shame and blame. What to do with those very real feelings?
One choice is to live with those weighty feelings of guilt, shame and blame that tend to cause insecurity, confusion and depression. The other choice is to acknowledge the trauma, the very real feelings, to self, one another and to God. Instead of hiding the recriminations that are going on inside, honestly and openly share the struggle going on within without fear of punishment.
The next step is to forgive this lost loved one, self and all the others that possibly could carry some blame for this loss of a precious life. Tell it all to Jesus. He traded His life and His blood so that each and every one of us can hand Him our guilt, shame, and blame. He knew when He came to this earth that we would need to be rescued from so many messes because of our wrong thinking.
Take your eyes and your mind off the mess, accept your frailty and shortcomings. Look at Jesus and His eyes of love. Hear Him say to you, "I have come to bring you joyful and exultant confidence and a sense of triumph in your hope in Me and what I have done for you." Then bask in His forgiveness and acceptance of you in His beloved arms of rest.
May your Christmas truly be Merry in the reality of His love for you!!

Thanksgiving and Gratitude

2010-11-25T05:09:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday afternoon, I had the opportunity to spend several hours at the Miami airport with a dear young friend of ours who had a lay over as she returned from a week of being part of a medical team in Haiti. This was her first experience in a third world country. She had trouble putting into words the huge difference between life here and there. I finally said, "We are so very blessed here and we don't have any idea." She hugely agreed. Now I know that God wants us all to experience His abundance because His Word says it and that is who He is but I also know He wants us to be thankful and recognize the source of our abundance. So even though we are all struggling with different challenges right now, I am thanking God for so many blessings of life and friends and His payment for all my messes. Shame and blame gone; the ability to receive and give real love to others in healthy relationships is now. He is indeed the GREAT I AM. I am thankful for that and pray that Haiti would know and experience the same gift. Praying that you all will have a day filled with good fellowship, attitude of gratitude and a hunger to really know God's love personaly and in relationships.

Satisfied And Secure?

2010-10-30T09:52:00.000-07:00

The crystal clear aquamarine waters rolled onto the sandy beaches, crashing onto the shoreline rocks that littered the shore. The beach walker soon learned she could choose how she was going to experience smelling the salt air, feasting her eyes on the vivid colors before her, hearing the rhythmic action of the waters and feeling the different textures beneath her feet.
Walking the dry sand was faster and seemed freer of dangers that could cause discomfort or injury. Then her foot sunk down into the sand and made contact with the sharp edge of a jagged rock that was buried and unseen. Ouch, that happened several more times before the faster way no longer seemed the best way.
She turned her steps to the shoreline of crashing waves on tightly littered rocks. If she was patient, she was able to identify which rocks were worn smooth, free of algae and solidly anchored into the sand. This meant waiting for each wave to recede back into the ocean before deciding where to step next. The going was slower, required more patience, more concentration on the path that was being taken.
“I love you, God – you make me strong. God is bedrock under my feet, the castle in which I live, my rescuing knight. My God – the high crag where I run for dear life, hiding behind the boulders, safe in the granite hideout. “ Psalm 18:1-2 The Message
I have learned that taking the easier, faster way in life is not always the best way and often becomes quite boring and sometimes more harmful. His way requires me to fix my eyes on Him and be patient for Him to show me the next step. It does not always feel safe or look safe but it is always the most satisfying and the most secure place to be.

"Plug in Your Name" and Come Out!!

2010-10-07T08:01:00.000-07:00

"Let me tell you what happened to me at work today. It was so wrong." "If I share the trouble I am going through honestly, I will be looked down on and judged." "I am living in such horrible circumstances but I am too afraid to leave." "That habit is my secret and it is what keeps me going. Right or wrong I won't stop!" "I will never forgive the hurt and pain caused me." "Life seems like an endless circle of exhaustion to me."
If these are frequent thoughts you think or words you speak, then you might be living in a grave of sorts already. There is a way to get out of this grave and be free to know true peace and hope for right now!! Freedom from illness and habits that hurt and slow you down.
The story of the resurrection of Lazarus is told in John 11 and there are promises in this story that are for you today. Lazarus was not a perfect man but Jesus enjoyed his company. Lazarus got sick and eventually died just the same as most mortal beings. The stories in the Bible are meant for us to plug our names into, get to know Jesus and experience His loving touch.
Lazarus had been in the grave for 4 days when Jesus spoke into the tomb, "Lazarus, come out!" The cadaver came out wrapped head to toe in grave clothes. Then Jesus spoke to the crowd watching, "Unwrap him and let him loose."
Getting better involves Jesus life giving power and often includes the help of others to unwrap the grave clothes from us and also believing that this can really happen for you!! Prior to this powerful miracle Jesus said, "You don't have to wait for the end. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. Didn't I tell you that if you believed,, you would see the glory of God?"
How about plugging in your name and come out of what is causing you a slow death in your body, mind and spirit. He says to test Him and try Him and see if He is true!!

Addicted? To What?

2010-08-26T06:49:00.000-07:00

"This is the crisis we're in: God-light streamed into the world, but men and women everywhere ran for the darkness. They went for the darkness because they were not really interested in pleasing God. Everyone who makes a practice of doing evil, addicted to denial and illusion, hates God-light and won't come near it, fearing a painful exposure. But anyone working and living in truth and reality welcomes God-light so the work can be seen for the God-work it is." John 3:19-21, Message Bible

If I claim that I am living my life walking in that God-light, addicted to His way of thinking and acting, then I will experience a shared life of fellowship and unity with Him and those around me. If this isn't the case, then I am probably living more in that place of darkness, afraid of exposing myself. Check out 1 John 1:7. Accepting His forgiving grace removes the fear of blame and shame.

Addiction is simply a persistent compulsive habit. Transparency that leads to exposure of wrong thinking often is painful but does not have to bring shame. Instead of compulsively trying to cover up my wrong thinking and actions that keeps me from unity with God and man, why not become compulsive about learning, speaking and acting out truth. When God approves of my life, even my enemies end up shaking my hand. (Message Bible, Proverbs 16:7)

Healing Rythmns

2010-08-19T11:08:00.000-07:00

The leader faithfully kept them in a steady rythmn by methodically clacking the drum sticks together in the hot sun for days in a row. They marched in a designated pattern, snaking their away across the parade ground; right feet together followed by left feet together. No complaint was heard or seen as they followed their leaders quiet directions hour after hour and day after day. Each day the formation became more unified and more confident. The final day their voices began to ring out the tune that their instruments would eventually play as they marched in their hard earned military type formation.
Watching the local high school marching band learn their new routine brought a powerful truth home to me again. Who am I watching, listening to and following? The right leader will lead me in the right rythmn of thoughts, the right group to march with, the right song with the right words of victory to declare. The two greatest commands are to love God and to love people. As I keep my eyes on Jesus, my ears straining for His direction and allow Him to bring me alongside others who are seeking to do the same, I begin to march in a healing rythmn that is confident in His healing love no matter how tough or hot circumstances get.

Religion or Relationship

2010-08-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Ran across this quote by Robert Ricciardelli, "Religion has a way of comforting rather than truly demanding change within. Through outward activities and rituals, we can go through the motions without dealing with the turmoil in our hearts."
Relationships that are truly rewarding require more than "going through the motions". Deep lasting and rewarding relationships require loving honesty in expressing thoughts and emotions. Jesus wants to hear about the turmoil in my heart. He wants to help me sort out what is real and what is a lie. He wants to help.

Healthy Relationships Necessary for Healthy Life

2010-07-31T11:29:00.000-07:00

Recent research done at Brigham Young University regarding relationships was released this week highlighting the importance of social connections with friends, family, neighbors and colleagues. If one chooses to have active social interaction, odds of survival could be improved by 50%. Here is how low social interaction compares to more well known risk factors:

-Equivalent to smoking 15 cigarettes per a day

-Equivalent to being an alcoholic

-More harmful than not exercising

-Twice as harmful as obesity

We all have an enemy that is continually trying to seperate us from one another, ourselves and God through resentment and offense caused by many reasons. This enemy is from the kingdom of darkness and wants to steal, kill and destroy what is good. But thanks to God, we can have a healthy abundant, peaceful life as we pursue Him and His truth for our lives.

Memories and Healing

2010-07-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Many of us avoid memories of hurtful people and hurtful cirmcumstances from our childhood and even adulthood. In fact, walls are sometimes built in our brains that keep us from accessing these memories to protect us from the pain.
The amazing truth is that if we face these memories in the loving presence of Jesus, they are healed and I become more alive and more free than before. The past no longer becomes a roadblock for healthy relationships and life, but a roadway of bricks that represent a life of greater beauty and success.
This imperfect life of mine becomes an avenue of healing for others as I share the victory that comes when I courageously examine painful memories and let Jesus heal them and use them for good.