Change in Venue

Fellow members who are following me on this blog, please continue to read my blog at the following link: http://renewal212.wordpress.com/ . After attending the BUG conference in Birmingham, I have chosen to revise a few things in my "social media world". I hope to continue to reach out to those who need hope and restoration. Thanks for your support!

Why Am I Angered?

Mark 3:1-5 (New International Version)
1Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone."
4Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent.
5He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored.

(copied from the Nooma video "Store" guide) "Anger is simply an emotion. It's just your body's way of telling you that your will has been blocked. What you want to happen isn't happening. The problem isn't anger; the problem is what we do with it. It's where we take it. It's where we go with it. The question is, why am I angered? Because my anger is going to lead somewhere."

Have you asked yourself why something makes you angry? Where did your anger lead? By doing a self-evaluation, we can hope to recognize those areas that causes us to become angry, and by doing so, finding a way to release those emotions in a more constructive way.

Think Before We Speak

James 1: 19 "My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." I have heard it said that God created us with two ears and one mouth so we would listen twice as much as we speak---lol. God wants us to think before we speak. The impact of our words can either bring life or death to those who hear. God does not say to never become angry, but to be cautious in expressing a strong emotional response. Often times, things are said in the "heat of the moment", causing hurt to others that we regret later.

(footnote from The Life Recovery Bible) "We may be angry over our past as well as over current events. To control our anger, we need to give our life over to God. Even when we feel out of control, He can help us maintain our composure. He can give us the strength and wisdom to think and listen before we speak or act."

Anger Management

Anger: "a strong emotion; a feeling that is oriented toward some real or supposed grievance". It's that emotion that rises up within us, and different people handle it in different ways. This month, we will be focusing on anger, its effects, and look at scriptures to see how we can better handle this emotion in a healthy way: "Be angry and sin not". We will be watching portions of a Nooma video each week that deals with anger, and then discuss the different aspects. We welcome you to come and be a part of this group in July.

Acceptance

Tonight, we focused on acceptance, the final stage in the grief process. We discussed the Serenity Prayer, and how we must accept the things we cannot change, such as our past or other people's lives. We also discussed being able to have courage to change the things we can, such as behaviors or attitudes. I believe most in the group have accepted their current situation, even though there may be work left to do. This is where they are at, and they are striving to change and have hope.

I have enjoyed doing this series, and appreciate all those who have attended and participated. I look forward to next week when we will begin a new series, Anger Management. I have a feeling there will be some very interesting and "energized" group sessions in July for this topic.

The Serenity Prayer

"God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

When dealing with grief, you must reach a point of acceptance for complete healing to take place. You must accept and realize that the loss or event has occurred, and there's nothing you can do to change that fact. However, you can focus on the things you can change, such as your attitude, your thought processes, or a change in your lifestyle. You may need to make some adjustments or learn new behaviors to compensate for the loss. But, as you pray for God's strength and courage, He will see you through. Pray for God's wisdom to guide and direct you during this final stage of acceptance.

God's Still Working on You

Amos 9:11 (New International Version)
"In that day I will restore David's fallen tent. I will repair its broken places, restore its ruins, and build it as it used to be"

In the process of working through grief, many broken pieces may be found. It might mean relationships have been severed, your heart is "broken", or your finances are in ruins. But, God is faithful to take those broken pieces, build you back up, and in many ways, make you stronger than before. When a building is restored, it is taken back to its original design as much as possible. Often times, new pieces are added that resemble the old. But with it being "new", there is more strength. The floors, walls, etc. have not yet "weathered" with time. So, with your own personal life, allow some "newness" to come in; allow that restoration to take place. Build a strong foundation on which to stand.

2 Samuel 22:21 (The Message)
"God made my life complete when I placed all the pieces before him"