¿POR QUE TE PREOCUPAS?

Una vez escuché a alguien decir: “si el problema no tiene solución, no hay sentido en afanarse; si el problema tiene solución, entonces ¿por qué te preocupas?”. Suena simple, pero es cierto. Esta afirmación nos deja ver que las preocupaciones son una carga innecesaria que llevamos día tras día. Una carga pesada que nos desgasta porque queremos, no porque tengamos que hacerlo. Son como un columpio que siempre está en movimiento pero no nos lleva a ninguna parte.

Las preocupaciones nos quitan la paz, nos roban la oportunidad de disfrutar de un buen momento y de ser productivos. Nos van haciendo daño porque se convierten en temores que nos causan ansiedad y angustia; además de afectar nuestras emociones, afectan nuestro cuerpo con enfermedades. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud, cuarenta millones de estadounidenses entre 18 y 54 años sufren algún trastorno de ansiedad y 121 millones de personas en el mundo están en depresión como producto de preocupaciones que no han sabido manejar.

Cada día está lleno de situaciones que nos causan preocupación. Esta respuesta emocional es opuesta a la fe. Es causada por la falta de confianza en que Dios tiene cuidado de nosotros y de nuestros problemas. Comenzamos a pensar en todo lo negativo y activamos cosas que quizás no deberían ocurrir. De manera inversa ocurre con la fe: creemos que Dios nos va a mostrar una solución y que él va actuar de cierta forma, activamos en el mundo espiritual dicha solución y ocurre.

Pablo nos aconseja en Las Escrituras “por nada estén angustiados, sino que sean conocidas sus peticiones delante de Dios en toda oración y ruego, con acción de gracias” (Filipenses 4:6). Esta acción de dar gracias implica estar confiados. Una vez que pongamos nuestra carga en manos de Dios, El tiene cuidado de nosotros y le damos gracias porque aquello que nos preocupa sí se va a solucionar.

Pedro también habla sobre esto en 1 de Pedro 5:6-7: “Humíllense bajo la poderosa mano de Dios, para que él los exalte a su debido tiempo. Depositen en él toda ansiedad, porque él cuida de ustedes”. Si queremos vivir con paz, debemos dejar de preocuparnos, es una decisión que nos corresponde tomar. Dios no quita la preocupación, El resuelve. Tú y yo decidimos no preocuparnos y confiar.

Así que cuando las cosas se ponen difíciles, necesitamos la ayuda de Dios y éstos son los pasos que según Su Palabra fiel y verdadera debemos seguir:

1. Humillarnos.
2. Depositar nuestra ansiedad en El.

La humildad es la actitud que nos permite pedir ayuda. Si tratamos de resolver por nuestra cuenta, Dios es caballero para no intervenir si no se lo hemos pedido; pero si las cosas no resultan ¿por qué no probar con Dios y pedirle su ayuda? Una vez que lo hacemos, es necesario dejarlo actuar. El tiene el poder para resolver cualquier problema si has hecho tu parte y si has caminado de acuerdo con lo que Dios pide en su Palabra.

Las preocupaciones dependen en gran manera de la actitud de cada quien. Necesitamos aprender a desarrollar una actitud de confianza que nos ayude a manejar las preocupaciones de nuestro diario vivir. Hoy nos preocupamos por una situación en el trabajo, mañana por un problema en la escuela de mi hijo y pasado mañana por una discusión.

Cuando Pablo dice en la Biblia en 2 de Corintios 5:7 “caminamos por fe y no por vista”, estamos hablando de un estilo de vida, no de reacciones momentáneas cuando tenemos el problema encima. Si entiendes que Dios está de tu lado y El es diligente para responderte y actuar a tiempo, el no preocuparte hasta llegar a un nivel de ansiedad y estrés formará parte de tu vida diaria y sabrás cómo enfrentar cada situación que se te presente.

Your Makeup Bag

The key to looking beautiful during your next evening gala (or during any event for that matter) is to make sure that you have the proper tools in your makeup bag. Contrary to what many may think, there are only a few items that you need to carry in your bag to make sure that you can touch up your face and maintain a glowing fresh look. Read more

Thank You Daddy!

Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. –Ephesians 5:20 NIV

This is the month set aside for honoring our earthly fathers and well we should honor them, not just in June but every day of every year! But while we are scanning the ads for that just right expression of our love and gratitude, perhaps it would be a good to examine how well we are honoring our heavenly Father. And I know no better way to demonstrate honor than with a heart overflowing in expressions of gratitude. Read more

Susan Boyle’s Gift

by Donna VanLiere,
Author of Finding Grace: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life . . . And Finding It Again

I am one of the nearly forty-nine million You Tube viewers who have watched Susan Boyle, the unemployed cat owner from Scotland, blow away the audience of Britain’s Got Talent.

Before she takes the stage we learn that Boyle is 47, never married, never kissed, spends her days with Pebbles the cat, and by eye-balling her: frizzy graying hair, eyebrows like caterpillars, ill-fitting dress, gray pantyhose and open-toed cream colored shoes, we assume she’s not a beauty pageant winner. The audience and judges size her up, too. When she says her age judge Simon Cowell responds with an exaggerated eyeball roll and fellow judge Piers Morgan, a former tabloid newspaper editor, furrows his brow (clearly this ancient dame is wasting his time). Amanda Holden, the third judge, is a beautiful English actress with a body and face that no matter how good your self-image is — if you stand next to her in line at the coffee shop — you instantly feel bloated and troll-like. Cutaway shots to the audience show young people snickering and looking at Boyle as if she forgot her mop backstage.

“Okay,” Cowell says. “What’s the dream?” This is what it all boils to, really. The dream. The hope.

“I’m trying to be a professional singer,” Boyle says. (Insert shot of young girl reacting as if saying, “Yeah, right. And I want to be Amanda Holden.”)

When she says she’d like to be as successful as English musical theater legend Elaine Page, the cynicism in the room is as thick as Boyle’s eyebrows. If Boyle detects any of the sarcasm, unbelief, or disdain she never lets on. She announces her song choice from Les Miserables and Morgan laughs.

Boyle signals for the song to begin and holds onto her mic like a child at her first school program. Then . . . she opens her mouth and when she does the audience erupts in cheers and applause. Simon Cowell’s eyes widen, Amanda Holden’s mouth drops open and Piers Morgan, who just seconds ago laughed at her, now smiles and applauds. Again, if Boyle is aware of the cheers, ovations and wild applause she doesn’t let on. In moments, the lovely Holden is on her feet aiming her applause directly at Boyle. Two women are facing each other: one is the epitome of success, loveliness and grace and the other has been accustomed to taking a backseat to the likes of Holden . . . but not now. The beauty is honoring the wallflower.

As the final notes fade, the entire audience along with Morgan and Holden are on their feet (Cowell remains seated in case you’re wondering); Boyle blows a kiss to the crowd and begins to trudge off stage. The judges urge her back and the two hosts in the wings direct her to stay put. She has no idea what she has just accomplished or the effect she’s had on this once judgmental audience. The judges assess what they’ve just heard. “Amazing. I’m reeling,” Morgan says.

But there is no greater compliment than that from Holden. “I just want to say that it was a complete privilege listening to that,” she says. Boyle wasn’t what she appeared to be; she was more.

In Finding Grace (St. Martin’s Press) I relate the story of sitting in math class with my friend Peggy. Our seats were located in front of four of the princesses of the school. They were so beautiful, charming and trendy wearing their Izod alligator polo shirts and crisp khaki pants. Peggy and I wore Toughskin corduroys (Their slogan was, “The toughest of Sears tough jeans . . . lab tests prove it!”), sported either a bad perm or an uneven haircut and never made anybody’s cool list. Susan Boyle would have been our friend.

Our math teacher was a man with a red face. It wasn’t sunburn or even a healthy glow; it was just red . . . all the time. Mr. Teacher Man seemed to be on the backside of his teaching career. Not because he was old but because he seemed to hate the job, or maybe he just disliked Peg and me. I don’t know. As Peggy and I went to the chalkboard one day I knocked the eraser to the floor. We both bent for it and clunked our heads together. The class laughed but Mr. Teacher Man did not. We were wasting his time.

In the days following a school assembly was called. A special speaker was coming to entertain the student body. Peg and I threw our books in our lockers and made our way to the gymnasium. There were prime seats down front. We crossed the gym and climbed up two bleachers for our perfect spot when we heard him. “Those aren’t available.” We turned to see Mr. Teacher Man whose eyes were scanning the gym floor. I didn’t think he wasn’t talking to us and moved toward the seats again. “Those seats are taken, girls.”

By that time every good bleacher was filled and we trekked up to the top row. I sat down and was positioning myself behind Ralphie the teenage giant boy when I noticed the four princesses sit in “our” seats down below. It turns out that Mr. Teacher Man was right. The best seats were unavailable . . . to us. Those seats were special and for special girls. We could make do somewhere else.

Strange how people color the way we feel about ourselves. Somewhere along the way sociologists termed that as the looking glass self: we begin to perceive ourselves as those around us see us. You’re a good student but not as good as your sister. You’re a great athlete but not nearly as strong as your brother. You’re thin but just not thin enough for the job. You’re too fat for the job. You’re a good mom but have you seen her remarkable home and kids? You’re too old and frumpy to sing. Countless books, magazine articles, and television shows are dedicated to helping us be better in every way so we can finally reach those coveted best seats.

But to love and accept someone despite their flaws and failures is a gift of grace in a cynical and hypercritical world where our own panel of judges smirk and snicker and whisper catty comments. Grace says, “Okay, what’s the dream?” without passing judgment or rolling the eyes. It sees beyond the frizzy hair and frumpy dress to the heart of the singer, or mother, or twice-divorced waitress. Grace stands up and says, “It is a privilege to know you.” Grace realizes there’s more than what meets the eye and is the most life-altering gift we can give to one another.

I have a feeling that Susan Boyle knows that.

©2009 Donna VanLiere, author of Finding Grace: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life . . . And Finding It Again
Donna Vanliere, author of Finding Grace: A True Story About Losing Your Way in Life . . . And Finding It Again, is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Christmas Hope series and Angels of Morgan Hill. She lives in Franklin, Tennessee with her husband and three children.

For more information please visit http://www.donnavanliere.com

The Purpose of Dance in the Church

by Yamia Green

One of today’s most popular areas of ministry within the church is the dance ministry. However, some people do not fully understand the power of worship through movement. Those that are called to this ministry are actually warriors who come from a very unique tribe. These are people who war with their hands and feet, and fight with their fingers and toes. They use unique spiritual weapons to defeat their enemies. Read more

A Woman of Perfect Creativity

By Jan Cline

God created the world but a woman decorates it! I love this aspect of a woman. I enjoy watching others blossom in their talents of creativity, inspiring me to try new things. How drab the world would be without a woman’s touch!

You may say, “I have no talents of creativity.” Not true. Since we are created in His image, we come by creativity honestly. As women we have a special gift for revealing beauty in the world around us. Whether it’s in the workplace, church, home or school, we do it as a reflection of God’s own glorious creation.

I believe our efforts have been thwarted over the years. It’s hard to keep up with decorating an increasingly ugly world. We get discouraged by the evil that is so pervasive in our society and we start to think “what’s the use?” We give up our God given creative edge and neglect a gift the world desperately needs.

I’m not just speaking of planting flowers and painting the living room. I speak of an attitude that says nothing can stop talent and the desire to make our world better. God has not stopped creating, neither should we. Even the little things we do make a difference; setting our eyes not on the obstacles or imperfections, but on the process of creating beauty.

One reason we neglect the gift may be our tendency toward perfectionism. Perfectionism has its roots in fear; fear of disappointment, fear of failure, fear of rejection. It is the imagination killer keeping us from the freedom of expression that God desires for us. It can distort our perceptions of beauty and limit our enjoyment of the things God created for our pleasure.

Covering our creative heart with perfectionism is a layer that is hard to peel. It gets all mixed up with pride and fear and intimidation. Like all the other layers, the longer it stays there, the harder it is to remove.

Perfectionism is a learned behavior and some personalities are more vulnerable to it. Some of us acquired it out of a desperate need to meet our parent’s high expectations, or to offset a dysfunctional family. Starting at an early age we pick up on the disappointment of others when things weren’t done perfectly. Some women start later in life. Fear of losing a spouse can cause you to demand more of yourself than is possible to give. Sadly, being perfect is an unattainable goal and never guarantees anyone’s approval.

Perfectionism affects everything we do. When things don’t turn out just right, we can fall into the trap of self blame and defeat. We develop the “I’m not good enough, I should have done better” routine. It’s a never ending cycle that breeds anxiety and legalism. Christians are not immune to this. In fact, it is possibly even more difficult for them to overcome feelings of inadequacy if they do not embrace the grace of God that is available to them.

Rabbi Harold Kushner says about perfectionism; “Life is not a test for which the passing grade is 100 percent and anything less is a failure.”

Why do we think if we can’t do it perfectly we won’t do it at all? Has God ever asked us to be perfect? God knows that the effort and the journey are more important than a perfect outcome. We miss out on the blessing of extending God’s creativity when we let perfectionism stand in the way.

Walt Kallestad in his book “Be Your Own Creative Coach” states; “To move beyond perfectionism, focus not on the performance but on the pursuit, and not on your weakness but on God’s perfect love. Realizing you are accepted unconditionally is the imagination builder that can overcome the blocker of perfectionism.”

The “playing it safe” game keeps us from letting God do his work through us. Perfectionism is just another distraction keeping us from reaching out and using our gifts and talents. It is a stumbling block that cripples many women and stifles our creative bent.

“But He said to me ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV

This scripture tells us that when we reserve ourselves for perfection, we lack faith and do not honor God. He is the One to be showcased by our talents and gifts, not us. When we are weak or imperfect his grace and power bring vision, strength and beauty. God is pleased with whatever we do if we have the right attitude and are doing our best to use our gifts in service to Him.

Remember the story of Cinderella? She was a dirty little maid who didn’t think she deserved to be special. Her stepsisters were the perfect ones, dressed beautifully with all the womanly graces afforded them. She was lowly and just went about doing her gift – serving others. She had no social skills or great beauty, yet she was the one the prince wanted. She was to be his bride – imperfections and all. She did not let her imperfect state keep her from her purpose in life.

I’m not saying that if we give up our perfectionism we will live happily ever after, but it will improve our usefulness. We are chosen by God, even in our imperfections, to be his bride. If He accepts us as we are, why can’t we? He needs us to be his arm of creativity.

This is the key to peeling away the layer of perfectionism – grace. The grace of God, applied to our lives will set us free from this layer. If we do not let God work this grace in our hearts, destructive emotions take over. Depression, anger and resentment are just a few of the tag-alongs of perfectionism. Frustrated with our efforts not measuring up to our unrealistic standards, we get angry at ourselves and at God. We waste time wishing to be someone we are not, wishing God would just let us be right all the time! It’s not the way to living victoriously – let alone creatively.

“And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” 2 Corinthians 9:8 NIV

Well, it’s pretty clear that God will provide for your perfectionism if you accept what He has for you. This may be a particular hard habit to break, but with His help, you will succeed. He desires for you to be free from this bondage and to be used – flaws and all. His plan for you is to be the creative mirror of his own character. We have a special calling and one we are well suited for. Creativity is a valuable asset to every woman. Don’t let perfectionism take it away from you. Release this issue to Him and be at peace. The world needs decorating girl!

 

Jan is an author, freelance writer, singer and songwriter from Spokane, Washington. You may contact her at www.jancline.net or see her blog at precioustimesgiftsbyjan.blogspot.com.

A Prayer Room of Your Own

by Chere Williams

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6: 6-7

The most rewarding relationship that you will ever develop—is with God. If you don’t have a relationship with the Father then every other relationship in your life will suffer. God desires an intimate relationship with us. As Christians we want to continuously mature spiritually in our walk with the Lord. Being stagnant is not an option if you want to be a servant of God. Maturing in our faith requires study, prayer, and an open ear for God’s instruction. Life is demanding, but our prayer life must remain our main priority. You absolutely cannot ignore God; the moment you do you will feel lost and your growth as a Christian will be at a standstill. Read more

A Spiritual Law That Will Bring You Success…Part ll

By Cynthia Blanc

In Part I of “A Spiritual Law That Will Bring You Success During This Recession”, I advised you to use God’s Spiritual Law of Giving as an investment during this recession, instead of waiting to be bailed out, or waiting to see what happens with the global economy. I also said that what I am talking about is not traditional investing where you have to use money, stocks, bonds, or real estate. Remember, we are stretching our minds. The most valuable asset you have is everything the Most High God endowed you with even before you were born. Read more

Tropical Pineapple Smoothie

Enjoy the taste of summer with this delicious tropical drink.

1 cup vanilla frozen yogurt
8 oz can chunk pineapple in its own juice, frozen
1 banana (you may add 1 ½ bananas)
1/2 tsp coconut extract
1 cup of ice (optional if you like it thicker)

Blend all ingredients until smooth and garnish with shredded coconut.

May add other types of fruits: mango, strawberries, etc.

When Women Worship Book Review

With Mary Alessi & Amie Dockery

You were created for intimacy with God. But so many things get in the way! Past abuse. Regret. Shame. Maybe you feel unworthy. Maybe you lack any real desire. How can worship hold any real meaning? Read more

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