Can Horses Help us Find the Path of Life?

Horses have been used by mankind for centuries:  they have been trained and employed in myriad ways. Horses provide travelers aid, power farmers’ plows, help soldiers fight, carry burdens and manage herds.  Parents employ horses to teach children responsibility while building  physical and relational skills.  Of course, millions simply use horses for pleasure and enjoyment.  Currently, researchers are exploring the utilization of horses for academic and psychological therapy.

With all of those great roles for horses, one assignment surpasses them all:  helping establish or restore human beings to relationship with their Creator.

The God of the Bible is a relational God.  He created humanity because He loved…and love cannot be fulfilled outside of relationships.

Horses, being herd animals are naturals at relationships.  We humans crave connection, but the fall of humanity from connection to God (Genesis 3) impairs every relationship. Often we are blind to the things we do in the context of relationships.  Horses reflect what we do not see or feel in ourselves.

Perhaps more importantly, horses and humans share a common desire–a desire a horse understands more than a human.  Our craving for connection that arises from our broken relationship with God clouds are thinking.  It was at the fall that fear, shame and hiding entered the world.  Through that darkness, we pursue relationships.  A horse, on the other hand, pursues relationships exactly for the reasons we crave connection:  security.

When Adam & Eve chose to walk the path God had forbidden, they lost their security.  They also lost the identity God had given them; they chose to create their own.  Without their God-given identity, they had to craft their own significance as well.  Those two losses–security and significance–continue to plague humanity.  Connecting with a horse requires understanding that need from the equine view…which opens eyes to our own needs.

Even people who do not like horses, often want to ‘pet their nose’ and look with awe at their power and strength.  Horses, though, aren’t longing for our friendship or worship.  They want a leader they can trust.  As we engage with a horse to understand its needs, we begin to see our own needs–and the magnificent, costly way God has met every need for us.

Anxiety is the number one mental health issue facing Americans today–Christians included.  Join Heartsong Ministries in changing this – click the picture below and visit the Facebook Page for more information!

Finding the Answer to Anxiety

January 28, 2018 – 3:30 – 5:00 PM

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Trust the Potter

hands clay
 God as our Father, Creator–Potter!
But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay,
and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.
(Isaiah 64:8)
Watching a potter work clay on a wheel is an amazing sight. A formless lump of clay is transformed into a vessel with beauty and use through the skillful touch of the potter. The speed of the wheel is adjusted, varying pressures are applied according to the purposes of the potter and an object of art emerges from the glob. The clay is formed into a vessel of use with a design that is perfect for its purpose.
God has plans and purposes for each of us but since creation mankind has preferred to seek its own purposes! Thankfully, our Potter is patient, skilled and determined. Unlike the lump of clay on a pottery wheel, we are often not pliable subjects. We refuse to stay put and resist the hands of the Potter. We resent the pressures which shape and choose to hide in pits of isolation. We reset the wheel speed, tromping on the foot pedal erratically. We reject the Potter’s purposes and seek to shape ourselves.
Eventually, though, we reach the end of ourselves; we find our purposes do not lead to fulfillment. Our Potter is there with His gentle, skilled hands reaching out. He longs to pick us up and place us back on the wheel and begins His creation again! His hands never reject us and are always longing to shape and mold us into a vessel of His love.

Have you surrendered to the loving hands of the Potter?

What a glorious purpose for a redeemed rebellious vessel: a container for the very Spirit of God. The Potter places His love within us and allows us to pour His healing love onto other empty souls! His love is completed in the pouring and the Potter begins to mold those we overflow upon. He softens and shapes with His love; His eternal purposes flow on! Don’t resist Him anymore. Trust His hand to press perfectly and His purposes to loving fulfill!

PAL: Answer to Bullying

Nearly 80% of school age children say they feel the piercing pain of being bullied.  Surprisingly 20% of children admit they are bullies.  The answer for both bullies and the bullied is the same: learning the value of each individual.  Christians are uniquely qualified to present this message. 

Believing every person is created in the image of God sets the stage for valuing all.  Jesus first instructed his followers to love others as they loved themselves.  Later, He increased the challenge and said, “Love others as I have loved you.” Bullies don’t change the Word.  We often need help figuring out how to make a difference.  A surprising animal can help us explore the answer to bullying.

“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you….”  Job 12:7a

Heartsong Aldean

That’s right:   bunnies.  The good intentions and good goals of bunnies go awry when they do not get what they want.  They are a perfect pet partner to help children understand–and fight bullying God’s way. 

Pet-Assisted Learning (P.A.L.) sessions are a creative way to reach the children in your care. Free powerpoint or classroom visit.

P.A.L. – Bunnies & Bullies 

It’s All About Me

Finding the Right Way

Feeling the pain

Living Loved

Listening to God

Getting Help

PAL: The Answer to Anxiety

Anxiety now ranks as the Number One mental health disorder in America.  Nearly 20% of the population are being treated for anxiety-related issues…many more receive no treatment or are unaware of the root cause of problems.  As Christians, we believe that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, but we can’t always figure out how to let him reign over our anxieties.  Pet-Assisted Learning sessions improve knowledge application.

“Just ask the animals, and they will teach you….”  Job 12:7a

Horse-Powered learning sessions help move things we believe from our head to our heels.  The truth is that we only believe what we actually live.  Saying that Jesus has given us peace but living with anxiety is painful, destructive and even dishonest. The abundant life is ours to enjoy.  Let the animals help you learn how!

P.A.L. Path to Peace: Answering Anxiety

Traveling on the path to peace requires awareness and action.  Participants will begin by observing the animals & surroundings, and consider their own anxiety level.  With attention directed to physical signs of anxiety and active thoughts, participants will then gather their learning partner and begin. 

Leading their partner, participants will travel a pre-made obstacle course to explore:

  • what causes anxiety for horses
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  • what anxiety looks like (and creates)
  • what can be done about it

Understanding the fear nature of a horse helps participants see more deeply into their  own ‘flight responses.’  After completing the course, horses will be allowed to move freely about as participants reflect on the experience and insights gained.

Participants will then build an obstacle course that reflects their personal anxieties and how it feels to navigate through those anxieties.  They will then gather their horse partner and prepare to journey through their course together.

Before that obstacle course is navigated, participant and partner travel a path of peace to gather Scripture truths that will help them conquer the obstacles.  Armed with the knowledge gained in the previous two paths, participants will then face their personal path to peace.

PAL Sessions by appointment only.

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Skip the Resolutions & Set Some Goals

More than half of Americans (60%) refuse to make New Year’s resolutions…which isn’t a bad thing since 80% of those who do make resolutions won’t keep them.  In fact, Jesus said, ‘simply let yes be yes and no be no.’

ct studd only one lifeOn the other hand, setting a goal is a slightly different venture.  Life is the gift God gives to us; what we do with our life is the gift we return to Him.  Instead of setting a resolution, consider goals as the gift you prepare for the King of Kings.

Check out these verses if you need some convincing that plans and purposes are  supported by Scripture.

As the New Year zooms in, perhaps this little acrostic can help you outline some plans to ‘be your best for God’s glory’ in the coming days!  The goals we set must be S.M.A.R.T. – specific, measurable, achievable, realistic & with tangible value.  As you consider your goals, keep in mind we are triune beings:  body, soul (mind), and spirit.  Why not prayerfully seek a SMART goal for each area?

S.M.A.R.T.

SPECIFIC

Goals must be Spirit-led and specific.  Nice ideas are difficult to press toward.   Specific plans happen–vague, ‘let’s get together’ plans do not.  It is the same for goals.

“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”  Romans 13:11

MEASURABLE

Specific goals lend themselves to measurements.  Celebrating incremental progress helps you stay the course to the destination.

“Work brings profit, but mere talk leads to poverty!”  Proverbs 14:23busy yoke

ACHIEVABLE

Success inspires success.  Goals that are beyond reach bring discouragement quickly.  Evaluate your plans and don’t press to the limits of possibilities.  

“When you are harvesting your crops and forget to bring in a bundle of grain from your field, don’t go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigners, orphans, and widows. Then the LORD your God will bless you in all you do.  Deuteronomy 24:19

REALISTIC

Goals need to be more than wishes;  you must truly want to invest time and effort–as well as make sacrifices–to achieve goals.  

  “But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it?”   Luke 14:28  

TANGIBLE VALUE

Goals that do not add to your life will not hold your commitment.  Consider how the goal you have set adds value to your life…how it contributes to the priorities God has placed in your heart.  

Let’s spur one another on to good works.  What will you aim for in the coming year?

Christian Character: Enjoy Peace & Security

Character is described aptly as ‘who you are when no one is looking.’  Christianity is not a self-improvement project; however, change becomes the desire of our heart once we know the King.  We represent Christ.  In fact, we are being transformed into His image.

Accepting Christ as our Savior, Lord and Master restores us to relationship with God.  Understanding our purpose and identity allows us to recognize where we have gone astray from the perfect plans.  Once we have relationship & recognition, we ‘repent’–turn from death to life!  Now, it is time to assume our responsibility.  Knowing what God is like–who we are to look like, helps us as we take responsibility for the things that are ours to do.

Let’s take a look at some important Christian Character attributes.  Using a scale of 0-10, consider whether you never (0) exhibit the trait or you consistently (10) demonstrate that trait.

Trait Yourself
Loving (accepting & available)
Forgiving (not holding grudges)
Respectful (honors others and self)
Trustworthy (count on their promises)
Humble (puts others first)
Honest (transparent, truthful)
Patient (willing to wait w/o complaint)
Peaceful (quiet confidence in good)
Joyful/Hopeful (expects good to come)
Self-controlled (vs. addiction-controlled)

 

Does a lack of any of those traits cause you dismay?  There is good news:  these are the flavor of a Spirit-filled life.  We aren’t called to manufacture those feelings.  We don’t get to pick and choose which one we want.  They are the essence of Jesus Christ!  We are to agree with God on their value–and His power to produce them in our lives.  We do not transform ourselves; the Holy Spirit is our power source.

Take time now, to list—in order of priority, the three things from above that you feel God giving you the most desire to have in your life.  God uses positive pressure to change us.  He gives us sight to see where His life is lacking in our own.

1.

2.

3.

Our history is part of us; it need not define us or limit us.  However, when we stuff it away without understanding, negative stuff simmers deep within.  Living fully in the freedom of Christ requires bringing even the past into the Light of His love.

As you consider the character traits that trouble you, you may find lingering resentment about negative deposits in your character bank.  Forgiveness sets you free…ask the Holy Spirit if there is anything limiting your spiritual fruit.  For more insights on Forgiveness, visit this page. If you feel the need for help to grow, consider that developing this flavor in our lives is the goal of Discipleship Coaching.

Growth is a daily, life-long process, enjoy it!  As Paul said, “Though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day-by-day.”  What joy!

Parents as Builders

Integrity is the key to building a solid life that will last for eternity.  The foundation upon which the builder’s life is established is critical.  We can not transfer our foundation to the life of another, but we can live in such a way that our foundation is revealed as trustworthy, valuable and worth imitation.

For parents, living with integrity offers great hope for our children’s future.  The beauty of a life built upon God is revealed only when life is lived fully on the foundation.  We can’t pick and choose when we will live for the glory of God–and expect our children will live wholly for Him.  Nor can we expect our children will make the same choices we make.  Our children are entrusted to us by God–but they are HIS kids.  He loves them more than we do, but He desires for us to live in a way that they will see Him in us.

Every aspect of life-building which we endeavor to establish in the lives of our children must exist in our own lives.  As we pray for our children and seek to direct them, we must bare our hearts before God and ask that He reveal any ways in which we may not be living with integrity.

 Perpetual prayer patterns are a large part of my devotional time; they keep me centered on God’s design.  In the coming weeks we will delve into various prayer patterns we can utilize as we seek to build the lives of our children.

Our children are our heritage; individually we are all God’s heritage.  Living lives of lasting love builds an eternal legacy…and eternal heritage.  As you implement these day-by-day prayer focuses, ask the Lord to reveal your own heart and the specific ways in which these principles can be applied to show your child the value God–and you–place upon them as individuals.  Ask Him, too, to reveal if these are the foundations of your life.

  • Monday – Love for God’s Word; an understanding that the Bible is a guide book not a devotional.
  • Tuesday – Passion for a pure heart centered on God
  • Wednesday – Health and safety in body, soul and spirit
  • Thursday – Value system founded on God’s purposes
  • Friday – Thankful living
  • Saturday – Godly friends
  • Sunday – Growing faith

For a fuller look at these prayer areas, visit Growing Up in Christ.  Contact me if you would like to receive a ‘perpetual prayer list’ on Christian Character traits!

Prayer: Growing Up in Christ

God parents each of us perfectly!  Growing in grace and knowledge as Jesus did is an individual responsibility.  But we all–whether we have children or not–have opportunities to disciple (or spiritually parent) others.  This prayer guide is a tool ifor the growing up process–for ourselves and others.

Parenting is a privilege and responsibility that allows us co-laborer closely with the Lord in the soul-building process. He has provided powerful tools to utilize in our work. The Word of God is our primary tool; it is indeed a living and active tool. It is critical for our lives and our children’s lives. Love for God’s Word…for its necessity and tremendous value in each life…is the key to unlocking and utilizing this vital building block.

This ‘perpetual’ prayer guide has seven focus areas—one for each day of the week. Our prayers matter and keep us in tune with the Lord—for the reality is that all we pray for others must be sought for ourselves as well. May this prayer guide draw you and yours ever closer to Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of our faith!

Prayer Focus: Love of God’s Word 

Father in heaven, we praise you for the gift of Your Word. We praise you for the Living Word, Jesus Christ. And we praise you for our privilege of using words to communicate with others. Only humanity was allowed this precious gift. Lord we ask that You help us use words well with our children. Instill in our children a love for Your Word. Help them to understand and help us to live with the scriptures as our guide and not simply a pleasant source of encouragement. Help our children understand that every aspect of life is blessed by wisdom from the Word. Help us model for our children a desire to read, study, remember and apply Your Word moment by moment. We desire your plans and purposes for our children; we long for them to live lives of blessing. May Your Word be a light unto their path for their good and for your glory. We ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture supports:

Psalm 119:9, 72, 72, 140; Jeremiah 15:16; Ephesians 6:17; 1 Peter 1:22

Prayer Focus: Growing Faith 

Father, knowing you is the most important thing our children will ever experience. We ask that you meet with them in personal and transforming ways. Grow their spirits into ever greater likeness to Christ. Give us wisdom to point them to you. Grant us a depth of faith in your love for them that we do not interfere with your work. Reveal yourself to our children and draw them to your irresistible glory. Strengthen them in their inner being with your Spirit and be glorified in the lives of our children. In Jesus name, Amen

Scripture supports:

2 Corinthians 9:10; Ephesians 4:15; Hebrews 6:1; 2 Peter 1:5,6; 3:18; 3 John 1:4

Prayer Focus: Godly Friends 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your passion for relationships. We lift our children up to you asking that you will orchestrate their lives that Godly friends will bring beauty and sweetness to their days. We ask for friends that will encourage them to walk closely with you; friends that will look at Your glory with them; friends who will stand in the gap when they are unable to seek You. We praise you for your gift of love that we can love others. Work in our children’s lives and in each of their relationships that they will know You more day by day. In Jesus precious name, Amen

Scripture supports:

Malachi 3:16; Acts 2:42; Philippians 1:3: James 2:23

Prayer Focus: Thankfulness 

Father in Heaven, we rejoice that the key to entering Your presence is PRAISE! Help us guide our children to the joy of thankfulness. Teach us, Lord, to fix our eyes on that which is praiseworthy and life-building…and fill our hearts with joy and awe. We thank you, Lord, that You created all things for us to enjoy and we only have to remember they are from You. We thank you, Lord, that even hard things can become blessings when You are sought. Help us instill that in our children that they will live every day with thanksgiving and rejoicing for Jesus’ sake, Amen.

Scripture Supports:

Deuteronomy 8:10; Psalm 100:4; Colossians 1:12; 3:15; 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Prayer Focus: Values 

Father, help us as parents teach your values and live Your values that our children will see Your glory and choose the same values for their lives. Grant our children a vision of the value You place on every individual and the treasure of time. May every choice made–in career, in recreation, in friendships, in money and even thoughts be founded upon Your value system. We ask this for the glory of God and the good of these precious children You have entrusted to us! In Christ’s name, Amen

Scripture supports:

Joshua 24:15; John 4:34; 17:4; Acts 20:24; Philippians 3:13

Prayer Focus: Health and Safety for Body, Mind and Soul 

Heavenly Father, lover of our children’s souls, we ask Your protection of their bodies, minds and spirit. Total well-being is a by-product of a God-ward focus so we ask you to orchestrate their lives so that a desire for Your will and Your glory will be their greatest passion. May our example as parents not derail them in any way; hold us close to You and convict us of disparities in our own walk. Strengthen the children, Lord, to exercise discipline in their physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual pursuits and to submit all to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. May our children’s lives–and our own–have a depth of integrity, an alignment with Your Word of thoughts, words and actions, which will reveal Your glory to all those we come in contact with. We praise You for the gift of the life of Christ which lives within Your children and we ask all this in His name, Amen.

Scripture supports:

Psalm 26:3; Psalm 86:11; 2 John 4; Isaiah 32:18

Prayer Focus: Passion for a Pure Heart 

Father in Heaven, we long to see You and to have our children see You. Your glory is our source of hope and confidence in a world of challenges. Lord, work in our children’s hearts and open their eyes to see You…to see Your amazing love, Your righteousness and Your open arms. Instill in the hearts of our children–and in our hearts–an ever-increasing desire to walk in Your presence and behold Your glory. Might the greatest desire of our hearts be to please You with every choice we make in thought, word and deed and might that same desire be in the hearts of our children. We praise You for who You are and how You work and for the purifying, perfect work of Jesus Christ. In His name, we ask this…Amen.

Scripture Supports:

Malachi 3:3; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 1:7

Building a Home

Understanding God’s design for the home is critical because it is what gives our home a solid foundation.  No matter how long we have been married, we need to keep a scriptural view of marriage in the forefront of our mind.

Marriage/Family is:

• A declaration of ‘choosing to love.’ An imitation of God’s creation choice.

• A choice to create a new life—at the expense of self.

• A union created by God; a new life given by Him & sustained by Him

• A mission field, a university of instruction on unity; forum for learning to love unselfishly-unconditionally; forum to learn to build a relationship

• Treasure to be valued, honored and protected

• Intended to produce life—fruit of Godly children (perhaps natural, certainly spiritual children—and produce growth in partners as children of God.)

• Intended to produce the image of Christ’s relationship with the church; two becoming one as we are to be one with Christ as the church is to be united with Christ.

• Not intended to fulfill my personal purposes of companionship, pleasure & fulfillment—though those outcomes will result IF my focus is on God’s purposes

Prayer is a necessity:

• Seek scriptures for one another. Wrestle for each other. Colossians 4:12

• Seek to see God’s work and His glory revealed to children. Build a legacy. Psalm 90:16,17

• Triumph is in mercy. Hide in Jesus. James 2:13

• Be confident in God! Hebrews 10:35

 

Families are the foundation of every society…the fabric of the world.  Christian homes are to be a place of nurturing and truth.  Honoring the heritage we have received helps us celebrate both the past and the future.  The Family Heritage Guide is a fun family activity.  Interview elder family members–share your own stories.  Celebrate the gift of family!

Will you commit to pray for your home to be built on the Word of God…and will you commit to pray for other families as well?

CHOICES matter

Satan is a deceptive angel.  He is powerful.  Each step away from Choosing God creates greater captivity.  The work of walking in faith increases with each choice we make that is contrary to the will of God…but it doesn’t have to be so hard!

Jesus overcame the world.  He offers victory.  No one is separated from the love of God without hope, but every choice matters.  Taking time to consider the choices we make is vital.

Consider the list below.  Prayerfully ask God to reveal the truth of your own choices in each detail of life.

CHOICES FOR GOD (2 Peter 1)  
Doing life God’s way w/diligence that leads to freedom  
Understanding what God is aiming to achieve  
Self under control  
Patience – willing to endure suffering  
Life giving knowledge of God  
Phileo love – sharing God’s concern for others  
Agape love – united with very heart of  God  
 

CHOICES AGAINST GOD (Romans 1)
 

Doing – my way w/diligence that leads to captivity
Refusing to think on what God wants
Self-controlled
Prideful darkened heart pushing for self
Life sucking demands of idols
Consumed by lust of flesh
Wrath of God – separation from life; death

 

The busyness of life often hides our choices from view.  We react instead of think.

busy yoke

 God has given us a mind that must be used…choices are ours to make!

2 Thessalonians 1 offers a glimpse of the time when choices are narrowing down.  The passage speaks of the end of days…but that end is individual as well.  The day of salvation is now; the time to choose well is NOW.

What choices do you want to change?

For more on choosing well, visit this post.