Cleaning out the heart

My animals often reveal things in my heart that I can easily manage or bury in day-to-day living.  Yesterday was Gretchen’s turn to clean out my heart.  It was hot and the week had been long and busy.  gretchen-hug  I planned to stop by for a quick pat on the nose and a weight measurement before heading home to dinner with my family.

Gretchen had other plans.  Initially, it seemed we would play a little game that I call, ‘Who’s the lead mare?’  When I’ve not been spending time with her, she likes to make me work to catch her.  I was okay with that–but like every bad habit, it grew–and it wasn’t pretty.

Instead of the usual leisurely trot by me and a stop to see if I was playing, she ran all out from one end of the field to the other–over logs, through brush.  She kept her ear toward me on each pass and stopped at the other end of the field.  A few laps of that and the amusement of the earlier games evaporated.  I had created a monster that needed correction.  And I wasn’t happy about it; it wasn’t on my agenda for the day.

I was due for a heart cleaning…emotionally, spiritually and physically.  I’ll spare you the ugly blow-by-blow physical details but the fly-over includes the pain of twisting my ankles a few times, some angry words, a few angry kicks from Gretchen, and a lot of panting, sweating and heart-thudding from both of us. Like every time that sin & flesh reign, the unrest spills over onto others…Riesa’s horse got into the action by dumping her as she tried to help me.   Struggles reveals weaknesses–and build strength!  Seeing God clearly requires seeing our short-comings and mistakes.

You can’t go with God and stay the way you are!

What Gretchen reminded me was that my agenda is not the rule of the day–nor is it her reason for being.  She is living, breathing creature with certain needs that must be met–and those are not just physical needs of food and shelter.  She needs attention that includes exercise and discipline.  I can’t just indulge her–not can I indulge myself with her.  She’s not just for my enjoyment.  In fact, her reason for being in my life is to increase my awareness of the goodness of God.  Usually she does that with the sweet enjoyment of relationship and working toward common goals.  Yesterday, her stubborn-ness was an effective tool…because she showed me how I am with the One who ‘owns me.’

You see, God often interrupts my plans too.  His ways are not mine.  Like with my horse, most of my God-time is easy awareness of the blessings of relationship.  To me, the work of faith is as much the joy as the relationship.  The principles of the Word work in life as effectively as they work in the barn.  And the joy of seeing God at work usually keeps my heart singing.  He is my heart desire and usually my preferences coincide with His.  I don’t even know that lurking below the surface is that flesh nature simply indulging itself…not sacrificially worshipping at all.

Those times of failing offer the best potential for transformation!

But yesterday, Gretchen and I had a different agenda.  My preferences were not the rule of the day, and my idols bubbled to the surface.  With my preferences pre-empted, I lost my focus on the One who determines everything.  His goodness didn’t change.  His principles didn’t change.  But I forgot to look at them…and failed to implement them.  It’s the blindness we all experience…but Jesus heals!  Infections have to be exposed and cleaned. I am so thankful for how my animals help with that process.

What we don’t see (or feel) can’t be confessed and released.  

God knew my weariness from the week.  He knew my family was waiting for me to get home for dinner.  He also knew I battle being self-centered; I tend to people-please.  Those things interfere with being a surrendered servant.  They need to go.  In His goodness, he used Gretchen to expose them in me.  In her goodness, she worked me over and through them until we implemented some biblical principles of respectful relationship.  Now it is my work to be sure I implement them in my faith walk.

All of life offers us opportunity to experience transformation.  We are all on a journey to becoming like Christ.  

How does God help you see and feel the things He wants to change in you?

 

 

It’s too much. We can’t do it.

“This place is a wasteland.  Send them on, Jesus.  

There’s not enough here to meet our needs…let alone their needs.”

Do you ever look around your world and feel like that?  The problems and the heartaches seem too big.  The resources too meager.  You’ve seen miracles…seen Jesus work but now you are tired.  That’s the picture I see in Matthew 14.  It reminds me that the end of my resources is the doorway to knowing more about my Savior!

Wastelands appear when human wants rule.  King Herod launched this set up by getting what he really wanted…to kill the one who said he was wrong for what he was doing.  But the will of the Father is never subject to the whims of man.

God works within our broken world to reveal Himself.  Watch Jesus.

The death of John the Baptist grieved Jesus’ heart.  He set out to spend time with the Father.  But the Father’s plan wasn’t a quiet prayer time.  The crowds followed and Jesus’ heart moved with compassion.  He spent the day healing all those who were sick and broken.  As evening approached, the disciples were done.  The practical need for food loomed large–and blinded them to the power of the One who saves.  They had seen miracles all day but didn’t seem to think Jesus could help with simple subsistence.

Ever been there?  The bills climb higher than the checkbook balance.  The demands on your time outrun the clock.  The hurts of life squeeze hope out of your heart.  The passage in Matthew shows the solution.  Lift up the meager resources you see and watch God multiply them.  There is enough because HE is enough.  

When everyone was filled, they went on home.  Jesus sent his disciples into the wind…into a struggle against the wind and the waves.  THEN, Jesus moved on with His plan…to spend time with the only One who can make things right in the world.   It would seem that the Father gave Him a new assignment for the story just gets better!  After time with Abba, Father, Jesus went to His struggling disciples.  Fatigue gave way to fear as they saw Him walking on water toward them.  He whom they had watched deliver people all day…healing and providing for needs…was not recognized.  Jesus simply reminded them, “I am the One who saves His people.”

Oh, how we forget that!  The problems of life choke us.  The world feels like a wasteland sometimes…but Jesus.  He came to save.  Will we trust Him like Peter did?   Will we trust Him enough to fail?  Look at what Peter says…

“If it’s really you, tell me to come to you.”

Jesus said, “Come.” ‘Walk on water to get to me…do whatever it takes but come to me.’  That’s what I hear.  Trust me enough to step into reality that you do not control because I am the One who saves.

That’s scary stuff there.  Failure is the only option in the human realm.  And truth is, Peter failed victoriously because He did what Jesus said; He stepped out.  The fact that fear gripped him as he looked around is a side result that opened the door for Jesus:  the One who came to save.

Matthew 13

That all will know Jesus is the only result that matters in this world.  When we will trust Him like Peter did, others will know and worship Him with us.  Look at verse 33:  And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!”

What is God asking you to trust Him for today?

Family – training for relationship

God created us for relationship–and family is intended to be the safe place for learning and practicing relationship skills.  We become our very best…and relate our very best to others…when we know who we are designed to be and how to live fully in Christ!

What we learn only in our heads can be difficult to put into practice.  A.A.R.T. (animal-assisted relationship training) helps weave knowledge from head to heart to heels!

 

Riddles, unknown objects, observations, errors & blindfolded walking brought truths of our identity in Christ into the light.  AART isn’t a magical solution to building family relationships.  It is a tool to help each person grow more into the likeness of Christ and share more of the glory of God in their interactions with others.

Check out the ways Heartsong helps bring the wisdom of the word to individual walks.

Bunnies are Bullies

BULLYING

Current statistics indicate half of school-age children report having been bullied in the past month.  A strong link exists between bullying and suicide–the leading cause of death for young people.

Bullying is an increasing problem, but it isn’t a new problem nor is it confined to schools.  Businesses bully, politicians bully, police bully, minorities bully, families bully–and sadly, even Christians bully.

Bullying isn’t always violent, but it is always an attempt to control.  It manipulates, pressures, shames and intimidates.  It’s a learned behavior that destroys lives as it proclaims, “It’s all about ME!”

  • Bullies want their own way more they want anything else.
  • Bullies are bossy.
  • Bullies demand their own way when they want it & how they want it.
  • Bullies set themselves up as god.

We can stop bullying…and the creation of bullies…by living as a child of the Most High God!  God NEVER bullies, though the sad truth is many think God is a bully.  He is humble, generous and good.  His Way is the way to end bullying!  Jesus is that Way!

Of course, knowing the answer is way easier than living the answer!

Let the animals teach…
Heartsong Bunnies and Bullies

Bullying is a natural trait of….wait for it…BUNNIES!

I saw that roll of the eyes.  Stay with me.

Yes, bunnies are a prey animal. In nature, they are often on the receiving end of much more than bully-ing.  By nature, though, within their social structure, bullying is a way of life.

BIG Bunny

Bunny hierarchy is pretty interesting but visit this link if bunny details are your primary interest because this will just be a fly (well, hop) over.  While every colony (or warren) will have a Chief BIG BUNNY (BB), there are many BBs  in the bunny world. Every BB expects–demands–to be worshiped and obeyed by every other bunny.  The message from every BB (Big Bunny or Big Bully) is the same:  “This life–including your life–is all about me.”

Good Goals Gone Wrong

Even good goals get lost with a self-centered approach.  Respect & affection are the foundational values of bunny life.  Every demand a bunny makes is for one of those purposes.

Good goals pursued the wrong way stop being good.

Disobedience to bunny social rules is read as disrespect–and receives a punishment.  There are a lot of ways to offend a bunny.  Hopping by without speaking, attention to another bunny or being too familiar can generate a foot flick, an angry look, a growl, bite or complete shunning.  Taking offense is a bunny characteristic…it’s a bully characteristic too.

War in the Warren

Bunny bullying is pretty tame when they live in the wild.  But a bunny stuck with humans who don’t speak bunny can get pretty aggressive.  We humans are prone to disobeying bunny rules and creating resentments.   Bunnies hold a grudge, and just like with people, grudges create walls of separation.  Bully bunnies become so damaged, they do not want a relationship with people.  Sometimes, fear, anger or pride take over every other desire and their innate sociability is destroyed.  It is a sad state for the bunny-and its human family.

Does the Bullying problem in our world make more sense?

A World of Bullies

Self-centeredness and resentments are the commonality in warrens–and in our world.  Selfishness and unhealed, open wounds create bullies…and victims.  Unforgiveness is poison to yourself and the world around you!

The answer for both self-centeredness and resentments is the same:  

Jesus, the Healer….Jesus, the reconciler.

Like bunnies, we people are created to be social.  God so longed for relationship He created humanity.  But God humbly loves…He gave humanity the freedom to choose to love Him or not.  It is a fearsome choice with serious consequences.  While God is generous and good, He is also holy.  We are accountable for our choices.  Every choice is a choice of LIFE or DEATH.  Our choices are actions that produce one or the other.

Sadly, sometimes in our lives, greed, fear, anger and pride push God aside and we take matters in our own hands.  We choose our way instead of The Way.  We choose death.

Bullying is not solved by becoming a bigger bully.

Bullying stops when we refuse to bully–and when we refuse to be bullied–the same WAY Jesus responded.  Instead of taking offenses to heart and holding on to them, we must know who God is and who He created us (ourselves & our offenders) to be.

Victors not Victims

Knowing God as the Bible reveals Him to be gives us victorious courage.  We can walk through life secure in His care.  That does not mean we will never have trials.  Learning to trust God enough to die to self is a daily (moment-by-moment) necessity.

Jesus is the Way…and if we look at His life, we see His earthly life ended by bullies.  In America, that is not a common danger–though it is in some places and sometimes is true here.  Jim Elliott, who gave His life that others would have life, speaks eloquently to that concern:

Image result for he is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep

Finally, the cure to bullying is in knowing the value of every life.  The King of Kings died on the cross for individuals–not the masses.  He died not as a martyr but as a sacrifice with great purpose:  destroy the works of the devil and re-open the Way to relationship with the Father in heaven.  He gave His life that we would be able to live in union with God and others.  Our lives flow with that power and purpose when He lives in us.

Victors over Bullying

  • Victors want God’s way more they want anything else.
  • Victors are humble and meek.
  • Victors respect people’s right to choose.
  • Victors bow before their God and enjoy His presence.

What things tempt you to bully?

What ways are you bullied by others?

Will you choose The Way?

 

CLICK here for more info or to schedule a Heartsong visit.

 

 

 

 

Condition of Love

Love is not in very good shape in our world, is it?  Hateful, despicable words are common.  This world has a filter of self-indulgence, self-defense and self-promotion.  Sadly, it is a filter used by religious folks as much as political leaders. In contrast, the filter of love is the character of God.  The silver lining of the gloomy condition of love in our world is that even a tiny light of true love will gleam with the Glory of God.  

Unconditional love does not mean there are no conditions…it means that the love surpasses all conditions.  That is very good news for all of us!  Love is the character of God; true love received will transform us into His likeness.  It will not excuse our filter of self promotion.  It will change us and then we can be used to change the world.  We live in a thirsty world–a world dying for the love described in Scripture.

A story captivated my heart this morning.  A seven-year old child in the Philippines, abandoned by parents whose ability to love couldn’t stand the rigors of marriage and family, heard of the love of God in the Bible.  At seven, this child was selling fish to have enough money to eat; she baby-sat for family to have enough money to go to school.  At seven, she longed for love.  To this lonely, isolated little girl, the Words of Jesus called…and thankfully, servants of Jesus showed this precious child what that love looked like.  My heart was pierced.  I know there are people longing for love all around me.

Do I live the love of God enough to bring its refreshing, life-giving supply to those who are dying of thirst around me?

We cannot give what we do not have; yet often that is what we try to do as Christians.  We love the idea of the love of God.  We even tell others that God loves them.  We love with our self-filtered idea of love…indulging, defending and promoting our own ideas. 

But love is the character of God…not the efforts of fallen humanity.  Love that transforms; love that quenches thirst comes from above!  It is the love of God that enters our lives and changes us that allows us to love in a transforming way.  Human love manipulates and demands; it simply adds to the deadly sins killing our world.

The Word of God is intended to enter our ears and exit our feet.  As it seeks to fill every corner of our being, every facet of our lives, our eyes become open to the places where love is not a reality for us.

The love of God longs to transform those hard spots.  We cannot love well until it does.  We have to be thirsty for the love of God to be real for us before we can take that love to another.  Love is messy; it exposes things that don’t look like God in US.  Until we let it do

overflowing-cup
Photo by shioshvili via Flickr (Creative Commons)

its work in us, it cannot flow out of us.  Love is the only answer to the deadly sins of our world…the sins that are just evidence of hearts longing for love:  the drug addictions, the sexual immoralities, the lusts for power & control.  

Are we thirsty enough for love that we will allow it into us?   Do we trust God enough to let Him love us AND change us? 

In the story of seven-year old Jasel, the writer described the thirst this way:

“…insatiable desire for the love spoken of in the Bible.”

Jesus is the living water.  We are to be vessels of that water.  He lived and loved the will of the Father which was to draw people into relationship with our heavenly Father.  May our heart desire be to do the same.  The world is dying for love.  

Will you do the hard work of love?  Will you let the Father love you so much He reveals the hard spots in your life that need to be surrendered?  If you will, you become a vessel for the living water.  

Cross-Life coaching can help you face the hurting places where you need love.

LOVE IS A VERB.  Live it!

Building Relationships

“There is no beauty in domination. Control is a cheap substitute for partnership.”  

Anna Blake

 Relationships matter!  We have shared before some principles taught in an equine coaching program that offer solid wisdom for our human connections.  In a relationship:

  • If it’s not good for both, it’s not good for either.
  • A healthy relationship is a safe place…even for ignoring or resisting.
  • Asking clearly aids in building communication–and ultimately connection.
  • When you are being ignored, gently increase the pressure until you are heard.
  • When you are resisted, quietly stand your ground.

Practicing those theories is HARD WORK.  It requires self-awareness and self-restraint.  The first is our job; the latter is a fruit of the Spirit!

My horse, Gretchen is a good instructor for someone like me who doesn’t like to push people; she ignores me really well.  She’s not rebellious or even ‘resisting’–she simply does her own thing.  Allowing her to stay in her isolated state is unhealthy for her–and creates a potentially dangerous situation for both of us.  So, I have been investing time in our relationship.  Learning what to ask and how to ask with firm gentleness is part of my curriculum.  As we work, my conviction for the potential of learning relationship skills with animals grows:

Our world is full of unhealthy, broken relationships.  Failing to connect with God has eternal ramifications.  Failing to connect with family and friends robs us–and them–of the richness God intends for life.  God has given us all things that we might enjoy them…and give honor and praise to the Giver!

HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS – HORSES, HOMES & HEAVEN!

Relationship requires give and take, communication, and sharing.  Our world increasingly promotes isolation and self-gratification.  Technology simplifies the stuff of life and complicates the connections of life.  Abundant living, though, can only be found in connection:  first with God and then with others.   God created humanity because His nature is love–and love has to have expression and reciprocity. We love because He first loved us…all love that does not originate in Him finds its roots in self-satisfaction.

True relationship involves meeting the needs of both.  Before that can happen, there has to be shared communication and respect.  The horses help us see the components of healthy connection with greater clarity.  In the Lifemanship model, “Ignoring” is described as an attitude that says (in response to a request), “Not really interested, and I can take this amount of pressure all day.”  “Resisting” includes any number of behaviors…but there is no doubt that neither cooperation or ignoring are in progress.  Relationships require cooperation to reach a connection that benefits both and meets needs.

So, here’s a quick run down of how Miss Gretchen is teaching me to relate more effectively to her, to myself, to others and most importantly to God:

TIME together is a necessity.  The fact that I want to connect with her has no bearing on the reality of getting to know one another.  Thinking about her while I am busy doing something else does not build our relationship.  That same truth applies to marriage, parenting and friendships.  It applies to our relationship with God.  Relationships require investing ourselves.  Establishing priorities that honor our relationship commitments is no easy task.  We live in a busy world always calling us to do more.  Time connecting deeply–first with God, then with others allows us to enjoy life more abundantly.

AWARENESS is another critical component of relationships–and abundant living.  It is so easy to live without awareness.  Being ignored is the extreme of no awareness on the part of the one we seek to connect with.  But that is just an extreme:  a lack of awareness happens all the time!  My stress or perceptions of how we are progressing have a direct impact on how I relate to Gretchen.  Whether I am afraid, insecure or distracted by something else changes how I interact with her.  On her side of the equation, awareness about her signs of stress and confusion are also vital.  Tuning in to my part in a relationship–and diligently seeking to look through the eyes of my partner is key to connection.  God cared so much about it, He came in human flesh.  Jesus knows our struggles; He can relate to us.  In Him, our awareness of others and ourselves increases.

COMMUNICATION is individual, and clarity necessary.  Gretchen and I are learning one another’s language and misunderstandings happen.  Sometimes I am not always certain what I want…and when I am unclear, she will share my confusion.  The first guiding principle of Lifemanship helps me here: ‘Whatever I ask must be good for both of us.’  That principle gives me a goal and courage.  I’m not as timid about asking for what I believe is best for all.  The same is true in our relationship with God and others.  Every instruction of God is for our good and His glory.  It is a beautiful model for relationships!  Learning to speak with consistent clarity is a challenge to aspire toward.

GOALS are a destination to move toward, not a requirement to demand.  Building relationship is a journey toward shared goals.  What I ask of Gretchen, I ask for the purpose of growing our relationship.  The length of time it takes to get where I want to go is part of the journey.  In our connections with God and others, the same is true.  I want to spend time with the Lord not to gain some new insight that I can share–but to know Him more fully.  I want to spend time with my husband…my children…my friends, so I will know more of what is on their heart.

COURAGEOUS HUMILITY is a powerful concept Gretchen teaches me over and over again.  I don’t like to be wrong–or ask for what is unreasonable–or do things poorly.  But I’m learning right alongside her.  I don’t know her well yet; there’s tons I don’t know about horsemanship.  BUT relationships don’t require perfection; they do require courageous humility.  Being willing to be wrong…willing to be a fool for the purpose of growing your relationship is RIGHT!  Forgiving mistakes is part of bonding.

To learn more about how horses can help you sing the song God has put in your heart more clearly, check out:  Heartsong AART!

What one aspect of this can you apply today to your connection with God…with another?

 

Do you live a divided life?

ct studd only one life

Confusion is a tool of the enemy.  God is a God of order and peace.  He says what He means, He means what He says…and He offers us a choice to believe it or not.  Our choices have consequences.

We live in a confused and chaotic world because so many choose not to believe what the Word of God states.  That truth is truth for believers and non-believers alike.  For those of us in the Church, some of society’s confusion seems so extreme we are tempted to judge with condemnation and criticism instead of speaking with a clear, gentle voice of truth.  The heart of God breaks for those confused about such a clarion issue as gender.  The rejection of the clear Word of God, (Genesis 1:27, 5:2; Mark 10:6) creates chaos at many levels.  There are more subtle rejections of the  Word of God that create equal chaos.

Circumstances. Experiences. Opinions. Desires. Needs.  The temptation to elevate any of those to ruling power in our lives often overcomes believers.  We elevate those things–our selves–above the Word of God and allow our thoughts to be clouded.  “I can’t…” is a phrase that is only accurate if it partnered with “I can’t do anything without Christ.”  The mind–and the power to choose what we allow into our mind–is a transforming gift given by the Creator to humanity.  Every circumstance, experience, opinion, desire and need offers us an opportunity to seek the will of God and step out in faith.  This world is the proving ground for the glory of God…He loves to work in the fragile, imperfect, fallible clay vessels of humanity.

Choosing to believe His promises, HIS WORD, in the midst of life prevents divided living.  The choice is for ALL of His Word–not just the pieces we like. God is not divided.  He is love and He is wrath.  His Holiness if complete…it does not include any unrighteousness.  He cannot be impure and pure at the same time.  Neither can we.  We are to live wholly in the redemption of the Cross…wholly in the life of Christ that lived upon the Word of God.

Departing from the pure wholeness of the Scriptures creates divided lives of chaos and confusion.  It prevents unity in the Body and clouds the glory of God.  We are not called to create unity but to keep unity in the Spirit–and we do that as we walk in the Word.

Do you know who God created you to be?  

Do you know your design and your destiny?  

God wants you to.  He wants you to know it and to live it…so others will do the same.

DESIGN AND DESTINY

The Power of Choice & Change

The Serenity Prayer…do you remember it?

  • Serenity to accept what can’t be changed.
  • Courage to change what can be changed.
  • Wisdom to know the difference.

Often, we fall into self-pity instead of choosing to accept responsibility for what we CAN change!  That keeps us from ever reaching serenity…or developing courage.  Instead of seeking wisdom–which begins with reverence for God–we listen to our world, but:

We live in a confused culture that idolizes independence, develops dependencies and prefers the blame game to the challenge of change. 

Choice is powerful!  It is the greatest God has given.  Awe for the gift and the Giver delivers us from every difficult.

Take time to consider what needs changing in your life.  All of us fall short of the glory of God; we all have areas that God points to.  Don’t run from it.  Run into it!  Will there be pain in change?  Most likely!  Will there be greater–unproductive pain–if you do not change?  Undoubtedly!!  Perfect love casts out all fear.

AWARENESS

What aspects of my life are out of line with the goodness of God?

Galatians 5 is a great filter to identify those areas.  Where are you not feeling joy…or peace?  Or where is there tension?

ASKING

Let the Holy Spirit work the Truth into your heart.  The enemy wants you run from the awareness; he’ll pour out guilt and condemnation.  In the name of Jesus, tell him to leave.  Then listen to the Holy Spirit.  Conviction is His work.  Conviction that leads to change pierces your heart but draws you to the grace and mercy of God.  The Holy Spirit speaks with love that transforms.  Listen to His loving voice and ask for the next step you need to take to align that area of your life with the Father’s will.

ACTION

Love is a verb and obedience to the will of the Father is nourishment for our lives (John 4:34). The Scriptures are clear that God guides us.  The earthly reality is equally clear:  we don’t always like what He says, so we CHOOSE to ignore Him.  This us brings us back to where this entry began:  CHOICE.

We have the choice to align our lives with God or not.

Every choice comes with consequences.  Choose Life!

An extra treat for your enjoyment:  the rest of the story on the Serenity Prayer!

 

 

Where is peace?

The Serenity Prayer has spoken to hearts for decades.  The author is often listed as ‘Anonymous’ and frequently the second stanza is eliminated. The longing for peace transcends time and culture.  Sometimes, though, the piece is attributed to certain theologians or martyrs of the Christian faith–which takes one a little closer to the truth of its history.

As it always does, well-researched history provides us a deep richness.  There is even humor in the fact that the author is often listed as anonymous.  I’m quite sure he wouldn’t care–for he knew where real serenity was found.  Living that way produces greatness that can never be lost.    Check out the fullness of his writing and then I’ll share the rest of the story:

God, give us grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.

Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as Jesus did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that You will make all things right,
If I surrender to Your will,
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen.   

The author was Reinhold Neibuhr.  an American theologian, pastor and social activist in the 1900s.  One of the millions whom Neibuhr influenced was the great Dietrich Bonhoeffer, another Christian whose life & faith has strengthened millions.

Serenity is found, as Mr. Neibuhr says, when we trust God and surrender to His will.  Living with trust & surrender produces eternal fruit…even if others don’t have a clue!

Do I matter? Does anyone care?

It is the question we hate feeling:  Do I matter?  Does anyone care?  We spend much of our lives seeking activities and relationships that give us an affirmative answer.  There is only One who can answer that to our complete satisfaction.  The only One who can answer it is the One who created us.

Animals are amazingly helpful in leading us to the Answer.  You don’t need to come to an A.A.R.T. session to experience the power.  Use your own pets…even observe on in the wild and ask yourself some questions.  Come on an AART discovery with me!

ABCS of Safety, Security & Significance

In the Garden of Eden, the choice to reject God’s one command cut humanity off from the Need Meeter. When we seek to meet the needs that God built into us…instead of seeking Him…we sin & become captive to that sin. Restoring connection to the Father begins the process of healing…and fulfillment…and loving ourselves. From childhood to senior citizen, we must find how Christ is the answer we seek and understand how to apply that answer to diverse situations.  It isn’t a ‘one and done’ process.  Life gives us new challenges DAILY.  Living fully means knowing IN THE MOMENT, every moment, who we are in the eyes of God.

Acceptance by God restores IDENTITY for individuals.  It provides strength for life in a changing world. When roles or actions give a person identity, they never learn the unique design God gave them. “Who am I” is a necessary question because the answer gives stability.

Animal-assisted Insight

  • How & when did you become a ‘pet parent?’
  • Are they conscious aware of your  care & provision?
  • Does their awareness of your effort change your care for them?

God-sightings:

  • What does God do for you that you may not have noticed?
  • How does awareness of His provision change your view of your worth?

Scriptures:                  Psalm 139:13-14

Belonging to God restores boundaries that provide safety and security. In the natural world, safety is an increasing concern from childhood to old age. Involvement with animals requires learning to be observant of body language and danger zones. It is easy to appreciate the value of fences, leashes and lead ropes. Let’s extend those truths to things we face daily:  the internet, to strangers with candy or puppies and to individual choices.

Animal-assisted Insight:

  • What ways to do you protect your pet?
  • What happens when they break through those boundaries?

God-sightings:

  • What ways does God ‘limit’ His children?  Where do you feel limited TODAY?
  • How does He make us aware when we break through those boundaries?

Scriptures:                  Psalm 46:1

Calling of God restores purpose to lives. The Word tells us God has created us for good works…and for connection to Him. He treasures His children and cares for them. Using the natural needs of animals (nutrition, coat & hoof care, exercise), coaches draw parallels to caring for the body as the temple of God and caring for others.

Animal-assisted Insight:

  • What needs do you meet for your pets that you tend to neglect for yourself?
  • What do you expect from them?
  • Are your animals meeting a need for you that they are not designed to meet?

God-sightings:

  • Christ died so we could take our needs to God:  What needs do you take to God?
  • Are there things you know God desires for you that you do not press toward?
  • What need are you facing today that you are trying to meet on your own–or even with your animals?

Scriptures:               Ephesians 2:10