When the Soul Bleeds

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
[Jesus said] "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering" (Mark 5:31-34 NIV).

Friend to Friend

When we read the story of Jesus healing the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, it is hard for us twenty-first century women to imagine such a condition lasting for so long. Medical science has progressed far beyond the rudimentary knowledge of Jesus' day. It is simply unthinkable today.

But I suggest there are still many women with chronic bleeding of a different sort. We bleed from the heart.

From the time Sarah was six-years-old, her father crept into her bedroom in the dark of night and violated her little body. Now, as an adult, her heart bleeds.

Remembering to Forget

Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13, 14 NIV).

Friend To Friend
As humans, we tend to remember what we need to forget and forget what we need to remember. God, on the other hand, forgets what He promises to forget and remembers what He promises to remember. God said, “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more” (Hebrews 10:17). 

Paul tells us one of the secrets to his success as a Christian and in life. “But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14). 

In the Bible, God tells us that He “forgets” our sins and remembers them no more.  But how does an omniscient, all-knowing God forget?  Let’s look at the antonym to get a better understanding.

Bonnke, Hayford Call Benny Hinn Remarriage a Miracle

STEVE STRANG

 

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Benny Hinn said nothing until the end when he prayed over Suzanne as the visiting Christian leaders crowded around. (Charisma News)

Evangelist Benny Hinn and his ex-wife Suzanne were remarried on Sunday after being divorced since 2011.

The Hinns’ divorce was widely reported and represented the latest of several high-profile Christian leaders who have recently divorced. Pastor Jack Hayford, Suzanne's father Roy Harthern and evangelist Reinhard Bonnke repeatedly referred to the significance of the Hinns' remarriage, calling it miraculous.

Celebrating Spiritual Birthdays

BY SUSAN

One of the biggest days for parents of young children is their child’s birthday! All over the country, moms go to great lengths to celebrate in a fitting way. One mom rents a clown, another a horse and buggy, yet another a restaurant complete with games and food. Cupcakes or cakes are often spectacular and gift bags beautifully arranged. Even moms (often older, more exhausted, and wiser ones!) who do not go to great lengths still celebrate their child. It’s a rare parent who forgets or ignores this special day. And usually this day is shared with lots of friends and certainly remembered by relatives. It’s an important day. It’s a genuine celebration of one of God’s most precious gifts — our child.

But there’s an even more significant birthday celebration. It’s the day our child asks Jesus to come into his or her heart. Too often, this day is noticed and a parent rejoices, but rarely is this good news shared with others. Oh, how it needs to be!

Help in Conflict

Written by Gail Rodgers

“And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19)

No one likes to be thought of as needy. We prefer other adjectives for ourselves, words that reflect strength or wisdom. Think about your own needs for a moment. It’s easier to think of someone else and how to help them but can you identify where you are have been needy lately?

There is a tool we can use to help us see our own need. It is the tool of paying attention to any conflict in our lives. Conflict often reflects unmet needs. Think about it for a moment.

Take a moment to recall the last encounter you had with conflict. Most of us don’t have to dig very far into our memories. Sometimes the unmet need is basic and easy to remedy such as the need for sleep. Yet often it is much deeper. The need to feel valued and heard or the need to be accepted or respected can cause conflict from a wounded heart.

The Treasure Box

Written by Kristi Huseby

“[B]ut Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” (Luke 2:19, NLT)

Did you have a treasure box growing up? I did. In my treasure box I had a very old dollar coin that my Mom had given to me, some chapstick, and various other items that you might have considered junk but to me they were valued possessions.

In Luke 2:19 (NLT) we get the idea that Mary had a treasure box of sorts, only her treasures were memories of Jesus and how his life intersected with hers. Look at what it says, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

What were those things she stored in her “treasure box”? Could it have been the time when the Angel came to tell her that she would bear a child even though she was a virgin? Or what about when she visited with Elizabeth who was old, wrinkled and very pregnant? Did she treasure watching God’s miracle growing within her?

The Godly Role of a Mother and Grandmother

Written by Lillian Penner

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)

If Timothy’s grandmother Lois had not beenfaithful in passing on her faith to her daughter Eunice and her grandson Timothy we probably would not have First and Second Timothy in the Bible today. This is a good generational example of the importance of passing on the faith to future generations. Lois is our forerunner who modeled grandmothering for us.

The Grandparents' Crown

"Grandchildren are the crown of old men..." - Proverbs 17:6

Isn't it amazing how the normal conflicts in the parent-child relationship don't seem to be a problem with grandparents and grandchildren? Grandparents may have old-fashioned values, but they're loved and admired by their grandchildren.

What do you think of when you think of a beloved grandparent? Even hardened cynics often get misty-eyed when recalling memories of a grandparent, yet grandparents are often the forgotten victims of divorce and separation. In June of 2000, the Supreme Court defended the parents' right to restrict or cut off ties with the grandparents of their children. Such a sad state of mind.

Parents, let's do all we can to enhance the relationship between our children and their grandparents. It's part of their heritage that they need to understand. It's part of their identity that makes them whole. God's Word says, "Grandchildren are the crown of old men." If at all possible, don't deny them their crown.

Growing Up in the Shadow of OCD

By Robyn Cuspin

When I remember the mother of my childhood, I remember her washing the dishes, scrubbing the floor, or checking and doubling-checking the gas burners to make sure they were completely off, and we wouldn't all be gassed in our sleep. She had a special chant she used as she checked the burners. Standing with her hands on her hips and one finger outstretched, she began, "Silver. One. Two. Three. Off." And again, "Silver. One. Two. Three. Off." If she was interrupted, she would begin again. "Silver. One. Two. Three. Off." But even if she wasn't interrupted, she would begin again. Leaving the house was an anxiety-ridden process of checking, and double checking, to make sure there would be a house to return to. Needless to say, my mother was always late. Her rules were all that stood between her and the abyss of anxietyYears later, as an adult, I would begin to understand her anxiety about being gassed as an inter-generational inheritance from my grandmother's adolescence interred in the concentration camps. But as a child I couldn't begin to make the connection between our enormous, white, antique gas oven, and my silent, sad, and obese Yiddish-speaking grandmother, who shopped and cooked in preparation for the great famine that never arrived.

Making a House a Home

by Ameerah 

(USA)

Keeper of the Home

"She looks well to how things go in her household, and the bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat" -Proverbs 31:27 (AMP)

Is there still respect for the art form known as Christian homemaking? Or is keeping one's home merely a mundane task that is more often rushed through and resented rather than treasured and honored?

Trouble Ahead - God’s presence is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble.

by Joe Stowell

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Our Daily Bread Radio is hosted by Les Lamborn

Read: Numbers 13:25–14:9

Only do not rebel against the Lord, nor fear the people of the land; . . . the Lord is with us. Do not fear them. —Numbers 14:9

Bible in a Year:
Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40

Inevitably, trouble will invade our lives: A bad report from a medical test, the betrayal of a trusted friend, a child who rejects us, or a spouse who leaves us. The list of possibilities is long, but there are only two options: forge ahead on our own, or turn to God.

Flying solo into the face of trouble is not a good idea. It can lead to bad behavior patterns, blaming God, and retreating into defeat. Like the Israelites, we may spin out of control and into despair (Num. 14:1-4).

When the majority of the spies brought a report of intimidating giants and dangers ahead, they used the pronoun “we” seven times with no reference to the Lord (13:31-33). The Israelites were on the cusp of the ultimate blessing that God promised to them. They were eyewitnesses to the miracles in Egypt and their feet had walked the dry bottom of the Red Sea in jaw-dropping victory. God’s faithfulness had been amazingly evident. What short memories! What disappointing faithlessness! Sadly, they turned their backs on God and left the blessing behind.

Caleb and Joshua, on the other hand, opted to turn to the Lord with this confidence: “The Lord is with us” (14:9). When your giants show up, what will you do?

In this world of sin and trouble 

Where so many ills are known, 

If I shun the ways of evil, 

I am kept by Him alone. — Smith 

  God’s presence is a life preserver that keeps the soul from sinking in a sea of trouble.

http://odb.org/2011/07/10/trouble-ahead/

Five Friends Every Mommy Needs Because friends are what keep mothers sane.

By Olivia Yao, Three Moons | Yahoo! SHE 


Have you noticed that ever since you became a mommy, almost everything about your life has changed? You’re probably rolling your eyes and saying “Well, duh, of course it has. Does that even have to be pointed out?” But I’m not talking about the obvious changes. I’m talking about the little ones that creep up on you and throw you for a loop because you never expected them to happen! One of those changes is your choice in friends. Because no matter what you say, your total revamp of lifestyle affects who you hang out with and who you turn to.

1. The Mommy Friend whose child is about the age of yours

She’s the friend who understands what you’re going through because she’s living the exact same thing you are. Your conversations range from potty training to overly competitive moms to whether today is a good eating day or not. You share tips, ideas, frustrations, and milestones, and are always ready for a play date or even just a chat over coffee to escape the madness of home. She’s on your speed dial or phone’s list of favorites because when you need to vent about how you’re about to lose your cool, you know she will talk you through it and tell you about the time you helped her calm down when it was her toddler throwing the tantrum.

2. The single or childless girlfriend

Remember how carefree you used to feel before you decided to turn your life over to an overly demanding preschooler? Hanging out with your single girlfriend will show you there is more to life than diapers and baby wipes. At first, you may envy her lifestyle and long for the days when you could just fly off to Boracay at a moment’s notice, but eventually, you’ll realize that just hanging out with her and hearing about a life totally different from your own can be loads of fun. She not only takes your mind off your nursery-rhyme singing existence but reassures you that there’s more to you than just being a mommy.

3. The friend who has known you forever

She’s probably the one you call your best friend. No matter where your life leads, you know she will be by your side, rooting for you, telling you like it is, and reminding you how it was. She’s the friend who knows you in and out and sometimes even better than you know yourself. She knew you even before you became a mom and will remind you that you have goals for yourself as well, not just your current goal of getting your toddler into the best preschool possible. She is the friend you turn to when you need someone to give you the perspective you need because she’s been there through every phase of your life—and will continue to be long after your kids move out and start having babies of their own.

4. The shopping or travel buddy

This is the friend who is always bugging you to get away and take a break, and is willing to go on that break with you. She will take you shopping (and not for baby clothes or groceries, please!), to the salon, or on a mini break to the beach. She will also badger you to go on a vacation with your family. She’ll bring her kids and you’ll bring yours, and you’ll remember that getting away—even if it causes even more madness—is always fun and creates wonderful memories you’ll be talking about for years.

5. Your mom

Yes, you read that right. Never have I appreciated my mother more than when I became a mom myself. The overpowering love I feel for my daughter made me realize that my mom probably feels that way for me too—something I never fully understood before. Plus, your mom is the best person to turn to when you don’t understand what’s going on with your body, your child, or your marriage. She most probably went through all of that and survived. Even when it comes to small things like what to give your child’s preschool classmates, she’s the person to call. Never before has your connection been stronger, and never before have you appreciated her so much.

Who are your top five friends?
Olivia has been writing ever since she can remember. She has written for health, teen, parenting, and children's magazines. Her latest endeavor is being a mom to her three-year-old daughter—her toughest assignment yet. Swap stories with her at threeolivias@yahoo.com.


http://ph.she.yahoo.com/five-friends-every-mommy-needs.html;

How Do I Know if I Need Healing?

Written by Barbara Wilson

Sometimes we can feel a certain way for so long that it starts to feel normal, comfortable even. It becomes so familiar that we stuff down that nagging thought that we should do something about our struggles. The process of healing can seem scarier than what we’re experiencing now.

I met a woman at a retreat who began to share with me that her abuse at 10 years old was surfacing again now that she was 40. Despite her efforts to will it away year after year by stuffing away the memories and emotions, instead it had grown to a frenzy of fear, shame and pain. Even worse, it was impacting the intimacy she longed to enjoy with her husband. She agreed that she needed to ‘deal’ with it, but in order to do that, she would need to bring the past into the open and that was just too scary.

I assured her of two things…the same two things I suggest to you. First: there is hope for healing. She can be free of the impact of the abuse. Not the memories, but the haunting control the memories were having on her life. Second, it was not going away on its own. Until she took the steps necessary to allow for healing, every morning for the rest of her life she’d wake up longing for peace from its torment.

So how do you know if your sexual past is still hurting you today? This list describes some of the ways that your abuse could still be impacting your day to day life:

• You’re having trouble functioning at home or work
• You’re suffering from severe fear, anxiety or depression
• You’re unable to form close, satisfying relationships
• You’re experiencing terrifying memories, nightmares, or flashbacks
• You’re avoiding more and more things that remind you of the abuse or trauma
• You’re feeling emotionally numb and disconnected from others
• You’re using alcohol or drugs to feel better, or to be able to be intimate with your spouse
• You’re not enjoying intimacy with your spouse, you feel like there should be more .

gotquestions http://powertochange.com/family-life-canada/need-healing/

Being a Godly Example to the Next Generation of Women

Some of my fondest memories of childhood were when my sister and I would play dress-up. We loved adorning ourselves with my mother’s dresses and clunking around the house in high heels. I always imagined myself as a movie star or Miss America, gracefully walking the runway while my loyal fans cheered and cameras flashed.

Yet, childish dreams melt away as we grow older. Oh, there are the movie stars and the girls who become Miss America. But most of our paths don’t take that turn.

The harsh reality of life begins to raise its ugly head when we realize that those high heels are uncomfortable! And when that reality hits, many women are left living the life they’d always dreamed in their minds while the life God has given them flies by unnoticed.

Yes, women today are desperately in need of role models who stand firm in their faith and embrace the life God has for them. But where can you find those strong feminine models of faith? Well, the place I continue to look is in the Scriptures.

Women today are desperately in need of role models who stand firm in their faith and embrace the life God has for them.

Now the most familiar passage is of course the Proverbs 31 woman. But there are so many more. We can read about Ruth’s faithfulness, Esther’s bravery, and Mary’s devotion, just to name a few. I love reading these passages and learning what it means to be a woman devoted to God!

Who are our little girls pretending to be today? Who are their models? It’s my prayer that God would give women today the strength to provide the next generation with a strong and loving model of God’s greatest creation—a godly woman!

http://www.lightsource.com/ministry/powerpoint-with-jack-graham/articles/being-a-godly-example-to-the-next-generation-of-women-12942.html 

Coming to Terms With the Past

Jeremiah 33:1-26

"I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security."

Jeremiah 33:6

A pastor friend told the story of a couple who had come to him for counseling. The couple had been married 40 or so years, and they were both plagued with guilt. They hadn't become Christians until their later years, and, prior to that, they had both lived sexually immoral lives. Although they had been faithful to each other during their marriage, their past dips into immorality were now making them feel guilty for enjoying sex with each other.

The pastor thought for a moment, then asked the couple to name their favorite hymn. They both said at the same time, "It Is Well With My Soul." So the pastor told them to go home and either listen to or sing the hymn every night before they went to bed.

A week later the couple returned to the pastor's office. They told him that they had felt foolish at first, but they had sung their favorite hymn together each night. The wife blushed and the husband got teary eyed as he told the pastor, "When we got to the part that says, 'My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought! My sin not in part but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O, my soul!' well... after all these years we feel fresh and squeaky clean and new all over again."

Throughout the Bible, God's relationship with Israel was tested over and over by Israel's sin. The book of Jeremiah talks about the horrible result of that sin. When the prophet received the prophecy recorded in chapter 33, Jerusalem was under siege from the invading Babylonians. Soon God would allow his people to be carried away from their land into captivity and their land to be destroyed. Like the couple who wrestled with memories of past sins, the Israelites would live with heartrending images of how their unfaithfulness to God had resulted in the burning and pillaging of their land. Their city would be filled with dead bodies.

But the story doesn't end there. The prophet went on to say that because of God's immense love, God would heal Israel's pain, cleanse the people from their sin, and restore them to abundant peace and security. "Then this city will bring me renown, joy, praise and honor before all nations on earth that hear of all the good things I do for it," God said (Jeremiah 33:9).

Likewise, God does not want us to be forever burdened with our past sins. "You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" says Romans 6:18 . And Romans 6:4 promises, "We were therefore buried with him . . . in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."

So too is the promise for our marriages, which so often bend under the load of sins, both past and present. We must be honest with ourselves, with the Lord and with each other about memories or habits or activities that may be eroding our relationship and then deal with them. But we can do so in the joy of knowing that in Christ we can find forgiveness, restoration and a new start.
Nancy Kennedy

Let's Talk

• What are some things from the past that each of us is still struggling with?
• How are they affecting our marriage?
• How can we talk about those struggles in a way that builds up our marriage?

 

http://view.lists.biblegateway.com