May 29, 2009
Sacred Space - Today’s entry
Posted by JL
Sacred Space is one of my favorite online “devotionals.” It helps me slow down into the awareness of God’s loving presence. Then I can be grounded in God’s living word. Below is today’s entry. I encourage you to check out the website when you have 5 - 10 minutes.
Lord, help me to be fully alive to your holy presence.
Enfold me in your love.
Let my heart become one with yours.-
Lord, may I never take the gift
of freedom for granted. You gave
me the great blessing of freedom of
spirit. Fill my spirit with Your peace and
Your joy.-
I remind myself that I am in the presence of the Lord.
I will take refuge in His loving heart. He is my strength in times of weakness. He is my comforter in times of sorrow.-
John 21:15-19
When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter felt hurt because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep. Very truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you used to fasten your own belt and to go wherever you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will fasten a belt around you and take you where you do not wish to go.” (He said this to indicate the kind of death by which he would glorify God.) After this he said to him, “Follow me.”
Help me, Lord, to notice how you are speaking to me.
-
Sometimes I wonder what I might say if I were to meet you in person Lord. I think I might say “Thank You Lord” for always being there for me. I know with certainty there were times when you carried me, Lord, when it was through your strength I got through the dark times in my life.
-
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end.
May 28, 2009
Pre-Engagement Class
Would you attend a class that addresses relationship education and skills in a dating relationship?
Over the past few years at least one person (dating couple) has approached me each year asking if they can take the pre-marital class if they are dating. At that point we didn’t have a class for them. But, this month 2-3 people (who are in a dating relationship) asked me of YNCC has a class for dating couples, a sort of pre-engagement class. I took that as the Spirit’s nudge to provide a class for people of YNCC.
I’d like to ask a few questions.
- If you were to take the class what would you hope to learn?
- How long would you want the class to be?
Looking forward to your comments and questions.
May 27, 2009
Staying Calm: Some Love and Logic Tips
Hello YNCC Blog readers,
I read a variety of parenting and marriage books, articles, and web sites. Love and Logic is a sound parenting website. From my own personal parenting experience as well as listening to parents come to me for wisdom I see the ability to stay calm and centered (in Christ) is a key skill in parenting (and in any relationship). I thought these 3 points are excellent ways to begin to make a habit of remaining calm in chaotic situations. Please share your thoughts in the comments section.
Warmly,
John Loppnow
Avoiding frustration, anger, lectures, and other ineffective parenting practices is no simple task in today’s hectic world. Fortunately, the following steps can help us “brainwash” ourselves into staying cool in hot situations:
Step #1: Create one calming self-statement.
Everyone needs a calming thought to carry with them as they navigate this not-so-calm world. Listed below are some examples:
Anger makes it worse.
Anger and frustration feed misbehavior.
Frustration fuels the fire.
Empathy instead of anger.
My kids will someday select my nursing home.
Step #2: Post your statement where you’ll see it often.
The more often you see your statement, the more likely it will pop into your head when your kids are getting on your last nerve. It’s great for them to see them it too!
Step #3: Visualize yourself staying calm and using your statement.
Each night as you are falling asleep, imagine yourself in a tough parenting situation with your children…and handling it without breaking a sweat!
Thanks for reading!
Dr. Charles Fay
http://www.loveandlogic.com/
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