Do You Have Too Many Layers?

"Salomon says in Proverbs 4:23, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

Do we try to use that verse to put up extra layers to protect our heart from hurt? To keep it from being damaged or broken? This could be because we've seen pain and hurt or unkindness in the past. We feel the need to protect ourselves because of something that has happened in the past. I don't believe this verse is given to us as an excuse to surround our heart with thick layers, making it impossible for others to reach. Or impossible for us to give fully....as far as guarding our hearts when getting to know others, I'm thinking I should trust in God's love and save the shields for when I need them." 

- An excerpt from Guard Your Heart From Evil Not Love by Heather from Balance With Purpose

Why Do We Need To Forgive?

"Who do we need to forgive? Who do we need to let off the hook? Now let me explain what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness is not minimizing the hurt. It hurt. Forgiveness is not justifying it, saying it was no big deal. It was a big deal. Forgiveness is not saying it wasn’t wrong. It was wrong. So what is forgiveness? Forgiveness is letting go of the pain and letting go of my right to get even. Why would anybody do that? Mostly for our own sake because we are living in misery the longer we hold onto it."

- Quoted from Resentment Destroys Relationships by Kevin at Shooting the Breeze

Do You Have A Problem?

I know God doesn’t call me to take part in every organization in the world and save everyone from poverty, disease, etc. But I wonder if I, and most other Christians, have one of two problems:

1. A Listening Problem – We’re not open to steps God wants us to take in serving others.

2. A Trusting Problem – Will God take care of my needs, my family, and my stuff if I give all that I am to others?

That second question haunts me. We are part of God’s plan. Think of the abundance He has blessed us with. Are we willing to trust God completely or do we hedge our bets and offer up a few prayers on the world’s behalf? I’ve said this before, but sometimes I’ve wondered if, as I pray for people, does God look down and respond, “That’s why you’re there! That’s why you have the resources you have. Go. Be my hands and feet. Tell others about me through the way you love.”

- An excerpt from The Battle with Trust by Matt from Becoming Last

Some Words On Regret, And Forgiveness

"Now I'm an adult (at least according to my age), and I've had plenty of lessons taught to me (some harder than others)... life is short, take nothing for granted...take opportunities as they arise, because there might not be others...

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Why then is it still so hard to do what we know to be right? There are situations I need to put in the past... words left unspoken... people I need to forgive (starting with myself)... but it's a constant struggle! I know better than to procrastinate, yet here I sit with a heavy heart and a stubborn head!

It's never too late to show compassion, and Jesus Christ gave us the ultimate example of forgiveness! Should we continue living with regrets and heartache, or are we ready to give ourselves that priceless gift and finally let go?"

- An excerpt from One Word at a Time: Regret by Bridget Chumbley, guest blogger on Hey Look, A Chicken!

"A New Picture of God"

"Much change has happened through Heather’s heartache, including her view of God. “The rape has changed my view,” Heather said. “I don’t see God as a jolly, old man in the sky any more.” Heather’s childlike picture of God has been replaced by a deeper truth that brings comfort — a God who is her Provider and Sustainer, a God who grieves when she experiences pain.

“God is compassionate yet big enough to handle any problem,” Heather said. “I’ve found I don’t need to minimize my pain. I don’t have to say ‘Oh, everything is fine’ when it’s not. Yes, there are a lot of tough things that happen in life, but God is good.” "

- An excerpt from Beyond the Crisis by Sandra Schutte about Heather Gemmen, a rape survivor, for Focus on the Family