Treasure In Treasure Out

Lately my mind has been on the scripture in  Ephesians 6:10-18 where it talks about the importance of putting on your FULL armor of God, so that we can be ready to battle against the darkness and spiritual forces of wickedness. Then I turn over to Philippians 4:8 where it says to let our minds dwell on these things: whatever is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, of good repute, filled with excellence and worthy of praise. We can not keep our armor on if our minds, hearts, and bodies are drifting into all of the opposites of the above mentioned qualities. 

We need others to help us keep accountable with these scriptures. God did not create us to be a "lone wolf" we need others in our daily life.  We need to surround ourselves with those who can encourage and motivate us towards focusing on the things in life that are true, honorable, right, and pure (i.e. keeping our armor on). Especially when we are weak, we need those who are stronger to help hold us up (and accountable). 

Part of putting (and keeping) our armor on and staying focused is the need to stop settling for sin and shame...stop accepting the negative thoughts and feelings. The mind is a powerful thing.  If we constantly think we are a "loser" we will be a loser. If we think we are unworthy, we will be unworthy.  If we think we will fail, we will fail. If we think we have crossed the line one to many times, we begin to believe that lie. Every time we focus on a lie or negativity it hinders our relationship with God. It stops our spiritual growth.

Another part of putting on the full armor of God is taking those lies and negativity captive and replacing them, slowly but steadily with the truth.  Something you can choose to do to combat those lies (it’s a daily choice and a daily battle for every Christian) is to put specific scriptures or quotes on index cards and post them all over: on mirrors, in closets, in your car, inside your wallet, in drawers, wherever you will see them.  That old saying “garbage in-garbage out" the same goes for the opposite. What is the opposite of garbage? TREASURE, so "treasure in –treasure out". Ask yourself, who am I choosing to surround myself with?  What am I listening to on the radio or CD’s?  What am I watching on TV? What magazines or books am I reading? 

Ask yourself, is this pure?  Is this lovely? Is this of good repute? In all honesty, I may ask myself those questions after the fact but, then it moves me towards confession and repentance. We can not be afraid of a healthy balance of guilt.  We have to look at it as the Holy Spirit in us, moving us towards confession and repentance. Putting that “check” so to speak, in our hearts. We are always going to struggle because this is not Heaven (but remember even in our struggles we do have a choice).  God also knows we are never going to be 100% perfect. He knows our flaws and weakness, what He wants is for us to come to Him with them.

For any relationship to be meaningful you must spend time together. You get to know each other, your likes, dislikes, your habits, your passions, etc. That is also true with our relationship with God (part of the armor and focus).  God is not interested in a one sided relationship. Obviously we will never be equal with God, as He IS God and we are not but, He still wants a relationship with us. This is will keep your armor securely on. 

This week challenge yourself to stop allowing "garbage" in and remember...treasure in treasure out!

Israel

Have you ever enjoyed looking at your friends photos from a trip and while you can appreciate the photos and what they represent, you don't quite have a desire to go to that particular place?  That is how I felt about Israel.  I have always enjoyed hearing the stories and seeing the photos from friends who have gone, but I never had the desire to go myself.  That is until the fall of 2010. At that time I was looking through photos from friends who had been on a study program for two weeks in Israel.  Something happened inside of me while I was looking at the photos. Suddenly the words, Lazarus Tomb, Sea of Galilee, The Garden of Gethsemane, Wilderness of Judah where Jesus was tempted by Satan, Jacobs Well (where Jesus met the woman at the well), View of Valley of Elah, where David slew Goliath, from Socoh Hill. Israelite hill can be seen off in the distance...these words seemed to capture my heart.  I had such a strong feeling that I knew I needed to go.  It was an excitement I had never felt before.

As much as I felt the desire to go, it didn't seem like something that would "fit into" my life at the time but maybe in three-five years. I told even my husband, "I know I am going to go to Israel at some point in my life". I kept it in the back of  my mind but I certainly wasn't pursuing any information at this point. 

Fast forward months later and I was meeting with my Women's Ministry Director, talking about my ministry with the book and speaking opportunities when at the end of our conversation she said, "you should prayerfully consider joining the Israel 2011 Study Program.  It's an extensive in depth study program that goes from Old Testament, to the Inter Testmental period, to the New Testament. The study program culminates with two weeks of Biblical study in Israel".  As she was talking to me, my heart began to race with excitement, this was the same trip that I originally saw the photos from. We continued to talk about the program and I left our meeting feeling strongly in my heart I was going to participate and accept the invitation.  My mind raced with questions and thoughts as I drove the short distance home to ask my husband to pray with me. 

After several days of prayer, my husband and I had a peace and excitement for me to join the program. We still have a few details to work out and of course there is money to raise, but we both know that God will provide everything I need and work out all of the details. The trip is September 24-October 7, 2011

If you are interested in hearing more details or supporting me in prayer or through a financial donation please email me Sheryl@SherylGriffin.com.

I look forward to sharing more with you as the study program begins and I will post blogs and photos as well.

If you have been to Israel, I would to hear your story!

I am Pro Life But....

....I have had an abortion, and I have had more than one.  

I opened up with the above statement for a purpose...so that anyone who may be reading this, knows upfront,  I am not finger pointing nor is my heart to judge.  I am here to share and encourage, and  I hope that I can give you some of the hope and healing I have found.  My deepest heart's desire is to share my story and change someones heart that may be considering abortion.  If that never happens, that's ok, because I will also be here to walk through the journey of healing and hope for those who need it.

I wont go into all of the details, because if you have read my book, you already know.  What I will tell you is that  having the abortion(s) added to the weight of my scarlet cord.  I felt tremendous guilt and shame. I also carried unforgiveness in my heart. Whenever the subject of abortion or Pro Life came up, I found myself always nervous and I tried to walk away from conversations or excuse myself in someway.

I was at a women's event nine years ago.  During the intermission, my friend and I, walked around the tables that were displaying books and such for sale.  I noticed we were getting closer to where Pro Life information was prominent on a table.  There was a woman at the table. She tried to make eye contact and conversation. I was trying to pass by as quickly as possible without making eye contact, but it was as if a magnet was pulling me towards that table, and before I knew it, I was talking to the woman and the next thing I remember was her offering to pray with me in a private room and I said, "yes".  The moment that I said, "yes", it felt like a huge weight came off of my shoulders. I really don’t recall all of her prayer or all that she said, (nor even her name), but I remember crying and sobbing like never before.  I released every emotion I kept hidden under my rug for many years.  As she hugged me, she stroked my hair, and kept praying over me. When I left the room to return to the event, I felt like a new woman.  It was the first time I had felt like my scarlet cord of guilt, shame, and fear, was actually turning into a scarlet cord of HOPE! I had been carrying the guilt and shame for over twenty years!

That was the beginning of healing for me in this area and the beginning of learning how to accept Gods forgiveness, forgive others, and forgive myself.  It was not something that happened overnight. It's been a process. One day at a time, one moment at a time.

 I have shared a personal story with you, so that you could see, that the moment you become pregnant, while you have a choice, the choice stays with you, whether you choose abortion, adoption, or to keep the baby.  Abortion may stop the heart beat and life, but it doesn't erase the situation, the emotions, or the memory. I  know there are many women (and men) who are living in the bondage of guilt and shame for their choice in abortion.

The state of TN has passed a law stating it is now illegal to force or coerce a woman or girl into abortion.  While some women or girls may go along with the idea out of fear, guilt, or the over whelming feeling that there is no other option, I can tell you there is.  There is help and there is hope.

If you are in a situation where you are pregnant and need a friend to talk things through or if you chose abortion (whether for yourself or encouraged someone else) and need a friend to walk towards that journey of forgiveness, hope, and healing, please email me Sheryl@SherylGriffin.com and I will pray for you, encourage you, and connect you with those who can truly help you walk in HOPE.

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit   Romans 15:13

My Faith Is Bigger Than My Fears

My faith is bigger than my fears seems to be my mantra lately.  I found myself saying this out loud when I  faced one of my fears...getting lost on the freeway (aka highway or interstate). I brought the GPS and had  printed directions from Mapquest. For some unknown reason, my GPS was not getting any signal what so ever, that day, so it was no help at all.  I was on my way to a very important event.

I ended up getting confused and missed my exit. I panicked at first, but then with the help of my husband, over the phone, I was able to get back on track and even got to the event on time!. Before I got back on track though, I will confess I was scared.  As I was trying to figure out where I was, I had pulled off the freeway and some how entered into a neighborhood where each home was surrounded by a chain link fence and almost every home, had a large ferocious looking dog in the yard.  It was not a friendly looking neighborhood. My son was with me and I knew I needed to stay in control, so I had to talk myself out of my fear...I started saying, "MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEAR", over and over.  Eventually, as I mentioned, we found our way to the event and even managed to get there a few minutes before the event took place. 

I am finding myself saying my new phrase a lot lately; My faith is bigger than my fears.....A few weeks ago a friend's (adult) daughter was held up at gun point and robbed.  In the day time. In a public place. Surrounded by lots of other people.  They were in a restaurant and two armed men entered and one put a shot gun in my friends daughters back, and the other man put a gun to her friends head and said, "give me your purse and your wallet".  I do not know all of the details, but I do know they both gave them what they wanted. They are both ok and were not physically harmed.

Another recent story happened just the other day.  A friend of mine was leaving a public place, in the day light, and other people were around, when a man quickly approached her, knocked her down, punched her repeatedly in the face, and then took her phone.  Her phone was in her hand.  She also had her purse and laptop (in a case) in her other hand.  It almost seemed as if his whole intent was to cause her physical harm and then grabbed her phone as a "trophy".  She is recovering now with bruises and a fracture on her face.  Prayerfully the fracture will heal properly, so she wont have to have surgery to repair it.

MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEARS

My mind and body can go into instant fear mode when I hear these stories, especially when its with someone I know.  I had to find something "positive". I realized the story with my friends daughter, they reacted the way you should, if you are ever held at gun point; give them what they want.  Supposedly, once they have what they want, they flee quickly.  The only time you are supposed to resist is if the person tries to take you some where.  That is when you fight, yell, scream, do whatever you have do, to call attention to the situation.  The sad reality is if they take you away, you have a greater chance of not returning.  The other "positive lesson" is to make sure I know exactly what is in my wallet.  Have a copy of every card in your wallet (front and back).  In the other story the "positive lesson"  I can take away is to always be alert when I am coming and going. It's trying to find the balance of not giving into being paranoid and suspicious of every stranger, but being alert, making eye contact, don't be distracted, and if you are caught in that situation where someone is physically  harming you,  fight back as hard as you can and yell as loud as you can.

MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEARS

Just thinking about these story raises my anxiety level.  As someone who has ptsd (post traumatic stress disorder) and panic/anxiety it is like hearing the story a little bit louder than it was told, and then replaying it several times in my head, verses a person without ptsd and panic/anxiety, they hear it at normal level and only one time. They have the choice to move on.  I don't.  At least, not right away.  After I hear the story I tend to think about my loved ones or myself in that same scenario.  How would I react.  I have to catch myself as I can have the entire "script" written out before I realize what I am doing.  Its an old pattern of "comfort" to me.  As someone who has alcoholic parents and has also been in an abusive marriage, part of my coping mechanism was to try to stay one step ahead....plan out how any given scenario may go, so that I can be prepared for any outcome, especially one in which I must protect myself or someone I love.  Always on guard. Always trying to think ahead.  Preparing for the worst (in my head).  I must tell you that by God's grace, the scripts I play out in my head, they usually never happen.  I honestly wasn't even aware I did this until after my diagnosis.  Now I am aware and can catch myself, but sometimes I find myself easing into old patterns and that is when I must say out loud....MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEARS.

I work hard at finding a balance of living in this fallen sinful world.  There will always be crime.  There will always be someone who is waiting to steal, kill, or destroy (1Peter 5:8), but the balance is not giving "them" the power or control.  Being wise and alert but not giving in to the fear.

I encourage you if you find yourself in a situation where your fear is controlling you, repeat out loud..........

MY FAITH IS BIGGER THAN MY FEARS

 

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  In God whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust; I shall not be afraid.  What can mere man do to me?  Psalm 56:3-4

Ted Williams and More...

Ted Williams is a name that started floating around facebook and Youtube, and within hours he has gone from being a homeless man who begged for handouts on street corners, to instant fame and job offers pouring in.  He has been thrust into a media flurry.  He was on the Today Show, as well as other TV and media outlets.  It seems as if the whole world is suddenly cheering for him.  Ted is a man who had a love and passion for radio and voice work. God has gifted him with an amazing voice.  He had a successful career and family life.  Somewhere along his path though, drugs and alcohol took over.  He lost everything he had, his career, his family, his possessions, and his dignity.  He has been living on the streets begging, stealing, and doing things most if us would never dream of doing.  Two years ago he knew he needed to make some desperate changes and he entered a recovery program.  After one year of sobriety he felt he was still missing something...he knew he needed to fill the hole he felt inside.  He began acknowledging and thanking God for all he has, all he had, and for his life. That was two years ago.

I am one of those who is cheering for him.  I am also burdened for him.  I know that those who face addictions in their life, face the temptation day by day, and sometimes, minute by minute.  I know how easy it seems for an alcoholic or a drug addict to think they have it under control, if they are choosing to continue in their addiction. The reality is, if they are continuing to drink or use drugs, they don't have anything under control, and it is apparent to everyone around them except them.  Unfortunately though, this can easily become an issue that no one else wants to face either.  It's easier sometimes to live the lie with them.  It also becomes convenient to believe the "wolf in sheep's clothing" (see my blog titled Wolves in Sheep Clothing for more on this topic).

If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol or drugs please know there is hope and help. The key is that the person struggling has to be willing to admit it and seek help.  You can not want it more than they do.  It wont work. I know this very well.

I recently posted a status on facebook that said, "It's OK not to be OK"...the response via comments and emails showed me more than ever, we all struggle with putting on the "happy face" to those around us, but inside we are not OK, and its OK to say we are not OK,. But, then we also must be willing to face it and do something about it.  Ted Williams was at the bottom of the pit for ten years before he was willing to seek help and find hope.

Remember to hold onto to this thought if you are praying for a loved one who has an addiction..."As long as there is breathe there is hope".

O God, You know my foolishness; And my sins are not hidden from You 

Psalm 69:5

now here is the HOPE...

Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold new things have come   2 Corinthians 5:17

*please visit my web site www.SherylGriffin.com for information on possible resources for help

Second Hand....

Last week I heard an interesting interview on Midday Connections. The women were talking about the kind of legacy we leave for our children and they challenged listeners to consider, as we all know, second hand smoke does affect those around us, but what about our second hand; attitudes, behaviors, habits, motives, interactions, and fears, etc.

While this can be very convicting on many levels as you consider this, I encourage you to let this move you towards a place of healing and wholeness....a place of change.  It can be a call to get rid of some "stuff" so that our children don't have to carry the same second hand "issues" into their homes (and so on and so on).

This is a reflective opportunity for us to recognize all of our attitudes, behaviors, habits, motives, interactions, and fears, do matter and our children are watching and learning from us. Knowledge is power and we have the opportunity to reflect right now and allow ourselves to be honest (even if the honesty hurts).  The key then, is to be willing to change.  All changes start first with an acknowledgment.

Let's truly consider our legacy and all of the second hand "issues" we are leaving unchanged for future generations. What strong holds are we passing down?  Again I encourage you do not allow this to be a time of "beating yourself up" but rather an opportunity to become aware and pro active.  Be willing to do the "heart work" to set the stage for generations of HOPE!

One day at a time, one moment at a time...there is always HOPE

There is (still) Hope in Boundaries

Why is it hard to enforce boundaries when you know in your heart it's the right thing to do, not only for you, but for your family?  For me, I believe it's because I lived so long without them.  I lived an unbalanced life (in regards to healthy appropriate boundaries) that at times when I am balanced, it feels unbalanced.  The reality is being balanced is good, but making the choice to stay balanced is hard.

An area where I find myself constantly questioning a boundary that I know in my head is necessary and important, but still causes me sadness in my heart, is with my mother.  If you have read my book or followed my blog you know the boundary that I have put up with her.  She knows about my writing.  I sent her a copy of my book at her request, with a letter on January 14, 2010. I have not heard directly from her since.  I have continued to acknowledge holidays and birthdays with boundaries and respect in place, towards her.  It's hard though. I recognize that she is respecting the boundaries I stated, but at the same time, this also tells me she isn't ready to move in a forward direction (at least with me). My heart still aches for a relationship with her, but it's for the relationship that we never had.

I find myself looking at old photographs and recalling "simpler" times.  Times when I knew something wasn't right but I didn't understand and  I was willing to ignore facts and keep pushing them under the rug.  I was so desperate for her love and acceptance that I was willing to over look the reality.  And quite honestly, there was just enough "good"  times that it made it easier to push the other times further under the rug. 

Confrontation and boundaries are never easy.  They change relationships, but isn't that the point?.  I ask myself what would it be like if I never confronted my issues, not just with my mother, but with all the  issues/people/choices in my life that contributed to my ptsd and panic/anxiety.  The reality is it still wouldn't have stayed "the same".   The people, the choices, the events in my life, would have continued a spiral downwards.  The relationship with my mother began to unravel way before my journey towards hope and healing began. You see part of my struggle in the feeling of "unbalance" is to take responsibility for other peoples choices and behaviors, to try to make it feel balanced.  That is not true balance.

As I am balanced now, it still feels unbalanced (unnatural) to me.  I recognize this is part of my healing and that I need to acknowledge this.  I also realize the reality when you are willing to honestly open your eyes and heart to truth, you may lose relationships. But then I say, was it really a relationship in the first place?  Was it ever balanced? Was it healthy? 

I am still dealing with grief in regards to my relationship with my mother.  I love her and care deeply about her well being, but I can not compete with alcoholism, her past, her present, or her brokenness.  So, the boundaries are still in place even through the sadness and tears. I continue to pray and hope that there might someday be reconciliation and healing in my mom's mind, body, and soul.

I hope my openness can encourage you in boundaries that you may be struggling with.  We are not alone! and there is ALWAYS hope! 


Do not fear, for I am with you: Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God, I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.   Isaiah 41:10