Dec
10
It Keeps On Going
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Well we have reached the end. Of the blog I suppose, but most definitely not our hearts. Your heart is the only muscle that never stops. Thank God right!? I have learned as much as I hope many of you have. Getting the words out is the problem.
If you have become cold or callous with your heart and emotions, consider this: Is that the intention? Do you have these emotions good or bad for no significant reason? Why are there bad feelings? Would you know joy if you did not know sorrow? Would you know peace if you were not acquainted with fear? Could you experience love if you do not know what hate is? God’s word speaks frequently about the heart and how we must not harden our hearts. It keeps us stubborn, proud and most importantly away from the Lord Jesus.
It keeps on going and so do you. You don’t have to have a grateful heart, or a merciful one, or a compassionate heart for a better life. You only need a wiling one. 1 Samuel 1:13 “Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk.” I know it’s not your most inspirational verse to leave you with but listen. You do not have to be the most expressive to believe or be heard. Just let yourself…have a heart.
Nov
16
Will You Let Him?
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My birthday weekend I was in a car accident with my fiancee. At first, I was upset with the driver that caused it, my fiancee’s driving response, and myself for having that helpless feeling. I resolved to forgive everyone including myself. I had no control over the situation, but looking back you find places where you may have done something different. How could you have known? You could not have. You have to trust in God’s providence.
I share this because I feel it relative to the topic. I will not speculate on my fiancee’s, Karolina, heart. My foundation is on Christ and not on the things of this world. We just finished looking at possible homes for when we are married. We have been working on wedding preparations and budgets. We have new expenses and concerns now. In the ambulance I was talking with the paramedic as if we had met at the store. I had Karolina take a picture of me on the stretcher. I was patient and calm and apologetic for any poor attitude on my part previously. We still had the birthday gathering we had planned. We still had a good time. We still had fun. My joy, strength, hope, treasure, and gain is not of this world.
James 1:2 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. “ I was told that the next day, today, my neck would feel like I “were hit by a baseball bat.” I asked Karolina to pray for my neck and I also decided my joy would not be taken nor would my trust in my Lord. Today I woke up incredibly well. I feel better than yesterday and no pain! My point in sharing all this is that my heart’s condition dictated to my body and not vice versa. Bitterness and resentment I reject, joy and peace I accept, but not because of anything I have or can do. It is all due to my hope and trust in Him in whom “I can do all things.” The One who guards my heart and mind, if I let Him.
Nov
12
The psychos, the mental and the Spiritual
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” The APA web site also states unambiguously that “1 in 4 adults will suffer from a mental illness or substance abuse disorder in any year.” The APA and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) have indicated that more than 50 percent of all Americans will suffer from mental illness in their lifetime, and the Institute’s Division of Epidemiology estimated that 52 million adults have a diagnosable mental illness, including substance abuse. A viewpoint article dealing with mental health being on par with physical health listed these statistics.
Apparenlty almost anything counts as a mental illness, including drug abuse! Or that seems to be the debate. Still, no matter how it is categorized there is mental illness such as depression and debateable ones like anorexia commonly found in the U.S. It makes you wonder what their solution is, does it not? So the APA site registers an article citing a possible solution to emotional disorders. That same article lists out protocols, modules, and manuals to follow. I agree there is only one manual. Who better to understand the creation than the Creator?
The Washington Post posted an article for just that. Faith affecting health. Many studies have been done over the years that show the devout of faith to be healthier. The reason is up for debate. Though therein is the conflict: not believing that faith heals. I once heard, “In order to open the eye to faith, one must close the eye to logic.” We could continue searching for answers to our system or talk to the One who created the system? Open your eyes.
Nov
8
Help And You’ll Help Yourself
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How you feel, your emotions, your hurts, wounds, scars and such are important. We have established they not only matter, but they have a real effect on you. Whether your heart has been broken or you feel alone or depressed; whatever the case may be you are not alone. That’s right, there are other folks who have been just as much or more than you.
It is easy to turn the channel when we see a child with an extended belly from mal-nutrition. It is not challenging to be wowed by devastation done to another country through some natural disaster, and later forget all about it. It is common as we are desensitized to overlook the number of deaths on the news. As long as it is not you. Where is our value for one human life? The sufferings of someone other than ourselves?
Seems a little off topic? I assure you it is not. Do you not hurt when your parent aches in a hospital bed? Does it not break your heart when the person you love is in pain in which you are powerless to remove? So if we know what hurts, why do we only care when it hurts us directly? Consider a Word of wisdom, Proverbs 11:25 “The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” When science supports the Bible, I do not have more faith in the Bible. I have more faith in the scientists.
Consider this: If It Feels Good to Be Good, It Might Be Only Natural. In 2006, National Institute of Health scientists designed a scenario where volunteers thought of doing good for another, (i.e. giving to charity) over keeping for themselves. “The results were showing that when the volunteers placed the interests of others before their own, the generosity activated a primitive part of the brain that usually lights up in response to food or sex.”
Oct
19
It Breaks, so Fix It
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Especially in relationships, the term “broken heart” has been thrown around to describe how one feels when they have been; in a nutshell “hurt.” That means different things for different people. There are several sources who have found a condition called stress cardiomyopathy, also known as Broken Heart Syndrome. John Hopkins Medicine scientists found that stress is the cause. There are enzymes and stress proteins significantly higher in those suffering Broken Heart Syndrome than patients of classic heart attacks.
Jesus’ body endured much in His sacrifice. Luke, the physician, records of a rare condition known as hemtidrosis or bloody sweat which is well documented in medical literature. When a person is under extreme stress, such as let’s say carrying the sins of the world, small capillaries break; outcome: bloody sweat. Luke 22:44 (Amplified). Dr. C Truman Davis describes for us the beginning and end of His body through His trial and crucifixion. He explains that Jesus did not die under the usual suffocation from the crucifixion but of heart failure due to build up of serum and stress. Named symptoms/causes of this Broken Heart Syndrome.
I think it has become clear how our emotions, stress, worries and the such affect our hearts which ultimately affects our lives and lifestyle. You have most likely had a broken heart, you and I are in good company. The good news to the syndrome is that the effects on your heart are reversible. “God will mend a broken heart if you give Him all the pieces.” Myrtie Stanton. Where should we go with all our problems, issues, pains, baggage, flaws…the pieces of our heart? “The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.” Psalm 51:17 (NLT).
Oct
11
It Hurts…It Really Hurts..
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Yes it does. More than you know. “The heart is in a constant two-way dialogue with the brain — our emotions change the signals the brain sends to the heart and the heart responds in complex ways. However, we now know that the heart sends more information to the brain than the brain sends to the heart.” HeartMath and author of “The Heart Speaks,” cardiologist Dr. Mimi Guarneri is the source of this article and interview on MSNBC. It was believed that emotions are simply some expressions the brain made up alone. Dr. Guarneri’s research, among others, demonstrates otherwise. In her interview she throws out some interesting stats. Such as 75-90% of folks that visit physicians is due to stress. At least 20% of heart attack victims are depressed.
Negative emotions like irritation and frustration can actually stress your organs and heart. Constriction of blood vessels, high blood pressure and the wake up calls known as heart attacks and strokes. Also, as we feel these emotions, the heart rhythm becomes erratic and sends that signal to the brain. These signals actually create the actual feelings we have in the heart and body. That erratic rhythm also stands in the way of thinking clearly. But there’s always two sides to a story. Love, care, appreciation; the good stuff. That has a profoundly good impact on our nervous system and health.
The book of wisdom advises us in this way: “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” Proverbs 4:23. In which way or on what path; on what course is your life on? What are you doing to your heart? How can you guard your heart from danger? With Him; self help yourself.
Oct
4
Self-Help Yourself!!
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I saw some figures on American spending on self-help books, business books and conferences of the like. In years past such as 2004 the spending was in the 100’s of millions and reaching the billion dollar benchmark in recent years. I find it amazing how often we, including myself, want to be told how to fix ourselves. Let me ask a simple and pertinent question: “Who knows you better than you?” That is a two-fold answer. No one knows more about you, than you. However, no one is more confused about you than you. Therein is the problem. The second part of that answer is simple as well as logical. I’ll present it with another question: “Who knows the creation better than the Creator?”
” The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.” (Amplified Bible) You may not be a consumer of those self-help books, but keep listening. Please don’t misunderstand me, I do not mean to say we cannot depend on others for advise and counsel…we should. The wise will seek out counsel. The issue comes when we depend on another or their works to give us the answers we need for our life. A situation yes, a life no.
Does anyone really know how you feel when you are down and out? Does anyone truly share your emotion at a dream realized or a joy granted? You are no stranger to God, though He may be a stranger to you. Jeremiah tells of how He knew you before you were born, before you were in your mother’s womb. No matter the problem, question, situation, struggle, pain, emotion, frustration, I know there is only one answer for it all; He is my self’s help.
Sep
24
Your Pancakes and Your Heart Response
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VS. 
I love it. The heart is so huge and can encompass so many things. In this blog, the author submits her shame in not wanting to share her pancake mix among other things; though it be with those dear to her. Pancakes are good, but your heart’s condition should be sweeter.
She refers to a verse in Matthew and repeated in Luke; let’s just go to Matt. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21 NIV. The covetnous of our hearts to guard what is ours and to long for more, even that of others, is referred to as a disease in our hearts by A.W. Tozer. Couldn not have said it better myself.
I was almost surprised finding the blog, thinking it may prove challenging to discover one similar to my own. Yet, the concepts are there. It’s true we all have desires, and I’m sure we have wanted what someone else has. We have not always wanted to share. “It’s normal, I earned it, it’s mine!” We’ve heard it, and said it ourselves. But indeed as Lauren points out, what will that do for you? If what you value most are your possessions then you are standing on shaky ground my friend. The day it’s gone, missing, stolen, broken, damaged, and there you go with them.
Lauren touches on something I have not. ”The very act of uprooting our possessions will be painful.” So far I have not commented on the process or cost involved in dealing with our hearts. Yes, there is conflict and struggling. Isn’t there always with habits we’re accustomed to? Why do the things outside of us affect us so strongly on the inside? Our emotions and subsequently our hearts are hit. Consequently, then we and our lives are dealt a blow and handicaped, not just by people, relationships and circumstances. But, if what we value in our hearts, is of little value compared to our hearts then it ends in… well an empty stomach, plate full of anger and a glass of resentment to wash it down.
Sep
17
Unwanted But Not Unhurt
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“You will be accepted if you do what is right. But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.” Genesis 4:7 (NLT). The story of Cain and Abel is a familiar one, I mean not too many of us have committed murder, but we can relate to Cain. Cain wanted to be accepted just like Abel was. They both brought an offering, a gift to the Lord. The difference? Cain’s offering was just some of his harvest but Abel’s was of the best he had.
Could it have had something to do with Cain’s ability or competence? Or simply he believed that he would stand out for his deed? We have all made an effort to do good or work hard and been rejected all the same. As we get older we “mature” and replace those feelings. We focus more on things we are good at than ones we’re not. No one cuts themselves and doesn’t look for a band-aid. None of us break a bone and jump on the couch to watch a movie. But we ignore the pain of rejection and fear of rejection in our hearts.
In a simple test, with a computer game, college students were put into a scenario where they played on a team and were left out later on. All of the subjects felt some degree of rejection and with MRI’s we have our eyes opened to something. We register rejection just like physical pain. The part of our brain that warns us of pain lit up; and more for those with higher distress. Rejection really hurts. ”This doesn’t mean a broken arm hurts exactly the same way that a broken heart does,” says Matthew Lieberman of the University of California, Los Angeles, who led the research. “But it shows that the human brain sounds the same alarm system for emotional and physical distress.”
We can’t avoid being rejected, we only make it worse by staying away in an attempt to do so. We can, however, deal with rejection and the pains of our hearts. Cain wasn’t being rejected, he was being corrected. That seems to be subtle to us but can have completely different effects. They aren’t to be used interchangeably, though we allow it to be negative when it comes to someone we love especially. Isn’t that it? If we’re loved we won’t feel rejected, right?
Sep
3
Why the Heart?
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This topic is dear to mine own heart. Forgive the pun but nonetheless it is true. We all go through difficult times in our lives. We reach watershed moments where a change or an important decision is made. For me, there are several significant decisions I am having to make. I was offered a new job; I worry about security. I am engaged to be married in March of 2008; I want security. I began school after being away for approximately six years; too secure in my current job..where’s the challenge. I am preaching in youth services and small groups; can I handle the challenge?
But I still haven’t really covered the basis for the topic or really what it entails. Just like me we all have decisions to make. We don’t have trouble making easy decisions or logical ones; we do have a lot of trouble at times with choices that both have pros and cons. We do some “soul searching” and what is in our hearts is revealed. I have long been struggling with the choices and consequences. (not necessarily bad especially the marriage one). In a sense I had to discover what is in my heart. Whether I’m passionate or intimidated for the path to come, my heart’s and your heart’s condition comes out. “The good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth what is evil;for his mouth speaks from that which fills his heart.” Luke 6:45 (NASB)
An article published by USA Today reports of a study done by University College London demonstrating how emotions have a meaningful role in our decision making. What I found even more thought provoking is what Antonio Damasio of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles adds. He was not part of the study but chimes in with saying ‘What makes you and me ‘rational’ is not suppressing our emotions, but tempering them in a positive way.’ Our Emotions and our decisions.
Our heart is a major concern, one I believe most don’t address. We’re far too preoccupied with what’s around us and satisfying what’s outside instead of what’s inside. We need emotions but we can not be lead by them. We can’t stay away out of fear, push off because of resentment, dive in out of enthusiasm, live in apathy and experience without passion. It is my hope that the words God has put in my heart make a positive change in yours. Do you realize we tend to love others in the way we weren’t loved or even the way we were because we don’t know another love? We push people away for fear of being hurt again. Shall we wait for “perfect” conditions or try to buy this or do that to make ourselves “feel” better or shouldn’t we take on the very possible task of healing and filling our hearts? God bless you this day.