DYSFUNCTIONAL

 It's Broken!

I'm sure it's happened to you, when you hear the crash, then in fear look to see the pieces scattered across the floor. Someone's favorite cup, or a cherished item. Now others have appeared to see what happened! As you are picking up the pieces you think about trying to fix it with glue, or maybe just asking for forgiveness then throwing the pieces in the garbage. Whatever you decide, "You" have something to do.

A broken cup is one thing, but when it is a life that is broken it is much more complex. It's not just about you. When lives or hearts get broken what comes from that can be labeled dysfunctional. The brokenness in a home can come in many forms or ways. If help is not sought out a dysfunctional child can grow up into a dysfunctional adult. You need to do something, whether it's your child or it's you. A real relationship with God will be the most important part in piecing a life back together.

Children that are a product of dysfunctional families, either at the time, or as they grow older, may exhibit behavior that is not "normal". If you are a dysfunctional adult change the focus from you to those that are around, you. Focusing on those around you will help you to see where you are in life. We all are different. Accept that you are different and work to love and respect others. In my life I have drawn much help from those around me and knowing God's word. God has accepted me as I was, and am, so it's makes it easier for me to love and accept others. 

A family needs to spend time together, doing things as a family. A family needs to encourage, love, respect, and forgive one another. In our lives there is no greater impact on our lives than our family. Good or bad the home is where we all come from. Work at loving your family.

Today can be a new start. Your pieces can be restored to form a beautiful picture. Today make the best decision to forgive, respect, love, and encourage those in your family. 

 Unplanned times.

Often God brings to us times that become very good and refreshing, and even times that transform us. I love a walk on a trail in the woods. Many great memories of times outdoors with friends. 

Each morning I wake early and put on a pot of coffee. After I put in a piece of toast in the toaster, I sit down to prepare for doing my devotions. Keeping God's word fresh in my mind is so important in my daily walk. God's word keeps kindness, peace, joy, and love fresh in my mind creating a protection from evil influences that are all around. 

When I read God's word I love to pause and meditate on things that I read. In this way God's word grows deep roots in my heart. I have a number of times paused to imagine moments that Jesus spent with His disciples and followers. Often, they journeyed far to visit a city or place. Going on walks with others it helps me to try and imagine what those times walking with Jesus might have been like. Talks about life struggles, maybe a joke, a success in someone's life, or a new relationship, quite times, and listening to a person with some wise words. 

God's word is powerful and transforming. The words Jesus spoke to the crowds that followed him I suspect were often direct words for persons with needs and hurts. Jesus knows our needs. The bible helps us draw closer to Him, where there is healing, direction, and encouragement. Let God work in you by drawing near to Him. Have a wonderful day!

Full Bloom

I came across Isaiah 62 a couple of days ago. The first couple of verses have been on my mind in part because of a splendid looking tree in our large front yard at the children's home. The tree is called a "Jacaranda" and this time of year it fills with purple flowers. The tree is in full bloom and stands out from everything else around it.

These verses of Isaiah talk about praying for Jerusalem fervently until she comes into full bloom and becomes a blessing to all around her. 

Our lives as followers of Jesus should have this characteristic of full bloom. We should (I should) be light and hope for those around us. 

Philippians 1:9 says, "that your love will overflow more and more," and talks about our spiritual growth. This is what our lives are all about. The Jacaranda tree looses flowers continuously while it is in bloom covering the street or place below with a purple covering. Let your life be a blessing that overflows touching those that are around, under, and near you. Where ever you are let your life bloom and overflow! Blessings and have a wonderful April!

Acts of kindness

I look at kindness as a seed. When we plant a seed something grows out of that tiny unnoticeable piece of whatever it is. Totally amazing what comes from that tiny seed.  Just one of God's incredible designs! What I really want to say though is about a different kind of a seed. A seed of kindness is a seed in that when planted in a life can grow. Just as a seed requires soil and water to grow so a seed of kindness needs a life where it can grow. When we are kind we will often think nothing of it because it wasn't anything big or special. Just being kind that's all it was. Kindness though is not forgotten. Remember that kindness is a seed, and seeds grow. I like to remember this because in our children's home we get opportunities to care for children for short periods of time. I have wondered what good we can do in a life that has been so damaged over a span of sometimes several years. With a few days or weeks what can we do. A waste of time I have thought, but no it is not time wasted. I can plant seeds in these lives that will grow. Even if I do not see that growth I can have the assurance that kindness grows. God works through and with the seeds that are planted in a life. Keep planting. Be faithful. Don't loose heart but rather give much love and kindness. Have and be a wonderful day. There is always someone that is watching that could be touched by your radiance. 

Wanted: Family

I saw this picture on social media and it caused me to reflect on my work in Tepic. At our children's home live or have lived many children separated from their parents. The reasons for the separation are distinct, but the fact is they all long for a mom and dad. I had my parents my whole childhood and teen years so I cannot relate to not having a mom and dad, or having but not being present, in these important years. What affect does this have on the life of a child? You probably have seen a tree that just grew around something. The tree just continued growing as children do. Character and behavior of the child are affected. Love and support are needed in a child's life to help them in their development. Where that attention comes from is crucial. 

Words of encouragement along with attention can go a long way in the life of any child. This is where you or I can have a positive affect of the life of a child. Working with children as a church worker, or coach are opportunities to provide needed attention. Time given to a child will have a present and eternal reward. We cannot know when a crucial time of need arises in a life. There may never be a thank you as we give time but you can know that you have done little of more value than give time and encouragement. Be a blessing to those around you and have a wonderful day!