I Know the One Who Is Able

The final installment of our look into depression and its causes will focus on some physical and medical information:  (1) the use of birth control pills, (2) prescription medications, and (3) thyroid disease. 

The use of birth control pills:  In no way am I advocating that the use of birth control pills should be banned, so  let me make that abundantly clear at the onset.  It is important to understand that birth control medications contain high levels of synthetic progesterone.  Since high levels of progesterone are produced during a pregnancy, the use of the medication "tricks" the body into thinking it is already pregnant, thus preventing the uterus from accepting a fertilized egg.  The debate over birth control in any of its forms is a heated issue among many Christians.  Since God gave the direction to Adam and Eve to "...go forth and multiply," there are those who believe the opening and closing of the womb should be left solely to the discretion of the Lord.  Others feel it is irresponsible to bring children into the world if the parent(s) is unable to adequately support them.  Some argue that using birth control pills gives women and men the freedom to be promiscuous and engage in sexual activity outside the bonds of marriage.  Like so many issues, there are as many opinions on this subject as there are individuals willing to voice them.  This much I can say in good conscience:  If using birth control medication is proven to be the cause for depression in your life, then stop doing it.  There are many alternative methods that can be applied to help prevent unwanted or unplanned pregnancies.  The arrival of a child into the world should always be cause for celebration, so if a pill prevents that from happening (due to prolonged depression) it is time to look at other options.

Prescription medication usage:  Depression is a frequent side effect of various prescription medications.  In our world today, people want a quick fix to everything that bothers them.  The use of pills and prescription "remedies" is epidemic throughout the world, and the prescription medication industry is both huge and tremendously powerful.  Multiple billions of dollars are generated and spent every year in order to offer a "fix" for our problems, whether emotional or physical.  Often the answer may be as close as our refrigerator door and the foods with which we feed our bodies.  Lack of exercise and other poor health habits contribute greatly to a large portion of the physical illnesses and maladies of today's lifestyles.  Attempting to solve health issues by simply reaching for a bottle of pills may not be the answer.  The medication may, in fact, only mask the symptoms and present a whole new variety of issues all its own.  Caution and prayerful consideration must be exercised in conjunction with health problems and their treatment.  Not all medications are bad, by any means.  Many have been provided by God for our benefit and use.  However, as with all good things, when abused they become the impetus for even greater health issues.  Rather than looking for an "instant fix" to our problems, perhaps we would be wiser to look at the underlying causes for them... things like obesity, poor nutrition, lack of physical exercise, not enough sleep, and a multitude of other bad habits we have cultivated in life.  Addressing those may be the only "fix" we need, and the pill bottle can remain on the pharmacist's shelf.

Thyroid disease:  Closely linked to the previous cause mentioned, there is a disease which is easily treatable.  The thyroid gland has been called the "master gland of energy and metabolism" and serves in a crucial way in the human anatomy.  The only real way to determine if thyroid disease may be the cause of depression in a person is to perform the diagnostic tests available, consider the symptoms or complaints of a patient, and sometimes simply try using thyroid supplement to see if it helps.  This approach should certainly be closely directed and monitored by a physician.  Although God is certainly able to heal, it should be noted here that He sometimes does so by providing us with the necessary medications and medical intervention we need to that end. 

So there you have it:  The leading causes for depression as identified by the World Health Organization.  I would like to add one more to that list.  When our spiritual walk is not properly attended to, we may be certain that issues of depression, sadness, guilt, anger, and more will permeate our lives.  It is only by staying in a close personal relationship with our Creator that we can grab hold of the abundant life He has promised.  I hope these last few posts might have shed some light on the issue of depression for those who read them.  I am by no means professing to have all the answers or know how to treat every cause for depression, but I do know the One who is able. 

"… It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

(Deuteronomy 31:8)

"I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure. He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD."  
Psalms 40:1-3

Where and Who

As posted earlier, 18.8 million American adults suffer from major depression.  That's 9.5% of the population over 18 years of age.  And sadly, depression is appearing earlier in age now than ever before.  In this post, I will continue a look at some of the causes for depression as identified by the World Health Organization.

Where you live:  People living in urban settings have a 39% higher risk of suffering depression than those who reside in rural settings.  Affluent societies (those with great wealth and influence) also have a much increased risk of depressive behaviors and mindsets among their population.  It is generally accepted that high levels of stress in life can be a precursor to anxiety and depression, and in these setting where wealth and the accumulation of greater wealth are of primary concern, stress levels run inordinately high.  In addition, there is a glaring disparity between the "haves" and the "have nots."  The underlying reason behind all this is simple:  It is easy to lose sight of what comprises real wealth in this lifetime and to begin to think that amassing great sums of money or owning much is the way to happiness.

"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs."

(I Timothy 6:10)

It is important to note here that money, in and of itself, is not the issue.  Rather, it is the love of money (and the insatiable desire for more) that can lead us to wander from the faith.  Money must be viewed as a tool through which we can accomplish great things for God in this world.  When used to further His work and to help those who are less fortunate, money is truly a blessing... to ourselves and to others.

Urban lifestyles are not inherently bad.  There is, however, an increased level of anxiety that comes with living in close proximity to lots of other people.  Amid the stress of the pressing crowds, Jesus recognized that He needed to separate Himself and spend close, personal time with His Father.  Several scriptures reference Jesus' determination to occasionally remove Himself from the madding crowds and go away to a place of solitude where He could pray and converse with God.  (Read Mark 1:35, 6:45-46, 14:32-34.  Also, Luke 4:42, 5:6, and 6:12.)  Strength for the daily challenges we face in this life can only be found in a solid relationship to the One who created us.  Without personal time with the Lord it is easy to become entangled in the affairs of living and drawn off course.  Our busyness can compromise our spiritual health.

Poor sibling relationships:  Perhaps one of the most effective tools Satan has ever used on the human race has been that of the breakdown of the family unit.  Sibling rivalry was first seen in the lives of Cain and Abel and has continued throughout history as a testament to the devil's desire to damage and destroy the family.
John Steinbeck drew his inspiration for "East of Eden" from that event, and his main characters (Cal and Aron Trask) were reflections of Cain and Abel.  Jacob tricked Esau out of his inheritance by deceiving their father.  Leah and Rachel competed for the love of their husband, Jacob (see Genesis 29 for the story).  In bitterness and jealousy, Joseph's own brothers sold him into slavery and then set an elaborate plan in place to deceive their father.  The remedy for this sin-borne malady is clearly given in Scripture:

 " Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud  or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.  It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out.  Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."

(I Corinthians 13:4-7)

Despite the dastardly acts of his brothers, Joseph chose to forgive and heap blessings upon them.  He chose to love radically.  A difficult sibling may be a test of our true devotion to the Word of God and its application to our life.  Our God is a God of reconciliation, above all else.  He desires to mend broken relationships, including those with our siblings.  Making the issue a matter of sincere prayer, and then choosing to forgive and act in a loving way toward our siblings is the beginning of healing.  It may not come quickly, nor in the ways we would like to see, but obedience to the call of God is always rewarded.  If nothing else, our sibling relationships are certainly an arena in which to practice the ability to learn appropriate skills and responses for interaction with others.

"Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude."

(I Peter 3:8)

"Don't Worry, Be Happy!"

Today's blog continues to look at some of the causes for depression as identified by the World Health Organization.  A few of these are fairly surprising, though certainly in keeping with the "modern" world in which most of us live.

     End of a television show or movie:  According to Dr. Emily Moyer-Guse' (a PhD at Ohio State University), "People experience distress when their patterns of television and movie watching are primarily for companionship."  Now that is sad!  There are people out there who have chosen an electronic box as their companion in life, and when it brings some sense of separation to them, they fall into depression.  My word, whatever happened to finding satisfaction in a clean home, service to the church and its ministries, a healthy and well-prepared meal for someone, or enlightenment by reading a Scripturally sound book?  The Bible is very clear in its call to use our time wisely and for God-honoring activities:

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is."

(Ephesians 5:15-17)

"Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time."

(Colossians 4:5)

     Pastor Tom Shepard has written:  "Here is a FACT: Godliness is the result of a disciplined spiritual life. But at the heart of a disciplined spiritual life is the discipline use of time."  When watching television or movies becomes so important to us and takes a central focus in our lives, we are not in line with God's will for the use of our time.  The artificial worlds created by the entertainment industry are just that... artificial; and they are a poor substitute for true human companionship, hard work, and Bible study.  The solution is so simple:  TURN OFF THE BOOB TUBE!!  Find meaningful work, cultivate Godly friendships, and concentrate on Christian service and you will find little need to immerse yourself in fantasy.

     Internet Addiction:  Now this issue is surely a sign of our present times.  Internet addiction is especially prevalent in the lives of teens and preteens.  Spending inordinate amounts of time on the internet produces unrealistic expectations of the world, reduces real-life interactions, results in a serious lack of personal companionship, and is certain to provide unhealthy exposure to negative influences.  Parents must take charge of the computer, limiting access and time spent... always completely aware of what their children are viewing on the internet and what contacts they are having with other users.  Too often, the computer is being used much as the television is and has been used... as an electronic babysitter that allows parents the freedom to engage in their own selfish desires with little concern for the safety and well-being of their children.  Teens and preteens are not alone in this newest form of addiction, though.  Social media sites spring up overnight, internet dating services are a lucrative (if not downright dangerous) new fad, and even things like blogging can be misused by individuals, resulting in a whole host of pressures and stress that may lead to depression.  Used appropriately and with disciplined restraint, the internet and all it has to offer can be a blessing.  It allows us to reach out across hundreds and even thousands of miles to loved ones.  It affords the opportunity to minister through the written word and even recorded messages of faith and encouragement.  It is only when time on the computer begins to interfere with our daily accomplishments and responsibilities that it becomes a problem.  Like anything, abusing the privilege of access to the internet gives Satan the opportunity to pervert and distort it in our lives.  To paraphrase a well known Scriptural reference, "There is a time for everything: a time to log on and a time to log OFF."  (My paraphrase, of course.)

     Too Many Choices:  I can remember a time when the milkman delivered his product to our doorstep and we were content to accept the singular form of it which he offered.  Nowadays, a trip to the grocery store presents us with the challenge of choosing between whole milk, 2% milk, fat-free milk, chocolate milk, strawberry milk, soy milk, almond milk, canned milk, condensed milk, sweetened condensed milk... the list is nearly endless.  Exhaustively reviewing those options (and countless other daily options presented to us) is linked to perfectionism in an individual's life, and it is miserable trying to be a perfectionist in an imperfect world.  Some people spend much time weighing their options, reading and re-reading the labels, comparing unit prices, looking over the ingredients and nutritional information on every package of every choice of every product in the store.  Even then, having made their purchase, they are plagued with doubt and concern over whether or not they bought the best item.  Obviously, making some comparisons and considering healthy benefits of various products is not, in and of itself, the issue here.  It is the mindset that the choice we make must be perfect... the best possible option.  It is simply a waste of time and energy that could be spent in much more productive activities.   This issue of choices does not confine itself to the grocery store shelves.  Our modern world puts before us a countless array of choices for nearly every single thing in our daily life. Not everything in life must be a ground shaking, life-changing decision.  Consider your own desire. If you do not see Biblical admonition warning against it, and if one choice does not clearly present itself as the best one, then do what you want. You may feel free to do so, knowing that God will sovereignly work out His plan for your life through your desires and choices.

"For it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose."

(Philippians 2:13)

     And so, our look into the world of depression and its causes continues.  Seemingly, there is no end.  But trust me, there is.  My blog will not forever concentrate on this singular issue, but for now (and in the next two or three posts) we will continue to take a quick look at some of the other causes for depression that have been determined by the medical community.  It is my desire that in doing so, your eyes might be opened to the Truth as given in God's Holy Word, His book of wisdom and instruction for our daily lives.  Not long ago a popular little song hit the air waves and became an instant success:  "Don't Worry, Be Happy."  The whistling songster called us to put worry behind and live in carefree happiness.  Okay, so that is not always an option.  Sometimes life does deal a hefty blow or two.  However, much of the worry and depression that accompanies it is self-induced... and Scripture has a clear, concise method of dealing with it.

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying (in a state of perpetual depression) can add a single hour to his life?"

(Matthew 6:25-27)

 

According to Manufacturer's Instructions

     In today's post I will attempt to address more than one single cause of depression as determined by the World Health Organization and offer insight into how to defeat each one.  Remember that it is of foremost importance that the Word of God be applied to every area of our lives.  His answers are to be found in His Holy Scriptures, which God gave to us as a "game plan" by which we can live our lives abundantly.

     Smoking:  The habit of smoking has been directly to depression. The nicotine contained in cigarettes, cigars, and other forms of tobacco (including chew) negatively affects neurotransmitter activity in the brain and reduces serotonin levels.  There are many researchers who believe that an imbalance in serotonin levels may influence mood in a way that leads to depression.  Among the multitude of problems that smoking causes in our body, depression and sadness certainly rank high on the list of reasons why we should refrain from this activity.  There can be no doubt (based upon the thousands of research studies that have been done) that smoking is not good for the human body.  It is outside God's will for us, and as long as we remain outside His will, He cannot bless us fully.

"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;  you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."

(I Corinthians 6:19-20) 

     This portion of Scripture should be taken seriously by anyone engaging in behavior that is known to cause harm to the temple of the Holy Spirit that is our body.  

     Poor Sleep Habits:  It is only when we are asleep that our brain is given the time it needs to replenish itself.  God created a marvelous, complex machine in the human body.  While it is possible for us to do amazing things under great stress, the time comes when we must relinquish ourselves to the knowledge that sleep is not an option... it is a requirement for us.  Conversely, too much sleep can also become problematic.  

"Do not love sleep or you will grow poor; stay awake and you will have food to spare."

(Proverbs 20:13)

     

      We need to learn to accept sleep as a gift from our Heavenly Father:

"In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat-- for he grants sleep to             

those He loves."

(Psalm 127:2)

     Know that things are right with you and God.  Allow His word to "dwell in you richly."  Nothing disturbs our sleep quite so severely as a guilty conscience or an unsettled spirit within us.  When our priorities are in proper order and our relationship to our Father in Heaven is solid, sleep will come with ease.

"I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."

(Psalm 4:8)

     Lack of fish in the diet:  This may seem a little strange, but fish contains high levels of omega 3 fatty acids, which also regulate neurotransmitters and serotonin levels in the brain.  The American diet (in particular) is poorly balanced overall, saturated with fast foods and convenience items, laden with sugar and artificial sweeteners, loaded with preservatives, and high in the wrong kinds of fats.  However, this does not mean that other countries around the world have been spared from this unhealthy dietary pattern.  Not only is fish good for us, but we might simply ask ourselves a couple of basic questions as we reach for something to eat.  (1) Can I pronounce all of the ingredients contained in this product?  If not, maybe I'd better look for something else to satisfy my hunger.  (2) Was this item grown on a plant or produced in a plant?  If it was grown on a plant, God put it there for our enjoyment.  If it was manufactured in a commercial plant, I should probably leave it alone.

"And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food."

(Genesis 1:29)

     I am not advocating a strictly vegetarian diet here.  Scripture goes on to say,

 "Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. And as I gave you the green plants, 

I give you everything." 

(Genesis 9:3) 

     The point to be made here is that fish and other foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids (such as walnuts, flaxseeds, beans, olive oil, and winter squash) are not only healthy, but essential in order to maintain good health in the human brain.

     To avoid overloading you with too much information at one time, I'll close this post by encouraging those of you who may be struggling with depression to take the Word of God literally and seriously.  When we fail to live according to the "manufacturer's instructions," we will malfunction in one way or another.  

"You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You."

(Isaiah 26:3)   

The Sunny Side

As promised in my previous post, I am going to begin to look at some causes for depression in people's lives, unveil some of the hidden sin patterns associated with it, then offer clear scriptural "remedy" for defeating it.  Remember this:

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

Cause # 1:  Seasonal Affective Disorder (a.k.a. "SAD")

     Doctors have discovered that man needs sunlight and the nourishment received through it in order to function effectively.  Imagine that... so there really was a reason God created the sun!  In parts of the world, the winter season brings with it a marked reduction of sunny days, and people who live in these areas need to make a point of exercising special care to avail themselves of the nutrients that may wain during those months.  First, understand that unless you live in a place where it is night time for several weeks/months at a stretch, even the bleakest of winters still offers an occasional sunny day.  It is vitally important to take advantage of those days, bundle up accordingly, and head outside.  A long walk on a brisk day will surely get the blood flowing through your body and give you opportunity to view firsthand the beauty of a snow-covered landscape, the contrast of the ruby red Cardinal sitting atop a snowy fence post, the glittering reflection of the sun's rays emanating from a pristine white field, or the majesty of a giant evergreen blanketed in fluffy, white snow.  Sliding down a hillside on a sled while listening to the gleeful squeals of children doing the same is sure to lift anyone's spirits.  A trip to an outdoor ice rink lets us glory in the grace of a skater or laugh at our own clumsy attempts to emulate them.  Sitting in the house bemoaning the cold weather and the cloudy days of winter puts our focus on the negative things around us.  In their joint letter to the saints at Philippi, Paul and Timothy wrote:

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

(Philippians 4:8)

     Choosing to see the majesty of every season created by the God of the Universe teaches us to focus on those things which will encourage our spirits and build our faith in His omniscience (His ability to know all things), His omnipotence (God's ability to do and control all things), and His omnipresence (the attribute of our Lord God to be with us at all times and in every place).  We can be reminded that "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." (Ecclesiastes 3:1)

     If you cannot be outside for periods of time in winter months, consider making an appointment at the tanning salon near your home.  I do not advocate lying in a tanning bed or standing in one of the tanning booths, but you can apply some sunblock, open the tanning bed, position yourself on a chair a short distance from the unit, and let the apparatus run for approximately 15 to 20 minutes while you benefit from the artificial sunlight it produces.  Even sitting directly in front of your living room windows with the curtain aside on a sunny winter day will provide exposure to some of the sun's benefits and feel warm and comforting to your joints, as well.  Try singing praise songs to God during those times.  It is amazing what a good dose of gratitude will do for the human spirit, not to mention the joy it will provide to our loving Heavenly Father.

     Laziness, a negative spirit, complaining, and criticizing God's creation are surely sinful attitudes that will prevent us from taking an active part in His plan for our lives.  Satan wants nothing more than to derail the Christian and convince them that this life is drudgery and sorrow, nothing more.  When we allow the devil to do that, we have given him the victory and relinquished the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives to work through every circumstance and every day we live... whether sunny, cloudy, warm, or icy.  

     Stay tuned for more causes of depression in the posts to come.  I pray that God will speak to your hearts and give you encouragement to triumph over the temporary circumstances of this life for the glory of His promises awaiting you in eternity.

"Be very careful, then, how you live-- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil."

(Ephesians 4:15-16)

Do You Have Ingrown Eyeballs?

Charles Swindoll has called depression a "bad case of ingrown eyeballs."  As comical as that phrase may be, the truth hidden within it is enormous.  Depression occurs in life when we become so fixated on ourselves and our problems or emotions that we cannot focus clearly on anything else.

I know that I will be treading on dangerous ground as I speak to this issue of depression.  Because our society has chosen to look at depression as an illness and give it the name of a "disorder," many people have determined to justify their depressive states by adopting the stance that "...I just can't help it.  I have a medical disorder, you know."  Rather than finding the courage to look at the causes that have led to their depression and acknowledge the role of sin in their lives, they remain content to wallow in their self-pity and wait for the medical community to come up with some "magic bullet"-- a pill that will quickly and surely make them feel better without any real effort on their own part.  OUCH!  Don't think for a moment that I do not fully appreciate how much that statement will sting.  In fact, I know that many of you (upon reading it) will decide to simply log off this site and relegate me to the heap pile of "...idiots who don't have the faintest idea what they're talking about!"

Well, let's look at some of the statistics about this diagnosis of "depressive disorder" (as compiled and reported by a major U.S. health organization):
*  18.8 million American adults struggle with it.
*  9.5 % of the U.S. population over 18 years of age are considered clinically depressed.
*  Depression is appearing earlier in age than ever before.
*  Twice as many women as men are affected by depression.
*  Women between the ages of 25-44 are most affected due to their inability to express or handle anger.
*  Depressive disorder is linked directly with anxiety and substance abuse problems.
*  According to a study by the World Health Organization, major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States today.

Looking at these statistics may lead us to adopt the mentality that depression is a form of illness over which its victims have no control.  I believe depression (whether major or minor) is directly linked to sin in our lives and our unwillingness to acknowledge it, repent of it, and turn to God for a complete release from its power.

An exhaustive study completed on the causes for depression has listed 12 main reasons for the problem.  Over my next few posts I would like to take a closer look at these causes and correctly identify how sin is directly related to each one.  I warn that doing so will be uncomfortable for most of us, since everyone I know (myself included) engages in at least one of these sins from time to time, and many do so habitually.  Facing sin head-on, accepting the conviction of the Holy Spirit into our hearts, feeling sincere and Godly sorrow for it (otherwise known as repentance), and turning to our Holy Father for cleansing and release is never easy... but it always leads to restoration.

Repentance is required for salvation.  John the Baptist preached repentance vehemently.  Jesus called for repentance.  The Apostle Paul taught of the necessity of repentance for salvation.  The Bible makes it clear that God requires repentance for cleansing and restoration in the believer's heart.  Nowhere is Godly repentance offered as an option; it is a definite requisite for mankind.

"Bring forth fruit that is consistent with repentance [let your lives prove your change of heart]."

(Matthew 3:8)

"From that time Jesus began to preach, crying out, 'Repent (change your mind for the better, heartily amend your ways, with abhorrence of your past sins), for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.'"

(Matthew 4:17)

"For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: 'In returning to me [in repentance] and resting in Me you shall be saved; in quietness and in [trusting] confidence shall be your strength."

(Isaiah 30:15)

"And Jesus replied to them, 'It is not those who are healthy who need a physician, but those who are sick.  I have not come to arouse and invite and call the righteous, but the erring ones (those not free from sin) to repentance [to change their minds for the better and heartily to amend their ways, with abhorrence of their past sins.'" 

(Luke 5:31-32)

"So repent (change your mind and purpose); turn around and return [to God], that your sins may be erased (blotted out, wiped clean), that times of refreshing (of recovering from the effects of heat, of reviving with fresh air) may come from the presence of the Lord."

(Acts 3:19)

"Yet I am glad now, not because you were pained, but because you were pained into repentance [and so turned back to God]; for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that in nothing you might suffer loss through us or harm for what we did."

(II Corinthians 7:9)

In the blogs to follow this one, I will list and address many of the causes for depression that have been established by the medical and psychological communities, compare and contrast them with the Word of God, and pray fervently that those who read what I write (and suffer from depression or know others who have/are experiencing it) will be convicted by the power of the Holy Spirit to confess their sin, turn from it in true repentance, and return to the safety of a loving Heavenly Father whose Son stated:

" The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."

(John 10:10)

Following the Right Path

Following the Lord's will for our life is a bit like walking through a dense forest-- the scenery is breathtaking, but if we don't stay on the path laid out for us, we may well end up disoriented and dangerously lost.

I have always been a fan of the movie "The Wizard of Oz."  Remember Dorothy's trek down the yellow brick road?  In one scene, she reached an intersection of three roads, all of which appeared to be satisfactory to travel... but which one was the right one?  As she stood pondering which direction to take, a kindly scarecrow began to offer advice-- first one way and then another.  In frustration and confusion, Dorothy loudly voiced her objections and her desire to walk the correct road in order to reach her intended destination, that wonderful land of Oz.

There are many times when we reach crossroads in life which require that we make a choice.  Which way will we go?  Which pathway will get us to our intended destination?  Which voice (advice) should we heed in making our decision?  These are crucial and important questions.  If we choose the wrong road or listen to the wrong voice of direction, we will be drawn off course and may never realize the desired arrival.

Many years ago (almost too many for my mind to handle) my young son, Shawn, was accompanying me on a shopping trip in a local mall.  His idea of fun did not include sorting through racks of clothing options to select a gift for someone else.  After all, he was only three years old.  Fortunately (or so I thought) the electronics department of the store we were in was directly adjacent to the women's clothing department, so I agreed to allow Shawn to stand in front of the televisions and watch something entertaining while I shopped only a few feet away from him.  He was always a complacent and obedient child, so I certainly felt comfortable knowing he would surely not wander away.  Every two or three minutes, I would look up and ascertain that he was still pleasantly enthralled with all the various channel offerings on the televisions lined against the way, and then I would continue with my browsing.  I was never more than 15 or 20 feet away from him.  In a moment, everything changed.  I looked up and could not see Shawn standing where he had been.  Without too much concern, I assumed he had simply stepped aside and was hidden by a rack of merchandise, so I calmly walked over to the electronics to retrieve him... but Shawn wasn't there!  My eyes darted frantically around the department, but there was no sign of him.  In moments, what had been a leisurely shopping trip turned into a full-fledged nightmare for this terrified young mother.  After several minutes of calling out his name and searching in desperation for my little boy, I ran to a sales associate to plead for help.  Security was called to the scene and an all-out search began for my son.  Since I was nearly eight months pregnant at the time, a concerned employee insisted that I sit down in a nearby recliner (in the adjacent furniture department of the store) and allow the security officers and store employees to perform the search.  After several agonizing minutes, a young woman appeared from around the corner with Shawn in her company, holding her hand and smiling widely.  A few moments of questioning revealed that this well-meaning employee had seen him standing in front of the televisions, assumed he was lost, and gently convinced this trusting little soul to accompany her to the toy department on the far side of the store while she informed management of a lost child.  Her intentions were honorable, and her gentle, soothing mannerisms gave Shawn the message it was safe to follow her.  He innocently listened to the wrong voice that led him away from the safety of his mother's arms.

There are a multitude of voices out in the world calling to us.  Most of them sound pleasant and non-threatening and their intentions are good (although, let's face it... some of them are certainly not honorable).  They beckon us to follow and sometimes they lead us away from the safety of our loving Heavenly Father.  But there is a stark difference between this situation and the one I experienced with my son:  Our God always knows exactly where we are, and we are never outside His protection and rescue.  If we are faithful to turn back to Him for guidance when we find ourselves in unfamiliar or unsafe territory, He is ready to call us back onto the right path that will lead us to our intended destination... an eternity in heaven with Him.  We must, however, be able to recognize His voice above the din of the world and all its enticements.  That ability comes from spending time in the Word and regular prayerful communication with Almighty God.  His voice is always clear and distinct, never to be confused with those of the world.

It has been said, "If a distance exists between you and God, guess who moved?"  Just as I had been faithfully checking on my son, it was Shawn who made the choice to follow someone else's leading... and it could have been truly disastrous.  I praise God for protecting my boy... and for always watching us closely to call out to our hearts when we choose to follow the wrong voice.  Do you know and recognize the voice of God in your life?  The world will shout and call to you in thousands of voices every day, but that still, small voice of your Heavenly Father can only be heard by the obedient heart.  CBN author and teacher Craig von Buseck says, "God wants to fellowship and communicate with us. That's two-way communication. Why? Because you can't really have a relationship unless there is true dialogue. How do we get to know a person? By communicating with them. By talking and listening. It's the same with our relationship with God. He talks, we listen. We talk, He listens."

  "The steps of a good (righteous, born-again) person are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the Lord upholds him with His hand." 

(Psalm 37:23-24)

 "Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart." 

(Jeremiah 29:12-13)

O Taste and See!

As we've looked at ways to use our senses for the purpose of creating a loving, welcoming home environment, we've covered sight, sound, touch, and hearing in previous blogs.  Today, I will examine the sense of taste and ways in which it may be used to nurture those in our homes.

It is not by accident that most fellowship activities and social engagements revolve around food.  First and foremost, food is necessary for life... albeit not in the extreme amounts that most Americans consume, but that is a whole different blog.  Whether a snack or an all-out meal, food just seems to go with conversation and good times.  A great degree of satisfaction is experienced through our taste buds.

As with all good things, Satan has worked very hard and very slyly in order to pervert this gift of taste given to us by a loving Heavenly Father.  Some of us have developed a taste for things that are not good for our bodies and others have experienced a "short circuit" in the mechanism that tells us when we've had enough.  Alcohol abuse and nicotine addiction are examples of some things that have been proven harmful for the human body, yet their use is well recognized in our society.  Obesity caused by gluttony costs billions of dollars in related health issues and health care every day.  The point I'm making here is simple:  Be careful what you develop a taste for in your life!

That said, let's look at the issue from a viewpoint that shows constraint and appreciation for this gift of taste.  If you are reading this blog then you have access to a computer and know how to use it.  There are thousands (if not millions) of websites devoted to cooking and great recipes.  Many even include complete meal plans tailored to the specific health needs of individuals.  It is a simple matter to log onto one and find a new way in which to use one pound of ground beef in order to feed a hungry family.  And what's really exciting is the fact that many sites are dedicated to low-cost recipes.  If you don't have access to a computer (and someone has simply told you about my blog), then the availability of cookbooks and pamphlets for recipes is staggering.  Perhaps the most valuable of all resources is the memory of your mother or grandmother as they share their recipes honed and proven down through the years.

While a recipe is the beginning of a satisfying meal, experience in preparation will ensure success in using it.  Like any skill, cooking takes effort and dedication.  I have been told that I am an excellent cook, but I assure you that was not always the case.  Even now I remember my first attempt at beef stroganoff.  When my husband and I put the first bite into our mouths we each simultaneously spit it back out with a loud groan.  It was awful!  With resignation, I dumped the stuff into our dog's bowl figuring that at least it wouldn't completely be wasted.  The dog sniffed, took a tentative lick, then looked up at me with disgusted  indignation and walked away.  That's when I knew that I needed some help if I was ever to be able to present tasty, appealing meals to my family... and I was smart enough to seek that help from my husband's grandmother-- a proven master in the kitchen.  Not only could the woman cook, but she could make a chicken provide multiple meals for several days without repeating a single offering.  She was amazing!  I learned from the best.

The anticipation of a good meal is almost as satisfying as the meal itself.  My husband often tells me that he thinks about supper on his way home from work at night, eager to discover what I am serving that evening.  In addition, I try to cook enough extra for meals that I am able to prepare a plate for him to take to work for his lunch later in the week.  In fact, Bob has shared with me that he often needs to "fight off the hungry dogs" (a.k.a. his co-workers) in order to enjoy his lunch.  They frequently bemoan the fact that they "... wish my wife would fix something like that for my lunch!"  (The reasons behind why that doesn't happen will constitute another blog some day.)

When my children were younger, they would arrive home from school each day to find a snack prepared and awaiting them at the kitchen table.  After making a bee line to their rooms to deposit their load of books, their first stop would be the table, where we would talk about their day as they enjoyed their special treat.  Often, it was no more than a peanut butter and homemade jelly sandwich with a glass of milk, but the message behind it was far more important.  By meeting their sense of taste (and their need for nourishment), I was telling each of them that they had value in my eyes, that I loved them, and that I would always be there to provide their needs.  Many a wonderful conversation took place around the afternoon snack table.  One of my fondest childhood memories was that each Sunday evening my step-mother would fill a paper grocery bag with fresh popcorn drizzled with melted butter and just a touch of salt, sit it in front of our black and white television, furnish each of her seven children with a glass of Kool-Aid, and turn on the Ed Sullivan Show followed by the Wonderful World of Disney.  It was probably the quietest time of the week in a household of nine people, interrupted only by the sound of popcorn munching, occasional giggles, and the ooh's and ahh's of watching the programs.

 God designed living creatures such that they require regular sustenance in order to survive.  Humanity, being made in God’s image, requires also spiritual sustenance – food for the spirit within.  Even when the Bible talks about physical food, there’s a spiritual lesson to be learned.

 Proverbs 17:1 Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it
Than a house full of feasting with strife.

Proverbs 24:13 My son, eat honey, for it is good,
Yes, the honey from the comb is sweet to your taste;
Proverbs 24:14 Know that wisdom is thus for your soul;
If you find it, then there will be a future,
And your hope will not be cut off.

  

Ecclesiastes 10:17 Blessed are you, O land, whose king is of nobility and whose princes eat at the appropriate time–for strength and not for drunkenness.

Revelation 3:20 ‘Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.

Addressing the sense of taste in our home will provide multiple opportunities for meaningful conversations and pleasant interactions among those present.  Remember that cooking well is a skill that can be taught and learned... and then too,  there's always take-out.

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

(Psalm 34:8)

"What Was That Sound?"

Today, as we look into ways to establish a loving, nurturing, and empowering home environment, we will explore the sense of hearing and the part it plays.  Our sense of hearing begins in the womb and continues through until our final breaths in this earthly life.  If we give some attention to this vital sense and the way it affects us, our home can become a place of welcoming affirmation to all those who enter.

Communication is one of man's most important skills (particularly valued in today's fast-paced world) and relies mainly upon our sense of hearing.  The logical question we must ask ourselves is:  "What message am I trying to communicate in my home?"  Unlike many of our senses which mature and grow stronger as we age, the sense of hearing is most acute in children.  This becomes especially appreciated when we're trying to whisper a message to another adult in hopes that our children don't hear it... that special Christmas gift and its hiding place, the surprise birthday party we've planned, even the imminent death of someone significant to the family.  It also seems at times to be the sense we can "turn on" and "turn off" at will.  Hence, the phrase "selective hearing."  At the heart of it all is the message.

Few people desire to enter into a situation filled with conflict, anxiety, shouting, crying, or hysteria.  I honestly cannot think of a time when I have ever chosen to do so with eager anticipation (although life occasionally requires such intervention on our part).  It's much more pleasant to walk into a room charged with good-hearted laughter, beautiful music, or the contented cooing of a happy baby.  Armed with that knowledge a homemaker can make great strides toward creating a haven of rest for her family by paying close attention to the sounds that surround them.

When my children were young there were those occasional days when tension seemed to abound within the house.  The kids were argumentative and confrontational, crying spells were frequent, and even fits of temper would manifest themselves at the slightest provocation.  On those days I discovered that utilizing the sense of hearing could bring a profound level of peace to our home.  Cautiously and without the overt knowledge of what I was doing (without drawing the attention of my children to my behavior and actions), I would insert a pleasant musical CD into our home stereo, turn the volume to a very subtle (almost undetectable) level, and go on about my chores for the day.  Within 15 to 20 minutes the level of angst and conflict in the house would be greatly reduced.  The kids were not even fully aware of what was playing, but their moods were definitely influenced by the soothing music.  Even the most novice mother knows the value of singing a soothing lullaby to her baby.  16th century English playwrite, William Congreve, coined the well-known phrase "Music has charms to soothe a savage breast" (often misattributed to William Shakespeare).  Music... and the messages contained in it... is a powerful tool, valuable in establishing a calm, nurturing, reassuring, and positive environment.

My husband arrives home each evening just about the same time as the national news is being broadcast on television.  I have found that if he enters the house to be greeted by the predictions of doom and gloom for the country's financial status or the reports of the most recent horrifying mass attack on humanity, his mood immediately becomes defensive and hostile to a certain degree.  He is quick to unload all the negativity of his experiences at work that day and may complain vehemently about his boss' latest decision or a co-workers ineptness.  It seems he doesn't even fully enjoy the meal I have prepared for us that day.  The sounds of negativity permeate his soul and change this mild-mannered and gentle spirited man in a negative-minded complainer.  The best thing I ever did was come to realize that turning off the television prior to his arrival home for the evening (and quite frankly leaving it off during the daytime for my own peace of mind) was one of the wisest moves I could make.  If I desire my home to be an affirming, warm, inviting environment that greets others with a sense of love, I cannot afford to overlook the sounds that emanate within the confines of its walls.

In addition, the words I speak to others (including my children and spouse) need to convey messages of acceptance, respect, value, and love.  Even in administering discipline, the tone of voice I use and the words I choose are crucial to how that discipline is received and internalized.  Name calling, derision, and/or shouting are never acceptable.  Conflicts can often be stopped in their tracks by an appropriately chosen kind word spoken in a gentle voice.  The 15th chapter of Proverbs addresses many of the virtues of a wisely chosen word, but perhaps none better than the 1st verse:

 "A gentle answer turns away wrath,
    but a harsh word stirs up anger."

In the book of Psalms we read:

"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, 

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

The workings of the human body are complex beyond our understanding and truly miraculous... a tribute to the omniscience of our Lord and Creator.  Among all the senses, that of hearing is the only one that works independently from the nervous and cardiovascular systems and is not dependent upon blood flow or brain activity.  That explains why even the comatose person still hears, and why those caring for him/her are cautioned to choose their words wisely.  I can't help but wonder if God planned it that way so that we would still hear His voice, even when He calls us to our eternal home.   

Our sense of hearing provides us with the clear indication of a message.  For the loving Christian homemaker, the challenge is to find ways to make that message a positive one.  Does your home sound welcoming, warm, and filled with love?

"So then, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God."

(Romans 10:17) 

With These Hands

It is not by mistake that God gave us the largest organ of our body-- the skin-- as the means through which we receive the sense of touch.  With unbelievable sensitivity and accuracy, we can know instantly when someone or something has touched us.  Sometimes it is a pleasurable feeling, but sometimes it produces discomfort or pain.  So sensitive is our skin and the nerves that provide our sense of touch that even drawing near to certain things sometimes creates a feeling, an activation of the sense of touch.  If our hand happens to pass over a pre-heated burner on the stove, we instantly sense the heat radiating upward and are warned to draw our hand away, lest we get burned.  Just the gentle brush of someone we love walking close to us can elicit the sensation of touch and activate an emotional response in our heart and mind.  Touch is a powerful tool of communication.

In our homes, we can use the sense of touch to convey many messages.  There are countless items with which we come into contact every day.  Some produce a pleasurable sensation and others create discomfort. For most of us we would surely affirm that we tend to avoid those things that produce discomfort for us.  We know that stroking the soft fur of a kitten is pleasurable and we enjoy that activity, but when that kitty's claws are exposed and we see an aggressive stance in the animal we draw back with the knowledge that a scratch from an angry cat is no fun.  It is a pleasure to slip into a soft, fluffy bathrobe and slippers to lounge for a few hours, but not nearly so much fun to pull on our heavy workboots and a rough woolen sweater to tackle the yard work that needs to be done.  Touch conveys a message.

Down through the years of raising my children, I can remember all the times I held them in my arms, cradling them to sleep.  Sometimes a bad dream or a cramping tummy would prevent them from resting quietly.  They would always come seeking Mommy for comfort and the touch only a Mother can give.  When they were  infants, I would cuddle them close to my chest and gently pat their diapered behinds to assure them all was well in their world.  Safe in my warm embrace, they always drifted off to sleep quietly.  As they grew and their discomforts arose, I often addressed those (whether physical or emotional) by softly rubbing their arms, neck, and head.  That act of gently touching them conveyed the message that I not only cared about their suffering, but I also sought to ease it and bring some level of comfort back into their life.  Our middle daughter was plagued with migraine headaches in her teenage years, and they were truly a source of physical anguish for her.  It didn't take long for me to realize that at the onset of one of those episodes, if I could dim the lighting in her room, have her lie down on her bed, and then gently stroke her arms, legs, face, and head, I could often help her slip into a state of peacefulness that enabled her to just drift off to sleep and allow the headache to pass.  To this day, when one of my children (all of whom are now fully grown and with families of their own) is in my presence and begins to feel ill or upset, they come to me asking, "Mom, will you rub me?"  with their arm outstretched in the anticipation of the calm reassurance that my touch can offer.

When Jesus Christ was incarnated (became flesh and blood) He did so that He might fully identify with us as human beings, complete with every ache, pain, trauma, upset, joy, and sorrow that we know.  His touch carried with it the tremendous power to heal and change lives forever.  Those around Him sensed that power and clamored to His person for the purpose of receiving that mighty, life-changing touch.  Even brushing the hem of his robe was powerful enough to facilitate total healing.  (Read the story of the woman with an issue of blood in Luke 8:43-48.)  Love flowed from our Lord in a never-ending stream and His care for mankind was expressed through His touch.

Using the power of touch can diffuse a volatile situation.  For example, if you need to have a discussion with someone that you're pretty sure will cause some mental or emotional discomfort in them, or you, or both, try asking them to sit near you and take their hand in yours before you begin to speak.  As you begin the conversation, gently stroke the back of their hand and hold it with a gentle firmness in your own so they will not draw their hand away.  You'll find the response you receive will be rewarding.  If you and someone you love are engaged in an argument, try reaching out and gently grasping that other person's hand.  Softly pat the back of their hand or stroke their lower arm as you speak.  In moments, the anger will begin to soften, the words will come with less venom, and the argument will change into a calm discussion that leads to a mutually beneficial end.

I have sat at the bedside of many dying individuals within the span of my life.  Regardless of their past lives or present experiences, each and every one of them longed for me to hold their hand gently, stroke their arm, and convey the message of love to them through my touch.  In many cases, as the love and compassion of the Holy Spirit has flowed through me,  I have been able to ease their anxiety and bring them a sense of calm reassurance that has allowed them to pass into eternity peacefully.

In our homes we can use the sense of touch to help us create a loving, warm, and inviting environment for those we care about.  During the harsh months of winter, a snuggly afghan and a soft pillow resting on the sofa become an instant comfort-giving pair.  An electric blanket can be used to warm the bed on a cold  night.  A fire in the fireplace gives warmth and comfort , and enjoying its heat may help elicit some very meaningful conversations within a family.

Perhaps one of the most effective ways we can communicate our love to others is to simply reach out and gently touch them as we pass by.  Ruffling my grandsons' hair, brushing the golden tresses of my granddaughter, massaging my husband's aching back at the end of a busy work day, rubbing analgesic cream into the arthritic hands of my mother... all these examples of touch have repeatedly said "I love you" to those whom I value.

Not long ago, my middle daughter (Somer) said this to me:  "Mom, some day when you are no longer here with us, the thing I will most remember about you are your soft, gentle hands and all the times when you rubbed away my cares."  That statement brought tears to my eyes and a deep joy to my heart.  What a wonderful way to be remembered.  I thank my Lord for His touch on my life that has allowed me to touch others with love and compassion each day I live.

"When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table.   A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume.  As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them."

(Luke 7:36-38)

Your Amazing Amygdala and Hippocampus

Recently I placed an order with a company online for several essential oils I needed in order to create some Christmas gifts for this year.  I was truly amazed at the number of choices available to me on that single site alone, not to mention the hundreds of other distributors also offering these oils.  And then there are the companies that offer pre-made products that use such oils for fragrance.  There is a newly popular company that sponsors home-based showings of candle warmers and fragrances intended for use in homes across the country, and the company is enjoying phenomenal success (not to mention the homemakers who are selling the products and those who are sponsoring the "parties").  The business of creating pleasant aromas is booming!

There may be no more powerful tool to use in creating a welcoming home environment than aroma.  Think about it.  We can walk into a beautifully decorated room filled with amazing decor, but if it smells like a skunk just ran through, we're not likely to want to remain there.  Conversely, a kitchen might be in total disarray, but the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven calls us to linger there in eager anticipation of the reward.  By addressing the sense of smell, we can create a home that beckons people inside and encourages them to remain.  We may evoke fond memories of childhood experiences, calm the spirit, or remind others of a coming spring season even in the midst of the harshest of winters.

In an article by Rachel Herz, assistant professor of psychology at Brown University, we find an explanation of how smell affects our emotions:

"We know that the neurological substrates of olfaction are especially geared for associative learning and emotional processing. The olfactory bulbs are part of the limbic system and directly connect with limbic structures that process emotion (the amygdala) and associative learning (the hippocampus). No other sensory system has this type of intimate link with the neural areas of emotion and associative learning, therefore there is a strong neurological basis for why odors trigger emotional connections."

As complicated as that may sound, the simple truth is that smells have the ability to trigger feelings.  By providing pleasant aromas in our home, we can make others feel welcomed, safe, relaxed, joyful, or romantic.

Many years ago an elderly friend shared a secret with me (back when I was learning how to build a home environment and become an accomplished homemaker).  She said that when time neared for her husband to arrive home from work, if she had not already begun making supper she would quickly peel an onion and a potato and put them into a pot of boiling water.  The aroma that resulted would fill the kitchen and her husband would enter the home feeling that something good to eat awaited him.  He even often remarked on that aroma as a gentle reminder to him that he was home.  (What a wise woman she was.)  My daughter-in-love (known to some as a daughter-in-law... but our love for her far outweighs our legal obligations to her) loves to bake homemade bread.  When new loaves are in the making, her entire house is permeated with that intoxicating aroma and everyone inside is suddenly in a good mood.  Their eager anticipation of a wonderful, warm slice of heaven slathered with a bit of butter makes any negativity fly out the window.  My husband has more than once remarked to me that opening the back door of the house to be greeted with the aroma of a homemade meal seems to wipe away any of the aggravations he might have had at work that day.  (Of course, I also seek to meet his other senses in positive fashion to create a home environment that beckons and gives the desire to him to hurry home at the end of a long day.)  A restless, fussy child can often be soothed by a warm bath and some lavender scented body soap.  In fact, that was how I prepared my babies for bedtime each and every night.  (Looking at the scented products marketed for baby care in the store will quickly reveal the value of lavender.)

So, the  point here is simple... creating pleasant aromas in our home will ensure that the family and guests entering into it will find a comfortable environment that evokes positive emotions and sets the mood for what is to follow.  Doing this is not difficult or expensive.  Stores are filled with candles, room sprays, plug-in aromatic dispensers, and other commercial means by which to create aromas.  Frozen bread loaves are readily available at the grocery store.  Setting our clocks to remind us to have supper simmering on the stove when our family arrives home for the evening is a reminder to us of the tremendous power we have been given to make the world within the walls of our house a special place, and one they look forward to entering.

Throughout the remainder of the evening we can introduce a variety of pleasant smells to our family by fixing a pot of mulled cider, popping some popcorn, drawing a warm bath and setting out a bar of lavender scented soap, even slipping into our nightgown after applying some scented hand and body lotion.  The possibilities are limitless.  

In the Bible, Mary knew the value of aroma:  

 "Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume." (John 12:3)

Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Smells#sthash.IAMnK4ec.dpuf

 

Mary then took a pound of very costly perfume of pure nard, and anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair; and the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Smells#sthash.IAMnK4ec.dpuf

I'll bet even now you are remembering an aroma that evokes a positive emotion in you.  Your amygdala and hippocampus are hard at work... and you didn't even know it.  Surely our God has created a miracle in our bodies.  Using the power of the sense of smell will allow us to create a positive home environment and help us effectively minister to those people whom we love so dearly.  What does love smell like to you?

"But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads and makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, for we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing"

(II Corinthians 2:14-15)

Coming to Our Senses: Sight

I have been blessed to enjoy 32 years of marriage with my marvelous husband, Bob.  During those years, we have also known the joy of our three talented, uniquely gifted children (now grown and raising families of their own).  Not every day was a party, but I wouldn't trade a single one.  For all these past many years, my goal has always been to create an environment in our home that would make it a safe place of refuge from the demands and worries of the outside world.  My efforts appear to have paid off, since during their childhood and teenage years our children and their friends made our home the hub of most of their activities.  The house and yard were nearly always filled with kids, and we seldom sat down to a meal void of children from someone else's family joining us.  Sometimes my friends would say, "Don't you ever get tired of having so many other kids around?"  My answer:  "Never!  As long as my children have their friends here in our home, I know they are safe and I know what they're doing."

I would like to share some ideas with my readers as to how they might begin to make their homes a refuge from the world for themselves and their families.  To that end, my next several posts will be centered on "coming to our senses" when building a home environment.  The suggestions I give are just that... suggestions.  They may serve as models or they may simply spark your imaginations, but I trust the Lord will give you insight into the unique personality of your family and encourage you in the role of homemaker, as the very center of that family experience.

We have all been given five distinct senses by our Lord:  sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.  I believe that if we take the time to make each of those senses a pleasant experience in our home, our family and others will always desire to spend time within that immediate vicinity.  Today, I will address the sense of sight, in particular.

Many people have told me that my home is "beautiful," "well-decorated," or "inviting."  Often, they comment that I must have "spent a fortune" to decorate every room.  My friends, nothing could be further from the truth.  Nearly all of my furniture has come from re-sale stores or yard sales, and some even from the Salvation Army Thrift Store in a nearby town.  When our family was younger, we used to say our style of decorating was "early Eikmeier attic," meaning that the bulk of our furnishings and decorations had been handed down to us by my mother-in-law and father-in-law.  (Fortunately, Mom and I had pretty similar tastes in decorating.)  Sometimes I have refinished a piece of wooden furniture or recovered a simple chair using an inexpensive piece of fabric usually found in a sale bin somewhere.  In nearly every case, a good cleaning was the basis of reclaiming a used piece and preparing it for a new life with a fresh coat of paint or varnish.  Why go to all that trouble?  Simple.  When someone walks into my home their first impression will be set by what they SEE in the first five minutes.  If I can meet their sense of sight with something pleasant to view, I'm off to a great start in making them feel comfortable and at home. 

Of course, all the decorating in the world will never cover over dirt.  Just keeping my home clean and tidy has gone a long way toward making it a comfortable place in which to be.  Aside from a minimal investment in a bucket, some sponges, and a little soap, the cost of cleaning is nearly nil.  The effect, however, is invaluable.  People always appreciate being in an environment that is neatly kept and tastefully decorated.  Both industry and commercial companies understand that concept clearly and spend great sums of money hiring interior design consultants to establish  warm, welcoming surroundings for their employees and customers.  Our home should never be outdone by some clothing store showroom or doctor's waiting room.  When my husband and children (and guests, of course) enter into our home, I want them to SEE a tidy, clean, inviting place where they feel welcomed and valued.  Dirty dishes piled in the sink, unmade beds, toys strewn from one end of the house to the other, clutter piled high on every flat surface... these are the things that create a sense of unrest in the human spirit.  Our God is a God of order.  If we follow His lead, we can rest assured that "home" will be a pleasant word on the lips of those we love.

Not only our home, but our person makes a strong impression on others.  Since my husband goes to work each day and inevitably meets dozens of other women out in the world, I need to take care that when he comes home he is greeted by someone who values him enough to take the time to be well-groomed and attractive for his benefit.  I don't necessarily strive to do housework in my high heels or look like June Cleaver (string of pearls and all) every day, but when I notice the clock nearing the time of Bob's arrival home from work, I check my hair, change out of my cleaning clothes, and try to put in a pair of earrings and a quick touch of lipstick.  That all takes about 5 minutes of my time... 5 minutes well invested if it causes my husband to smile and think of me as the person who he looks forward to seeing at the end of every work day.

If we take the time and invest the necessary energy to meet the SIGHT needs of our families, coming home will be something they "look" forward to, not something they dread.  Friends and acquaintances will notice the difference and always make complimentary comments.  God has given us the gift of vision, so let's thank Him by creating an environment of beauty for our family.  I don't have the time or space in this blog to elaborate further, but I pray the Holy Spirit will begin to prime your creative pump and show you ways to make your home a special place of refuge from a harsh, uncaring world.

"Through skillful and godly Wisdom is a house (a life, a home, a family) built, and by understanding it is established [on a sound and good foundation], and by knowledge shall its chambers [of every area] be filled with all precious and pleasant riches."

(Proverbs 24:3-4, Amplified Bible)

Love In Action

The first church I attended regularly (and the one in which I experienced my salvation through Jesus Christ) often comes to my mind.  I have fond memories for the people who worshiped there with me, for the marvelous pastor who preached and taught the Word of God (and who also performed the marriage ceremony for my husband and me), and for many of the wonderful ministries that church had established in the community where it was located.  One of the most endearing of those ministries was called "Love In Action."  Simply explained, this ministry was devoted to identifying specific needs in the lives of others (most often, those in that particular body of believers) and then meeting those needs by taking action.  I have never forgotten that simple name for a powerful ministry, and it is my desire to one day soon be able to establish just such a ministry group in a church in this area.  It is a sorely needed ministry in this world where a "what's in it for me" mentality seems to have taken over.  So, let's think about what Love in Action might look like for your church (or even your personal life and family).

A body of believers, a local congregation, is comprised of a multitude of people each gifted with talents and abilities bestowed upon them by the Holy Spirit, for the purpose of service to the body and the community.  As unique individuals, each of us possesses a skill set unlike anyone else.  It is our duty to put those skills and spiritual gifts to work for the glory of God and in order to visibly show our love to others.

Let's start by simply gathering information from those with whom we regularly worship:
1.  What do you do for a living?  What resources might be available to you by virtue of your employment?
2.  What special skills do you possess?  (Perhaps you're tech-savvy and have great knowledge in computers.  Maybe you're a super cook who loves preparing meals for others.  Is it possible you're a good mechanic, skilled at repairing automobiles or other motorized things?)
3.  What does your daily/weekly schedule look like?  How available can you be to meet the needs of others?
4.  What are your spiritual gifts?  (Now, before these can be shared it is certainly necessary to offer a class on spiritual gifts to the local congregation.  I will probably talk about that in another post at some time.)
5.  What drives you?  I'm not referring to what kind of auto you own, but rather to the passion that lives in your heart... that certain something you think about every day.

By creating a simple questionnaire and distributing it to all the members of the church, we can begin to build a "bank" of unique talents and abilities that exists within the body.  Using 5x7 note cards, we can then create a file of names, gifts, talents, availability, resources, and desires for service and arrange them in organized fashion for quick reference when a need is identified.  For example, if we become aware of a widow in the church who has been troubled with a leak in the roof of her home, it will be a simple matter to look through the files and identify anyone with experience and/or expertise is home repair, roofing, or carpentry who could be contacted to set into motion the work which needs to be done to help this widow and effect the needed repairs on her house.

A second example:  Information surfaces regarding a young wife and mother who is struggling with the challenges and responsibilities of cooking, cleaning, rearing children, and creating a God-honoring environment for her family in the home.  Opportunities may arise for a day of free child care (by someone in the church who is gifted in children's ministries), cooking lessons (by someone who is skilled in meal planning and preparation), help with housekeeping skills (by someone who cleans homes or whose home is evidence of their skill in that area), and the list goes on.

It should go without saying (but I'll say it anyway) that the church family must create an environment in which members are not hesitant to share their needs.  No one should ever feel embarrassed or tentative to reach out for help from their brothers and sisters in the Lord.  II Corinthians 1:4 tells us, "He (God) comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." (New Living Translation)  There was a time when we were not experts at what we now consider easy to accomplish.  We all began by needing instruction and guidance, so it should be only a natural response of the believer to be willing to share that knowledge we have gained through experience.  It is surely troubling to be faced with a need and have no idea where to turn for help.

Most often, when a specific need is expressed by someone, our immediate response is to say, "Well, I'll  pray about that for you."  Certainly, we should pray and we need to be in constant prayer for the needs of those around us.  However, that cannot be where we stop.  We need to put feet and hands to our prayers and find ways in which to express our love for others by taking action to meet their needs and exhibit the kind of love that Jesus showed when he turned water into wine for the marriage celebration, when he healed the centurion's daughter and restored her life, and when he used five small loaves of bread and two tiny fish to feed five thousand hungry people.

My challenge to you today is simple:  Think about establishing a "Love In Action" ministry in your church, or about becoming actively involved in such a ministry if it already exists.  Pray for those in need... and then put hands and feet to your prayers.  Invest in the lives of others as Christ has invested in yours.  Share your talents, skills, and time in order to show what real love looks like.  Stop just talking about love and start doing things to show that love really lives in you.

Some years ago a movie came out entitled "Pay It Forward."  If you've never seen it, I would recommend finding a copy to view with your family and/or friends.  The reason for the tremendous success of the movie was, I believe, to be found in the innate desire of every man to reach out in love to others and to believe that others desire to reach out in love to them, as well.  We all want to know that we're not in this life alone.  The poet, John Dunne, wrote:

No man is an island entire of itself; every man 
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; 
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe 
is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as 
well as any manner of thy friends or of thine 
own were; any man's death diminishes me, 
because I am involved in mankind. 
And therefore never send to know for whom 
the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. 

Let us all be "involved in mankind."  Someone else may be in need today... and we may be able to meet that need. 

Tomorrow it may be us who needs help. 

 "What is the use (profit), my brethren, for anyone to profess to have faith if he has no

good works [to show for it]?  Can [such] faith save [his soul]?  If a brother or sister is poorly

clad and lacks food for each day, and one of you says to him, 'Good-bye!  Keep yourself

warm and well fed,'  without giving him the necessities for the body, what good does

that do?  So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back

it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead)."

(James 2:14-17, Amplified Bible) 
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

But What Does Love Look Like?

Back in my teen years a song came along, recorded by Dionne Warwick, that skyrocketed to the top of the music charts and remained on top for several weeks.  The title was "What the World Needs Now."  The message:   

What the world needs now is love, sweet love.  

It's the only thing that there's just too little of.  

What the world needs now is love, sweet love.  

No, not just for some, but for everyone.

When Christ was asked which commandment was the "greatest" one, His reply was,  

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as 

yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 22:36-40)   

For most of us, this is not an unfamiliar passage in Scripture.  In fact, we've probably heard it quoted and preached all our lives.  But, my question to you would be:  What does that LOOK like?  How does that kind of love manifest itself in our daily lives?  What do we DO to show that kind of love, and where do we LEARN to do it?  

Perhaps we can go to the store and buy a book on love and by reading it we'll become experts on the subject.  Maybe we'll buy that book and let it sit on our bedside table so that hopefully we'll learn all it teaches through some kind of miraculous process of osmosis;  the teachings in the book will simply float across the void between our pillow and the pages of that work and infiltrate our minds while we sleep.  And then, we will awaken a new person, filled to overflowing with love and ready to pass it along to all we meet.

Or maybe we'll spend hours in front of the television watching religious programming and anointed preachers.  Surely we will hear about love from them and be challenged to show that love to others.  Television evangelists are well-known for their fiery, convicting dialogue that digs to the heart of a matter and brings its truth to light so that those watching will know of all the scriptures and Biblical references that speak to it.  With enough time in front of the T.V. we'll certainly become loving individuals.

If those two avenues don't do it for us, surely we can learn how to love in Sunday school class and from the sermons preached in church.  We will learn all about Jesus, who loved the children... God, who loves us all... and the Holy Spirit, who gives us the ability to walk in love every day.  Once we've been provided with all that information we'll be prepared to walk in Christ's love throughout our life and in every situation.

Now don't misunderstand me.  I think that good Christian authors have done a great job of writing all about love, from every possible angle.  In fact, even now I am writing about it hoping that you will read this post and find some nugget of truth you can apply to your life as a believer in Jesus Christ.  Televangelists (at least most of them) have biblically solid ministries that meet the needs of those who are homebound or looking for some encouragement in everyday life.  Our Sunday school literature and the sermons of anointed preachers in our churches are excellent ways in which we can hear the love message and discover how Jesus lived that message every day that He walked upon this earth.  Even with all that, the question still remains:  How does that love manifest itself in MY life?  What does it look like for ME?  How do I learn to SHOW real love to those around me and not just talk about it?

Recently, the Holy Spirit laid upon my heart the need for women to learn about the roles for which they have been created in order to glorify God in their lives.  I awakened one morning with a message on my mind: simply,  Titus 2.  I confess that I do not have my entire Bible memorized, so I was not immediately aware of what Scripture had to say in Titus 2.  A cup of coffee in hand, I took up my Bible to read this chapter and discovered within it the call for mature believers to "teach" others how to love:

"But [as for] you, teach what is fitting and becoming to sound (wholesome) doctrine [the character and right living that identify true Christians].  Urge the older men to be temperate, venerable (serious), sensible, self-controlled, and sound in the faith, in the love, and in the steadfastness and patience [of Christ].  Bid the older women similarly to be reverent and devout in their deportment as becomes those engaged in sacred service, not slanderers or slaves to drink.  They are to give good counsel and be teachers of what is right and noble, so that they will wisely train the young women to be sane and sober of mind (temperate, disciplined) and to love their husbands and their children; to be self-controlled,chaste, homemakers, good-natured (kindhearted), adapting and subordinating themselves to their husbands, that the word of God may not be exposed to reproach (blasphemed or discredited)."  (Titus 2:1-5)

There is so much contained within this passage of Scripture that it would be impossible to address it all in one posting on this blog.  And yet, I believe the teaching therein is crucial to be clearly understood and followed if we, as believers in Christ, are to fulfill that greatest of all commandments... to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, and all our souls, and all our minds, and to love others even as we love ourselves.  To that end, I have decided to dedicate my next several posts to addressing what that kind of love LOOKS like as it is lived out in day-to-day life at home.  I pray the Lord will give me clear insight and the right words and examples to use to make that love, to which He has called us, something we can begin to show in concrete ways to our world.  I pray, also, you will follow me on that journey.

"I give you a new commandment:  that you should love one another.  Just as I have loved you, so you too should love one another.  By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves]."

(John 13:34-35, Amplified Bible)