Are you bold?

 Are you bold?  I sure am not.  In my childhood I survived by being as quiet as a mouse and praying that I wouldn't be noticed.  After the rapes, it was even more important not to draw attention to myself lest our parents notice something was wrong with me.  Something WAS wrong--very very wrong.

  I praise God for offering me salvation will I was still in the incest years!  Without Him entering my life. and telling me how special I was to Him, I doubt that I would have survived.  Further, I learned years ago that 90% of prostitutes are survivors of incest.  

  So I struggle with the concept of being bold.  I know this one Christian mom who bragged about being bold while her family was falling apart.  Let's let Dad be the bold ones as far as protecting the family from outside threats.

  So why would God say that we need to be bold?  

My love is a never-ending stream of sustenance for your soul. You can find everything you need in the life-blood of my unending kindness. My perfect peace holds you steady in the fiercest storms, and it gives you clarity to see my goodness at work. Yield to my heart today. Don’t fight the current of my mercy, for it is the strength that will keep you on the pathway of surrendered love.   Do you doubt the power of my life in yours?    So many of us were raised in religious families where God the Father was the big bad guy (kind of like the dad of the house) and Jesus is viewed as a wimp.  Doesn't it just make you despise religion?   So what if we were all bold against the traditions of men that our ancestors have dedicated their lives to following?        As we ponder that question, let's also ponder today's message from the Passion Translation.  "Stand up to the devil and resist him.and he will flee in agony."  James 4:7  Now that's a reason to be bold, isn't it?        So I am pondering what would happen if all of Yesuha's children were bold against the enemy.  Shall we try it and find out?      As always, deep in thought,   Dawn PS  The enemy is messing with my post again so I'll have to try another way. This is one of my favorite songs about how bold people become when God enters their life.  I LOVE IT!!   IT looks like you'll need to copy and past this to hear this amazing song! https://youtu.be/j4H-J5Ynpog?si=ZwHdJ-msRtGCodoq

 DdawnDtrict-orhande4:7The Passion Translation

 

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Surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony. 4:7

The Passion Translation

 

Surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.

I Hear His Whisper...

Be Bold.

My love is a never-ending stream of sustenance for your soul. You can find everything you need in the life-blood of my unending kindness. My perfect peace holds you steady in the fiercest storms, and it gives you clarity to see my goodness at work. Yield to my heart today. Don’t fight the current of my mercy, for it is the strength that will keep you on the pathway of surrendered love.   Do you doubt the power of my life in yours? Take confidence in my Word and walk out the ways of peace that I have prepared for you. If ever you need a reminder of what living love looks like, study the life of Jesus. His example is not unattainable for you because you are a dearly loved child of the living God. You have alive in you the same Spirit who raised Christ from the dead. You have unhindered access to connection with me at all times. Do not hesitate to call on me, for you were never meant to live in your own strength. I have empowered you with my Spirit, so take courage and be bold in my love.   Adapted from I Hear His Whisper for Women written by Brian Simmons

James 4:7 The Passion Translation   Surrender to God. Stand up to the devil and resist him and he will flee in agony.

Does God care?

   I've been concerned about my mental health my entire life!  Somehow I survived my incestuous childhood but not without significant mental health issues.  I could go into the details about fighting off suicidal tendencies from my childhood but I try not to dwell on the past.

  Still at times my mental health concerns outweigh my physical health concerns.  "Why would God love me when my own parents didn't love me enough to protect me?"  

  God has proven His love is true countless times yet I have gloomy days when I can't get motivated to accomplish a thing.  I feel like Eeyore sitting under his cloud.  Some days are just harder and the temptation is to ignore the gloom even exists but it does.  It really does.

  So, as always, I went in search of an article on what I'm pondering and today that happens to be how to improve one's mental health.  I found this helpful.  I think I'll look for a song too as I sure need something uplifting today.  If you could pray for me, I know it would help too.

  Here's a prayer for all who feel the gloomies starting to overtake you.  You are not alone and yes, God really does love us all!

  Dawn

PS One of the things that really gets me down is when technology does not do what I tell it to do.  It could be me but it seems demonic at times.  So just now I was trying to get the article to align to the left and it won't do it.  I'm so sorry.  Please forgive me.  I love you all.  I thank you for reading here even though it's such a mess at times.  

What does Jesus say about our mental health?

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Julie Wilson from Kintsugi Hope shares how scripture helps her share hope as a church leader, and how much Jesus cares about our wellbeing

 Julie Wilson 

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 Tuesday 14 May 2024

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  In the world we find ourselves in we all know people who grapple with stress, anxiety, and feelings of despondency— or perhaps we are familiar with them ourselves — a reality increasingly acknowledged within Christian circles. 

As a church leader, I often encounter these struggles in people’s spiritual journeys. While mental health conversations might have previously been sidestepped within faith communities, there’s a growing recognition of the necessity to address these issues with compassion and empathy. At times, the tension between our faith and apprehensions may overshadow the intricate nuances of mental health. We might even hesitate to speak out, fearing condemnation for not fully entrusting our concerns to Christ.

However, I firmly believe that Christ can meet us in these moments of uncertainty, offering hope, peace and joy amidst our struggles.

In Christianity, hope is a big deal, and looking at Jesus’ perspective on mental health can give comfort and guidance to those who are struggling.

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What did Jesus teach?

Jesus taught a lot about love and compassion for everyone, no matter what they were going through. He showed this love by helping all sorts of people, including those who were sick or feeling low. Instead of pushing them away or judging them, He showed care, healed them, and made them feel valued. His actions – like being kind, forgiving and even performing miracles – show how much He cared about people’s wellbeing.

Rather than blaming someone for being sick or thinking they lack faith, Christians are encouraged to understand that mental health issues are complex. 

Christianity teaches that every person is important and deserves respect, no matter what they’re dealing with mentally. It’s about treating everyone with dignity, even if they’re struggling with mental health. Rather than blaming someone for being sick or thinking they lack faith, Christians are encouraged to understand that mental health issues are complex. They can come from many things, such as biology, thoughts and life experiences. By seeing the whole picture, Christians can offer support and understanding without making people feel bad.

You are not alone

Jesus didn’t just care about physical health; He was also concerned about people’s feelings and thoughts. He didn’t just heal bodies; He comforted troubled minds. In one of His talks (Matthew 5:4 – 14), He said, ​“Those who feel sad are blessed, because they will find comfort.” (paraphrased). This message of comfort and hope is for everyone struggling with mental health issues, showing that they’re not alone.

Jesus also talked about how faith and prayer can help in hard times. For many Christians, praying gives them strength and hope when they’re feeling low. It’s a way to connect with a caring God who knows their pain and offers comfort and peace. Jesus once said, ​“Come to me, all you who are tired and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). This promise isn’t just for people with physical burdens but also for those dealing with mental struggles, offering eternal peace and relief for their soul.

However it’s important to acknowledge that the mental health challenges and pain which we encounter on this earth won’t necessarily go away in this life just because someone is a Christian. It’s also important to acknowledge that those who struggle with mental health issues are not defined by that, no matter how hard things seem. Instead, they’re defined by their relationship with a loving God, even if they continue to struggle with their mental health.

As followers of Jesus, Christians are supposed to act like Him, showing love and care to everyone, including those dealing with mental health problems. This means creating communities where people feel safe to talk about their struggles without fear. It also means pushing for better understanding and support for mental health in society.

What we are doing to help

The charity I work for, Kintsugi Hope, plays a vital role in promoting mental and emotional wellbeing within communities. Named after the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, Kintsugi Hope embraces the idea that our scars and imperfections can be transformed into sources of beauty and strength. Through a range of programmes, resources, and support networks, Kintsugi Hope offers practical tools and a message of hope for those navigating the challenges of mental health issues.

As a mental health charity, we actively engage in activities during Mental Health Awareness Week. This year, the theme revolves around movement, and we at Kintsugi Hope are excited to be leading the ​‘Step Into Hope’ campaign. This initiative offers a platform for individuals to embark on a journey of hope, healing and resilience in their mental health. By taking small steps towards a brighter future, participants promote mental wellbeing through the simple act of walking. The campaign encourages people to prioritise their mental health by integrating walking into their daily routines, emphasising the hopefulness that accompanies this endeavour.

Additionally, it provides an opportunity for those interested in supporting Kintsugi Hope’s crucial work to make match-funded donations. Any contributions made during Mental Health Awareness Week will be matched, doubling the impact of each donation at no extra cost to the donor. Together, these initiatives underscore the transformative power of community, compassion, and solidarity in advancing mental wellbeing for all.

For more information about Kintsugi Hope, go to kintsug​i​hope​.com

For more information on Step Into Hope, go to donate​.kintsug​i​hope​.com/​s​t​e​p​-​i​n​t​o​-hope

God is our Parent!

 Hi everyone,

  I am so glad my son, Jacob, figured out how to unlock my blog.  I've been wanting to write but I was unable because of my last post locking things up.  I tried everything I could see to get it back but finally had to ask a younger person for help.  lol  Those of you who are old enough not to have had personal computers in your home when you were children can relate, I am sure.  ;)

  Much has happened.  We got compony over the 4th of July weekend.  For those of you from other countries, the US celebrates it's birthday on the 4th of July.  That's the date when our "Declaration of Independence" was signed by our country's founders.  That was 249 years ago and next year our country will be 250 years old.  That is going to be a GREAT BIG party nation-wide I am sure!  

  Our crops are coming along except we caught hail on 200 acres of soybeans.  That's the worst hail damage we've ever had but Robert is hoping that some of the plants will come back.  We've never been able to afford hail insurance as it is outrageously priced.

  My family is growing like the crops and my garden.  Our 2 oldest grandchildren will be 8 this year.  It's so much fun to watch our grandchildren develop their personalities.  It seems a little more fun than watching our own children's growth probably because we're not doing the bulk of the work.  :)

  The PASSION TRANSLATION of the Bible enriches me daily.  I love the emails that come from them too.  Having been raised in an extremely judgmental religious (and abusive) household, it didn't seem real that God the Father loved me.  I knew that Jesus did but not the BIG GUY! 

  This wonderful translation of the Bible is completely reversing for me this concept that God the Father was just waiting for me to screw up so He could put me in my place.  As I read the Bible through the lens of God being wildly desirous of my well being, little by little I have been able to relax around Him.  I pray that my sharing their emails here will help others who don't know how much favor you have with God if you have accepted Jesus into your life.  We truly ARE His special children.

  As you know I like to find a song that brings my thoughts alive.  I so love music.  I was raised in a singing family and I have been trained as a professional singer.  I hope you enjoy this song as much as I do.

  Until next time,

  Dawn

 

I Hear His Whisper...

You are fully accepted.

Draw near to my heart, child, and find the full acceptance you long for. Let the light of my pure presence shine on your inner world even now. See how I delight over you. There is not a hint of disappointment in my view of you. I have enfolded you into my family, and I love you purely and wholly, just as you are.   Let the embrace of my affection wrap around you as you look to me. Let my words of life drench your spirit with the fragrant oil of my goodness. Leave behind your disenchantment as you follow me to my pools of pleasure. You have not lost your hope, my beloved. It is right here, in the exchange of my perspective for your own. It is my joy to restore you. Even now, will you remember the confident expectation that your soul knew in the days of great faith? You now have even more courage within you. Just watch and see what I have done and what I will do for you. Bind your will to mine and be free in your true identity as my beloved child.

Romans 8:15 The Passion Translation   You did not receive the “spirit of religious duty,” leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the “Spirit of full acceptance,” enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, “Beloved Father!”

I'M BETTER!!

 Thank you!  Thank you!!  Thank you for your prayers!  May God bless you all for thinking of me in my time of need.  :)

  I am very happy to report that the cancer is fading BUT I picked up a nasty urinary tract infection probably from laying around too much and not drinking enough water.  So, as Father leads you, please pray for that to disappear SOON.

  This weekend will be quiet so I'm glad that I can rest and regain my strength.  It is maddening to be so weak with so much outside work to do.  If I was only strong enough to get to my garden, I know that I would gain strength from tending to it.  How I love gardening!

  I found a poem that spoke to me about how God helps us when we are sick.  Nobody enjoys being sick but, if we call out to Jesus, He will be even closer than usual!  He's the best friend I've ever had these past 56 years since I asked Him to come in and live in my heart!  I love Him immensely and look forward to living with Him FOREVER with all of my brothers and sisters who also love Him!!!  Won't that be wonderful?

  Here's to our Healer--the one who bore our sins on the cross--and our Savior and best friend.  I just thought of a song I'll share below.  That seems to happen to me a lot.  lol

  Have a wonderful Sabbath rest,

  Dawn

CANCER

 Hi everyone,

  I went in search of a Christian article on how to comfort people who are dealing with cancer.  I've been dealing with cancer for about a month.  I deal with it herbally and have had success many times in the past.

  This time, though, I got away from self care as my daughter and her family came for 4 days.  It didn't seem all that important to take my supplements, zap, red light, rest...  until Monday morning I woke up to about a cup of blood in the toilet.  ):

  My theory is that the tumor grew and pushed on the bladder thereby cutting off the flow.  Yes, I was scared and asked for prayers.  I bled all day Monday but it's been calm yesterday and today.  PTL

  So I got on my herbs and got back to zapping.  I've been in bed most of the week and keep praising the Lord to keep the discouragement away.  I've been doing lots of castor oil packs which is a great way to pull down tumors.

  Usually I don't tell my family or friends when it starts because usually it's gone in under a week BUT when I was bleeding every time I urinated on Monday, I had to tell them so they would pray for me.

  Today I'm much better--still weak and a little woozy but well enough to write here and ask for prayer.  Yes, I covet all of your prayers if you are a follower of Jesus/Yeshua.

  Then I got to thinking that folks who find out a family member is dealing with cancer could maybe use some help.  That's when I found this article.  It's too long to copy but you can check out this link if knowing how to comfort a cancer patient is high on your priority list.

  35 Religious Words of Encouragement for Cancer Patients 2025 - Mzuri Springs

  The hard part of dealing with cancer at home is that there is very little support.  The good part is that it's dealt with quickly and it doesn't have to be a whole big trauma for all of your family members and friends.

  I never like to claim a sickness but, until it's acknowledged, it isn't dealt with.  That's the double edged sword with any problem I reckon.  So, yes, I have cancer.  It feels a little like what people going to AA must feel.  I'm Dawn Bornemann and I have cancer. GASP  

  My faith has gotten me through this multiple times and I know it won't fail me this time either.  I do welcome all prayers said in the name of our Lord--the Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the great healer and He is doing great things through my suffering.  An aloof daughter-in-law is making me daily herbs and I never thought that would happen.

  I'm thinking of a song that has blessed me for decades.  I think I'll share it for those of you who are also finding praise a difficult thing right now.

  Until next time,

  Dawn

God makes it easy!

 

  I am so excited.  My whole family will be here this weekend!!!!!!

  Our neighborhood hosts a picnic in the park every Summer and my daughter and her family are coming for it!!  It's a 6 hour drive, when I make it, and I don't have little people who have to stop to use the bathroom every hour or so.  I covet your prayers for their trip to be pleasant and, somehow, a joy!  They're coming to Grandpa and Grandma's house after all.  :)

  Please also keep our community in your prayers as we gather for some good family fun.  The enemy has tried many times to destroy our little community and is trying to harm relationships every day.  This event has been a way of getting people to talk to each other face to face which often destroys the lies that are told about each other.  

  I asked the Lord to give us a beautiful day weather wise and I sure hope He will!  We ladies have done our parts.  We met at the park this morning for park cleanup.  

  My annual job, which I volunteer for, is to clean the porty potty so that's done now.  I have always enjoyed cleaning toilets for some odd reason.  I guess it's something else nobody wants to do but, when it's done, I know that it's a bathroom that my family and guests can feel good about using.

  I digress.  God established the family unit at creation.  The devil has done everything he could to destroy it through feminism and the spirit of Jezebel.  Weak men dooms the family unit and the goal of feminism is to create weak men!  May we live to see it destroyed as more and more women learn the joy of being helpmeet to the man God has picked for them.  

  I was a total feminist when we got married nearly 45 years ago having gone all the way through the education system to earn a 4 year collage degree.  Poor Robert.  I'll always remember the day God killed it in me and it's a wonderful story.

  We were living in an old house which we bought for $250 of back taxes.  It needed lots of work including the roof.  Robert and our friend who was helping us were up on the roof starting in late Fall.  It kept getting colder and colder and my heart went out to them.

 The devil was using his old tricks on me.  "Robert will never love you!"  "If Robert loved you, he would....."  "I wish I could make Robert love me!"

  At that precise moment, I heard God ask me "What's that sound up on the roof?"

  I listened to the hammering of the 2 men.

  Then God asked me to ponder something very serious.  He said "If Robert didn't love you, why on Earth would he be up on the roof hammering down shingles so you and the children can be warm and dry this Winter?"

  That was it!  Feminism died when the truth FINALLY sank in.  You can be assured that there was a special supper waiting for Robert that night!!!!  I never looked back and we have had a FANTASTIC partnership because of that moment.

  Gals, if you have a husband who goes to work to make money for you and the children to have a nice, warm house and food on the table, HE LOVES YOU!!!  Isn't that wonderful news?  

  So lets get to work making the lives of our men happy lives.  Whatever that means to your man, I'm sure you know how to do it.  If you don't, pray for the Holy Spirit to show you what is needed to honor the man God sent you to be your leader and protector.  After all, God brought you 2 together!  He knows how you can best honor the man God blessed you with.

  I sure wasn't planning to go there but that's how I was led by the Holy Spirit.  I'm assuming that it will bless someone, who has their eyes on themselves, with clear direction of how to focus on others--most of all your husband.  I love my husband sooooo much!

  Well, I'd best get to making supper and, oh yes, the bathrooms need cleaning before our guest arrive.  

  Love to all you lovers out there,

  Dawn

Encounter God’s Heart…

Surrendered and Set Free

The power of God’s loyal love completely and irrevocably removes sin’s guilt and grip over us, his yielded children. Jesus echoed this when he said, “If the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free!” (John 8:36). When we surrender to Christ, he liberates us in his strong love. Think about how your surrendered worship of God has moved you into greater freedom. Have you tasted the goodness of knowing how incredibly delighted the Father is over you? Have you experienced the peace of God that transcends understanding and seeps into your very soul? The incredible power of God’s love that sets the captive free and makes the lame dance in unabashed joy before him is yours to experience. May you worship and honor the Lord with the grateful heart of someone caught up in the wonder of his marvelous mercy.   Joyful Jesus, in your love, I come alive. I want to know even greater freedom in your presence and in my lived-out spirituality. Transform my guilt into the testimony of your goodness. I love you.   From Wisdom from Above written by Brian Simmons

Proverbs 16:6 The Passion Translation   You can avoid evil through surrendered worship and the fear of God, for the power of his faithful love removes sin’s guilt and grip over you.