Emotions

A sound mind makes for a robust body, but runaway emotions corrode the bones. Proverbs 14:30

The NIV speaks about a heart at peace instead of a sound mind. I really liked that interpretation. I like to think of myself being at peace with my emotions. Knowing how to say the right things even when I am angry. Calmly telling my child that he cannot get down and run around the restaurant for the fifth time. Sweetly explaining to my husband that I don’t feel like picking up in the house (or any extra-curricular activities) because I treated 14 patients that day. Real world: I lose my temper and then blame it on hormones, eat some ice cream and then go to bed still a little angry. The author is correct that this is not good for our bodies. It is also not good for our relationships. We must take responsibility for our emotions. I completed a great study of the book, The Lies Women Tell. It was so convicting. We really can calm down and react with sanity when the world seems to be falling apart. And we cannot continue the blame game. We are in charge of our emotions.

I love the $100 offer to behave! I know I could do it…so why can’t I do it just for my health and the health of my relationships? We have become slaves to feelings, believing that God made women to be emotional. Maybe that is true, but we know that doesn’t include temper tantrums. That’s what God made toddlers for! Looking at Galatians 5:22-23, I am certainly lacking in patience, gentleness, and self-control. I know I can’t be perfect at any of these. But God doesn’t ask for that. They are fruits of the Spirit. They are what happens when you listen to the Holy Spirit (that little voice telling you when to shut your mouth or when to speak up). I encourage you to read The Shack if you need some perspective on the role of the Holy Spirit in your life

Lastly, a quick update on Angel Touch. We have decided to offer our first monthly support meeting this Thursday night. We will decide from attendance if this is a need at our church. Please pray that I will listen to the Spirit and discover what God wants me to do with this ministry. Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers! By the way, I would love for you to join me in lifting up a sweet little girl who had heart surgery this past week. Her name is Cara Conn and you can read more about her at http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/caraconn. Thank you and have a great week!