Cowper-Smith

Assimilation - incorporation of new concepts into existing schemes

2009-05-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

How often do I take all the good things God is showing me and really chew on them and make them a part of my life. That is what I am dedicating my Saturdays to - God - how do I put all this great info into my life?

Can God Help Me With Anxiety?

2009-05-30T14:57:00.000-07:00

A very dear friend of mine asked me for some verses that would help her with anxiety - I was filled with compassion and gave her my favorite - Is 26v3, Jer 32, Phil 4, 1 Pet 5, 1 John 5. Then I wrote a study for her. Here is an excerpt - feel free to email me if you would like the full thing.

When we face a battle of any kind – strong emotions, a need or a conflict with another person – the first helpful thing we can do is to go to God and stay with God. That is a fairly general statement so we will break down what that means. We read in Romans 15:4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Therefore we know we can start with Scripture and how God has helped others.

1) Believe and Cleave

a) He has promised to help us -- Heb 11v6 “…anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
b) But even before we get to believing we may need to ask for help to believe.
Mark 9:24 - Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

2) Admit and Commit

All through Scriptures we see the people who receive God’s help are the ones willing to admit their emotions and needs and commit to God’s ways

a) Admit your emotions to God. Emotions are neither good or bad – they just “are”. They are like lights on the dashboard signaling something underneath. Let your emotions lead you to ask questions. Realize that negative emotions are meant to alert you to danger. Rather than ignoring the anxiety and depression you feel, face your feelings and ask: “What’s going on?”, “How do I feel about it?” and “Do I want to change?”The key here is to ask God these questions and not yourself.
b) Admit that you have been trying to control things...
c) Commit to staying with God and not trying to fix things by your ways...
Prov 3:5ff

3) Learn Our Part and His Part

For the full study - email me

Going to God first

2009-05-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Gossip rears its ugly head from time to time and the question popped into my head - What is the root? What is underneath gossip? I think some of it is insecurity and fear. An emotion of the need to protect oneself or someone else. I got a picture of the body of Christ where the hand was trying to serve the foot and it was a nice idea - but it was wrong. Each part needs to serve the Head and follow the directions from the Head of the body - Jesus. I thought it would be so wonderful if there was a feature on our phones where we could not place an outgoing call or receive and incoming call until we had connected and soaked in God's presence long enough to hear His instructions for that day.

Rest

2009-04-10T11:34:00.000-07:00

Rest rejuvenates and frees up space within us for more of God. It is a respite from labor - or in the case of a field - seeds are not planted for a year of rest. The Sabbath Rest that we are invited into is a function of faith - to rest in His guidance, provision, character, mercy. We rest from worry, striving and trying to accomplish something and turn to trust in God for His leadership. It is important that we "enter in" to this Sabbath Rest. It is an invitation. Just as in Matthew 11:28 - Jesus invites us to Come to Him - again this is not a passive waiting for something to happen - but to come.

Christmas letter

2008-12-13T18:16:00.000-08:00

2008 -- We are thankful to be part of a great church staff and especially helping to lead the Young Couples group at our church. We performed 3 weddings this year and that meant lots of counseling and partying - in that order! We have 7 young couples in the group and they are doing so well - 2 now have little ones.

Our church moved from meeting at an Elementary School to a High School theater - the facility is lovely. We have had much more room for the worship band, dance and drama.

Mark continues to teach, counsel, oversee the connect groups for the church with Shell and plays awesome lead guitar. The church recorded a worship album this year - hoping to be finished by Dec 14th. It is awesome.

Mark travelled to Canada in the summer for his father's funeral. It was very sad but expected. His father had been ill for a number of years.

Shell got to teach at two Women's conferences this year. That was the high point as she has also had to have 18 hours of dental surgery over the last few months with more to go. She will have 5 implants, 2 bone graphs, several root canals and 32 crowns by the time it is all done. We went to Tijuana, MX to have it all done. Should be finished in January 09.

Shell continues to teach parenting classes in the community - has about 3 classes a week at a variety of places from adult ed in the school districts to domestic violence shelters. It is a real privilege. We also continue our outreach to the single moms in our area. 7 churches join together and work with the schools and local police to care for the needs. This has been such a blessing to see and be a part of God's love in action.

The other highlight has been sailing with our friends and staying at their condo in Coronado Island. We had a wonderful vacation this summer as Shell was recovering from her dental surgeries. We are so thankful for them and will celebrate Christmas with their family as well.

Pete our 6 yr old Chihuahua entertains us all daily - he has now started to howl at the end of the birthday song as we sing it to group members or on the phone when we call to say happy birthday to friends. You can see this on utube if you are desperately without entertainment some day. turn down your speakers...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OA39DHtMszI

We hope to visit the Baja mission in the new year and also continue with our mission projects - check out http://www.hydratinghumanity.com/home.html

Have a wonderful holiday all ,

Ebbs and Flows

2008-10-02T04:44:00.000-07:00

Nature demonstrates times and seasons - and yet in our lives we always want everything smooth, soft sunshine and roses. Would we be more content if we stopped evaluating and striving all the time and just looked for God in the moment - godliness with contentment is great gain

Quote from Mark's book

2008-09-01T11:55:00.000-07:00

It is interesting to note that the “good news” that he preached was not the “good news of salvation” but rather the “good news of the kingdom”. It is even more significant to note that when Jesus began preaching repentance His focus was not on salvation but on the coming of the kingdom of heaven or the kingdom of god. These are interchangeable terms. Don’t get me wrong, my salvation is important to me. I came to Jesus because I had a genuine revelation of hell. I was literally scared into the pursuit of god but what I discovered once saved was that what I had happily blundered into was so much greater than just my “get out of jail free card”. The fact is, salvation is only a part of the package of the kingdom of god. Sort of like those info-mercials: “what would you pay for the secrets of the universe?, WAIT, if you order today you also get the 29 peace Teflon coated cook set, WAIT if you order in the next 30 seconds you will also receive at no extra charge the 8 peace Ginsu knife set guaranteed to cut through the chains of Hell.” Jesus was really all about the kingdom of god and his plan for us is that we will be as well. When his disciples came to him to ask for directions as to how they should pray his answer was consistent with his “one thing”.

The Gift of Pain

2008-09-01T11:54:00.001-07:00

Do you realize the number of things you would not get done unless there was a pain or a circumstance driving you. My days are filled with activity - lots of really good things. But I have let things slide such as doctors or dental appointments. Not when the pain arrives. My desire and prayer is that I am responding daily to taking care of my body - dealing with the small things before the pain has to alert me to a problem. This could be said for all sorts of things - relationships, work, family. Let wisdom be your driver today. written by Shell

The Gift of Flexibility

2008-09-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

I am starting to see all the sudden changes in plans and conflicting desires as a gift. If I really have given my heart and life to God - then getting upset when things change is a strange response. I do want to stand with God and fight for what is important to Him - but I have to stop and ask - is this my will or His will. Shell

Overwhelmed

2008-04-15T20:51:00.000-07:00

The other day I was feeling overtired and my "to do" list is never ending and growing. I saw an email in my box from a daily devotion and it said "Overwhelmed?". As I started reading it I realized the author was talking about being totally overwhelmed by God's love! What a change of focus for me.

You see we all know that a lie is powerful, that a harsh word hurts, that hurting people hurt people.
But what about the opposite

the power of truth

a kind word brings healing

transformed people transform people!

Vicarious

2008-03-09T20:00:00.000-07:00

My friend in Calgary, Cherie Dack, sent me some of her stories and poems. Cherie has an incredible relationship with Jesus. She sought Him like crazy in a low part of her life several years ago - and all those who read her writings benefit. I feel like I vicariously reach Jesus as I read her work - and then I continue on. It is much the same as the beautiful artwork of Summer - another Canadian friend who took the dark times in her life to press in harder. In fact I have Summer's first painting after her stroke - you can't beat that for turning what Satan means for evil - God works for good. Also the high - all out worship songs written by my San Diego friend Heather and the hauntingly beautiful songs from the amazing heart of Val. Thank you God - there are so many times I need the way paved for me by others. I also recently have been loved by a professional friend - she invited me to a movie - just when I got the news that the dentists are recommended all my remaining upper teeth be pulled and given dentures. This friend isn't at a high place in her life - but she takes the time to reach out to me.

So what do I have to offer your children these days? What do I have to offer You? The other day when I was feeling so sick and I know some special people were praying for me - I realized that I can offer God the sacrifice of praise - it makes the pain and frustration have a benefit that nothing else can do!

Satan is kinda getting kicked in the teeth isn't he?

I thought this was helpful

2008-02-03T15:23:00.001-08:00

I read this in a magazine and then responded with something for wives-- Husbands—Do you ever listen?

Hey husbands, do you want to communicate effectively with your wives, and save time in the process? Many wives wonder if you ever listen to them.

A lot of men feel frustrated when their wives seem frustrated about their conversations. Oftentimes men don't understand the reason their wives are frustrated is that they don't feel emotionally understood. If men took the time to actually uncover their wives' emotional concern, the conversation would move on and possibly go deeper than normal.

"All I have to do is help her see that I truly understand her feelings?" they ask, amazed and delighted. Well, mostly, but you can't fake it. Women are experts at spotting our non-verbal language. God wired them that way.

Guys, hear me: If your wife repeats the same thing over and over, I can almost guarantee that she doesn't believe you understand her heart. You could say at that point, "I noticed that you are repeating yourself, and that causes me to question whether you believe I am understanding you. Am I missing something?"

It's amazing what happens when a woman feels deeply understood emotionally. And even more amazing is that you grow closer in unity together when both of you feel understood and valued.

Wives - Are you talking and asking too much?

Ladies - do you want your hubbies to listen? We must remember we have been nurtured more to be talkers and are comfortable talking and listening. That is why having a good prayer life and a girl friend is one of the best things you can do for your marriage.

Then when you do have something to share - wait till you processed with God and the "whine" is out of your communication. You can always do the technique of using a word picture to describe something "you know how you might feel when your boss is asking you to do something you don't really know how to but you are scared to say
something.... well that is how I am feeling about......"

So wives - if you feel they are tuning you out - go to prayer and then trim it down and come back. Men value respect - so be wise as you share

Making Room

2008-01-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

Mark is away teaching a conference this week and I sent our little dog to his friends house [upon their request] as I was dog sitting one neighbor's dog and another neighbor's cat. I thought it would be more peaceful to have Pete occupied elsewhere as he is quite dependant on the constant entertainment provided by daddy. Little did I know the emptiness I would feel in the house. The little 3.5 pound weight of clicking doggie toenails on laminate flooring, the barking when anyone comes to the front door, the letting outside and saying "go pee Petie..." and the constant wanting to sit on my knee or burrow under the covers when I am sleeping.

It made me realize how many things I take for granted and the power of taking a break. I attempted to stop work from Friday noon to Saturday noon again. It has been hard not to get that one more email or phone call out of the way. But as I have stopped - again - I start to appreciate the people I work with and the tasks at hand.

Thank you God for helping me make room for appreciation. Oh and yes I do miss Mark!

In the Moment

2008-01-07T12:07:00.000-08:00

There was a storm last night and it feels like circumstances in my life right now - a rush of wind going wild and then calming - then going wild again... So I ask God what He wants me to see. I keep hearing to look around in the moment - where is He. I did this at church yesterday and I was so aware of the look of love in people's eyes toward me and others, of the children playing, of the workers working. I can't control the storm - but I can control where my focus goes.

SO Thankful

2007-12-20T19:00:00.000-08:00

Just one change can make all the difference. I was having killer pain in my back/shoulder. I got some advice from a massage therapist and discovered I have been aggravating it with a rigorous water exercise I was doing. So then I think - what other little things could I be doing causing aggravation. Well I think that answer is often my thoughts - so I found a few thoughts to stop and put thanksgiving in it's place - Yes I am SO thankful - the pain in my back is dying down and the pain in my heart from worry is replace with joy.

Here is a quote from a sign I saw

"dance with the leaves - like when you were young
sing with the breeze - at the top of your lungs
let people say - you've come undone..... smile at em - then stick out your tongue".

November thoughts

2007-12-17T19:37:00.001-08:00

11-30-07 Two Extremes – We may fall into either a) thinking only about others growth and not attending to our own growth or b) being consumed in our own growth they we are not reaching out or mentoring. As with anything - if you get in a rhythm, routine, habit - that can help you stay in balance. One of the differences I experience in North America from living in Europe - is that we hesitate for a very long time before we get involved with helping someone grow. We think we have to have it all together so to speak - and so relegate Hebrews 10:34 to the very odd occasion at a women's retreat or Bible Study to ask someone how they are enjoying their walk with God.

11-29-07 Jeremiah 29:11 – Oh how we love to quote that verse to a young person who is discouraged or to our own soul when we are trying to get some much needed peace. Are we aware of the verses that follow? 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find [Me,] when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. How are we doing in calling upon God, praying, seeking and finding? Are we seeking God with our whole heart?

11-25-07 Seasons - Embrace the lows and the highs - we often talk about break through and we should - I agree – but there is a sense of being content in whatever state we are in. We must find the balance between reaching for more and being content. I face this daily as I fight chronic pain – how to be victorious while waiting for full manifestation. I go through some real lows and then I am mad at myself for not feeling more up and full of faith. I have read lots from saints in other centuries. The desert fathers describe the dark night of the soul – where God hides Himself from us so we go deeper. This is not pleasant – nor is it from the devil – leaning on God to respond – but perhaps not as someone always having to be “up”. I hate what I have faced – but I value the depth with God and feel somehow lonely in this as well – not able to relate to many people on this level and I have stopped trying to if that makes sense….

There are some in our midst who go through extreme highs and lows – they are often the very creative and sometimes prophetic – the question is how do we love and embrace them as well – wanting them to prosper – but not rushing them through the process.

Thoughts on worship

2007-12-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

A friend mentioned the importance to worshiping God as we wait and seek Him for direction. Like in a marriage or any relationship - doesn't just run on instructions.....

That started my thoughts of what does worship look like? Jesus was continually led by God and He also lived in a continual state of worship. So worship must mean more than "stopping" and worshiping.

I started to see worship more as a direction my sail is set - a track my life runs on. So when I go to church or a small group - I am either continuing on the worship flow - or getting back on track.

I love my friends who tell me their God thoughts -thank you Roxanne!

Thoughts on helping

2007-10-01T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have thought many times lately about what "faith" is as we help those in need. I am stuck somewhere between my education and experience as a social worker and a person who has received mercy and want to give it without stopping.

What I am learning - faith is responding to God's Word.

I study the story of the Samaritan lots! What strikes me is that the good Samaritan had a place to help the person who was attacked. There was more than himself.

The greatest blessing I am finding so far is that God has placed me as part of a bigger whole - a local church. So when my heart wants to respond - I check with the other parts of the body - wisdom, administration etc.

Thank you God

October is here

2007-10-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

I love this time of year! Yes it is my birthday - but it is more than that. It is the change of a season -

September took us from full sun, activity and play - to a mode of order, learning - school starts.

Now October takes us closer to the quieter time of winter. A closing in time where growth happens below the surface.

I love the warmth of the sun during the day as the nights and mornings are cooler.