Three Steps to Getting Rid of My Inner Wimp

Devotions
Nov 072011

You have probably heard the phrase, “I need to get in touch with my inner self.”  These days, I am trying to get out of touch with one aspect of my inner self…My Inner Wimp.

Here I am, wrapping up one adventure, and starting a new one as I make an overseas move back to the States. Times of transition call for faith, flexibility, adventurousness, boldness, and energy.  I wanted to arrive ready to blaze new trails, unpack numerous moving boxes, meet new people, attend to the billion and one details that go with helping kids get settled, and so on and so on. Although I did my best to leave My Inner Wimp behind, she stowed away in my suitcase. Who knew she had a passport?

Where does this girl come from?  Why does she pop her unwelcome head up at a second’s notice, right when I am feeling good about things and feeling ready to conquer?  She slips silently in the back door of my thoughts and sneakily plants something like,  “You won’t be able to… What will you do without…  You’ve made a mistake… It’s going to be cold there… You’re going to spend half your life sitting in traffic… Kids do drugs there…blah-blah-blah…..”

Once My Inner Wimp gets a word in, it’s amazing how my entire seemingly rational thought capability stands at attention, revs its engines, and races off with breath-taking speed.  She speaks with an uncanny influence—even though most of what she says is untrue, often ridiculous impressions that are enshrouded in the fog of “what if….”

Slowly, but surely, God is teaching me ways to deal with My Inner Wimp.

Three Steps to Getting Rid of My Inner Wimp:

1. Recognize when My Inner Wimp has slipped into my thoughts.

2. Identify the distortion in what I am thinking—separate fact from fiction, truth from supposition, real from imaginary, logical from irrational, seen from the unseen.  You see, My Inner Wimp loves to magnify one small issue, making it feel all-important.  This distorted hyper-focus takes my eyes off the big picture and tempts me to think as if God is smaller than He is and the issue is bigger than it is.  In many ways, it is an upside down view of life.  It’s kind of like looking at a beautiful painting and obsessing about one blade of grass that didn’t turn out right.

3. Change my focus.  Many things are a matter of perception.  I need to see clearly–to look at the right thing.  I have to purposefully take my focus off what My Inner Wimp says and fix my attention on Christ.  Hebrews 12: 2 puts it this way…” fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…”

Have you ever thought about what an amazing gift God-focused perspective is?

When I see clearly, I can walk confidently.

As I think about this, the Spirit reminds me that we live by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). This includes all the worries that My Inner Wimp tries to glue the eyeballs of my attention to.  The following verse is great ammo for blasting out My Inner Wimp:

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Mathew 6:31-34 NIV

 

My Inner Wimp may show up, but she is not welcome to stay.

Ginger Harrington

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Let No Debt Remain… Including Tupperware

Devotions
Jun 132011

Submitted by: Jeni Kopp

A warm, friendly face greeted us as soon as we grabbed our bags from the luggage conveyor. Our long trip was ending in good hands; our friend met us at the airport some three hours away from our new home. Not only did she provide us with a ride but also with some items to hold us over until our things arrived.

Among the items was some Tupperware. We used every item with care and joy as we waited for our own things to be shipped. About a week or two after our own household goods arrived, I went about the house cautiously looking for each item she had so willingly given us to use, packed them up, and dropped them by her house. I was extremely thankful to have a friend who shared so generously with us during our transition.

A few days after I had returned what I thought to be all of her things, I realized that in my fridge I still had some leftovers sitting in the Tupperware she had let us use. I decided that as soon as they were cleaned they would be returned to her immediately. If only my actions obeyed my intentions…

My dishes must have been done a million times since and only every now and then when one of the rubbery pieces would come into my sight I will say again to myself, “I really need to find all these bowls and lids before I forget and lose them.”

Nearly a year later, and the Tupperware long since forgotten, I was packing for a last minute trip that would have my family and I going in multiple directions over a period of ten days. I went online to check my messages and discovered a note in my inbox.

To paraphrase, the note read; “Hey Jeni, I am getting ready to pack my things as we are on our way out of here, and I was just wondering if you happened to still have my Tupperware that I loaned you? I can come by and pick them up whenever is good for you. Thanks.”

Gulp! My throat began to close up and my heart was racing, I knew where one bowl and lid were but that was the extent of it. Many times before I had begun to look for each piece, collecting what I could, but each time coming up short. I would just put the search off in hopes that somehow my cupboard would reproduce the items I needed and I could return them all at once. Now just minutes before I needed to load my kids into their car seats, I was frantically looking for any sign of the handy tubs.

No such luck, I was going to have to swallow my pride and let her know I lost them, and had known for quite some time, but had been avoiding the dreaded phone call. I quickly looked online to see if I could simply place an order so that way when I called her I could at least say, “I got you brand new ones and they are on the way.” Again, to no avail, the online sites would not process my hefty order and so therefore the call had to be made.

My friend understood my dilemma and accepted my $50 in cash to cover the order plus shipping if she had better luck. Yes ladies, fifty bucks, for four small tubs with a carrier (which I did have minus the tubs.) Goes to show that when you borrow something you should always give it back, especially if it’s Tupperware brand Tupperware.

“Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.” (if Tupperware, then Tupperware) “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another…”  Romans 13:7-8a

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Curtains Up!

Leadership Development, Leadership Wednesday, Resources
Apr 272011

Submitted by Jenn Cook, PWOCI – 3VP – Communications

At midnight on April 4th, the curtain was raised to unveil the new look of the PWOC International website at www.pwoc.org. For several months now, the Communication Team has been developing the new look and structure and we are excited to finally present the redesign to you!   We hope you’ll share in our excitement by taking time to browse the site and take a look at all the content the new site offers.  There’s information for everyone!

  • New to PWOC?

Read welcome letters from the International and Regional Presidents, learn the history, the aims, and read the PWOC mission statement.  You can also find information on your region, upcoming special events, training opportunities and more.

  • Ready to Participate?

Brush up on the PWOC aims, meet the international and regional boards, find conference dates and locations, plus see upcoming events! Don’t forget to checkout the Resource Library. Do you have a great idea to share?  You can contribute resources to be used by the ladies in the worldwide PWOC body!

  • Ready to Lead?

Find information on this spring and summer’s Wild training, Find information on your leadership position and useful forms in the new Resource Library.  Publicity items, theme related material and much more are available for your use.

  • Moving Soon?

See the PWOC Installation locator under Connect to find the days and hours for your new PWOC.  If the installation is marked with the Facebook logo, you can also meet the ladies of your new installation there and receive timely information on local events.

  • Need Encouragement?

With several posts a week, the blog entries provide voices of encouragement, exhortation, and devotion composed by women serving in PWOC locations around the globe.  No matter where you find yourself, these brief entries will speak to you!

Our prayer is that the redesigned PWOC International website will be an effective tool and blessing to you. Please spread the word about www.pwoc.org and be on the lookout for new content coming soon!

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Someday My Prince Will Come

regional review
Sep 012010

Submitted by Claudia Duff, North East Region President

I greet you all in the name of Jesus Christ!  The Messiah, Our crucified Savior, Our Risen Lord and our soon coming King!  I pray that the Lord has shown HIMSELF nothing but, faithful to you.  We are once again entering into our favorite season within the military . . . it is time to MOVE!  Many of you are experiencing the end of a deployment and the start of a PCS.  Some of you are going to exotic places like, Ft. Leavenworth, Wright/Pat A.F.B., and Rhode Island and let’s not leave out Detroit!  You guys are on the move!  During this busy season of packing and unpacking let us not lose our focus . . . JESUS.  Jesus has great plans for you and HE has already begun to put them into action.  We the NE REGION Board are working hard on your behalf to prepare a place for you once you arrive in our region.  But, know that God is preparing for you as well.  We must remember above all else we are Christians first.  As I was pondering all that is going on in my small world I began to realize that time is drawing close and we must be prepared to meet with our King.  Ladies, The King is coming and HE is coming just for you.  How delightful is that.  Below is a devotion that I wrote and shared with the ladies in attendance at Vision Week.

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME.

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME?

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME!

“Then I saw Heaven open wide-and oh! A white horse and its Rider . . .  His eyes are a blaze of fire, on his head many crowns.  He has a Name inscribed that’s known only to him.  He is dressed in a robe soaked with blood, and he is addressed as “Word of God.” . . . A sharp sword comes out of his mouth . . .  On his robe and thigh is written, KING OF KNGS, LORD OF LORDS.”  Revelation 19:11-16 (The Message)

Every time I read these verses my heart pumps a little faster, my blood starts surging and I get just downright giddy!  My Jesus is coming! And HE is coming just for me! I also find myself daily living as if HE is not coming.  I am guilty of sleepwalking through my days.  My focus being that everyone in my home wears clean clothes, eat at least twice a day and my kids receive some type of education daily.  I seldom pause to remember that MY PRINCE IS COMING! In my mind I know that I have a Savior but, how often do I allow my actions to bear the fruit of that knowledge?  I began to ponder how different my days would be if I were to dwell on the Truth of God’s Word.  How different I would become when the power of God’s Word began to penetrate my daily living.  Ultimately how different those around me would be impacted when my faith met up with Holy Ghost power and began to manifest in my life.  I believe my “problems” would not intimidate me but, inspire me to ask God, believe God then wait on God to deliver.  And when deliverance comes I would accept God’s plan instead of my own.  When asked to do what I believe is impossible I would believe what God says about impossible – He says, “All things are possible to those who believe!” When faced with sadness or sorrow I would choose the gift that only God can give, “we grieve but, not like those who have no hope!” When bombarded with uncertainty I would choose God again and the peace only HE can give, the kind that passes all understanding.  My life would change if I began to live like MY PRINCE WAS COMING.  The cares of this life would not gain a stronghold within my heart because it would be so in love with my PRINCE.

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME. – I believe Jesus is coming but, it won’t be anytime soon and I probably will not live to see it . . . people have been saying that for years!

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME? – What Prince? What we talking about? I have no idea what this talk is all about.

SOMEDAY MY PRINCE WILL COME! – Yeah Baby! Bring it! COME LORD JESUS COME!

When I embrace each new day with this attitude I will live differently.  Everyone I meet will become important to me.  I will wonder if the lady ahead of me in the Commissary knows my Jesus.  I will pray fervently for opportunities to share the Gospel of Christ.  It will become important to me to minister to as many people the Lord places in my path.  My life will take on the purpose of Christ and not just my own.  I will live a life that draws me closer to the Kingdom of God.  Those around me will be impacted and I will be changed . . . forever.  Eternity begins today and never ends. Remember to take some time and pause, reflect, and remember that you are saved not just for yourself but, for the Kingdom of God!

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Moving

Devotions
Aug 022010

Submitted by Kimchi Lya Blow

Moving in the military is always a journey of the heart for me. I experience a tugging within me that makes my heart beat in a variety of ways during such a time of transition and change. The boxes are all packed, taped up, and sealed tight for the next destination. The rooms are emptied of the former “stuff” that makes a house a home. The walls are bare and cupboards are empty. There are tiny scuff marks that exist in various places on the walls and floors, left as evidence that a family once lived within the four walls that made this home. The welcome mat is no longer at the front door to greet visitors. There is the sound of our voices echoing off the walls, yet another reminder that we are leaving. The sound of emptiness surrounds us.

Seeing your life packed up in boxes is surreal. I smile as I see our name written in black marker on the boxes to identify that this “stuff” belongs to a person. It somehow represents my family in a small way and causes me to contemplate what this life is really all about. What is within these boxes is not what matters, but rather the life it represents that is an endless journey taking us to new experiences and new destinations. In time, our “stuff” will eventually arrive in the semi-truck parked outside our new home, signifying a new beginning, a new chapter to unfold. However, that is not enough for me. Physical transition is necessary in this world we live in, but there is always a greater journey taking place within each of us that matters more than the physical destination itself. Hopefully, when we arrive to our new assignment, we will somehow make that complete journey in our hearts as well. In scripture, it tells us to be prepared in season and out of season and as life would have it, changes happen regardless if we are ready or not. And if you are in the military, you have to be ready!

In a few days, I will arrive at our new home. I will begin to unpack all the “stuff” that were in those boxes. I will find a place for everything to go. The walls will be filled again with pictures and knick knacks, and the cupboards will have a purpose once again. The new home will somehow get arranged and organized in a way that will bring order. Life for us will carry on as usual. We will call it “home” until the next set of orders is cut and we will do it all over again. But, I can’t help but be thankful in my heart and know that no matter where I end up as a military wife, it is not the unknown earthly destinations that God sends my family every few years, there is a more permanent home awaiting me for eternity. There will be no boxes to unpack or pictures to hang or cupboards to be filled. There will be no sound of emptiness to echo off the walls of my heart. Instead, where I am going, the welcome mat is permanent! This is my Heavenly “Daddy’s” home and I know my heart will have finally reached its true home. My name will not have to be marked in black marker because my Heavenly father will know me by name and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever; all our “stuff” will no longer matter! A good saying is that “home is where the heart is.” Well, if this is true, then I am already home because my heart is with my Lord today!

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Journey of Transformation, Part 26

Jesus Answers, Life Happens, Life Happens Jesus Answers, Real life stories, Testimonies
Jun 102010

LifeHappensBanner

A Final Word

A couple weeks before our move to Colorado Springs, Steve preached his last sermon. It was one I had written that he tweaked to make his own, “The Hands and Feet of Ministry.”

I felt compelled to write it in response to my deep heartache over the lack of concern and compassion I’d experienced from fellow Chaplain spouses and others at Fort Campbell. For the first time in my life I was desperate, helpless, and almost hopeless. Yet, despite my plight being widely known, few people provided real help or even offered to pray with me. I felt abandoned by the body of Christ.

As I sat in the front row of that chapel and glanced around to check facial expressions, no one seemed the wiser. The message was well received. Truth be told, many people who needed to hear it didn’t attend that chapel.

Even though I had written the sermon from a place of pain there was no indication of that. It wasn’t about me and my story and no specifics were given. It was delivered from a heart of love and concern. It simply was a message that needed to be shared. And it could be shared again today – with all of us.

As the service progressed, one of the chosen hymns was “Showers of Blessing.” In light of our compassionate early PCS I felt blessed to be headed back to Fort Carson. But I needed more. I felt as though all I had experienced up to that point were trickles, drizzles, and drops of blessings. I wanted the SHOWERS!

As the days passed, my strength and energy ebbed away. I felt less human each week. I was more like a catatonic zombie. Being alive was too much trouble. My facial expressions were dull and lifeless. Sometimes I forced a smile or a short response out of consideration for the person present, but it got to the point where I was too weak to care. I just wanted to go home.

The day before our departure Steve drove our Plymouth Voyager minivan and I drove our Honda Accord to post. The 20-minute drive was all I could stand. A new level of listlessness and lethargy consumed me. We left the Accord at a Chaplain’s house overnight and stayed in a hotel.

I lay on the bed in our hotel room perplexed by the burning sensations in my legs. It felt like little fires beneath my skin. I had no painkillers. It didn’t occur to me to take prednisone for pain. I thought that was for other problems. And I didn’t want to subject myself to it again anyway. I’d have to be dying.

I wasn’t in any condition to go anywhere so Steve walked across the street to get a McDonald’s meal and he grabbed a sundae to go along with it. The ice cream temporarily soothed my emotions but it did nothing to douse the fires in my legs.

I dug through my bag and found some ibuprofen that took the edge off the burn so I could sleep. There was no way I could drive to Colorado the next day. It’s a good thing God had that little detail worked out well in advance.

THE JOURNEY CONTINUES:

How often do we pass by a sister in need – even when we’re aware of her situation? I wonder how often I’ve done that. I hope not often. Of course, not every person can respond to every need, and certain ministry assignments are intended for certain Christians.

But I think that sometimes we refrain from helping others because we’re afraid of getting involved. We’re afraid it will require too much time or effort. Maybe we’re afraid we’ll catch their disease, or mysteriously end up with their problem. Maybe we’re so committed to “good” things that we “don’t have time” to reach out when a serious need exists. I suspect we assume other people are helping so we don’t need to.

There usually is a core group of helpers. Perhaps each of us needs to ask the Lord what our role is in the realm of helping sisters in need. Then follow through on what He says. In doing so we can be sure we’re involved where we need to be. We can avoid feeling guilty if we are instructed to refrain. We can avoid helping out of obligation. And we can maintain balance and boundaries in our own lives. The most important thing we can do is obey God’s call.

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him (Colossians 3:17).

____________________________

Life Happens – Jesus Answers is a weekly column addressing the challenges we face in life, coupled with the presence and grace of Jesus, our One True Source of hope and peace. The column’s author, Laura Firtko, can be reached by email here: LifeHappens@pwoc.org

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PCS Season is Coming

Tech Tuesday
Mar 232010

We are a mobile community. On average, we move every 2-3 years and these aren’t our parents’ moves. We tend to move long distance, every time. Throw in the occasional overseas move and you’re in a whole new ballgame.

Those of us that have been around for a few moves have nailed the process. Clean out the closets, yard sales or thrift store drop-off’s, undies in a Ziploc, make sure the cat is contained when the packers come, and feed the movers.

Not everyone in PWOC has been through this process so many times, however, and we need to remember to share our experiences with our new-to-the-military sisters.

My first military move came 16 months into our marriage, 7 months in to our first pregnancy, and less than 1 month after my new husband’s return from six months in Afghanistan (early 2002). On top of that, I was leaving home for the first time (with my parent’s second grandchild yet unborn), and not just leaving, we were going literally halfway across the United States which, as far as my parents and I were concerned, was half way around the world. It was not the smoothest move.

I didn’t have PWOC back then and I wonder how different those early years would have been had I known about it. That’s why I’m always quick to tell new military gals all about PWOC. I even keep a stash of the Invitation Cards in my purse so that I have something tangible to hand them when we part.

Once our new-to-the-military sisters get involved, we become an invaluable network of resources, experience and friendship. With our Installation Locator, it takes no effort at all to reach out and make a connection with new friends at the next installation. It’s these connections that provide the most valuable information regarding living areas, schools, daycares, shopping and perhaps most important of all, these new connections combat that feeling of loneliness we all tend to feel upon arriving at a new location.

PCS season will be upon us in the blink of an eye. Remember to take advantage of the resources here at PWOC.org but also remember to be a resource to others less experienced.

We are Christ’s church. We are the Fellowship of Believers. We care for our own.

_____________

“Tech Tuesday” is published every Tuesday. To reach Tracy with comments or questions, email her here.

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On the Move

Devotions
Jul 272009
Tuesday Devotions

Tuesday Devotions

Like so many others in the PWOC world, I am on the move again, this time from Korea back to the states. Everybody in the military knows that moving can bring on stress. Currently I am having trouble sleeping. I often go to sleep easily but awaken about 3 or 4 a.m. and can’t go back to sleep. I’ve also been having those dreams that I have a final exam and haven’t been to class in weeks. This anxiety keeps me from getting a full night’s sleep and leaves me less than my best the next day. I need some help!

But where, oh Lord, does my help come from? It comes from You! Right away Philippians 4:6 comes to mind…be anxious for nothing. How can I apply this to my right now world, my anxious night time reality? Let’s read that verse and include some surrounding verses to get the context: 

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Oh, man, it starts off with “Rejoice!” Not just ‘count your blessings’ but “Rejoice!” He wants me to really enjoy and appreciate all the fabulous things He has done for me here in Korea and what He is continually doing for me daily. Then He promises that He will be near me, thank goodness. I can use a guy like Him around. Next, He wants my gentleness evident to all around me, including and especially my family and my neighbors. He commands me not to be anxious, but to ask Him about all my needs and He wants me to be thankful when I ask. I keep in mind all the times He has answered my prayers in the past and be thankful that He knows me and has control of what is best for me. Sometimes I forget that I can ask for simple things like a good night’s sleep.

Used by permission.

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