Monday, March 17, 2008

Conflict Resolution

I hate conflict and having to resolve situations with others. I have always tried to smooth over rather than ruffle feathers so there is calm. But this is not always good because I can fester over things rather than air them out and resolve them quickly. I have a hard time letting go and forgiving so that I can be free and so can the other individual.
I bring this up because I have been in a tough situation this month with some people and am working on resolving it rather than pushing it under the rug. My way doesn't work so I am trying to do it God's way even if it is hard.
Peace does not mean the absence of conflict but the ability to maintain calm in the midst of the storm. Situations happen and I can't control them but I can control my reaction to them and this is how I have an opportunity to trust God and remain in His peace.
The heart attitude is to clear up relationships in a loving and resolute manner as quickly as possible so anger, resentment and a door to the enemy does not open up. God brings to mind one of my favorite verses-

Isaiah 26:3
You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.

So I am endeavoring to do that and I can't wait to see how God resolves all this.
Happy Monday and may you have peace this week!

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

My Heart of Stone

Wow,
It has been over 1 month since I have posted. Please forgive me for being distracted with all of life and missing out on keeping in touch!
It has been a busy time and God has been working hard on me but that is always a good thing!
I have been very busy with opening another hospital location- their nutrition department- and getting staff hired and ready to go. This has been an adventure and a little out of my league but a good challenge.
I have been working on the Hope River Run at church and doing some intense training in evangalism and Godly leadership. It has been really good to be challenged and not allowed to live in the comfortable christian life I settle into so easily. Sometimes it is ouchy though!
All things have been good but have required self sacrifice and this is where God has been hammering away at the stone of my heart. God has been bringing this verse to mind- Ezekiel 36:26 "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh."
So as this heart is being changed out I will keep you posted.