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Finding Our Way:

Turn on the news and there is so much turmoil and heartbreak! Add our day-in-and-day-out commitments and seemingly endless obligations, and the stress level ratchets even higher. If were not careful it can trap us, swallow us whole and leave us gasping for relief. But what purpose does it really serve us to get so caught up in it all? Who, or what, are we really serving? Stop. Rest. Peel away what's in the way and return to essential truths. Forgive. Love. Heal. Find comfort again in His essential truths.

Reflection:
Some of this weeks headlines: Bomb blast manhunt in Boston begins. Deadly explosion occurs in West, Texas. 7.0 magnitude quake shakes China.

Thats quite a week! Theres no escape from the tragedy that occurs daily. In our 24/7 wired world, we hear it all, see it all, digest it all at a hefty pace and with repeated regularity. The heartbreak and tragedy can easily overwhelm! Throw in our regular daily emotional, physical and mental turmoil, as we cope with our jobs, families, relationships, and wellness, and the stresses just pile on. Day-to-day stresses may be unavoidable; but what does it really serve us to get mired in these ever-present conflicts? Thats where we have to be so careful for our own health, but also for the health of those in our circle of care. Getting stuck in the drama and the trauma serves only to keep us trapped in tragedy. It taints our view of everything that is in front of us. At some point, we really, simply have to turn our eyes and attention away from these unhealthy fixations and re-focus. The world is not always a bad place. Not everything is a threat to your personal safety or that of your loved ones. For some, we unwittingly hold onto trauma. In a weird, ironic way, theres comfort in that dark place, especially if we have lived there for so long. As odd as it may sound, giving up that trauma means giving up what we know, and therefore giving up that strange place of familiarity that even darkness and trauma can provide. We dare not risk releasing what we know, for fear of what might take its place. Weve forgotten that there is a better place one filled with hope and love, peace and comfort; one where hurts and trauma can finally be healed. If you or

someone you love or know has lost hope of ever finding it again, please read on. There is such a better way within our grasp. All we have to do is dare to believe, dare to trust in a life where we are infinitely taken care of by our loving Creator. All we have to do is refocus, and find our way with these words. I pray you and those you love can be touched anew by the simple, essential truths of what He offers:

His Word:
"My child, pay attention to what I say. Listen carefully to my words. Don't lose sight of them. Let them penetrate deep into your heart, for they bring life to those who find them, and healing to their whole body." Proverbs 4:2022

His Promise:
Jesus said: "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness... I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world." John 12:46-47 "But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representativethat is, the Holy Spirithe will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you. I am leaving you with a giftpeace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So dont be troubled or afraid." John 14:26-27 "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33

His Directive:
So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35

His Call:
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behaviour. Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. Ephesians 4:31-5:2

Message in Music:
Healing Begins, by Tenth Avenue North So you thought you had to keep this up; All the work that you do so we think that you're good, And you can't believe it's not enough. All the walls you built up are just glass on the outside. So let 'em fall down. There's freedom waiting in the sound, When you let your walls fall to the ground We're here now. This is where the healing begins, oh this is where the healing starts. When you come to where you're broken within, the light meets the dark.
(Click on the picture to take you to the youtube video)

Healing Hand of God, by Jeremy Camp I have walked through the valleys, the mountains, and plains I have held the hand of freedom that washes all my stains If you feel weight of many trials and burdens from this world There's freedom in the shelter of the Lord And I have seen the healing hand of God Reaching out and mending broken hearts Taste and see the fullness of His peace And hold on to what's being held out The healing hand of God
(Click on the picture to take you to the youtube video)