Soul Tattoo: Living Out What God Put in You - Craig Jutila

These are my notes from Craig Jutila's breakout

Soul Tattoo.

The Sacred Heart is a medieval symbol of Christ's sacrifice.

The sacred heart signifies the redeeming love of God. 

Those who devote themselves to the Sacred Heart do so to create 

within themselves the love and compassion as taught by Christ.

Guard your heart above all else, 

for it determines the course of your life. 

Proverbs 4:23

Guard means to keep. Keep something of high value. 

If you have something of high value you do whatever you can to guard or protect it.

The Heart Symbolizes Kindness 

In Judaism, the word 'heart' represented the core of the person. The heart was considered the center of spirituality. The heart was the emotional center, and from there flowed love and kindness. 

Let the LORD remove every memory of him from the earth, because he did not remember to be kind. He drove oppressed, needy, and brokenhearted people to their graves. 

Psalm 109:15-16

The Crown Symbolizes Suffering 

A.W. Tozer said, It is doubtful that God will use you greatly until he has hurt you deeply.

My sacrifice [the sacrifice acceptable] to God is a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart [broken down with sorrow for sin and humbly and thoroughly penitent], such, O God, You will not despise. 

Psalm 51:17

Broken Things

Jacobs Hip 

It was not until Jacob’s natural strength was broken that he came to the point where God could clothe him with spiritual power. 

The Soldiers Jars 

It wasn’t until Gideon’s three hundred soldiers “broke the jars in their hands” that God’s power brought terror to their enemies. 

Esther and The Law 

It was not until Esther risked her life and broke through the strict laws of the King’s court that she received favor to rescue her people from death. 

Jesus and the Bread 

It wasn’t until Jesus broke “the five loaves” that the bread was multiplied to feed the five thousand. 

The Perfume Bottle 

It wasn’t until Mary broke the “jar of perfume” that the fragrance filled the house. 

It is through the process of brokenness and suffering that miracles occur.

The Dagger Symbolizes Courage 

It symbolizes the willingness to take action, to be bold and fearless. A Dagger Tattoo that appears to enter the flesh with the tip often reappearing symbolizes that an individual has been wounded in life. 

Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. 

Psalm 27:14

Take Courage...Don’t Wait For It!

The Rose Symbolizes Hope 

A tattoo of a rose with thorns reminds us that beauty does not come without sacrifice. The road of hope often has a few thorns along the way but at the end of the thorny branch is something beautiful. 

But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun] 

Isaiah 40:31a

The Flame Symbolize Passion 

Passion is a strong emotion that has an overpowering or compelling effect. Apathy is the opposite of passion. Lack of interest, listless, unconcerned or indifferent.

Why People Loose Their Passion 

1. Familiarity 

2. Keeping The Wrong Company 

3. Nothing to Fight For 

4. A Hard Heart 

How To Get It Back 

1. Get Around Passionate People 

2. Pray For It 

3. Keep Daily Reminders 

Never lag in zeal and in earnest endeavor; be aglow 

and burning with the Spirit, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11

Keep my commands and live...

Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Proverbs 7:1-3

Craig Jutila is an author, leadership coach and communicator speaking to audiences and teams throughout the country on the topics of marriage, family, leadership and living lives of health and balance. In their most recent book, “From Hectic to Healthy: The Journey to a Balance Life”,” Craig, along with his wife Mary, share their story of a life lived out of balance and how they had to fight to find the right seasonal pace for their life and family. Craig also serves as president of Empowered Living a company that provides leadership and resources for parents, families, children and leaders.

Blog: www.whowillyouempower.com

Twitter: @craigjutila

Through the Looking Glass

Sometimes attending a conference can overwhelm you with all the information shared there. You might not know which great idea to implement first or what change needs to happen right away. You attend main sessions and workshops where speakers pour into you. You have conversations with others in ministry who do what you do and close friends that speak into your life.

The Orange Conference was different for me this year. Instead of feeling like I was drinking from a fire hose, it felt more like taking a looking glass to my life. Much of it made me ask some really important questions about myself that will take some time to truly ponder.

One thing became very clear to me at a conference that's theme was focus. It clarified my passion - creating community, deepening relationships, and transparent conversations.

Because it happened at a children's ministry conference, does it only apply to my role as a volunteer in our children's ministry? I don't believe so. I think that it runs across the board in every area of my life - from being a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and a volunteer.

Now ask me to explain what this looks like and I will tell you that I honestly don't know right now. I just know that this is what God spoke to my heart during the time I spent with Him at the conference. There is change coming - something new. I feel a bit restless and unsettled by it, yet hopeful and excited about all He has in store for me.

No one’s ever seen or heard or imagined anything like this. 

What God has arranged for those who love him. 

You’ve seen and heard it because God by his Spirit 
has brought it all out into the open before you. 

The Spirit dives into the depths of God 
and brings out what God planned all along. 

1 Corinthians 2:9-10

Blessings,

What I'm Reading - Bread & Wine

My Thoughts

Many of the most sacred moments in my life, the ones in which I feel God's presence most profoundly, when I feel the goodness of the world most arrestingly, take place around the table. Something extraordinary happens when we slow down, open our homes, look into one another's faces, and listen to one another's stories around the table.

Bread & Wine is an invitation to join Shauna at the table. To this place where people come to eat, but holds so much more than just a meal. Delightfully written, she combines wonderful storytelling with some of her favorite recipes.

I can't imagine life without a table between us.

I so loved reading about the group of women she gathers around the table with - The Cooking Club. What began as a group coming together over a meal became a community of families doing life together.

I want my kids to taste and smell and experience the biggest possible world, because every bite of it, every taste and texture and flavor, is delicious.

I also loved reading about her adventures in traveling with her father which she is now experiencing with her own children. How she challenges them to learn and love differences along the way. How she encourages them to grab hold of life in every way possible.

Bread & Wine is a beautiful book that encouraged me to be a little braver in cooking and fed my soul with stories of the sacred space around the table.

I loved it and I know you will too.

You can purchase this book here:

Amazon.com - Bread & Wine

About the Book

Bread & Wine is a collection of stories about life around the table--about family, friendships, and the meals that bring us together. It's about Bacon-Wrapped Dates and Mango Chicken Curry and Blueberry Crisp. It's about the ways God teaches and nourishes us as we nourish the people around us. It's about recipes, entertaining ideas, and meals to share with friends and family, made by hand and with love.

About the Author

Shauna Niequist is the author of Cold Tangerines, Bittersweet, and Bread & Wine. Shauna grew up in Barrington, Illinois, and then studied English and French Literature at Westmont College in Santa Barbara. She is married to Aaron Niequist, who is a pianist and songwriter. Aaron is a worship leader at Willow Creek Community Church and is recording a project called A New Liturgy. Aaron & Shauna live outside Chicago with their sons, Henry and Mac. Shauna writes about the beautiful and broken moments of everyday life--friendship, family, faith, food, marriage, love, babies, books, celebration, heartache, and all the other things that shape us, delight us, and reveal to us the heart of God. 

You can find out more about Shauna and read her blog at www.shaunaniequist.com.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

10 Ways To Show Respect To Our Husbands

In our Bible study these past few weeks, we have been talking about marriage. Enhancing our marriages strengthens our partnership in parenting which directly impacts our children. Our marriages also help form our children's picture of marriage and the roles they will play when they get married later.

Throughout scripture God describes our responsibilities as wives

and what living these out will teach our children. 

One of these is found in Ephesians 5:33,

Each man must love his wife as he loves himself,

and the wife must respect her husband. (NLT)

God commands us to respect our husbands as He knows how it speaks

to their hearts. As we wives crave love, our husbands crave respect.

What does that look like?

How do we show our husbands respect?

Judy Rossi breaks it down into 10 A's 

using the Amplified translation of Ephesians 5:33.

...let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband (AFFECTION) that she notices him (ATTENTION), regards him (ATTITUDE), honors him (AFFIRMATION), prefers him (ALLEGIANCE), venerates and esteems him (ACCEPTANCE); and that she defers to him (ADAPTION), praises him (APPRECIATION), and loves (ADORATION) and admires him exceedingly (APPROVAL).

10 Ways To Show Respect To Our Husbands

Reverence is an attitude of deep respect and esteem mingled with - AFFECTION.

Titus 2:3-4

Notice is the act of noting, observing, or remarking - ATTENTION.

Song of Solomon 5:10-16

Regard is to look upon or think of in a particular way - ATTITUDE.

Philippians 2:3-4

Ephesians 4:31-32

Honor is to hold in honor or high respect; to show respect to; treat with honor - AFFIRMATION.

Proverbs 31:10-12, 23-31

Prefer is to set above something else in estimation; to hold in greater favor or esteem - ALLEGIANCE.

Genesis 2:24

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Mark 10:9

Esteem is to regard as having a certain value - ACCEPTANCE.

Romans 15:7

Defer means to yield to another's opinion; to submit or give way courteously or from respect - ADAPTION.

Ephesians 5:22-24

Colossians 3:18

1 Peter 3:1-6

Praise is to commend or applaud; to extol in words or song - APPRECIATION.

James 3:9-10

Love is to have strong or passionate affection for, as for one of the opposite sex - ADORATION.

Proverbs 5:15-19

Admire is to regard with wonder mingled with satisfaction and approval; to take pleasure in the excellence or beauty of; to look on or contemplate with pleasure - APPROVAL.

Genesis 2:7-8, 15, 18, 21-23

As we make the choice to respect our husbands, our perception of them as our leaders, protectors, and providers evolves. This in turn transforms how we view them as fathers and how our children see them as well.

Our husbands need to know that we are their greatest admirers and biggest fans.

How do you show respect to your husband?

Riding the Rollercoaster

Leading a small group of preteen girls is both rewarding and challenging. They are in that in-between stage and learning how to navigate new waters and we are part of the journey they are taking between child and teenager. Part of this new path is changing hormones and the emotions that accompany them. 

A preteen girl’s emotions can be up one minute and down another. 

This rollercoaster of feelings can sometimes manifest itself in bouts of tears.

Here are four pointers in dealing with this kind of emotional outburst:

◦Deal with it. Don’t ignore it or trivialize it. The situation may seem silly, but to a girl in the midst of the outburst it can be scary and overwhelming.

◦Talk about it. Taking the girl aside and giving her a chance to share how she is feeling and helping her identify why she is feeling that way is a huge help.

◦Normalize it. Reassure her that what she is feeling is normal for her age. Let her know that other girls are going through this same thing.

◦Pray about it. Take this time to pray with her and for her. Let her know that God wants to hear how she is feeling and will be there for her.

Part of being a small group leader of preteen girls is riding this rollercoaster with them. We are here to support and encourage them along the way.

I wouldn’t trade a moment of it and am so blessed 
to be a part of my small group girls’ lives.

Blessings,

If Momma Ain't Happy

As a wife and mom, I am the thermostat of our home. I am responsible for setting the emotional temperature of our family. My mood will set the tone each day and my husband and children will respond accordingly.

That is a huge responsibility and I have to be ever conscious of my mood and how it effects my family.  Life can be challenging and negative emotions can be stirred up during those times. Emotions aren't wrong, but letting them control me is.

Feelings don't just happen; they are always preceded by a thought.

- Judy Rossi

Our thoughts are so important in shaping our emotions. What we hear in our heads travels to our hearts. We have a choice to let the negative thoughts take root and create negative feelings or replace those thoughts with the truth. His truth.

In 2 Corinthians 10:5, we are told to "take every thought captive" which means that we have control over our thoughts. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit that this is possible. For once we become children of God, we have the Holy Spirit inside of us and letting the Spirit control our minds leads to life and peace (Romans 8:6).

In Romans 12:1-2, God commands us to offer our bodies as a "living and holy sacrifice" as an act of worship, which includes our minds. We are to yield and devote everything to Him - from our thoughts to our actions. He goes on to say that we are to let Him transform us into new people by changing the way we think. We need to be molded daily by His truth and not the lies that we often hear in our heads.

Under God's economy, nothing really changes until our minds do. Transformation is the fruit of a changed outlook. First our minds are renewed, and then we are transformed, and then everything is different, even if it stays the same.

- Mark Buchanan "The Rest of God"

He tells us in His Word exactly what we should be

thinking of instead of those negative thoughts.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. 

Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Philippians 4:8

In God's Word, there is a truth for every lie the enemy tries to get us to believe.

Feeling alone?

Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Matthew 28:20

Feeling tired?

Those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

Feeling defeated?

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

Philippians 4:13

Only God's truth will renew our minds and change our behavior. 

The lies keep us bound and His truth sets us free.

What negative thoughts are you struggling with today?

How can I pray for you today?

Blessings,

Around the Tables Again

Today I am joining Lisa-Jo and friends for Five Minute Friday.

This is where we come together writing for 5 minutes without editing or overthinking.

I love this community.

Check out what everyone's is sharing on the word AGAIN here.




We are gathered around the tables again. 
This group of women. This group of mommas.
My friends. My sisters.
We bow our heads in prayer together.
Inviting Him into this space we share. 
We open our Bibles and read aloud the Word.
Seeking Him.
Wanting to know more of Him.
Together.
We talk of things that are usually held inside.
And know that we aren't alone.
We are sharing the deepest parts of our hearts.
And know that we are loved.
Around the tables again.
We end our time together bowing once again in prayer.
For each other. For our families.
Bringing to Him all things.
We hesitate to leave this place.
A sacred place.
On the way home, I weep.
Thanking Him for the gift of you all.
Thanking Him.
For our time around the tables again.

Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God.
I always pray for you, and I make my requests
with a heart full of joy.
Philippians 1:3-4 

Blessings,

Prodigal Grace

I have read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 many times over the years. Each time I identified with the son, but never with the father. I have always thought of the story as it compares to my relationship with God. This morning I began to consider how the prodigal's father isn't just an example of the parent that God is to me, but how I should be parenting as well.

The prodigal's father didn't argue with his son or try to change his mind when he asked for his inheritance and left in rebellion. It must have broken his heart to see his son going down that road knowing the struggle that was to come for him. How hard those days of waiting for his return must have been.

When his son returned with a repentant heart, he didn't give a lecture on making right choices, but celebrated his return. And not a cake and balloons kind of party either. It was a moment that called for the best of everything. He brought out his finest robe, jewelry and sandals and had the grandest banquet prepared. He opened his arms to his son with such love and compassion.

As a mother I want to protect my sons from making mistakes and then suffering the consequences of those choices. But in doing that am I keeping them from life lessons? And when they do make mistakes do I offer them grace or condemnation?

I so want them to witness that same grace in my response as the prodigal experienced with his father. For them to know deep in their hearts that nothing they could do will ever make me love them less. That my arms are always open and grace will always be offered.

Sometimes our children will have to travel the harder road and we will have to let them go. Our part in their story becomes that of the prodigal parent...waiting their return and greeting them with open arms.
Prodigal grace.



Grace is my One Word for 2013.
God has been whispering to my heart about grace so much already this year.
What has He been whispering to yours?

Let Me Count The Ways

D and I have been married for 20 years. I am so very thankful for the gift of him. He is my warrior and my best friend. He is an incredible husband and father and leads our family with love, courage, wisdom, and integrity.

There are many reasons that I love him so. 
Here are just a few I am counting today.

He hugs.

He encourages.

He teaches.

He plays.

He laughs.

He loves.

I love walking through our blessed life together

and that he still holds my hand through it all.

"...and the two of them become one."

Genesis 2:24

What are some of the reasons you love your husband?

Pick Up a Towel

One of the greatest examples that Jesus showed us 
what serving really means wasn’t standing in front of a crowd.

It was kneeling at the feet of His disciples.

Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him.

John 13:3-5

During our time in Children’s Ministry we are not only 
called to serve families, but each other as well.

You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.

John 13:13-15

So does that mean that each weekend before
our services we need to bring a basin and towel?

Maybe not literally (although it would be a great thing to do for each other as a team), but I believe that we have to come together as a team outside of what we do on Sundays and serve each other.

So if a basin and towel aren’t used, what does this look like for a team?

Get to know each other outside of your weekend services.

Pray with and for each person on your team.
Spend time together.

Support each other.

Listen to each other.

Have fun together.

Do life together.

Pick up a towel.

How are you serving the people you serve with in Children’s Ministry?

We Promised Forever

"...and the two of them become one."

Genesis 2:24

On this day 20 years ago we stood face to face, 

hand in hand, and we promised each other forever.

We stood before our God, family, and friends

to say these words to each other...

"I take you to be mine, 

to have and to hold 

from this day forward, 

for better or for worse, 

for richer, for poorer, 

in sickness and in health, 

to love and to cherish; 

from this day forward 

until death do us part."

And we became one.

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

Song of Solomon 6:3

 D...

I am so very thankful that God gave the gift of you to me. 

I love being married to you. 

You are my warrior, my lover, and my best friend. 

You have shown me what love looks like 

and what it means to be cherished.

You have shown me what partnership is

with these beautiful boys that we are raising together.

You are an incredible husband and father.

You lead our family with love, courage, wisdom, and integrity.

All the while teaching these things to our sons.

I love walking together through this blessed life that we share. 

I love that you still hold my hand through it all.

Today I want you to know that I would marry you all over again. 

That I promise you that every day of my forever is still yours.

Happy Anniversary Babe.

Love you madly.