GUEST WRITER ~ KRISTEN L. SKOGRAND
Cognitive-Emotional Therapist, Counselor & Mentor
Kristen L. Skogrand
Friends and colleagues use my Devotionals and material on their sites from time to time. I am grateful for this kind of sharing! I also want to make sure I open my site to trusted colleagues and close friends capable of inspiring my readers and visitors. The ripple effects we create by joining hearts and hands this way are essential in furthering causes we hold dear.
I am excited about my ongoing collaboration with LegacyWalk and its team members, including its Co-Founder, Kristen L. Skogrand, my Mentor, colleague and friend. The first guest article I share here is his Devotional entitled...
An Uplifted Spirit is an Uplifting Spirit
~ ‘The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life.’ (Prov. 15:4a)
~ ‘A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.’ (Prov. 15:13)
~ ‘A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.’ (Prov. 15:30)
Research and observations of struggling individuals show that trauma, loss, grief, setbacks and other challenging realities literally can make people physically ill. I repeatedly meet men and women of all ages whose spirits are crushed. Overwhelmed by the oftentimes brutal impact of living in an unstable world, they’ve lost the cheerful look. Their spark is gone. Their bones feel weak. Rather than progressing with hope and overflowing joy, they stagger back and forth; disillusioned, saddened, and on the verge of calling it quits. Perhaps you've been there too?
Our Creator has orchestrated a phenomenal Symphony of Healing and purposefully positioned it in this world. That includes your city and local community too. Collectively, we call this symphony the church. Individually, the symphony is… you and me! That literally means that this global Symphony is neither bound to bricks and walls, nor to (more or less) outdated religious traditions. Instead, it cannot be quenched by limiting beliefs or potential narrow-mindedness. Just as new life always finds its way through frozen soil during awe-inspiring spring seasons, the vibrant seeds of this Symphony always sprout and blossom in their ideal environment. That ideal environment consists of the combined soils of (i) dedicated men and women ready and willing to draw close to (ii) people of all backgrounds with one over-arching need: uplifted spirits, new hope, and support that once again catapults them to higher ground! Regularly taking a personalized focus here is productive. WHY?
Because the man I see in the mirror daily is the only one whose Life Music I shall account for! -- As many of you know, I frequently emphasize in my keynote speeches that I steadfastly believe in ‘life before death’ too. I recite the old adage, 'Dying is not a sin; NOT living is.' – During app. 4 decades now, I’ve embraced this principle in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I attribute that to God’s grace, and also my willingness to live what we teach in our various programs and workshops.
It saddens me to see how many (usually with bundles of under-utilized potential) walk around as ‘living dead’ year after year. Rather that living in blissful flow fueled by heartfelt gratitude, they’ve ended in a strenuous Status Quo position of merely existing. IF you feel like this right now, I still urge you sincerely to take heart. We will happily and carefully support you toward reignited passion for living, caring and giving again! Every honest human being has experienced bumps in the road and perhaps even severe Life Detours. Getting back on track isn’t only a faint possibility. It’s actually imminently available to you! -- Remember these words:
“God can take a lowly vessel;
Shape it with His mighty hand.
Fill it with a matchless treasure;
Make it serve a purpose grand.” - Bosch
-- The total opposites of the listless lives (‘living dead’) described above are 1000s of men and women with (for instance) life-threatening illnesses, yet equally undyingly vibrant spirits. I’ve repeatedly held their hands, some when they departed, and others as they pulled through and embarked on renewed Seasons of proactive living. Symbolically speaking, these individuals carry Uplifted Spirits that even prove to be Uplifting in face of the direst of circumstances. They display an unmistakable attitude echoing that they’re mentally and emotionally 'dying to live another day'. Why is that? To a large degree because they so enthusiastically cherish the Symphony of Healing in which they have played integral parts with so much purpose, joy and fulfillment. Many in this group also sense that they still have more music in them, which is to be played before their final goodbyes. Frequently, we see that this inkling is absolutely true, once they pull through against many odds!
To me, this is all very personal! As long as I have breath left, my deep desire is to embrace, guard and maintain a warm heart and a cool head. I then refer to perspectives enabling me to (i) face reality on reality’s terms, with courage vs. illusionary fictions of quick-fix hype and short-lived fads. Simultaneously, the attitude also includes (ii) the ability to remain a Visionary and Faithful Servant that views possibilities exactly as magnificent as they are - in God’s economy! From that dynamic (horizontal and vertical!) equation, I humbly believe that you and I can enjoy the kind of proactive living necessary in order to play every tune gracefully GIFTED to us.
As importantly: should some of the 1000s I've had the honor of encountering assess my Life Journey once my Passingday arrives; it’s hard to imagine a greater honor and joy than if they can state with conviction:
- "He finished his assignment in the Symphony & he did not depart with ANY music left unplayed!" -
I sometimes yearn for the uninhibited ability children have when it comes to expressing unrestrained enthusiasm, pure joy, reassuring love, and faith in the impossible. During one of the toughest days of my life, I recall how my two daughters, totally unknowingly, brought beams of light to a burdened spirit and a mind stretched thin due to challenging circumstances. I remember thinking: ‘Lord, if they only realized how penetratingly beautiful they are, and the all-important part they played in my life right now, they’d glow like the sun! Thank you for placing such glorious gems in my darkness, thereby lifting me up on higher ground!’
My girls didn’t need asking. They didn’t ask for credit or praise, neither. They simply brought along their uplifted spirits, childish beauty, and contagious enthusiasm. They played out the song that was in them, and that awe-inspiring symphony lifted my spirit. Kids in healthy environments have no need to bottle up the music within. They share it, because it comes naturally; just as they share tears and sadness when called for.
Men and women in your close vicinity need light, new hope and warmth that strengthen numbed hearts or weary legs this very moment. As members of the Healing Symphony of the One known as the Light and Sunrise from Heaven, the prerogative of cautiously and caringly lending hands and hearts to others surpasses anything else we may have on our otherwise busy schedules!
As much; IF you experience disharmony or you struggle to keep yourself going right now, I pray that you get to see yourself the way your heavenly Father sees you. Contrary to misguided images some people hold, His unfailing love is simply matchless! That's why 'taking refuge under His wings' is so safe and reassuring. Furthermore, I pray that Christian brothers and sisters sensitive to the Master’s call come your way and show you true Togetherness in its most meaningful form. Without elitism or favoritism, let's be non-judgmental and empathetic Instruments ready to show uninhibited love, random acts of kindness and caring embraces reflective of the greatest example ever shown, the Master himself.
My prayer for you is that you continually experience the wondrous sense of satisfaction that comes from actively partaking in the Lord’s Symphony of Healing & Comfort in the surroundings He appointed you to. Once the Almighty fans the flame in you, the warmth and light you exude gain transformational power. Use it, and continue your endeavors as a Change Agent and Positive Catalyst within your sphere of influence!
An uplifted spirit is an uplifting spirit!
~ Every day (usually many times a day) I need to bring all of me before Him, asking that He ignites, strengthens and fine tunes the portion of the Symphony of Healing He appointed me to play out. I want His joy to shine through when I meet people in need of a cheerful look. I want to be a bearer of good news when people need more than hollow hype in order to sustain or regain courage and hope. And, I want my tongue to speak words of healing, accompanied by sensitive ears willing to listen intently every time someone needs understanding. NOTE: That applies even when situations require silent understanding and patient comfort, rather than desperately attempting to apply quick-fix explanations or oversimplified solutions totally out of tune with people’s deepest needs. Our quest is to care for the whole human being, and doing so wisely, respectfully and without preconditions!
"Lord, touch us so that we may touch others. Bless us so that we may be blessings in our vicinities. Uplift our spirits, that we may be instrumental in lifting others up – to heights made available solely by You and through You! Help us direct all our senses toward You, that we may equally apply all our senses as vehicles carrying Your great gifts and relieving promises to those who need them the most - RIGHT NOW!"
May God bless you with His abundant peace and strengthen you as a proactive member of His Symphony of Healing - wherever the road leads!
Warmest,
Kristen L. Skogrand
Author, Trainer, Counselor
Cognitive-Emotional Therapist
[email protected] ~ Bio HERE ~ (Opens in new window, in order to make it easy for you to return here afterwards :-)
PS! You can see a sampling of Kristen's English Life-Poetry HERE ~ (Again; opens in new window, which brings you right back here when you click out!)
PPS! ~ A few words from Deborah
You'll find more Devotionals on this page on a regular basis, so feel free to revisit the Content Menu I'm continually expanding there. As importantly, I've now finally launched my own Blog; truly a quantum leap for me :-) ~ Please visit, enjoy, interact and share there too, anytime. Finally, I plan on regularly inviting cherished Guest Writers, and hope you'll find riches in their sharing too. The reciprocal relationships I enjoy with them constitute important inspiration and shared opportunities in my own life too, since we expand each other's reach and; empowering Sense of Purpose! ~ Thank you! Sincerely, Deb
I am excited about my ongoing collaboration with LegacyWalk and its team members, including its Co-Founder, Kristen L. Skogrand, my Mentor, colleague and friend. The first guest article I share here is his Devotional entitled...
An Uplifted Spirit is an Uplifting Spirit
~ ‘The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life.’ (Prov. 15:4a)
~ ‘A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit.’ (Prov. 15:13)
~ ‘A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.’ (Prov. 15:30)
Research and observations of struggling individuals show that trauma, loss, grief, setbacks and other challenging realities literally can make people physically ill. I repeatedly meet men and women of all ages whose spirits are crushed. Overwhelmed by the oftentimes brutal impact of living in an unstable world, they’ve lost the cheerful look. Their spark is gone. Their bones feel weak. Rather than progressing with hope and overflowing joy, they stagger back and forth; disillusioned, saddened, and on the verge of calling it quits. Perhaps you've been there too?
Our Creator has orchestrated a phenomenal Symphony of Healing and purposefully positioned it in this world. That includes your city and local community too. Collectively, we call this symphony the church. Individually, the symphony is… you and me! That literally means that this global Symphony is neither bound to bricks and walls, nor to (more or less) outdated religious traditions. Instead, it cannot be quenched by limiting beliefs or potential narrow-mindedness. Just as new life always finds its way through frozen soil during awe-inspiring spring seasons, the vibrant seeds of this Symphony always sprout and blossom in their ideal environment. That ideal environment consists of the combined soils of (i) dedicated men and women ready and willing to draw close to (ii) people of all backgrounds with one over-arching need: uplifted spirits, new hope, and support that once again catapults them to higher ground! Regularly taking a personalized focus here is productive. WHY?
Because the man I see in the mirror daily is the only one whose Life Music I shall account for! -- As many of you know, I frequently emphasize in my keynote speeches that I steadfastly believe in ‘life before death’ too. I recite the old adage, 'Dying is not a sin; NOT living is.' – During app. 4 decades now, I’ve embraced this principle in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I attribute that to God’s grace, and also my willingness to live what we teach in our various programs and workshops.
It saddens me to see how many (usually with bundles of under-utilized potential) walk around as ‘living dead’ year after year. Rather that living in blissful flow fueled by heartfelt gratitude, they’ve ended in a strenuous Status Quo position of merely existing. IF you feel like this right now, I still urge you sincerely to take heart. We will happily and carefully support you toward reignited passion for living, caring and giving again! Every honest human being has experienced bumps in the road and perhaps even severe Life Detours. Getting back on track isn’t only a faint possibility. It’s actually imminently available to you! -- Remember these words:
“God can take a lowly vessel;
Shape it with His mighty hand.
Fill it with a matchless treasure;
Make it serve a purpose grand.” - Bosch
-- The total opposites of the listless lives (‘living dead’) described above are 1000s of men and women with (for instance) life-threatening illnesses, yet equally undyingly vibrant spirits. I’ve repeatedly held their hands, some when they departed, and others as they pulled through and embarked on renewed Seasons of proactive living. Symbolically speaking, these individuals carry Uplifted Spirits that even prove to be Uplifting in face of the direst of circumstances. They display an unmistakable attitude echoing that they’re mentally and emotionally 'dying to live another day'. Why is that? To a large degree because they so enthusiastically cherish the Symphony of Healing in which they have played integral parts with so much purpose, joy and fulfillment. Many in this group also sense that they still have more music in them, which is to be played before their final goodbyes. Frequently, we see that this inkling is absolutely true, once they pull through against many odds!
To me, this is all very personal! As long as I have breath left, my deep desire is to embrace, guard and maintain a warm heart and a cool head. I then refer to perspectives enabling me to (i) face reality on reality’s terms, with courage vs. illusionary fictions of quick-fix hype and short-lived fads. Simultaneously, the attitude also includes (ii) the ability to remain a Visionary and Faithful Servant that views possibilities exactly as magnificent as they are - in God’s economy! From that dynamic (horizontal and vertical!) equation, I humbly believe that you and I can enjoy the kind of proactive living necessary in order to play every tune gracefully GIFTED to us.
As importantly: should some of the 1000s I've had the honor of encountering assess my Life Journey once my Passingday arrives; it’s hard to imagine a greater honor and joy than if they can state with conviction:
- "He finished his assignment in the Symphony & he did not depart with ANY music left unplayed!" -
I sometimes yearn for the uninhibited ability children have when it comes to expressing unrestrained enthusiasm, pure joy, reassuring love, and faith in the impossible. During one of the toughest days of my life, I recall how my two daughters, totally unknowingly, brought beams of light to a burdened spirit and a mind stretched thin due to challenging circumstances. I remember thinking: ‘Lord, if they only realized how penetratingly beautiful they are, and the all-important part they played in my life right now, they’d glow like the sun! Thank you for placing such glorious gems in my darkness, thereby lifting me up on higher ground!’
My girls didn’t need asking. They didn’t ask for credit or praise, neither. They simply brought along their uplifted spirits, childish beauty, and contagious enthusiasm. They played out the song that was in them, and that awe-inspiring symphony lifted my spirit. Kids in healthy environments have no need to bottle up the music within. They share it, because it comes naturally; just as they share tears and sadness when called for.
Men and women in your close vicinity need light, new hope and warmth that strengthen numbed hearts or weary legs this very moment. As members of the Healing Symphony of the One known as the Light and Sunrise from Heaven, the prerogative of cautiously and caringly lending hands and hearts to others surpasses anything else we may have on our otherwise busy schedules!
As much; IF you experience disharmony or you struggle to keep yourself going right now, I pray that you get to see yourself the way your heavenly Father sees you. Contrary to misguided images some people hold, His unfailing love is simply matchless! That's why 'taking refuge under His wings' is so safe and reassuring. Furthermore, I pray that Christian brothers and sisters sensitive to the Master’s call come your way and show you true Togetherness in its most meaningful form. Without elitism or favoritism, let's be non-judgmental and empathetic Instruments ready to show uninhibited love, random acts of kindness and caring embraces reflective of the greatest example ever shown, the Master himself.
My prayer for you is that you continually experience the wondrous sense of satisfaction that comes from actively partaking in the Lord’s Symphony of Healing & Comfort in the surroundings He appointed you to. Once the Almighty fans the flame in you, the warmth and light you exude gain transformational power. Use it, and continue your endeavors as a Change Agent and Positive Catalyst within your sphere of influence!
An uplifted spirit is an uplifting spirit!
~ Every day (usually many times a day) I need to bring all of me before Him, asking that He ignites, strengthens and fine tunes the portion of the Symphony of Healing He appointed me to play out. I want His joy to shine through when I meet people in need of a cheerful look. I want to be a bearer of good news when people need more than hollow hype in order to sustain or regain courage and hope. And, I want my tongue to speak words of healing, accompanied by sensitive ears willing to listen intently every time someone needs understanding. NOTE: That applies even when situations require silent understanding and patient comfort, rather than desperately attempting to apply quick-fix explanations or oversimplified solutions totally out of tune with people’s deepest needs. Our quest is to care for the whole human being, and doing so wisely, respectfully and without preconditions!
"Lord, touch us so that we may touch others. Bless us so that we may be blessings in our vicinities. Uplift our spirits, that we may be instrumental in lifting others up – to heights made available solely by You and through You! Help us direct all our senses toward You, that we may equally apply all our senses as vehicles carrying Your great gifts and relieving promises to those who need them the most - RIGHT NOW!"
May God bless you with His abundant peace and strengthen you as a proactive member of His Symphony of Healing - wherever the road leads!
Warmest,
Kristen L. Skogrand
Author, Trainer, Counselor
Cognitive-Emotional Therapist
[email protected] ~ Bio HERE ~ (Opens in new window, in order to make it easy for you to return here afterwards :-)
PS! You can see a sampling of Kristen's English Life-Poetry HERE ~ (Again; opens in new window, which brings you right back here when you click out!)
PPS! ~ A few words from Deborah
You'll find more Devotionals on this page on a regular basis, so feel free to revisit the Content Menu I'm continually expanding there. As importantly, I've now finally launched my own Blog; truly a quantum leap for me :-) ~ Please visit, enjoy, interact and share there too, anytime. Finally, I plan on regularly inviting cherished Guest Writers, and hope you'll find riches in their sharing too. The reciprocal relationships I enjoy with them constitute important inspiration and shared opportunities in my own life too, since we expand each other's reach and; empowering Sense of Purpose! ~ Thank you! Sincerely, Deb