Category Archives: GENERAL INTEREST

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HALT: A Simple Self-Assessment

THE CARD READS:

In times of weakness, remember
the word HALT. Its letters can
remind you not to let yourself
become too
     Hungry
     Angry
      Lonely
      Tired
Most importantly, fix your attention
on the Lord, draw strength from Him,
and experience victory over temptation.

I first learned about HALT from a friend. She has these four words on her refrigerator. When one of her kids is cranky, she’ll point at the words and raise her eyebrows. She’s asking, “are you hungry, angry, lonely, or tired?” Basically, she serves it back in their court where they can tackle the need.

I think we can identify with this. It steers us in the right direction. Sometimes we’re just flat out hungry. That’s easy enough to recognize and fix. Each one of these can be remedied to some degree.

Next time you’re in a funk, take a moment. Think the list: Hungry, angry, lonely, tired? Take this quick assessment to identify what may be bothering you. It is a simple way to address how and why you’re struggling, edgy, depressed, moody. . . you name it.

A couple of years ago I was given the card with HALT information at a ladies church meeting. A woman in her 80s passed them out. I was thrilled to get a copy. Once home, I promptly affixed mine to the refrigerator door where I could refer to it whenever I am grumpy. It is a helpful tool for clearing my head and getting back in the game.

So next time: Stop (halt).  Ask, which one of these is me right now? I’m tired. Okay. Once identified, we can address the problem.

Our moods affect others so we don’t want to stay in the pit for long. That goes for our relationships. It’s not fair to to take it out on others when it’s really our stuff. Recognize the signs. Then take ownership of your stuff, know what I mean?

Always go to the source, the underlying truth. Why am I angry? What can I do to combat loneliness? Solutions abound. Volunteer, help someone out, interact with others. Join a group. Do a social activity. Work on becoming healthy. Eat right. Figure it out and then do something about it. Being proactive is always a good thing.

And never forget, God can help you. He’s good at it.

Have a blessed day!

 

Mrs. Oswald Chambers: The Woman behind the World’s Bestselling Devotional by Michelle Ule (Baker Books, 2017)

Gertrude “Biddy” Hobbs Chambers is not your ordinary Christian woman nor is she married to your average Christian minister. Theirs is a different sort of Christianity than you hear much of in religious circles. They depend on God to supply the way, to prepare for the need, and to change an unrepentant heart. Mr. and Mrs. Oswald Chambers give selflessly and work tirelessly to fulfill their burning desire to give their utmost for His highest. After years of reading My Utmost for His Highest as my favorite devotional–a book of uncommon depth of insight, I looked forward to reading this biography of Biddy Chambers that tells the story behind the book. It is an intense read. Mrs. Oswald Chambers devotes her life to mining the treasure she wrote in shorthand in notebooks and journals. They contain sermons Oswald Chambers preached and classes he taught. Biddy turns these into assorted leaflets, calendars, and over thirty books, some of which live on to this day. After her husband passes at age 43, Biddy continues to live dependent on God for provision and direction.

In the life story of Biddy Chambers, Michelle Ule displays her talent for getting it right. This biography is researched thoroughly, written skillfully, and compiled concretely with careful attention to detail, making for a rich read. We soon learn Biddy Chambers is one for ‘doing the next thing’ that comes her way, all the while remaining devoted to transcribing journals and notebooks of Oswald’s words into spiritual themed books. Oswald Chambers is the author. Biddy, though, transcribes, organizes, prepares, edits, and does the hard work for publication. Book profits support the printing of more books. Biddy is savvy, smart, and much more. Hospitality, leading Bible studies, cooking for a crowd and various forms of ministry are a constant part of her life besides the typing of manuscripts and correspondence tasks. Key friends participate in the Chambers’ ongoing BTC ministry. Such is the life of Biddy Chambers. We can learn from her. Oswald and Biddy challenge us to live in ways that still speak today: how to live close to God. In their lives we witness an amazing trust in God. Both knew the true, blessed secret to a happy, fulfilling life.