I Love My Shepherd

Sharing humanity with one another “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15) Empathy takes time Empathy takes energy Sympathy stays on the surface The place of worth in giving empathy The place of capability in giving empathy Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God and afflicted. (Isaiah 53:4) Isaiah 53:1-7 - Suffering servant Galatians 6:2-5 Independence, dependence, and interdependence “We do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15) Hebrews 4:11-16 The word of God is powerful in itself, people don’t need my judgment added to it, but rather bringing empathy to the table brings Jesus into the room. Because Jesus is empathetic, I can be empathetic with His Light living in me.

Episode 12 – Grief: God of All Comfort             Intro – grief patch story from: https://heidigoehmann.com/blog/loss-and-grief-grief-without-shame    2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (ESV)   Psalm 10:14 (NIV)   God is thoughtful about our grief and holds our grief with us. So we are: thoughtful about grief for one another, and we help one another hold the grief and the weight of that grief   Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV)   God of All Comfort = God of all losses Exercise: write down all the losses that you’ve encountered personally, or those you see around them, then write the word All or God or Jesus or a favorite Bible verse over it We have both – honor the losses and embrace the comfort   God isn’t far off – He is big, but also personal Isaiah 53:3-4     Jesus encountered his own grief and entered into other people’s grief Jesus took on the judgment of grief as well   Biblical narratives of loss: Mary, Martha, Lazarus – loss of loved one, the experience of illness Mary and John and the crucifixion – comfort in one another, fi

What is loss? Gravis (Latin) to weigh down Gravare (Latin) to make heavy Grever (Old French) to burden or afflict It's ok to ask lots of questions. It's ok to struggle. Open the Word, gather with supportive people. What kinds of loss come to mind for you when we talk about the idea of loss and grief? There is no rushing loss and grief. There is no hierarchy of loss or grief. We witness to one another's struggle, and we witness His Word and what He's doing in the struggle to one another. Your grief matters. Your grief is worthy of honor. Disenfranchised grief: https://whatsyourgrief.com/64-examples-of-disenfranchised-grief/ Honoring many different losses – sharing stories Losses not by death Dealing with shame and relief and other complicated emotions in a loss Losses with debilitating or chronic illness Losses in marriage Losses in less recognized relationships Finding hope in the many losses: God sustains us in any loss with His strength. Growing to learn each day is a gift. Nothing can separate us from Go

2-part series – complicated things we experience in our mental health internally complicated things we experience in our mental health externally Blog series at heidigoehmann.com – The Many Sides of Mental Health https://heidigoehmann.com/blog/not-so-simple-the-many-sides-of-mental-health Dualities in mental health we are covering in this series: Agency (choice) and happenstance Relationships and self-differentiation Worth and Humility Acceptance and Constant Work Microaggressions and Good Intentions Apathy and Passion Age 4 and Age 40 Making peace with a bit of mystery and the complications of life – Ephesians 1:7-9 There is always more to know, to discover, more mystery. That's a good thing of God. One day, when Jesus comes back, we will see everything more clearly. We exist in both contentment and wrestling. Again, this is a good thing of God. Without the wrestling, the stress is often increased in one way or another. Today’s dualities are highly relational dualities, often reflected in our closest relati

2-part series – complicated things we experience in our mental health internally complicated things we experience in our mental health externally Blog series at heidigoehmann.com – The Many Sides of Mental Health https://heidigoehmann.com/blog/not-so-simple-the-many-sides-of-mental-health Paradox and duality and the complications of life Mental Health brushes up against: morality lifestyle choices the weird and wildness of our bodies relationships What dualities exist around us and in our life? dualities of God https://heidigoehmann.com/the-mighty-and-the-mysterious Examples of dualities in our lives Some of the dualities of mental health: Agency (choice) and happenstance Relationships and self-differentiation Worth and Humility Acceptance and Constant Work Microaggressions and Good Intentions Apathy and Passion Age 4 and Age 40 Mental health is complicated because of internal workings and also because of external things, particularly because we exist in relationship. Internal Dualities of mental health: Wort

Episode 8 – Dive Deeper: Good Gifts   Happy Release Day! Happy Book Birthday! The many things in life we would easily call good Good = complicated   What does God say is good v. what I say is good - heidigoehmann.com/blog/what-does-god-call-good   A Reading from Good Gifts Addressing the concept of congruence   Study overview – 6 weeks or segments, 4 days or readings in each, average of 3 pages each Embedded questions and discoveries with white space for thoughts and journaling 6 free videos on YouTube, about 20-25 minutes each, with discussion questions for groups Other freebies: Prayer Walk and visual faith tools All found at: https://heidigoehmann.com/goodgifts   What good things are you learning? What good things about God do you see in your life at present?  

Episode 7 - Courage (and JOMO) Vulnerability Recap: It chooses to see the bigger picture. It’s connecting. It's a spiritual practice. Episodes in this series: Vulnerability (and Boudaries) Lack (and Enough) What is courage? internal processes external relational experience Courage is relational and sacrificial. Simon Sinek: https://youtu.be/fQjnW3_78a8 Courage is vulnerable. Brene Brown: https://youtu.be/PVynHlI1fac Courage comes from encouragement, not just mental stamina. Joshua 1:1-9 Courage isn’t only from the internal sense that “we can do it!” but the external sense that we are not alone. Courage is just as much about staying in as it is going out. - this can look big or small in our lives JOMO - finding joy in missing out ending the comparison game Isaiah 53 "When it comes to courage we tend to ask ourselves the question: What big thing am I doing? I think the real way we discern courage in our lives is really by asking the question: Where am I allowing myself to be seen?" Find the series of articles a

Episode 6 – Lack (and Enough) New series: Episode 5: Vulnerability (and Boundaries) Episode 6: Lack (and Enough) Episode 7: Courage (and JOMO) What is lack? Lack can be real, but hyperawareness creates scarcity Where do we see it in individuals, families, and the church? (and what's the result) 1 fear and shame 2 hyperawareness and fixation v awareness of what we need 3 tucking in rather than connecting 4 never satisfied, running on empty Lack as an individual What dynamics play into our experience of lack v enough? What areas did we experience a sense of lack in our family of origin? Lack in community Where is lack surfacing in your church, workplace, or other organization – is creativity and/or brainstorming allowed? What has God given us here? What is it that He has given us that is enough? What does God say about lack? Jesus in the Gospels Philippians 4:9-13 Genesis 22 Romans 3:23-25 How do we combat lack? Practice of enough – You are enough. I am enough. He is enough. Enough in Christ. Culture of grat

Episode 5 – Vulnerability (and Boundaries) New series: Episode 5: Vulnerability (and Boundaries) Episode 6: Lack (and Enough) Episode 7: Courage (and JOMO) Vulnerability Definitions - the good, bad, and ugly New definition: Brene Brown, Daring Greatly https://amzn.to/2pYlyE2 (affiliate link) Vulnerability mantra or repeated phrase: “Because I love God, I love people. I will be vulnerable.” Vulnerability without grace on the return closes the relationship Vulnerability with grace = safety and growth God the Father as the Safest Space 3 Concepts of Strength in Vulnerability Strength 1 - It chooses to see the bigger picture. Colossians 3:1-4 Strength 2 - It’s connecting. 2 Corinthians 6:11-13 Strength 3 - It’s a spiritual practice. Because I love God, I love people. I will be vulnerable. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Episode 4 – Mystery of Prayer   Special Guest: Michelle Diercks, Peace in His Presence Podcast  https://michellediercks.com/podcast/   Mighty and Mysterious Release episode with Heidi: http://traffic.libsyn.com/michellediercks/heidi.mp3   Colossians 3:15-17 A Reading from The Mighty and The Mysterious, pg. 179   Where do dwelling and prayer connect? Making time for God Reading the Word Listening to music about God Awareness of His presence   Bob Goff quote – Love Does https://amzn.to/2odEwpr   Prayer and our relationship with God Sometimes God changes us, rather than fixes things for us. God enjoys us even when we’re not enjoyable.   Prayers impact on our relationships with our family and close friendships Colossians 1:9-11 Psalm 27:14 and connecting where God has put someone we love, even far away The mystery and might of praying together in marriage Friendship stamina – prayer as a response to friendship struggles   The Church and the mystery of prayer When church is painful The intimacy under the surface

  Episode 3 – Mystery of Church   A reading from the Mighty & The Mysterious, pg. 214 – a little glimpse into the Church on Earth   The Church = people, community, life together Perfect & Far from Perfect Broken & Redeemed   Order and organization + Family Life How is the church mysterious like family? How would the church look different if we treated it like a family?   Family life -> church life Affection             Ephesians 5             Song of Songs             Value of each person Vulnerability Connecting activities/rituals             Celebrating Pentecost ideas: https://blog.cph.org/read/to-the-church-on-her-birthday Eating together and learning/growing together Impact of criticism, contempt, isolation, and dysfunction   What questions do you have about the mystery of the Church on Earth?     Podcast Question – What is a relationship that has influenced you? Jeanie, mentor and friend   The Mighty and The Mysterious: https://amzn.to/34SF98i Simple Church: https://amzn.to/2LBbdpW     (

Episode 2 – Mystery of Relationship Intro: God as the Great Connector mystery to God’s connecting work the gift of God’s connecting work   Know and Being Known Genesis 1 Genesis 2:18-25 – the creation of marriage, not just marriage Knowing with God the connection of grace to knowing – forgiveness, questions, confessing our stuff, telling him our difficult emotions and pain What could we ask God if we had no shame before Him? Knowing with our Family and Friends Is there anyone you feel you can be your true self with and still be loved and accepted? What does that relationship look like that helps us know we are known and it’s that place of acceptance and grace? Knowing in the Church God’s idea for giving us a place to be known and be safe How do we know each other in the church than in the people of God differently outside of that? What depth should there be in the relationship of believers? How do we build up that knowing in the Body of Christ? How does hiding (Genesis 3) impact knowing?     Safety Th

Welcome to Season 3!  Episode 1 – The Mighty Mystery of God   4 Episode series: The Mighty Mystery of God The Mighty Mystery of Relationships The Mighty Mystery of Prayer The Mighty Mystery of the Church   Episode Design- this mystery’s impact on our relationship with God, our relationship with others, and our relationships within the church   Mystery of God 101 It’s time to become OK with questions. God is not deceptive. God is mighty. He is bigger than we are.   What is the impact of the mystery of God on my relationship with God? The place of mightiness The place of honesty The place of control The place of knowing   What is the impact of the mystery of God on my relationship with other people? Conversation about creation and the Creator Admitting we are uncomfortable, don’t know, or don’t understand   What is the impact of the mystery of God on my relationship with the community of the church? Imagine if we could have an open place to ask our questions and admit we don’t have all the answers We have to ta

Name change time! I Love My Shepherd -----> Life in Relationship What's coming at you this season? Where do I get the resources? First episode drops September 10th. In the meantime, visit me at heidigoehmann.com   YouTube @heidigoehmannwrites Facebook @heidigoehmannwrites Instagram @heidigoehmann Snapchat @heidiadventures  

ILMS25 – WII: Prodigal Mercy Release Date: May 14 Special Guest: Paula Isakson, Faith Family Reunions   Paula’s Story   The “I Don’t Know” Moment The connection between childhood experience and faith development             We all have shame and grace moments             Lies we believe and the whiny voice             God writes our testimonies Restoration is better than what we started with             Law as a shape for grace             Looking forward to the reunion in heaven             Shame is nothing in Jesus   Who helps you sort through Who God is?   Faith Family Reunions Website:  https://www.faithfamilyreunion.com Newsletter Sign Up:  https://www.faithfamilyreunion.com/contact-us   Welcome With Video:  (at bottom):  https://www.faithfamilyreunion.com/welcome Testimony Video:  https://www.faithfamilyreunion.com/announcements   Link to curriculum:  https://www.faithfamilyreunion.com/Faith-Family-Reunion-Curriculum-     heidigoehmann.com or ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c

ILMS24 – YA: Still Release Date: May 7 Psalm 46:10-11   Let’s take a poll – How many of you want to live your best life? How many of you want to live a junky life, or even a so-so life?   What do people need for their best life? (Consider as a group or on your own.)   Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html     We look at this list and can see some of our problems in the spaces on the pyramid Where are my friends? Do I have them? Worried about money for college or even food and our homes We might struggle with some sadness or depression What the heck am I here for? What should I do with my life? In down moments, we wonder if we’re really worthwhile, if we’re loved.   We start to feel anxious, certainly don’t feel like we’re living that best life.   Our #1 Need is…knowing God. Knowing we have a real present God. Our pyramid forgot its foundation.   Let’s find the foundation in Psalm 46:10-11: “Be still, and know that I am God.     I will be exalted among the nations,     I wi

IMLS 23 - Ten Minutes of Compassion Ten Minute Truth #1 - Compassion assumes some discomfort Ten Minute Truth #2 - Compassion includes the "and" of truth and mercy What about discipline and truth? Psalm 119:77 -Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight. Ten Minute Truth #3 - compassion includes a “but” Nehemiah 9:16-19a  Ten Minute Truth #4 – love them anyway We are going to need it ourselves Mark 6 Matthew 9 heidigoehmann.com or ilovemyshepherd.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/ilovemyshepherd Facebook - @ilovemyshepherd Twitter -  @heidigoehmann Instagram - @heidigoehmann Snapchat - @heidiadventures ESV Bible translation - Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

ILMS 22 – Altogether Beautiful: Middle Schoolers and Teens   Altogether Beautiful Identity Concept of the Sense of Self   They are asking: What are my personal values and beliefs? What are my goals? What are my ideas? Can I share them? Ask: What they think about a current event? A big topic?   Build trust by listening, with no judgement, freedom to disagree, gentle guidance/boundaries   Dealing with comparison Say: You are beautiful. But also You are strong. You are smart. You messed up. You are forgiven. You can figure this out. I’m happy to help. Tell me what you need.   Altogether Beautiful Friendship Teach social skills: learning to listen, valuing conversation, asking questions, what demands a text, what is a snap chat, social media post, etc. what is public and private, humor v making fun,   Teach friendship skills: showing up when someone needs them, friendship is different than teamwork, friendship is different than similar interests, trust and confidentiality, listening to know, inviting and acceptin

ILMS 21 – YA: Brought The best way to make sense of God’s work in destruction is to remember what He is done and Who He is.   Psalm 46:8-9 Come, behold the works of the Lord,     how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;     he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;     he burns the chariots with fire.   Brought Desolations End to war The grey area of destruction God does destroy and allow destruction, Ecc 3, God created for our benefit but He will work in destruction to reveal Himself, without Good Friday there is no Easter Hebrew for desolations = waste or horror (Shawmah) to (shawbath)     Come behold the works of the Lord what is there to behold that the Lord does? He place of rememberance in getting through life’s hard stuff Brainstorm- God creates God provides God disciplines God watches over God changes - hearts and history God saves   God brings in rest and restoration   Brought Israelites out of Egypt – Exodus 14-15 What were the hard parts (the des

ILMS 20 – Ministry Talks: Friendship and Ministry 1 Samuel 14:1-7 - Jonathan and his armor bearer   Step One of Friendship: Prayer   Step Two: Admitting friendship isn’t easy Friendship will continue to be a challenge as long as we walk the earth - God = relational, Genesis 2:25 - Satan likes isolation - dual relationships - Ministry and friendship are both personal   Step Three: Vulnerability = walking into a situation exposed - no hiding - Boundaries with flexibility How do we drop the armor satan would put on us and pick up God’s armor so we can walk vulnerably into relationships? 1) Do the inviting 2) Know there will be hurt and pain 3) Two things that grow relationships – awkwardness and forgiveness 4) Addressing expectations directly, having uncomfortable conversations 5) Finding a script   Step Four: Mindfulness = awareness, bringing what is unconscious to consciousness - consider the dynamics at play 6 things to be particularly mindful of for friendship in ministry 1) confidence and confidentiality 2)