Split Patriot

On this Memorial Day weekend, we pay TRIBUTE to Uncle George and all who have served our country.....THANK YOU!  THANK YOU! THANK YOU!  revdrjane + all staff, Board Members, intercessors and the worship team at Grace Ministries and Chattanooga Counseling & Mediation Center.

Split Patriot

I can feel my war-torn self
Splitting
Down
The
Middle

I used to be so single-minded...
Big Military
National Defense
Weapons Development
Americanism in any form
A Patriot to the core

Now, I just miss my soldier

My soldier, so strong and true
Committed, fierce, protective
Our future in that very life
Now gone

I can feel my uncivil self
Splitting
Right
Down
The
Middle

I miss my civilian

I do not feel patriotic...just angry, confused, and sad
My perfectly folded banner, a woven triangle
Reminds me that it is here and you are not
I seem to be angry at it

I gave them my soldier
They gave me a triangle

This is the worst kind of grief
Military v. me...I am not winning
And, I feel like a traitor

I can feel my traitor self
Splitting
Right
Down
The
Middle

I miss my Patriot

Could I really play all of these parts at the same time?
A loyal Patriot, exposed traitor, and grieving civilian?

Yes, I think I can, and maybe we could join forces

I invite my split self, the floating pieces of me
To come together, forming a solid core
Fused, melded, holding tight
Loyal Patriot, rebellious traitor, sad civilian
Military Mosaic

Now I am the Loyal Guard of the glass case
The place where reminders of your risk and care reside
You were never war-torn, always resolute and clear
You are helping me pull myself together

In honor of you, and the legacy you left behind
I let my heart heal in thanksgiving for all of the good
I am clear, strong, and solid about that, about you.

By Dr. Jane N. Geiger...a piece from Handling Difficult Holidays: the Gracious Path to Overcoming Painful Times. To purchase this All Year Long Go-to Guide, please visit www.amazon.com or www.barnesandnoble.com.

Mother's Day - Honoring Our Moms

Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you. (from the Amplified Bible - Exodus 20:12)

Honor your father and your mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself. (from the Amplified Bible - Matthew 19:19)

THANKS, MOM! A Tribute to Noreen W. Geiger...

GEIGER, NOREEN WOODRING, a resident of Vestavia Hills, AL since 1972, passed away at a local nursing home on Thursday, December 15th, 2011 at the age of 78. She was born in Tyrone, PA in 1933 and lived a life of extending compassion to others, ultimately graduating with a Degree in Nursing and becoming a Registered Nurse. She practiced nursing with a specialty in Pediatrics before her marriage to George Geiger in 1955. She continued her nurturing while retiring from practicing nursing, working as a full-time Mother to four children, living in Milford, NJ. She served on the local PTA Board, was a member of The Club, Dragons Dance Club, several bridge clubs and gourmet groups. A consummate hostess and medical servant, Noreen Geiger continued personal compassionate care by serving her friends in need, often tending to them overnight in the hospital or nursing home. Her love and service was boundless. She was preceded in death by her Father and Mother, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Woodring of Tyrone, PA. She is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, George, and four children; Kathy Geiger-Schwab and her husband, Conrad, of Dayton, OH; Ellen Geiger Ryan and her husband, David, of Flagstaff, AZ; John Geiger and his wife, Pam, of Sylacauga, AL; and Jane Noreen Geiger of Homewood, AL; one grandchild, Mariah Alexander, of Flagstaff, AZ. The family extends special thanks to caregiver, Mr. Duane Wade, Director of the Compassionate Care Program of Grace Ministries, Inc., Homewood, AL. A private Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. The family requests that any memorials be made to the Noreen Geiger, R.N., Compassionate Care Program, c/o Grace Ministries, Inc, 2920 18th St. S., Homewood, AL 35209, (205)870-5515.

*******

If you haven't talked to your Mom in a while and you need a little help getting the conversation ball rolling, please use our Sticky Note...

Sticky Note

I don't know what to say
I don't know how to say it

What if I say it wrong?
What if my timing's bad?

I've put it off for so long now
I worry it's moldy

I know we need to talk
you know...you talk, I listen...I talk, you listen
exchange of ideas

I don't know why
this exchange
seems so threatening...

lightning
energy
electrical charge
blown fuse
emotional flooding

There is some risk...
discomfort
unknown variables
a sad outcome
uncovering another issue
deeper division

But what is rolling around my head is
The Magna Carta
The Gettysburg Adress
War and Peace --
our entire unborn conversation, one long movie
hours of reel

I think I'll just start
with a sticky note:
"Wanna chat?"

Jane NOREEN Geiger, M.A., D.Min.

Stay ALIVE, I WILL find you!"

“Stay ALIVE, I WILL find you!”

Daniel Day Lewis, actor in the movie, Last of The Mohicans, said to his Beloved . . .

_______________________________________________

Often, God is saying to us, “Stay alive, I WILL find you!”

“He alone is faithful.”  
           He will find us.
Others may betray us.
           We will betray others.
Not God.
           He never quits. The RelentlessPursuer has His eye on you . . .and me.
He WILL pursue us.  He never drops out of the race to reach us. Relentless.
           He is true to His Word.  His Word is “living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword.”  His love endures forever. That’s right. Forever.
           God is alive. His Word is alive. The Body of Christ is a living organism. We need Jesus.  We need each other . . . yes, the “N” word . . . NEED. . .

He is not kidding. No fluff, no filler.
He is not playing. Serious game. Game on.
He is not wasting His Words of Life. He is calling forth authentic, engaged living.
He intends for us to stay in the game, fully engaged, for a lifetime . . . .ALIVE!

A marathon is a 26.2 mile engagement. A marathoner, a finisher, must stay alive.
Yes, the “F” word . . . FINISHER.
A marathoner needs the encouragement of other runners -- labored breathing, Nike noise on pavement. Panting. Pursuit. Runners look ahead. Eye on the prize.
                                            “Let us run with endurance the race set before us.”

Are you engaged?  Are you fully alive?  In high gear?  Do you desire more?

Often, we are distracted, fuzzy focus, passively reacting to the demands of life . . . we forget the HIGH CALL of God’s ultimate heart commands . . . LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS.  We must be fully alive to reach the high call. Reaching. Dialed in to Him.

“The glory of God is a man fully alive.”  -- Gordon MacDonald

Luke 4 and Isaiah 61 –  Good news, captives set FREE, LIVING in the light, freedom to LIVE, a planting of the Lord, LIVE OAKS of righteousness, inheritance of a double portion, everlasting joy, ministers of our God, the oil of gladness, restoration, HOPE!

“TODAY, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  -- Jesus, Luke 4:21

May these “words of grace” (4:22) feed your soul as you walk this earth “full of and under the power of the Holy Spirit” (4:14) . . . unto overflowing fullness. AMEN.

                                               Rev. Dr. Jane Noreen Geiger…..Spring 2012….GRACE4ALL

“Stay ALIVE, I WILL find you!”

Daniel Day Lewis, actor in the movie, Last of The Mohicans, said to his Beloved . . .
_______________________________________________

Often, God is saying to us, “Stay alive, I WILL find you!”

“He alone is faithful.”  
He will find us.
Others may betray us.
We will betray others.
Not God.
    He never quits. The RelentlessPursuer has His eye on you . . .and me.
 He WILL pursue us.  He never drops out of the race to reach us. Relentless.
     He is true to His Word.  His Word is “living and active and sharper than a two-edged sword.”  His love endures forever. That’s right. Forever.
 God is alive. His Word is alive. The Body of Christ is a living organism. We need Jesus.  We need each other . . . yes, the “N” word . . . NEED. . .

He is not kidding. No fluff, no filler.
He is not playing. Serious game. Game on.
He is not wasting His Words of Life. He is calling forth authentic, engaged living.
He intends for us to stay in the game, fully engaged, for a lifetime . . . .ALIVE!

A marathon is a 26.2 mile engagement. A marathoner, a finisher, must stay alive.
Yes, the “F” word . . . FINISHER.
A marathoner needs the encouragement of other runners -- labored breathing, Nike noise on pavement. Panting. Pursuit. Runners look ahead. Eye on the prize.
“Let us run with endurance the race set before us.”

Are you engaged?  Are you fully alive?  In high gear?  Do you desire more?

Often, we are distracted, fuzzy focus, passively reacting to the demands of life . . . we forget the HIGH CALL of God’s ultimate heart commands . . . LOVE GOD, LOVE OTHERS.  We must be fully alive to reach the high call. Reaching. Dialed in to Him.

“The glory of God is a man fully alive.”  -- Gordon MacDonald

Luke 4 and Isaiah 61 –  Good news, captives set FREE, LIVING in the light, freedom to LIVE, a planting of the Lord, LIVE OAKS of righteousness, inheritance of a double portion, everlasting joy, ministers of our God, the oil of gladness, restoration, HOPE!

“TODAY, this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.”  -- Jesus, Luke 4:21

May these “words of grace” (4:22) feed your soul as you walk this earth “full of and under the power of the Holy Spirit” (4:14) . . . unto overflowing fullness. AMEN.



Rev. Dr. Jane Noreen Geiger…..Spring 2012….GRACE4ALL

How to Love the Bod You’ve Got!

Mom & Hot Legs – I don’t know how old I was when this conversation took place, but I distinctly remember my Mom telling me that I could be like Katie Couric: I could have hot legs and a sharp mind at the same time. Genius. Katie Couric interviewed heads of state while sporting seriously fit legs in full view of all who watched The Today Show. Legs, brains and power.  Cool.  That got me thinking . . .

Ruth’s Hottest – She always finished it. I don’t remember thinking that my grandmother was a hott bod, sexy sizzle, tan, toned, or all that and a bag of chips. But, what she did market so well was her wicked wit, infectious laugh, Mensa-smart IQ, and the tenacity to whip my grandfather’s A$$ by finishing the New York Times Crossword Puzzle on Sundays. Our SHE-ro. He was a physician. She was a nurse. But, she was the Queen of the Sunday New York Times. His words revealed his appreciation of her sex appeal. Ruth’s mind and tenacity were sexy. This was my first view of lust for wordsmithing. He lost the puzzle challenge, but won the hott girl with the quick wit and the capacity to finish a Mensa-sized effort.

Embrace this Pretty Perspective:
Your Body is Just One Vital Part of ALL that You Are!
Our bodies are important, but, primarily they play host to all that defines who we fully are.  Are you witty?  Are you kind? Are you trustworthy? Can you keep a secret? Do you play a mean game of tennis? Are you an award-winning journalist? Do you bake goodies for all 9-year-olds in your child’s class? Do you make homemade lasagna? Are you a loving mommy? Do you offer grace and forgiveness? What IS your signature trait?

Our bodies simply contain our essence.  I have been working with clients to successfully move through this obsession with the container, the body, for two decades. Success with my clients involves this one truth: Our bodies are containers for all, ALL that we are! Magazine and TV marketing would have us believe that we are only our bodies. No, ma’am! Thank goodness we are free from bondage to the body, especially when we are sick, injured, off our game, disabled or chronically ill. One of the most beautiful women I know, an organ transplant recipient, claims she has “moon face” from having to take steroids and other meds. To her friends, she is just beautiful. And, beauty traits fall on a wide and colorful palette  – petite, tall, pale, freckled, tan, lean, athletic, curly, straight, wide-eyed, pouty-mouthed, and so much more. Take a look, a deep look.  

Appreciate the Beauty while Working on What You Can
While trying to lose 10 pounds, don’t miss delighting in your delicate skin. While toning your abs for bikini weather, give thanks for your thick hair. During dieting, love the legs which take you on long runs. When cussing your flabby arms, remember these arms reach out to hug, to perform vital acts of care. We are so much more than this exterior container. Madison Avenue marketing makes a mint by selling the money-driven focus on the exterior. Let’s join in solidarity to put this exterior in balanced perspective! Bodies matter, but more as a manifestation of our commitment to fitness, efforts to love others, dressed for success or adorned to adore. Let’s take our bodies to the moon . . . get fit to go the distance, stay healthy to hug for a lifetime, tone to compete in triathlons. We are not just for show, but to be cherished, with a balanced focus on the container AND its contents!  

Our bodies have purpose: Our bodies are hospitable hosts to house vitality, energy, love, concern, character, charisma, spirit, faith . . . all great elements of who we are, fully. May you celebrate your body today while you journey on the gracious path to where you are going!

Dr. Jane N. Geiger, M.A. is the Founder of Chattanooga Counseling & Mediation on Frazier Ave. She is a former beauty pageant participant, 5-sport athlete and Math Team nerd who learned the hard way to accept her tall frame when petite was in; dribbled a ball when cheerleading was the rage; and battled her curly hair when straight was vogue. The hair is still an issue.  Dr. Geiger and her staff may be reached at 423.994.0034 to help you with any body image issues – helping you move from mere acceptance to fully celebrating your body and its contents. For more information or to schedule an appointment you can find us at www.ChattanoogaCounselingAndMediation.com.

-Dr. Jane

Heart + Head...in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."--Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

"Your VOICE matters."--Rev. Dr. Jane N. Geiger

"Heart + Head" by Rev. Dr. Jane N. Geiger to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - p. 44-45, Respectful Relating: The Gracious Path to Loving the People You Don't Understand

Heart + Head

The mind at work...
Thinking about Choices
Yours and mine

Pondering Preferences
Root word, "prefer"

Volleying Views
Eyes see at different angles

Pensive about Perspectives
Affected by history, culture, and more

Studying Histories
Ours are so very different

Deciding Truths
What is true for you may not be my truth

The heart's balance to the good mind...
Shades of gray
Not everything is black and white

Differences
Could we try to respect these?

Backgrounds
Let's consider the paths we have walked

Influences
Your sage may not be my sage

Spirituality
Let's honor what deserves reverence

Love
heart in action trumps muddled mind

Respect
Soaring to honor, leaving disrespect down below

Honor
Elevating your essence, your human soul

Filters
I admit my view can be foggy

Lenses
Respect for different ways of seeing...to focus

The head is limited by what the
eyes can see through filtered lenses...and,
the mind can only hold so much.

I would like to keep my head on straight, while...

I think
I
would
like
very much
to
set
my
HEART
FREE to LOVE!