No matter how great one's father was or is, God is even greater. He is most ultimately, supremely, perfect Father that ever was, is, or ever will be. He wants to be your everything! If you can envision what your view of a perfect father might be, consider that God is all that and even more!

So, if you will, let's remember child, now. "Daddy God, I have a boo, boo. Can you make it better?" Oh, yes, He can! Envision Daddy God, most perfect Father ever, sitting in a rocking chair. You run to Him with a need, like little ones often do. He picks you up, sets you in His lap, kisses wound, holds and rocks you, and caresses you (as any loving father should) until all is well. Oh, what joy is found in arms of Daddy's love!

Ok, now that we have a glimpse of God, as our Heavenly Father, consider picking one item on your list (only one) and bringing Him a boo, boo. And, it is ok to start with one that was a lesser hurt.

When wounded as adults, we can reason and find resolve as an adult. However, when child is wounded, it is child that needs to be healed.

Once you have made your selection and found a private place, to be undisturbed, go back in time. How old are you, 4, 8, a teen? Remember what happened and how it felt.

The first time, you might not be comfortable running into Daddy's arms. That's ok. Just envision Daddy God in His rocking chair, walk up to Him and climb into His lap. Then, begin telling Him what happened.

If you sat in someone else's lap, you wouldn't expect them to know problem unless you verbalized it. So, say words out loud. Yes, God already knows everything you think and feel. But, it is important for you to let feelings out, so they will no longer be bottled up inside you. Tell God what happened, how it made you feel, why it hurts so much, and anything else that comes to mind. Hug God's neck, feel free to cry, and let Him rock you for however long you need. When another thought comes to mind, say it out loud, too. Stay until all emotions are spent, as you do not want them anymore.

Then, before you leave God's presence, verbally try to understand and reason (to whatever extent that you can) why this person might have failed you; albeit their ignorance, impatience, fear, or what ... recognizing that wound was usually not intentional to hurt you. Then, ask God to help you forgive them and tell God you forgive them. Again, say words out loud.

In minor offences, this exercise may only need done once per incident. But, should memory be triggered again, go back to God (using this tool) that wound will be healed deeper and deeper ~ until it is totally gone.

Then, on another day, pick something else on your list. And, when your list is finally through, ask God to bring to remembrance anything else that should be added to list.

And, once you realize 'whatever happened to you also happened to those who wounded you' (only their experiences were likely even worse), you will find less reason to be angry at victims who never overcame wounds of their past and never found a better way to live. Then, you can choose to be difference (to welcome your responsibility in stopping chain of emotional or physical abuse) for next generation, by getting inner healing you need.

With each step, in process of inner healing, you will be replacing darkness with light; placing God's awesome love where it should have been all along. He is a most awesome Father! Isn't it about time you got to know your Daddy?

© 2004 by Joyce C. Lock http://www.aspecialplace.net/ChristianityMadeSimple/

This writing, as well as all of Joyce C. Lock's writings, may be individually used, in their entirety, with credits in tact; for non-profit ministering purposes.

6. Say “no”. We often cause our own time problems because we cannot say no to requests. It is understandable that you want to help people but why are you willing to sacrifice your own well being by being over committed? If a request is going to leave you feeling resentful, angry, or taken advantage of, definitely say “no”. You will feel a huge sense of relief.

7. Get rid of commitments. We often make commitments that don't really add value to our goals, our vision, or our lives. If you want to create more time in your life you have to start being very selective about activities in which you participate. Really look at your current commitments and ask yourself, “Is this how I want to spend my time? Does it make me feel good? Does it help me move closer to my goals?”

8. Slow down. Rushing has become a way of life for most of us. Even when we don’t have to rush we still do. Have you ever asked yourself, why am I rushing? Only to discover that there was no reason at all. When you rush around you are not present in your surroundings, you are often distracted and frazzled, which will cause you to make mistakes and take up even more of your time. Become aware of this adrenaline rushed feeling and make a conscious decision to slow down. Slow your walk, slow down your speech, take a deep breath, and do what it takes to mentally and physically slow down.

9. Under promise and over deliver. We have all heard this phrase but do we actually do it? Part of our time pressure is caused by over promising when we don't have to. Give yourself more time to complete a project then you think you will need and deliver it early. Your days will not feel as frantic, you will be getting your energy from positive sources, you will do a better job, which helps create your problem free zone, and you will feel good about your accomplishments. This is a win/ win for everyone.

10. Really understand that you control your time, not other way around. Most of us feel like we are victims to time when in reality you control your time and how you utilize it. Start utilizing it to your advantage by having it work for you.

Hopefully this has provided you with some ideas on creating more time and using time to create a more fulfilling and enriched life. Remember that you control your time, your space, your life, and that it is your responsibility to create it on your own terms.