The Illusion of Control

Several weeks ago I was frustrated. 

It seemed that no matter how much I got accomplished in a day it didn’t make a dent in all the things I didn’t get done. There were the usual everyday chores, errands that had to be run, home repairs that needed to be scheduled, all the holiday preparation, work, meals…you get the idea. And then someone would ask, “Hey, weren’t you going to _____?” It didn’t matter what it was because it was most likely on the list I hadn’t gotten to yet.

For a few days, I kept wondering why I couldn’t get more done in a day and I had to remind myself that I was doing the best I could. And that was enough. The demands I was putting on myself and letting others put on me were taking their toll.

I decided that if I’d done what I could to the best of my ability that day, then that day was a success.

And, if I decided something could wait so I could take a breather and some time to myself, then that day was not a failure, but also a success—because slowing down can be hard.

All of my running around was getting me nowhere and I had to take a step back to see that. Sometimes the pressures of the day-to-day make me lose sight of what's really important…

What was God was asking of me?

Please join me at Candidly Christian where we're talking about the illusion of control and the choices we can make as we start 2020.

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: #FaithonFire and Grace & Truth

When You’re Not As Okay As You Say You Are

I keep saying I’m okay, but honestly, I’m starting to question that.

I wrote this to a friend a few weeks ago in an email. I thought I was okay. It was my standard answer when someone asked how I was doing. But privately, I was starting to wonder.

I felt the weight of the world on my shoulders. I was forgetting things that I wouldn’t normally forget. I was irritable, on edge, and about to cry at any moment. But…I thought I was doing okay. Until I wasn’t.

Maybe you know the feeling when so much is piled up and if one more thing gets added to the pile—just one. more. little. thing.—you will break.

I had reached my breaking point. I finally realized it and admitted it. And it felt good. It didn’t ease the pain of losing a loved one or make current situations simple, but the I’m-okay-mask didn’t feel quite so suffocating. {Tweet this}

I felt like I had to share this revelation and maybe some hope for someone else coming to the same conclusion about herself.

I posted this to a few of my Facebook friends…

Your breaking point just might be the moment you realize and admit that you’re actually not as okay as you keep telling people you are. But God is bigger than our breaking points!!

What breaks us does not break God. He’s bigger than the weight we’re carrying and the masks we’re trying to wear. {Tweet this}

What can we do when we realize we’re not as okay as we keep saying we are?

Please join me at Candidly Christian where I'm sharing 5 steps to take when you find you're at your breaking point...When You're Not As Okay As You Say You Are.

Have you experienced a time when you thought you were okay until you realized you weren’t? How did you feel after that realization?

In Christ,
Laura

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, #GracefullTuesday, Trekking Thru, #RechargeWednesday, #TellHisStory, #porchstories, Let's Have Coffee, Moments of Hope, #DestinationInspiration, #HeartEncouragement, #TuneInThursday, Faith 'n Friends, #FreshMarketFriday, #FaithonFire, Grace & Truth, #BVNetworkParty

Holding It All Together

“You’re the glue that holds everything together.”

I would guess that I’m not the only wife and mother who has either heard it, thought it, or feels it.

I suppose it’s a compliment. Or at least it was on the cutesy Mother’s Day card I saw at the store several months ago.

The first time I thought about myself as the one who holds it all together, it felt kind of empowering. That’s right. I am the one who keeps us all on track.

After a while, it started to feel annoying. Okay, people…you don’t need to come to me for everything.

Lately, however, it just makes me feel tired. Listen up—do it yourself or do without it.

Now, before you suck in your breath at that last statement and think I’m ungrateful, I’m not. I’m very thankful for what God has blessed me with…but I’m also being honest.

That cute Mother’s Day card I saw should have said on the inside: “You must be exhausted.” But it didn’t.

The truth is no matter if you’re a wife and mother, a single mother, a daughter and care giver, or somewhere in between, being the glue that holds everything together is tiring. And in long, drawn-out, real-life situations it is exhausting.

I have to believe I’m not the only one who knows what it feels like. Maybe you’re…

- The one who tries to stay hopeful when nothing is going the way we want it to, and everyone is getting weary…and irritable.

- The one who keeps pouring into others, but is feeling empty herself.

- The one who starts feeling lost while trying to keep everyone on the right path.

- The one who champions others, but feels alone and unsupported.

- The one who tries to keep it all together when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Even the best glue gets tired and won’t hold forever.

Over time, when glue gets stretched too thin, it loses its grip. It might start underneath where it can’t be seen. Or perhaps it’s a barely visible crack in the smooth exterior that goes unnoticed. Either way, without reinforcement, that crack will continue to spread or snap completely.

To fix physical objects, we can add more adhesive. (I’ve been known to do this.)

Or jury-rig a quick fix. (Yes, I’ve been known to do this also. MacGyver it. It’s a real term. Thank you 1980s.)

But, what happens when we’re the glue? Then what?

The truth is no amount of glue on the outside will fix what only God can do on the inside. {Tweet this}

So, what do we do when we’re the one holding it all together and the weight becomes too heavy to bear? {Tweet this}

Please join me at Candidly Christian where I talk about 3 steps we can take when the load gets too heavy. When You Feel Like You're Holding It All Together.

In Christ,
Laura

[Photo credit: Candidly Christian]

Linking up with: Purposeful Faith, #TeaAndWord, Trekking Thru, #GraceFullTuesday, #TellHisStory, Let's Have Coffee, #DestinationInspiration, #RechargeWednesday, #porchstories, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends, #FaithonFire, #FreshMarketFriday, #BVNetworkParty

Called to Rest

The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14 NIV

Words have been slow here lately. I have plenty filling my journal pages…but words to share with you? Not so much.

I’ve been feeling for a while that perhaps God is calling me into a season of rest, although it’s taken me time to accept it. I question first if I’m just tired (which I am) or being lazy (it’s possible), but really, I’m worn out. From everything.

Emotional and mental fatigue takes its toll, bringing with it physical fatigue. And as you probably know, it’s hard to fight all three at once. So, I’ve stopped pushing back and I’m trying to rest as I feel God encouraging me to do.

Maybe you find yourself in the same place. Today I’m sharing a few things I’ve been doing to encourage myself during this time of rest.

4 Things We Can Do as We’re Called to Rest {Tweet this}

Spend time with God.

Start the day with Scripture—even if it’s just one verse. God knows what we need for the moment, and often, that one verse has stayed with me throughout the day.

Choose a daily devotional book to read with your morning coffee. It doesn’t have to be an in-depth Bible study, especially if you’re feeling too tired to think. But, a few minutes spent alone with God does wonders. In fact, it may be those few minutes that get you through the rest of the day.

I’ve started reading Coffee for Your Heart by Holley Gerth (previously published as God’s Heart for You.) If you’ve read any of Holley’s books, you know the soothing encouragement her words offer. Coffee for Your Heart reminds us of how God sees us, in 40 easy-to-read devotions, with prayer and personal reflection.

I’m also reading Soul H2O: 40 Thirst Quenching Devotions for Women by Sherry Stahl. I love the title—because it reminds me of how dehydrated I feel, and it’s also easy to read, with prayer and personal reflection.

Accept it.

Take advantage of the rest God is guiding you to. If He’s encouraging it, He knows we need it. (Usually long before we realize it ourselves.) {Tweet this}

Give yourself permission to do what you have to do and let the rest slide for a while. That means prioritizing the to-do list, and adding to it time for yourself.

Be present in the moment. Stressing about what you think you should be doing and/or worrying about tomorrow defeats the purpose of resting today. (Which, for me, leads to more stress.)

Do something you enjoy.

I’ve been reading more Christian fiction and mysteries this year. It’s the best way to get my mind to relax, and diving into a story I don’t have to think too much about is a nice escape from what’s going on around me.

Other mental getaways: take a walk, journal, listen to Christian music, bake, visit with friends…you get the idea. Find something you enjoy doing and give yourself permission to spend your time there. {Tweet this}

Get offline.

When I’m already exhausted, the online world can be too much for me. Whether it’s the news or anything on social media, the more I let in, the more it’s able to affect me in negative ways.

It’s also harder to not compare my life to the perfect-looking pictures I see on Facebook. So, before it draws me in, I have to limit my time there.

Less time spent online also makes it easier to be present in the moment. No matter how enjoyable my day is, comparison can ruin it within seconds. I have to remind myself that one picture doesn’t tell someone else’s whole story.

Rest—peace of mind or spirit, freedom from activity or labor, to take relief or respite.

Rest isn’t just physical, it’s also emotional and mental. It’s a necessary part of feeling rejuvenated and renewed. Feeling rested comes from letting our bodies and minds relax, as often as we need and for as long as it takes, regardless of all life throws at us. (I’m still working this.)

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Matthew 11:28 NLT

What would you add to this list?

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: Coffee for Your Heart, #HeartEncouragement, #ChasingCommunity, Purposeful Faith, #TellHisStory, Writer Wednesday, Porch Stories, #FreshMarketFriday, #FaithonFire, Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, Moments of Hope, #DreamTogether

Called to Follow Him

Jesus spoke to the people once more and said, “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”

John 8:12 NLT

Jesus calls us to follow Him—to travel with Him…

…down the less-traveled path.

…out onto the water’s surface.

…to quiet places where we can rest.

…to places we don’t know to dream about.

…to exciting, but unknown, places we’re afraid to go alone.

…to see life through new eyes and with a fresh perspective.

…to fully experience each day.

We are called to follow Jesus and travel with Him as a child of God.

How would our days look different if we traveled with Jesus in His light? {Tweet this}

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Faith 'n Friends, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Writer Wednesday, #MomentsofHope, #GlimpsesofHisbeauty, Purposeful Faith, #DreamTogether

Designed to Pray {Book Review and Giveaway}

You might already know this about me… I'm a journal person.

I have several journals I use for notes when I'm doing a book study and I have one where I keep an ongoing list of blessings and things for which I'm thankful. I even wrote a short series on Scripture journaling last fall.

But my personal journal is where I write everything—Scripture verses, prayers, conversations with God (what I would say if speaking out loud, and what I feel He wants me to know), and anything else I’m feeling while spending time with God.

I have a system, a way I like to use my journals, but still, there are times I need a little creative inspiration. (Like when I open my personal journal and realize it’s been awhile since I last wrote anything!)

That's why I was intrigued when given the opportunity to review Designed to Pray: Creative Ways to Engage with God by Kelly O'Dell Stanley.

Designed to Pray isn't a how-to book on prayer, but rather a book of creative inspiration for your prayer life. Whether you consider yourself a prayer warrior or you're just starting to discover what prayer is all about, this eight-week interactive workbook is designed to spark creativity.

Each chapter is broken into seven days, with a short reading and activity for each day. But don't think of it as daily assignments. This book is not rigid with each day building on the previous day. It's made to be flexible. In fact, the author writes, 

“First rule: There are no rules. This book follows a consistent structure, but you don’t have to. It’s okay if you miss a day or two. Or if it takes you a month to finish Week 1. Feel free to cross out my directions and write your own. Or repeat the same exercise multiple times before moving on.” – Kelly O’Dell Stanley, Designed to Pray

I found some suggestions and activities more to my liking than others. You will too. Take the ones you like and use them over and over again (in the book or in your own journal.)

The goal is to spend time with God, and a brief activity may have you talking to Him throughout the rest of the day. You may feel more in touch with Him while writing out a Scripture verse than drawing, or vice versa. But either way, you’re connecting with Him and that's what matters.

Ready to give it a try?

You can visit Kelly on her website and find Designed to Pray on Amazon.

You can also leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win a free copy of the book! (Thank you to Tyndale Momentum for their generosity in offering this giveaway!)

How would you describe your prayer life? 

Answer this question in your comment and please remember to include your email address so I can contact you if you win!

I will randomly choose and contact one winner at the end of the week. (Sorry, only U.S. residents are eligible.)

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credits: Kelly O’Dell Stanley]

(Note: I received a free copy of Designed to Pray by Tyndale Momentum in return for my honest review. This post contains affiliate links.)

Linking up with: #DreamTogether, Moments of Hope, #glimpsesofHisbeauty, #RaRaLinkup

While We Wait {3 Things We Can Do}

Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.

Psalm 27:14 NLT

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about waiting on God and finding my hope in Him. I said my choice is to wait on Him, but I didn’t say it was easy.

Waiting sounds passive, but it’s not. Waiting does not mean doing nothing. {Tweet this}

Waiting on God is controlling my urge to take over. It’s letting go of my desire to know the details sooner, rather than later. It’s refraining from taking immediate action just because I think I know what’s best.

Waiting on God doesn’t mean we sit around letting life go by while we watch. We can still be active while we’re waiting.

*Three things we can do while we wait on God…

Spend time with Him.

This means we spend time in prayer, not only talking to God, but also listening for Him. That might be either a planned prayer time or a running conversation with Him throughout the day. Or perhaps it’s both scheduled time and an all-day discussion.

Tell Him everything on your mind—worries, concerns, fears, what’s keeping you up at night, and how you feel. He already knows what you’re struggling with, but taking it to Him helps us deal with it and starts the conversation. Ask for wisdom and guidance.

Don’t forget about silent time with God—time to listen and just focus on Him. Many times, I’m unable to see what He’s showing me until I stop talking and trying to think through my own solutions. Fortunately, God is patient and He’ll wait until I’ve worn myself out.

Acknowledge where you see God at work.

When we’re waiting for the big answers, it can be easy to overlook God’s work in other areas. Look for the small things that remind you He is with you. One time, when I was upset about several situations, I was reminded of His presence in new purple flowers on my African Violet plant that sits in my kitchen window. It doesn’t bloom often and He used it to get my attention.

When we look for Him, we will see Him at work. It might not be in the ways we’re hoping for at that moment, but seeing His hand in other ways shifts our focus from our problems to Him. Sometimes, I just need the reminder that He’s with me, and then I can breathe again.

Keep moving forward.

If we’re not moving forward, we grow stagnant. That’s not what we want, nor what God wants. We can still be active while we trust God and wait on Him.

What does that mean?

We do the next thing. We keep taking care of our families. Even when we can’t see what’s ahead, or what the future looks like, we don’t abandon what God has blessed us with. Love your family and friends. Spend time with those who encourage you and with those whom you can encourage. Be an example of what it looks like to walk in faith, trusting God with both what you can and cannot see.

Keep pursuing your interests. Maybe now isn’t the time to start that business or go back to school, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be time for it in the future. In the meantime, do what you can. Keep yourself active with hobbies and learning new things. Not only will it keep your mind active, it helps to distract from what you might be waiting for.

Keep dreaming. Despite what your days look like right now, life moves fast and seasons change. Don’t get stuck in the way things are right now. Although it may seem like a long time before circumstances will change, don’t lose hope. God is at work, and when the time is right, He will give you a glimpse of what He’s working on. {Tweet this}

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: #TellHisStory, Purposeful Faith, Coffee for Your Heart, From Messes to Messages, #HeartEncouragement, #ChasingCommunity, #GraceMoments, #FreshMarketFriday, Grace & Truth, Faith 'n Friends, Faith Filled Friday

God’s Word Brings Light

I wasn’t going to write another post about Scripture journaling, but then I opened my Bible this morning to this verse. 

Every word you give me is a miracle word—how could I help but obey? Break open your words, let the light shine out, let ordinary people see the meaning. Psalm 119:129-130 MSG (bold mine) 

And how could I not write about it? First in my journal, and then here to share.

Last week, I had the privilege of speaking to a group of women about journaling.

I said, “When we don’t make time to be with God in His Word, we miss His comfort, wisdom, strength, understanding, and rest. We can’t understand Scripture if we don’t spend time reading it, but it is God who enables us to understand His Word.”

God’s Word provides hope, comfort, perspective, guidance, and instruction. His Word gives us Light. The Light to guide our way.

If we don’t read or hear Scripture, we won’t know what it can do for us…but without God, we can’t understand the full meaning.

God gives discernment and enables ordinary people like you and me to comprehend His Word.

God gives us the ability to feel His Word—and let it change our hearts.

Understanding doesn’t come all at one time. His Word is too great for us to ever completely understand it as He does. He knows how much we can take in each time we meet with Him.

He may lead us to a new verse, or to the same verse over and over, revealing a new layer of depth each time.

This morning, I opened to Psalm 119, and He led me to the above verses and to verse 125. 

I’m your servant—help me understand what that means, the inner meaning of your instructions. Psalm 119:125 MSG 

Each time He leads us to a particular verse, He’s speaking to us. It may be clear at the time why He led us there, like an a-ha moment. Other times, it’s only the beginning, and He will continue to reveal meaning in His time and His way. 

Dear Lord, every Word you give us brings Light into our lives. Light to guide us. Light to give us hope and perspective in this world we live in. You’ve called us, ordinary people, to be Your servants. Please show us what that means and how to live that out for Your glory and Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. 

In Christ,

Laura

[Photo credit: Unsplash.com]

Linking up with: Give Me Grace, Moments of Hope, #DreamTogether Linkup, Grace & Truth, #SmallWonder, #RaRaLinkup, Coffee for Your Heart, Thought Provoking Thursday, #FreshMarketFriday, Faith Filled Friday, Grace & Truth, #HeartEncouragement

Journal to Remember

A Scripture journal is different from a personal journal, and yet, Scripture journaling is very personal.

It’s personal because when we dig into God’s Word with Him, He reveals to us who He is. He opens our hearts and minds to what He wants to teach us. He might direct us to a particular verse we need at that moment. It could be a new verse He wants us to discover, or a deeper understanding of a verse we’ve read many times.

Individual one-to-one time spent with our creator is special and timeless. Just as you might take pictures to remember time spent with a loved one, Scripture journaling records time spent with God. It creates a memory of time spent together.

Throughout the Bible, God’s people were instructed to remember the times God was with them.

He told the Israelites to commit themselves to His commandments—to repeat them to their children, to talk about them while traveling and at home, to write them down and keep the writings with them. (Deuteronomy 6, 11)

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth. Deuteronomy 11:18-21 NIV (bold mine)

Journaling Scripture fixes God’s Word in our hearts and minds. As we read Scripture and reflect on it through journaling, we learn. As we learn, we are able to share and teach. {Tweet this}

God directed memorials to be built to remember His miracles, and to teach future generations of His power and love. (Joshua 4)

We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the Lord’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.” Joshua 4:6-7 NLT (bold mine)

Someday, my journal, filled with Scripture and personal prayers, will be a memorial for my daughter. In it, she’ll be able to read the prayers I prayed for her, where my heart was when I cried out to God, and the research and notes I made as I dug deep into God’s Word. She’ll be able to read what I learned about God and what I learned about myself. And she’ll be able to share it with her children, teaching them what I tried to teach her.

Do you journal Scripture? What’s your preference—journaling through artwork or written word?

If you’d like to try Scripture journaling, but you’re not sure how to start, click here to download the free Scripture Journaling Worksheets I’ve created. 

Each sheet starts with a place to write the verse you’re studying, followed by word prompts, and extra space for notes, a prayer, or artwork. It eliminates the intimidating blank page, but also allows you to use the page as you choose so you can discover what works for you.

In Christ,

Laura

Linking up with: Thought Provoking Thursday, #HeartEncouragement, Grace & Truth, #FreshMarketFriday, Give Me Grace

Recommended Updates

Last week, I had two computers in my office, neither of which I could work on. One wouldn’t let me log on. The other with a program that was causing problems.

I didn’t want to bother someone in IT…meaning, I didn’t want to wait for someone to come help me. So, I was determined to get one or both going myself.

While I uninstalled and reinstalled the program on one, I downloaded updates to the other. Enough updates that I let it run all day. And the next day.

Meanwhile, the reinstalled program was still doing its own thing. I wondered if it was time for a newer version. And that’s when I saw the little notice about updates.

Apparently, updates are something I don’t think about often enough. Or at all.

By the end of the week, I was patting myself on the back for getting everything working again. Thanks to the recommended updates.

Updates that fix the glitches and get everything back on track.

And I realized that computer updates aren’t the only ones I forget about.

I’ve been stressed out and stretched thin for months, and I tend to forget about my connection with God.

I ask Him for help. A lot. Like all day long. But really connecting? Not so much lately.

Like computers need updates, I need re-fueling. I need the connection with God to get me back on track. To fix the glitches that have gotten me out of sorts.

While I have been praying, it’s often one sided. I do a lot of talking, but not so much listening.

While the computer updates ran, the screen reminded me to not turn off the computer. It sat quietly while it was resupplied with what it needed.

I think I need that. To sit quietly, clear my mind, and just listen. To let Him renew me. To get reconnected with Him. To receive His recommended updates.

How about you? Do you struggle with a weak connection to the One who renews?

In Christ,

Laura 

[Photo credit: FreeImages.com]

Linking up with: Coffee for Your Heart, #TellHisStory, Five Minute Friday

Dwell Here with Me

I’m joining the Five Minute Friday community with Kate Motaung this weekend…5 minutes, no rewriting, and a one word prompt…

Dwell

Dear Child,

Come. Dwell here with me.

You can stay as long as you like, which I hope will be forever.

You don't have to explain why you're here or what's troubling you. I already know. But I'm here with you, and no one listens or understands better than I do. So, talk to Me when you are ready.

Rest here with Me. Let Me strengthen you and give you peace—peace you won't find anywhere or in anything else.

Love,

Jesus

  

Photo credit: FreeImages.com

Linking up with Five Minute Friday, Weekend Whispers, Sharing His Beauty

Joy Robbers

Last week, I wrote about joy robbers—people or situations that threaten our joy. I thought I was finished thinking about it, but a couple of days later, I realized joy robbers are not new. 

Jesus was surrounded by joy robbers.

The Pharisees

They were constantly trying to test Jesus and trap Him in His answers. When that didn't work, they plotted against Him.

When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had arrived, they came and started to argue with him. Testing him, they demanded that he show them a miraculous sign from heaven to prove his authority.

When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.” So he got back into the boat and left them, and he crossed to the other side of the lake. Mark 8:11-13 NLT

Jesus didn't worry about what they said; He knew the Truth. He knew they would never believe, no matter what He said or showed them. The Pharisees’ verbal attacks never caused Jesus to doubt or question who He was or why He had come.

Jesus stayed focused on God.

Jesus knew His Father intimately, and He was constantly connected with God. 

Where is our focus when criticism and nasty comments come our way?

As hard as it is not to listen and wonder if they’re right, the Truth of who we are is found in God. That is where our focus needs to be to keep the joy robbers from getting to us.

Demands and Expectations

Crowds followed Jesus all the time. How draining must that have been?

The apostles returned to Jesus from their ministry tour and told him all they had done and taught. Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat.

So they left by boat for a quiet place, where they could be alone. But many people recognized them and saw them leaving, and people from many towns ran ahead along the shore and got there ahead of them. Jesus saw the huge crowd as he stepped from the boat, and he had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things. Mark 6:30-34 NLT

We know from experience that when our time and energy are drained, our joy can slip away from us.

Jesus gave His all. He gave His full attention to everyone He met and talked with, but He also took time to rest (or at least He tried to.)

With all of the demands on our time, and expectations people have of us, how often do we push ourselves for too long without making time to rest? 

Taking care of ourselves isn’t selfish. It’s necessary. {Tweet this}

Human Emotions

Jesus even experienced the joy robbers of emotions. During His time on earth, Jesus knew anger and sorrow. He knew grief.

When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled, and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said, “Lord, come and see.” Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 AMP

Jesus didn’t dwell in His human emotions. He turned again to God.

So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” John 11:41-42 NLT

Jesus was in constant communication with God. We can be too. {Tweet this}

                       

What if we determined to follow Jesus’ example? To talk to God right away, before our emotions get the better of us. To pour out our hearts, to ask Him for wisdom and direction, and to praise and thank Him.

Joy robbers change our focus. They take our eyes off of God and direct our focus to ourselves. We worry about what someone else thinks or says, how we feel, or the fact that nothing seems to be going our way.

Joy robbers threaten to take away our joy, but we don’t have to let them succeed. We can choose joy by keeping our focus on God. By remembering who He is and who He says we are in Him. {Tweet this}

*****

Thank you for joining us for the study of the book Fulfilled by Danise Jurado. Thoughts? Please feel free to share in the comments.

In Christ,

Laura 

Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Thought Provoking Thursday, #RaRaLinkup

If You Can’t Say Something Nice

Our words have the power to build up or tear down—whether we’re talking to someone else or to ourselves. {Tweet this}

We don’t like to hurt someone’s feelings, but what about our own feelings? Why are we often harder on ourselves, telling ourselves things we would never say to someone else?

Our words and thoughts work together, and they have power. Our thoughts fuel what we tell ourselves and our words embed negative thoughts in our minds. And we begin to believe them without question.

The enemy loves this because it makes his work easier. When we tear ourselves down we are more vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. His lies are harder to identify because the negative thought pattern is already there.

The words we speak set the tone of our attitudes and our environment. – Danise Jurado, Fulfilled

Do you know someone who is always putting herself down? Do you enjoy being around her or do you find it exhausting? When our negative thoughts and words become habit, that behavior will come out around others. They will be able to see what we think of ourselves and hear how we speak to ourselves.

Think about how you talk to yourself. Would you want others to hear you? And what would they think?

God knows everything and still He showers us with grace. As we receive His grace, we need to give ourselves some grace too. We can retrain our minds to think differently and replace the lies with God’s truth.

Remember the advice, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all? It applies to ourselves too. If you look in the mirror and can’t say something nice about yourself, walk away. When you look again, make an intentional effort to say one nice thing about yourself. It doesn’t matter how big or small it is. What matters is changing the way we think about, and speak to, ourselves. 

The first step doesn’t have to be a big one, there just needs to be a first step.

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If you are reading Fulfilled by Danise Jurado with us, we are in week 3 with Chapter 4—Breaking Free and Chapter 5—Change. Danise offers good practical steps for breaking free from the chains that keep us from spiritual freedom and for making change where we see change needs to be made.

Identifying the lies we’ve been told or believed for a long time can be difficult. They can be so engrained that they seem normal to us. But as we look to God’s Word for His Truth, we find these thoughts don’t line up with what God says. There have been times when I had to think back (sometimes way back) to discover when it became a “normal” thought. Maybe it was because it was said to me repeatedly or from a past mistake or failure. For me, finding the source of that thought helped to diffuse the power it held over me. And without that power, I could work on letting it go.

What has helped you identify and diffuse lies that seemed like “normal thoughts?” 

In Christ,

Laura 

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Linking up with Everyday Jesus, Grace & Truth, Thought Provoking Thursday, Blessing Counters, Faith Filled Friday