We Can’t Do It Alone

Proverbs 3:5-6 New Life Version (NLV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not trust in your own understanding. 6 Agree with Him in all your ways, and He will make your paths straight.

Hebrews 10:24-25 

Let us help each other to love others and to do good. Let us not stay away from church meetings. Some people are doing this all the time. Comfort each other as you see the day of His return coming near.

We will not be able to conquer this thing called “LIFE” alone.  My book this month was one I have mentioned recently, Never Go Back -10 Things You’ll Never Do Again by Dr. Henry Cloud.  Near the end of the book one of the last chapters is about how we can’t rely on ourselves alone to make changes that are internal and for the betterment of our lives.  We have to have “2 power sources”: God and people.  We have to have have a lifeline plugged into Him and a support system around us.  If there is something that you are experiencing and you feel alone, you need to 1st pray about it and 2nd ask God to put someone or a group of people in your life to pour into you.

A few years ago, I found a community within our church, a ladies Bible Study group.  Then I made a choice to better my health and found a community of friends who held me accountable to helped me overcome and push through plateaus.  I then fell into a community of women who are bettering themselves by becoming leaders.  Which then led me to a community of women that high five me daily as I push myself to be stronger than I have ever been physically.  I now find myself building a community for others to believe in themselves and have the same success.

In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fire pit believing they would burn.  However, much to his surprise, he observed not 3 men in the fire, but 4.  God was with them.  He was dancing in the midst of the flames with them.  He then delivered them out of the fire untouched.  Circumstances in our lives are not as dramatic as the firey furnace, but can simulate that heat in our lives.  He dances with us if we allow Him too.  He surrounds us with others who are wanting to dance with us as well.  Then He delivers us out of the firey furnace untouched on the outside, but our hearts are changed for the better.  These are the steps we need to take in order for change to be successful in our lives:

1. Believe in ourselves.
2. Pray.
3. Put one foot in front of the other in the right direction.
4. Pray.
5. Lean on others.
6. Pray again, and
7. Repeat!

Be blessed!  

His Masterpiece

Ephesians 2:10English Standard Version (ESV)

10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Genesis 28:15New Life Version (NLV)

15 See, I am with you. I will care for you everywhere you go. And I will bring you again to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done all the things I promised you.”

God is a constant in our lives.  We can choose to tap into His everlasting love or to not.  Our lives tend to be a rollercoaster of ups and downs.  However, He is always steady within each one of the dips and turns.  While our lives may seem to be riding something similar to Space Mountain at Disney World, He knows every emotion and feeling we will have while strapped into that coaster.  For certain, He sees it to the end.  On the flip side, we may be riding steadily around “It’s a Small World” stream.  Colors, happiness, and peace surround us.  Again, for certain, He sees it to the end.  

Regardless of what ride we are on, He knows each every turn, dip, and sway we will make.  He is teaching us something in each of those moments.  He has a plan and is creating work of art within us, that is if we tap into His love or not.  We just have to have our hearts and our heads aligned with what He is telling us in that moment.

Enjoy Masterpiece - Danny Gokey (Story Behind The Song)

Be Blessed!

Heart Check

Jeremiah 17:9-10The Message (MSG)

9-10 

“The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful,

    a puzzle that no one can figure out.

But I, God, search the heart

    and examine the mind.

I get to the heart of the human.

    I get to the root of things.

I treat them as they really are,

    not as they pretend to be.”

1 Corinthians 10:13The Message (MSG)

13 No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.

Jeremiah 29:11Good News Translation (GNT)

11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.[b]

This week I have been reading the story of Solomon in 1 Kings (I use the First Five app to drive my devotions).  He had everything and the Lord had truly blessed him.  However, his eyes got bigger than his heart.  “Greed” and “Lust” are two words that really come to mind when thinking of how his heart turned from the Lord.  He did not guard his HEART.  He did not position his heart with the Lord.  What happened?  His kingdom was torn apart.  

OUR HEART - we can’t live without it beating.  If it stops, we stop.  Scary to think about how one simple organ drives our whole existence.  The word “HEART” is mentioned 963 times in the KJV (found on https://bible.org/article/guarding-heart).  He is not speaking of the organ, but our spiritual heart.  We truly have to watch our hearts.  In fruitful seasons, we can easily stray away and not give Him the glory of that season.  Very quickly our eyes guide our hearts to move into other directions than He intends, such as exhibit A - King Solomon.  When in dry, hard seasons, we can easily be distracted and focus more on changing the circumstance rather than what God is trying to teach us in that circumstance.  It really all is a cycle.  During fruitful seasons, keep your eyes on Him and be GRATEFUL; keeping you hearts aligned with Him and giving Him the glory.  During dry seasons, dig in and really reflect/meditate/pray, on what He wants you to learn in this season; praying for that rather than the outcome creates a heart that is able to withstand any outcome.  We all know that we don’t always get what we want.  

I would like to leave you with a quote from the book Never Go Back: 10 things you’ll never do again, “We find that two things are true:  First, the good life sometimes has little to do with outside circumstances.  We are happy and fulfilled mostly by who we are on the inside.  Research validates that.  Second, our internal lives largely contribute to producing many of our external circumstances.  Our talents and abilities, when invested in God, actually build much of the external life.” (Cloud, 2014)

Be Blessed!

Dandelions...are they weeds or wishes?

1 Corinthians 10:13Good News Translation (GNT)

13 Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out.

Romans 8:28New Life Version (NLV)

28 We know that God makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him and are chosen to be a part of His plan.

Philippians 4:8New Life Version (NLV)

8 Christian brothers, keep your minds thinking about whatever is true, whatever is respected, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever can be loved, and whatever is well thought of. If there is anything good and worth giving thanks for, think about these things.

“Dandelions are like bitterness that spread sadness and disappointment.”  This past weekend that analogy really stirred in my heart on multiple levels.  Dandelions are seen by most as weeds, but to some as wishes.  We all know that weeds are not something we want, but wishes are what we crave.  Negative thoughts are the seeds that tend to take over our minds and then our actions.  As my dear friend, Ashley Shephard wrote in her book, Beautifully Designed, “The bottom line is there are words that enter our minds and, if we’re not careful, these words can stick to our hearts and become our identity rather than the truth of who God says we are.”  

We tend to remember more of the negative than we do the positive.  I, as all of you, have many roles in which I pour positive words into others.  As a teacher, I have the kids write down positive mottos on their desks.  They have to look at that on a daily basis and remind themselves that they can accomplish anything.  As a lifestyle coach, I help others see all of the positive things they are seeing and doing.  We are writing these positives daily.  The minute I hear doubt in their voices, is the minute I remind them of the “NSV’s- non-scale victories” that we just discussed.  Why do we hold onto those negative words and thoughts more?  I do not know because I do it best.  But what I do know is that if we let them become weeds in our minds and hearts, it does us no good.  

So take those positive seeds and let them spread like those of a dandelion’s.  Let them create wishes and become a field of possibilities.  

Remember that:  

He will give you the strength (1 Corinthians 10:13) 

and 

all things work together (Romans 8:28)

and

whatever is true, respected, right, pure, can be loved, and is well thought of. think about these (Philippians 4:8)

Because those are the seeds that need to be planted in our hearts.  

Be Blessed!

Goal Digger

Philippians 3:13-14Good News Translation (GNT)

13 Of course, my friends, I really do not[a] think that I have already won it; the one thing I do, however, is to forget what is behind me and do my best to reach what is ahead. 14 So I run straight toward the goal in order to win the prize, which is God's call through Christ Jesus to the life above.

2 Chronicles 15:7New International Version (NIV)

7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”

Proverbs 3:5-6Good News Translation (GNT)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. 6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

Romans 12:2Good News Translation (GNT)

2 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.

Proverbs 16:9Good News Translation (GNT)

9 You may make your plans, but God directs your actions.

Proverbs 16:3Good News Translation (GNT)

3 Ask the Lord to bless your plans, and you will be successful in carrying them out.

 Goal setting and making resolutions used to be a game for me.  A game in which I would start out successful, but then at some point loose focus and either give up or just slowly loose focus.  I never really understood why setting goals was important.  In fact, growing up, I don’t remember setting goals.  I wasn’t in sports, due to medical issues.  I believe this led to me not having a competitive spirit.  Not having a competitive spirit is not a bad thing, but it is not always a good thing either.  

With that said, a few years ago I started setting goals for myself.  Goals that involved my diet, exercise, and personal growth.  It then bled into me sitting down with my family and setting goals.  This led to dreaming bigger together.   Not all of the goals are met each year, but there are reasons as to why they were not met.  That is when it is time to reflect on the “why” they were not met, are they “within reason”, and if so “how” can we meet them. 

God places us each in our lives and on our paths for a purpose.  We can choose to not set goals, just slide by day to day and survive, OR we can really ask God to help us discover our purpose;  to help us uncover goals that surround HIS purpose for us.  I encourage you to sit down and really pray about the goals/resolutions that you set for yourself for 2018.  Some may not occur because HE has something better in store for you.  Some may occur and you can celebrate.  Keep faith in what you are doing, giving it all to Him as you complete HIS plan.  He will show you the way and help you reach for what is ahead.  

Defeated, Helpless, and Hopeless

Isaiah 64:8New International Version (NIV)

8 

Yet you, Lord, are our Father.

    We are the clay, you are the potter;

    we are all the work of your hand.

Isaiah 43:18-19bNew International Version (NIV)

18 

“Forget the former things;

    do not dwell on the past.

19 

See, I am doing a new thing!

   

Hebrews 12:1b-2aGood News Translation (GNT)

1…So then, let us rid ourselves of everything that gets in the way, and of the sin which holds on to us so tightly, and let us run with determination the race that lies before us. 2 Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end. He did not give up because of the cross!

Fixed vs Growth Mindset

Being Frustrated vs Being Enlightened

Looking into the eyes of a student who has given up on themselves can rip my heart in half.  They feel defeated.  They feel helpless.  They feel like a failure.  I will continue to believe in them and I will differentiate the instruction until I’m blue in the face, but unless they make the change within, no learning will occur.  They have a hardened heart.  I don’t give up on them.  I will continue to believe in them. I will continue to mold their minds pushing harder at times when they are ready to be pushed, but being very cautious when they are needing a delicate touch.  Because in those moments they are very fragile and can break.  

I came home after a day of being defeated and really had to sit and reflect.  I felt less than perfect.  I was frustrated and had a fixed mindset.  I had a choice to either stay that way, have a hardened heart OR I could reflect on why I was feeling this way.  In the midst of my reflection, because I chose not to sit and wallow, I realized that God wants me to grow.  He is molding me into HIS image.   He continues to believe in me.  He continues to mold my heart.  He continues to push when I need to bend and hold me delicately when I am fragile.  So, daily He is the potter who wets His hands, molds my heart, and creates me in His image.  He wants our hearts to grow and be enlightened.  Then we can reflect His beauty through us and our master piece we call life.  He is my teacher and I am His student.  

 Big Daddy Weave’s song “Jesus, I Believe” speaks belief on a deeper level than what I can put into words.  Even the impossible is HIS reality.

Be Blessed!

What if...

Mark 6:49-52New Life Version (NLV)

49 When the followers saw Him walking on the water, they thought it was a spirit and cried out with fear. 50 For they all saw Him and were afraid. At once Jesus talked to them. He said, “Take hope. It is I, do not be afraid.” 51 He came over to them and got into the boat. The wind stopped. They were very much surprised and wondered about it. 52 They had not learned what they should have learned from the loaves because their hearts were hard.

Proverbs 3:5-12The Message (MSG)

5-12 

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;

    he’s the one who will keep you on track

Fear can take over our minds so quickly.  When we have fear, we tend to be blinded so that we can’t see beyond the current moment.  Fear can harden our hearts to the point that we can’t see or feel what HE is wanting us to see or feel.  

In Mark, the storm that was surrounding the boat that the disciples where in, was fierce.  They were overcome with fear.  They had no control.  They were in a moment of uncertainty.  This caused anxiousness and fear to build up within them.  

Fear causes us to fight or flight.  Anxiousness is what causes us to start asking the “what if” questions.  If we trust and stay focused on HIM,  “He does not save us from outside our situation, but from within our situation.”  The disciples were scared by what they saw.  The fear welled up inside them due to what they were seeing.  Then anxiety fell into place when they thought, “What if we get swallowed up by the storm?”  

“Faith does not arise from external circumstances, but from internal circumstances. It might be sparked by events, but ultimately is something that wells up within us.”  

We have to stayed centered and focused even when life brings us storms.  Those storms can rage around us and cause us to loose focus so easily.  That is when we need to find extra time to just “be” and lay it at His feet.  

The quotes above were taken from https://www.sermonwriter.com/biblical-commentary/mark-645-52

Also, I’m excited about a new read that focuses on anxiety and fear.  This might find its way in my stocking ;)  Below is a trailer for Max Lucado’s new book Anxious for Nothing.  

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-iry-fullyhosted_011&hsimp=yhs-fullyhosted_011&hspart=iry&p=max+lucado+anxious+for+nothing#id=4&vid=065f476999379aace033cf760e5a557f&action=view

Be Blessed!