Overcoming Social Anxiety as an Introvert

As an introvert, annnndd if you struggle with insecurity, doesn’t mean you have to skip out on socials and events. Let's Chat....grab your coffee...it's Sister Time.

I used to avoid going anywhere alone, especially if it was new to me, even if it was an event at my own church. I didn’t wanna show up in an unknown space. Not knowing who would be there or what to expect! I missed out on a LOT of love and experiences until I learned it was a good idea to buddy up and not miss out on what could be a blessings!!

With time and healing and some awesome Sisters willing to "hold my hand" and be my Event Buddy, I learned to be courageous and confident enough to go out alone. ALONE! It feels embarrassing to say that because soooo many people don't even think twice about going places alone....not sure whether to blame shyness, insecurity, fear...but I blame the enemy. 

I used to sit in the shame and feeling less-than-ness. I saw myself as somehow weak and lacking. I wanted so badly to be vivacious and fun and extroverted but it wasn't me and trying to be was soooo draining and exhausted me. Knowing it would take so much energy to "keep up and get out" I simply limited the amount of times I did it.

Anyone else?!?

Now, all these years later, here I am wanting to host events for people who are scared to be there! Funny how God works!!! Sure, depending on the event, I get butterflies, but it's not fear based. 

I actually enjoy going out to new places, seeing new things, trying new things and feeling alive and joyful walking in the anticipation God is revealing His glory through me, for my benefit or overcoming and victory also knowing I can't help but shout out the praise and use it as an encouragement for someone else!

Some may call it a mid-life crisis when you see us over 50's stepping out and doing new things. I think it's more about mid-life crunch time...we recognize it's time to DO THE THINGS because we just sat through intermission and it's the 2nd Act and it's almost Finale time.

I want YOU to avoid missing out on timely appointments and enjoyments and walk in courage and joy every single day, JUST AS YOU ARE!!!

Here are a few quick tips:

I look for ways to volunteer beforehand if it’s an event of any kind. Otherwise, standing in the back, not shaming myself, looking for ways to help serve others while there.

If you are still needing a Buddy, Get One!! Have a buddy so attention can be deflected as needed. Be sure to let your friend know your level of anxiety or nervousness to step in if they see you struggle.

No sugars or caffeine’s that day (or few days before) to ignite adrenals, instead camomile tea and vitamins.

Lavender oil is always good to have on you as well as inhaling the hour before, and during! I use diffuser bracelets too. (Link to the one I have used since 2008)

Guard your energy before and during with Prayer. Deep breathes, enjoy conversations that uplift and bring you joy. Move away from the drama if you walk up on it or if you begin feeling depleated. Sometimes a little bathroom break or stepping outside for a minute helps with that fresh breath.

Worship the Lord with every breath and count your blessings! Continually praise and say Thank you Lord for...

Look for ways to distract your mind and serve in some way. Something as simple as holding a door or paying compliments is so valuable.

Don’t miss out on life. Open up and release the fear of the unknown, fear of rejection. Trust and Faith. He is there with you mountain top or valley low, in your city or out in the wilderness. His heart is near!!

Sister, remember this, it's not always about YOU! Perhaps the Lord has invited YOU into this space to bless. Don't miss out on those Divine Appointments and Enjoyments! Walk with eager anticipation.

Feel free to share any social tips you have too!! There are many ways to cope and prepare, these are my basics!!! Love to hear yours!

It's Time!! Let's Go in Love and Faith!!! He is able to do exceedingly more than you can imagine!

Hugs, High 5's and Blessings! 

Yo Big Sister Shell

Trusting God's Plan for Your Life : Views On The Golf Course

Hole 1. 

Not wanting to get in his way, I sat back in the golf cart taking in the scenery, watching my man-child study his million dollar shot on the fairway. I didn’t care if he hit it off into the other side of the course on Hole 6. I was loving just being there.

So, I climbed out of the cart and would stand up and watch it and half the time I lost it in the sky. 

He'd holler over, “Did ya see that?!?” Yes, I saw it on the tee, but then I lost it against the blue sky drenched with white puffy clouds.

After a few missed viewings he called me over to the green, “Come here Mama.” He said, “Stand right next to me and you will be able to watch the ball from where I stand and see where it goes.” I felt kinda awkward standing there in my blue jeans, flip flops with big ol camera in hand. But, he was right. The view and perception were grand! 

Standing closer, I could actually see the ball take flight. Some zipped straight down the middle while there were a few that spliced off to the left. 

What a wonderful moment and a perfect view! I could see his facial expressions as he focused and was taking aim. I noticed the slight adjustments his body made as he positioned himself on the course. I felt the hush, the determination, the power of his swing.

And then I watched as he executed the full body twist and swing. What an adrenaline rush to be so close and feel what he feels, see what he sees. Guess where I stood for the rest of the time...yep, just behind him. There was no better view than his!

When we draw close to God, we have the same thrill and advantage as we position ourselves for the perfect view. 

Just as my son didn't explain to me where he would send the ball, God doesn’t always explain the path to us either. We stand with Him because we desire to see what He sees and we trust His intentions appreciating the closeness more than the outcome.

How true it is when we draw closer seeking our Lord that we find the joy of seeing His expressions of grace and love, compassion and mercy. The closer we get, the clearer we see the slight changes in His direction as He leads us along still waters, through valleys from glory to glory. We can feel His intensity and power. 

Nothing on this side of Heaven is more thrilling to me than seeing God do His thing, from His creation to His compassion. He is wonderful Savior, beautiful Counselor and Mighty Warrior. 

There is none like Him and we are each invited to stand next to Him, to see a view much grander than from the sidelines.

Yes, it may feel awkward and you may feel out of place at times when God calls you up to the greens, but I promise you, you will not regret the view! 

(And, by the way, up on the greens is where you can better see the sand pits, water dangers and gators on the banks! Trust me, you want to be on The Greens!)

Matthew 7:7-8 ESV 

"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened."

Psalm 23 

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. 

He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever."

Living in the Space of Grace : Mom Tips to Overcome Overwhelm

I didn't used to count the stars at night, or watch the trees blow outside the window. I didn't used to pay attention to the incredible colors of a sunset or glowing moonlight across the waters or open skies. I was much too busy for that...until one day I had to.

It was a season of young Mom life, miscarriages, raising 4 kiddos, serving in the church, serving my family, taking care of my household as a Stay at Home Mama. The Lord brought a season of stillness but it wasn't the stillness I imagined or would ever have hoped for.

This stillness was the calm before the storm...then the storm came....then the rebuilding season began.

It was a hustle and a hoot to live life in my skin. I volunteered, served, lunched, exercised, wash/fold/put up laundry for 6 people, shopping, cooking, cleaning, hugging, settling, sorting, writing and Bible Study, day after day, never giving myself permission to take a break. 

I worked hard in my home with an outward smile on my face exuding from the blessing of being a Mommy even though some days I was exhausted and exasperated. This was my dream to become a Mom.

Some days I didn't even know what day it was! The flow was a constant, controlled chaos. This is the biggest part of Motherhood people don't tell you. 

I powered through the exhaustion because I knew what I had signed up for, lol! This is what it is to have 4 kids...its the calling of motherhood...it's' the contentment of being a Christian, believing I could do all things and His grace would be enough.

I thought everything was under control until that day my heart leaped so far out of my chest a shock wave pinged down my left arm. The deeper of a breath I drew, the deeper the pain. I felt like I could not breath.

I was a do-gooder all my life, focused intensely on being a perfect Christian Mom, Wife, Friend, Neighbor that the Name of God would be honored thinking my own value was being validated as I walked by faith and joy, perseverance, integrity, self-sacrifice and commitment, with the desire to represent what a faith life serving God looked like. Only to learn many mature years later, I already had value...my value was established on the cross when Jesus died for me.

The pressure I put on myself to strive for perfection in every area of my life was a scheme of the enemy of twisted truths on how I ought to glorify God in my little address on this planet and anything less than perfect or positive, was sinful and shaming. 

Satan is the father of lies and he is slick. He has been at this since the beginning of time with me not being his first victim. It took time for me to get it but I finally realized the hamster wheel I was on.

Through this storm, God allowed crushing waves and strong winds to wash away the sludge covering My Foundation, exposing the real truths about God's heart, and mine.

I could see I was a slave to perfection and fear, and these chains could be released in Jesus Name. It took some time, but they were dissolved, amen! 

I learned God was more concerned about my heart than my actions, so I learned to love Him better and because of His Love and Heart for me, I could learn to better love myself and others with all the grace.

I learned how to live in a space of purposeful Grace....

Grace to give all I had, without depleting self.

Grace to serve every need within my potential.

Grace to accept the fact I was enough just as I was to be accepted and loved by Him and others.

Grace to create a space in my every day for meditation, worship, play and caring for my home.

Grace to serve from my heart, not my ability to be all and do all for the all, always!

I learned grace upon grace for every single part of my life beginning with the heart of God for me.

This fresh breath of dwelling in grace became a healing balm to my weary and wrecked soul. In my newly found space of grace, I learned to find quiet moments in the day to exhale the toxins built up within my heart and soul and no longer scramble and hustle past, Grace Himself. 

It's not like any of the responsibilities went away. I was still there, Married to the same guy, Mom to the same kids, living where I had been for years doing all the things. 

Navigating a storm and rebuilding after takes discipline and accountability. 

It took seeing the lies of the enemy, seeking truth and surrendering to hope and faith, trusting He would never let me go and sustain me, going before me, alongside means after me, my refuge and strength.

I released false expectations of what I thought I should do and be to be accepted, included and valued. 

I refused to believe God created me for a crazy cycle of chores and failures, highs and lows, busyness and living life on auto-pilot, constant hustling in order to achieve the next person's expectation of me, including the one I had placed on myself of being the "perfect" wife, friend, Mom or representation of a Perfect God when my weaknesses were the display of God's grace in which I learned to boast.

Jeremiah 29: 11-14a NIV "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity."

Day by day it became easier as my body, mind and soul did the healing work within, the release of stress and hidden anguish of a life that didn't feel valuable or important. 

The calm has power to overshadow the chaos as much as the chaos has power to overshadow the calm. It's your choice to choose. I highly recommend you choose Calm!

You will never be the same when you learn to embrace Grace. It changes you because it's no longer about you..it's about Jesus and His glory, His timing, His strength. My soul renewed day by day with a calmness and anticipation knowing He was closer than I knew He could be. He showed me His heart and I've constantly handed mine over to Him since to hold, cleanse, care for and replenish. 

Lamentations 3: 17-27 NIV "I have been deprived of peace; I have forgotten what prosperity is. So I say, “My splendor is gone and all that I had hoped from the LORD.” I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. 

Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for Him.” The LORD is good to those whose hope is in Him, to the one who seeks Him;"

Our lives were not meant for chaos or cleanliness. Life and love are as messy as the Cross, blood spilled out over all the earth that day. 

We are created to worship, where we are, how we are, as we are. To love Him with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5). No, it's not easy to trust and praise Him in the storm. Storms are chaotic and unraveling...but there His heart is...in the unraveling of fear.

Whatever your life season, may I remind you to breath and make room for Grace in your day. 

Let the Lord be that healing balm of mercy washing over your schedule, suffering and service to your God, your family, your church and community. You may be able to pound out the hours and heal all the hurts, accomplish every task asked of you, but if you do not set aside time to exchange love with The One who loves you mostest in all the world, you will find yourself gasping for air. Seek Him first and always. Sit with Him. 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 30 minutes...don't steal those minutes, guard them.

Move yourself outside and take those deep breaths. Count the stars, watch the rise or fall of the sun, see the tiny details of the petals in your yard, catch the glimmer of hope in your loved one's eye. Snuggle close, forgive the offense. Pace yourself in Grace. Smell it's fresh air, for it is Good. Because God is good and He loves you. Taste and See.

Show the world your Grace, not your gumption. Grace is a Gift everyone needs. 

Remember you can't give what you don't have. Find it and share it.

Helping Moms Pack the Travel Bag for the Holidays: The Holiday Series

If the last few years haven't taught us much, two things are for sure: We sure do need to Love Like Jesus and We Must Have our Must Haves.

I don't know about where you live but I live in the Florida Keys. I had lived in Houston, Texas until these past 8 years close to any shopping mall, grocery store (shout out to THE BEST HEB), restaurant, gas station or clinic I could ever need. Here, we live by weather and Amazon. It's true.

When the world shut down, clinics closed, pharmacies lay empty shelves, and resources dwindled, I was forever grateful for my things to keep our family healthy most of all. In times of crisis, it's the toilet paper, water and medicines that seem to evaporate. I see this during hurricane season too.

I am a Mom, and maybe the need to be prepared with the Diaper Bag is just forever my vibe. I miss those days of having a valid excuse to have the Mary Poppins Bag of Hope...now it's just the big Mothership purse always nearby. Or it could be the anxiety driven thought life I have lived all my life, needing to have what I need and not depend on someone else to get it for me.

If you have followed me for a few years, you already know Essential oils have been a part of my life since 2005-ish. Peppermint in my coffee, peppermint for achy muscles, peppermint for the diffuser, oh, and for fevers...it was amazing and affordable! That was a huge factor too as a Mom of 4 kiddos. And lavender, the best thing for sleep and skin!! Don't let me start chasing rabbits y'all...this is a blog, not a class, teehee! 

It wasn't until 2008, I learned essential oils could be used for anxiety, to calm the heart flipping out inside my chest.To help me sleep. To help me pray deeper, with focus and serenity. Magic Oils? Genie in the Bottle? No and No.

I believe God gave us His creation to care for us and we have much to learn. I do believe there is a place for pharmaceutical resources, not here to reject that just so we are clear. God gives medical personal and scientists the knowledge they need to create for us, help, be it from nature or the lab.

I love being able to reach into the Bag of all Bags and have instant access to help when I need it for me or my family, or a friend. I don't even pretend to know all there is to know about essential oils or enzymes and supplements, But I know what I know and believe what I see and hear from others too.

Here's WHY I am sharing this with you: My passion and purpose is to empower and encourage and hopefully help you overcome insecurity in trying new things. To not be afraid to learn and experiment. I am blown away at how much these have helped heal and support me physically, emotionally and spiritually. My Affiliate links are things you will need to buy. But I can offer you a FREEBIE resource that I use all the live long day....prayer! Oils and Prayers are 2 powerful weapons! 

I created a few bundles specific to issues like skin and stress so I wanted to share my on the go ones with you. Many oils are multifaceted which means they have tons of benefits and can cross over to support body and mind. They are beautiful!

So as you prepare for the Holidays, I am asking you to consider preparing your Bag of Bags with some items beyond the typical goodies, tissues, bandaids and toys and grab some things that will support you in your body, and your mind. Grab what you want from the bundle and build up as finances allow. Some of the company Starter bundles are also great to consider to get more bang fro your buck and try even more new things! 

And no, that doesn't mean you have to start selling them, just get them in your home if it's speaking to you to experience.

Here is my Travel Bundle, always on me when I leave the house overnight. If you've ever travelled with me, you know! I hope it helps you serve your heart and those around you.

I think I understand why people don't mind hugging me all these years....it's the oils infusing their hearts as we embrace in kindness and sincere love.

Hugs and Blessings over all the world as we learn to pivot, plan, prepare, and purpose in peace, not panic.

Let me know if you have any questions! Feel free to check out the oils resource tab to learn more and find even more of my favorite things as I begin building my list of helpful things!

How To Say No in a World that Demands our Yes

 

Do you ever find yourself wanting to say No but feel you simply can't?!? I get you! 

As someone with a heart for people and gifts in hospitality....and deeply rooted in the old ways Insecurity taught me...saying No was HARD! It felt rude and selfish and yet all the years later, I have come to realize saying No is a humble thing to say.

Culture has a constant demand on our minds, buy this, apply that, go here, join them, automate here... Hobby Lobby and ChickFilA got it right! They follow what God suggested: say No one day a week!

Sometimes we don't realize we are doing but so often we do know it but we don't know how to say NO! Let's practice saying it...."No. No Thank You. I appreciate you thinking of me/asking me, but I have to say No." 

There it is!

We don't say No just to be lazy or get out of things, and if you're like me, you're not trying to! It's quite the  opposite...we want so badly to say YES!!!! When we become everyone's yes, it means we are saying No to something else by nature. What is being avoided or ignored if we don't guard it's yes to it?!? Sometimes it's just our sanity, lol. Other times, we are depleting ourselves to the point of never being able to serve in our mission or calling because we are so busy serving every one else's. I think sometimes people say Yes without even considering it wasn't theirs to say yes to and are stepping into a place meant for someone else.

When our morning prayer is " God lead me today into the Yeses YOU have already prepared for me and give the wisdom and courage to stay focused" we are more easily able to find the right answer at every ask. 

So whether you need to be saying Yes or No, may you seek first what His answer is and follow along His lead! (God doesn't always say Yes to everything we ask either - can we get an AMEN to that!)

Lord, Thank You for giving us Your Holy Spirit to lead and gird us up for our day. In a world of so many opportunities and temptations alike, we surrender our Yes to YOU ALONE so that we can say Yes or No to the world. Give us Your eyes to see the path laid out for us! Amen

Things to Dump in the name of Love

The month of Love. For some, it's a blissful month of chocolates, cuddles, oodling, dating, intimate moments, extravagance and flowers while others feel heartache, loss, jealousy and loneliness. 

We were created with a need for True Love. We spend our days searching to fill that space, trying so many different things, and will until you find Love Who Fills.

The media is so good at showing us ways to fill this need. Eventhough Love Himself fills and holds my whole heart, and blessed me with a Man to share life and love with for over 30 Valentines, I catch myself oodling at the beautiful diamonds and romantic getaways on all the commercials because in my every day life, I am simple. I enjoy a coffee on the couch in pjs, I enjoy a simple gift, simple meal, simple outing, simple way of life. I am not a glam girl. Do I love pretty things? Beautiful clothes? Nails and hair done? Nice food out? Luxurious spas? Sure! But I don't need them or chase them.  

A few years ago, I decided to start hosting a Sweet Love night at my home. I was so nervous because I hadn't ever hosted a party for friends before...fear of rejection. There it is. What if no one came? What if I was boring? What if they thought it was stupid?

But God! I dumped the lies and pursued True Love and did it anyway. I invited a group of women from my church over, in the Name of Love. Valentines is sweet, yet bittersweet. In the room were woman who had recently lost their spouses, who were struggling to feel loved in their marriages, some who were too exhausted to feel loved Sisterly or Intimately.

These were wonderfully satisfying nights of introducing these Sisters in Christ to each other, sharing stories of hope and love, and for those who don't know me yet...yes, we enjoyed some serious coffee & chocolates!

As much as we need to embrace Love, some of us need to break up with false idols who keep us from receiving and giving love.

Today, what do you need to dump in order to have True Love?

Insecurity?

Fear?

Anxiety?

Control?

Addiction?

Perfectionism?

Feelings of lack, envy, hate, jealousy, greed, addictions, pride, immorality?

Lust?

Now that you have broken up, let's pray for Love's return and filling. Let's ask for blessings of Grace and deep soul satisfying wholeness to fill us. Let's open our hearts to receive again. Whatever barriers have been placed around your heart, will you allow Jesus to be the new Gate Keeper? Will you trust, let go of control and surrender to Love?

May it be so.

I pray this month brings you such deep joy as you remember the Love The Creator, Your Father, the Great I Am has for you. His Love is unconditional and of the purest kind that no human on this earth, no matter how wonderful they are, can match. He is the Ultimate Lover of Your Soul. You can trust Him. He's got you in His heart. Will you allow Him in yours?

"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 

bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 

And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. 

And be thankful."

Colossians 3:12-15 ESV

 ♥️Gift of Encouragement for you today:

When we walk AUTHENTICALLY it means we share what we know and who we are, believing we have a gift someone else can (and wants) to receive because we know our life is not just about us!! We are created for community. We were created to love. 

Being authentic means we Gift seeds to be planted and leave the planting up to them. 

I came from a place of insecurity...I know this is hard for some of you because it used to be REALLY difficult for me too. 

I lived in the Blonde Joke Era and found it easier to just have a low bar to be sure to always hit it but on the inside, perfectionism was the drug of choice. It was suffocating me. 

I woke up every single day thinking I didn’t have value to give. I woke up thinking I wasn’t enough of a Gift. I never felt empowered with value until I realized and accepted WHO’S I was!🥰😇🙌🏻 

I KNOW it is scary to just be yourself...but know you were created with value a d purpose, with seeds only YOU have to give!!! 

🔥Challenge: Share with YOUR circle who you are and what you know!! People need THE GIFT OF YOU‼️♥️🥰

Imagine a world of Gift Givers...we’ve got the best Example🙌🏻🙋🏼‍♀️🔥

#giftgiver #lighthouse #wherefaithis

Stop Living Numb : Tips for Overcoming Overwhelm as a Christian

Life can feel hard! Yesterday was hard...today will be hard, and most likely so will many tomorrows. To be fair, God did tell us it would be. Isn't it good to know we have hope for a greater tomorrow and a peace that can be ours today? 

Ever feel like a mere robot? As if you are functioning through your days on a program?

I have.

Day by day doing just enough to get by, following the unspoken rules, trying to meet other's expectations, getting done what must, skipping meals (or eating all the cookies) then do it all again day after day. 

No real passion, no hope for change, no real connection. 

My soul was numb for years.

Did it mean I had lost love for my God, others, coffee or chocolate? No. I just felt numb, and sometimes, invisible.

Am I the only one? You neither love your life or hate it, you neither feel loved or loving. You are pretty sure you were meant for something more, but what? How can you keep it all together even though everything is falling apart inside you?! 

Who grows up as a little girl thinking one day I hope my life feels monotonous, robotic and numb?! I missed a mind that dreamed, innocent, trusting faith when steps were quicker, paths straighter, clinched jaws and fists relaxed, betrayal was quickly forgiven, the anxious mind was calmed, a place where all anticipation conquered all exhaustion. 

Where was my hope? Where was my anticipation for glory...

It's amazing how numb we become when we don't feel valued or seen. I believe God created us to live a life of Anticipating Love. 

When our heart becomes numb, we cannot rejoice, for we have no hope for healing or restoration. How do we start to feel again? 

If you find yourself feeling numb, here are some ideas to help you ignite your heart again and live in a space of grace…

• Take a break every day to do something for you. You spend all day serving others, don't forget to serve YOU! It can be as simple as going for a walk.
• Bless someone without it being part of your ministry/responsibility. 
• Read The Word daily with anticipation to fall in love with Him deeper. 
• Worship, with trust and surrender, listening and receiving.
• Speak against the lies of the enemy by speaking truth.
• Get back in touch with your hobbies and interests. You may not be able to actually reengage with it because of life, but find ways you can escape to it to some degree.
• Focus on body-mind-spirit. Strengthen your weaknesses in these areas. He is showing you these numb places so He can breathe life back into them. 
• Get accountability and practice receiving again.

Friend, It's time to ANTICIPATE UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. 

Understand better Who's you are. Live in gratitude. Worship. When you realize how loved you truly are, how seen and heard you are, how cherished and purposed you are...His breath will become yours and you will no longer feel numb. It won’t be overnight but it starts today if you choose it.

Grab a trusted Sister Friend and start today moving fresh anticipation into your heart! 

"And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

 

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 

And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Colossians 3:14-17

Allergic to Change? You have Two Choice.

I am not allergic to beaches!

Do you have allergies? Maybe to certain foods, products, or pets...what about allergies to change? Anyone else struggle with seasons of change? Whether the change was a good one or bad, initiated or forced upon us, we will each experience a type of reaction to the seasonal changes. 

I hadn't really thought about it until I was sharing words of encouragement to a friend of mine and we got to talking about this topic of changes and circumstances we struggle with. It's more than simply praying about the change. And no, just because you don't like change, doesn't mean you are less of a Christian. Let's go ahead and say that truth! Read Ecclesiastes 3...there's a season for everything, for everyone. None of us are exempt.

While we cannot prevent the seasons of change in our lives, the days when things don't go our way, however, we do have control over our response to them. We have 2 choices: Attitude or Adjustment. Yes, you can get angry, pout, fear and shout oooooorrrrrr you can make the necessary adjustments and adapt to move along. 

Does either response change the circumstance? No. 

Does it make you any less frustrated or hurt? No. But we have to choose how to move forward in the reality of the season of change because the change is here and now we must respond.

When it comes to managing our allergies to change, it's important to find what calms the allergen otherwise we stay itching. I am not a health guru, so we will discuss how to soothe our soul reaction. Our souls flourish in the light of hope, peace, love. 

A calm soul calms the whole body, mind and spirit. It affects our energy and this energy will impact the environment, hopefully with the goal of making it better, not worse. There are a bazillion blogs, videos and books about managing stress in life. I highly recommend learning some basics to address the healing. I do pray this blog is a resource of encouragement to you. I will share a few of my basics helps in a minute.

What about when we can't "Keep Calm!? What about when it lays us our flat and we feel like we were run over and we find ourselves angry, overwhelmed, consumed, drowning? Has anyone ever felt that way?

When we give way to our flesh and respond negatively in anger and fear, we exasperate our whole being and shift the energy in our environment. It's a humbling thought to think the very thing we are upset about, we contributed to in our response to change. Our hearts deplete, our minds circle, our bodies explode then drain. However, when we allow our souls to be filled by positive and hopeful anticipation, we respond with a surrendered will, eager heart and mind set on faith. 

We have the ability to change our world with the very change that has happened inner deepest place. We have been changed by grace, taken from ashes to life, from lost to saved and blind, to seeing. When we realize His Way is not our way, we receive the change with anticipation and grace. Yes, we need to be healthy in our body too, because an unhealthy body will not allow the rest of our body to level up. In the season of change, we also must accept the truth it's not always about us. Acceptance helps us submit to the fact it is bigger than us! In possibility and faith, we will powerfully and prayerfully respond in trust to what we believe in our core is true about our belief system. 

Do we believe God has our best interest at heart? 

Do we believe He is for us? 

Do we believe He will never forsake us? 

Do we believe we are sealed and never to be snatched away by the enemy?

We have to get passed the mindset that things are happening TO us and believe things are happening FOR us and THROUGH us. It may be about you and your "health," but at the same time, it may be that you are simply an instrument of grace for someone else.

It is in times of trials our souls face the testing of our belief. In an odd way, we should be thankful for the careful and gentle guiding through trials, the testing of our faith. The Scriptures are full of such instructions. And yet the enemy whispers, "You must not be worthy of...You must not have enough faith...You don't pray good enough...You must not be good enough...You don't deserve that...Can you believe this is happening to you...You should fight back...You mine as well give up...You're not important...No one cares about your...You're in the way and easily replaced..."

In a world of chaos, skepticism, evil, negativity, pride and selfishness, the only way to stay in the spirit of hope is to stand firm in our faith on the Cornerstone of Christ Jesus. How do we remain firm standing up against the allergens attacking our faith? Trust, Pray, Ask, Seek, Knock, Repent, Surrender, Hope, Believe, Trust and Obey, Worship, Love, Serve.

• Trust He is a Keeper of Promises and is the Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.
• Pray and know He is near, hearing every word, seeing every tear.
• Ask for His help to believe and follow.
• Seek His will, way and strength to endure.
• Knock on The Door that leads you on the Way that leads to Peace.
• Repent from the old ways and turn to the path that leads your heart and soul to peace and joy.
• Surrender to the One who knows all, sees all, made all.
• Accept the change as necessary and for divine purpose.
• Obey the calling divinely purposed for such a time as this.
• Worship the One True God Who knitted you in your Mother's womb and has poured His Greatest Love over you.
• Count your blessings and seek first His Kingdom daily.
• Do not forsake fellowship with your local church for refreshment and accountability. Plus, there is great blessing to serve others. #itsnotalwaysaboutyou
• Keep a healthy attention in body-mind-soul...good nutrition, healthy living, exercise, watch your thoughts, meditate on what is worthy of praise, serve and love others.

If you find yourself dealing with the allergies of change, remember you are not alone in the change of season, you also have two response choices...attitude or adjustment. I pray the next time the seasons change and you begin to feel that itch, your mind responds in acceptance and adjustment. If you have an attitude, may it only be one of gratitude. As we walk season to season on this Earth, may our hearts be found in adjustments of grace.

Philippians 4:

Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand;
6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me--practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
10 I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity.
11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.
12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.
13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble.

Comparison That Strengthens

👉🏻Comparison that leads to condemnation is unhealthy.
👉🏻Comparison that leads to alignment is healthy.

As I walk this path into a new place, I find myself comparing this to that, me to them. I felt spotlighted in certain thoughts and behaviors. This spotlight made me see my dullness, wishing I had what they had. It’s been a real struggle between flesh and spirit. Feeling the spotlight can either be the act of the Holy Spirit or the act of evil. For one will uplift and the other will tear down.
For me this comparison hasn’t been in a physical sense, but mental and spiritual.
Do you ever catch yourself saying, “I used to be like that...I used to see like that...I used to have that (blank) in my soul...”
I’d like to think comparison in this sense is a sharpening, an alignment of where we want to or need to be. It is the salt of the earth… It is the city on a hill shining in… It is the spark of a consuming fire… It is the iron sharpening iron chisel.

👉🏻I see her strength, I want that again.
👉🏻I see her changed health, I want that again.
👉🏻I see her acting in blind faith, I want to believe deep again.
👉🏻Her fire ignites others to fire, I remember being consumed.
👉🏻She believes in her value, I want to feel my value.
👉🏻She believes in the ability of God to use her to change peoples lives, I want that belief back for me.

In opposition to truth, the the enemy taunts us in comparison, You aren't, You can't, You shouldn't.

God does not create us to be lukewarm, dull, anxious, insecure, weak. He calls us to be more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. He created us to encourage and be encouraged. As iron sharpens iron, we do that in each other’s lives if we will allow ourselves to be His vessels in not only other's lives, but within our own.

We fall into 3 camps I think: We are too sharp for that, we are too full for that or I’m not sure so I won’t be involved.
You can run from yourself but you cannot run from God!

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11, 13‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Lord Jesus, You did not pour out Your precious blood over us for show. It is to be life for us in every way. Your death is our life. Your last breath is the beginning of ours.
Forgive us when we doubt You and Your ability to use us. Forgive us when we wander in avoidance. Revive us. Renew our minds in You and cast off all that hinders. By the Name of Zjesus our Savior, Healer, Father and King, I say amen.🙌🏻

Today, I am grateful and thankful for my Refreshing, Refining and Redeeming Savior! Today, I chose to Believe He has great plans for me and He has placed AMAZING people in my little world to inspire, mentor and love me where I am. I am Blessed!