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.

Cleaning My Windows for the Perfect View

 It's my million dollar view this year!!! I have always been a "keep the windows open" kind of girl. I love the sunshine and the fresh air that open windows provide. It refreshes me and awakens me. I could sit and stare outside for hours while reading a book or enjoying a meal by the windows in my home. If you think about it...the most desirable seats at a restaurant or a home are by the water. They are always the most costly, because they provide an amazing view just on the other side.
Living here in the Keys has deepened my love for the outdoors. The water's edge, the lush landscapes, the colorful homes, the endless views, the varying shades of blues in the waters...the cool breezes and oh, the sun rises and sun sets...wow!! God blessed us beyond measure and more than what we deserve to allow us to rent a place with a beautiful view outdoors on the water. I have not closed the window blinds but maybe 3 times for us to watch a movie. Every night and day, they remain open!! Our family spends the majority of our time either out back on the water or inside looking out back at the view. So, you can imagine that in the daily maintenance of housekeeping, cleaning these 4 sets of sliding glass doors is top priority for me. It's our main view. It greatly affects how we see the view outside, and even if we get to!
Between 2 dogs and 12 hands, you can also probably imagine all the fingerprints and smears and smudges that find their impressions on this wall of windows! It's like washing your car and the moment you drive it out of the wash, you hit a mud puddle. Or upon unloading the last of the laundry to it's drawer, someone brings you the bag of clothes they forgot to give you...it never ends. It takes my constant attention to make sure they stay clean and clear because when the sun shines through the glass, every smudge is seen and it distorts and sometimes blocks the view. We must have 10 other windows throughout the house and I can count on one hand the amount of times I have wiped them down, but these doors have been scrubbed, buffed and detailed almost daily to guarantee (best it can be) a crystal clear and unobstructive view of our beautiful, main, million dollar view outside.
I admit there are days I am too busy or too lazy to wipe them down and the view is one of embarrassment, shame, frustration and I feel so guilty for hindering the amazing view that is just on the other side, all because of a choice I have made not to make it a priority to clean them. And when the sun shines in revealing all the white smudges, I want to close the blinds and try to hide the dirt and smears, until later, when I decide to make the time to wipe them down. In hindsight, I find it's much easier and less hurtful to my heart when I suck it up, remember the priority they have in our family's view of the outisde, our million dollar view that connects us to the outside, and I stay ontop of them, keeping them clean.
Well, it had been a few days and I was beginning to feel the guilt and shame for all the dirt and you know it, I got the kids out the door for school and hurried backhand scrubbed and wiped with vengeance to get theses windows back in order and crystal clean once again so that when the sun shined through in what would only be about an hour later, it would reflect the glorious view and my guilt would be no more.
I was scrubbing down the last window, completely out of breath, and the Holy Spirit asked me, "Do you care for me the same?" It was a million dollar question about the million dollar view, of my spirit. I take such care and commitment to make sure my physical view was without blemish, making it a top priority, worthy of my extra time, energy and resources, but how well do I care for my spiritual view? Are the windows to my soul as much of a priority to me? Is my view of God my main view, one worthy of my daily cleaning and care or is He just another one of the windows in my "temple" that occasionally gets wiped down? Am I at times too busy or lazy to clean my heart and mind and allow the dirt and smudges to build up causing my view to become distorted and even blocked? Do I sometimes choose to close the blinds, (only causing me to feel guilt, shame and embarrassment within my heart), so I can avoid having to deal with my sin-smudges for "today", only to know they are still there and must be cleaned up?
Am I zealous to prepare my windows for The "Son" to shine through and reveal to me His glorious view? Is He worth the diligence it takes, the time and commitment and effort, and sometimes even sacrifice it takes to keep my windows clean? Is God my main view or just one of many? Is seeing Him clearly, as my main view important enough to me that I constantly find myself paying attention to the smudges and dirt that accumulate and do my best at keeping myself clean and pure before Him, so that I can see Him without hindrance and here find my greatest enjoyment and pleasure seeing Him?
This was a good reminder for me and I pray it is for you too. We can spend much time, energy and resources keeping our physical world in order and but hardly any for our spiritual world. May we run with endurance to open the blinds we have closed in our hearts, our minds, and our souls, and with a renewed determination, re-prioritize and clean up our internal windows and rid ourselves of all that hinders our glorious view to the beautiful "Son" just outside the window.

Thank You Lord God for forgiving us of our sin. Open our hearts and cleanse us. Rid us from all that hinders us from seeing You clearly and purely. Renew within us a right and pure spirit. Give us a new determination to diligently keep ourselves clean before You so we can see You more clearly. May our heart's eyes continually be drawn to Your glorious view and not any other. Do not let us settle for a distorted view but build in us the fire of Your consuming Fire that refines and purifies our soul for You. Grant us endurance to never settle for less than a clear view of You. You Oh God, are worthy of all our honor and praise. It is our desire to know You intimately and love You purely and serve You diligently. May You be delighted when we bask in the view of Your Son shining down on us. All praise and glory is Yours, amen!!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." 

Hebrews 12:1-2

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! 

 6Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. 7Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have broken rejoice. 9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from blood guiltiness, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it; you will not be pleased with a burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. 18 Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem; 19 then will you delight in right sacrifices, in burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be offered on your altar."

Psalm 51:1-2, 6-19 

Get Out of the Ant Bed!!!!!!!!

When there is good news to share, who do you call first? When a crisis comes into your family, where do you run? When the stress of life heightens to volcanic levels, how do you simmer down? When your insides are all twisted up, how do you unwind?
As a Believer, our answer ought to be first, "God!!" But if we are all honest, our first response is usually a person or a thing, then the Lord.
When panic and anxiety first came upon me, I went to Google. I read stories, testimonies, books, articles, self-help websites and bought books. I learned how to cut out certain triggers in my diet like sugars and caffeine. (Yes, I had to completely stop drinking sodas and coffee and cut out all desserts; and yes, I lost about 5lbs almost immediately!!!) Then, I studied breathing techniques. I also learned a lot about how stress hurts our bodies and the benefits of Conscious Language. There was lots of "wisdom" to be learned about handling anxiety and panic attacks. But what about healing my anxiety?!?
And while these "things" were helpful, they weren't healing. Truly, God is our Healer. It wasn't until my mentor had me in The Word of God that I began to understand my circumstances, my body, my mind...my war. Healing began "In the Beginning." The medication and help I needed was God's Manna of Daily Bread and drinking up The Living Water on a daily basis, and being satisfied fully! The Word of God is alive and it heals the soul. The sword of the Spirit is how wars are won!  (Ephesians 6)
Let me ask this: If you found yourself standing in an ant bed, would you simply just keep standing there putting ointment on as your body was under attack? Of course not! You would jump out and run, being sure to never step in that spot again and to be sure that never happened again, you'd return only to drop some death on that sinful spot! And yet, we allow ourselves to stand in emotional or spiritual "ant beds." We try to stop the pain from the bites without success because we don't remove the "ants." We will not find relief until we get out of the sinful spot!!
I am surprised at how long we will keep standing there apply ointment when what we need to do is flee!!!
I could talk (and blog-lol) forever about this but I think it's simply said, "Friend, stop standing there!!! Jump out of that ant bed and drop some death on that sinful spot!!" Get into The Word of God and let the healing blood of Jesus rescue You and grant you peace that surpasses your understanding and comfort beyond compare!

Father God, forgive us when we turn to other people or things before turning to You, the True Healer and Comforter, our Great Physician of our body, heart, mind, spirit and soul. Thank You for those You have given to us as Your hands and feet of healing and health, bless their ministries to us in this dark and sick world. May You be the source of glory through them. But Father, remind us to run to You first. May we put to death the "ants" in Your Name, in Your Power alone. Hear our cries for mercy as we stand bitten fiercely and please rescue us quickly! Heal our hurts God. Lead us into Your Refuge and place Your ointment of grace on the wounds left on us. Heal our anger, bitterness, fear, doubt, tongues, illness, addictions, impurities. "Create in me (us) a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me (us)." There is none like You and Your blood surely is our Covering Ointment and Victory!! In Your Holy and Gracious Name, we come. Amen!

"If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you:sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 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. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 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. 17 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 3:1-17  

My LifeProof

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:" Ecc 3:1
You bet I have the LifeProof case!!! I live with 4 kids, a dog and a cat, and have a pool and we vacation in snow and sea!!! I am frequently pulling it out of my pocket to take pictures...taking way more pictures than calls! lol
I take pictures on the water and in the water without worry. It proves durable even at the beach where I am able to capture great pictures while snorkeling and digging for sea shells in the sand.
There are times when I remove the phone from its very secure case and let me tell you, I am a nervous wreck!! It's thin, fragile and slippery. The thought of it slipping out of my hand and breaking to pieces on my tile floor or into the pool is enough to throw me into a panic! Don't bump me, trip me, I have the phone in my hands!!! Keep back 20ft!! lol We are talking big bucks to replace it, so I am serious...can't drop the phone!!! I do my best to keep it Life-Proof, cuz life happens!!! God's Word is our LifeProof case. We are breakable creatures (physically, emotionally and spiritually) and it is crucial we surround ourselves with the protection of God's Word. The mornings I go without my LifeProof protection, I can feel it. I feel vulnerable, on edge, breakable. The slightest bump in the day will send me into a panic. Someone or something "running" towards me can take my breath away. My heightened vulnerability only intensifies my responses to circumstances I face during the day. Don't bump me, trip me or scare me cuz I am holding onto my "self" and if I drop, I will break into a million pieces!
How much more peace and strength when I have on my LifeProof case, cuz life happens!! God's Word proves durable. It is my shield and protection through all terrains, through every season. I don't have to walk around a nervous wreck, keeping everything and everyone 20ft away because I know with God, He goes before me and holds all things together! (Col 1:17) I can live my life without fear!!!! I will not put my LifeProof case to the test. I will simply trust it where I am at, as I go and do.

Father God, Almighty King and Creator of ALL things, Thank You for the covering You provide for my fragile self. We are breakable creatures, with bodies, minds and hearts that can be quickly destroyed. It is this knowledge of our weakness that we hold on to You, putting on Your armor of Protection!! Your blood covers us wholly. Thank You Abba Daddy, for watching us, going before us and guarding us. You are all we need. Move in our hearts Lord to remember with fervency to keep our LifeProof shield on at all times so we are not quickly broken in this busy and chaotic world. Help us walk confidently, trusting Your guard over us. Wrap us up and remind us we are more than conquerors in Your name. For all seasons, You are Lord over all!! Praise You The Great I Am. Amen.   

 

"Then David said to the Philistine, "You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied."

1 Samuel 17:45

 

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm."

Ephesians 6:10-13

 

"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones."

Proverbs 3:5-8

 

 

  

Physical for Spiritual, Spiritual for Physical

It has happened to me and I have seen it time after time with friends. God uses our physical to get our attention. While this is not an absolute truth I am going to debate out, by way of testimony and encouragement, I am willing to heed the wisdom in Proverbs: " A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones." Proverbs 17:122
So many times I find myself dealing with physical ailments that get me down physically, emotionally and spiritually: headaches, fatigue, weariness, pains, illnesses, etc. There are plenty of books written out there that emotional stresses can make us physically stick and I do know that when our hearts hurt, everything else hurts. Our adrenal glands and hormones get all out of wack, we are less guarded about good nutrition and health and we fall weaker by the day until we find ourselves laid out! We are forced into a time out.
For those of us who are full in our days and don't feel like we have time to stop and rest in light of all that needs to be done, we will push through to the point of breaking to keep going. Do we think we are stronger than God? Even after His fruitful work, He took time to rest. And yet, we fool ourselves that we can do it all and be super humans, accomplishing more in one morning than many do all day! We go, go, all week in our schedules and in our minds that by the end of the week, our minds are spinning, sloshing really and we cannot process a normal  thought to save our life. It's time for a rest!!! 
It's not even all the to-do's of the week, as if we are over-committed while that may be the case for some, but there are just seasons in our life where one area of our life demands more attention for a season and yet we continue on as if we can still manage everything and get through it. But we don't. Something gives. Often, it's something within us. We miss a detail, an opportunity, a help, our health gets weary and our strength to keep pushing, depletes. We not only let someone else down, we let ourself down and guilt amplifies exhaustion. We are a dizzy mess! And you know what else, often when we are "down" we need other people's help...not something easy to accept when you're a Can-Do-It-All girl. Pride check, yep, ouch.
I wonder what God feels when He brings something into our life that needs our greater attention and we simply fit it right into the to-do list that we already have, rather than changing our priorities to align with His? Or if we do have everything in their appropriate priority and yet we don't take time to rest and be still after our days of work. Are we greater than He?
I could certainly keep myself busy between all the kid's volunteering opportunities at their schools, volunteering for all the great ministries at church, keeping my house spotless which would involve full days everyday to keep it clean and laundered and stocked with all it needs to run, lunching with visitors to our class and lunching with each friend, date night with my man each week and prayer, oh I could stay there hours upon every day, writing out encouragement cards for the many in my life who are struggling in some way, oh and keeping myself physically fit and groomed spending hours each day at the gym and salon...and then reading my Bible and getting into good study time....I have spent full weekends gifted from my husband doing just that!! He knows what I love to do in my "free time!" Give me my Bible, Music, Coffee and Quiet and I will be one happy girl!!! I just can't do that every day. One weekend a year is my gift and I love it!! There is just not enough hours in a day to do all these good things we want and wish could be ours!!
But, God has already ordered our days and there is an order we must be obedient to follow. There is a balance and what each of our days look like will be different. Careful not to judge for what God has called another to, it may not be your call and therefore you cannot possibly understand how and where that fits into their life. We assume "those people" do it all. We don't know what they may have had to sacrifice for a time to accomplish what God has called them to for that season. 
Same for us, we must change as the seasons change (Ecclesiastes 3) otherwise we will find ourselves unfit for the change of weather. To every season is a different activity and a different clothing. You may love to snowboard but when summer comes, try as you might, you will exhaust yourself trying to make it down those dry runs! Our bible study class read through Genesis chapter on the Tower of Babel and God scattered their language and their actual selves when they were walking in disobedience. There is wisdom for us there.
One thing we know for sure...we must take time to rest as we work! God worked and rested. Jesus slept. Jesus took time to get alone. He prayed, He healed, He taught, He shared, He was involved in the lives of others and yet He was not consumed by any one thing other than He had His Father's priorities, doing just as His Father asked and did, working and resting.

If today you find yourself a dizzy mess or plain ol' exhausted, check what season God has called for you to be in, getting done what's appropriate and necessary; and if you are prepared for your season, make sure you are finding the balance and priority of God's, taking time to be still, breathing in those deep breaths God has counted out for you. By faith, hope and love, enjoy your season's work and rest!

"but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 30:41

"So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, 10 for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his. 11 Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. 12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account." Hebrews 4:9-13

What does my soul really magnify?

"My Soul, My Soul, Magnifies the Lord..." but does it really? 

Our church worshiped with this song last week and as I was singing it, about half way through, I felt the prompting question, "Michele, does it?" I stopped singing and listened. (Click HERE to access this song on YouTube if you want to listen also." "Let every heart prepare His throne... Come and worship, do not be afraid. My soul, my soul magnifies the Lord. He has done great things for me....Wonderful. Counselor. Everlasting Father."  

Yes, awesome and Holy God. Wonderful. Counselor. Everlasting Father. It's easy to say these things, especially if you believe them. But then, does my soul magnify Him? Yikes, we can think all we want in our heads but what do I magnify... Self? Hatred? Bitterness? Selfishness? Greed? A Gossiper? Unforgiving? Judgement? Or do I magnify the Lord I say I worship with Patience? Love? Servant? Fair? Gentle? Trustworthy? Joy? Hope? Peace? Faith? Self-control? Kindness? If someone had a magnifying glass on me, what would be the most obvious? Honestly, it's a frightening thought, am I truly magnifying the Lord? Do others see His Light that I say (claim) I trust? Do I still have my own eyes set on Him?

Romans 3:23 says "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." You may not even need a magnifying glass to see all my sin. We all have things going on in our heart, mind and soul that we hope no one knows. Sometimes our sins gets it's own t-shirt if you know what I mean! Often though, it takes a magnifying glass to find those little sins down in the hidden areas of our soul.

This week marked for me the 4 year anniversary of my Season of Hell. That's exactly what it felt like. As absolutely horrible it was, the redemption and healing that came of it, I would not trade having to have gone through that in order to be where I am today, healed and restored, freed from bondage, and passionately in Love with the Lord! I don't want my "old" Christian self back. God in His grace, provided so many instruments of healing through Christian counselors and mentors, strengthening old friendships to beautiful new ones, to timely bible studies, opportunities to encourage and be encouraged, etc, etc. 
I can honestly say that over these past 4 years, as I have pride-shattering, humbly put up a magnifying glass over my own heart, mind and soul and compared it to His, the more intentional I am to fix my eyes on Christ's Love to see more of Him and less of me. It's been a battle learning how to receive His unconditional Love into my sinful self. Seeking to be more intentional in His Name, it's my heart's desire to honor Him with my life, loving Him with all my heart, all my mind and all my strength, helping me to become more pure in my thoughts and deeds, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14  "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 3:17 I can see and even feel less of me and more of Him. Oh yes, there is still sin and there will be until we sit at the feet of Glory's throne. But that void of "something missing" has been filled with wonder and delight, only God can be all that!!! 

The Lord HAS done GREAT things for me! The song for me now is a prayer more than a declaration. It's a "fearful" thought to say I do magnify Him. Oh how I pray I do, but I cannot promise that I will. I am a sinner saved by grace who's greatest desire is to know Him more and share Him more! I pray that I lead a life reflective, magnifying the One who holds my very breath, my life, my heart. I am not perfect and don't claim to be (anymore-lol). But what I do claim is the Blood of Jesus poured out over me, cleansing me, redeeming me, guarding me, helping me, sanctifying me. PRAISE GOD!!!! 
It is my prayer that as Believers, we will encourage and love one another, stirring up in one another a purposeful intention and accountability to fix our eyes on the Lord and magnify His Love to the nations, both saved and wondering. Will they see Christ the Redeeming Savior? Who will they say we are celebrating? Will it be our life or His? We can fake our words but we cannot fake our heart's outpouring. Isn't it time to stop lying to ourselves and with pride-shattering faith, magnify the heart of God?!?


Father God, Christ Jesus, You are the Great I Am. My soul, my soul, how it is desperate for Yours. I am yours. Father, magnify Yourself to us so we may reflect You more and not only experience it but also share the unshakable Joy of Your salvation and Peace that surpasses all our understanding. In Your unending love and mercy, cleanse us and help us be who You created us to be. Take every part of us and cast out all that hinders us from being filled with You. Help us to be intentional in seeking You, knowing You, trusting You. God our Creation, Sustainer and Rock, we worship You, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father. To You be all the glory forever and always, in every thing, every where. amen.

Please Wait...Warming Up!

Sunday I was needing to make some copies for the kiddos and I had just enough time to make them. Afterall, I only needed 8 small copies. I could do that in 15 minutes, for sure.

Trying to save time, I headed to the downstairs copier which I hardly ever use. I clicked the button and it displayed "Warming up" on the panel. Hurry, Hurry...only have a second to warm up, I've got to go!!  As it warmed up, I got my papers ready to go....but I could not find the by-pass tray for my card stock. Well, maybe it handles both types of paper through it's feeder. Nope!! Paper jam! I soooo didn't have time for THAT!

I quickly took care of the paper jam and ran upstairs to the use the copier I was familiar with and could almost work on with my eyes closed! Cardstock in the by pass tray, 8 copies please..."Please wait. Warming up..." What?!?! I HAVE been waiting and you should already be warmed up Mr Big Copy Machine!!! I was surely out of minutes now!! It was just 8 copies I needed!!!

Anger at the machine filled me, as if it was the machine's fault that it was doing what was necessary to get me what I needed. By this time, I was sure that my group had gathered and I was missing out on the prayer time, more anger but this time at myself for not just coming up here to begin with when I knew it would get the job done. I put my hands on the Big Copier and took a deep breath, angry yet knowing I was doing all I could. In that pause, I began to  feel the calmness and correction of the Holy Spirit in that moment. 

Peace be still. 

Do not sin in your anger. 

Wait on Me. 

Be patient. 

All things work together for good.

The copier had to have that warming up time to work properly. After what seemed like 300 minutes, the display changed to "Ready." At the push of the button, copies were made and my task was done, making it downstairs to the bowing of the heads for our prayer time. Gracious God.

How much more efficient would we be if we too had a "warming up" period. Each time we approached a decision or situation a display read, "Please wait. Warming up...." Wouldn't we benefit in our efficiency if we took the time to wait and warm up, waiting on God to say "Ready." 

I was reminded today of a few things:

* While trying new things can be good, there are some truths that we must stick to so we don't end up in a "jam."

* Be careful who you hold responsible for your thoughts. They are yours afterall.

* Take time to "warm up." There is a reason athletes warm up and stretch before they compete, so they don't get hurt. Take that time to pause, take a deep breath inhaling the wisdom of God into our mind and soul.

* Wait till HE says you're "Ready." We should neither rush ahead of God or drag behind.

Father God,

There is no one as long suffering as You. Your patience and endurance are infinite. To You, time has an eternal view but for us, it's ticking away. The older we get, the faster it seems to go. Until we find ourselves in Glory where there is no timeline, help us manage the time here on Earth efficiently, in our bodies that are wasting away. Help us to wait and not rush the tasks You have before us. In our "warming up" periods, we ask the Holy Spirit to give us self-control in the moments that seem to take longer than we want them to. Help us trust You and Your perfect timing for everything we face. Your ways are good. Your ways are right.
Thank You Gracious God for having the Way and the plan for everything we face today and forever. Help us learn the discipline of "warming up" in You. In Your Son's Eternally Faithful Name, we pray, amen.

Psalm 25

"To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in You I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none who wait for You shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous. 4 Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You I wait all the day long. 

6 Remember Your mercy, O LORD, and Your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to Your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of Your goodness, O LORD! 8 Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble His way. 10 All the paths of the LORD are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. 

11 For Your name's sake, O LORD, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. 14The friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and 

He makes known to them His covenant.

15 My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He will pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins. 19Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. 20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in You. 21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for You. 22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles."