Day 9: Drawing Closer to God (Far from Perfect)

Although, my own walk with the Lord is far from perfect, I am so grateful to him for the baby steps that seem to happen every day from over coming fear and anxiety on what to say to people to not beating myself up for my own limitations. I am seeing firsthand how focusing on the Lord and his love for me conquers those fears, clears away the worries and helps me to see myself as the Lord sees me: unique, beautiful, child of God. I feel like I am really living out what Jesus wants for me and he is given me more and more confidence in what he has called me to do. So, I sing his praise because without Him it would not be. He is my strength, my confidence and my peace.
Phillipians 1:6 And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Day 4: Drawing Closer to God (Dwelling)

Since the retreat this weekend, I have had the thought of God coursing through my veins repeating over and over again. Like a heart beat, God is continually telling me, I am right here within you. Doesn't that fact just blow your mind? The spirit of the God of the Universe is inside of me and each of us who have accepted Jesus as our savior. What does that mean? We have the power of God within us. We can overcome the weak parts of ourselves that we all have. We can overcome temptation because we have the strength of God. We can love others that we don't even really like sometimes because the God of love gives us the means to love in a way that we cannot do on our own. God is dwelling within me. Dwelling as a noun means a place of residence. Dwell means to live somewhere. God is living at home within us. He dwells within us and speaks to our spirit. How connected are you to your own spirit? Drawing closer to God who lives right within you requires you to draw to him through your own spirit. Many of us live day to day only thinking of the body, the part of us that needs to eat and sleep and feels pain and tired but our souls and spirit need those same things. They need to be fed, need to heal from pain and need to rest. Have you taken care of your soul and your spirit today?
Ephesians 2:22 Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 326

I began my journey with Crossfit last evening. Squats are my new best friend. Despite my lack of flexibility, I was able to consistently maintain the correct mechanics of the 3 different kinds of squats we were taught. In the end, it is not about what we have in terms of flexibility or strength but that we put are all into it and don’t give up. Our spiritual journey is much the same way; we don’t have all we need or change instantly when we accept Jesus into our hearts. But we can choose to not give up, study, keep praying, praising and worshiping and we will find blessing not only in the end result but in the journey itself.

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 40:31

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 315

Admitting your weakness, that you need help or you can’t do it on your own is fairly common. It is the way God designed us. However, it is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can take this weakness and turn it into a strength that will glorify God. He made us with these potential weaknesses within our temperament so that we would turn to him and ask for help. He wants to help us in every way possible and nothing is impossible with God. I came across a person who didn’t like the idea that God would make us with weaknesses but it is only a weakness when it turns us away from God or creates barriers between us and God. He designed us to be in communion with Him. It is through our weaknesses that we are made strong with the help of the Holy Spirit. Do you have fears of failure, rejection or afraid nobody can love you? God does. He thinks you are fabulous. He thinks you are wonderful. He knows you can be a success with His guidance and wisdom. If a weakness is plaguing you, it is time to take it to God and ask for help. Let Him turn your weakness into strength.

2Corinthians 12:9-10 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 299

What does it mean to have an “open-door policy”? I had the natural assumption that when that person specifically said “I have an open-door policy” that you could go to that person with whatever is on your mind. On Monday, I was called into a meeting unexpectedly in which I ended up not being needed but I come to find out that the owner got very perturbed because the co-manager could not find me initially and told him she must be on break. He made the rash decision to implement scheduled breaks for the data entry department because of this. I wanted to set the record straight with him that I was not on an official break but had simply away from my desk because nature called and I had to go. I also wanted to give him my opinion on scheduled breaks vs. flexible breaks. I came up with an email and had a co-worker review it before sending it to him. Two minutes later, I was called into the co-manager’s office. Apparently, “open-door policy” is not what I thought. The one co-manager that I have had issues with in the past, was angry because the boss was going to come down on her because I did not go to them first. To make a long story short, I came to the point where I just felt beaten down to the point of despair. I cried and told them what do I do stand up to this or walk out. To make the issue even worse, an email was sent later in the day to everyone that no one was to go directly to the owner for anything that we must follow the hierarchy. My co-workers and team lead defended me and found the “open-door policy” in the employee  handbook to be very ambiguous with no clear direction in how to proceed. The owner did not respond to my very nicely put respectful email. My heart felt crushed by the weight of the lack of respect, consideration and courtesy given to myself and my fellow co-workers. I spent the evening looking for a new job and will continue my pursuit of a better work environment where people don’t treat you like you are nothing. Thankfully, I have my God who has an honest and true open door policy. God will never make you feel like you are nothing but quite the opposite. His love, acceptance and caring will heal me from this battle with evil. Please pray that God leads me to another job and/or gives me the strength and courage to go to this job for the next year while I get my schooling done. God is for me and will make good out of the suffering I am going through.

1Peter 1:6-7 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 244

What are you waiting for? This question is said usually because there is hesitancy, fears or unsureness seen in the person this is said to. This question is a motivating question meant to encourage the person it is said to, to take action, let go of fears and do it. My studies on temperament have shown me how certain temperament weaknesses can cause this inaction. Only God can help a person overcome their built-in weaknesses and turn them into strengths. I have looked at my own built-in weaknesses within my temperament and can see how with the Holy Spirit within me I am able to conquer my fears, have confidence and take action. Conquering these built-in weaknesses is an on-going effort. With commitment to working with the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship and study anyone can overcome their built-in weakness and have them transformed into strengths that will glorify and serve God. What is keeping you from inaction? Take courage and ask the Holy Spirit to give you whatever it is you need to overcome.

Acts 22:16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 222 & 223

Despite being out-of-shape, I managed to survive a 5 mile round-trip hike on the Fern Lake trail in Rocky Mountain National Park. I was the slow-poke of the family. This trip through the forest was a testament to perseverance. My attitude was focused on getting to “The Pool” which was our destination. It was a lovely spot and worthy of the effort. It make me think of our spiritual journey with the Lord. It can be difficult with moments where you need to stop and stretch or times when you need to take a break for some water. There can even be times when you contemplate turning back or just stopping to catch your breath. These times in our spiritual journey are times when we get into our bible, pray or talk with a fellow believer. Our journey through life is difficult just as a hike up a mountain can be when you are not in the best of shape but with the right focus and those moments of prayer, study and worship the Lord gives us what we need to continue that hike. Those stretching breaks, water up times and rests for breathe provide us the strength to keep going. Be sure to do your stretches, drink your water and breathe in the living word of God and you will be able to preserve and enjoy the moments along the way.

Hebrews 12: 1 …and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 177

My heart was breaking last evening as I heard a story on the radio about a father who couldn’t make it to the school in time. The tornado brought the school down on the children inside and he found out many hours later that his nine-year-old daughter did not survive. Having a 10-year-old daughter who has always been freaked out about a possible tornado coming to our town, I felt so much sadness for what the parents must be going through. I prayed to God to that they would be strengthened and comforted by Him. No matter what the world brings us, God will help us through it. What words can one give to someone who has lost their home, child, all their possessions and community in one fell swoop? Only God can console, comfort and give them strength to get through the tragedy. Keep praying for the people of Moore, OK.

Lamentations 3:32 Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.

365 Days of Spirit-Filled Fruits Challenge-Day 47

Yesterdays’ awakening has showed me how the evil one is playing on my fears especially in times of trouble like when I am in pain from my shoulder. The antidote to fear is faith. My faith wavered and that let in the evil one to use my own temperament weakness of my emotional self against me. Recognition of the issue is the first step in turning my weakness into a strength, my fear into faith. I see now that faith is not only about believing in Jesus; it is trusting in Him in all things, everything, 100%. That is not something I am doing. We are all works in progress and so for my continued growth I have to learn to trust God in and for everything. I have to fix my eyes on Jesus and let Him work on me and give me what I am lacking. Despite all this trouble that my selfish sin created of wanting my camera found and my joy back, I am feeling glad in that I am learning that I can overcome my weaknesses within me with the Lord’s help. Joy in the Lord is what the Holy Spirit can give us.

Hebrews 12:2 Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 327

One of the benefits on the journey to becoming a Christian counselor is that I will be discovering more about myself and strengthen my relationship with God. I started reading a book that covers the basics in the theory of temperaments. I am fascinated by it. Already only 10-12 pages into it and I can see what they say about how we can focus too much on our weaknesses and that will bring us out of balance. I totally have done that with my worry over my auditory processing ability. My brain just takes a bit longer to process what it is hearing but I realized that the best part about being a counselor is its okay to ask for more clarification from the person who is talking to you and its part of the job to ask questions and its okay to take notes during your discussion. Whatever my temperament is, I am sure one of the weakness I have is worrying about what others think. It is my biggest road block and confidence crusher. I have been overcoming it more and more but I feel like I am on the verge of really knowing who I am the way God created me to be. In reading this book, I know that that weakness can become a strength when my focus is on the Lord. Praise to God for your guidance and leading down this path to discovery. You are amazing! Love you so, Lord.

Phillipians 2:13 for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 252

I started a new eating program on Monday. It is strict and planned which is what I needed. In just 4 days I have lost 5lbs! I am so thrilled! I still have a ways to go but will hopefully be able to get into some of my summer clothes before summer is over. I am praising God for my cousin and her introducing me to the Take Shape for Life program. It feels good to take back the control of my eating.  Now, I have to psych myself out for the donuts and bagels they will have at the office this morning for our quarterly celebration and pray I can get through it without being tempted to eat any of it.

Philippians 4:13  I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 227

Huzaq, Huzaq, Huzaq! This is Hebrew for Be Strong and Courageous. It's been in my head since our sermon yesterday. Our new pastor, Graham Baird, started a new series about Crossing the River based out of the book of Joshua. He said we are all at this point in our lives crossing a river of some kind, whether it is from being single to being married, unemployed to employed, etc. We have to ask ourselves, "what river am I about to cross or what river am I crossing?" I know a river I want to cross is from current employer to new employer but I haven't had the motivation. I am grateful for the job I have especially considering the state of unempoyment in our country but that doesn't mean I can't want more for myself or especially can't go where God is calling. I have been praying for a job with a Christian organization and have found an opportunity that is speaking to me. This sermon about being strong and courageous couldn't have come at a better time. There are no coincidences. It is God. So, I am motivated to just go for it and will see what God has in store for me. What will the other side of that river look like? Whether it's a new job or not, having God on my side and the Holy Spirit within me giving me strength and courage is the part I will rejoice.
I would love to hear about the river you may be crossing or about to cross. Please share and be blessed.

Joshua 1:9 (The Lord said to Joshua son of Nun...)  "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 164

I have to confess, I am not a crowd kind of person. It could be because of my audiotory issues and trying to have conversations with so much other noise going around is very challenging. I did my best at the kick-off yesterday at the Church of All Nations and I am trusting God will lead the women he wants to bring to this bible study at this time. I think my biggest revelation was just how out-of-shape I am. Standing for any length of time had my back muscles hurting. So the morning was good but exhausting. I drove home with the radio off, got a movie moving going on the TV, crawled into bed and proceeded to miss most of the movie because I fell asleep. Since I was at the church all morning, I went in and listenend to both sermons. It was interesting to hear the pastor talk about a different story than in the first sermon that still made his point. The one story he did tell in both sermons was about how he learned how to temper steel. He made something out of steel and thought it was finished but was told by the teacher that it needed to be tempered. Steel before it is tempered is very brittle. To temper it you have to put it to two extremes over and over again. It is dipped in something hot and than is shocked by dipping it into cold oil. Like the Lord does with us, we are be tempered. When the steel is finally tempered enough, it is so strong it can cut other steel. The Lord is pouring steel into us and we are being tempered through our extremes, our trials and tribulation. In the end, God is making us stronger and more equipped to do his will. So, when those extremes of life hit you, look to the Lord and know that he is making you stronger and preparing you.
Phillipians 4:13 I can do everything through him who give me strength.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 148

Everyday we are assaulted from all sides by the evil in our world. I am comforted and feel strengthend just knowing I have the Lord on my side. He will give me everything I need to conquer my fears, to stand up for the Lord and to be strong in the face of adversity. It doesn't matter what the issue is; God is with us and for us. Go to the one who can give you what you need to win the battle. I know I am. Thank you Lord for your strength and your shield.
Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my sheild; my heart trusts in him and I am helped.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 105

Spring is definitely on it's way. We have had a couple of days of fabulous warm weather. No coats needed, no icy roads, no freezing wind chills, just the wonderful warmth of the sun on your face and the comfort in the air. Of course, it will all change back to cold but for a breif time we were given this blessing. It is an analogy for hope. The warm weather gives us a glimpse of the better days to come. Jesus and the cross our our hope of better days to come. With Easter approaching, it seems so appropriate to have Easter in the Spring although I am not sure that is accurate to the actual timing of Calvary. In any case, praise God for the hope he gives us and hold onto it during those freezing wind chills and icy roads that life will bring.
Isaiah 40:31 ...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 99

Ever feel like someone is trying to keep you from doing what you are supposed to do? I have been getting that sense a lot lately with all that has been dumped on me. It seems like when one body part that's been hurting starts getting better another starts hurting. I discussed this a bit at my mastermind group as we talked about any obstacles that are getting in our way. I know the devil is working overtime to stop me from moving forward with this ministry. And when you are really trying hard to work for the Lord, the devil does that much more to you. Having an awareness of this is probably the most powerful piece to keeping my sanity at this point. My Lord can give me all the strength, peace and resilience that I need but I have to be continually asking for it and putting my focus onto God. It's tough to do when you have too many phone calls to return, emails to go through, answers to find, training others to help you and keep it all organized and keep them prioritized. Ugh. It a giant juggling act and things are going to fall to the ground but I have to keep my focus on God and let his strength and peace fill me so I can be the best juggler I can be. Do you feel pulled at both ends? Open your bible and find the strength and peace to endure.
Phillipians 4:13 I can do everything through him who give me strength.
Phillipians

365 Days of Praise Challenge-Day 76

It's another morning. I am alive and kicking and though it's not the ideal start to my morning with my fragmented sleep patterns I am going to focus on the fact that I am alive and healthy for the most part. I have been reading a book compiled with stories in it from Reader's Digest. It's humbling and really helps put your own life into perspective when you read about the suffering and challenges others have faced or are facing. There's always someone worse off than you. So, I am grateful to God for those challenges he is giving me and will keep praying for strength, wisdom and guidance on pushing through those life challenges I am facing and are yet to come.
Romans 8:10-11 But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.