How to Let Go of the Past and Celebrate with Your Family

Everyone has at least one relative who makes holiday gatherings with the family less than Hallmark perfect.

Be honest, you had someone come to mind, didn’t you?

Families in the U.S. are preparing to gather next week to celebrate and remember the year’s blessings. Most of us will celebrate by eating too much and carrying on family traditions that have been passed down for generations.

This year, I’d like to invite you to try a new tradition.

Let go of the past and lead with love!

The truth is…

Like it or not, God gave you your family for a reason.

They are the people who filled the early chapters of your life story and good or bad, God can redeem your story and use it to help and bless others.

I get it, your brother-in-law is obnoxious and your aunt and uncle drive you up the wall. They bait you and you’re tired of going home with a bloody tongue from biting back all the things you’d like to say but don’t.

But there is something important we all need to remember.

Yep, me too!

Everyone, yes everyone . . . you, your siblings, parents, and your obnoxious aunt and uncle view the world through a lens of their own experiences and emotions. You may not agree with their perspective. You may not like it. Truthfully, it may even push your hot buttons … but you have not lived their life and can’t know all things that have happened to them that shape their thoughts and beliefs.

And they don’t know yours either.

So, the best way to let the past go and lead with love is to start with … GRACE

Grace is giving something that isn’t deserved.

Be honest, don’t you want your family to treat you with grace?

So, I turned to some of my favorite posts, quotes, and Scripture verses to help us get ready to let go of the past and lead with love as we gather with our families this year.

How to Let Go of the Past and Celebrate with Your Family

Begin the healing process by forgiving…

♥ “The way you help heal the world is you start with your own family.” ~Mother Teresa

Take your frustrations and all those painful memories to God and ask Him to help you forgive and let go of the past.

Remember…

♥ Since God chose you to be the holy people He loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12–13

Many of us go to family get-togethers burdened with a load of hurt-filled memories, offenses, and frustrations. Take them to God and ask Him to help you forgive and let go of the past.

And then be honest … you aren’t perfect. Your siblings and parents could probably make a list of ways you hurt them. We all need grace more often than we’d like to admit.

And if you’re still struggling … just think about how much better you’ll feel if you let go of your anger and bitterness. There is healing for everyone involved when we choose to forgive.

♥ “A man ought to live so that everybody knows he is a Christian… and most of all, his family ought to know.” ~ D.L. Moody

Don’t preach. Don’t be a know-it-all. Be humble and…

Ask God to give you an extra measure of Spiritual fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22–23)

Love them like Jesus!

♥ Give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.And further, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Ephesians 5:20–21

Give thanks for everything? Everyone?

Yes! Even the difficult people in your family. God may be using them to grow your character.

And submit?

Wow, that doesn’t come easily, does it? Other translations of this verse use words like serve, yield, and respect.

Why? Because we love Jesus! Don’t worry about being “right;” decide to show the love of Jesus because you love Jesus.

♥ The same Jesus Who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life, your family, and your future. He is still in the miracle-working business, and His business is the business of transformation.~ Adrian Rogers

Keep praying for that miracle. God is still transforming hearts and minds. Even the person who seems to be beyond hope . . . don’t give up. Nothing is impossible, God is still transforming hearts every day!

♥ Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7

I like the Life Application Bible’s notes for these verses…

“God’s kind of love is directed outward toward others, not inward toward ourselves. It is utterly unselfish. This kind of love goes against our natural inclinations. It is impossible to have this love unless God helps us set aside our own natural desires so that we can love and not expect anything in return.”

It’s not easy. More than that . . . it’s hard! But with God’s help, we can love even when it’s hard!

♥Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Ephesians 4:2

A prayer before you celebrate with your family…

Father, please help me. I have family members I can’t wait to see next week and family members it’s hard to be around. We’ve said and done things in the past that have hurt feelings and caused separation.

By your grace, give me the strength to forgive and let it go. Help me to remember how much You have forgiven in me. Help me love like Jesus. Please cover me with Your peace and give me all I need to glorify You in my family.

Father, I have family members whose views on life seem so far from what I believe you want for us. Please guide our conversations. Help me listen with respect and speak with gentleness. Give me the words You want me to say and help me know when to be still.

I believe I can do “all things” through Christ Jesus who gives me strength. Please give me the strength to love my family well.

Thank you for the countless blessings You pour into my life. Thank you for my family! Amen.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

2 Steps to Gratitude – A Photo Challenge

by Rebecca Hastings
@ My Ink Dance

What is the MOST Costly Financial Mistake You Can Make?

by The Money Couple
for Beth Steffaniak
@ Messy Marriage

AND the…

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How to Bless Your Marriage by Being Grateful

11 / 12 / 1811 / 12 / 18

It’s a little thing really.

Every evening, I set up our coffee maker so its ready to brew our favorite blend the following morning. Today’s filter goes in the trash, the glass carafe’ is filled and poured into the water reservoir, and four tablespoons of coffee beans are ground…

And that’s when it happens.

From wherever he is in the house, as those blades whirl and turn beans into powder, Rev yells … “THANK YOU!!!!”

I can’t tell you when he started because that “THANK YOU” has been echoing through the hallways of our homes for years and it’s just one of the small intentional ways gratitude blesses our marriage.

Rev and I have the same Love Language.

We both crave Words of Affirmation, so it only makes sense that we believe it’s important to say “thank you” and say it often.

That’s why I’d like to share some of our favorites … but if your Love Language is Gifts, Acts of Service, Quality Time, or Physical Touch, don’t leave because I’m going to share a few tips for simple ways you can show gratitude in those love languages and bless your marriage, too!

8 Simple Ways to say “Thank You” that will Bless Your Marriage

♥ Thank God for your spouse.

It’s easy to shoot up prayers asking God to help, bless, and sometimes even change our spouses … but stopping just to say “thank you” for your spouse is the perfect way to say “I love you!”

I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly. Ephesians 1:16

♥ Say “thank you” always – even for the little things.

Even if it’s simply making a pot of coffee, taking out the trash, or making the bed … “thank you” says, “I appreciate you and all you do for us!”

“A grateful heart is one that finds the countless blessings of God in the seemingly mundane everyday life.” ~ Anonymous

♥ Have an intentional 10-minute conversation every day.

This can be hard with busy schedules and children vying for attention but taking a few minutes to connect every day is important. So, put down your phones, look into each other’s eyes, talk about life and mean it!

“Listen with curiosity. Speak with honesty. Act with integrity. The greatest problem with communication is we don’t listen to understand. We listen to reply. When we listen with curiosity, we don’t listen with the intent to reply. We listen for what’s behind the words.” ~ Roy T. Bennet

♥ Ignore small annoyances and thank your spouse for ignoring yours.

It’s easier to overlook the things that get on my nerves when I remember just how many of my faults Rev patiently endures. In fact, after I’ve reminded myself of all the ways I can be annoying … I can hardly remember any of his.

Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Ephesians 4:2–3

♥Forgive quickly.

It’s downright Biblical!

If you are angry, do not let it become sin. Get over your anger before the day is finished. Ephesians 4:26

And I love this quote…

“I am amazed by how many individuals mess up every new day with yesterday.” ~ Gary Chapman

♥ Send a surprise “thank you” text just because.

I thank the Lord for you.
You make my heart happy.
I can’t wait until you get home.
Thanks for all the things you do for our family.
Thanks for marrying me. Thanks for wanting me to marry you.
Thank you for making me laugh.
Thank you for all the ways you make my life easier.

♥ End the day with an “I love you because…” proclamation.

Keep a mental or written list of the little things you love about your spouse and tell them.

Things like:

I love you because you’re fun.
I love you because of the ways you take care of us.
I love you because of all the ways you encourage me.
I love you because you make me laugh.
I love you because you’re you!

Do everything in love. 1 Corinthian 16:14

♥ Praise them to your family and friends … so they can hear you.

Make it a rule to never complain about your spouse to anyone! And you don’t have to be sappy or make obnoxious – just be thankful!

So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Ways to Say “Thank You” in Your Spouse’s Love Language and Bless Your Marriage

♥ For the spouse whose love language is acts of service…

Make his favorite dinner and leave a thank you note on his plate that says “thank you for all you do!”
Give you a certificate that says … Thank you for all you do – this is for 24 hours of complete relaxation while the kids and I take care of everything!
Just do little things that show you’re thankful!

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3

♥ For the spouse whose love language is quality time…

Schedule a sitter for the afternoon and ask your spouse to choose the destination.
Put the kids to bed early and eat a quiet romantic dinner – just the two of you.
Declare one night a month, “I’m thankful for you, night!” And declare it technology free!

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:10

♥ For the spouse whose love language is gifts…

This one is easy! You can give a little gift anytime just make sure you add a thank you note!

“The heart of the giver makes the gift dear and precious.” ~ Martin Luther

♥ For the spouse whose love language is physical touch…

Grab a hand, sneak a quick kiss, give a back rub or foot massage and say, “I am soooo thankful for you!”

And finally, a huge way to say “thank you” in any love language…

♥ Flirt – but only with your spouse!

Recently, I’ve seen several articles about all the reasons why flirting is bad and I wonder why the assumption is that all flirting is done outside of marriage.

Any time I’m asked for my best marriage advice, NEVER STOP FLIRTING always comes right after GIVE GOD FIRST PLACE IN YOUR MARRIAGE!

I define flirting as the playfulness you did when you wanted to communicate how much you found the other person attractive.

The dictionary defines flirting as – playfully behaving as though attracted to or trying to attract someone.

Most articles add that it is a sign of sexual availability … so, flirting in your marriage is a wonderful way to say, “I’m sexually available and I’m only sexually available to you!” And I believe that says, “Thank you for being the only one with whom I want to be intimate. Thank you for being mine!”

I’m a firm believer that if I think something positive, I should say it! And saying “thank you” is the perfect way to keep thinking positive things about my marriage.

Yep, being grateful is an easy way to bless your marriage.

And after 46 years of marriage, we definitely have a lot of reasons to be grateful!

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7 Verses that will Help You Pray with a Grateful Heart

11 / 8 / 1811 / 9 / 18

Meister Eckhardt, a German theologian from the 13th Century once said,

“If the only prayer you said was thank you, that would be enough.”

If you’re like me, your thank you prayers are less frequent than your “please fix, heal, help, and provide, etc.” prayers.

It’s so easy to set aside all God has done in the past when I’m facing the needs in front of me.

But thank God, His future love, grace, mercy, and care do not depend on my gratitude for His past love, grace, mercy, and care.

Today…

I want to take Meister Eckhardt’s words to heart and simply say, “thank you” with a grateful heart!

And I thought you might want to do some grateful heart praying with me.

7 Verses that will Help You Pray with a Grateful Heart

1 Corinthians 15:56–57

For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Father, thank you for Jesus! Thank you for the victory I have in Him. His death and resurrection defeated sin, death, and Satan. They have no power of me. They have NO power over me. I am forgiven. I am Yours. I have a hope and a future. I have life full and abundant. I have so many reasons to live today with a grateful heart! Thank you!

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Father, thank you for the gift of Your Spirit who guides me to know Your will and gives me the courage and strength I need to be thankful in all circumstances. Honestly, it seems impossible to be thankful in the middle of the struggle but Your Word says that with You, everything is possible … even a grateful heart in trying times. And even when it’s impossible to be thankful for the circumstances Your Spirit gives me all I need to be thankful for the courage and strength that will see me through. Thank you!

Psalm 95:1–3

Come, let us sing to the Lord!
    Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come to Him with thanksgiving.
    Let us sing psalms of praise to him.
For the Lord is a great God,
    a great King above all gods.

Father God, You are King of kings and Lord of lords. You are my Creator, my Redeemer, and my Advocate. You hear my prayers and praises. Please Lord, by the power of Your Spirit, help me keep my focus on You … on your grace and mercy. You are love. You are all I need! Thank you, Father.

James 1:17

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Father, as You created this world, You declared it good! You made people in Your image and declared them very good and even when we made a mess of Your world and our lives, You stayed the same. You loved us and sent Jesus as the best gift of all.

Thank you for Your unchanging promises that give me hope and for Your Spirit who gives me all I need to live with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Thank you for Your unchanging grace, mercy, and constant love.

Colossians 4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Father, by Your grace, prompt me to pray with thanksgiving. May I be devoted to spending time with You in prayer. The desire of my heart is to be faithfully mindful of Your perfect presence and remember that in all circumstances I can turn to You with the praises and the pleas of a surrendered heart.

Psalm 28:7

The Lord is my strength and shield.
I trust Him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

Father, I trust You! What an amazing blessing! I believe Your grace is sufficient in all circumstances. Because of the ways You have worked in my life … I know You will give me courage and strength when I need it! What joy to realize that You are always with me giving me everything I need to live one day at a time. Thank you!

Romans 11:36

For everything comes from Him and exists by His power and is intended for His glory. All glory to Him forever! Amen.

Father, You are King of kings and Lord of lords. Everything I have comes from Your hand. The world and all that is in it exist by Your power and all creation of proclaims Your glory. May I join in the song of praise that will last eternally, for You alone are worthy and from a grateful heart, I give You my thanks!

As I’ve written these prayers, I’ve realized that I want to make thanking and praising God for who He is a regular part of my prayer life. Although, I may remember to thank Him for what He does … who He is, changes every part of my life.

God is Creator. – Genesis 1:1, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Revelation 4:11.
God is Redeemer – Job 19:25, Psalm 19:14, Psalm, 103:4, Luke 1:68
God is Advocate/Helper – John 14:26, John 15:26, 1 John 2:1

He is Provider:

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Just because He loves.

And that’s reason enough to pray without ceasing with a grateful heart!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

How to Improve Your Legacy

by Alyson
@ Write Them on My Heart

Are You a Chocolate Soldier?

by Jen Avellaneda
@ Rich Faith Rising

My Story of Depression and Hope

by April Knapp
@ Experiencing Extraordinary Truth
in the Grind of the Ordinary

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Click To Tweet

Deb Wolf
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No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

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Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thank you and God bless!

Vitamin G is the Supplement that will Bless Your Life

11 / 5 / 1811 / 5 / 18

Rev recently shared an article from Prevention Magazine with me titled, The Healing Power of Gratitude by Jennifer King Lindley.

It begins…

“Call it Vitamin G: research shows that being grateful has a deep and lasting impact on your body. Learn how to put it to work for your health.

Lindley quotes Dr. David DeSteno:

“Making gratitude a daily practice is like taking a vitamin.

And Robert Emmons, Ph.D:

“Gratitude is affirming the goodness in one’s life and recognizing that its source lies outside the self.”

The bottom line is that gratitude is good for you! So good for you, in fact, that I believe if you wanted, you could almost make gratitude a priority for purely selfish reasons. Although, I guess that’s kind of counter-intuitive!

I also love the fact that you and I can’t live our lives with gratitude if we’re focused on ourselves. It just doesn’t work. I’ve proven to myself countless times that the fastest way to knock myself into a rotten mood is to spend all day thinking about ME and MY problems. Ooooh, it can get ugly.

I mention often, it’s the reason I started Counted My Blessings … I needed a place to hold myself accountable to the ways God is at work in my life and to see His amazing grace and goodness all around me even when I misplace my rose-colored glasses.

So, let’s stop for a minute and look at some of the specific ways Vitamin G (Gratitude) will bless us…

Vitamin G is the Supplement that will Bless Your Life

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you happier.

You and I get to choose. We can be grateful or we can be dissatisfied.

I know which one can tank my mood in a heartbeat.

“Feeling and expressing gratitude turns our mental focus to the positive, which compensates for our brains’ natural tendency to focus on threats, worries, and negative aspects of life.” ~Psychology Today

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude.” ~Denis Waitley

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you enjoy better relationships.

People like to be with happy grateful people. Think about it. With whom would rather spend an afternoon . . . someone who is happy and thankful or someone who grumbles and complains.

“The spirit of gratitude brings true joy and great happiness.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you succeed at work.

People work harder if their efforts are appreciated and bosses are more likely to encourage employees who acknowledge their positive leadership.

There’s an old saying that goes…

“If you want to get rid of your pastor… compliment him. He’ll work himself to death!”

I imagine if bosses gave more pats on the back and employees showed more appreciation and everyone complained less … productivity across the workforce would explode with successes.

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more optimistic and hopeful.

People who are grateful have a better attitude about the future. They enjoy and appreciate what they have. Grateful people tend to worry less and look at life more positively.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will increase your desire to help others.

People who are thankful for what they have tend to notice those who are less fortunate and are more inclined to offer help.

“Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” ~ Henri Frederic Amiel

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more satisfied.

When you are thankful for what you have you end up being less concerned about what you don’t have.

“Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity…it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” ~ Melody Beattie

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more resilient.

Grateful people get over setbacks and disappointments more quickly than those who are unappreciative.

“Just an observation: it is impossible to be both grateful and depressed. Those with a grateful mindset tend to see the message in the mess. And even though life may knock them down, the grateful find reasons, if even small ones, to get up.” ~ Steve Maraboli

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you reject stress and anxiety.

Thankful people worry less. Celebrating what is going well in life will help you and me think less about things that could potentially go wrong.

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will help you forgive others.

People who are thankful for and celebrate God’s gift of forgiveness, let go of the past and learn from it. They forgive others more easily and have the strength to move on as they anticipate the blessings they’ll enjoy tomorrow.

Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

♥ A daily dose of Vitamin G will make you more attractive.

It is not happiness that makes you thankful. It is thankfulness that makes you happy!

Happy people smile more! And everyone looks better with a smile!

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ Gilbert C. Chesterton

So, what are you waiting for?

Grab your journal or download a gratitude journal app to your phone and start making a list of things for which you are grateful.

Pray over your list and praise God for the blessings He pours into your life.

Do something every day that shows your family you are grateful for them. It doesn’t have to be a big deal … just something that says, “I’m so glad God put you in my life!”

And then remember to smile!

Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. Psalm 106:1

What do you do to get your daily dose of Vitamin G?

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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I LOVE hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Verses to Pray that will Help You Focus on the Positive

11 / 1 / 18

On Monday, I invited you to take the Philippians’ Challenge:

Take a fast from the news and from your Twitter feed until after the mid-term elections.
Grab a journal and make a list of things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable each day.
Invite your family to have good news conversations at dinner each night.
Do one small act of kindness every day.
Pray for our nation, our leaders, and for the upcoming election.

The challenge was to do these five things … just to see what happens!

So today, I want to ask you – how’s it going?

I have to be honest with you.

I was super inspired and ready to go! But truthfully, I thought it would be easier.

I’m generally a positive and optimistic person. I love to laugh. I try to see the good in people and to look for the good in most circumstances. But old habits are just that – they’re habits and it often takes time for new good habits to replace the old bad ones.

So, I’m going to the Lord and asking for help, I thought you might want to join me.

Verses to Pray that will Help You Focus on the Positive

Romans 12:2

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Father, I surrender myself to Your transforming grace and mercy. I want to become more like Jesus. I want to love like Him. I want to trust and follow Your will … Your good, pleasing, and perfect will. Your plans for me are good and full of grace. Thank you for Your loving patience and for never giving up on me. I love you, Lord!

2 Corinthians 10:3–4

We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.

Father, sometimes the battle is hard. The enemy knows my weaknesses and attacks me. He sees where You are transforming me and challenges my change. But God… Oh Father, thank you for those two words! But God … You have won the war for me. You give me all I need to fight my spiritual battles. I have Your Word of Truth and the presence of Your Holy Spirit. Thank you! With You, I can focus on the positive. With You, I am victorious! I am a conqueror! I am Yours!

Isaiah 26:3–4

You will keep in perfect peace
    all who trust in you,
    all whose thoughts are fixed on You!
Trust in the Lord always,
    for the Lord God is the eternal Rock.

Father, when the world around me spins in chaos … with Your Spirit’s help, I will keep my thoughts fixed on You and focus on the positive things You have done for me. Thank you for allowing me to trust You. Thank you for being my Rock. I have a firm foundation. I will not be shaken. Thank you for giving me Your perfect peace. In and with You … it is well with my soul.

John 8:31–32

Jesus said to the people who believed in Him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Jesus, I want to be Your faithful disciple. I want to trust You completely and faithfully follow Your teachings. Please forgive me when I fail, and make it the desire of my heart to know and love You with all I am. By Your Spirit’s power, may I know Your freedom giving truth. The truth that frees me from guilt, fear, and anxiety … from sin, death, and Satan’s power. Your saving grace has made me free and with Your help, I will focus on the positive as I embrace each day in the joy of Your presence and promise of Your salvation.

And finally, the verse that inspired the challenge…
Philippians 4:8

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Father, help me! I believe Your Word of truth! I trust Your promises. By Your grace, help me focus my heart and mind on all that is excellent and worthy of praise. Help me think about things that please You. Please help me settle myself each day to spend time alone with You in Your Word and prayer. And with the help of Your Holy Spirit, no matter what is going on around me … give me all I need to remain focused on You. In Jesus name, Amen.

If you’ve decided to take the Philippians Challenge and focus on the positive, I’d love to hear how it’s going.

What is on your list of things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable? My list is full of people … of family and friends who lift up and encourage. My list includes God’s Word and prayer. It includes smiles and laughter, strength and courage, faith and hope, grace and truth … and LOVE!

Because when you and I focus on love – sins are covered and hearts are united. And that’s a beautiful truth we can focus on … when the enemy uses his resources to defeat and divide, you and I have all we need to remain united through the power of God’s love.

We have Jesus!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

How to Create a Beautiful and Inspiring Life

by Tiffiney Holmes
@ Welcome Home Ministries

8 Statements to Start Your Day Joyfully

by Gail Burton
@ 1-Minute Bible Love Notes

How to Find Brave in Seasons of Unanswered Prayer

by Betsy DeCruz
@ Cultivating a Life of Intention and a Legacy of Hope
by Crystal Twaddell

AND the…

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Take the Philippians’ Challenge and See What Happens

10 / 29 / 18

You know the feeling…

You can’t put your finger on it. In general, things are pretty good. You’re not dealing with a major life crisis, but you feel like you’re that cartoon character who walks around with her own personal storm cloud hanging over her head.

I started questioning whether I was fighting another season of anxiety and depression when the Lord lovingly and gently gave me another explanation.

You see, I became interested in politics and current events about 10 years ago. It’s made for great conversations at our house. I keep Rev up to date on what’s going on in the world and he gives me the history buff perspective that keeps me grounded.

But friends, it’s gotten so ugly!

And it doesn’t matter what side you’re on or who you voted for … both sides are guilty.

The vitriolic words coming out of the mouths of everyone, be it a political leader or a news personality, is awful. And don’t you be blamin’ the other side. I’m tired of hearing “yeah but they started it!” I’m a mom and a grade school teacher … been there heard that a thousand times or more.

The truth is, my neighborhood doesn’t look like what these people are telling me.

The people in my neighborhood come in all shades, shapes, and sizes and we all live together rather well! People are cordial, caring, and kind. They look out for each other and I don’t even know where they stand politically.

When I go out into my community, I see people who look very different from me. Some are dressed in ways that indicate they have different religious beliefs … yet, we smile at each other and say hello and we try to help wherever we can.

And no, I haven’t died and gone to heaven already.

I still live in a community in the United States of America.

I’m guessing that many of you live in communities a lot like mine.

As I sat down to read my Bible this morning, I asked God to point me to what He wanted me to read … and He led me to Galatians 6.

It starts this way…

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. v. 1

Did you see that?

“Humbly and gently.”

And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. v. 2

Friends, we may not be able to change what others say and do but we can with God’s help, love like Jesus.

Later, Paul wrote…

So, let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. v. 9 – 10

And I personally believe, that if we ever want those who are outside of the family of faith to become part of the family of faith … we need to “do good” to them also!

Jesus said, “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:34–35

And in Galatians 5, Paul wrote…

For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. v. 13–15

I’ll admit it, the biting and devouring I’m seeing when I turn on the news, is hurting my heart. So, I’m going to do something I probably should have done a while ago…

Take the Philippians’ Challenge and See What Happens

I’m turning off the news channels and hiding all that is divisive and agitating on social media.

And I’m going to take to heart Paul’s words to the people in Philippi…

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

There is so much good happening in the world.

We went to the Mercy Me Concert in KC last week and stood for hours with 7,000+ fellow believers praising, worshipping, and lifting high the name of Jesus. (And 7,000+ more gathered to do the same the following night.)

Rev has visited two different homeless shelters in our area … where servants of Christ are making a difference every day in broken lives.

Countless people are working to help the people who lost everything along the Florida Panhandle.

Families are doing foster care and volunteering. They are sponsoring children around the world and right here in our community, there are people who go into homes to take care of widows each week.

And every single day, I see you encourage each other online through social media, blog comments, and personal texts and messages.

Friends, there is so much good happening. So much of the life going on around us is … true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.

And I want to focus on that.

Maybe you do too. Or maybe, you’ve been doing it all along. I can be a slow learner who is thankful for God’s grace and patience.

Whatever the case …

♥ I’m inviting you to join me in a Philippians’ challenge this week.

Take a fast from the news and from your Twitter feed until after the mid-term elections.
Grab a journal and make a list of things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable each day.
Invite your family to have good news conversations at dinner each night.
Do one small act of kindness every day.
Pray for our nation, our leaders, and for the upcoming election.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1–4

Because we have God’s promise…

If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14

God is good! He loves us! And He’s given us a beautiful Truth, Jesus, the One who is able to change hearts and minds … who transforms lives.

So, I’m taking the Philippians’ Challenge, turning off the junk and practicing the presence of God this week. If you’re in … let me know in the comments. And to help get us started, share something good you see happening in your community.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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How to Celebrate with Me and Get Sarah’s Garden Free

10 / 25 / 1810 / 25 / 18

I’m celebrating my birthday this weekend and I have a gift for you!

It's my birthday and I'm celebrating by giving away the Kindle version of my book Sarah's Garden. Come party with me!

I wrote Sarah’s Garden 10 years ago, the year Jesus took my mom to the home He had prepared for her in heaven.

It is a story God gave to me as the theme of a weekend presentation I shared with friends at a Women’s Retreat. Those sweet encouragers told me I had to put it into book format.

You see, being a parent is hard and the truth is … being a kid is hard too.

Who am I kidding, life is hard for everyone sometimes.

You see we’re each born with a unique personality, individual talents, and specific abilities and we’re all just trying to figure it out. As a parent, we’re trying to help our children figure out how to grow and flourish in their God-given gifts and abilities and truthfully, there have been countless times when I wished my children had come with personalized instruction manuals.

I read every parenting book I could get my hands on when our children were growing up and yet, I always felt like I had more questions than there were answers.

And that’s the story behind Sarah’s Garden.

A parable that tells of the struggle in each of us to flourish in our strengths, rather than repeatedly struggling in our weaknesses. It’s a journey for parents and children who are doing the best they can … and realize they can’t do it alone. They need help.

And really … don’t we all!!!

Here’s a snippet…

Sarah’s Garden

I want to tell you about a precious princess named Sarah. She is a daughter of the most awesome King … the King of Forever and Ever.

On the day Princess Sarah was born, a shout went out across the land that started a joyful celebration.

The festivities began with the selection of Sarah’s guardians—parents. There were the people who were chosen by the King Himself to love and care for Sarah as she grew up. This decision was extremely important and the King always made it using His perfect wisdom.

The next part of the celebration was very special and mysterious. It was the planting of Sarah’s garden—a garden started from a special mixture of seeds chosen just for her. No one else had a garden exactly like Sarah’s.

Sarah’s garden was her special place—a beautiful display of flowers selected to represent the true loveliness of Sarah’s spirit and remind her that she was extraordinarily precious to the King.

Sarah’s Garden

Of course, every story must have a villain.

The villain in this kingdom was an evil ogre who hated the King.

The ogre wanted to destroy everything that was precious to the King of Forever and Ever, and he knew that the King treasured His children. So the Ogre made it his purpose to hurt the Kings’ children by using the nasties and “trashy” villagers to destroy their special gardens.

You’ll want to keep reading to…

Find out who the King sent to help Sarah after the ogre, the nasties, and the “trashy” villagers made a mess of her garden. And you’ll celebrate with Sarah as she learns of her true identity and the fabulous future that awaits her.

Sarah’s Garden
Kindle Version
Free 10/25 – 10/29

You’ll be able to relate to the story of Sarah’s Garden if…

You’ve ever felt overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for your child’s garden.
You’ve felt anxious as she transitions to caring for that precious garden herself.
You find yourself frustrated trying to take care of the mess in your own garden.

My friend, there is hope!

And that is the message of Sarah’s garden. There is always hope because we know the One who is able to restore our gardens to beautiful perfection.

I loved writing this story
and would love to give away hundreds of copies this weekend.
Get one for yourself. Tell your friends and family.
Share it on Social Media.

After Monday – it will go back to its usual price.

One more thing…

The beautiful illustrations in Sarah’s Garden were created by my friend, Rebecca Mueller when she was only 12 years old.

So, I love sharing this book with budding artists to encourage them to keep drawing … to use the artistic seeds in their gardens for the glory of the One who made them and loves them more than they can ever imagine.

Click here to get your free Kindle version of
Sarah’s Garden

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

What is God Trying to Teach Me

by Lois Flowers
@ Waxing Gibbous

How I Get Back Up When My Mirror Tears Me Down

by Carlie Lake
@ From Dust Toward the Heavens

20 Ways to Fight Depression

by Dr. Michelle Bengtson
@ Hope Prevails

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thank you and God bless!

How to Have New Hope When You Pray the Lord’s Prayer

10 / 22 / 18

I’ve had two times in my life when I found myself in situations that appeared hopeless.

They were times when God’s “no” to my perceived “need” seemed like more than I could endure.

The first time, I whined and stomped my feet like a spoiled child and then I listened to the lies of this world that were telling me I needed to take matters into my own hands and do what I needed to get the “yes” I so desperately wanted.

Getting what I longed for was thrilling. I was blissful and even managed to convince myself that this was really God’s will for me all along.

Sadly, the happiness didn’t last and the loss was greater than I could have imagined.

Which led me to my second bout with feelings of hopelessness…

But this time, rather than whining and stomping … I grieved.

And God met me there, in my grief. He held me close as He comforted me and pointed me to His Word and prayer.

He reminded me that He was with me.

“And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

And that He wanted me to have a new hope.

I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

It was that new hope that helped me surrender my heart and mind to God’s will for my future. He didn’t remove my grief but He helped me get through it moment by moment.

And one of the things that continues to help me is the new hope I enjoy when I pray the Lord’s Prayer.

Let’s take a closer look…

How to Have New Hope When You Pray the Lord’s Prayer

♥ Our Father in Heaven

Something I had to learn was the intimate nature of the relationship God wanted with me. He wasn’t calling Himself my Father simply as the authority in my life … although, He certainly is that.

He is my Father in a personal, loving, caring, I want to be involved in your life, know your feelings, comfort you, encourage you, guide you, and so much more way.

Praying “Our Father” is going into the Holy of Holies … into the presence of the One who loves you and me most and best. The One who not only sees our future but who is already there. The One who is our strength for today and hope for tomorrow.

King David said this about him:

“I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts His praises! My body rests in hope.” Acts 2:25–26

♥ Holy Be Your Name

God’s name is holy whether you and I say it or not!

God is set apart, perfect and holy in everything He does. When you and I pray, “holy be Your name,” we are asking God to help us live in a way that professes Him as the one and only Lord of our lives.

In Him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in His holy name.Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in You alone. Psalm 33:21–22

When we live to declare God holy, we are saying we trust Him and trusting Him gives us hope!

♥ Your Kingdom Come

I am so often overwhelmed in this earthly kingdom. I watch the news and scroll through social media and it’s upsetting. I watch friends and family suffer and my heart hurts. So much of this life is hard.

The words “Your kingdom come,” remind me that this is not my home. By God’s grace, through Jesus, you and I have hope for a forever future beyond the chaos, pain, and heartache. A forever future in God’s kingdom because Jesus defeated sin, death, and Satan through His life, death, and resurrection.

Jesus proved to the world that He is the Way to the Father and the Truth that gives Eternal Life.

For He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. Colossians 1:13–14

♥ And Your Will be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven

God’s will is always done in heaven and ultimately His will and purposes are also accomplished on earth.

Praying that God’s will be done on earth, is asking that He might use us in His plans and purposes. That you and I will be a part of His will being accomplished. We know His will is that we will love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as well. By His grace and with His help, that gives us His help and a hope for every relationship.

This is not a new commandment, but one we have had from the beginning. Love means doing what God has commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another. 2 John 1:5–6

♥ Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

I love this!

God invites us to come to Him with our daily needs, trusting that He will take care of today’s necessities and faithfully remembering that He is our hope for tomorrow.

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6–7

♥ Forgive Us Our Sins as We Forgive Those Who Sin Against Us

You and I are able to forgive others because God faithfully forgives us.

When you and I humbly go to God asking Him for forgiveness … He will! And when I think about all that God has forgiven in me, well, I have His strength to forgive others.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:31–32

Knowing that I’m forgiven and that God gives me all I need to forgive others – that gives me hope for all my relationship today and eternally!

♥ Lead Us Not Into Temptation but Deliver Us from Evil

God does not tempt us.

However, you and I live in a sinful world that is full of temptations and evil. By God’s grace, and with His help, you and I have everything we need to withstand temptation and evil today…

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

With God’s help, we can turn our focus from this world’s temptations and ugliness and plant it squarely on the One who is able to give us the strength we need right now!

♥ For Yours is the Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory Forever

Many of us end the Lord’s prayer with this doxology of praise.

Our Father is powerful and sovereign. All glory belongs to Him forever and ever!

King David wrote:

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise Him again—my Savior and my God! Psalm 42:5

♥ Amen

Amen says, “so be it” or “this is true!”

It is the ending to a prayer said in faith!

So I tell you to believe that you have received the things you ask for in prayer, and God will give them to you. Mark 11:24 (NCV)

And that is praying with new hope, trusting that God is who He says He is and that He will do what He says He will do.

When you and I pray the Lord’s Prayer our hope is renewed as we remember who God is. He is our Father, the sovereign God who loves and cares for us today and has a beautiful plan for our future.

So I pray the Lord’s Prayer when my heart and mind are discouraged … when I need new hope, I pray the prayer Jesus taught and I remember all the ways God has helped me in the past.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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I LOVE hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

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The Wonderful Truth about Who You are in Jesus

10 / 18 / 18

I don’t know about you, but I can be my own worst enemy.

Why is it so much easier to think about what I’m not rather remembering who I am?

And you’d think after years of experience with this bad habit, I’d have learned a thing or two about consistently taking negative thoughts captive and replacing them with God’s truth.

That I’d be better at thinking less about who I am and more about whose I am!

So, I’m making a list. One I can grab any time I need a truth pep talk.

Seriously, I don’t believe God wants me to sit around dwelling on who I’m not when He has given me all I need to remember who I am in Him.

Maybe you struggle too! Maybe you, like me, need a regular reminder that…

We have the presence of His Spirit.

Don’t you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? 1 Corinthians 3:16

Think about that for a minute. You and I have the Spirit of the Living God dwelling within us! And I for one, am ready to quit pushing His voice to the background while I waste time listening to the lies that defeat and discourage me.

It’s time to make a more permanent change. So, I’m making a list of God’s promises to help me. I hope it helps you too!

And as you read through the list of verses, put your name or a personal pronoun in each blank…

The Wonderful Truth about Who You are in Jesus

Who You are in Jesus:

♥ You are Known – God Thinks about You

How precious are your thoughts about ________, O God. They cannot be numbered! Psalm 139:17

♥ You are Loved

I am writing to ________, who has been called by God the Father, who loves you and keeps you safe in the care of Jesus Christ. Jude 1:1

♥ You are a Child of God

But to _________, who believed Him and accepted Him, He gave the right to become a child of God. You are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. John 1:12–13

♥ You are a Friend of Jesus

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command … Now ________ is my friend, since I have told you everything the Father told me. John 15:13–15

♥ You are a New Creation

If _________ belongs to Christ, there is a new creation. The old things have gone; everything is made new! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NCV)

__________ has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. Galatians 2:20

♥ You are Chosen and Holy

Even before He made the world, God loved ________ and chose _________ in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. Ephesians 1:4

♥ You are Chosen and Loved

God loves _________ and has chosen you to be His own people. 1 Thessalonians 1:4

♥ You are Dead to Sin and Alive in Christ

When He died, He died once to break the power of sin. But now that He lives, He lives for the glory of God. So ________ also should consider yourselves to be dead to the power of sin and alive to God through Christ Jesus. Romans 6:10–11

♥ You are a Citizen of Heaven

________ is a citizen of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. Philippians 3:20

♥ You are God’s Masterpiece

For ________ is God’s masterpiece. He has created ________ anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

♥ You have God’s Peace to Guard Your Heart and Mind

Then ________ will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

♥ You have Strength for Life

________ can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

♥ You are Victorious

Can anything ever separate ________ from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ________ through Christ, who loved us. Romans 8:35, 37

♥ You are Forever Safe in God’s Love

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate ________ from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither ________ fears for today nor _______ worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate ________ from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate _________ from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38–39

You know it’s funny…

When you and I focus on ourselves, on our faults and failures, it’s easy to get lost in the negatives … in what we’re not. But when we take those heart and mind discouraging thoughts captive and replace them with the truth…

The truth of who you are in Jesus.
The truth of who I am in Jesus.

Then and only then do we have everything we need.

Because we are known and loved, a child of God, a friend of Jesus, a new creation, chosen, loved, and holy, a citizen of heaven, and God’s masterpiece. And we have everything we need to live fully alive in His presence. We have strength, peace, victory, and we are forever safe!

Forever!

Whew! I need to keep this close and change my thoughts more quickly because in Jesus … it is well with my soul. And it’s well with my heart and mind, too!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

What Side are You On? The Great Divide

by Lisa Burgess
@ Lisa Notes…

How to Keep a Strong Faith When Disappointed

by Maree Dee
@ Embracing Life in the Midst of the Unexpected

Lessons I’ve Learned in the Space
Between Family Photos

by Michelle Skillern
@ Mrs. Designs

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

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How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear

10 / 15 / 1810 / 15 / 18

I was about five years old when my parents convinced me to ride a Ferris Wheel. As the car inched upward … I stopped breathing as the grip of fear overwhelmed me! My dad frantically waved at the ride operator, screaming at him to stop the giant rotating hoop and let us off after only one memorable rotation.

Amusement park rides and heights were just a couple of my many childhood fears.

As an adult, I realized that heights, bugs, and the dark were not as life-threatening as I’d once believed. But unfortunately, I just replaced those childhood fears with grown-up terrors.

Eventually, my doctor diagnosed me with high-anxiety agitation/depression. And although medication and counseling helped me function better day-to-day, they didn’t change what was going on in my head or my heart.

I still had a list of things that terrified me and eventually, some of those things happened.

I had a choice to make…

I could either pull the covers over my head and hide or turn to God for help.

Since staying in bed for the rest of my life wasn’t really an option, I cried out to God in prayer and grabbed my Bible hoping it would show me how to have a strong faith in His promises.

And through His grace, God gave me just enough strength to do life one moment at a time. He didn’t magically or suddenly make me fearless rather He gave me the faith I needed to live that day.

And that’s all we need, isn’t it?

A strong faith that will reject fear today!

If you or someone you love struggles with fear, I have a list of things that help me reject my fear with faith – one day at a time…

How to Have a Strong Faith that will Reject Fear

It took me too long to accept that my fear was caused by a lack of faith.

Deep down I think I knew it, but I was a pastor’s wife raising preacher’s kids, I’d read the “do not be afraid” and “be strong and courageous” verses and I was ashamed to admit that I was afraid because my faith was weak.

Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Matthew 8:26

Jesus calmed the storm. He healed the sick and raised the dead.

Through His death and resurrection, He gave us eternal life and through His life, He taught us how to LIVE.

So, let’s begin…

♥ Ask God for Greater Faith

Jesus said, “Anything is possible if a person believes.”
The father instantly cried out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!” Mark 9:23–24

Jesus next words didn’t rebuke the father … He rebuked the evil that had a hold on the man’s son and on a watching crowd.

God is greater than our greatest fear and greater than any evil this world has to offer.

♥ Assess Your Fear

“Fear is an emotional response to a perceived threat.”

So, it’s important to assess if our fear is true or just a “what if”. Next, it’s important to decide if this is something we can control or change and assess how it’s affecting the way we live.

Then we must remember…

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. 1 John 4:18 (NCV)

Fear that debilitates is not from God, it is from the enemy!

And Jesus has defeated Satan! God is greater than any fear the enemy is using to torment us.

♥ Pray Continually

Prayer is not a one and done experience, especially when it comes to fear. I’m learning that when I take fear to God as soon as it hits me … it takes my focus off my fear and places it squarely on Jesus.

In John 14, Jesus said…

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” v. 1
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” v. 6

And…

You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it! v. 13–14

God wants you and me to be strong and courageous! We can ask Him to give us a strong faith that will reject fear trusting that He will.

♥ Find a Faith Mentor

Talk to a counselor. Ask a wise friend to tell you about a time God helped them through a time of fear. Join a small group Bible Study. Spend time with people who encourage you to grow in faith.

“Mentoring is: Sharing Life’s Experiences and God’s Faithfulness” ~ Janet Thompson

♥ Keep Scripture Close

Carry note cards with quotes and verses that help you focus on God … not your fear.

Yet I am confident I will see the Lord’s goodness while I am here in the land of the living. Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:13–14

But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” Matthew 14:27

♥ Don’t Borrow Fear from Others

If the news and your friend’s posts on Facebook bring your fear to the surface. Take a break. Turn off the television and budget your time social media. Focus on doing things you enjoy and turn your frightened thoughts into prayers.

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Philippians 4:8

♥ Be Your Own Best Cheerleader

Take charge of your thoughts.

Remind yourself that you are loved, you are precious, you are here at this time and place for God’s plans and purposes. You can trust Him.

Our weapons have power from God that can destroy the enemy’s strong places. We destroy people’s arguments and every proud thing that raises itself against the knowledge of God. We capture every thought and make it give up and obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:4–5

♥ Be Someone Else’s Cheerleader

Build up and encourage the people around you.

Tell someone about the way God helped you in the past … you will encourage them and you’ll be strengthened and encouraged too!

“Sometimes God redeems your story by surrounding you with people who need to hear your past, so it doesn’t become their future.” ~John Acuff

♥ Give Up the Need to be Perfect

You’re human. You’re not perfect.

Ask for forgiveness when you fail and stop being afraid of failing or disappointing others. Fear keeps us from being the people God wants us to be. He created us to flourish … to thrive. He wants us to LIVE with joy for His glory!

Living in the freedom of Christ defeats fear!

In Christ, we can come before God with freedom and without fear. We can do this through faith in Christ. Ephesians 3:12 (NCV)

♥ Keep Your Focus on Today

Why do our “what if” thoughts rarely have happy endings?

Worry and fear are close cousins. How I wish I could have a do-over on the countless hours I spent worrying about “what-ifs” that never happened. And the things that did, well, all my worry and fear prevent a thing.

When I live my today without fear of the future, I’m fully engaged and able to see and enjoy the big and small blessings God is continuously giving me.

“If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable.” ~ John Newton

♥ Don’t Give Up the Fight

I’d love to tell you that I don’t worry anymore … that I’m never frightened. But really, you probably wouldn’t believe me anyway.

What I can tell you, is that by God’s grace, I am able to remember all that God has gotten me through in the past, accept my fear for the lie it is, and with God’s help step out in faith and take on the day.

When I forget or fail – I trust that I can take it to God. Ask for forgiveness. And try again tomorrow.

I’ve learned through experience that courage and strength are rarely if ever infused into my life.

The only way have a strong faith that will reject fear is focus on all that God has done for me in the past, take my current circumstances to Him in prayer, and ask Him to give me the courage I need to get out of bed and LIVE!

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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The Best Worship Music and a Resource that will Make it Better

10 / 11 / 1810 / 12 / 18

I think my favorite part about the best worship songs is their ability to get me right at my core.

It’s funny how a few words with a great melody can either bring me to tears or make me want to dance around the living room.

One song can inspire me to just sit still and listen while another sends me to my knees in prayer. One reminds me of God’s goodness and another prompts me to get out there and shine for Jesus.

A few notes, a little percussion, an inspired vocalist and we’re all moved to worship and praise.

I love it!

Being the Sanguine I am, I enjoy the surprise of listening to our local Christian radio stations. I like not knowing what’s coming next. Rev prefers to make playlists and cycle through his favorites again and again. So, he counts on me to share my favorites with him and help him keep his playlist up to date.

I thought you might want to know what we’re listening to … and oh my, before you go, I want to know what’s playing at your house, too. I hope you enjoy the videos and those not shown are just a song title click away.

The Best Worship Music and…

♥ I Just Need U – Toby Mac

♥ You Say – Lauren Daigle

♥ Old Church Choir – Zach Williams
This one is my ringtone! It always makes me smile!

♥ Broken Things – Matthew West

♥ Reckless Love by Cory Asbury
I love this arrangement by Voices of Lee

♥ The Breakup Song – Francesca Battistelli

♥ Counting Every Blessing – Rend Collective
I’ve made this my blog’s theme song!

♥ Everything – Toby Mac

♥ Burn the Ships – for King and Country

♥ Loving My Jesus – Casting Crowns

♥ Flawless – Mercy Me

And speaking of Flawless by MercyMe, I have something new I can’t wait to share with you!

IRL Resources

Weekly Music Studies For Your Family or Church.

IRL Resources is a brand new way to experience Christian music together. With an annual subscription, you’ll get access to 52 IRL Studies a year–that’s one every week!

Each study focuses on one hit Christian song from today’s biggest artists like Lauren Daigle, Kutless, Jordan Feliz, Jaci Velasquez, All Sons & Daughters, Aaron Shust, Hawk Nelson, Citizen Way and more!

You’ll get a worksheet that will give you theme references, scripture to read, focus and discussion questions, a quote from the artist about the song, a closing prayer and links to watch the music video and/or stream the song. Group studies also include an ice breaker game, full sermon notes, media slides and more.

Flawless is just one of those studies!

What a fabulous way to the best worship music with your family over the dinner table, in your homeschool classes, or youth Bible study.

Just imagine how much more engaged you all will be the next time you listen to a song you’ve discussed.

IRL is currently offering a FREE Newsboys study right now! And you can also get 30% your purchase through the end of the month by using the code DEBWOLF.

I’ve been blessed to preview several weeks of studies and I love them. And this is truly my personal opinion … I am not an affiliate nor am I benefitting in any way other than an opportunity to test run the studies myself.

I really love these studies. Our grandson is crazy about listening to his “best worship music” and this is just one more way to help him think about the message truths behind the notes and lyrics he enjoys.

You can find out more about IRL Resources here.

And remember, before you go … tell us your “best worship music” right now.

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

Towel Theology:
For the Sake of My Heart

by Sue Donaldson
@ Welcome Heart

31 Bible Verses on Overcoming Adversity

by Chizobam Idahosa
@ Beautiful in Jesus

A Publishing Secret
Two Years in the Making

by Kaitlyn Bouchillon
@ It Just Takes One

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

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Deb Wolf
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No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
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Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thank you and God bless!

How to be a Better Listener When You Just Want to be Heard

10 / 8 / 18

Last week, I told you that I have opinions … lots of them.

I’m also a Sanguine talker.

Combine those facts you might assume that it’s taken me a long time and more than one bloody tongue to learn that I don’t need to share my views on everything with everyone. And you’d be right!

Something I’ve learned from my bloody tongue experiences is that as much as I feel the need to be heard and want to change the opinions of the people around me … my relationships benefit and I’ve actually learned a thing or two when I’ve shut up and listened!

At a time when more of us are talking than listening, I thought it might be helpful for me to honestly share my journey … because in all honesty, I didn’t get here easily!

6 Ways to be a Better Listener

♥ Listen without Assumptions

It’s so easy to assume that we know how someone thinks based on their skin color, gender, religion, or where they live. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made by God.

You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
Psalm 139:13–14

Each person is dearly loved by God and precious to Him.

You are a child of God, you are wonderfully made, dearly loved, and precious in His sight. Before God made you, He knew You. There is no one else like you. ~Unknown (based on Psalm 139 and Col. 3:12)

It takes time to get to know people individually but it’s important … really important.

♥ Listen without Judgment

Everyone you meet has a story and every story has its painful broken chapters.

I’ll admit, I’ve had more times than I care to admit when I was quick to judge people whose lives were a mess. Back when I was doing everything I could to be a “good girl” and “do life RIGHT,” I was quick to assume that life’s messes were caused by personal bad choices. Although that’s true sometimes … it’s not true always!

Boy, was I humbled when my mess was exposed to public view and I felt the scrutinizing judgment of others.

God allowed me to learn a huge lesson the hard way…

“You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.” Luke 6:36–37

You and I can give the gift of listening with kindness and compassion. We can make it safe for people to share their stories of brokenness by showing them the love of Jesus.

♥ Listen to Understand

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply. The collective monologue is everyone is talking and no one is listening.” ~ Stephen Covey

Can you imagine the difference we could make if we really listened and asked questions to understand before we replied to people?

Everyone looks at life through a lens of their own personal perspective … a lens that takes years to shape and polish. They have well-developed long-standing reasons for their beliefs.

I want to do a better job of listening to understand by asking “why” and “please help me understand” questions. I want to keep conversations going and learn the reasons behind the beliefs and opinions people hold.

♥ Listen to Learn

I still have so very much to learn. In fact, the longer I live and the more I learn … the more I realize just how little KNOW.

Sure my wise mentors and teachers have taught me tons but I’ve also learned a lot by listening to hurting friends and the heartfelt stories of complete strangers.

God is at work in lives, friends! When you and I listen to each other with a desire to learn, we benefit from His work in every life.

Tell your story and encourage the people you meet to tell you theirs!

Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction. Proverbs 22:17

♥ Listen Respectfully

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interest but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3–4

Whew, we could go a long way in the respect department at the moment, couldn’t we?

Truthfully, those other people really need to do a better job of being respectful! (Sense my sarcasm?)

If you’re like me, it’s easy to point fingers and blame those who disagree with us. But aren’t we really just trying to get that speck out of the other guy’s eye before getting the log out of my own.

“How can you think of saying to your friend, ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4

Respect begins with me and it starts at home. Help us, Lord!

♥ Listen Intentionally

I don’t know whether I have ADD or I’m just easily distracted, but it’s hard for me to sit in a restaurant and not have my eyes dart around the room like I’m watching bumble bees in a garden.

I love people watching. But because I want to listen intentionally to the people I’m with … I sit with my back to the activity so I can focus on the people with me.

I also sit near the front in church or any place I want to avoid distractions.

If you and I want to listen intentionally we need to avoid distractions, put down our devices, and look at each other! Then listen without interrupting. (Yeah, that one’s hard for me too.)

I want to be a better listener!

Friends, there are so many emotional subjects on the table right now. Feelings are frayed. And sides have been taken.

But I believe you and I can make a difference. Jesus showed us a better way.

He listened. Really listened to people.

At the end of the day, which will matter more…

That people know our opinions on the most recent political conversation or social issue or that they feel the love and compassion of Christ?

Will you and I ever do it perfectly this side of heaven?

No, probably not.

But I’m not willing to quit trying to be a better listener.

And believe me, I’m a work in progress. I’m still just trying…

The other day, we had a tech repairman visit because we were having problems with our cable box. As he asked me to try a variety of solutions, all of which I’d done earlier, my replies became more agitated and impatient.

Then I had one of those Holy Spirit moments of conviction. I had not listened well nor had I been respectful or compassionate.

But this time…

I caught myself and apologized. We ended up having a good conversation.

Now I need to work on my responses to the poor people who happen to pick up my phone call at the end of a long phone tree. Yep, like you, I’m still a work in progress.

And the truth is we’re all agitated, some say they’re even frightened. Everyone believes they know the truth and want to be heard.

This may just be the perfect time for you and me to make a difference by being a better listener even when we just want to be heard.

Leave your prayer requests…

and stop to pray one or two of the requests listed.

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I LOVE hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Why You Need to Speak Truth, Life, Victory, and Jesus Now

10 / 4 / 1810 / 4 / 18

I don’t know if you ever find yourself in this situation but if you’re a faith writer, like me, I’m guessing you do…

Earlier this week, I wrote, You Need to Speak Truth, Life, and Victory, and I was all set to move on with a new post idea today. But the idea I had just wouldn’t come to life. I continued praying about it. I asked the Lord to guide my words and I searched Scripture for verses to share.

And nothing happened.

Until…

The Lord gave me a nudge that made me think I was supposed to revisit Monday’s post.

You see, I wanted to write a post about the way we speak to each other. (Once again, I’m discouraged by the discourse I’m reading on social media. Yes, I’ve even had to hide a few people because the ugliness upsets me.)

And that’s when it hit me, the four points I made about my friend’s teaching me to pray truth, life, victory, and Jesus … apply to the way we should speak to each other as well.

So, let’s take a look at…

Why You Need to Speak Truth, Life, Victory, and Jesus Now

I have a lot of opinions.

Just ask my family!

But something I know about opinions is that they are, just that … they’re opinions! They’re not necessarily the truth!

They are simply my beliefs based on past personal experiences and influenced by the information I absorb from my friends and family, the books I read, the news I follow, etc.

I’m entitled to my opinions and you’re entitled to yours.

The problem is, we’re tossing our opinions around as if they are the absolute truth and they’re not!

Which is why the first thing that’s important in the way we talk to one another is, we…

♥ Need to Speak Truth

There is only one absolute truth.

Look at just some of the words of Paul from Ephesians 4:

You have been called by God. v. 1
Always be humble and gentle, and be patient with each other. v. 2
Keep yourselves united in the Spirit and bind yourselves together in peace. v. 3
There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all. v. 5–6
Speak the truth in love. v. 15
Growing in every way to be more and more like Christ. v. 15
Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. v. 23
Don’t sin by letting anger control you. v. 26
Do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. v. 30

And finally,

Okay, are you squirming a little?

Yeah, me too!

The truth is … you and I have better things to talk about than the latest political or social argument!

We…

♥ Need to Speak Life

You and I have the power of life and death in our words.

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21

Ouch! That’s humbling!

But the truth is, you and I are either breathing life into our relationships or we’re killing them slowly through our words. We are either building up or tearing down, encouraging or discouraging.

I don’t know about you but when I leave a conversation, I want to leave my family and friends … goodness, I want to leave complete strangers feeling encouraged and alive. Don’t you!

Can you imagine what a difference we could make if every follower of Jesus determined that with God’s help we would speak life into every conversation?

We…

♥ Need to Speak Victory

Did you know that with the help of the Holy Spirit, you and I already have victory over the world’s twisted words and defeated rhetoric?

You belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.Those people belong to this world, so they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to them. 1 John 4:4–5

But you and I have something better to share…

Just a few verses later, John shares his well known verses on love:

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

God showed how much He loved us by sending His one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and His love is brought to full expression in us. 1 John 4:7–12

Every person on the planet craves love. We need it almost as much as we need air to breathe.

And you and I have the perfect love to share, we…

♥ Need to Speak Jesus

You and I can tell our story. We can tell people about the way LOVE found us. The way Jesus changed everything.

The way He took our mess and turned it into our message.

Jesus is the Good News of our message…

Jesus said to His followers, “Go everywhere in the world and tell the Good News to everyone. Mark 16:15 (NCV)

And by the power of His Spirit, He is able to move in even the hardest hearts and the most stubborn minds through His transforming love.

I don’t believe you and I are going to change anyone’s opinions through the frenzied words we share on social media nor are we going to change Uncle Charlie’s mind when he comes to the next family gathering.

All you and I accomplish when we enter the fray with the harsh words of our strongly held personal opinions is further the divide and compromise our witness.

Friends, people are taking sides and I don’t believe that’s where God wants His followers.

Paul wrote:

Clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. Colossians 3:14–15

I’m challenging myself to be more careful with my words … to do a better job of speaking truth, life, victory, and Jesus and to keep more of my opinions to myself. I’m also praying truth, life, and victory over the spiritual battles going on in our world, trusting that God is sovereign and still at work in the world around me.

Friends, thank you so much for being encouragers. Thank you for being people who speak truth, life, victory, and Jesus. You bless me!

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

Facing the “Ites” of Your Life
Dealing with Contemptuous People

by Diane Ferreira
@ Worth Beyond Rubies

One Simple Way to Settle Your Soul

by Ginger Harrington
Guest post
@ Hope Prevails by Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Start with Good Intentions
but Don’t Stop There

by Marva Smith
@ Sun, Sparkle, Shine

AND the…

Faith ‘n Friends Link Party

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I’m so glad you’re here!

This is a place to share faith, make friends, and have fun.

I’d love to connect with you on social media!

I’m finding #Friendship and #Inspiration at #Faith ‘n Friends #LinkUp Come join the fun!

Click To Tweet

Deb Wolf
Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

No More Rules Link Party

Add 1-2 of your favorite faith/life posts.
Then just make friends and have fun.
You know they love it when you stop by and say “hello.”

I would really appreciate it if you would
Grab my Link Party Button above and link back to CMB.

Loading InLinkz ...

Thank you so much for partying with us!
May your week be blessed with faith, love, and friendship!

Don’t forget to leave your prayer requests…

and pray over the list left by our friends.

I always enjoy hearing from you! Please take a minute to say ‘hi’ and share your thoughts in the comments below.

And if this article blessed or helped you today — would you share it with someone? Maybe a friend, family member, coworker, or through the links below…

Thank you and God bless!

You Need to Speak Truth, Life, and Victory

10 / 1 / 1811 / 9 / 18

I’ve been down off the mountain literally and figuratively for a little over a week.

Last weekend, I flew to Denver to spend a few days with beautiful blogger friends that I affectionately call, “My People.” They are friends, encouragers, cheerleaders, and prayer warriors.

In a short 48 hours, we laughed until our abs hurt, cried big ol’ ugly cries together, shared a few blogging tips, talked until we lost our voices, talked about the many ways God is working in our lives, and covered each other in prayer.

Yes, it was a mountaintop experience in the mile high city.

These girls call me the “Sage,” which makes me giggle. Seriously, I start most days asking God to help me be less of a mess today than I was yesterday.

And the truth is that the collective wisdom of those beautiful women humbles me. I may be wearing a few more years but they are the ones teaching and inspiring me.

And something they taught me last weekend is HUGE!

I learned …

You Need to Speak Truth, Life, and Victory

I’m INFP on the Myers Briggs Personality Test or Phlegmatic/Sanguine based on the Four Temperaments Test.

I’m naturally an emotional people-pleaser who loves to keep everyone happy and if that includes lots of conversation and laughter … I’m thrilled. BUT, I’m also reflective and sensitive, which means I have trouble letting go of yesterday and find it hard to not worry about tomorrow.

Negative and anxious thoughts can too often be common companions. Oh, I fight it! I work hard to be bubbly and positive on the outside but on the inside, there’s a battle going on.

Now, back to my wise friends.

Last weekend as we prayed together, I noticed something important … they prayed big prayers of faith. They thanked God in advance for answers to prayers just being lifted and spoke each request boldly with confident faith in the One who is able.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Ephesians 3:20

They spoke truth. God’s Truth!

And I wondered, how often I’ve prayed doubt-filled weak prayers. How often have I lifted petitions from a place of defeat and discouragement rather than faith and expectancy?

So, I grabbed my Bible when I got home to learn more about the truth behind the words I use and I found out that the words that come out of my mouth really do matter.

I’m making some intentional changes in the way I speak and pray because I want to:

♥ Speak Truth

Why is it that we so often allow the enemy to fill our thoughts with his lies when God gave us His truth? So often, I imagine myself in Eve’s place stopping to listen as he hisses the words, “Did God really say?”

Honestly, enough is enough!

You and I have God’s promises and He keeps His promises … ALWAYS!

Paul wrote:

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep His promise. Hebrews 10:23

When we know His promises. When we hold them close and allow them to fill us with faith and hope … we have the all we need to speak truth, life, and victory to ourselves and to each other.

When we speak truth everyone is strengthened.

We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15

♥ Speak Life

Last week, I wrote that I want to LIVE until I die!

When you and I think and speak from a place of doubt and fear, we deny ourselves the fullness of life Jesus came to give us.

“I [Jesus] came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:10

I want to live with the freedom, courage, hope, peace, and joy found in Jesus.

Paul wrote:

We believe, and so we speak. 2 Corinthians 4:13 (NCV)

And just a few verses later, he wrote:

For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! v. 17

Whatever is going in your life or mine, the truth is it is temporary. We have been promised life … full, abundant, and satisfying. That’s reason enough to speak truth! God’s Truth!

Liz Giertz left a comment on last week’s post that said,

“Sometimes the thing that helps me overcome my fears is living as if my future is already here, understanding my eternity is already a reality!”

Amen, Liz!

♥ Speak Victory

I don’t know about you but I need to speak the following truth more often…

THE VICTORY HAS ALREADY BEEN WON!

But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:57

We have victory in Jesus and I want to live every day like I really believe it!

You and I are:

More than conquerors. Romans 8:37
His workmanship. Ephesians 2:10
Free. John 8:36
Overcomers. 1 John 4:4
Chosen. 1 Peter 2:9
Beloved children. 1 John 3:2

John wrote:

Everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world—our faith. So the one who conquers the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:4–5

And now that I know God’s truth that gives life and victory, I can’t help but…

♥ Speak Jesus

We proclaim to you the One who existed from the beginning, whom we have heard and seen. We saw Him with our own eyes and touched Him with our own hands. He is the Word of life. 1 John 1:1

I’m compelled to proclaim the One who has not only given me eternal life but who has given me full, abundant, and satisfying life today. Victory for today and for eternity.

By His grace, He continues to forgive my failures. He heals my broken heart and gives me peace when the world overwhelms me. He gives me courage when I’m afraid and strengthens me when my battles are hard.

And when I forget whose I am … He gently reminds me.

So, you see, my sweet friends called me the “Sage” but they were the wise ones speaking truth, God’s truth. They were the ones praying big prayers, and loving like Jesus.

Last weekend felt like a tender taste of heaven and I’m so very thankful God gave me those moments and memories. And I’m especially thankful that He blessed me with these amazing women of faith!

Take a few minutes to stop by and visit their sites:

Marva Smith
(Who was unable to join us this year. Sad Face)

I promise, you will love them just as much as I do!

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When You Need to Reject Fear – PRAY!

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I was afraid and I hated it!

I knew I had a need to reject fear but felt helpless to change…

We went years without traveling far because I was too afraid to get on an airplane. Praise God, I just returned from spending last weekend in Denver with beautiful friends.

I failed to set much-needed boundaries because I was terrified of rejection. Unfortunately, my lack of boundaries didn’t prevent painful rejection.

I missed so many opportunities for joy while worrying about “what ifs” that never happened. Countless moments I can’t get back.

Maybe you struggle with fear, too. The enemy has found your weakness and consistently fills your head with all the terrifying things that could happen to turn your life upside down and you listen…

Well, at least I listened.

Even with all the “do not fear” and “be strong and courageous” verses in Scripture … I still listened to the lies that filled me with fear and kept me from living the life of freedom God wanted for me.

Praise God! I’m getting better. I not only know I need to reject fear, but I’m also giving it to God before I’m robbed of precious time and suffer wasted opportunities.

So today, I’m asking God to help me reject fear once again. I’d love for you to join me…

When You Need to Reject Fear – PRAY!

Zephaniah 3:17

For the Lord, your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With His love, He will calm all your fears.
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.

Oh Father, when I remember who You are my fear begins to fade. You are with me. You are my mighty Savior. Help me when I start to doubt that You delight in me, when I listen to lies and focus on myself instead of on You. Help me trust that You are able to calm my fear and give me the courage and strength I need for anything You allow.

Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief. I want to live in the freedom that comes from knowing you rejoice over your repentant forgiven child. You rejoice over me. Wow! My Father is with me, saves me, delights in me, rejoices over me, and loves me. Nothing in this world can change that! Thank you. Amen.

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity,
but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Oh, Father, Your Word says You want Your children to be strong and courageous and You are willing to give us what we need. When I am afraid, please make me strong. When I am timid, make me courageous. Father, please give me Your power, cover me with Your love, and when I lose my focus … give me self-discipline.

Father, it’s so easy for me to focus on what-ifs and problems and the truth is, whatever I focus on becomes great in my mind controls my emotions. Please forgive me. Help me “seek You first” trusting that You will give me everything I need. Amen.

Isaiah 43:1b–3a

“Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.
    I have called you by name; you are mine.
When you go through deep waters,
    I will be with you.
When you go through rivers of difficulty,
    you will not drown.
When you walk through the fire of oppression,
    you will not be burned up;
    the flames will not consume you.
For I am the Lord, your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Father, You are greater than my greatest fears. You are greater than my circumstances. You have called me by name and by Your grace, I am Your child. You are always with me and in your presence, nothing can defeat me. You are my Lord and Savior. You are my God. With You, I have nothing to fear! Thank you! Amen.

Romans 8:38–39

I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us
from God’s love. Neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today
nor our worries about tomorrow—not even
the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.
No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

That is all I need to remember, Father. NOTHING can separate me from Your love. You love Your children so much, You gave us Jesus to suffer our punishment. By Your Holy Spirit’s presence, we are never alone. Even with all my weaknesses and failures, You continue to love me. I am overwhelmed, humbled, and so very thankful. I love You, Father. Amen.

Philippians 4:8–9

Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable,
and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.
Think about things that are excellent and worthy
of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned
and received from me—everything you heard from me
and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

Father, please help me focus my heart and mind on You. Please help me remember Your goodness. Help me remember all the ways You have protected me in the past.

I remember the night I cried out to you in pain and heard You gently whisper, “Even in this … you have no idea how I have protected you.” I see such a small portion of who You are and what You do. With Your help, I will trust You through it all. You have given me all I need. I have You. I have Jesus. I have Your Spirit.

I will keep my eyes on You and trust that You are able to meet my needs and give me peace. All my thanks and praise now and forever. Amen.

Before you go, I want to tell you something important…

This is a daily battle. I’m so much better than I used to be but fear is my weakness and the enemy knows it.

So, when my neck hair stands on end and my stomach starts to churn with all too familiar feelings of worry and doubt and I need to reject fear, I … Stop! Pray! Take it to God immediately.

I remember that God will help. He promised…

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Isaiah 41:10

This Week’s Friday Favorites

Highlights from the Week!

Start with Joy

by Kathy Cheek
@ Devotions from the Heart

Where are You, God?

by Kaitlyn Bouchillon
@ It Just Takes One

How to Hold onto Hope When Life Disappoints You

by and @ Stacey Pardoe

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