Tag: Recovery

Motivation, motivational, Spirituality

7 Steps on How to Stop Treading Water and Set a Goal

Have you ever watched a person tread water? Moving those arms and legs furiously but never really getting anywhere? It’s exhausting just to watch.  I mean with all that effort shouldn’t they bee halfway across the ocean by now?  Yet, this is exactly how I feel right now.  Like I have been treading water for years getting nowhere.

 

Then I realized why. I had given up on setting goals. I had given up even trying to get anywhere. And just like that swimmer, after my energy was gone I sank. Right in the spot where I had worked so hard for so long.  How about you?  Have you ever given up on goals?

 

I’m not sure when it started. It’s like when does water really start to boil? When the water first gets hot, or is it at the first bubble, or do you need a bunch of rolling bubbles to call it boiling? Either way it is hot! And either way I just quit doing it.

“A person without a goal is like a swimmer just treading water.  You use up all your effort and energy and get nowhere.”

– Diana Rasmussen of Prayers and Promises

 

7 Steps on How to Stop Treading Water

and Set a Goal:

  1. Stop using up all your energy on useless things. Stop beating yourself up over the past. Stop waiting for others to do what you think they should do. Stop treading water.

  2. Pray and ask God to open your eyes to what He has for your future. Get a bigger picture of the ocean than the pool you call life.

  3. Be open to change. Change isn’t easy – but it will be worth it. God promised us all an abundant life – let’s be done settling. Wouldn’t you rather swim in the ocean anyway?

  4. Look for new opportunities to swim in other places and further than you have before. There are plenty of bodies of water to explore.  There is way more than the kiddie pool in your back yard.

  5. Focus your energy on moving forward, not turning back.  It is much easier to do the breast stroke forward than the backstroke backwards. Some people spend their whole life looking backwards and living in condemnation and regret. Set your vision ahead my friends. The Son is rising upon you – He has called you out of the boat!  It’s time to start this water walking stuff!

  6. . Take a deep breath and think of one goal and write it down. What is your vision for your life? What is your calling? What is your purpose?  Take 5 minutes right now and write it down somewhere. Anywhere. Even a napkin if you have to! Here is mine – About Me. (P.S.  I have been writing for 4 years now and I just wrote this today, lol!)

  7. Get back in the water. It’s really hard to swim on land. Now straighten out your body, take the first stroke forward, and kick your feet. Trust that the rest of you will follow. Yes, God did make these bodies to swim and even float and walk on water! And like Dory says:

 

 

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.

So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it. – Philippians 3:12-16 MSG

 

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Jezebel, Religion and Spirituality

Identify and remove the Jezebel spirit

Have you ever run into a Jezebel spirit at work? You know – the one who refuses to listen to any suggestions and takes your words as a threat. The one who retaliates after you question her. Yeah, me too. It is so frustrating. You can shar what you did right and it still doesn’t matter. Read more on how to recognize this spirit in the workplace…

 

 

In the Bible, Jezebel was a powerful, wicked queen, and wife of a passive king called Ahab. She was a false prophetess who worshiped the false god, Baal. Baal was the god of prosperity, god of the …

Source: Identify and remove the Jezebel spirit

behavior, Boundaries, Depression, God, Healing, Hope, Mental Illness, Religion and Spirituality, Spirituality

Why We Need to Renew Our Minds – Dealing With Anxiety

Not every thought is good. Not every thought should be acted upon. With the prevalence of depression and anxiety in our culture, there are ways to intervene. I have been there. I have had situational depression and have been treated for anxiety. So have many  members of my immediate family and many friends too.

According to the ADAA (Anxiety and Depression Society of America)

Did You Know?

  • Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. (Source: National Institute of Mental Health)
  • Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only about one-third of those suffering receive treatment.
  • Anxiety disorders cost the U.S. more than $42 billion a year, almost one-third of the country’s $148 billion total mental health bill, according to “The Economic Burden of Anxiety Disorders,” a study commissioned by ADAA (The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry,60(7), July 1999).
    • More than $22.84 billion of those costs are associated with the repeated use of health care services; people with anxiety disorders seek relief for symptoms that mimic physical illnesses.
  • People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
  • Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors, including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

We are made up of body, soul, and spirit. When our soul is overwhelmed many times our thinking is not based on truth. Worry and fear overtake our thoughts and we spin in a cycle that is not healthy. Sometimes we even believe lies about ourselves or others. When that happens we are often feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Feelings are fickle, they come and go. And just because we ‘feel’ something doesn’t mean that it is true. Feelings can lie. Especially when they are not based on truth.

This is not the life that God has intended for us. Jesus came to bring life and bring it more abundantly. The enemy is the one who is trying to get you to give up on yourself or others. And he is the father of lies.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2

There may be many causes. It may be due to a physical lack of chemicals in our brains. It may be emotional – there may be trauma or abuse that needs to be healed. Or it may be spiritual – we may be believing lies from the enemy of our souls.

In my experience I have dealt with all three. I have had to learn to change my thinking and take every thought captive. And I have used the Word of God, along with CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) to change the way I think. God gave us Doctors. Jesus is called the Great Physician. God gave us wisdom and knowledge in the medical fields. And I for one, am for getting help on all the levels I need.

According to NHS Choices:

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a talking therapy that can help you manage your problems by changing the way you think and behave.

It is most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression, but can be useful for other mental and physical health problems.

CBT cannot remove your problems, but it can help you deal with them in a more positive way. It is based on the concept that your thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and actions are interconnected, and that negative thoughts and feelings can trap you in a vicious cycle.

And the Word of God will renew our thoughts and attitudes towards ourselves and others. Not every thought is good. Not every thought should be entertained. Not every thought should be given life.

“For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”  2 Corinthians 10:3-5

It has been said that as a man thinketh so  he becomes. If you continually tell yourself you are stupid – you will act stupid. If you tell yourself you will overcome – you will overcome. Our self-talk has amazing results, either for the good or the bad. Change the way you see yourself and you will change your thoughts. And with new thoughts, you will change your actions.  I had to use all the resources available to me. That included the Dr, the Therapist, and the Word of God.

Get help today. Your life – the abundant life that you want – is one truth and one choice away.

 

 

Here are Some Free Downloadable Flashcards that I made to help you if you are battling anxiety or depression. Simply click on the picture and it will bring you to my Quizlet page. You can download these or even have them read to you – there is audio!

 ANXIETY BIBLE VERSES

(Click to download)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Image source -Pinterest)

 

Deliverance, Depression, Healing, Hope, Psalms, Spirituality

He Hears Your Tears

God knows. And He hears your tears as prayers. We started this Bible study at Church about Depression. I know it’s a good thing. But can I say I am coming unglued? After our second session I went up to the Guest that came to teach us and just hugged her. I said thank you. It was like a wall came down in me. I had to go downstairs in the bathroom to cry. All these emotions just flooding over me. Idk why. Guess it was time for them to come out. As tears. So much healing yet to be done.

Help us all Lord, open our hearts and our minds as Deep calls out to Deep and we let the Holy Spirit in the secret places in our hearts. The rooms that words don’t touch. The rooms of hurt, and darkness. Shine your light Lord, and bring Healing in Jesus Name.

 

 

 

Psalm 116:1-14
I love the Lord because he hears my voice and  my prayer for mercy. Because he bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath! Death wrapped its ropes around me;the terrors of the grave overtook me. I saw only trouble and sorrow. Then I called on the name of the Lord:“Please, Lord, save me!” How kind the Lord is! How good he is! So merciful, this God of ours! The Lord protects those of childlike faith; I was facing death, and he saved me. Let my soul be at rest again, for the Lord has been good to me. He has saved me from death,my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. And so I walk in the Lord’s presence as I live here on earth! I believed in you, so I said,“I am deeply troubled, Lord.” In my anxiety I cried out to you,“These people are all liars!” What can I offer the Lord for all he has done for me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord’s name for saving me. I will keep my promises to the Lord in the presence of all his people. 

 

 

Published on Jul 27, 2014

“Raindrops fall from the sky because the clouds can no longer hold them”

RAINDROPS ARE TEARS

©2013 Diana Rasmussen
Timbre Design and Engineering by N. Jones of Protilius Productions

“Raindrops fall from the sky because the clouds can no longer hold them”

There are tears
my heart can’t hold
falling down soaking the ground

Water from my soul
releasing pain
It’s my cry to begin again

From a secret place
I see your face
Your raindrops are tears
Sent from above
pouring out love
Your raindrops are tears

drench my hurt
heal my pain
You can call me by a new name

soak the trees
heal all things
that are precious to a King

From a secret place
I see your face
Your raindrops are tears
Sent from above
pouring out love
Your raindrops are tears

You wept when I wept
You cried when I cried

From a secret place
I see your face
Your raindrops are tears
Sent from above
pouring out love
Your raindrops are tears

Depression, Healing, Hope, Mental Illness, Spirituality

Renew Our Minds to Heal Mental Illness

After my post yesterday on the prevalence of Mental Illness in this Nation, I feel compelled to share the only way that I have found to renew my mind. You see, I could relate to that girl.(Here is the post – THE SEMICOLON PROJECT)  I have had those self-destructive thoughts in my mind for years. I hated those thoughts. And I know they are NOT from God. God is not out to destroy me, the Enemy is. The Enemy has come to kill, steal, and destroy. Jesus has come to give us life and life more abundantly.

I have tried the ‘psychology’ fixes to change my thoughts. I have read almost every self-help book out there. But that did not quiet the thoughts in my head.

The only thing that has renewed my mind and shut up the destructive thoughts is the WORD OF GOD.

 

Think of your house.

You don’t let any old person in do you?

Just because they come to the door does not mean they get to come in and sit down on your couch and move in right?

The same is true with our thoughts. Just because a thought comes to the door does not mean we have to let it in.

Every thought we get to ‘take captive’ and test.

Is that thought true?

Is that thought what God says about me?

Is that thought out to destroy me?

If it is not true or destructive we can close the door and not let it in our house. Instead we can think on good things. God says we are good. God says we are fearfully and wonderfully made. God says that He has a plan and He will never leave us or forsake us. God speaks Truth, and those thoughts bouncing around may be LIES. Don’t let them in.

That is how we renew our minds and heal our mental illness, one thought at a time with the Word of God.

Bible Verses on Renewing Your Mind

 And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind [having a fresh mental and spiritual attitude], (Ephesians 4:23 AMP)

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), (2 Corinthians 5:3-5 AMP)

 Do not be conformed to this world (this age), [fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs], but be transformed (changed) by the [entire] renewal of your mind [by its new ideals and its new attitude], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God,even the thing which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His sight for you]. (Romans 12:2 AMP)

 

For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]. (Philippians 4:8 AMP)

 

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Activism, Depression, Spirituality

the semicolon project

It’s time we talk about this Church.

20% of youth ages 13-18 are suffering from a mental condition, aka depression or anxiety. Over 18% of us suffer from Anxiety alone according to NAMI.

This is one of the most honest posts I have read about what it feels like to live like this.

How are we helping?

 

 

Boundaries, Depression, Domestic Violence and Abuse, Healing, Hope, Narcissism, Spirituality, Women

12 Steps to Keeping Your Sanity When You Are Sleeping With the Enemy

Keeping your sanity – when you are sleeping with the enemy. Let me share a story. I came to the Lord during a time of crisis in my life. Isn’t that how it goes? Anyway, I was charmed by the ‘snake’ just like Eve in the garden. His talk was smooth, he was absolutely charming, but underneath he was a snake.  I lived many years in Domestic Abuse and little did I know that this was the start of a very destructive relationship. And, it has happened to me more than once  – more than one relationship.

The World calls him the Abuser,

the Doctors call him the Narcissist,

and the Church calls him the Jezebel Spirit.  

It’s all about deception, and ultimately power and control.

And you my friend are the target if you fall for his lies.

 

Recently I got an email from a follower asking for action steps on how to keep your sanity in the middle of the mess. Thank you my friend for the inspiration.  Here is my experience.

 

12 STEPS TO KEEPING YOUR SANITY

WHEN YOU ARE SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY

 

  1. Accept the fact that you have been deceived. The dream was a nightmare. It was not what you thought, and that’s ok. The truth will set you free.

  2. Ask God to help you and read His Word. Only the Truth will cut through the lies.

  3. Ask God to reveal where you have been lied to. And get ready for tears as God shows you.

  4. Once the Holy Spirit shows you, give yourself permission NOT to confront the Abuser/Narcissist/Enemy. You don’t have to prove yourself right. God is showing you, not him. And seriously, he doesn’t care – he doesn’t want to.

  5. Start a journal. Write down what happens. Find a scripture verse to hold onto for the situation and write that down too. I had a tendency to forget what happened with living from crisis to crisis. Seeing it down on paper over time made it real for me.

  6. Give yourself permission to NOT change him. It is not your job. And he probably doesn’t even want to change. He thinks he is right – all the time.

  7. Give yourself some space and time. Not everything has to be decided today.

  8. Seek out professional support. I had help from the Pastor, church friends, Counselors, and a few friends.

  9. Start to reestablish your independence – quietly if you are still living in the same house. Start looking for a job, call someone, read a motivational book. Reignite the flame that he has blown out. You can do it.

  10. Ask God to put a barrier between you and the Abuser/Narcissist/Enemy. Every time I saw the Abuser I pictured mirrors all around me. That way anything he said bounced right back to him.

  11. If you are married, ask God for wisdom. God did not create you to be abused. Spiritual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, or physical abuse are NOT what marriage is. I had to separate with my ex. And he still did not want to change. With his repeated unfaithfulness we eventually divorced. It was messy, yes, but today I live in peace.

  12. Yes, pray for him. Whether he changes or not, it will free you. Forgiveness does not mean what he did was right, but it frees you from the baggage and allows God to deal with him. There is such freedom in letting go of trying to change him. Let go of the strings my friends, God will take it from here.

I found a wonderful image of what this looks like from The Narcissists Wife.

 

Source – http://www.narcissistswife.com/19-signs-married-to-a-narcissist/

 

(Other images from Pinterest)

Poetry, Spirituality

Water – Splashing Around with Daddy God

Water

~Copyright 2015 Diana Rasmussen

This longing inside I just can’t hide
I hunger and thirst for your love deep inside
Let’s smile and laugh until the sun goes down
Let’s play, pick me up daddy please

I dive in your mercy
I jump in your grace
I’m splashing around till I see
The water on your face
Water that flows
Water that races
Water that fills
every empty place

Pick me up, put me up on Your shoulders
Daddy God I need You to hold me closer
Take me in Your arms, spin me around
Let’s play and never let me go

I dive in your mercy
I jump in your grace
I’m splashing around till I see
The water on your face
Water that flows
Water that races
Water that fills
every empty place

“Yet hear now, O Jacob My servant,
And Israel whom I have chosen.
Thus says the Lord who made you
And formed you from the womb, who will help you:
‘Fear not, O Jacob My servant;
And you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.
For I will pour water on him who is thirsty,
And floods on the dry ground;
I will pour My Spirit on your descendants,
And My blessing on your offspring;
They will spring up among the grass
Like willows by the watercourses.’
One will say, ‘I am the Lord’s’;
Another will call himself by the name of Jacob;
Another will write with his hand, ‘The Lord’s,’
And name himself by the name of Israel.” (Isaiah 44:1-4 NKJV

(Image sources – womenlinvingwell.org, Pinterest)

Healing, Music, Spirituality, Videos

Where Do You Find Hope?

Hope – it was the number one word searched for in Google in 2014. We are all looking for Hope. She is friends with PEACE and JOY too. Once you are with those three, anything can happen! Here is a video I made a while back when I was searching for HOPE. Guess what? I found her!

God’s Word for You:

Truly my soul finds rest in God;
my salvation comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault me?
Would all of you throw me down—
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
Surely they intend to topple me
from my lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God;
my hope comes from him.
Truly he is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God;
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Surely the lowborn are but a breath,
the highborn are but a lie.
If weighed on a balance, they are nothing;
together they are only a breath.
Do not trust in extortion
or put vain hope in stolen goods;
though your riches increase,
do not set your heart on them.
One thing God has spoken,
two things I have heard:
“Power belongs to you, God,
and with you, Lord, is unfailing love”;
and, “You reward everyone
according to what they have done.”  (Psalm 62:1-12 NIV)

My Prayer for You:

Dear Lord,

We confess we have been looking for Hope in the wrong places. We thought our jobs, our houses, our friends, our spouses, and our money would bring us Hope. They do not. Today, we lay down our idols. We burn them outside of the camp. They are like grass, withering away. They are like the tumbleweed blowing in the desert sand. We are tired of chasing the wrong things. Create a clean heart in us today God, renew a steadfast spirit within us, and restore unto us the JOY of your Salvation, in Jesus Name.

Jezebel, Kingdom Authority, Spirituality

How to Recognize a Witch that Comes to Church

After doing research on the Jezebel Spirit and how she was a witch, I decided to dig further. I am not an expert in this area. I am a willing vessel of the Lord and share what He shows me. It may be that I am more sensitive to this spirit because I have lived with it. Both of my exs had this spirit. And I have a sister who practices witchcraft and sorcery. I have seen this spirit and know it intimately. I have seen it operate in my home, in the workplace, and in churches. It can operate in a man or a woman. I have seen both.

I am not a fan of witchcraft – black or white. I have seen too many people get deceived by spirits. I search these things out to learn more – from both sides of the fence.

I do find it interesting that both Christians and Witches have this phobia of each other. It’s insane. We all worship something. I am not here to bash what you worship. And I hope you are not here to bash what I worship. Let’s just agree to disagree ok?

 

 Now it happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?”

So he answered, “What peace, as long as the harlotries of your mother Jezebel and her witchcraft are so many?” (2 Kings 9:22 NKJV)

 

Here are my sermon notes from Derek Prince’s YouTube video on Witchcraft – Part 1

 

Anytime that you get domination by one person over another the force behind this is evil and very often it is actually witchcraft.  Sorcery can work through objects, music, etc. But witchcraft is a dominating satanic force, it is the force that dominates, captivates, and controls. And it works by spells, by curses, and personal domination.

It is NEVER the will of God for one person to DOMINATE another. Anytime you get domination of one person over another the force behind it is evil. That is witchcraft. Wives should not dominate husbands; Husbands should not dominate their wives; Parents should not dominate their children. Pastors should not dominate congregations. The Spiritual is one thing, but the soulish man is another.

Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. (James 3:13-18)

 

When anybody tries to get somebody to do what they want them to, they are in the ‘soulish’ and it often enters into the demonic. There is a down-gredation. (Earthy, soulish, demonic). Much prayer is soulish. Prayer is not a way to get God to do what we want Him to do. Prayer is not a way to get other people to do what we want them to do. Soulish prayers do not bring the Spirit of God into it but they bring dark, evil, and oppressive power (earthly ,soulish, demonic).

When a person, in the name of being ‘spiritual’,  becomes soulish in order to assert to exert his own will over another, express his own personality, get his own desires and ambitions fulfilled, get other people doing what they want, (and it’s usually a woman) that person is in danger of coming under the influence of witchcraft. 

 

 

 

 According to Derek Prince there are 2 types of witches.

1. Those that know they are witches. They practice with curses and spells. They intend to be witches. They cultivate it. They deal in Satan’s power.

2.  Those that do not know that they are witches, and other people do not know they are witches. She is more dangerous. She is usually a good church member. But she is bent on controlling others. (we call them Jezebels)

  • Pentecostal Witches – Operate in Pentecostal congregations and try to control the Pastor and the Congregation.
  • Charismatic Witches – Operate in home prayer groups and try to control the prayer group and their husbands as well.

 

EFFECTS OF WITCHCRAFT

  • There is a domination present – Many, many  women unwillingly dominate their husbands and their families. They try to get everybody doing what they think they should be doing, usually with the best of intentions.  In those homes the husband never really takes his place of headship in the family. Though he may be very successful in business, he never develops into the full spiritual person at home due to the pressure in the home that keeps him from developing –  that pressure is witchcraft in the wife.
  • It usually produces rebellion in the children.
  • It causes a home to break up.
  • Witchcraft is the #1 home-breaker in the World.
  • It is the prevalence of witchcraft in the US that causes 1 out of every 2 marriages to end in divorce.
  • Broken homes are in direct proportion to the power of witchcraft in a Nation.
  • Measured by that standard, the United States has more witchcraft at work here than any other Nation on the Earth!

 

But there is hope. There is peace. There is deliverance available. Have your Pastor pray with you and be delivered today from this spirit. Ladies, let your husbands be all who God made them to be. We are not their Holy Spirit. Let go of trying to control your men. God can heal them just like he heals us.

For those seeking deliverance – a word of caution – get a bucket. Often times when you are delivered from this spirit it may come out as a ‘black slime’ as it did in me. Yes, I have been delivered from witchcraft. I know. Repent today, and know peace again. There is hope my friends. Jesus still heals and delivers. And GOD is on the throne, not Jezebel!

 

(Featured Image Source –  http://churchofjezebel.com)

 

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  4. THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL
  5. EXPOSING THE SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL TO CHRISTIANS IN THE CHURCH
  6. THE JEZEBEL SPIRIT – DISCERNING THE SPIRIT OF CONTROL
  7. KEEPING THE PEACE – MEET AHAB
  8. JEZEBELS ARE ANDROGYNOUS NARCISSISTS
Spirituality, Spring Training

Spring Training #5 – Use All of the Crayons

Use all of the crayons? Yes. God is creating a Masterpiece – it’s you. He is the Master Creator. And we are His Creation. He is creating a beautiful life in you, even if it doesn’t seem like it today. You are His pride and joy. He has your picture on His refrigerator and in His wallet. He brags on you to the Angels in Heaven. And if you are a born again believer, He lives in you to help you in your normal everyday life.

God will use ALL things, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and create something wonderful. Be still my friends, let Him work. Even better, watch Him work in you. It’s exciting! Don’t be discouraged if sometimes life is gray, yellow days are coming. And don’t worry if your crayons are broken either – broken crayons still color!

 

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)

 

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

 

Here are a few great pictures from Pinterest to help illustrate:

 

Quotes, Spirituality, Spring Training

Spring Training #2 – Making Our Money Work for Us

Last time we talked about exercising our faith by honoring our bodies in SPRING TRAINING #1 – HONORING OUR BODIES. Today I would like to focus on another area that I personally am working on and that is how to make our money work for us.  I admit it, I have been ignorant in this area. No class in High School or College prepared me for how to manage money. Yes, I can balance a checkbook, and input numbers for a profit/loss statement, but how to manage the everyday flow of it? No way.  Good news though – we are never too old to learn.

 

 

This past week I went to the library and got myself some advice from the experts, Dave Ramsey and Suze Orman. These are two that are well known for their ability to teach others how to make our money work for us. I started reading and I have to admit I am learning already. I have had a ‘hands-off’ approach to money. I hate it. And we have been living paycheck-to-paycheck for years. It’s stressful. We have had late fees and overdrafts. It’s humiliating. There has to be a better way. God did not call us to lack any good thing. So here I am, learning how to manage money – Hallelujah!

 

The first book I started with was Dave Ramsey’s “Financial Peace”. He got me right away when in Chapter One he says:

“This is ridiculous,” I murmered. “Only in America could you drive a Jaguar and not have the money to put gas in it.”  I wondered where the arrogant young man from a few years ago was. There I stood in the cold, a man in my twenties, knowing I was in the process of losing virtually everything I owned.

Yes, Yes, Yes, I can relate to this!  I am still reading FINANCIAL PEACE, so I may add to this post later, lol!

 

QUOTES ABOUT MONEY FROM DAVE RAMSEY

“You must gain control over your money or the lack of it will forever control you.” ― Dave Ramsey

 

“As a culture we are ignorant of what money is and how to handle it. Ignorance is not lack of intelligence; it is lack of knowledge on a particular subject.” ― Dave Ramsey, Financial Peace Revisited

 

“You must walk to the beat of a different drummer. The same beat that the wealthy hear. If the beat sounds normal, evacuate the dance floor immediately! The goal is to not be normal, because as my radio listeners know, normal is broke.” ― Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness
“Without a mission statement, you may get to the top of the ladder and then realize it was leaning against the wrong building!” ― Dave Ramsey

 

“Act your wage.” ― Dave Ramsey

 

“Pray like it all depends on God, but work like it all depends on you.” ― Dave Ramsey

 

“A budget is telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went.” ― Dave Ramsey
“For your own good, for the good of your family and your future, grow a backbone. When something is wrong, stand up and say it is wrong, and don’t back down.”― Dave Ramsey, The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

 

“Fear is the enemy of hope.”
― Dave Ramsey

 

SPRING TRAINING #2 – TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR OUR MONEY

 

1.  Admit that we have been in denial about our money.

We have not been active in managing our money. Our bank fees and overdrafts speak to our inactivity to look at, plan an attack, and conquer our goals in this area of our lives

 

2.  Seek out help from those who have mastered this skill.

We may not have had the training or skills to master money. That’s ok. We can start today. Today can be the day we take our heads out of the sand and learn to manage what God has given us.

 

3. Be willing to sacrifice

There is nothing more humbling that writing down everything you spend your money on. I know I have done it. Seriously, I had no idea I spent so much on ______. (fill in the blank). But the truth is the truth. And once we know, we can make intelligent choices on what to do next.

 

4. Make a plan

We have to be willing to look forward, past today, past the week, and plan what we would like to do with our money. I would love a vacation. We didn’t even go on a honeymoon. I would love to save for that. What about you?

 

5. Work the plan

Change happens when we are willing to go through the rough parts, the ugly parts and keep going. Take baby steps. Review your progress daily. Persevere my friends, it will be worth it.

 

6. Reward yourself for achieving your little goals.

Pay off the little credit cards and debts first (yes that’s what Dave says). Start to build momentum. Keep track, make a bulletin board or whatever, but make it visual and mark off when you accomplish paying off a debt. Celebrate!

 

7. Enjoy being a good servant of God!

God gave us our talents. He asked us to go multiply them. Whether you believe talents are money or what gifts you have been given He asks us to multiply both. Being ignorant and doing nothing is like burying our money and expecting it to grow. I don’t know about you, but I for one am ready for change. I can’t wait to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”

 

Here are some great PRAYER POINTS from POWER OF FAITH MINISTRIES. Prayer changes things. I can tell you when my husband and I said these verses out loud, money that was delayed for over a month was suddenly paid. There is power in the Name and Blood of Jesus. Print yourself out a copy. This ministry has 2 churches in Spain and one in Nigeria.

 

PRAYER POINTS FOR FINANCIAL RESTITUTION

 

And another great link. I was a bit surprised when I saw what God says about debt in the Bible. Check it out for yourself: